bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seismic hazards along the Longmen Shan fault: Insights from stress transfer between major earthquakes and regional b value
Authors: YUNQIANG SUN , WEICHENG GONG , Oringe WEI , WEN JIANG 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
There are two seismic gaps (Dayi seismic gap and Tianquan-Kangding seismic gap) on the Longmen Shan fault (LMSF), despite the successively occurrence of the 2008 Mw7.9 Wenchuan and 2013 Mw6.6 Lushan earthquakes. To analyze the effects of the Wenchuan and Lushan earthquakes on the LMSF (especially on seismic gaps along the LMSF) and regional seismic hazards, we calculate Coulomb stress changes caused by the Wenchuan and Lushan earthquakes based on a three-dimensional viscoelastic finite element model. We also calculate the spatial distribution of regional b value based on the instrumental seismic catalog before Wenchuan earthquake, and infer the regional background stress level according to the inverse correlation between b value and stress level. The results show that regional earthquakes (including the 2008 Mw7.9 Wenchuan earthquake, 2013 Mw6.6 Lushan earthquake, 2014 Mw6.1 Kangding earthquake, 2017 Mw6.5 Jiuzhaigou earthquake and 2022 Mw6.6 Luding earthquake) occurred in regions with low b value. Meanwhile, subsequent earthquakes occurred in regions where Coulomb stress changes caused by the Wenchuan and Lushan earthquakes are positive. This suggests that regions with both low b value and positive Coulomb stress changes may pose higher seismic hazards. There are five regions (southern Xianshuihe fault, southernmost segment of LMSF, Dongkunlun fault, northern Xiaojinhe fault, and Hanan-Qingshanwan fault) with both high Coulomb stress changes caused by the Wenchuan and Lushan earthquakes and low b value, which may indicate high-stress accumulation and high seismic hazard in the future. The results also show that Coulomb stress changes caused by the Wenchuan and Lushan earthquakes increased significantly in the Dayi seismic gap (+ 0.214 ~ + 2.606 MPa), and Tianquan-Kangding seismic gap (+ 0.016 ~ + 0.205 MPa), while the result of high b value for the Dayi seismic gap and the northern-central segment of Tianquan-Kangding seismic gap indicates less background stress accumulation. With tectonic loading continues, seismic hazards on both seismic gaps should cause our attention.
High-quality superconducting α-Ta film sputtered on heated silicon substrate
Authors: Wu Yanfu , Ding Zengqian , Xiong Kanglin , Feng Jiagui 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Intrigued by the discovery of the long lifetime in the α-Ta/Al2O3-based Transmon qubit, researchers recently found α-Ta film is a promising platform for fabricating multi-qubits with long coherence time. To meet the requirements for integrating superconducting quantum circuits, the ideal method is to grow α-Ta film on silicon substrate compatible with industrial manufacturing. Here we report the α-Ta film sputter-grown on Si (100) with low-loss superconducting TiNx buffer layer. The pure-phase α-Ta film with a large growth temperature window has good crystalline character. The critical temperature (Tc) and residual resistance ration (RRR) in the α-Ta film grown at 500 oC are higher than that in the α-Ta film grown at room temperature. These results provide crucial experimental clues towards understanding the connection between the superconductivity and the materials' properties in the α-Ta film, and open a new route for producing high-quality α-Ta film on silicon substrate for future industrial superconducting quantum computer.
Patch Area and Uniform Sampling on the Surface of Any Ellipsoid
Authors: Marples Callum Robert , Williams Philip Michael 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Algorithms for generating uniform random points on a triaxial ellipsoid are non-trivial to verify because of the non-analytical form of the surface area. In this paper, a formula for the surface area of an ellipsoidal patch is derived in the form of a one-dimensional numerical integration problem, where the integrand is expressed using elliptic integrals. In addition, analytical formulae were obtained for the special case of a spheroid. The triaxial ellipsoid formula was used to calculate patch areas to investigate a set of surface sampling algorithms. Particular attention was paid to the efficiency of these methods. The results of this investigation show that the most efficient algorithm depends on the required coordinate system. For Cartesian coordinates, the gradient rejection sampling algorithm of Chen and Glotzer is best suited to this task, when paired with Marsaglia's method for generating points on a unit sphere. For outputs in polar coordinates, it was found that a surface area rejection sampler is preferable.
