bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of a German version of the Boredom Proneness Scale and the Multidimensional State Boredom Scale
Authors: Zerr Katharina , Seiler Johannes P.-H. , Rumpel Simon , Tüscher Oliver 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe scientific interest in boredom is growing over the past decades. Boredom has not only been linked to symptoms of psychopathology, but also shows a remarkable effect on individual behavior under healthy conditions. Current characterizations of boredom in humans mostly rely on self-report assessments which proved to faithfully reflect boredom in a vast range of experimental environments. Two of the most commonly used and prominent self-report scales in order to assess boredom are the Multidimensional State Boredom Scale (MSBS) and the Boredom Proneness Scale (BPS). Here, we present the German translations of both questionnaires and their validation. We obtained and analyzed psychometric data from more than 800 healthy individuals. We find that the German MSBS and BPS show vast congruence with their originals in respect to item statistics, internal reliability and validity. In particular, we find remarkable associations of state boredom and trait boredom with indicators of mental burden. Testing the factor structure of both questionnaires, we find supporting evidence for a 5-factor model of the MSBS, whereas the BPS in line with its original shows an irregular, inconsistent factor structure. Thus, we validate the German versions of MSBS and BPS and set a starting point for further studies of boredom in German-speaking collectives.
Elevated CO2 ameliorates the high temperature stress effects on physio-biochemical, growth, yield traits of maize hybrids
Authors: Vanaja M. , Sarkar B. , Sathish P. , Jyothi Lakshmi N. , Yadav S. K. , Mohan Ch. , Sushma A. , Yashavanth B. S. , Srinivasa Rao M. , Prabhakar M. , Singh V. K. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe rising temperatures and levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are anticipated to have a significant impact on the productivity of agricultural crops. Although, the individual effects of elevated CO2 and temperature have been extensively studied in C3 and C4 crops, there remains a scarcity of research investigating their interactive effects specifically on maize hybrids. The impact of elevated temperature and its interaction with elevated CO2 on phenology, physiology, biomass, and grain yield of maize hybrids was assessed in a field experiment using Free Air Temperature Elevation (FATE) facility. The results showed that elevated temperature (eT) increased the anthesis silking interval (ASI), while the presence of elevated CO2 along with elevated temperature (eT + eCO2) mitigated this effect. The differential expression were observed between hybrids depending on their genetic potential. Furthermore, the net photosynthetic rate (Anet), stomatal conductance (gs), and transpiration rate (Tr) of hybrids decreased under elevated temperature but eT + eCO2 condition helped in reverting its impact to some extent. In term of leaf composition, the highest level of total soluble sugars (TSS) and starch was observed under eT + eCO2 conditions, possibly due to improved Anet in the presence of elevated eCO2. The negative impact of eT was also evident through increased proline and MDA content, but eT + eCO2 ameliorated the adverse effect of eT. The biomass and grain yield also responded similarly, among the hybrids 900M GOLD recorded superior performance for grain yield at eT condition exceeding 35 °C. On the other hand, DHM117 experienced a significant reduction in grain yield under eT, but performed better under eT + eCO2 due to its improved physiological response to eCO2. The study indicated that elevated levels of carbon dioxide can actually mitigate the detrimental effects of elevated temperature on maize crop. This positive impact on maize crop can be attributed to an enhanced physiological performance in the presence of eCO2 which enables the plants to maintain satisfactory yield levels despite the challenging environmental conditions.
Periodontitis was associated with mesial concavity of the maxillary first premolar: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Feng , Liu Qi , Liu Xinyue , Fang Qian , Zhou Bingxin , Li Ru , Shen Zhe , Zheng Kai Xin , Ding Cheng , Zhong Liangjun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe association between the anatomical features of teeth and the pathogenesis of periodontitis is well-documented. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the mesial concavity of the maxillary first premolar on periodontal clinical indices and alveolar bone resorption rates. Employing a cross-sectional design, in 226 patients with periodontitis, we used cone beam computed tomography(CBCT) to examine the mesial concavity and alveolar bone resorption of 343 maxillary first premolar. Periodontal clinical indicators recorded by periodontal probing in the mesial of the maxillary first premolar in patients with periodontitis. Our findings indicate that the presence of mesial concavity at the cemento-enamel junction of the maxillary first premolar was not significantly influenced by either tooth position or patient sex (p > 0.05). Nonetheless, the mesial concavity at the cemento-enamel junction of the maxillary first premolar was found to exacerbate alveolar bone resorption and the inflammatory condition (p < 0.05). We infer that the mesial concavity at the cemento-enamel junction of the maxillary first premolar may contribute to localized alveolar bone loss and accelerate the progression of periodontal disease.
