bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increasing grain selenium concentration via genetic and agronomic innovations
Authors: Daud Mohammed Feizel Bin , Rempelos Leonidas , Cakmak Ismail , Leifert Carlo , Bilsborrow Paul 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Aims
To evaluate the potential to enhance grain Selenium (Se) concentration in wheat through agronomic innovation practices and exploitation of existing genetic variation.

Methods
Grain samples from field experiments carried out as part of the EU projects Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE-CROPS), Healthy Minor Cereals (HMC) and Quality Low Input Food (QLIF) were analysed to identify the effects of wheat species/variety, fertiliser type and crop protection regime on grain yield, grain protein and selenium concentrations.

Results
Fertiliser type significantly affected grain Se concentration. In the NUE-CROPS and QLIF trials the use of farm-yard manure (FYM) resulted in significantly higher grain Se concentration when compared with mineral fertiliser applied at the same N input level. Similarly, in the HMC trial, FYM and cattle slurry resulted in a significantly higher grain Se concentration compared with biogas digestate and mineral fertiliser. In the QLIF trials, organic crop protection resulted in significantly higher grain Se concentration when compared with conventional crop protection. The NUE-CROPS and HMC trials detected significant differences between varieties of both common wheat (Triticum aestivum) and spelt (T. spelta). Correlation analyses across the trials identified a negative correlation between yield and grain Se concentration for spelt and positive correlation between plant height and Se concentration for both species.

Conclusions
Higher Se concentrations in the taller spelt varieties suggest that there is considerable potential to breed/select for high grain Se by exploiting traits/genetic variation present in older, traditional wheat species (e.g. spelt).
Sample Size Calculations for Stepped Wedge Designs with Treatment Effects that May Change with the Duration of Time under Intervention
Authors: Hughes James P. , Lee Wen-Yu , Troxel Andrea B. , Heagerty Patrick J. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe stepped wedge design is often used to evaluate interventions as they are rolled out across schools, health clinics, communities, or other clusters. Most models used in the design and analysis of stepped wedge trials assume that the intervention effect is immediate and constant over time following implementation of the intervention (the “exposure time”). This is known as the IT (immediate treatment effect) assumption. However, recent research has shown that using methods based on the IT assumption when the treatment effect varies over exposure time can give extremely misleading results. In this manuscript, we discuss the need to carefully specify an appropriate measure of the treatment effect when the IT assumption is violated and we show how a stepped wedge trial can be powered when it is anticipated that the treatment effect will vary as a function of the exposure time. Specifically, we describe how to power a trial when the exposure time indicator (ETI) model of Kenny et al. (Statistics in Medicine, 41, 4311–4339, 2022) is used and the estimand of interest is a weighted average of the time-varying treatment effects. We apply these methods to the ADDRESS-BP trial, a type 3 hybrid implementation study designed to address racial disparities in health care by evaluating a practice-based implementation strategy to reduce hypertension in African American communities.
Mapping the scientific and technological landscape: an analysis of Nobel Prize-producing institutions
Authors: Zhang Lingche , Zhang Qiuju 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAs a prestigious international accolade in science and technology, the Nobel Prize laureates gain significant attention from researchers. Scholars strive to distill patterns and insights from various aspects of this award. This article specifically examined the institutions generating Nobel Prize-winning work, discussed the distribution and mobility patterns of laureates among different types of institutions to roughly map the scientific and technological landscape. Our research findings indicate that universities are the primary generators of Nobel Prize-winning work, accounting for approximately 70% of the institutions, and demonstrate particular adeptness in “attracting” and “retaining” laureates in mobility analysis. The remaining 30% of institutions include governmental research institutions, enterprises, and non-profit organizations. Notably, North America and Europe lead the count with over 300 counts of prize-producing institutions each, establishing themselves as major centers for Nobel Prize production. However, over the past decade, there has been a slight decline in the aggregation effect of the distribution of these institutions.
Annual Variations in the Near-Earth Solar Wind
Authors: Owens Mathew J. , Lockwood Mike , Barnard Luke A. , Yardley Stephanie L. , Hietala Heli , LaMoury Adrian T. , Vuorinen Laura 
Published: September 2023

