bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Curated mode-of-action data and effect concentrations for chemicals relevant for the aquatic environment
Authors: Kramer Lena , Schulze Tobias , Klüver Nils , Altenburger Rolf , Hackermüller Jörg , Krauss Martin , Busch Wibke 
Published: January 2024

AbstractChemicals in the aquatic environment can be harmful to organisms and ecosystems. Knowledge on effect concentrations as well as on mechanisms and modes of interaction with biological molecules and signaling pathways is necessary to perform chemical risk assessment and identify toxic compounds. To this end, we developed criteria and a pipeline for harvesting and summarizing effect concentrations from the US ECOTOX database for the three aquatic species groups algae, crustaceans, and fish and researched the modes of action of more than 3,300 environmentally relevant chemicals in literature and databases. We provide a curated dataset ready to be used for risk assessment based on monitoring data and the first comprehensive collection and categorization of modes of action of environmental chemicals. Authorities, regulators, and scientists can use this data for the grouping of chemicals, the establishment of meaningful assessment groups, and the development of in vitro and in silico approaches for chemical testing and assessment.
Quantifying effectiveness and best practices for bumblebee identification from photographs
Authors: Colgan A. M. , Hatfield R. G. , Dolan A. , Velman W. , Newton R. E. , Graves T. A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractUnderstanding pollinator networks requires species level data on pollinators. New photographic approaches to identification provide avenues to data collection that reduce impacts on declining bumblebee species, but limited research has addressed their accuracy. Using blind identification of 1418 photographed bees, of which 561 had paired specimens, we assessed identification and agreement across 20 bumblebee species netted in Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota by people with minimal training. An expert identified 92.4% of bees from photographs, whereas 98.2% of bees were identified from specimens. Photograph identifiability decreased for bees that were wet or matted; bees without clear pictures of the abdomen, side of thorax, or top of thorax; bees photographed with a tablet, and for species with more color morphs. Across paired specimens, the identification matched for 95.1% of bees. When combined with a second opinion of specimens without matching identifications, data suggested a similar misidentification rate (2.7% for photographs and 2.5% specimens). We suggest approaches to maximize accuracy, including development of rulesets for collection of a subset of specimens based on difficulty of identification and to address cryptic variation, and focused training on identification that highlights detection of species of concern and species frequently confused in a study area.
Establishment and evaluation of a nomogram prediction model for the risk of vascular calcification in stage 5 chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Yang Yan , Liang Wenxue , Gong Wenyu , Li Shishi , Chen Sining , Yang Zhiqian , Kuang Chaoying , Zhong Yuzhen , Yang Demao , Liu Fanna 
Published: January 2024

AbstractVascular calcification (VC) is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that has a detrimental effect on patients' survival and prognosis. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a practical and reliable prediction model for VC in CKD5 patients. The medical records of 544 CKD5 patients were reviewed retrospectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent risk factors for vascular calcification in patients with CKD5 and then created a nomogram prediction model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), Hosmer–Lemeshow test, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to assess model performance. The patients were split into groups with normal and high serum uric acid levels, and the factors influencing these levels were investigated. Age, BUN, SUA, P and TG were independent risk factors for vascular calcification in CKD5 patients in the modeling group (P < 0.05). In the internal validation, the results of model showed that the AUC was 0.917. No significant divergence between the predicted probability of the nomogram and the actual incidence rate (x2 = 5.406, P = 0.753) was revealed by the calibration plot and HL test, thus confirming that the calibration was satisfactory. The external validation also showed good discrimination (AUC = 0.973). The calibration chart and HL test also demonstrated good consistency. Besides, the correlation analysis of serum uric acid levels in all CKD5 patients revealed that elevated uric acid levels may be related to gender, BUN, P, and TG.