Valorization potential of Egyptian mango kernel waste product as analyzed via GC/MS metabolites profiling from different cultivars and geographical origins
Authors: El-Shabasy Rehan M. , F. Eissa Tarek , Emam Yossef , Zayed Ahmed , Fayek Nesrin , Farag Mohamed A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIncreasing attention has been given to mango (Mangifera indica) fruits owing to their characteristic taste, and rich nutritional value. Mango kernels are typically discarded as a major waste product in mango industry, though of potential economic value. The present study aims to outline the first comparison of different mango kernel cvs. originated from different localities alongside Egypt, e.g., Sharqia, Suez, Ismailia, and Giza. Gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) post silylation analysis revealed that sugars were the major class being detected at 3.5–290.9 µg/mg, with some kernels originating from Sharqia province being the richest amongst other cvs. In consistency with sugar results, sugar alcohols predominated in Sharqia cvs. at 1.3–38.1 µg/mg represented by ribitol, iditol, pinitol, and myo-inositol. No major variation was observed in the fatty acids profile either based on cv. type or localities, with butyl caprylate as a major component in most cvs. identified for the first time in mango. Regarding phenolics, Sedeeq cv. represented the highest level at 18.3 µg/mg and showing distinct variation among cvs. posing phenolics as better classification markers than sugars. Multivariate data analyses (MVA) confirmed that the premium cvs “Aweis and Fons” were less enriched in sugars, i.e., fructose, talose, and glucose compared to the other cvs. Moreover, MVA of Zabdeya cv. collected from three localities revealed clear segregation to be chemically distinct. Sharqia originated mango kernels were rich in sugars (e.g., glucose and fructose), whilst sarcosine esters predominated in other origins.
Quantifying the effects of practicing a semantic task according to subclinical schizotypy
Authors: Diao Mingyi , Demchenko Ilya , Asare Gifty , Chen Yelin , Debruille J. Bruno 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe learning ability of individuals within the schizophrenia spectrum is crucial for their psychosocial rehabilitation. When selecting a treatment, it is thus essential to consider the impact of medications on practice effects, an important type of learning ability. To achieve this end goal, a pre-treatment test has to be developed and tested in healthy participants first. This is the aim of the current work, which takes advantage of the schizotypal traits present in these participants to preliminary assess the test’s validity for use among patients. In this study, 47 healthy participants completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) and performed a semantic categorization task twice, with a 1.5-hour gap between sessions. Practice was found to reduce reaction times (RTs) in both low- and high-SPQ scorers. Additionally, practice decreased the amplitudes of the N400 event-related brain potentials elicited by semantically matching words in low SPQ scorers only, which shows the sensitivity of the task to schizotypy. Across the two sessions, both RTs and N400 amplitudes had good test–retest reliability. This task could thus be a valuable tool. Ongoing studies are currently evaluating the impact of fully deceptive placebos and of real antipsychotic medications on these practice effects. This round of research should subsequently assist psychiatrists in making informed decisions about selecting the most suitable medication for the psychosocial rehabilitation of a patient.
Impact of modeled microgravity stress on innate immunity in a beneficial animal-microbe symbiosis
Authors: Duscher Alexandrea A. , Vroom Madeline M. , Foster Jamie S. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe innate immune response is the first line of defense for all animals to not only detect invading microbes and toxins but also sense and interface with the environment. One such environment that can significantly affect innate immunity is spaceflight. In this study, we explored the impact of microgravity stress on key elements of the NFκB innate immune pathway. The symbiosis between the bobtail squid Euprymna scolopes and its beneficial symbiont Vibrio fischeri was used as a model system under a simulated microgravity environment. The expression of genes associated with the NFκB pathway was monitored over time as the symbiosis progressed. Results revealed that although the onset of the symbiosis was the major driver in the differential expression of NFκB signaling, the stress of simulated low-shear microgravity also caused a dysregulation of expression. Several genes were expressed at earlier time points suggesting that elements of the E. scolopes NFκB pathway are stress-inducible, whereas expression of other pathway components was delayed. The results provide new insights into the role of NFκB signaling in the squid-vibrio symbiosis, and how the stress of microgravity negatively impacts the host immune response. Together, these results provide a foundation to develop mitigation strategies to maintain host-microbe homeostasis during spaceflight.
Epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of cytokine production by Plasmodium falciparum-exposed monocytes
Authors: Romero David V. L. , Balendran Thivya , Hasang Wina , Rogerson Stephen J. , Aitken Elizabeth H. , Achuthan Adrian A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPlasmodium falciparum infection causes the most severe form of malaria, where excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines can drive the pathogenesis of the disease. Monocytes play key roles in host defense against malaria through cytokine production and phagocytosis; however, they are also implicated in pathogenesis through excessive proinflammatory cytokine production. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms that contribute to inflammatory cytokine production in P. falciparum-exposed monocytes is key towards developing better treatments. Here, we provide molecular evidence that histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation is key for inflammatory cytokine production in P. falciparum-exposed monocytes. In an established in vitro system that mimics blood stage infection, elevated proinflammatory TNF and IL-6 cytokine production is correlated with increased mono- and tri-methylated H3K4 levels. Significantly, we demonstrate through utilizing a pharmacological inhibitor of H3K4 methylation that TNF and IL-6 expression can be suppressed in P. falciparum-exposed monocytes. This elucidated epigenetic regulatory mechanism, controlling inflammatory cytokine production, potentially provides new therapeutic options for future malaria treatment.