AbstractEarth’s orbit and rotation produces systematic variations in geomagnetic activity, most notably via the changing orientation of the dayside magnetospheric magnetic field with respect to the heliospheric magnetic field (HMF). Aside from these geometric effects, it is generally assumed that the solar wind in near-Earth is uniformly sampled. But systematic changes in the intrinsic solar wind conditions in near-Earth space could arise due to the annual variations in Earth heliocentric distance and heliographic latitude. In this study, we use 24 years of Advanced Composition Explorer data to investigate the annual variations in the scalar properties of the solar wind, namely the solar wind proton density, the radial solar wind speed and the HMF intensity. All parameters do show some degree of systematic annual variation, with amplitudes of around 10 to 20%. For HMF intensity, the variation is in phase with the Earth’s heliocentric distance variation, and scaling observations for distance largely explains the observed variation. For proton density and solar wind speed, however, the phase of the annual variation is inconsistent with Earth’s heliocentric distance. Instead, we attribute the variations in speed and density to Earth’s heliographic latitude variation and systematic sampling of higher speed solar wind at higher latitudes. Indeed, these annual variations are most strongly ordered at solar minimum. Conversely, combining scalar solar wind parameters to produce estimates of dynamic pressure and potential power input to the magnetosphere results in solar maximum exhibiting a greater annual variation, with an amplitude of around 40%. This suggests Earth’s position in the heliosphere makes a significant contribution to annual variations in space weather, in addition to the already well-studied geometric effects.
Magma Ocean, Water, and the Early Atmosphere of Venus
Authors: Salvador Arnaud , Avice Guillaume , Breuer Doris , Gillmann Cédric , Lammer Helmut , Marcq Emmanuel , Raymond Sean N. , Sakuraba Haruka , Scherf Manuel , Way M. J. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe current state and surface conditions of the Earth and its twin planet Venus are drastically different. Whether these differences are directly inherited from the earliest stages of planetary evolution, when the interior was molten, or arose later during the long-term evolution is still unclear. Yet, it is clear that water, its abundance, state, and distribution between the different planetary reservoirs, which are intimately related to the solidification and outgassing of the early magma ocean, are key components regarding past and present-day habitability, planetary evolution, and the different pathways leading to various surface conditions.In this chapter we start by reviewing the outcomes of the accretion sequence, with particular emphasis on the sources and timing of water delivery in light of available constraints, and the initial thermal state of Venus at the end of the main accretion. Then, we detail the processes at play during the early thermo-chemical evolution of molten terrestrial planets, and how they can affect the abundance and distribution of water within the different planetary reservoirs. Namely, we focus on the magma ocean cooling, solidification, and concurrent formation of the outgassed atmosphere. Accounting for the possible range of parameters for early Venus and based on the mechanisms and feedbacks described, we provide an overview of the likely evolutionary pathways leading to diverse surface conditions, from a temperate to a hellish early Venus. The implications of the resulting surface conditions and habitability are discussed in the context of the subsequent long-term interior and atmospheric evolution. Future research directions and observations are proposed to constrain the different scenarios in order to reconcile Venus’ early evolution with its current state, while deciphering which path it followed.
Herd health and reproductive management associated with lamb weight gain and mortality in sub-Saharan drylands—a case from Ethiopia
Authors: Genfors Elisabeth , Lysholm Sara , Moliso Mesfin Mekonnen , Ayele Firdawok , Wieland Barbara , Magnusson Ulf , Båge Renée 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSheep are important for food and livelihood security in sub-Saharan Africa, and maximizing lamb weight gain while minimizing mortality is essential to improve production. Using the Menz sheep breeding villages of Amhara region in Ethiopia as a case study, the weight gain and mortality rate of 208 lambs were monitored during their first 5 months of life. The study was conducted in intervention and control villages, where the intervention villages were part of community-based breeding programmes and had participated in various projects aiming to improve sheep production and management. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to detect associations between weight gain from birth to 1 month, and birth to 5 months, and different lamb and ewe characteristics, farmer education, application of management routines, and presence of village level sheep management interventions. In general, lambs from intervention villages, without certain signs of diseases, whose mothers were 2 years or older, had a body condition score of more than 2 on a 5-point scale, and who originated from flocks where disease prevention strategies had been implemented, had gained more weight. Overall lamb mortality was 6.8% with most deaths occurring before 1 month of age. This study highlights that health interventions in ewes improve lamb survival and weight gain and that the care of lambs during the first month of life is crucial for overall herd productivity.
Early diagnosis and prognostic potential of RAC3 in bladder tumor
Authors: Wang Shuo , Wei Zhuo , Shu Hui , Xu Yandong , Fan Zheqi , Shuang Songtao , Li Pei , Lu Pan , Ye Chang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background and purpose
Bladder tumors are among the most prevalent malignancies in the urinary system, and RAC3 has been linked to various types of cancer. This article seeks to explore the potential of RAC3 as both an early diagnostic marker for bladder tumors and a novel therapeutic target.

Methods/patients
The expression of RAC3 in bladder tissue was detected using immunohistochemical staining. Additionally, the protein expression of RAC3 was measured and quantified through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Subsequently, the correlation between the expression level of RAC3 and bladder tumors was investigated through multifactorial analysis and survival analysis.

