bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multimodality and Attention Increase Alignment in Natural
Language Prediction Between Humans and Computational
Models
Authors: kewenig viktor , Lampinen Andrew , Nastase Samuel , Edwards Christopher , D'Elascombe Quitterie , Rechardt Akilles , Skipper Jeremy , Vigliocco Gabriella 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The potential of multimodal generative artificial intelligence (mAI) to replicate human grounded language understanding, including the pragmatic, context-rich aspects of communication, remains to be clarified. Humans are known to use salient multimodal features, such as visual cues, to facilitate the processing of upcoming words. Correspondingly, multimodal computational models can integrate visual and linguistic data using a visual attention mechanism to assign next-word probabilities. To test whether these processes align, we tasked both human participants (N = 200) as well as several state-of-the-art computational models with evaluating the predictability of forthcoming words after viewing short audio-only or audio-visual clips with speech. During the task, the model’s attention weights were recorded and human attention was indexed via eye tracking. Results show that predictability estimates from humans aligned more closely with scores generated from multimodal models vs. their unimodal counterparts. Furthermore, including an attention mechanism doubled alignment with human judgments when visual and linguistic context facilitated predictions. In these cases, the model’s attention patches and human eye tracking significantly overlapped. Our results indicate that improved modeling of naturalistic language processing in mAI does not merely depend on training diet but can be driven by multimodality in combination with attention-based architectures. Humans and computational models alike can leverage the predictive constraints of multimodal information by attending to relevant features in the input.
Study on the volatility spillover effect and nonlinear dynamic evolution mechanism of economic policy uncertainty and asset prices--an analysis of futures prices of oil and grease agricultural products based on the VAR-BEKK-GARCH-VS model
Authors: Xiulian Zhou , Qiankun Jiang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In recent years, the uncertainty of the domestic and foreign economic environment on China's futures and financial markets is increasingly significant, this paper to economic policy uncertainty, securities markets, futures markets, producer costs of the role of the path, the construction of the VAR-BEKK-GARCH-VS model to explore the volatility spillover effect of economic policy uncertainty and asset prices, nonlinear dynamic evolution, empirical analysis results show that Oil and grease futures prices and financial markets have significant risk spillover effects and asymmetry, and usually oil and grease agricultural commodity futures prices are the risk transmitter of the volatility spillover; from the static spillover effect, oil and grease agricultural commodity futures price fluctuations have the strongest degree of influence on China's agricultural commodity market; in terms of the dynamic spillover effect, the oil and grease agricultural commodity futures prices under the impact of extreme events have significant time-varying characteristics and asymmetry, and the impact on China's futures prices is not significant, and the impact on China's futures prices is not significant. In terms of dynamic spillover effect, the futures price of oil and grease agricultural products under the impact of extreme events has significant time-varying characteristics and non-symmetry, and is more dependent on the fluctuation of China's futures price. Based on this, policy makers should adopt policy guidance and market subsidies to improve the reserve and insurance system of oil and grease agricultural products futures; economic and financial management authorities should establish a risk monitoring and early warning mechanism in China's oil and grease agricultural products futures market to effectively prevent systemic risks.
Exploring the Phytoremediation Capacity of Portulace oleracea Naphthalene Aromatic Hydrocarbon Contaminants:A Physiological and Biochemical Study
Authors: Janbazi Zahra , Zarinkamar Fatemeh , Mohsenzadeh Sasan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aromatic hydrocarbons have detrimental effects on the animals and plants in affected habitats. Oxidative stress induced by aromatic hydrocarbons leads to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, resulting in peroxidation of membrane lipids, DNA/RNA damage, tissue damage, and metabolic disorders. Naphthalene is one of the 16 priority hydrocarbons and falls under this category. Plant remediation is an effective method for removing naphthalene from polluted environments. Phytoremediation, a green technology, utilizes plants to enhance the degradation or removal of organic and inorganic pollutants. This study aimed to assess the impact of naphthalene on the physiological and biochemical characteristics of purslane, as well as its potential to absorb naphthalene. Four concentrations of naphthalene (0,15, 30, and 60 mg/l) were selected for the experiments. In addition a control treatment without plant containing 60mg/L of naphthalene was applied. Each treatment had four replications which were conducted using 20 hydroponic containers. The findings revealed that naphthalene reduced stem and root weights, soluble protein, and the content of photosynthetic pigments, while increasing malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide. However, the purslane plant demonstrated the ability to withstand naphthalene-induced stress by increasing the activities of enzymes, such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase, as well as proline amino acid. The data obtained from Raman spectroscopy indicated that purslane could effectively absorb naphthalene. In conclusion, purslane exhibited significant potential for naphthalene phytoremediation.