The role of excitement and enjoyment through subjective evaluation of horror film scenes
Authors: Kiss Botond László , Deak Anita , Veszprémi Martina Dominika , Blénessy Albert , Zsido Andras Norbert 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe popularity of the horror genre is constantly increasing and still has not reached its peak. As a recreational activity, people watch horror movies in pursuit of excitement and enjoyment. However, we still do not know what traits make people seek out this type of increase in arousal (excitement) and why they find it desirable (enjoyment). Consequently, in this study, we sought to identify observer-related factors that allows consumption of horror content as a recreational activity. Participants (N = 558) answered questions about movie-watching habits, completed measures of cognitive emotion regulation, sensation seeking, paranormal beliefs, morbid curiosity, disgust sensitivity, and rated short scenes from horror movies on dimensions of excitement, enjoyment, disgust, fearfulness, and realness. Our findings suggest that the predictors of excitement and enjoyment are slightly different. Perceived disgust negatively affected enjoyment but did not influence to excitement. Further, both excitement and enjoyment were positively predicted by fearfulness and realness ratings of the scenes, and morbid curiosity. Paranormal beliefs, sensation seeking, disgust sensitivity, anxiety, and emotion regulation strategies were not associated with excitement and enjoyment. Future studies should make a distinction between excitement and enjoyment as they are equally important factors with slightly different backgrounds in recreational fear.
Comprehensive mapping of the exterior architecture of the dromedary camel brain
Authors: Al Aiyan Ahmad , Balan Rinsha , Gebreigziabiher Senit , Zerom Simona , Mihreteab Yotam , Ghebrehiwot Even , AlDarwich Adnan , Willingham Arve Lee , Kishore Uday 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe morphological perspective of the camel brain remains largely unexplored. Therefore, studying the topography of the camel brain is of crucial importance. This study aimed to provide a detailed color-coded topographic representation of the camel brain's gross anatomy and nomenclature, showing its various gyri and sulci and their borders. We compared them to previously known information to develop a detailed description of camel brain exterior architecture. Our research identified distinctive gyri and sulci with discrete positions and surrounding structures, allowing us to define sulci boundaries and establish logical gyri nomenclature. This study uncovered previously overlooked gyri and sulci and improved descriptions of specific sulci. The ectomarginal sulcus, splenial sulcus, splenial gyrus, and ectogenual gyrus are a few examples. These findings highlight several unique anatomical features of the dromedary brain, which can guide future research. By providing a comprehensive examination of the distinctive exterior anatomical features of the camel brain, this study may serve as a point of convergence for all researchers, providing more accurate identification of the gyri and sulci.
Effects of virtual reality on chest tube removal pain management in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Dalir Zahra , Seddighi Fatemeh , Esmaily Habibollah , Abbasi Tashnizi Mohammad , Ramezanzade Tabriz Elahe 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe pain associated with chest tube removal (CTR) is one of the significant complications of cardiac surgery. The management of this pain is recognized as a vital component of nursing care. The application of distraction techniques using virtual reality (VR) is an effective and straightforward non-pharmacological approach to alleviate pain. This study aimed to determine the impact of VR technology on the management of pain caused by CTR following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 70 patients undergoing CABG at Imam Reza and Qaem hospitals in Mashhad, Iran, in 2020. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of 35. For the intervention group, a 360-degree video was played using VR glasses 5 min before the CTR procedure. The pain intensity was measured before, immediately after, and 15 min after CTR, using the Visual Analogue Scale. Also, the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and the Rhoten Fatigue Scale (RFS) were used to evaluate intervention and control groups before the CTR procedure. The collected data was analyzed using statistical tests, such as Chi-square, independent t-test, and Mann–Whitney test. The patients were homogeneous in terms of stress, anxiety, and fatigue levels before CTR, and they did not show any significant differences (P > 0.05). The average pain intensity score of patients in the intervention group significantly decreased immediately and 15 min after CTR, compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Given the positive impact of VR distraction on the severity of pain associated with CTR in patients undergoing CABG, this technique can serve as an effective, accessible, and cost-efficient non-pharmacological approach for managing pain in these patients.Trial registration: This study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (code: IRCT20190708044147N1; approval date, 08/26/2019).