Interval-valued (p,q,r)-Spherical Fuzzy Sets and Their Applications in MCGDM and MCDM Based on TOPSIS method and Aggregation Operators
Authors: Karaaslan Faruk , Karamaz Fatih 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

The (p,q,r)-Spherical fuzzy set is a useful generalization of other fuzzy structures such as fuzzy, intuitionistic fuzzy, Pythagorean fuzzy, picture fuzzy, q-rung orthopair fuzzy, spherical fuzzy, and T-spherical fuzzy sets. Also, expressing real-life data as a subinterval of the closed interval [0,1] rather than a crisp number provides better results in fuzzy mathematics. In this paper, we define a more general concept than (p,q,r)-spherical fuzzy sets called interval-valued (p,q,r)-spherical fuzzy set (IVpqr-SFS). Set-theoretical and arithmetic operations between two IVpqr-SFSs are defined. Some results related to these operations are obtained. Two aggregation operators named interval-valued (p,q,r)-spherical fuzzy weighted arithmetic (IVpqr-SFWAA) and interval-valued (p,q,r)-spherical fuzzy weighted geometric (IVpqr-SFWGA) aggregation operators are introduced for IVpqr-SF numbers (IVpqr-SFN) and their properties of them were examined. The proposed operators are explained with examples. Furthermore, the score and accuracy functions of an IVpqr-SFN are introduced. We also define distance measures between two same types IVpqr-SFSs based on Hamming, Euclidean, and Hausdorff distance measures. Moreover, a multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) method is developed based on the TOPSIS method by using the proposed distance measures and score function, and a numerical example is given to show the process of the proposed MCGDM method. In addition, a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method is developed using the proposed IVpqr-SFWAA, IVpqr-SFWGA operators, and an illustrative example is given to show the process of the proposed MCDM method. Finally, a comparative analysis was presented between the proposed methods and the existing methods.
A critical examination of the protection level for primary producers in the first tier of the aquatic risk assessment for plant protection products
Authors: Duquesne Sabine , Brendel Stephan , Hönemann Linda , Konschak Marco , Solé Magali , Wogram Joern , Pieper Silvia 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
The aim of environmental risk assessment (ERA) for pesticides is to protect ecosystems by ensuring that specific protection goals (SPGs) are met. The ERA follows a prospective tiered approach, starting with the most conservative and simple step in risk assessment using the lowest available endpoint. For aquatic primary producers, however, the recommendation to use the lowest endpoint (referring to 50% inhibition in: “biomass” –area under the curve- EbC50, yield EyC50 or growth rate ErC50) and a default assessment factor (AF) of 10 has been changed in 2015, by switching to the sole use of the growth rate inhibition endpoint (ErC50). This study examines the implications of this change on the level of conservatism provided by the tier 1 risk assessment and evaluates whether it ensures a suitable minimum protection level.
Results
Our analysis shows that replacing the lowest endpoint with the growth rate inhibition endpoint while maintaining the AF of 10 significantly reduces the conservatism level of the tier 1 risk assessment. Comparing protection levels achieved with different endpoints reveals that the current assessment is less protective than the previously agreed assessment. To ensure a similar level of protection, we recommend to increase the AF to a minimum of 24 in the tier 1 risk assessment based on ErC50.
Independently of the endpoint selected for the tier 1 risk assessment, several issues in the general risk assessment of pesticides for aquatic primary producers contribute to uncertainties when assessing the protection levels, e.g. a lack of appropriate comparison of the surrogate reference tier with field conditions, the suitability of ErC50 for certain macrophytes species, and the regulatory framework's failure to consider realistic conditions in agricultural landscapes with multiple stressors and pesticide mixtures.
Conclusions
We advise to consider adjusting the risk assessment in order to reach at least the previously agreed protection level for aquatic primary producers. In view of multiple uncertainties pointing at a higher risk in the field as assumed in the ERA, continuing using an endpoint with a higher value and without adjustment of the assessment factor jeopardize the aim of halting biodiversity loss in surface waters.
