bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sequence analysis of TLR4 gene in river buffalo (Egyptian breed) and SNPs association with Mastitis
Authors: Mossallam Ahlam Ahmed Abou , Nahas Soheir M. El , Osman Noha M. , Shahwan El-Hassan T , Sabry Nevien M. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background:Mastitis is a major cause of economic loss for dairy farmers and industry. River buffalo play an economically significant role in Egypt. Buffaloes with mastitis have reduced milk yield and change in milk composition. Genetic variations in the TLR4 gene have been related to several diseases in farm animals and humans including mastitis.The present investigation aims to find the genotypic variations in the TLR4 gene and their relation to mastitis in the river buffalo, Egyptian breed.Results:Eighty-one buffaloes (Egyptian breed) were tested for mastitis using SCC. 45% of the investigated buffaloes had mastitis. DNA from 30 buffaloes' blood samples (15 healthy and 15 with mastitis) were extracted and the TLR4 gene was sequenced. Twenty-one SNPs were found from which four SNPs were associated with mastitis: one in 5'UTR (c.1-g27) and 3 SNPs in the coding region at c.87, c.575, and c.576. The nucleotide variations in SNPs c.1-g27(C>A) and c.87 (C>A) were only present in buffalo with mastitis, while buffaloes with genotype CC at both locations were healthy. The AA genotype at c.87 (P.29) results in a stop codon leading to an abnormally shortened protein. The nonsynonymous SNPs c.575 A>G, and c.576 T>G shared amino acid 192 resulting in three amino acids (His192Arg/Gln). The dominant genotypes AA at c.575 and TT at c.576 were associated with mastitis resistance (OR<1.00), while recessive genotype GG at c.575 was associated with mastitis susceptibility (OR> 1.00). These two SNPs may affect their role in ligand recognition since they were in the LRR4 domain (p.174-p.197) which is part of coreceptor binding region 1.Conclusion:The present study confirms the relation between TLR4 genotypes and mastitis resistance or mastitis susceptibility in river buffalo. The study suggested four SNPs c1-g27C>A, c.87 C>A, c.575A>G, c. 576T>G,) have the potential to be markers for assisted buffalo selection to improve milk production.
Recent ice-flow acceleration and rotation in the Greenland Ice Sheet interior
Authors: Løkkegaard Anja , Colgan William , Thorsøe Kisser , Jakobsen Jakob , Hansen Karina , Khan Shfaqat Abbas 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

In the past two decades, mass loss from the Greenland ice sheet has accelerated, partly due to speedup of glaciers. However, uncertainty in speed derived from satellite products hampers detection of inland changes. In-situ measurements using stake surveys or GPS have lower uncertainties. To detect inland changes, we repeated in-situ measurements of ice-sheet surface velocities at historical locations first measured in 1959. Here, we show ice velocities have increased 5-15% across all deep inland sites. Several sites show a northward deflection of 3-4.5° in their flow azimuth. The recent appearance of a network of large transverse surface crevasses, bisecting historical overland traverse routes, may suggest a fundamental shift in local ice dynamics. We suggest that creep instability - a coincident warming and softening of near-bed ice layers - may explain recent acceleration and rotation, in the absence of a change in local driving stress. This mechanism, if included in simulations may improve projections of future ice loss.
Influence of the freezing level on Atmospheric Rivers in High Mountain Asia: WRF case studies of orographic precipitation extremes
Authors: Nash Deanna , Carvalho Leila M.V. , Rutz Jonathan J. , Jones Charles 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Atmospheric rivers (ARs) reach High Mountain Asia (HMA) about 10 days per month during the winter and spring, resulting in about 20 mm day-1 of precipitation. However, a few events may exceed 100 mm day-1, providing most of the total winter precipitation and significantly affecting water resources. This study shows that from 1979 to 2015, integrated water vapor transport (IVT) during Western HMA ARs has increased 16% while the height of the 0°C isotherm, or freezing level has increased up to 35 m. HMA ARs that have an above-average freezing level result in 10-40% less frozen precipitation compared to ARs with a below-average freezing level, increasing the risk for precipitation-related hazards such as landslides and flooding. To evaluate the importance of these trends in the characteristics of ARs, we investigate mesoscale processes leading to orographic precipitation using Advanced Weather Research and Forecasting (ARW-WRF) simulations at 6.7 km spatial resolution. We contrast two above- and below- average freezing level AR events with otherwise broadly similar characteristics and show that with a 50-600 m increase in freezing level, the above-average AR resulted in 10-70% less frozen precipitation than the below-average event. This study contributes to a better understanding of climate change-related impacts within HMA's hydrological cycle and the associated hazards to vulnerable communities living in the region.
