bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detecting land cover and land use transitions and the associated temperature changes in the East Asian monsoon region
Authors: Im Ahyeong , Lee Eungul , He Yaqian 
Published: May 2024

AbstractUnprecedented land cover and land use (LCLU) changes can significantly alter the interactions between the land and atmosphere through biogeophysical processes, potentially changing the monsoon systems. Therefore, it is necessary to quantify the LCLU changes and the impacts on the climate in the East Asian monsoon (EAM) region, where significant human‐induced LCLU changes have occurred. This study quantified the LCLU transitions with fractional maps produced using the recently developed categorical LCLU maps from 1982 to 2015. In the five sub‐regions, identified as having undergone significant LCLU transitions, the relationships of the transitions with 2 m temperature were investigated using the ERA5‐Land reanalysis data. The quantified LCLU transitions revealed that, in northeastern China, the dominant trend was forests and grasslands changing into croplands. Moreover, in the marginal areas of Inner Mongolia, the transitions of grasslands to croplands and forests were evident. Croplands were mainly converted to forests in the Sichuan region. In particular, in the Sichuan region, the temperature increased by more than 0.04°C as the forests increased by 1%. In the marginal areas of Inner Mongolia, a 1% decrease in grasslands and a 1% increase in forests, respectively, were associated with a temperature rise of more than 0.03 and 0.04°C. The detected LCLU transitions affect the regional warming as demonstrated by correlation, regression and Granger‐causality analyses and the related biogeophysical processes. Thus, the identified LCLU transitions can change the regional climate and potentially affect the monsoon systems by changing the contrast in heat between land and ocean. This empirical research will not only provide insight into possible changes to climate by LCLU transitions in the EAM region, but it will also yield practical information for implementing land cover policies while considering the geographical characteristics of the region.
A simple method for the preparation of cordierite ceramics with high strength and low thermal expansion coefficient
Authors: Li Zifan , Jiang Haobo , Cui Jinping , Yu Shuyan , Chen Jinxuan , Rao Pinggen 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCordierite ceramics have great application prospects due to their very low coefficient of thermal expansion. However, the low purity of ceramics leads to their unsatisfactory fracture strength, which has always been a research focus. Herein, by applying external pressure to the green body of mixed raw materials and optimizing the synthesis temperature, high‐purity cordierite powder was prepared, and then it was used as the starting material for the fabrication of high‐strength cordierite ceramics. The optimal sample exhibited a flexural strength of 146 MPa, which is about 1.4 times that of the cordierite ceramics reported in the literature. This is attributed to applied external pressure increasing the contact area of raw materials, leading to a more thorough reaction, and the content of the α‐cordierite phase is 98.4 wt% in the sample synthesized at 1275°C. Concurrently, the samples possessed a thermal expansion coefficient of only 1.9 × 10−6°C−1 (room temperature to 800°C). In addition, the increase in columnar crystal volume fraction is also one of the reasons for the high strength and low thermal expansion coefficient of cordierite ceramics.
Bone morphogenetic protein 10, a rising star in the field of diabetes and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Wang Xueyin , Sun Helin , Yu Haomiao , Du Bingyu , Fan Qi , Jia Baoxue , Zhang Zhongwen 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEarly research suggested that bone morphogenetic protein 10 (BMP10) is primarily involved in cardiac development and congenital heart disease processes. BMP10 is a newly identified cardiac‐specific protein. In recent years, reports have emphasized the effects of BMP10 on myocardial apoptosis, fibrosis and immune response, as well as its synergistic effects with BMP9 in vascular endothelium and role in endothelial dysfunction. We believe that concentrating on this aspect of the study will enhance our knowledge of the pathogenesis of diabetes and the cardiovascular field. However, there have been no reports of any reviews discussing the role of BMP10 in diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In addition, the exact pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy is not fully understood, including myocardial energy metabolism disorders, microvascular changes, abnormal apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, collagen structural changes and myocardial fibrosis, all of which cause cardiac function impairment directly or indirectly and interact with one another. This review summarizes the research results of BMP10 in cardiac development, endothelial function and cardiovascular disease in an effort to generate new ideas for future research into diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Ingesting yeast extract causes excitation of neurogenic and myogenic colonic motor patterns in the rat
Authors: Li Hongfei , Ji Yanzhao , Luo Hesheng , Huizinga Jan D. , Chen Ji‐Hong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFermented foods play a significant role in the human diet for their natural, highly nutritious and healthy attributes. Our aim was to study the effect of yeast extract, a fermented substance extracted from natural yeast, on colonic motility to better understand its potential therapeutic role. A yeast extract was given to rats by gavage for 3 days, and myogenic and neurogenic components of colonic motility were studied using spatiotemporal maps made from video recordings of the whole colon ex vivo. A control group received saline gavages. The yeast extract caused excitation of the musculature by increasing the propagation length and duration of long‐distance contractions, the major propulsive activity of the rat colon. The yeast extract also evoked rhythmic propulsive motor complexes (RPMCs) which were antegrade in the proximal and mid‐colon and retrograde in the distal colon. RPMC activity was evoked by distention‐induced neural activity, but it was myogenic in nature since we showed it to be generated by bethanechol in the presence of tetrodotoxin. In conclusion, ingestion of yeast extract stimulates rat colon motility by exciting neurogenic and myogenic control mechanisms.
