bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth performance, intestinal morphology, blood biomarkers, and immune response of Thinlip Grey Mullet (Liza ramada) fed dietary laminarin supplement
Authors: Abdel-Mawla Mona S. , Magouz Fawzy I. , Khalafalla Malik M. , Amer Asem A. , Soliman Ali A. , Zaineldin Amr I. , Gewaily Mahmoud S. , Dawood Mahmoud A. O. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractLaminarin is a source of immunostimulants and antioxidative biomolecules involved in supporting the performance and health of aquatic animals. Hence, this study investigated the growth performance, intestinal morphology, blood biomarkers, and immune response of Thinlip Grey Mullet (Liza ramada) fed dietary laminarin. For 60 days, mullets were fed diets supplemented with laminarin at 0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg kg−1, then the growth performance was evaluated, and samples were collected. The FBW, WG, SGR, PER, and carcass lipid content were markedly increased, while the FCR was significantly lowered by dietary 600 and 800 mg kg−1. Further, the lipase and protease activities were significantly higher in mullets fed laminarin at 600 mg kg−1than those fed 0, 200, 400, and 800 mg kg−1. The intestinal histopathological evaluation revealed that all layers of the intestinal villi and the intestinal wall appeared intact without any deteriorating changes. The intestinal mucosal lining of anterior and middle segments showed improved morphological appearance with increased goblet cells in the intestinal villi associated with increased supplemented laminarin level. The total protein, globulin, and total cholesterol were markedly higher in fish fed 400 and 600 mg kg−1laminarin than those fed 0, 200, and 800 mg kg−1. Furthermore, the lysozyme, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities were higher in mullets fed laminarin at 600 mg kg−1than those fed a laminarin-free diet. The superoxide dismutase was higher in fish fed 200, 400, and 600 mg kg−1than those fed 0 and 800 mg kg−1. On the other hand, the malondialdehyde activity was markedly decreased by 400 and 600 mg kg−1 of dietary laminarin. Overall, dietary laminarin is required at 338–761 mg kg−1to reveal the best growth performance, intestinal morphology, blood biomarkers, antioxidative, and immune response in mullets.
Behaviour and the Origin of Organisms
Authors: Egbert Matthew , Hanczyc Martin M. , Harvey Inman , Virgo Nathaniel , Parke Emily C. , Froese Tom , Sayama Hiroki , Penn Alexandra S. , Bartlett Stuart 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIt is common in origins of life research to view the first stages of life as the passive result of particular environmental conditions. This paper considers the alternative possibility: that the antecedents of life were already actively regulating their environment to maintain the conditions necessary for their own persistence. In support of this proposal, we describe ‘viability-based behaviour’: a way that simple entities can adaptively regulate their environment in response to their health, and in so doing, increase the likelihood of their survival. Drawing on empirical investigations of simple self-preserving abiological systems, we argue that these viability-based behaviours are simple enough to precede neo-Darwinian evolution. We also explain how their operation can reduce the demanding requirements that mainstream theories place upon the environment(s) in which life emerged.
Atoms, combs, syllables and organisms
Authors: Giordani Alessandro , Calosi Claudio 
Published: May 2023

AbstractMereological atomism is the thesis that everything is ultimately composed of atomic parts, i.e., parts without proper parts. Typically, this thesis is characterized by an axiom stating that everything has atomic parts. The present paper argues that the success of this standard characterization depends on how the notions of sum and composition are defined. In particular, we put forward a novel definition of mereological sum that: (i) is not equivalent to existing definitions in the literature, if no strong decomposition principle is assumed; (ii) can be used to argue that the standard characterization of atomism fails, because having atomic parts is not sufficient to be a sum of atoms; and (iii) provides a purely mereological distinction between structured and unstructured wholes, contributing to the ongoing debate on this crucial topic.
Artificial ecosystem optimization by means of fitness distance balance model for engineering design optimization
Authors: Mahdy Araby , Shaheen Abdullah , El-Sehiemy Ragab , Ginidi Ahmed 
Published: May 2023

AbstractOptimization techniques have contributed to significant strides in complex real-world engineering problems. However, they must overcome several difficulties, such as the balance between the capacities for exploitation and exploration and avoiding local optimum. An enhanced Artificial Ecosystem Optimization (AEO) is proposed incorporating Fitness Distance Balance Model (FDB) for handling various engineering design optimization problems. In the proposed optimizer, the combined FDB design aids in selecting individuals who successfully contribute to population-level searches. Therefore, the FDB model is integrated with the AEO algorithm to increase the solution quality in nonlinear and multidimensional optimization situations. The FDBAEO is developed for handling six well-studied engineering optimization tasks considering the welded beam, the rolling element bearing, the pressure vessel, the speed reducer, the planetary gear train, and the hydrostatic thrust bearing design problems. The simulation outcomes were evaluated compared to the systemic AEO algorithm and other recent meta-heuristic approaches. The findings demonstrated that the FDBAEO reached the global optimal point more successfully. It has demonstrated promising abilities. Also, the proposed FDBAEO shows greater outperformance compared to several recent algorithms of Atomic Orbital Search, Arithmetic-Trigonometric, Beluga whale, Chef-Based, and Artificial Ecosystem Optimizers. Moreover, it declares great superiority compared to various reported optimizers.
Texture synthesis for generating realistic-looking bronchoscopic videos
Authors: Guo Lu , Nahm Werner 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Purpose

Synthetic realistic-looking bronchoscopic videos are needed to develop and evaluate depth estimation methods as part of investigating vision-based bronchoscopic navigation system. To generate these synthetic videos under the circumstance where access to real bronchoscopic images/image sequences is limited, we need to create various realistic-looking image textures of the airway inner surface with large size using a small number of real bronchoscopic image texture patches.