Establishing C-C electro-coupling mechanism via big data analyses of reaction networks
Authors: Qiao Shizhang , Li Haobo , Li Xinyu , wang pengtang , zhang zhen , Davey Kenneth , Shi Javen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

C-C coupling is important in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction for production of green chemicals. However, understanding of the underlying coupling mechanism(s) is poor because of the complexity of the reaction network. Here, we report a method to establish the structure-activity relationship in C-C coupling reactions via statistical analyses on a big dataset. The dataset contains a total of 45,738 adsorption data, which are generated through a combination of quantum chemical computations and machine-learning and encompasses 378 active site structures formed by 27 transition metals together with 6 potential coupling precursors. Analyses of these data establishes that, 1) asymmetric coupling mechanisms exhibit potential for greater efficiency compared with symmetric coupling, agreeing well with reported experiment, and 2) C-C coupling selectivity of Cu-based catalysts can be boosted through bimetallic doping. The three-component combination of CuAgNb exhibited superior coupling selectivity compared with both Cu and CuAg catalysts. Importantly, we experimentally substantiate the CuAgNb catalyst selected based on data screening, to demonstrate actual boosted performance in C-C coupling. We conclude that this finding evidences practicality of our theoretical model, and that combining big data with complex catalytic reaction mechanisms will become a basis or a new paradigm for accelerating optimal catalyst design for multi-carbon chemicals production.
Isolated Ptosis in Acute Sinusitis: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Summerbell Alex Michael , Nicholson-Stubbs Tammy 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Acute sinusitis is usually a straightforward diagnosis characterised by nasal blockage or discharge, with facial pain, pressure or headache and/or reduced smell. However, some features may be present suggesting neurological or ophthalmic disease, and thus delay the diagnosis and management. In particular, isolated ptosis is a rare complication with only six cases in the literature.
Case Presentation: A fit and well 33-year-old male presented with an acute right-sided drooping upper eyelid. It was associated with a one-week history of frontal headache worse on bending forward and sneezing, and right eye pain and pressure. The physical examination confirmed a right-sided ptosis with preserved eye movements and pupillary responses. CT head showed pansinusitis primarily affecting the right maxillary and ethmoid sinuses, and excluded an intracranial and orbital cause for the ptosis. He was discharged the same day with a one-week course of oral doxycycline, advice about steam inhalation and follow-up in the outpatient ENT clinic in one week, and subsequently fully recovered.
Conclusions
Isolated ptosis in acute sinusitis remains an unusual complication of a common condition which is poorly recognised by clinicians. By identifying the common themes from each case and ours, we provided clinicians with a better understanding of this presentation while raising its awareness.
Healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial use in acute care hospitals: a point prevalence survey in Lombardy, Italy, in 2022
Authors: Antonelli Antonio , Ales Maria Elena , Chiecca Greta , Valle Zeno Dalla , De Ponti Emanuele , Cereda Danilo , Crottogini Lucia , Renzi Cristina , Signorelli Carlo , Moro Matteo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background: Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) are a global public health issue, representing a significant burden of disease that leads to prolonged hospital stays, inappropriate use of antimicrobial drugs, intricately linked to the development of resistant microorganisms, and higher costs for healthcare systems. The study aimed to measure the prevalence of HAIs, the use of antimicrobials, and assess healthcare- and patient-related risk factors, to help identify key intervention points for effectively reducing the burden of HAIs.Methods: A total of 28 acute care hospitals in the Lombardy region, Northern Italy, participated in the third European Point Prevalence Survey (PPS-3) coordinated by ECDC for the surveillance of HAIs in acute care hospitals (Protocol 6.0).Results: HAIs were detected in 1,259 (10.1%, 95% CI 9.6–10.7%) out of 12,412 enrolled patients. 1,385 HAIs were reported (1.1 HAIs per patient on average). The most common types of HAIs were bloodstream infections (262 cases, 18.9%), urinary tract infections (237, 17.1%), SARS-CoV-2 infections (236, 17.0%), pneumonia and lower respiratory tract infections (231, 16.7%), and surgical site infections (152, 11.0%). Excluding SARS-CoV-2 infections, the overall prevalence of HAIs was 8.4% (95% CI 7.9–8.9%).