Molecular mechanism of radiation tolerance in lung adenocarcinoma cells using single‐cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Chang Feiyun , Xi Bozhou , Chai Xinchun , Wang Xiuyan , Ma Manyuan , Fan Yafeng 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe efficacy of radiotherapy, a cornerstone in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), is profoundly undermined by radiotolerance. This resistance not only poses a significant clinical challenge but also compromises patient survival rates. Therefore, it is important to explore this mechanism for the treatment of LUAD. Multiple public databases were used for single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) data. We filtered, normalized and downscaled scRNA‐seq data based on the Seurat package to obtain different cell subpopulations. Subsequently, the ssGSEA algorithm was used to assess the enrichment scores of the different cell subpopulations, and thus screen the cell subpopulations that are most relevant to radiotherapy tolerance based on the Pearson method. Finally, pseudotime analysis was performed, and a preliminary exploration of gene mutations in different cell subpopulations was performed. We identified HIST1H1D+ A549 and PIF1+ A549 as the cell subpopulations related to radiotolerance. The expression levels of cell cycle‐related genes and pathway enrichment scores of these two cell subpopulations increased gradually with the extension of radiation treatment time. Finally, we found that the proportion of TP53 mutations in patients who had received radiotherapy was significantly higher than that in patients who had not received radiotherapy. We identified two cellular subpopulations associated with radiotherapy tolerance, which may shed light on the molecular mechanisms of radiotherapy tolerance in LUAD and provide new clinical perspectives.
Achieving goal‐concordant care: Formal and informal advance care planning for White, Black, and Hispanic older adults
Authors: Lenko Rachel A. , Hoffman Geoffrey J. , Robinson‐Lane Sheria G. , Silveira Maria J. , Voepel‐Lewis Terri 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroductionAdvance care planning (ACP) aims to ensure that patients receive goal‐concordant care (GCC), which is especially important for racially or ethnically minoritized populations at greater risk of poor end‐of‐life outcomes. However, few studies have evaluated the impact of advance directives (i.e., formal ACP) or goals‐of‐care conversations (i.e., informal ACP) on such care. This study aimed to examine the relationship between each of formal and informal ACP and goal‐concordant end‐of‐life care among older Americans and to determine whether their impact differed between individuals identified as White, Black, or Hispanic.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study using 2012–2018 data from the biennial Health and Retirement Study. We examined the relationships of interest using two, separate multivariable logistic regression models. Model 1 regressed a proxy report of GCC on formal and informal ACP and sociodemographic and health‐related covariates. Model 2 added interaction terms between race/ethnicity and the two types of ACP.ResultsOur sample included 2048 older adults. There were differences in the proportions of White, Black, and Hispanic decedents who received GCC (83.1%, 75.3%, and 71.3%, respectively, p < 0.001) and in the use of each type of ACP by racial/ethnic group. In model 1, informal compared with no informal ACP was associated with higher odds of GCC (adjusted odds ratio = 1.38 [95% confidence interval, 1.05–1.82]). In model 2, Black decedents who had formal ACP were more likely to receive GCC than those who did not, but there were no statistically significant differences between decedents of different racial/ethnic groups who had no ACP, informal ACP only, or both types of ACP.ConclusionsOur results build on previous work by indicating the importance of incorporating goals‐of‐care conversations into routine healthcare for older adults and encouraging ACP usage among racially and ethnically minoritized populations who use ACP tools at lower rates.
A journey in the world of craniofacial development: From 1968 to the future
Authors: Morriss‐Kay Gillian 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis article is based on my talk at the meeting “3rd Advances in Craniosynostosis: Basic Science to Clinical Practice”, held at University College, London, on 25 August 2023. It describes my contribution, together with that of my research team and external collaborators, to the field of craniofacial development. This began with my PhD research on the effects of excess vitamin A in rat embryos, which led to a study of normal as well as abnormal formation of the cranial neural tube. Many techniques for analysing morphogenetic change became available to me over the years: whole embryo culture, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, cell division analysis, immunohistochemistry and biochemical analysis of the extracellular matrix. The molecular revolution of the 1980s, and key collaborations with international research teams, enabled functional interpretation of some of the earlier morphological observations and required a change of experimental species to the mouse. Interactions between the molecular and experimental analysis of craniofacial morphogenesis in my laboratory with specialists in molecular genetics and clinicians brought my research journey near to my original aim: to contribute to a better understanding of the causes of human congenital anomalies.