Exploring uranium bioaccumulation in the brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum: insights from multi-scale spectroscopy and imaging
Authors: Zerbini Micol , Solari Pier Lorenzo , Orange Francois , Jeanson Aurélie , Leblanc Catherine , Gomari Myriam , Auwer Christophe Den , Beccia Maria Rosa 
Published: January 2024

AbstractLegacy radioactive waste can be defined as the radioactive waste produced during the infancy of the civil nuclear industry’s development in the mid-20th Century, a time when, unfortunately, waste storage and treatment were not well planned. The marine environment is one of the environmental compartments worth studying in this regard because of legacy waste in specific locations of the seabed. Comprising nearly 70% of the earth’s service, the oceans are the largest and indeed the final destination for contaminated fresh waters. For this reason, long-term studies of the accumulation biochemical mechanisms of metallic radionuclides in the marine ecosystem are required. In this context the brown algal compartment may be ecologically relevant because of forming large and dense algal beds in coastal areas and potential important biomass for contamination. This report presents the first step in the investigation of uranium (U, an element used in the nuclear cycle) bioaccumulation in the brown alga Ascophyllum nodosum using a multi-scale spectroscopic and imaging approach. Contamination of A. nodosum specimens in closed aquaria at 13 °C was performed with a defined quantity of U(VI) (10–5 M). The living algal uptake was quantified by ICP-MS and a localization study in the various algal compartments was carried out by combining electronic microscopy imaging (SEM), X-ray Absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and micro X-ray Florescence (μ-XRF). Data indicate that the brown alga is able to concentrate U(VI) by an active bioaccumulation mechanism, reaching an equilibrium state after 200 h of daily contamination. A comparison between living organisms and dry biomass confirms a stress-response process in the former, with an average bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of 10 ± 2 for living specimens (90% lower compared to dry biomass, 142 ± 5). Also, these results open new perspectives for a potential use of A. nodosum dry biomass as uranium biosorbent. The different partial BAFs (bioaccumulation factors) range from 3 (for thallus) to 49 (for receptacles) leading to a compartmentalization of uranium within the seaweed. This reveals a higher accumulation capacity in the receptacles, the algal reproductive parts. SEM images highlight the different tissue distributions among the compartments with a superficial absorption in the thallus and lateral branches and several hotspots in the oospheres of the female individuals. A preliminary speciation XAS analysis identified a distinct U speciation in the gametes-containing receptacles as a pseudo-autunite phosphate phase. Similarly, XAS measurements on the lateral branches (XANES) were not conclusive with regards to the occurrence of an alginate-U complex in these tissues. Nonetheless, the hypothesis that alginate may play a role in the speciation of U in the algal thallus tissues is still under consideration.
CHART: a novel system for detector evaluation against toxic chemical aerosols
Authors: Durán Jiménez Dinesh , Venema Tom , de Bruin-Hoegée Mirjam , Alkema Duurt P. W. , Busker Ruud W. , van Wuijckhuijse Arjan L. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractConcern over the possibility of deliberate dispersion of chemical warfare agents and highly toxic pharmaceutical based agents as persistent aerosols has raised the need for experimental assessment of current and future defensive capabilities of armed forces and law enforcement agencies. Therefor we herewith present the design, realization and validation of the Chemical Hot Aerosol Research Tool (CHART) as a validated and safe experimental set-up for performance evaluation of chemical detection and identification equipment against chemical warfare agents and other highly toxic compounds. In the CHART liquid and solid compounds in solution or suspension are being dispersed as aerosols in a nebulization chamber. A broad dynamic particle size range can be generated, including particles known to be able to reach the lower respiratory tract. The aerosol generated is presented to the detection system-under-test while being monitored and characterized in real-time, using an optical particle counter and a time-of-flight aerosol analyzer, respectively. Additionally, the chemical composition of the aerosol is ex situ measured by analytical chemical methods. Evidently, in the design of the CHART significant emphasis was placed on laboratory safety and containment of toxic chemicals. The CHART presented in this paper has proven to be an indispensable experimental tool to study detectors and fieldable identification equipment against toxic chemical aerosols.