Results
Our findings revealed that RAC3 expression was upregulated in bladder tumor tissues. Moreover, we observed higher levels of RAC3 expression in the serum and urine of patients with bladder tumors compared to those with non-bladder tumors. Additionally, we identified a significant positive correlation between RAC3 expression levels and the stage, degree of differentiation, and infiltration of bladder tumors. Importantly, high RAC3 expression emerged as an influential factor in the poor prognosis of bladder tumors, as patients with high RAC3 expression exhibited a lower overall survival rate than those with low RAC3 expression.

Conclusion
Based on our results, RAC3 shows promise as both a marker for early diagnosis of bladder tumors and a potential therapeutic target.
Differential predictability of cognitive profiles from brain structure in older males and females
Authors: Jockwitz Christiane , Krämer Camilla , Dellani Paulo , Caspers Svenja 
Published: September 2023

AbstractStructural brain imaging parameters may successfully predict cognitive performance in neurodegenerative diseases but mostly fail to predict cognitive abilities in healthy older adults. One important aspect contributing to this might be sex differences. Behaviorally, older males and females have been found to differ in terms of cognitive profiles, which cannot be captured by examining them as one homogenous group. In the current study, we examined whether the prediction of cognitive performance from brain structure, i.e. region-wise grey matter volume (GMV), would benefit from the investigation of sex-specific cognitive profiles in a large sample of older adults (1000BRAINS; N = 634; age range 55–85 years). Prediction performance was assessed using a machine learning (ML) approach. Targets represented a) a whole-sample cognitive component solution extracted from males and females, and b) sex-specific cognitive components. Results revealed a generally low predictability of cognitive profiles from region-wise GMV. In males, low predictability was observed across both, the whole sample as well as sex-specific cognitive components. In females, however, predictability differences across sex-specific cognitive components were observed, i.e. visual working memory (WM) and executive functions showed higher predictability than fluency and verbal WM. Hence, results accentuated that addressing sex-specific cognitive profiles allowed a more fine-grained investigation of predictability differences, which may not be observable in the prediction of the whole-sample solution. The current findings not only emphasize the need to further investigate the predictive power of each cognitive component, but they also emphasize the importance of sex-specific analyses in older adults.
The local environment matters: Evidence from digital healthcare services for patient engagement
Authors: Aljafari Ruba , Soh Franck , Setia Pankaj , Agarwal Ritu 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe creation and delivery of healthcare services are being transformed through patient-engaging digital services. However, their effects on hospital performance are unclear. We build on the theoretical foundations of resource dependency and environmental munificence to identify two characteristics of the hospital’s regional environment, the population’s access to digital computing resources (computing access) and health insurance coverage (service access), that condition the effects of hospitals’ patient-engaging digital services on patient satisfaction and readmissions. We argue that these omitted environmental contingencies may help explain the inconclusive findings reported in prior empirical studies on digital services. Analysis of data collated from a national sample of 941 hospitals nested within 157 regions shows that computing access in the environment strengthens the effect of a hospital’s digital services on readmissions and patient satisfaction. By contrast, service access dampens the moderated effect of digital services and computing access on readmissions, but the effect is not the same for patient satisfaction. Our study offers theoretical and practical implications underscoring the role of environmental heterogeneity in the value hospitals realize from patient-engaging digital services.
Determinants of physical activity maintenance and the acceptability of a remote coaching intervention following supervised exercise oncology rehabilitation: a qualitative study
Authors: Weemaes Anouk T. R. , Sieben Judith M. , Beelen Milou , Mulder Louisa T. M. A. , Lenssen Antoine F. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of the study was to investigate perceived determinants of physical activity (PA) maintenance following supervised exercise oncology rehabilitation and the acceptability of a remote coaching intervention during this period.

Methods
A phenomenological qualitative study with semi-structured interviews was conducted. Nineteen participants (16 women, 3 men) were recruited from the intervention (n = 12) and control group (n = 7) of a randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of remote coaching following hospital-based, supervised exercise oncology rehabilitation. Participants in the intervention group received a 6-month remote coaching intervention after completing the exercise program, aimed at stimulating PA maintenance. The interviews were based on the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation model of Behaviour (COM-B model) and the framework of acceptability (TFA) and were coded using template analysis.

Results
Key themes regarding determinants of PA maintenance were self-efficacy, PA habits, accountability, physical complaints, and facilities. Remote coaching was perceived acceptable because it stimulated PA maintenance by offering a source of structure and social support and thereby increased accountability. Moreover, it improved confidence to perform PA, leading to increased levels of self-efficacy. The remote nature of the intervention was perceived as convenient by some of the participants, while others would have preferred additional physical appointments.

