bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A review of the freshwater diversity in the Okavango Delta and Lake Ngami (Botswana): taxonomic composition, ecology, comparison with similar systems and conservation status
Authors: Moliner Cachazo Luis , Makati Kaelo , Chadwick Michael A. , Catford Jane A. , Price Benjamin W. , Mackay Anson W. , Guiry Michael D. , Murray-Hudson Michael , Murray-Hudson Frances 
Published: October 2023

AbstractFreshwater organisms in the Okavango Delta and Lake Ngami (Botswana) provide direct and indirect benefits to people and the economy of the region. However, their existence could be potentially threatened by human activities (primarily, upstream water abstraction and planned hydropower structures) coupled with climate change. For their protection, it is essential to know their distribution, ecology, and status of the ecosystems that they inhabit. Publications that record taxa from the Delta at species level are scarce, particularly aquatic macroinvertebrates. Identifying organisms to species level can provide more accurate information for environmental monitoring and conservation programmes but requires significant training and expertise. Here, we present a comprehensive taxonomical review of 2204 freshwater species from the Okavango Delta and Lake Ngami, with additional 355 species found in other areas of Botswana that are likely to be present in the study region. We also compare the diversity of the Okavango Delta and Lake Ngami with two other tropical wetlands: the Pantanal (Brazil) and the Kakadu Region (Australia). We show that biodiversity in the Okavango Delta and Lake Ngami is higher than in previous estimates, with recorded species richness dominated by phytoplankton and macroinvertebrates. Most species are widespread across the system and southern Africa. The resulting database includes new records (Bryozoa, Porifera), information on species conservation status, habitat, ecology, distribution in continental Africa, site details and taxonomical notes. This will be an essential resource for researchers, conservation managers, policy makers and consultants investigating freshwater biodiversity in tropical wetlands in the region.
Interaction between mitochondria and microbiota modulating cellular metabolism in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Hirose Misa , Sekar Priyadharshini , Eladham Mariam Wed Abdelaziz , Albataineh Mohammad T. , Rahmani Mohamed , Ibrahim Saleh Mohamed 
Published: October 2023

AbstractInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a prototypic complex disease in the gastrointestinal tract that has been increasing in incidence and prevalence in recent decades. Although the precise pathophysiology of IBD remains to be elucidated, a large body of evidence suggests the critical roles of mitochondria and intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of IBD. In addition to their contributions to the disease, both mitochondria and gut microbes may interact with each other and modulate disease-causing cell activities. Therefore, we hypothesize that dissecting this unique interaction may help to identify novel pathways involved in IBD, which will further contribute to discovering new therapeutic approaches to the disease. As poorly treated IBD significantly affects the quality of life of patients and is associated with risks and complications, successful treatment is crucial. In this review, we stratify previously reported experimental and clinical observations of the role of mitochondria and intestinal microbiota in IBD. Additionally, we review the intercommunication between mitochondria, and the intestinal microbiome in patients with IBD is reviewed along with the potential mediators for these interactions. We specifically focus on their roles in cellular metabolism in intestinal epithelial cells and immune cells. To this end, we propose a potential therapeutic intervention strategy for IBD.
Evaluation of new alternative methods for the identification of estrogenic, androgenic and steroidogenic effects: a comparative in vitro/in silico study
Authors: Najjar A. , Wilm A. , Meinhardt J. , Mueller N. , Boettcher M. , Ebmeyer J. , Schepky A. , Lange D. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractA suite of in vitro assays and in silico models were evaluated to identify which best detected the endocrine-disrupting (ED) potential of 10 test chemicals according to their estrogenic, androgenic and steroidogenic (EAS) potential compared to the outcomes from ToxCast. In vitro methods included receptor-binding, CALUX transactivation, H295R steroidogenesis, aromatase activity inhibition and the Yeast oestrogen (YES) and Yeast androgen screen (YAS) assays. The impact of metabolism was also evaluated. The YES/YAS assays exhibited a high sensitivity for ER effects and, despite some challenges in predicting AR effects, is a good initial screening assay. Results from receptor-binding and CALUX assays generally correlated and were in accordance with classifications based on ToxCast assays. ER agonism and AR antagonism of benzyl butyl phthalate were abolished when CALUX assays included liver S9. In silico final calls were mostly in agreement with the in vitro assays, and predicted ER and AR effects well. The efficiency of the in silico models (reflecting applicability domains or inconclusive results) was 43–100%. The percentage of correct calls for ER (50–100%), AR (57–100%) and aromatase (33–100%) effects when compared to the final ToxCast call covered a wide range from highly reliable to less reliable models. In conclusion, Danish (Q)SAR, Opera, ADMET Lab LBD and ProToxII models demonstrated the best overall performance for ER and AR effects. These can be combined with the YES/YAS assays in an initial screen of chemicals in the early tiers of an NGRA to inform on the MoA and the design of mechanistic in vitro assays used later in the assessment. Inhibition of aromatase was best predicted by the Vega, AdmetLab and ProToxII models. Other mechanisms and exposure should be considered when making a conclusion with respect to ED effects.
High surface area g-C3N4 nanosheets as superior solar-light photocatalyst for the degradation of parabens
Authors: Stefa S. , Zografaki M. , Dimitropoulos M. , Paterakis G. , Galiotis C. , Sangeetha P. , Kiriakidis G. , Konsolakis M. , Binas V. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe rational design and development of highly-active photocatalytic materials for the degradation of dangerous chemical compounds, such as parabens, is one of the main research pillars in the field of photocatalysis. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is a 2D non-metal material and is considered one of the most promising photocatalysts, because of its peculiar physicochemical properties. In this work, porous g-C3N4 nanosheets (CNNs) were successfully prepared via thermal exfoliation of bulk g-C3N4 (CNB). A thorough physicochemical characterization analysis before and after the exfoliation process was performed, revealing the improved textural characteristics (surface area of 212 m2/g), chemical stability, and optical properties (wide band gap of 2.91 eV) of CNNs compared to the CNB. Then, both CNB and CNNs were comparatively assessed as photocatalysts for the degradation of methyl-, ethyl- and propylparaben (MP, EP, and PP), as well as of their mixture. CNNs with high surface area display superior photocatalytic performance under solar irradiation, offering > 95% degradation efficiency to all parabens, in contrast to the much inferior performance of CNB (< 30%). Several experimental parameters, involving catalyst concentration, initial concentration of parabens, and irradiation type were thoroughly investigated for the degradation of MP over CNNs. Moreover, various scavengers were employed to discriminate the role of different reactive species, revealing that superoxide anion radicals (·O2–) play a pivotal role in the degradation process, in contrast to hydroxyl radicals (·OH). The present results pave the way towards the facile synthesis of high surface area CNNs with improved textural and electronic characteristics, which can be applied in various environmental applications.
Physiological adaptations of active postmenopausal women and matched men to the multi-day Sardinia Selvaggio Blu wild trek: a gender-comparative pilot study
Authors: Morrone Marco , Boi Anna , Meloni Martina , Martinez Gianluca , Ventura Lucia , Pusole Maurizio , Ghiani Giovanna , Crisafulli Antonio , Bandiera Pasquale , Cugusi Lucia , Deriu Franca , Manca Andrea 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of wild trekking by examining, in postmenopausal women, the physiological adaptations to an intensive 5-day wild trek and comparing their responses to those displayed by a group of men of comparable age, training status and mountaineering skills.

Methods
Six healthy, active postmenopausal women in their sixth decade of life participated in the study. Six men of comparable age and training status were also enrolled for gender-based comparisons. The participants traversed the Selvaggio Blu wild trek (Sardinia, Italy) completing a total of 56 km, for an overall height differential of 14,301 m. During all 5-day trek, subjects were supervised by two alpine guides. Changes in body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and metabolic patterns of energy expenditure were evaluated before and after the intervention.

