bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simulating the effect of climate change scenarios on surface water quality in the Bosque watershed, Central Texas, United States
Authors: Tefera Gebrekidan Worku , Ray Ram L. , Singh Vijay P. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Changes in precipitation, temperature, and extreme events affect surface water quality through various processes, such as transport, deposition, and concentration. Coupling robust climate change scenarios and hydrological modeling, this study simulated the impact of climate change on surface water quality in the Bosque watershed in Central Texas, USA. Streamflow, Organic Nitrogen (ORGN), Organic Phosphorus (ORGP), Mineral Phosphorus (MINP), and Nitrate (NO3) concentration were simulated under different climate change scenarios using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). A multi-site and multi-variable calibration/validation and Differential Split Sampling approach was used to calibrate and validate the SWAT. In the future climate scenarios, a steady decline in organic nitrogen, organic phosphorus, and mineral phosphorus was found, primarily associated with decreased precipitation and streamflow. The reduction in organic nitrogen, organic phosphorus, and mineral phosphorus was 22–57%, 35–65%, and 10–56%, respectively. However, the hotter and drier future climate scenarios would result in a statistically significant nitrate increase (61–104%). Changes in water quality parameters were higher in the RCP4.5 emission scenario compared to the RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 emission scenarios. This study highlights the dire effect of climate change on the NO3 concentration, which requires urgent water management interventions to mitigate detrimental repercussions for watershed health.
Characterization of mutations in Hepatitis B virus DNA isolated from Japanese HBsAg-positive blood donors in 2021-2022
Authors: Sedohara Ayako , Takahashi Kazuaki , Arai Keiko , Arizono Kotaro , Tuvshinjargal Khulan , Saito Makoto , Nakahara Fumio , Tsutsumi Takeya , Ikeuchi Kazuhiko , Adachi Eisuke , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Missense mutations in some small-envelope proteins reduce the activity of antibodies. Therefore, it is very important to follow up on the incidence and types of vaccine-escape mutation (VEM) before and after the introduction of the universal hepatitis B vaccination, which was introduced in Japan in 2016. In this study, we isolated hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA from 58 of 169 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive blood samples from Japanese blood donors and determined the nucleotide sequence encoding the small-envelope protein. Six of these samples (10%) had VEMs, but no missense mutations such as G145R were detected. Whole-genome sequences were obtained for 29 of the 58 samples, with genotypes A1 in 1 (3%), A2 in 3 (10%), B1 in 9 (31%), B2 in 5 (17%), B4 in 1 (3%), and C2 in 10 (34%) samples. Tenofovir-resistance mutations were detected in two samples (7%). In addition, several core promoter mutations, such as 1762A > T/1764G > A and 1986G > A precore nonsense mutations, which are risk factors for HBV-related chronic liver disease, were detected. These findings provide a baseline for future research and highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring of VEMs and drug-resistance mutations in HBsAg-positive blood donors without HBV antibodies.
Polien viability in three Juniperus taxa
Authors: Galgoci Martin , Kormutak Andrej , Klobucnik Miroslav , Gomory Dusan , Bolecek Peter 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Pollen viability in three Juniperus taxa native to Slovakia was investigated using in vitro germination test. The highest germination percentage and longest pollen tubes were surprisingly found in J. communis var.intermedia which is believed to be a putative hybrid between J. communis var. communis and J. sibirica. Germination rate of the hybrid averaged at 78.70% as compared with 64.96% and 60.83% of the pollen germination in the corresponding parental species. The same tendency holds for the pollen tube length reaching 38.68 µm in the putative hybrids, 31.39 µm in J. communis var. communis and 28.08 µm in J. sibirica. At the taxa level, the above given data were statistically highly significant in both pollen viability characteristics. Highest viability of J. communis var. intermedia pollen does not corroborate the widespread notion on reduced fertility of the plant interspecific hybrids. Additional tests are suggested to verify the hybrid nature of the putative hybrid population using DNA based population study and artificial crossing experiments involving the putative parental species J. communis var. communis and J. sibirica.