Conclusions
Cancer survivors considered remote coaching acceptable to stimulate PA maintenance following supervised rehabilitation. Interventions should focus on increasing accountability, self-efficacy, forming habits, and helping cancer survivors to overcome barriers.

Implications for Cancer Survivors
The ability to maintain PA beyond supervised exercise oncology programs depends on many determinants. Remote coaching interventions have potential to target individually relevant determinants following exercise programs in cancer survivors.
Seeking Counseling Services: A Phenomenological Study of African American Women
Authors: Smith LaToya D. , Minton Casey A. Barrio , Taylor LaKaavia , Price Eric W. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAfrican American women bear a mental health burden and are less likely to seek and receive appropriate services than their dominant culture peers. African Americans may underutilize professional counseling services due to factors such as stigma, healthy cultural mistrust, and cultural values. To date, researchers have paid limited attention to ways to break through barriers to mental health equity. This phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of ten African American women who sought service from licensed professional counselors. Participants sought help after failure of self-care and traditional supports, recognized barriers, and approached counseling as a last resort. Through counseling, they found new perspectives, surprise connections, and opportunities for growth. Findings inform communities about what counseling is (and is not) as well as different types of support that can be obtained from a professional counselor. Limitations and future research directions are discussed.
Iron and Nickel Supplementation Exerts a Significant Positive Effect on the Hydrogen and Methane Production from Organic Solid Waste in a Two-Stage Digestion
Authors: Salazar-Batres Karina J. , Durand Audrey-Anne , Constant Philippe , Moreno-Andrade Iván 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTwo-stage anaerobic digestion and trace metals (TM) supplementation are promising techniques to improve biogas production. Fe2+ and Ni2+ can improve process stability since they are part of the cofactors of enzymes and microorganisms’ growth. This work attempted to evaluate the effect of Fe2+ and Ni2+ addition on H2-rich biogas production from organic solid waste and the CH4-rich biogas production from the acidogenic effluents (AEs) enriched with TM. The TM concentrations that enhanced the hydrogen yield in the batch were 0.25 mg/L of Ni2+ and 334 mg/L of Fe2+. These concentrations were evaluated in a two-stage system. The substrate for the batch tests and fermentative reactor (first stage) was OSW. The AE generated in the first stage was the substrate to produce CH4-rich biogas in the second stage. In the first stage, the productivity achieved was 1823 ± 160 mL H2/L/day. However, TM supplementation decreased productivity by 65% since the VS removal increased. Megasphaera genus predominated in the first stage. Regarding the methanogenic reactor, the undiluted AE without TM caused the fast decay of the process. Nevertheless, the reactor operated stably after using AE enriched with TM as a substrate, and CH4 yields increased by 42%. The highest productivity achieved in the second stage was 1278 ± 42 mL CH4/L/day, operating with an organic loading rate of 2.8 gVS/L/day. The genera Proteiniphilum, Thermovirga, DMER64, Anaerovorax, and Syntrophomonas predominated in the second stage. In conclusion, AE enriched with TM can be used to recover the stability of anaerobic digesters, increasing methane production.
Updated guidelines for chronic active Epstein–Barr virus disease
Authors: Kawada Jun-ichi , Ito Yoshinori , Ohshima Koichi , Yamada Masaki , Kataoka Shinsuke , Muramatsu Hideki , Sawada Akihisa , Wada Taizo , Imadome Ken-Ichi , Arai Ayako , Iwatsuki Keiji , Ohga Shouichi , Kimura Hiroshi ,   The Committee for Guidelines for the Management of Chronic Active EBV Disease, Related Disorders (the MHLW Research Team in Japan)
Published: September 2023

AbstractChronic active Epstein–Barr virus disease (CAEBV), formerly named chronic active Epstein–Barr virus infection, is characterized by systemic inflammation and clonal proliferation of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-infected T or NK cells. As CAEBV is a potentially life-threatening illness, appropriate diagnosis and therapeutic interventions are necessary for favorable clinical outcomes. Substantial evidence regarding the pathogenesis and treatment of CAEBV has been accumulated since previous guidelines for the diagnosis of CAEBV were proposed. To reflect this evidence, we updated the guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of CAEBV to improve clinical management of the disease. The details of the updated guidelines are presented in this report. Diagnosis of CAEBV now requires confirmation of a high copy number of EBV genome and EBV-infected T or NK cells. An EBV DNA load ≥ 10,000 IU/mL in whole blood is proposed as the diagnostic cutoff value for CAEBV in this updated guideline. A standard treatment approach for CAEBV has not been established, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is considered the only curative treatment. Chemotherapy can be administered to control disease activity before HSCT.