bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal and Periodic Analysis of Penumbra-Umbra Ratio for the Last Four Solar Cycles
Authors: Chowdhury Partha , Kilcik Ali , Saha Ankit , Rozelot Jean-Pierre , Obridko Vladimir , Erdelyi Robertus 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
We investigate the long-term dynamic behavior of the sunspot penum8bra to umbra area ratio by analyzing the Debrecen Photoheliographic Data9 (DPD) of sunspot groups during the period 1976–2017 (Solar Cycles 21-24). We consider all types of spots and notice that the average penumbra-umbra ratio does not exhibit any significant variation with spot latitudes, solar cycle phases as well as sunspot cycle strengths. However, the behavior of this ratio is different when we consider the latitudinal distribution of the northern and southern hemisphere separately. Our analysis indicates that the average spot ratio varies from 5.5 to 6.5 and for very large sunspots (> 5000 μhem; one μhem is 10-6 the area of millionth of visual solar hemisphere) its value rises to about 8.3. Further, we found that this ratio exhibit some kind of solar cycle trend for both smaller (area <100 μhem) and large (area > 100 μhem) sunspots. Finally, we have studied the periodic and quasi-periodic variations present in this ratio time series by the multitaper method (MTM) and wavelet technique. We found that along with the ∼11-years (solar cycle period), the penumbra to umbra area ratio data also show several mid-term variations, specifically, Rieger type and quasi-biennial periodicities.We also found that the Rieger-type of periods occurs in all cycles, but the temporal evolution and the modulation of these types of periodicities are different in different solar cycles.
Optimal foraging and neighborhood competition in Aphaenogaster ants: a field experiment with inferences on seed dispersal
Authors: DAI RAN 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Optimal foraging is a theoretical framework which assumes maximization of net-energy gain. In the field, factors such as competition may alter animal behaviors and cause deviations from the general assumptions of optimal model. In August-November 2022, a field experiment was conducted which tested optimal foraging while considering intra-specific competition in seed-seeking Aphaenogaster ants (A. famelica, A. schurri) of two subtropical forests in Kunming, Yunnan, China. Density of the ant nests were estimated using distance sampling. Six pairs of neighboring ant nests (A and B) with competitive relationships were selected, with light and heavy tuna baits (resembling ant-dispersed seeds) assigned to three distance-scenarios (near A, in the middle, near B) between each pair. Blocking treatment was employed to detect possible changes under the normal vs. reduced competition stress. Time spent on different foraging phases (food discovery, removal, transportation) was recorded to investigate ant foraging strategy in relation to food load and distance from the nests. The results showed that density of the nests was 0.27(± 0.02) nests/m2. Food-searching was accelerated in the presence of competitors, with heavier foods removed faster when positioned further from the ant nests. While optimization of the foraging process benefits ants by maximizing food-gain under the competition with rivals, intra-specific competition may ultimately drive trait-evolution in myrmecochorous plants for selecting more efficient ant seed-dispersers.
An Analysis of Gis and Gps-enabled Traffic Violationmanagement in Bengaluru City Traffic Police, Karnataka, India.
Authors: Nidasosi Vinayak , Mangoli R.N 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The twenty-first century has also been dubbed the "technological era" because everything is powered by technology and even humans live with it. Geographical Information Systems (GIS)[1] and Global Positioning Systems (GPS)1, which we use in our daily lives, plays a crucial role in the maintained order in the society, so making this the Police Department is the primary institution for maintaining order in society. And the police department has two major actions includes pre-action and post-action in the response to any violations, issues, public nuisance, anti-social behavior, and crime, among others. So with this in mind traffic management is also one of the phenomena under social order; a lack of attention to traffic management may lead to road accidents and other issues. Management of traffic violations is a tough task for the police officials to tackle and trace out manually, but at present the Karnataka State Police Department is fully fledged with technology, as a result of which the department now has E-Policing under the Karnataka Police-IT, with this discipline of geography as a professional discipline, by using GIS and GPS applications in traffic policing to prevent potential traffic violations and to tackle and trace out these issues.