Seasonal Variations of Arrhythmias and Their Impact on Mortality in Cancer Patients with Health Disparities: A Propensity Score Adjusted Machine Learning Analysis of Over 100 Million Hospitalizations Across 3 Years
Authors: Park Jong Kun , Monlezun Dominique , Kim Jin Wan , Going James , Khalaf Shaden , Honan Kevin , Badalamenti Andrew , Liu Victor , Barout Ahmad , Boone David , Safavi-Naeini Payam , Koutroumpakis Efstratios , Cilingiroglu Mehmet , Marmagkiolis Konstantinos , Iliescu Cezar , Karimzad Kaveh , Madjid Mohammad 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
Arrhythmias are observed to increase during high influenza activity seasons (HIA, December to February) with significant clinical impact among high-risk patients, so their outcomes may be optimized through closer monitoring of these populations. It is unknown if cancer is such a risk factor.
Methods
This is a retrospective analysis of arrhythmia-related mortality and the effect of health disparities in patients with cancer during HIA and non-HIA seasons in a nationally representative database. Machine Learning-augmented Propensity Score adjusted multivariable regression (ML-PSr) was performed using the 2016–2018 National Inpatient Sample (NIS), the United States’ largest all-payer hospitalized dataset.
Results
16,795,379 (18.48%) patients presented with arrhythmia of whom 3,214,914 (19.14%) were during HIA. In ML-PSr, HIA did not significantly increase the odds of arrhythmia for cancer patients (OR 1.01, 95%CI 0.99–1.03, p = 0.37), but the odds of arrhythmia-related mortality were higher during HIA seasons (OR 1.19, 95%CI 1.12–1.27, p < 0.001) compared to non-HIA seasons (OR 1.17, 95%CI 1.13–1.22, p < 0.001). Primary malignancies with the highest prevalence of arrhythmias during HIA were lung (19.60%), leukemia (11.49%), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) (8.24%), prostate (8.15%), and multiple myeloma (MM) (6.21%) (p < 0.001). HIA increased arrhythmia-related mortality most for the following primary malignancies by year: gastrointestinal in 2016 (OR 1.15, 95%CI 1.01–1.32, p = 0.039), leukemia in 2017 (OR 1.31, 95%CI 1.10–1.54, p = 0.002), GI in 2018 (OR 1.14, 95%CI 1.01–1.29, p = 0.029), and renal in 2018 (OR 1.54, 95%CI 1.06–2.23, p = 0.025). Among patients with active cancer and arrhythmia, African Americans had significantly greater mortality than Caucasians (OR 1.13, 95%CI 1.03–1.23, p = 0.013) independent of socio-economic and clinical confounders.
Conclusion
This study suggests arrhythmia-related mortality was higher during HIA seasons compared to non-HIA seasons in cancer patients and showed notable disparities by race and worse outcomes by primary malignancy.
Invasions and symbioses: multidimensional variability of the microbiome of an introduced ascidian species
Authors: Galià-Camps Carles , Baños Elena , Pascual Marta , Carreras Carlos , Turon Xavier 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background Animals should be viewed as holobionts, complex entities composed of an animal host and their associated symbionts. This integrated perspective recognizes that the interaction between these two components is vital for the survival of the host. This synergy can be particularly relevant in the case of invasive species, as they constantly face habitat changes, and thus play a crucial role in their introduction and adaptation success. However, our understanding on the microbiome changes of invasive species from juveniles to adults associated with different tissues remains limited.Results We reveal that the introduced ascidian Styela plicata has a highly variable microbiome, which undergoes significant changes from juvenile to adult individuals and is highly specialised for each compartment analysed (tunic, gill, and gut) in different localities. This is the first time that a distinct gill microbiome is identified in an ascidian species. The variability observed is attributed to S. plicata’s ability to acquire its resident bacteria from the surrounding water, with a subsequent differential proliferation leading to the development of clearly differentiated microbiomes in each tissue. We also observe that the microbiome varies across harbours, suggesting adaptation to local environmental conditions. Furthermore, we find that each tissue’s microbiome is strongly correlated with environmental trace element concentrations, especially in adults, where trace element levels are higher. This fact suggests that the microbiome of S. plicata can play a role by either taking advantage or disposing of trace elements, many of which are toxic. Finally, we examine the metabolic pathways attributable to each microbiome, revealing that adult microbiomes have specific metabolic pathways that might enhance tissue functionality, conferring a high adaptive potential to S. plicata to withstand new conditions during the introduction process, turning this species into one of the most successful invasive holobionts worldwide.Conclusions Our findings emphasise the need for integrative approaches to investigate animal microbiomes, considering multiple variables to fully comprehend the relationship between host and microbiome, as well as their implications for host integrity. Thus, this work confirms the complex interplay between S. plicata and its microbiomes, and how it has significant implications for the invasive success of this species.