Volcanic unrest as seen from the magmatic source: Reyðarártindur pluton, Iceland
Authors: Rhodes Emma , Burchardt Steffi , Greiner Sonja H. M. , Mattsson Tobias , Sigmundsson Freysteinn , Schmiedel Tobias , Barker Abigail K. , Witcher Taylor 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHow the Earth’s crust accommodates magma emplacement influences the signals that can be detected by monitoring volcano seismicity and surface deformation, which are routinely used to forecast volcanic eruptions. However, we lack direct observational links between deformation caused by magma emplacement and monitoring signals. Here we use field mapping and photogrammetry to quantify deformation caused by the emplacement of at least 2.5 km3 of silicic magma in the Reyðarártindur pluton, Southeast Iceland. Our results show that magma emplacement triggered minor and local roof uplift, and that magma reservoir growth was largely aseismic by piecemeal floor subsidence. The occurrence and arrangement of fractures and faults in the reservoir roof can be explained by magmatic overpressure, suggesting that magma influx was not fully accommodated by floor subsidence. The tensile and shear fracturing would have caused detectable seismicity. Overpressure eventually culminated in eruption, as evidenced by exposed conduits that are associated with pronounced local subsidence of the roof rocks, corresponding to the formation of an asymmetric graben at the volcano surface. Hence, the field observations highlight processes that may take place within silicic volcanoes, not accounted for in widely used models to interpret volcanic unrest.
Fabrication and properties evaluation of chitosan/BaTiO3 composite membranes for the periodontitis treatment
Authors: Houshyar Aydin , Ahmadian Mehdi , Azizian-Kalandaragh Yashar , Amirpour Noushin , Salehi Hossein 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPeriodontitis gradually damages the hard and soft tissues surrounding the tooth, leading to tooth loss. In recent years, the use of biomaterials in periodontitis treatment has expanded, including gels, nanoparticles, microparticles, fibers, and membranes. Among these, membranes have more clinical applications. Due to the ability of the piezoelectric material to regenerate damaged tissues, the aim of this study was to create piezoelectric composite membranes. To achieve this, Barium titanate powder (BaTiO3 powder)—a piezoelectric substance—was synthesized using the hydrothermal method and analyzed with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Four types of membranes were fabricated using solvent casting method: three composite membranes with chitosan matrix and BaTiO3 fillers (at 3%, 6%, and 9% weight), and one chitosan membrane without BaTiO3. The microstructure of the membrane surfaces, agglomeration of BaTiO3 in membranes, and hydrophilicity, antibacterial, and electrical properties of the membrane were also investigated. The results indicated that membranes containing 3 and 6% BaTiO3 had suitable surface structure for the periodontitis treatment. Agglomeration of BaTiO3 particles was higher in the membrane containing 9% BaTiO3. The large amount of BaTiO3 improved the antibacterial properties of the membranes. Additionally, the membranes containing BaTiO3 had high electrical properties, especially those with 3% and 6% BaTiO3. Therefore, composite membranes containing BaTiO3, especially membranes containing 6% BaTiO3, are more favorable options than those without BaTiO3 for periodontitis treatment.
Impact of weather and climate advisories on agricultural outcomes in Pakistan
Authors: Nepal Mani , Ashfaq Muhammad , Sharma Bibek Raj , Shrestha Mandira Singh , Khadgi Vijay Ratan , Bruno Soares Marta 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe earth is warming, and the frequency of extreme weather events have been rapidly growing globally with unprecedented consequences to farming communities. In principle, weather and climate information services (WCIS) can help farmers better manage their activities and farm level outcomes by supporting their decision-making with relevant and usable information to address the potential impacts of expected changing climate conditions. But, in practice, can the availability and use of WCIS help improve agricultural outcomes given the weather and climate related uncertainties? To understand the use and impact of WCIS in the cotton-wheat cropping areas of Pakistan, we conducted a multistage stratified clustered random sample of 612 farm households in the provinces of Punjab and Sindh. Over 55% of the farm households in the sample indicated that they used WCIS provided by the Pakistan Meteorological Department and other sources for making their agricultural decisions. Our analysis, however, suggests that the impact of using WCIS on major farm outcomes (i.e. farm revenue, costs, profits, and input usage) is not statistically significant when compared with those farm households not using WCIS (null result). This result is robust to different estimation techniques (i.e. ordinary least squares, instrumental variable approach, and propensity score matching method). From the focus group discussions, we gathered that farmers perceived WCIS as less reliable, often unclear, and difficult to understand as this information is not translated and transmitted in local languages. Addressing these issues can help reduce the impact of climate and weather variability on farm outcomes in those provinces as well as in Pakistan more generally. Our study suggests that, under uncertainty, emphasis should be on WCIS that farmers can rely on for making farming related decisions.