Dummy template based molecularly imprinted solid-phase microextraction coating for analysis of plasticizers in food samples
Authors: Li Jia , Chen Runan , Ma Jing , Jiang Binlian , Lu Lina , Kang Shuhe , Sun Chufeng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

A series of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were prepared on the surface of microspheres(CG161M) and applied as adsorbent for the rapid and selective detection of phthalates compounds, including diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), dioctyl phthalate (DOP). Surface deposition and layer by layer self-assembling method were also utilized in the preparetion of molecularly imprinted polymers. The synthesized composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, scanning electron microscope, thermo gravimetric analysis and Nitrogen adsorption analysis. The maximum adsorption capacities of the MIPs for DEP, DBP and DOP were 0.006, 0.008 and 0.007 mg g− 1, respectively. The adsorption of phthalates reached equilibrium within 260 min and complied well with pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir model. Dioctyl phthalate(DOP) was used as a dummy template for diethyl phthalate(DEP) and dibutyl phthalate(DEP), allowing selective and specific identification of DEP and DBP and did not affect the accuracy of the analysis even if the leakage of template occured. Moreover, MIPs-based hollow fiber stir bar sorptive extraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was applied to the detection of DEP, DBP and DOP in several food samples. Under the optimum conditions, the limits of detection (LODs) for DEP, DBP and DOP were 0.0047, 0.0054 and 0.0031 mg L− 1, with spiked recoveries of 73.06–106.02% and relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 3.91–6.89%, exhibiting high adsorption capacity, good selectivity and fast kinetic towards DEP, DBP and DOP. Since the template of surface molecularly imprinted polymers could be changed with the analytes, MIPs-based molecularly imprinted polymers combining with hollow fiber stirring bar sorptive extraction can be a promising and selective method for separation and extraction of series analytes with similar structure in complicated samples without sample clean-up.
Preliminary Study on Hand Dimensions as Potential Predictors of Ethnicity of Female Populations in the Forest and Savanna Zones of Ghana
Authors: Bimpong Samuel , Abaidoo Chrissie Stansie , Tetteh Joshua , Sarkodie Francis Kofi , Adjei-Antwi Collins , Nketsiah James , Appiah Atta Kusi , Diby Thomas K. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
The hand is a versatile structure that performs numerous tasks, ranging from exertion of great force such as grip, pinch and torque to execution of precise fine motor skills.
Objective
The aim of current study was to undertake a preliminary study on hand dimensions as potential predictors of ethnicity of female populations in the forest and savanna zones of Ghana.
Methods
A total of one hundred (100) female students aged between 17–24 years were recruited into this study, comprising of 53 Akans from the forest zone and 47 Northerners from savanna zone of Ghana between 12th June to 27th July, 2023 at the Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
Results
Statistically significant positive correlation was observed between left hand length and right hand length (R = 0.923, p = 0.000). Binary regression model indicated that right hand breadth was nearly two and half folds likely to predict Akan ethnicity (OR = 2.46, 95%CI [0.29, 20.93]).
Conclusion
The study observed significant differences in right and left hands breadths dimensions among the Akans and Northerners from the forest and savanna zones of Ghana.
Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm based Optimal Scheduling of Microgrid
Authors: Chamoli Mamta , Panda Manoj Kumar , Mishra Vishnu. Mohan. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Using a microgrid method, distributed generation has the potential to become a component of the larger system. Advanced management and the system provided by the communication infrastructure operate in concert to coordinate the Micro grid's low voltage distribution network with storage devices and programmable loads. A resilient optimal scheduling model and a grey Wolf optimization technique for microgrid scheduling under a variety of uncertainty constraints are presented. Comparisons of the suggested algorithm are made to the Genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization and the crow search optimization algorithm. According to GWO's optimal scheduling, the fitness function and performance parameters of other renowned optimization algorithms are inferior to the GWO-based scheduling.