Increased cerebrospinal fluid levels of neuroinflammatory biomarkers in athletes with persistent symptoms following sports-related concussion
Authors: Gard Anna , Vedung Fredrik , Piehl Fredrik , Khademi Mohsen , Wernersson Maria Portonova , Rorsman Ia , Tegner Yelverton , Pessah-Rasmussen Hélène , Ruscher Karsten , Marklund Niklas 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

A sports-related concussion (SRC) is often caused by rapid head rotation at impact, leading to shearing and stretching of axons in the white matter and initiation of secondary inflammatory processes that may exacerbate the initial injury. We hypothesized that athletes with persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS) display signs of ongoing neuroinflammation, as reflected by altered profiles of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, in turn relating to symptom severity. We recruited athletes with PPCS for ≥ 6 months for symptom rating using the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool, version 5 (SCAT-5) and for cognitive assessment using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). We analysed 27 CSF inflammatory biomarkers (pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokine panels) by a multiplex immunoassay using antibodies as electrochemiluminescent labels to quantify concentrations in PPCS athletes, and in healthy age-, sex- and athletically matched controls. Thirty-six subjects were included, 24 athletes with PPCS and 12 controls. The SRC athletes had sustained a median of five concussions, the most recent at a median of 17 months prior to the investigation. When comparing CSF cytokines and chemokines levels in SRC athletes and controls, we found a significant increase in eight (IL-2, TNF-α, IL-15, TNF-β, VEGF, Eotaxin, IP-10, and TARC), a significant decrease in one (Eotaxin-3), and unaltered levels of 16, and two were un-detectable. The SRC athletes reported many and severe post-concussive symptoms on SCAT5, and 10 out of 24 athletes performed in the impaired range (Z<-1.5) on cognitive testing. Individual biomarker concentrations did not correlate with cognitive function. In conclusion, based on CSF inflammatory marker profiling we find signs of ongoing neuroinflammation persisting months to years after the last sport-related concussion in athletes with prolonged and persistent post-concussive symptoms. Since an ongoing inflammatory response may exacerbate the brain injury these results encourage studies of treatments targeting the post-injury inflammatory response in sports-related concussion.
Targeting UNC-51-like kinase 1 can inhibit esophageal cancer cell proliferation and regulate autophagy
Authors: Mao Yazhen , Chen Hongquan , Chen Yong , Qian Hongyun , Chen Qing , Lin Wei , Qi Yuanlin 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) in esophageal cancer(ESCA) and its prognostic value, its effect on esophageal cancer cell growth and proliferation, and the synergistic effect of its inhibitor and cisplatin on esophageal cancer cells. Methods: 1. The expression and prognosis of ULK1 in pancancer and ESCA were analyzed with the TCGA database. 2. The effect of ULK1 knockdown on the proliferation of esophageal cancer ECA109 cells was observed in the plate colony formation assay. 3. CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry and Western blotting were used to explore the synergistic effect of cisplatin and a ULK1 inhibitor on the apoptosis of esophageal cancer cells. 4. Bioinformatics and Western blotting were used to analyze the possible mechanism by which ULK1 regulates ESCA. Results: 1. ULK1 was highly expressed in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and was negatively correlated with the prognosis of patients. 2. Knockdown of ULK1 reduced the proliferation ability of esophageal cancer cells; 3. The combination of a ULK1 inhibitor and cisplatin enhanced the toxicity to ESCC cells and induced apoptosis. 4. ULK1 may be related to autophagy in ECA cells, and the combination of a ULK1 inhibitor and cisplatin can enhance the toxicity of cisplatin by inhibiting autophagy. Conclusion: Knockdown of ULK1 or the use of small molecule inhibitors can inhibit the proliferation of esophageal cancer cells, induce apoptosis, and enhance the toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs on esophageal cancer cells, which may be related to the regulation of autophagy.