Magnetic Field Fluctuations Coinciding With Substorm Events
Authors: Shah Trunali , Veendhari B , Omura Yoshiharu , Ojha Biswajit , Singh Satyavir , Bhanu Remya , Ebihara Yusuke 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Using the Electric and Magnetic Field Instrument Suite (EMFISIS) onboard the Van Allen Probes spacecraft, the present study investigates the magnetic field fluctuations corresponding to substorms associated with magnetic field dipolarization. We examine thirteen substorm occurrences with L < 6.6 and a range of MLT spanning dawn, midnight, and dusk during the year 2018. Utilizing the 64Hz magnetic field data, our investigation reveals significant magnetic field fluctuations exhibiting power from gyrofrequency of O+ extending up to gyrofrequency of H+. Notably, in all the events studied, there is the absence of a helium stop band which is unique. Through the wave polarization analysis, we speculate that the observed magnetic field fluctuations represent Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron (EMIC) waves. The proton pitch angle distribution is analyzed to detect particle anisotropy, and resonance energy corresponding to the fluctuations is computed using the cold plasma approximation and is consistent with observations. The plasma and magnetic pressure are computed to understand the role of resonant protons associated with the magnetic field fluctuations in maintaining the pressure balance. The inverse correlation between these two pressures may be the result of the injected hot protons. Our findings suggest that the disappearance of stop bands may be attributed to a combination of heavy ion density, temperature, and the presence of hot proton anisotropy. Additionally, the observed self-sustaining magnetic fluctuations hint at the potential influence of nonlinear theory in this phenomenon.
The first complete T2T Assemblies of Cattle and Sheep Y-Chromosomes uncover remarkable divergence in structure and gene content
Authors: Smith Timothy , Olagunju Temitayo , Rosen Benjamin , Neibergs Holly , Becker Gabrielle , Davenport Kimberly , Elsik Christine , Hadfield Tracy , Koren Sergey , Kuhn Kristen , Rhie Arang , Shira Katie , Skibiel Amy , Stegemiller Morgan , Thorne Jacob , Villamediana Patricia , Cockett Noelle , Murdoch Brenda 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Reference genomes of cattle and sheep have lacked contiguous assemblies of the sex-determining Y chromosome. We assembled complete and gapless telomere to telomere (T2T) Y chromosomes for these species. The pseudo-autosomal regions were similar in length, but the total chromosome size was substantially different, with the cattle Y more than twice the length of the sheep Y. The length disparity was accounted for by expanded ampliconic region in cattle. The genic amplification in cattle contrasts with pseudogenization in sheep suggesting opposite evolutionary mechanisms since their divergence 18MYA. The centromeres also differed dramatically despite the close relationship between these species at the overall genome sequence level. These Y chromosome have been added to the current reference assemblies in GenBank opening new opportunities for the study of evolution and variation while supporting efforts to improve sustainability in these important livestock species that generally use sire-driven genetic improvement strategies.
Prognostic value of SOFA combined with chest CT severity score in patients with critical COVID-19 pneumonia: a retrospective study
Authors: Fang Honglong , Yu Yang , Zhao Junjie , Cao Lanxin , Chen Weiting , Yu Jiafei , Zhang Kai , Wang Caimu , Cui Wei , Luo Jian , Zhang Weiwen , Zhang Gensheng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Either sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score or chest CT severity score (CT-SS) is often used alone to evaluate the prognosis of patients with critical coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but each of them has intrinsic deficiency. Herein, we attempted to investigate the predictive value of the combination of SOFA and CT-SS for the prognosis of COVID-19.
Materials and Methods: A single-center retrospective study was performed in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from December 2022 to January 2023. Patients with critical COVID-19 pneumonia were divided into two groups of survival or non-survival of hospitalization. The data including clinical characteristics, CT-SS, SOFA score, laboratory results on admission day were collected and analyzed. In addition, the predictive value of SOFAscore, chest CT-SS, or their combination for in-hospital mortality of COVID-19 pneumonia were compared by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.
Results: A total of 424 patients with a mean age of 75.46 years and a major proportion of male (69.10%) were finally enrolled, and the total in-hospital mortality was 43.40% (184/424). In comparison with survival group, significant higher proportions of older age (>75 years), comorbidities including obesity, diabetes, and cerebrovascular disease, more needs of mechanical ventilation and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) were observed in the non-survival group (all P﹤0.05). In addition, non-survival patients had a higher value of creatinine, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 , SOFA score , CT-SS (all P﹤0.05) on admission day. Multivariate logistic regression analysis further showed that older age, obesity, diabetes, SOFA score, CT-SS, mechanical ventilation, and lymphocytopenia (all P﹤0.05) were independently related with in-hospital mortality. Moreover, the area under the curve (AUC) of combination of SOFA score and chest CT-SS became significant higher than their respective alone (P＜0.01).
Conclusion: A simple combination of SOFA scorewith chest CT-SS on admission elicits a better predictive value for in-hospital mortality of critical COVID-19 patients, which could also serve as a promising indicator for prognosis prediction of other severe lung diseases like severe pneumonia and acute lung injury.