Results
Total energy expenditure during the trek was significantly higher (p = 0.03) in women (12.88 ± 3.37 kcal/h/kg) than men (9.27 ± 0.89 kcal/h/kg). Extracellular (ECW) and intracellular water (ICW) increased significantly following the trek only in women (ECW: − 3.8%; p = 0.01; ICW: + 3.4%; p = 0.01). The same applied to fat-free mass (+ 5.6%; p = 0.006), fat mass (− 20.4%; p = 0.006), skeletal muscle mass (+ 9.5%; p = 0.007), and appendicular muscle mass (+ 7.3%; p = 0.002). Peak VO2/kg (+ 9.4%; p = 0.05) and fat oxidation (at 80 W: + 26.96%; p = 0.04; at 100 W: + 40.95%; p = 0.02; at 120 W: + 83.02%; p = 0.01) were found increased only in women, although no concurrent changes in partial pressure of end-tidal CO2 (PETCO2) was observed.

Conclusions
In postmenopausal women, a 5-day, intensive and physically/technically demanding outdoor trekking activity led to significant and potentially relevant changes in body composition, energy balance and metabolism that are generally attained following quite longer periods of training.
Gastric acid challenge of lithium disilicate–reinforced glass–ceramics and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass–ceramic after polishing and glazing—impact on surface properties
Authors: Hjerppe Jenni , Shahramian Khalil , Rosqvist Emil , Lassila Lippo V. J. , Peltonen Jouko , Närhi Timo O. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objectives
To investigate the impact of simulated gastric acid on the surface properties of lithium disilicate–reinforced glass–ceramics and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass–ceramic after certain polishing and glazing procedures.

Materials and methods
Four different types of square-shaped specimens (10 × 10 × 2 mm3, n = 13) were manufactured: lithium disilicate–reinforced glass–ceramic milled and polished (LDS-P); milled, polished, and glazed (LDS-PG); milled, glazed, and no polishing (LDS-G); and milled and polished zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass–ceramic (ZR-LS). Specimens were immersed in hydrochloride acid (HCl 0.06 M, pH 1.2) to simulate gastric acid irritation and stored in the acid for 96 h in 37 °C. Specimen weight, surface gloss, Vickers surface microhardness and surface roughness (Ra, Rq, with optical profilometer), and surface roughness on nanometer level (Sq, Sal, Sq/Sal, Sdr, Sds with atomic force microscope) were measured before and after the acid immersion.

Results
ZR-LS specimens lost significantly more weight after acid immersion (p = 0.001), also surface microhardness of ZR-LS was significantly reduced (p = 0.001). LDS-G and LDS-PG showed significantly lower surface roughness (Sa, Sq) values compared to LDS-P before (p ≤ 0.99) and after (p ≤ 0.99) acid immersion and ZR-LS after acid immersion (p ≤ 0.99).

Conclusions
Gastric acid challenge affects the surface properties of lithium disilicate–reinforced glass–ceramic and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass–ceramic. Glazing layer provides lower surface roughness, and the glazed surface tends to smoothen after the gastric acid challenge.

Clinical relevance
Surface finish of lithium disilicate–reinforced glass–ceramic and zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass–ceramic has a clear impact on material’s surface properties. Gastric acidic challenge changes surface properties but glazing seems to function as a protective barrier. Nevertheless, also glazing tends to smoothen after heavy gastric acid challenge. Glazing can be highly recommended to all glass–ceramic restorations but especially in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and eating disorders like bulimia nervosa.
Galerkin–Chebyshev approximation of Gaussian random fields on compact Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Lang Annika , Pereira Mike 
Published: October 2023

AbstractA new numerical approximation method for a class of Gaussian random fields on compact connected oriented Riemannian manifolds is introduced. This class of random fields is characterized by the Laplace–Beltrami operator on the manifold. A Galerkin approximation is combined with a polynomial approximation using Chebyshev series. This so-called Galerkin–Chebyshev approximation scheme yields efficient and generic sampling algorithms for Gaussian random fields on manifolds. Strong and weak orders of convergence for the Galerkin approximation and strong convergence orders for the Galerkin–Chebyshev approximation are shown and confirmed through numerical experiments.
Turing instability for a Leslie–Gower model
Authors: Capone F. , De Luca R. , Fiorentino L. , Luongo V. , Massa G. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to investigate a reaction-diffusion Leslie–Gower predator–prey model, incorporating the intraguild predation and both self and cross-diffusion. The longtime behaviour of the solutions is analysed, proving the existence of an absorbing set. The existence of patterns is investigated by looking for conditions guaranteeing that an equilibrium, stable in the absence of diffusion, becomes unstable when diffusion is allowed.
Development of a Conceptual Model for the Patient Experience of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS): A Qualitative Targeted Literature Review
Authors: Aldhouse Natalie V. J. , Kitchen Helen , Al-Zubeidi Tamara , Thursfield Madeleine , Winnette Randall , See Tai Sandi , Zhu Linda , Garnier Nicolas , Baker Christine L. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a leading cause of kidney disease and can progress to end stage kidney disease (ESKD). An overview of symptoms and impacts of the disease experienced will help inform the selection or development of fit-for-purpose clinical outcome assessments (COA) to be used in FSGS clinical trials. This study aimed to develop a conceptual model (CM) of the adult and pediatric patient experience of FSGS including disease signs/symptoms, treatment side-effects, and impact on functioning and wellbeing.