GPX4 mRNA levels in the PMNs are negatively correlated with autoantibody production, disease activity and lupus alopecia in SLE
Authors: Yang Fangyuan , Li Liuying , Liu Huijuan , Zhang Ruilin , Liang Rongmei , Xu Wenchao , Li Yingfei , Luo Minshuang , Zhai Zeqing , Zhuang Jian , Jie Hongyu , Li Xing , Shi Xingliang , Han Xinai , He Yi , Sun Erwei 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background: Ferroptosis is a recently discovered type of regulated necrosis and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) has been recognized as a key enzyme that protects against ferroptosis. However, the significance of GPX4 inPolymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) ofsystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has not been explored. In this study, we examined GPX4 mRNA in PMNs and analyzed its association with serological and clinical features.
Methods: Real-time transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)analysis was used to determine the expression of GPX4 mRNA in PMNs from 50 SLE patients, 49 RA patients, 39 axSpA patients and 42 healthy controls(HC). The associations of the relative RNA expression levels of GPX4 with serological and clinical indicators were assessed by Spearman's correlation analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of GXP4 mRNA for SLE.
Results: GPX4 mRNA levels was lower in SLE patients than those in healthy individuals, rheumatoid arthritis(RA) patients and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) patients. GPX4 mRNA levels were negatively correlated with the numbers of positive antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) (r=-0.3072, p=0.0300), anti-dsDNA antibody (r=-0.3654, p=0.0336) and antinucleosome antibody (ANuA)(r=-0.4052, p=0.0263). GPX4 mRNA levels were also negatively correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR) (r=-0.3773, p=0.0069), C-reactive protein(CRP) (r=-0.4037, p=0.0036) and SLE Disease Activity Index(SLEDAI) score(r=-0.3072, p=0.0300). Interestingly, GPX4 mRNA levels were downregulated in patients with alopecia compared with patients without alopecia. The diagnostic capacity of GPX4 mRNA achieved high diagnostic accuracy (the area under the curve, AUC: 0.8483) with sensitivity (78.00%) and specificity (80.95%).
Conclusions: These results showed that downregulated GPX4 mRNA in PMNs of SLE patients is negatively associated with production of ANAs, disease activity and lupus alopecia, suggesting an important role of ferroptosis in SLE, high diagnostic value of GPX4 mRNA in PMNs and potential therapies targeting GPX4 for SLE patients, especially lupus alopecia.
Subjectively intense odor does not affect dream emotions during rapid eye movement sleep
Authors: Okabe Satomi , Abe Takashi 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Dreams experienced during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep have emotional features. Intervention methods for dream affectivity have recently garnered interest, and we have demonstrated that negative dreams were induced during REM sleep through exposure to a favorable or familiar odors. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms behind this phenomenon remain unclear. To address this gap, we investigated whether more intense odors could induce negative dreams, as odors tend to be perceived as more intense when they are preferred or familiar. Contrary to our hypothesis, the results of our study indicate that subjective intense odors did not induce negative dreams. We initially expected stronger odors to have a greater impact on dream emotionality, as they stimulate the brain more intensely. Notably, during arousal, weak odors tend to evoke a more potent olfactory response, while strong odors tend to produce a weaker response. To investigate whether this difference influenced the effects on dreams, we compared the respiratory activities of the strongly and weakly perceived odor groups but found no significant differences. Our findings suggest that subjectively perceived strong odors are unlikely to affect dream emotionality and may be processed differently than favorable or familiar odors.
Quantum Computing for Social Business Optimization: A practitioner’s perspective
Authors: Aljaafari Mohammed 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Currently, E-commerce is widely adopted as it is important for business management and economic growth in the new global economy, and to reach the rapid increasing population. To better manage the e-commerce, it is important to collect and evaluate the Consumer Behaviour data for decision making and optimization. The conventional computing technologies need high amount of power and time for large data analysis. Quantum computing has the potential to analyze the large amount of data more efficiently than classical computing. This paper aims to explore the core process areas that need to be consider by the practitioners for adopting quantum computing in social business. To address the objective of this study, we conducted a literature review and empirical study to explore the core process areas that need to be considered for the consideration of quantum computing in social business. The results show that limited scalability, regulatory challenges, high initial cost, limited availability of quantum resources, education and training and security are the most important process areas that need to be focused by the industry practitioners. The result of this study gives a knowledge base for research and practitioners community to develop the tools and strategies for the adoption of quantum computing in social business.