Seasonal variation characteristics of microplastics in water environment of lakes with different functions
Authors: Zheng Ran , Shu Qingsong , Liang Haiyan , Jiang Hongxin , Xie Shaolin , Zou Jixing , Tang Huijuan , Zhou Aiguo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Human activities and urbanization may have accelerated the enrichment and dissemination of microplastics in lakes. In this study, three typical functional lakes (HRR: the lake with a hospital and restaurant region; PER: the lake with a play and entertainment region; SMY: the lake in a primitive arboretum) were selected to compare the occurrence characteristics and seasonal changes of microplastics, which were sampled on January 23, April 23, July 23, and October 23, 2021. The results showed that the abundance of microplastics in the HRR was (5.73±0.81)-(13.57±7.95) items/L, in the PER was (8.2±1.06)- (19.73±3.73) items/L, and in the SMY lake was (2.93±1.3)-(11.4±1.8) items/L. Additionally, the microplastics were mainly fibers, some were fragments and films, and a small amount were pellets; the color was mainly blue, and the particle size was mainly 0-1mm. The average abundance of microplastics exhibits significant seasonal specificity in three functional lakes, the HRR reached its peak value in July, the PER reached its peak value in January, and the SMY was in April. Meanwhile, the abundance and color richness of microplastics in the HRR and the PER were significantly higher than those of microplastics in the SMY. This indicated that the enrichment of microplastics is highly correlated with human activities.
HDAC2 promotes autophagy-associated HCC malignant progression by transcriptionally activating LAPTM4B
Authors: Huang Aimin , Wang Meifeng , Liao Jianping , Wang Jie , Xu Meifang , Cheng Ye , Wei Lixin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant global health challenge. The activation of autophagy plays an essential role in promoting the proliferation and survival of cancer cells. However, the upstream regulatory network of autophagy and its mechanism of regulation in HCC remains unclear. This study demonstrated that histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) is a target for regulating autophagy in HCC, its expression is elevated in HCC tissues, and high HDAC2 expression is strongly related to dismal prognosis in individuals with HCC. Integrated in vitro and in vivo investigations verified that HDAC2 promotes autophagy and autophagy-related malignant progression in HCC. Mechanistically, HDAC2 specifically binds to the lysosome-associated protein transmembrane 4-β (LAPTM4B) promoter through four specific binding sites, enhancing its transcriptional activation and driving autophagy-related malignant progression in HCC. These findings confirm LAPTM4B as a new HDAC2 straight target gene. Additionally, the study found that HDAC2 expression is an independent predictor of HCC patients, according to multivariate Cox regression analysis of 105 human HCC samples. This study highlights the crucial role of the HDAC2-LAPTM4B axis in regulating autophagy in the malignant evolution of HCC and emphasizes the promise of HDAC2 as an avenue for preventing and arresting the malignant progression of HCC.
The GC% landscape of the Nucleocytoviricota
Authors: Witt Amanda Stéphanie Arantes , Carvalho João Victor Rodrigues Pessoa , Serafim Mateus Sá Magalhães , Arias Nidia Esther Colquehuanca , Rodrigues Rodrigo Araújo Lima , Abrahão Jônatas Santos 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Genomic studies on sequence composition count with many different approaches, such as calculating the proportion of guanine and cytosine within a given sequence (GC% content), which can be associated with a variety of aspects of the organism’s biology. In this context, GC% can reveal clues on virus-host relationship and evolution. Here we present a comprehensive analysis, gene-by-gene, of 61 representatives belonging to the phylum Nucleocytoviricota, viruses with the largest genomes of the known virosphere. Parameters were evaluated considering not only the average CG% of a given viral species compared to the whole phylum, but also to the gene position and phylogenetic history. Our results revealed that although some families present similar GC% among their representatives (e.g., Marseilleviridae), others as Poxviridae, Phycodnaviridae and Mimiviridae have members with discrepant GC%, likely related to the adaptation with their specific biological cycles and specific hosts. Interestingly, some genes at terminal regions or at some genomic clusters present GC% values distinct to the average, suggesting recent acquisition or distinct evolutive pressures. Horizontal gene transfer and the occurrence of potential paralogs were also evaluated considering the genes with most discrepant GC% values, suggesting multiple evolutionary histories. Taken together, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that presents a global and gene-by-gene analysis of the distribution and profile of the GC% content within genomes of members of the phylum Nucleocytoviricota, illustrating part of their diversity and identifying potential new targets for future studies.
IMPORTANCE
Viruses of the phylum Nucleocytoviricota are greatly distinguishable from other viruses in general because of the giant viral particles and their notably larger genomes, among other remarkable characteristics. One of the approaches used for studying organisms is unveiling information from their genomes, as they carry a plethora of information about biological aspects. Genomic studies use a great range of approaches, one of which is the evaluation of the percentage of nucleotides that make the DNA or RNA molecule of an organism’s genome. Herein, we demonstrate how genomes of nucleocytoviruses vary according to nucleotide composition metrics – more specifically, the percentage of guanine and cytosine, known as GC% content. Our results provide evidence of gene groups possibly acquired by horizontal gene transfer or duplication events, thus having multiple evolutionary histories within the same viral taxa. Therefore, we believe that these analyses raise insightful discussions about the evolution of large and giant viruses.