Air invasion into three-dimensional foam induces viscous fingering instabilities
Authors: Lee Young H. , Wang Jingyi , Kannaiyan Ranjani , Su Yi , Gates Ian D. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe conducted an experimental investigation to examine the immiscible radial displacement flows of air invading three-dimensional foam in a Hele-Shaw cell. Our study successfully identified three distinct flow regimes. In the initial regime, characterized by relatively low fingertip velocities, the foam underwent a slow displacement through plug flow. During this process, the three-phase contact lines slipped at the cell walls. Notably, we discovered that the air injection pressure exhibited a proportional relationship with the power of the fingertip velocity. This relationship demonstrated excellent agreement with a power law, where the exponent was determined to be 2/3. Transitioning to the second regime, we observed relatively high velocities, resulting in the displacement of the foam as a plug within single layers of foam bubbles. The movement of these bubbles near the cell walls was notably slower. Similar to the first regime, the behavior in this regime also adhered to a power law. In the third regime, which manifested at higher air injection pressures, the development of air fingers occurred through narrow channels. These channels had the potential to isolate the air fingers as they underwent a process of "healing." Furthermore, our results unveiled a significant finding that the width of the air fingers exhibited a continuous scaling with the air injection pressure, irrespective of the flow regimes being observed.
Unraveling sub-seasonal precipitation variability in the Middle East via Indian Ocean sea surface temperature
Authors: Hochman Assaf , Shachar Noam , Gildor Hezi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study examines sub-seasonal precipitation anomalies, challenging to predict yet vital for society and the environment. Focusing on October, we investigate correlations between the Indian Ocean Dipole Mode Index (DMI), West Tropical Indian Ocean Index (WTIO), and Middle Eastern precipitation. We find robust correlations (~ 0.7), up to a two-month lag, demonstrating strong links between these climate indices and rainfall patterns, potentially suggesting sub-seasonal precipitation predictability. Over the past four decades, DMI and WTIO have shown a significant upward trend of ~ 0.4 °C, intensifying their impact on precipitation dynamics. This trend signifies evolving Indian Ocean climate patterns with potential regional consequences and is projected to continue in the twenty-first century. Significant correlations also emerge between DMI, WTIO, and maximum daily precipitation, highlighting their role in extreme rainfall events. Finally, our study attributes most of October’s precipitation variability to Indian Ocean sea surface temperature variations. These temperature anomalies influence the Indian Ocean’s Walker circulation, affecting water vapor flux to the Middle East and shaping regional precipitation. Our findings underscore the importance of these indices in understanding and predicting Middle East climate variability, revealing intricate ocean–atmosphere interactions.
The impact of COVID-19 fiscal spending on climate change adaptation and resilience
Authors: Sadler Alexandra , Ranger Nicola , Fankhauser Sam , Marotta Fulvia , O’Callaghan Brian 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGovernment expenditure and taxation have a significant influence on the long-term adaptation and resilience of societies to climate and other environmental shocks. Unprecedented fiscal spending in the COVID-19 recovery offered an opportunity to systematically enhance adaptation and resilience to future shocks. But did the ‘build back better’ rhetoric manifest in more resilient policy? We develop a dedicated fiscal policy taxonomy for climate change adaptation and resilience (A&R)—the Climate Resilience and Adaptation Financing Taxonomy (CRAFT)—and apply this to analyse ~8,000 government policies across 88 countries. We find that US$279–334 billion (9.7–11.1%) of economic recovery spending potentially had direct A&R benefits. This positive spending is substantial in absolute terms but falls well below adaptation needs. Moreover, a notable portion (27.6–28%) of recovery spending may have had negative impacts on A&R, acting to lock in non-resilient infrastructure. We add a deep learning algorithm to consider A&R themes in associated COVID-19 policy documents. Compared with climate mitigation, A&R received only one-third of the spending and was mentioned only one-seventh as frequently in policy documents. These results suggest that the COVID-19 fiscal response missed many opportunities to advance climate A&R. We draw conclusions for how to better align fiscal policy with A&R.
Spike frequency adaptation: bridging neural models and neuromorphic applications
Authors: Ganguly Chittotosh , Bezugam Sai Sukruth , Abs Elisabeth , Payvand Melika , Dey Sounak , Suri Manan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe human brain’s unparalleled efficiency in executing complex cognitive tasks stems from neurons communicating via short, intermittent bursts or spikes. This has inspired Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs), now incorporating neuron models with spike frequency adaptation (SFA). SFA adjusts these spikes’ frequency based on recent neuronal activity, much like an athlete’s varying sprint speed. SNNs with SFA demonstrate improved computational performance and energy efficiency. This review examines various adaptive neuron models in computational neuroscience, highlighting their relevance in artificial intelligence and hardware integration. It also discusses the challenges and potential of these models in driving the development of energy-efficient neuromorphic systems.