Genomic diversity as a key conservation criterion: proof-of-concept from mammalian whole-genome resequencing data
Authors: Jeon Jong Yoon , Black Andrew N. , Heenkenda Erangi J. , Mularo Andrew J. , Lamka Gina F. , Janjua Safia , Brüniche-Olsen Anna , Bickham John W. , Willoughby Janna R. , DeWoody J. Andrew 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Many international, national, state, and local organizations prioritize the ranking of threatened and endangered species to help direct conservation efforts. For example, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) regularly publishes the influential Red List of Threatened Species. Unfortunately, current approaches to categorizing the conservation status of species do not explicitly consider genetic or genomic diversity (GD), even though GD is positively associated with both contemporary evolutionary fitness and with future evolutionary potential. To test if genome sequences can help improve conservation ranking efforts, we estimated GD metrics from publicly available mammalian population data and examined their statistical association with formal Red List conservation categories. We considered intrinsic biological factors that could impact GD and quantified their relative influences. Key population GD metrics are both reflective and predictive of IUCN conservation categories. Specifically, our analyses revealed that genome-wide heterozygosity and autozygosity (a product of inbreeding) are associated with the current Red List categorization, likely because demographic declines that lead to “listing” decisions also reduce levels of standing genetic variation. We argue that by virtue of this relationship, conservation organizations like IUCN can leverage genome sequence data to help infer conservation status in otherwise data-deficient species. This study 1) outlines the theoretical and empirical justification for a new GD criterion based on the mean loss of genome-wide heterozygosity over time; 2) provides a bioinformatic pipeline for estimating GD from population genomic data; and 3) provides an analytical framework and explicit recommendations for use by conservation authorities.
Dysfunction in Sensorimotor and Default Mode Networks: Elucidating the Neural Correlates of Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Zhang Yajuan , Huang Chu-Chung , Zhao Jiajia , Liu Yuchen , Xia Mingrui , Wang Xiaoqin , Wei Dongtao , Chen Yuan , Liu Bangshan , Zheng Yanting , Wu Yan-Kun , Chen Taolin , Cheng Yu-Qi , Xu Xiu-Feng , Gong Qiyong , Si Tianmei , Qiu Shijun , Cheng Jingliang , Tang Yanqing , Wang Fei , Qiu Jiang , Xie Peng , Li Lingjiang , He Yong , Lin Ching-Po , Group DIDA-Major Depressive Disorder Working , Lo Chun-Yi Zac 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is recognized as a severe mental illness with imbalanced interactions among brain networks. However, the detailed mechanisms of large-scale network dysfunction and their clinical implications are not fully understood. To explore the neurological basis of altered connectivity within the brain, the current study aims to examine large-scale connectivity coherence in MDD. A total resting-state functional magnetic resonance image data of 1148 MDD patients and 1079 healthy volunteers (HV) was collected from nine research centers. The global brain connectivity (GBC) offering an objective and comprehensive perspective on changes in functional connectivity (FC) was estimated and compared between groups. The regions with notably altered GBC in MDD patients were identified as the seeds for calculating the brain FC. Compared to HV, MDD patients had decreased GBC in sensorimotor/visual networks, including bilateral pre-/postcentral, fusiform gyrus, and inferior occipital gyrus, and increased GBC mainly in default mode networks (DMN), including bilateral precuneus, posterior cingulate cortex, superior frontal gyrus, and left angular gyrus. These GBC alterations were closely linked with meta-analytic terms associated with sensory and higher-order cognitive processing. Further seed-based analyses revealed that MDD patients had heightened FC between DMN and primary sensory cortices, but reduced FC within primary sensory cortices themselves. Our findings suggest that the aberrant intrinsic functional hubs identified in both higher-order cognitive systems and low-level sensory systems may signify a disruption in information exchange from primary to higher-order systems, which may contribute to the multifaceted clinical and cognitive deficits observed in MDD.