The Influence of Gamification on Medical Students’ Diagnostic Decision Making and Awareness of Medical Cost: A mixed-method study
Authors: Ishizuka Kosuke , Shikino Kiyoshi , Kasai Hajme , Hoshina Yoji , Miura Saito , Tsukamoto Tomoko , Yamauchi Kazuyo , Ito Shoichi , Ikusaka Masatomi 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
BACKGROUND The gamification of learning increases student enjoyment, and motivation and engagement in learning tasks. This study investigated the effects of gamification using decision-making cards (DMCs) on diagnostic decision-making and cost using case scenarios.METHOD Thirty medical students in clinical clerkship participated, and were randomly assigned to 14 small group. Decision-making was gamified using DMCs. The DMCs had a clinical information heading and medical cost on the front, and clinical information details on the back. First, each team was provided with brief clinical information on case scenarios. Subsequently, DMCs depending on the case were distributed to each team, and team members chose cards one at a time until they reached a diagnosis of the case. The total medical cost was then scored based on the number and contents of cards drawn. Four case scenarios were conducted. The quantitative outcomes including confidence in effective clinical decision-making, motivation to learn diagnostic decision-making, and awareness of medical cost were measured before and after our gamification by self-evaluation using a 7-point Likert scale. The qualitative component consisted of a content analysis on the benefits of learning clinical reasoning using DMCs.RESULT Confidence in effective clinical decision-making, motivation to learn diagnostic decision-making, and awareness of medical cost were significantly higher after the gamification. Furthermore, comparing the clinical case scenario tackled last with the one tackled first, the average medical cost of all cards drawn by students decreased significantly from 11,921 to 8,895 Japanese yen (p < 0.05). In the content analysis, seven advantage categories of DMCs corresponding to clinical reasoning components were extracted (information gathering, hypothesis generation, problem representation, differential diagnosis, leading or working diagnosis, diagnostic justification, and management and treatment).CONCLUSION Teaching medical students clinical reasoning using DMCs can improve clinical decision-making confidence and learning motivation, and reduces medical cost in clinical case scenarios. In addition, it can help students to acquire practical knowledge, deepens their understanding of clinical reasoning, and identifies several important clinical reasoning skills including diagnostic decision-making and awareness of medical costs. Gamification using DMCs can be an effective teaching method for improving medical students’ diagnostic decision-making and reducing costs.
Energy absorbing 4D printed meta-sandwich structures: load cycles and shape recovery
Authors: Gisario Annamaria , Desole Maria Pia , Mehrpouya Mehrshad , Barletta Massimiliano 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The present study investigates the behavior of solid cellular structures in polylactic acid (PLA), created using FDM technology (Fusion Deposition Modelling). The geometries are permanently deformed by compressive stress and then subjected to the recovery of the shape, through the application of a thermal stimulus. The structures are analyzed for medium-high and medium-low compression stresses, evaluating the mechanical properties and the absorption energy as the number of cycles varies. The study shows that the ability to absorb energy is related to the density of the model, as well as the degree of damage suffered, which increases with increasing number of load cycles. The strongest geometry is the Lozenge grid, which is the most reliable, because it shows no damage with increasing compression cycles and keeps its absorption rate almost constant. The increase in Lozenge grid density leads to an improvement in both mechanical strength and absorption energy, as well as a lower incidence of microcracks in the geometry itself due to the repeated load cycles.
Predictive Ability of the GLIM Criteria on Long-term Prognosis in Patients Staying in a Palliative Care Unit: A Prospective Study
Authors: Durmaz Funda Gökgöz , KIZILARSLANOĞLU Muhammet Cemal 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Prognostic criteria are important tools that guide the management of patients. It was aimed to evaluate the malnutrition status of the patients hospitalized in the palliative care center according to the GLIM criteria and to investigate its effect on the long-term prognosis.Materials and Methods GLIM criteria were used to evaluate the malnutrition status of the participants. In order to evaluate the prognosis, length of hospital stay(LOS), mortality, need for intensive care, mortality during hospitalization, and after discharge were considered. Comorbidities were scored according to the Modified Charlson Comorbidity Index. In addition, a questionnaire form was used to recognize the socio-demographic characteristics of the individuals.Results A total of 84 patients were included in the study [52.4% women, 56% married, and the median age 74 years(min 20, max 95)]. According to the GLIM criteria, 79.8% (n = 67) of the participants were diagnosed as malnutrition. The median LOS of the patients in the palliative care center was 15(min:1-max:135) days, and the median follow-up period after discharge was 284(min:182- max:350) days. Mortality rates of the patients with malnutrition were higher during the follow-up period compared to the patients without malnutrition. Advanced age and higher Modified Charlson comorbidity score were significantly associated with mortality. There was an inverse relationship between long hospital stay and mortality rate. There was no statistically significant relationship between gender, marital status, income and education status, and mortality. Malnutrition was more commonly diagnosed in patients with dementia, high comorbidity index, and advanced age. The regression analysis showed malnutrition, malignancy, age, COPD, and dementia were the independent predictors for mortality during the follow-up period.Conclusion Malnutrition might be an independent risk factor for mortality in inpatients in a palliative care center. Screening patients for malnutrition at regular intervals and providing early nutritional support may have positive results in terms of prognosis.