Impact of Clonal Hematopoiesis in COVID-19 Patients at High Risk for Adverse Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Smith Cathy , Burugula Bala , Jones Morgan , Li Qing , Kitzman Jacob , Wong Terrence Neal 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) describes the aging-associated expansion of mutant hematopoietic cell populations. In various cohorts, CH has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality from non-hematologic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and infections, including COVID-19. Comorbidities placing individuals at risk of complications from these disorders, such as diabetes, also increase in prevalence with age and frequently co-exist with CH. How CH interacts with other aging-associated comorbidities to impact human health remains unknown.
Methods: We assessed the impact of CH on the pre-existing end-organ damage and ultimate clinical outcomes among 242 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at Michigan Medicine from March to June of 2020. In contrast to most previous studies, these patients skewed older with the majority having multiple comorbidities, which placed them at higher risk for end-organ damage and poor clinical outcomes.
Results: Overall CH was not significantly associated with increased COVID-19 mortality after controlling for other risk factors, although we did note a borderline-significant association specifically for non-DNMT3A CH mutations. In contrast, we observed a significant association between CH and pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD), which was strongest for DNMT3A mutant CH.
Conclusions: These data suggest that the clinical impact of CH is influenced by the specific gene(s) mutated and is further modified by other comorbidities and clinical risk factors frequently present in the elderly.
Effects of the anti-WSSV transgenic cyanobacterial oral agent on the development, reproduction, and physiology of the Daphnia magna
Authors: Tong Yupei , Xu Yang , Peng Wen , Shi Dingji , Li Yuqing , Jia Rui 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Trans-vp28 gene cyanobacteria have good efficacy as oral agent against shrimp white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection in shrimp and have promising applications. However, environmental safety studies of transgenic cyanobacteria are still unknown. Daphnia magna is one of the most commonly used model organism to assess toxicity of wide range of pharmaceuticals. In this study, Daphnia magna was exposed to Scenedesmus obliquus (green algae), wild Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 (cyanobacteria), transgentic Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 (cyanobacteria). When the D. magna were exposed to cyanobacterial water environment 21 days. The results showed the body structure of D. magna in all experimental groups was intact without any abnormalities. The shedding time of D. magna in the cyanobacteria group was faster than that of D. magna in the green algae group. The mean number of eggs and the total number of eggs laid by D. magna were not significantly different in these experimental groups. In the 7-day toxicology experiment, we measured the enzyme activities of acetylcholinesterase (AchE), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and gene transcription levels of D. magna. The results showed that there were no significant differences in AchE and CAT enzyme activities of D. magna in the three cyanobacteria groups. The GST enzyme activity of D. magna in the green algae group was significantly higher than that in the cyanobacteria groups. At the same time, there was no significant difference between the cyanobacteria-transfer pRL489 vector group and the cyanobacteria-transfer vp28 group. We found no significant correlation between enzyme activity levels and gene transcription levels in each group. The transgenic cyanobacteria have limited impact on the aquatic organism D. magna.