Electroacupuncture effect the neuromuscular functionality in rats with intensive care unit-acquired weakness
Authors: Yu Renjun , Lu Honglei , Hu Xingxing , Chen Lei , LV Chenwei , Zhang Yuhao , Ni Haibin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
ICU-Acquired Weakness (ICU-AW) is a multifaceted condition capable of impeding the recuperation of critically ill patients afflicted with sepsis. Acupuncture therapy has demonstrated notable effectiveness across a spectrum of ailments, particularly in the initial stages of rehabilitating critically ill patients. This study aims to assess the potential of electro-acupuncture stimulation in enhancing muscular functionality within a rat model of ICU-AW, with implications for ICU-AW treatment. We created a rat model of acquired weakness induced by septic shock using intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at a dose of 5 mg/kg, in conjunction with immobilization. This investigation monitored alterations in rat motor function, body weight, the levels of inflammatory markers including IL-6, TNF-α, SIRT3, and CAF in rat serum, and their fluctuations preceding and following the onset of ICU-AW. Additionally, we assessed muscle tissue ATP levels to appraise mitochondrial functionality in ICU-AW rats and analyzed the expression of proteins related to signaling pathways and autophagy within muscle tissue. Our study implies that electro-acupuncture stimulation can activate the AMPK-PGC1α-SIRT3 signaling pathway, ensuring consistent autophagy and calpain levels, consequently ameliorating both inflammation and muscular function in ICU-AW rats.
A Coloured Petri Nets-Based System for Validation of Biomedical Signal Acquisition Devices
Authors: Júnior José Irineu Ferreira , Sobrinho Álvaro , Silva Leandro Dias da , Cunha Paulo , Cordeiro Thiago , Perkusich Angelo , Lima Antonio Marcus Nogueira 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Biomedical signal acquisition devices (e.g., Electrocardiography - ECG) are relevant for diagnosing and monitoring persons who developed a variety of diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases. These devices comply with regulatory requirements before being marketed to prevent misleading measures, and they should also pass through corrective and preventive maintenance to keep them working correctly. We designed and implemented a simulation-based system to support these needs to assist manufacturers and healthcare facilities. This article focuses on demonstrating the effectiveness of our system for validating ECG devices. Our system comprises software in a computing device and a biomedical signals transducer. The system relies on Coloured Petri Nets (CPN) modeling language, a frequency-based filtering method, and publicly available databases. We validated the system using the Physionet database and comparison tests to verify the expected signal and outputs based on MATLAB filters and the commercial ECG device ENGC901448 from Instramed. The system was proven reliable, low-cost, and portable. Our proposal is relevant to provide evidence for certification and assisting healthcare facilities in conducting testing and corrective and preventive maintenance.
Genetics of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH): Integration of population studies and clinical data
Authors: Zucker Roei , Kovalerchik Michael , Davidovich Zvika , Banne Ehud , Maharshak Idit , Linial Michal 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition characterized by increased intracranial pressure without a known cause. IIH mainly affects overweight and reproductive-age women. Due to elevated intracranial pressure in IIH patients, papilledema (PAP), a disease caused by swelling of the optic disc, often co-occurs. Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of common variants failed to find significant associations. We applied genetic association protocols to a cohort of 173 patients diagnosed with IIH or PAP from the UK Biobank (UKB). The results were compared to the FinnGen data. We applied routine and coding GWAS (cGWAS) to a unified cohort of IIH/PAP. We also employed SKAT, which considers all variants within a given segment, and PWAS, which estimates the damage of variants to protein function and models a gene by aggregating its coding variants. The detection power of standard GWAS methods is restricted by cohort size and false discovery. To overcome these limitations, we considered gene-centric approaches for the unified group of IIH and PAP patients. Notably, the dominant comorbidity of IIH is PAP in the UKB and FinnGen populations. Seeking shared genes by GWAS for IIH and PAP identified VLDLR and SHANK2 genes in the UKB and FinnGen cohorts, respectively. By utilizing complementary gene-centric association protocols (coding GWAS, SKAT, and PWAS) for the unified IIH/PAP group, we identified 16 genes that were recognized by at least two methods, with FOXF1 and RGCC recognized by all three. Employing a functional enrichment scheme emphasized the significance of cilium, microtubule, and cytoskeletal functions. To gain insight into IIH etiology, we focused on the choroid plexus, a brain structure that produces and secretes the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Altogether, 7 of the 16 candidate genes are listed among the 281 genes with enhanced expression in the choroid plexus epithelium. Among them, MAPK15, DNAH5, and SLC28A3 are involved in ciliary microtubule dysregulation. This study highlights the strength of integrative genetic association approaches with functional and clinical knowledge. By identifying potential genetic effects, we propose the biological and cellular relevance of the choroid plexus for IIH etiology and suggest candidate genes for further investigation.