Effect of anthropogenic activity on the levels of metals in surface sediments of the Gabes Gulf (Tunisia)
Authors: Gargouri Dorra , Gzam Maher , Abida Habib 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

The Gabes Gulf, recognized for its marine productivity, is the subject of high anthropogenic pressure. The aim of this synthesis work is to present a global view of metal contamination in marine sediments in the Gabes Gulf and its relationship with anthropogenic sources. The study is based on descriptive and chemometric methods, where contamination indices were used (Enrichment Factor and Geoaccumulation Index). The examined sites, classified in an increasing order of contamination are: southern coast of Sfax, northern coast of Sfax, and Gabes coast. Contamination is mainly explained by the industrial activity of phosphate treatment. Phosphogypsum, which is the main product enriched with metals, is evacuated directly into the sea along the Gabes coast, while small quantities were evacuated into the sea in the northern coast of Sfax. In the southern coast of Sfax, only a part of the phosphogypsum leaching water is drained into the sea. The contamination indices were calculated using two different methods. The first is based on regional natural concentration of metals while the second uses mean continental crust concentrations. The first method was shown to better characterize sediment contamination. However, the second was shown to be more adequate in comparing results against those of other areas around the world.
Omega6/omega 3 ratio is high in individuals with increased sperm DNA fragmentation
Authors: Abdollahadeh Saeideh , Riasi Alireza , Tavalaee Marziyeh , Jafarpour Farnoosh , Nasr-Esfahani Mohammad Hossein 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Increased ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in spermatozoa has been positively correlated with induced lipid peroxidation and elevated sperm DNA damage. Therefore, the fatty acid composition of the individuals’ spermatozoa might be a determinant of fertility status. To that end, a case-control study was conducted including 56 infertile men (aged from 25 to 45 years) referring to Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center to investigate the relationship between sperm and seminal plasma omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio with sperm DNA fragmentation. Men were grouped into high and low percentages of sperm DNA fragmentation, and seminal and sperm parameters were assessed between the two groups. Sperm parameters (WHO criteria), oxidative stress status (BODIPY and DCF staining), residual histones (aniline blue), DNA fragmentation (TUNEL and SCSA), and plasma fatty acid composition (HPLC) were assessed. Student’s t-test and Pearson’s correlation were used as statistical methods. Individuals with high sperm DNA damage had significantly lower sperm motility, higher sperm residual histone, and lipid peroxidation. Men diagnosed with high sperm DNA damage possessed higher amounts of total saturated, monounsaturated, and omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids ratio in both sperm and seminal plasma (P < 0.05). Pearson’s correlation revealed positive correlations (P < 0.05) between omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids ratio in both sperm and seminal plasma with the percentage of sperm residual histones, DNA damage, and sperm lipid peroxidation. Overall, our results indicated that infertility caused by deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids could be diagnosed and treated by supplementation of these fatty acids in an individual’s diet.
Bibliographic mapping of animal genetic resources and climate change in farm animals
Authors: Vieira Renata , McManus Concepta 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Bibliometric mapping is a tool that allows you to visualize the academic production, as well as the publication trends over the years. In this study we carried out the bibliometric mapping of citation, co-occurrence of keywords, co-citation, and bibliographic coupling for “animal genetic resources” and “climate change”. Scopus was used to obtain the publication information and VOSViewer software to produce the maps. 1171 documents were found from authors in 129 countries from 1975 to 2022. The United States, United Kingdom and China are the top three countries producing scientific research on the topics of animal genetic resources and climate change. China is the country with the most recent publications. The United States, the United Kingdom and China stood out in almost all the analyses, but other Asian and Latin American countries appear more recently and are becoming more important in this scenario. Most of the work is related to studies involving animal adaptation, conservation, and genetic diversity, however, in recent years there has been an increasing amount of research involving genetic engineering, such as the use of genetic sequencing and SNPs. This study can help to understand new research trends in the area of animal genetic resources and climate change and can assist in the development of future actions within the research community.
Autonomous error correction of a single logical qubit using two transmons
Authors: Schuster David , Li Ziqian , Roy Tanay , Pérez David Rodríguez , Lee Kan-Heng , Kapit Eliot 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Large-scale quantum computers will inevitably need quantum error correction to protect information against decoherence. Traditional error correction typically requires many qubits, along with high-efficiency error syndrome measurement and real-time feedback. Autonomous quantum error correction (AQEC) instead uses steady-state bath engineering to perform the correction in a hardware-efficient manner. We develop and realize an AQEC scheme with transmons, that actively corrects single-photon loss and passively suppresses low-frequency dephasing. Compared to uncorrected encoding, factors of 2.0, 5.1, and 1.4 improvements are experimentally witnessed for the logical zero, one, and superposition states. Our results show the potential of implementing hardware-efficient AQEC to enhance the reliability of a transmon-based quantum information processor.