Quantifying dysmorphologies of the neurocranium using artificial neural networks
Authors: Abdel‐Alim Tareq , Tapia Chaca Franz , Mathijssen Irene M. J. , Dirven Clemens M. F. , Niessen Wiro J. , Wolvius Eppo B. , van Veelen Marie‐Lise C. , Roshchupkin Gennady V. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundCraniosynostosis, a congenital condition characterized by the premature fusion of cranial sutures, necessitates objective methods for evaluating cranial morphology to enhance patient treatment. Current subjective assessments often lead to inconsistent outcomes. This study introduces a novel, quantitative approach to classify craniosynostosis and measure its severity.MethodsAn artificial neural network was trained to classify normocephalic, trigonocephalic, and scaphocephalic head shapes based on a publicly available dataset of synthetic 3D head models. Each 3D model was converted into a low‐dimensional shape representation based on the distribution of normal vectors, which served as the input for the neural network, ensuring complete patient anonymity and invariance to geometric size and orientation. Explainable AI methods were utilized to highlight significant features when making predictions. Additionally, the Feature Prominence (FP) score was introduced, a novel metric that captures the prominence of distinct shape characteristics associated with a given class. Its relationship with clinical severity scores was examined using the Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient.ResultsThe final model achieved excellent test accuracy in classifying the different cranial shapes from their low‐dimensional representation. Attention maps indicated that the network's attention was predominantly directed toward the parietal and temporal regions, as well as toward the region signifying vertex depression in scaphocephaly. In trigonocephaly, features around the temples were most pronounced. The FP score showed a strong positive monotonic relationship with clinical severity scores in both scaphocephalic (ρ = 0.83, p < 0.001) and trigonocephalic (ρ = 0.64, p < 0.001) models. Visual assessments further confirmed that as FP values rose, phenotypic severity became increasingly evident.ConclusionThis study presents an innovative and accessible AI‐based method for quantifying cranial shape that mitigates the need for adjustments due to age‐specific size variations or differences in the spatial orientation of the 3D images, while ensuring complete patient privacy. The proposed FP score strongly correlates with clinical severity scores and has the potential to aid in clinical decision‐making and facilitate multi‐center collaborations. Future work will focus on validating the model with larger patient datasets and exploring the potential of the FP score for broader applications. The publicly available source code facilitates easy implementation, aiming to advance craniofacial care and research.
Magnet‐assisted endoscopic removal of ferromagnetic metallic gastric foreign bodies in 4 dogs
Authors: Skinner Stephanie M. , Gilor Chen , Berg Alisa Saule , Pascutti Kristina M. , Cooke Kirsten L. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveDescribe presenting signs, diagnostic findings, and magnet‐assisted endoscopic removal method of ferromagnetic gastric foreign bodies (FBs) in dogs.Clinical PresentationFour dogs presented with ingestion of sharp metallic FBs. The presence of gastric FBs was confirmed by abdominal radiography.ResultsIn 3 cases, initial attempts at endoscopic removal were unsuccessful because of ingesta and fluid in the stomach. A magnet contained within a Roth net was introduced endoscopically. Magnet and attached objects were successfully removed from the stomach. In the fourth case, removal with a magnet was judged to be the most expedient method of removal because multiple metallic objects were present.Clinical RelevanceAn endoscopic technique was used for the removal of difficult‐to‐visualize or multiple metallic FBs. The use of this technique allows the removal of ferromagnetic gastric FBs without surgery or risk of complications associated with the passage of sharp material through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Complementary inputs, outsourcing and vertical integration: Price versus quantity competition
Authors: Mukherjee Arijit , Senalp Burcu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe compare the effects of price and quantity competition in an industry with complementary inputs, outsourcing and a vertically integrated firm where vertical integration occurs between a final goods producer and a subset of input suppliers. The profit of the integrated firm and the industry profit are higher under Bertrand competition, the profit of the non‐integrated firm is higher under Bertrand competition for high product differentiation, and consumer surplus and welfare are higher under Bertrand competition for low product differentiation. Further, no market foreclosure can be the preferred choice of the vertically integrated firm for any degree of product differentiation.