Triglyceride-glucose body mass index predicts prognosis in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Liu Ming , Pan Jianyuan , Meng Ke , Wang Yuwei , Sun Xueqing , Ma Likun , Yu Xiaofan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTriglyceride glycemic-body mass index (TyG-BMI) is a simple and reliable surrogate for insulin resistance (IR). However, it is still unclear if TyG-BMI has any predictive value in patients having percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The purpose of this study was to examine the TyG-BMI index's prognostic significance and predictive power in patients with STEMI. The study comprised a total of 2648 consecutive STEMI patients who underwent PCI. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as the combination of all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and coronary revascularization. The TyG-BMI index was formulated as ln [fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting plasma glucose (mg/dL)/2] × BMI. 193 patients in all experienced MACE over a median follow-up of 14.7 months. There was a statistically significant difference between the Kaplan–Meier survival curves for the TyG-BMI index tertiles (log-rank test, p = 0.019) for the cumulative incidence of MACE. The adjusted HRs for the incidence of MACE in the middle and highest quartiles of the TyG-BMI index compared with the lowest quartile were 1.37 (95% CI 0.92, 2.03) and 1.53 (95% CI 1.02, 2.29), respectively, in the fully adjusted Cox regression model. At six months, one year, and three years, the TyG-BMI area under the curve (AUC) for predicting MACE was 0.691, 0.666, and 0.637, respectively. Additionally, adding the TyG-BMI index to the risk prediction model enhanced outcome prediction. In STEMI patients undergoing PCI, TyG-BMI was independently linked to MACE. TyG-BMI could be a simple and solid way to assess MACE risk and prognosis.
Subject-specific sensitivity of several biomechanical features to fatigue during an exhaustive treadmill run
Authors: Chalitsios Christos , Nikodelis Thomas , Mavrommatis Georgios , Kollias Iraklis 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to examine the sensitivity of several movement features during running to exhaustion in a subject-specific setup adopting a cross-sectional design and a machine learning approach. Thirteen recreational runners, that systematically trained and competed, performed an exhaustive running protocol on an instrumented treadmill. Respiratory data were collected to establish the second ventilatory threshold (VT2) in order to obtain a reference point regarding the gradual accumulation of fatigue. A machine learning approach was adopted to analyze kinetic and kinematic data recorded for each participant, using a random forest classifier for the region pre and post the second ventilatory threshold. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis was used to explain the models’ predictions and to provide insight about the most important variables. The classification accuracy value of the models adopted ranged from 0.853 to 0.962. The most important feature in six out of thirteen participants was the angular range in AP axis of upper trunk C7 (RTAPu) followed by maximum loading rate (RFDmaxD) and the angular range in the LT axis of the C7. SHAP dependence plots also showed an increased dispersion of predictions in stages around the second ventilatory threshold which is consistent with feature interactions. These results showed that each runner used the examined features differently to cope with the increase in fatigue and mitigate its effects in order to maintain a proper motor pattern.