S-adenosyl-L-methionine alleviates the senescence of ADSCs through the PI3K/AKT/FOXO3a signaling pathway
Authors: Shang Lipeng , Li Xiaoxia , Ding Xiaoyan , Liu Guoxiang , Pan Zhen , Chen Xiangyan , Wang Yuelei , Li Bing , Wang Ting , Zhao Chunhua 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

BackgroundThe senescence of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) greatly compromises their therapeutic effect in regenerative medicine. Numerous studies are focusing on possible rejuvenation strategies to enhance the efficacy of autologous MSC-based therapy. S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) is a metabolite present in all living cells. However, there is little research about the effects and mechanisms of SAM on the senescence of MSCs.MethodsIn this study, the effects of SAM on adipose-derived MSC (ADSC) senescence were assessed in vitro by β-galactosidase staining, reactive oxygen species assay, cell cycle tests, and Western blot. The osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation ability changes were also detected. Mouse models of premature aging were established by subcutaneous injection of D-Galactose (D-gal). The in vivo antiaging roles of SAM were tested through behavioral tests, organ coefficient, pathological morphology, and the expression of aging-related proteins in the major organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidney. The bone density of the distal femur, as well as the volume, number, and thickness of bone trabecula were evaluated by micro-CT. The molecular mechanisms were searched and validated by transcriptome sequencing, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Small RNA interfering was used to knock down FOXO3a.ResultsIn oxidative stress–induced senescent ADSCs, SAM ameliorated the cell cycle arrest, reduced β-galactosidase activity, inhibited the expression of P53 and P21, and restored the expression of SIRT1, which significantly improved biological function. In addition, SAM also reduced the level of ROS and promoted the adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation of senescent ADSCs. Moreover, in a D-gal-induced mouse model of aging, SAM improved exercise ability and heart, liver, and kidney aging in mice. Additionally, the number and thickness of the bone trabeculae in the distal femur of the mice were increased. Transcriptome sequencing results revealed that PI3K/AKT was involved in SAM-mediated anti-senescence effects on MSCs. Mechanistically, SAM activated PI3K/AKT signaling and increased the phosphorylation of FOXO3a, resulting in a decrease in the translocation of FOXO3a to the nucleus and the inhibition of the FOXO3a activity on P21. Ultimately, this attenuated the senescence of ADSCs and improved their differentiation potential.ConclusionsIn summary, our results suggested that SAM could ameliorate the senescence of MSCs in vitro through PI3K/AKT/FOXO3a signaling. Meanwhile, SAM could also exert antiaging roles in vivo.
Analyses of Hot/Warm CO2 Removal Processes for IGCC Power Plants
Authors: Chen Shiaoguo , Wang Ping , Hopkinson David P. , Ciferno Jared P. , Duan Yuhua 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Compared with a pulverized coal power plant, the integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) has several advantages, including, among others better environmental performance and low CO2 capture cost. Hot/warm CO2 removal from syngas has also been a subject of research due to its potentially higher thermal efficiency. In this study, we proposed a generic adsorption based hot/warm CO2 removal process for IGCC power plants. Through analyses of the proposed generic process we have demonstrated that higher temperature of the hot/warm CO2 removal process will results in larger heat of adsorption, which in turns may increase energy consumption of the process. Under most of the operating temperature range, hot/warm CO2 removal process will lead to more electricity loss compared to the baseline Selexol process. However, if the adsorption step takes place at a temperature close to or higher than the highest steam temperature in steam cycle, our analysis indicates that the process may lead to minimal electricity loss. The study also provided some other insights into the pathways for hot/warm CO2 removal process to improve its energy performance through process and sorbent designs.
Mid-PRRT Response Predicts Overall Outcome in Patients with Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Authors: Halperin Reut , Tirosh Amit 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Introduction – Patients with advanced well differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasm (WD-NEN) often required both peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with subsequent chemotherapy. Although preserving bone marrow function is vital, there are no mid-PRRT response predictors, to limit radiation exposure in patients with low predicted success rate.
Purpose – To assess the utility of mid-PRRT response as a predictor for overall outcome in patients with WD-NEN.
Methods - A retrospective study of WD-NEN patients that underwent ≥4 PRRT cycles. Data gathered included demographics, tumor grade, stage, and treatment response (partial response [PR], stable disease [SD] or progressive disease [PD]) evaluated by 68Ga-DOTATATE positron emission tomography (PET)/computerized tomography (CT) pretreatment, one month after 2nd and 4th treatment cycle, six months after 4th cycle and at last follow-up.