Prevalence and pattern of self-harm among university students in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Fariduzzaman Abdullah Muhammad , Azdi Zunayed Al , Kushal Sayedul Ashraf , A Yahia Md , Roy Krishna , Datta Jhowhar , Tabassum Erina , Nahar Jhunu Shamsun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Self-harm is a global public health concern, particularly among university students. This study explores the prevalence and correlates of self-harm among university students in Dhaka, Bangladesh, within the context of global, regional, and local trends.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 students from the University of Dhaka and the Bangladesh University of Business and Technology. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, and analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.
Results
The study revealed a notable prevalence of self-harm at 17%, with a significant gender disparity—females reported a fourfold higher prevalence than males. Bivariate analyses showed no significant differences based on institutions, academic disciplines, habitat, or socioeconomic status. However, logistic regression identified significant associations; females had a higher likelihood of self-harm, and middle and high socioeconomic status were protective factors.
Discussion
Our findings contribute to the global discourse on self-harm among university students, aligning with regional trends while providing locally specific insights. The gender disparity emphasizes the need for gender-specific interventions, and the protective effect of socioeconomic status highlights the importance of addressing economic disparities.
Conclusion
This study underscores the urgency of tailored mental health initiatives for university students in Dhaka. The observed prevalence and associated factors guide future research and inform evidence-based interventions to mitigate the prevalence of self-harm and enhance mental well-being on university campuses.
Electric and Magnetic Coherences: Analysis in a Four-Level Atomic System under a Magneto-Shaped Field
Authors: Boutabba Nadia , Ali Hazrat 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In this work, we investigate the dispersion-absorption spectra in a left handed medium under various magnetic shaped pulses. The system is a multi-level atom, in which the levels are coherently controlled by a weak and a strong field. Additionally, the ground state is related to an intermediate transition via a magneto-shaped field.We analyze the four level atom while first by considering the magnetic field as a quotient of the double exponential wave form, a difference of Gaussian and then as a continuous wave form. This enables us to study the dynamics of the coherence in the system. therefore, in contrast with the classical scenario where the magnetic field is taken as a constant, we observe a clear influence of the shaped magnetic field on the dispersion-absorption of the probe. We get an enhancement of about 2.5 times in the positive dispersion while we obtain 8 times enhancement in the negative dispersion. Lastly, with a shaped magnetic field, the probe dispersion, which is positive for a positive detuning and negative for a negative detuning, abruptly changes in the opposite direction.
New Inherent Characteristic of Mechanical Impacts
Authors: Montazeri Saeed 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In a typical mechanical impact, the projectile experiences rapid and significant variations in force over a brief duration. Hence, it results in a substantial acceleration of the projectile's particles. This paper reveals an inherent characteristic of mechanical impacts named ‘impact effort.’ The impact effort is employed to quantify the impact's ability to increase the root-mean-square (RMS) acceleration of the projectile's particles. Furthermore, two main properties of the impact effort are introduced. Finally, it is suggested how the impact effort can be utilized to adjust design parameters without the need for time-consuming computer simulations.