Methods
This study comprised a systematic review and thematic analysis of qualitative studies with adults and pediatric patients diagnosed with FSGS. Data sources were identified through an electronic database search of journal articles (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO; June 2021) and hand-searching of conference proceedings, patient advocacy group websites, and gray literature. Non-English articles were excluded. Identified data (patient/caregiver quotes, author summaries, and interpretations of patient experiences) were extracted from the articles. Extracted data were qualitatively analyzed aided by ATLAS.ti v7. Codes were applied to data and concepts (symptoms/impacts) were identified, named, and refined. A CM was developed by grouping related concepts into domains.

Results
In total, 12 sources were identified for analysis: 6 journal articles and 6 series of patient testimonials. Salient sign/symptom/side-effect domains included swelling/puffiness (edema), pain/aches/discomfort, fatigue, weight changes, skin problems, respiratory problems, and sleep problems. Salient impact domains included emotional/psychological wellbeing, physical functioning/activities of daily living, social functioning, and work/school.

Conclusion
Secondary analysis of published qualitative literature permitted development of a CM describing the adult and pediatric experience of FSGS. Concept elicitation interviews are recommended to refine the CM, confirm the salient/most bothersome concepts, and confirm the extent of impact on daily life. The refined CM will provide a useful tool to inform the selection, development, and/or amendment of COAs for use in future FSGS clinical trials.
Prostate volume analysis in image registration for prostate cancer care: a verification study
Authors: Bugeja Jessica M. , Mehawed Georges , Roberts Matthew J. , Rukin Nicholas , Dowling Jason , Murray Rebecca 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCombined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) may enhance diagnosis, aid surgical planning and intra-operative orientation for prostate biopsy and radical prostatectomy. Although PET-MRI may provide these benefits, PET-MRI machines are not widely available. Image fusion of Prostate specific membrane antigen PET/CT and MRI acquired separately may be a suitable clinical alternative. This study compares CT-MR registration algorithms for urological prostate cancer care. Paired whole-pelvis MR and CT scan data were used (n = 20). A manual prostate CTV contour was performed independently on each patients MR and CT image. A semi-automated rigid-, automated rigid- and automated non-rigid registration technique was applied to align the MR and CT data. Dice Similarity Index (DSI), 95% Hausdorff distance (95%HD) and average surface distance (ASD) measures were used to assess the closeness of the manual and registered contours. The automated non-rigid approach had a significantly improved performance compared to the automated rigid- and semi-automated rigid-registration, having better average scores and decreased spread for the DSI, 95%HD and ASD (all p < 0.001). Additionally, the automated rigid approach had similar significantly improved performance compared to the semi-automated rigid registration across all accuracy metrics observed (all p < 0.001). Overall, all registration techniques studied here demonstrated sufficient accuracy for exploring their clinical use. While the fully automated non-rigid registration algorithm in the present study provided the most accurate registration, the semi-automated rigid registration is a quick, feasible, and accessible method to perform image registration for prostate cancer care by urologists and radiation oncologists now.
»Bücher wie ...« Fanliteratur von Buch-Influencern
Authors: Thomalla Erika 
Published: October 2023