Viewing angle matters in British Sign Language processing
Authors: Watkins Freya , Abdlkarim Diar , Winter Bodo , Thompson Robin L. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe impact of adverse listening conditions on spoken language perception is well established, but the role of suboptimal viewing conditions on signed language processing is less clear. Viewing angle, i.e. the physical orientation of a perceiver relative to a signer, varies in many everyday deaf community settings for L1 signers and may impact comprehension. Further, processing from various viewing angles may be more difficult for late L2 learners of a signed language, with less variation in sign input while learning. Using a semantic decision task in a distance priming paradigm, we show that British Sign Language signers are slower and less accurate to comprehend signs shown from side viewing angles, with L2 learners in particular making disproportionately more errors when viewing signs from side angles. We also investigated how individual differences in mental rotation ability modulate processing signs from different angles. Speed and accuracy on the BSL task correlated with mental rotation ability, suggesting that signers may mentally represent signs from a frontal view, and use mental rotation to process signs from other viewing angles. Our results extend the literature on viewpoint specificity in visual recognition to linguistic stimuli. The data suggests that L2 signed language learners should maximise their exposure to diverse signed language input, both in terms of viewing angle and other difficult viewing conditions to maximise comprehension.
Examples of atoms absorbing photon via Schrödinger equation and vacuum fluctuations
Authors: Zhang Yongjun 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe absorption of photons by atoms encompasses fundamental quantum mechanical aspects, particularly the emergence of randomness to account for the inherent unpredictability in absorption outcomes. We demonstrate that vacuum fluctuations can be the origin of this randomness. An illustrative example of this is the absorption of a single photon by two symmetrically arranged atoms. In the absence of a mechanism to introduce randomness, the Schrödinger equation alone can govern the time evolution of the process initially. Then, it becomes stuck, and an entangled state of the two atoms emerges. This entangled state consists of two components: in one, the first atom is excited by the photon while the second is in the ground state, and in the other, the second atom is excited while the first remains in the ground state. These components form a superposition state characterized by an unbreakable symmetry in the absence of external influences. Consequently, the absorption process remains incomplete. When vacuum fluctuations come into play, they can induce fluctuations in the weights of these components, akin to Brownian motion. Over time, one component diminishes, thereby breaking the entanglement between the two atoms and allowing the photon absorption process to conclude. The remaining component shows which atom completes the photon absorption. Vacuum fluctuations not only introduce randomness but also have the potential to give rise to the Born rule in this context. Furthermore, the Casimir effect, which is closely tied to vacuum fluctuations, presents a promising experimental avenue for validating this mechanism. Similar studies can also be conducted with varying numbers of atoms.
Double migration of the endangered Tricyrtis formosana (Liliaceae) in Japan
Authors: Tsunenari Kaori , Ito Takuro , Yokota Masatsugu , Shibabayashi Mayu , Endo Chiharu , Chung Kuo-Fang , Suyama Yoshihisa , Matsuo Ayumi , Abe Atsushi , Naiki Akiyo , Setoguchi Hiroaki , Makino Takashi , Isagi Yuji 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe Ryukyu Islands of Japan are a biodiversity hotspot due to geographical and historical factors. Tricyrtis formosana is a perennial herbaceous plant that commonly found in Taiwan. But only a few populations have been identified in a limited habitat on Iriomote Island, while populations of unknown origin occur near human settlements in an area on the main island of Okinawa. To better understand these populations of the phylogenetic uniqueness and intrinsic vulnerability, we conducted comparative analyses including (1) phylogeny and population structure with MIG-seq data, (2) photosynthesis-related traits of plants grown under common conditions and (3) transcriptome analysis to detect deleterious variations. Results revealed that T. formosana was split into two clades by the congeners and that Iriomote and Okinawa populations independently derived from ancestral Taiwanese populations in each clade. Photosynthetic efficiency was lowest in the Iriomote population, followed by Okinawa and Taiwan. Transcriptome analysis showed that the Iriomote population accumulated more deleterious variations, suggesting intrinsic vulnerability. These results indicate that each T. formosana population in Japan is phylogenetically unique and has been independently dispersed from Taiwan, and that the Iriomote population presents a high conservation difficulty with a unique photosynthesis-related characteristic and a larger amount of deleterious variations.