Results - Thirty-one patients (51.6% women, age at diagnosis 62.8±1.8 years), with pancreatic (PNEN, n=15), small intestine (SiNEN, n=9), lung (LNEN, n=2) or other (n=5) NEN received PRRT, resulting in PR (n=14), SD (n=13) and PD (n=1). Patients with PNEN had superior response vs. SiNEN (p<0.05). Patients with PR at mid-treatment had higher PR rates after PRRT completion than those with SD (p=0.004), but not six months post-PRRT or at last follow-up (p>0.05 for both). On multivariable model, adjusted for age, grade and primary site, PR at mid-treatment evaluation was associated with 10.7 adjusted odds ratio for additional PR at PRRT completion (p=0.02).
Conclusion - Mid-PRRT assessment predicts subsequent response to PRRT in WD-NEN patients, allowing personalized management and reduced bone-marrow toxicity in high-risk patients.
Efficacy and safety of using a unilateral lower limb exoskeleton in neurorehabilitation: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jin Ying , Zhang Chi , Chen Lina , Zhao Weiwei , Li Zhe , Xu Xin , Xiong Bing 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Stroke remains the leading cause of both mortality and disability globally. Recovery of limb function in patients with stroke is usually poor and requires an extended period. Consequently, rehabilitation technology in stroke has gained attention. A unilateral lower limb exoskeleton (ULLE), which has an intelligent relearning feature that promotes active engagement of the patient’s brain in controlling of encouraging a patient to actively use their brain to control the unaffected limb to lead the interactive movement of both limbs, thereby achieving individualized bilateral combined functional training, was recently developed to be used in patients with hemiplegia after stroke or traumatic brain injury. However, data on the efficacy and safety of ULLE in patients with stroke are scarce. We aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of the LiteStepper® ULLE in gait training of patients with post-stroke hemiplegia.
Methods
This study was a multicenter, optimal, open, loaded, randomized controlled trial. Overall, 92 patients in their post-stroke phase from Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, The First Hospital of Jiaxing, and The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were enrolled in this study. The experimental group (EG) adopted the LiteStepper® ULLE based on a once-daily 21-day routine rehabilitation. The conventional group (CG) only underwent the once-daily 21-day routine rehabilitation.
Results
The efficacy analysis outcomes (Berg balance scale, Functional Ambulation Category scale, 6-minute walking distance, and Barthel Index) between EG and CG had significant differences (P < 0.05) (analyzed using full analysis and per protocol sets). EG showed better improvements than CG (lower limit value [EG-CG] > 2). Safety analysis showed that only one adverse event related to the device occurred during the study, which verified the safety of using the ULLE for gait training in patients after stroke.
Conclusions
The LiteStepper®ULLE is effective and safe for gait training in patients after stroke.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05360017
Changed Interleukins are Associated with Sleep and/or Cognition in Chronic Insomnia Patients：A Pilot Study
Authors: Wang Fang , Zhang Zhe-Zhe , Xia Lan , Shi Chun-yang , Chen Gui-Hai 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background: Epidemiological studies have found that insomnia is a risk factor for many diseases, such as stroke and cognitive impairment. Therefore, studying changes in markers associated with insomnia related cognitive changes is crucial to understanding insomnia. The objective of this study was to investigate whether exist difference between chronic insomnia disorder and healthy individuals for serum cytokines, if so, whether these cytokines changes are correlated with sleep and/or cognition.Methods: Forty-one patients with chronic insomnia disorder and 39 healthy demographic-matched controls were enrolled. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Rating Scales were used to assess sleep quality and emotion, respectively. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (Chinese version) and Nine Box Maze Test were employed to assess cognition. Plasma pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6sR, IL-6, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, IL-16, IL-17, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22, and IL-23) and anti-inflammatory (IL-1RA, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, and IL-28A) cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: Patients with chronic insomnia disorder: made significantly more errors on the spatial reference memory, spatial working memory, and object recognition memory tasks of the Nine Box Maze Test; had a higher level of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6sR, IL-6, IL-21, and IL-23); and had lower level of serum anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-13, and IL-28A). In patients with chronic insomnia disorder, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-28A levels were negatively correlated with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores. Cytokines (IL-10, IL-13, IL-2, IL-1β, and IL-6) in serum of chronic insomnia disorder patients were positively or negatively correlated with cognitive function (object reference memory, spatial reference memory, and object recognition memory errors on the Nine Box Maze Test).Conclusion:Patients with chronic insomnia disorder had pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokineimbalance that may be associated with insomnia and/or cognitive dysfunction severity.