Constitution Making and Enduring Challenges To Democracy in Turkey
Authors: Evrensel Ayşe Y. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSome observers expected that the 2023 general elections in Turkey would end the long rule of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, while others anticipated his narrow victory. But it takes more than results at the ballot box for Turkish democracy to flourish in the medium term. Instead, we must focus on the underlying political structure, especially the constitution and its making. This study examines the social and political forces that have shaped Turkey's constitutions, from the Ottoman Empire through today. The analysis shows that top‐down constitutional processes only create advantages for the incumbent power, and they are symptomatic of weak democratic traditions. The most common use of constitutional revisions has been to serve the needs of the political elite at the time, without any long‐term objectives or broadly based political discourse among governmental and nongovernmental stakeholders. Therefore, Turkey has not been able to break the cycle of authoritarianism, even through seemingly democratic constitutional revisions. The study concludes that the future of the constitution is not bright. Given Erdoğan's narrow victory in the 2023 elections and setbacks in the recent municipal voting, revisions in the near term will seek to shore up the power of the ruling Justice and Development Party.
Evaluation of visceral adipose tissue thresholds for elevated metabolic syndrome risk across diverse populations: A systematic review
Authors: Bennett Jonathan P. , Prado Carla M. , Heymsfield Steven B. , Shepherd John A. 
Published: May 2024

SummaryBeyond obesity, excess levels of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) significantly contribute to the risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS), although thresholds for increased risk vary based on population, regions of interest, and units of measure employed. We sought to determine whether a common threshold exists that is indicative of heightened MetS risk across all populations, accounting for sex, age, BMI, and race/ethnicity. A systematic literature review was conducted in September 2023, presenting threshold values for elevated MetS risk. Standardization equations harmonized the results from DXA, CT, and MRI systems to facilitate a comparison of threshold variations across studies. A total of 52 papers were identified. No single threshold could accurately indicate elevated risk for both males and females across varying BMI, race/ethnicity, and age groups. Thresholds fluctuated from 70 to 165.9 cm2, with reported values consistently lower in females. Generally, premenopausal females and younger adults manifested elevated risks at lower VAT compared to their older counterparts. Notably, Asian populations exhibited elevated risks at lower VAT areas (70–136 cm2) compared to Caucasian populations (85.6–165.9 cm2). All considered studies reported associations of VAT without accommodating covariates. No single VAT area threshold for elevated MetS risk was discernible post‐harmonization by technology, units of measure, and region of interest. This review summarizes available evidence for MetS risk assessment in clinical practice. Further exploration of demographic‐specific interactions between VAT area and other risk factors is imperative to comprehensively delineate overarching MetS risk.
Conspicuity of staircase configuration: Effects of markings and contrast
Authors: Yu Deyue , Chung Susana T. L. , Bailey Ian L. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeTo be able to walk safely up or down a staircase, we must be able to judge the configuration and slope of the staircase and our viewing position. Adding markings to the stairs might help form correct perceptions of the staircase geometry. In this study, we examined how visual judgements about staircase configuration are affected by different marking patterns.MethodsFifteen normally sighted young participants viewed computer‐generated images of staircases as seen from the top landing of the stairs. Marking patterns included contrasting baseboard, transverse edge‐stripes, longitudinal side‐stripes, longitudinal stripes, diamond patterns, longitudinal stripes extended to landing and diamond patterns extended to landing. For comparison, we included the no‐marking condition as a control. We tested several contrast levels of marking patterns (3.2%–50%), pitch lines of the staircases (shallow/medium/steep) and viewing positions (left/centre/right). The effect of the overall shape cue of the staircase on participants' performance was also evaluated. We measured participants' accuracies in judging whether the staircase was shallow, medium or steep, and whether the viewing position was located to the left, centre or right.ResultsTransverse edge‐stripes markings yielded fewer underestimations of slope (9% [transverse] vs. 18% [others]) when compared with other markers. The presence of an overall shape cue helped both slope (67% [presence] vs. 51% [absence]) and viewing position judgements (79% [presence] vs. 62% [absence]). When the overall shape cue was present, only the transverse edge‐stripes markings yielded a significant improvement in performance (compared with no‐marking condition). When the cue was absent, performance was significantly better with markings with high and moderate contrasts.ConclusionsAdding marking patterns such as high‐contrast transverse stripes to stairs may help enhance the visibility of the stairs and judgements of staircase geometry. This might be particularly useful for people with visual impairment or normally sighted individuals under compromised environmental conditions.
A case of repeated rate‐dependent pacing threshold elevation after leadless pacemaker implantation
Authors: Yoshiyama Tomotaka , Nakatsuji Kenichi , Yanagishita Tomoya , Tamura Shota , Fukuda Daiju 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe pacing threshold is important for leadless pacemakers, as the pacing output has a significant impact on battery longevity. Acute pacing rate‐dependent threshold increases have also been reported with leadless pacemakers. In the present case, we experienced a case in which the threshold, which had been raised in the acute phase, once showed a tendency to improve, but then worsened again. And, as in previous reports, thresholds improved completely in the chronic phase. Repeated retrieval and reimplantation of leadless pacemakers increases the likelihood of fatal complications, so being aware of such phenomenon may prevent unnecessary procedure and complications.