Exploring the Influence of Climatic Variables on Mycobiome Composition and Community Diversity in Lichens: Insights from Structural Equation Modeling Analysis
Authors: Yang Ji Ho , Woo Jung-Jae , Kim Wonyong , Oh Seung-Yoon , Hur Jae-Seoun 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

BackgroundLichens are symbiotic organisms composed of a fungus and a photosynthetic partner, which are key ecological bioindicators due to their sensitivity to environmental changes. The endolichenic fungi (ELF) living inside lichen thalli, are an important but understudied component of playing crucial ecological roles such as nutrient cycling and protection against environmental stressors. Therefore ELF community investigation is vital for fostering sustainable ecosystems and leveraging their ecological benefits. Deciphering the intricate relationships between ELF and their lichen hosts, alongside the influence of environmental factors on these communities, presents a significant challenge in pinpointing the underlying drivers of community structure and diversity.ResultsOur research demonstrated that locational factors were the main drivers of the ELF community structure, rather than host haplotype. Several climatic factors affected the diversity of the ELF community and contributed to the prevalence of different types of fungal residents within the ELF community. A decrease in isothermality was associated with a greater prevalence of pathotrophic and saprotrophic fungi within the ELF community, resulting in an overall increase in community diversity. By conducting a structural equation modeling analysis, we identified a robust link between climatic variables, fungal trophic mode abundance, and the species diversity of the ELF community.ConclusionThis study's discoveries emphasize the significance of examining climate-related factors when investigating ELF's structure and function. The connection between fungi and climate is intricate and complex, and can be influenced by various other factors. Investigating the potential for ELF to adapt to changing climatic conditions, as well as the potential effects of changes in ELF communities on lichen function, would be valuable research areas. We anticipate that our research results will establish a basis for numerous future ELF research projects and have a significant impact on the field.
Young People’s Sense of Agency and Responsibility towards Mental Health in Brazil: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis
Authors: Mendes Josimar Antônio Alcântara , Murta Sheila Giardini , Siston Felipe Rodrigues , Cunha Rafaela Oliveira da , Seabra Brenda Thallys Rocha , Ferreira Julyana Alves , Souza Rafael Ribeiro Alves , Santos Victor Hugo Lima , Singh Ilina , Pavarini Gabriela 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background: Young people have the potential to be effective agents within their communities, and can play a critical role in promoting their peers’ mental health and well-being. But do young people feel a sense of agency and responsibility towards promoting their peers’ mental health and well-being? This co-produced study mapped how Brazilian young people perceived their role in promoting their peers’ mental health and well-being, as well as perceived barriers to their engagement.
Methods: Participants were 46 Brazilian adolescents aged between 15 and 18 years old, recruited primarily via social media. Data were collected via focus groups and individual interviews conducted by a youth collaborator and a senior researcher. Anonymised transcripts were analysed through a reflexive thematic analysis that generated four themes.
Results: Two themes report on young people’s sense of agency and responsibility and the strategies they use to promote their peers’ mental health and well-being. Most participants felt motivated to promote mental health and many seemed very committed to providing such support; yet, others felt it was a burden or did not think it was their duty. Examples of strategies included peer-to-peer support such as listening to each other without judgement, but also collective actions such as organising support groups in the school. The other two themes report on contextual and intrapersonal issues that can impair young people’s potential to support their peers’ mental health and well-being, and included: feeling unheard or not trusted by adults, fearing judgement due to mental health stigma, and lacking skills and self-efficacy.
Conclusions: These results help advance our understanding of adolescents’ potential for taking action to promote mental health and well-being. However, their potential will not be realised unless identified barriers are addressed, for instance by providing young people with peer support training, and tackling adultism and mental health stigma.