Views of admitted palliative care patients and their clinicians on corneal donation discussions differ: A qualitative content analysis of semi-structured interviews
Authors: Patel Chirag , Nicmanis Mitchell , Chur-Hansen Anna , Crawford Gregory B 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Blindness from corneal opacity accounts for 2.4% of cases of blindness worldwide. There is a severe shortage of corneas for donation, globally, for transplantation and research purposes. One group of individuals who could potentially be donors are those who die within the inpatient palliative care unit. The aim of the study was to understand clinician and patient perceptions of discussing corneal donation in palliative care units.
Methods
A qualitative design was utilised with data collected through semi-structured interviews. A total of 46 interviews were undertaken involving inpatient palliative care unit patients (19) and clinicians (27) in three major inpatient palliative care units in South Australia.
Results
Very few patient participants reported being asked about corneal donations during their time in palliative care. Most inpatient palliative care unit clinicians did not raise the topic as they felt other areas of care took precedence. Inpatient palliative care unit patients thought if inpatient palliative care unit clinicians did not raise the topic, then it was not important. There were some differences between patient and clinician views, such as preference about who raises the possibility of donation and when the discussion might occur.
Conclusions
Findings suggest that patients are receptive to discussing corneal donations, but clinicians are not initiating these. This is a missed opportunity for donors and potential recipients. We recommend that clinicians routinely consider discussing organ donation as part of palliative care.
Chronotropic Incompetence and Abnormal Heart Rate Recovery in COPD: Relationship with Pulmonary Vascular Volume and Ventilatory Efficiency
Authors: Shi Minghui , Peng Yaodie , Yang Lulu , Qumu Shiwei , Huang Ke , He Ruoxi , Dong Feng , Niu Hongtao , Wang Siyuan , Yang Ting 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background: Cardiac automatic dysfunction (AD) is an established predictor of long-term mortality in patients with cardiopulmonary disease. It has been closely linked to lung blood perfusion abnormalities in pulmonary hypertension, a phenomenon that has been poorly studied in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aimed to 1) characterize computed tomography (CT), spirometry, and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) features of COPD patients with cardiac AD; and 2) estimate the association of AD with CT-derived vascular and CPET-derived ventilatory efficiency metrics.
Methods: Patients were randomly recruited and underwent clinical evaluation, spirometry, CPET, and CT. Cardiac AD was determined based on chronotropic incompetence (CI) or delayed heart rate recovery (HRR) during CPET.
Results: Among 46 patients included in the study, CI was observed in 59% and delayed HRR was present in 35%. According to multivariate analyses, patients with CI were more likely to have reduced vascular volume (VV; VV < median; odds ratio [5–95% confidence interval], 4.82 [1.17–19.80]) and low ventilatory efficiency (nadir VE/VCO2 > median ; odds ratio [5–95% confidence interval], 6.89 [1.57–30.20]). Similar results were found for delayed HRR (VV < median; odds ratio [5–95% confidence intervals], 13.45 [1.95–92.85], nadir VE/VCO2 > median; odds ratio [5–95% confidence interval], 12.33 [1.56–97.30]).
Conclusions: Cardiac AD is associated with increased pulmonary vascular volume and ventilatory efficiency. Findings suggest that lung blood perfusion abnormalities may occur in these patients, a result that requires confirmation via the assessment of a large population-based cohort.