ZusammenfassungDer Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit Texten, die zwischen Fanfiction- und Genre-Literatur stehen. Von Verlagen und in digitalen Buch-Communities werden diese Texte damit beworben, dass sie an berühmte Klassiker der Genreliteratur wie Harry Potter, Twilight oder Die Tribute von Panem erinnern. Sie stammen überwiegend von Buchbloggern und Buchinfluencerinnen, die im Zuge wachsender Follower-Zahlen von lesenden zu schreibenden Fans wurden. Für Verlage sind sie attraktive Debütanten, da sie bereits eine große Community mit gemeinsamen Geschmacksvorlieben besitzen. Die Übertragung findet aber nicht nur auf der Inhaltsebene statt. Auch die Vermarktungsstrategien der Vorbilder werden teilweise übernommen. Die epigonalen Bücher werden so präsentiert, als handle es sich bereits um Kultbücher oder Klassiker. In der Rezeption geht dieses Kalkül allerdings nicht immer reibungslos auf. Die digitalen Fan-Gemeinschaften erweisen sich im Hinblick auf die Frage, welche Adaptionen zulässig und originell, welche unoriginell und einfallslos sind, und inwiefern die Anforderungen an das Genre erfüllt wurden, als differenzierte Leserinnen und Leser.
Effects of a digital support tool on student teachers’ knowledge about, assessment of, and feedback on self-regulated learning
Authors: Zeeb Helene , Bürgermeister Anika , Saalbach Henrik , Renkl Alexander , Glogger-Frey Inga 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this quasi-experimental field study, we investigated the effects of a digital support tool on knowledge about, assessment of, and feedback on self-regulated learning (SRL). Student teachers (N = 119) took the roles of learners and teachers. As learners, they wrote learning journals and received feedback on the strategies they had used. As teachers, they assessed a peer’s learning strategies elicited in the learning journals and provided feedback. A digital tool supported the participants in their role as teachers by providing additional assessment support (yes/no) and feedback support (yes/no). Assessment support was realized with rubrics, feedback support was realized with sentence starters. Our results indicated that declarative and self-reported knowledge about SRL increased in all groups. Assessment support did not foster assessment skills, but feedback support fostered the quality of the peer feedback and feedback quality in a standardized posttest. High feedback quality, in turn, predicted learners’ application of organizational (but not metacognitive) strategies. We conclude that the combination of writing learning journals and providing peer feedback on SRL is a promising approach to promote future teachers’ SRL skills. Digital tools can support writing the feedback, for example, by providing sentence starters as procedural facilitators. Such support can help teachers supply high-quality feedback on SRL, which can then help learners improve their SRL.
A TMB Approach to Study Spatial Variation in Weather-Generated Claims in Insurance
Authors: Sandvig Thorsen Ingrid , Støve Bård , Skaug Hans J. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we use TMB to study spatial variation in weather-generated claims in insurance. Our motivation is twofold. By comparing with INLA, we first find that TMB is a robust and efficient approach to deal with spatial variation of covariates and the dependent variable in a case with sparse data. Second, we demonstrate how examining the spatial pattern of random effects may offer auspicious suggestions for model extensions, represented by added covariates accounting for relevant spatial characteristics. Both the approach and the results represent useful input in reaching an efficient spatial diversification of premium rates in non-life insurance.
A dynamic core evolutionary clustering algorithm based on saturated memory
Authors: Xie Haibin , Li Peng , Ding Zhiyong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBecause the number of clustering cores needs to be set before implementing the K-means algorithm, this type of algorithm often fails in applications with increasing data and changing distribution characteristics. This paper proposes an evolutionary algorithm DCC, which can dynamically adjust the number of clustering cores with data change. DCC algorithm uses the Gaussian function as the activation function of each core. Each clustering core can adjust its center vector and coverage based on the response to the input data and its memory state to better fit the sample clusters in the space. The DCC algorithm model can evolve from 0. After each new sample is added, the winning dynamic core can be adjusted or split by competitive learning, so that the number of clustering cores of the algorithm always maintains a better adaptation relationship with the existing data. Furthermore, because its clustering core can split, it can subdivide the densely distributed data clusters. Finally, detailed experimental results show that the evolutionary clustering algorithm DCC based on the dynamic core method has excellent clustering performance and strong robustness.