Methods

A generative adversarial networks-based method is applied to create realistic-looking textures of the airway inner surface by learning from a limited number of small texture patches from real bronchoscopic images. By applying a purely convolutional architecture without any fully connected layers, this method allows the production of textures with arbitrary size.

Results

Authentic image textures of airway inner surface are created. An example of the synthesized textures and two frames of the thereby generated bronchoscopic video are shown. The necessity and sufficiency of the generated textures as image features for further depth estimation methods are demonstrated.

Conclusions

The method can generate textures of the airway inner surface that meet the requirements for the texture itself and for the thereby generated bronchoscopic videos, including “realistic-looking,” “long-term temporal consistency,” “sufficient image features for depth estimation,” and “large size and variety of synthesized textures.” Besides, it also shows advantages with respect to the easy accessibility to required data source. A further validation of this approach is planned by utilizing the realistic-looking bronchoscopic videos with textures generated by this method as training and test data for some depth estimation networks.
Returns to Internationalization: Business Group-Affiliated Firms vs Standalone Firms
Authors: Cho Yunok , Driffield Nigel , Banerjee Sourindra , Park Byung Il 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to explore the differential gains from internationalization for different forms of corporate governance. In particular, we seek to move from the question concerning whether firms are able to generate differential gains from internationalization, to the question of why. Our focus is on ownership structure, and the differential rates at which business group affiliated firms and standalone firms gain from internationalization. Using a unique data set of some 356 standalone and business group affiliated firms, we show that while the marginal gains from internationalization may be greater for standalone firms, business group firms are better able to exploit firm-specific assets, leveraging these into higher returns to internationalization.
Characterizing the penumbras of white matter hyperintensities in patients with cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Wang Xin , Wang Yu , Gao Deyu , Zhao Zhichao , Wang Haiping , Wang Sujie , Liu Shiguang 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPurposeThe white matter hyperintensity penumbra (WMH-P) is the subtly changed normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) that surrounds white matter hyperintensities (WMHs). The goal of this study was to define WMH-P in cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) by arterial spin labeling (ASL) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)/diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI).Materials and methodsWe prospectively analyzed 42 patients with CSVD. To determine the range of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and DTI/DKI penumbras around white matter hyperintensities, we generated NAWM layer masks from periventricular WMHs (PVWMHs) and deep WMHs (DWMHs). Mean values of CBF, fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity, mean kurtosis, axial kurtosis, and radial kurtosis within the WMHs and their corresponding NAWM layer masks were analyzed. Paired samplettests were used for analysis, and differences were considered statistically significant if the associatedpvalue was ≤ 0.05.ResultsFor DWMHs, the CBF penumbras were 13 mm, and the DTI/DKI penumbras were 8 mm. For PVWMHs, the CBF penumbras were 14 mm, and the DTI/DKI penumbras were 14 mm.ConclusionsOur findings revealed that DTI/DKI and ASL can show structural and blood flow changes in brain tissue surrounding WMHs. In DWMHs, the blood flow penumbra was larger than the structural penumbra, while in PVWMHs, the blood flow penumbra was almost the same as the structural penumbra.
Relationship between species diversity and tree size in natural forests around the Tropic of Cancer
Authors: Li Yuanfa , Ye Shaoming , Luo Yinghua , Yu Sufang , Zhang Gongqiao 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAlthough numerous hypotheses have been proposed to explain the patterns of species diversity of forests at local and landscape levels, it is still difficult to predict the alpha diversity of species, especially in tropical and subtropical natural forests where trees of different sizes and shapes are highly mixed. Size might characterize species diversity, and the possible correlation between these variables may contribute to the development of easy-to-use growth indicators to predict diversity and to understand the status of trees within a stand. In this study, diameter classes were divided using the equal diameter class (EDC) and minimum measured diameter (MMD) methods, and five species diversity indices were calculated for each diameter class of 14 permanent plots in five national nature reserves surrounding the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°), southwest China. The results show that species richness, abundance, and spatial diversity indices decreased in a typical inverted J-shape pattern with increasing diameter class and MMD, and could be easily modeled by a negative exponential function. The Shannon–Wiener index showed a linear decrease while Pielou’s evenness index displayed a linear increase, with a small degree of instability. The results suggest that species diversity in subtropical forests is closely related to tree size, and the relationship is possibly independent of habitat. Measuring DBH of some trees in a stand could be informative regarding species diversity and contribute to the investigation and assessment of biodiversity.
Moderators of exercise effects on self-reported cognitive functioning in cancer survivors: an individual participant data meta-analysis
Authors: Hiensch Anouk E. , Beckhaus Julia , Witlox Lenja , Monninkhof Evelyn M. , Schagen Sanne B. , van Vulpen Jonna K. , Sweegers Maike G. , Newton Robert U. , Aaronson Neil K. , Galvão Daniel A. , Steindorf Karen , Stuiver Martijn M. , Mesters Ilse , Knoop Hans , Goedendorp Martine M. , Bohus Martin , Thorsen Lene , Schulz Karl-Heinz , Schmidt Martina E. , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Sonke Gabe S. , van Harten Wim H. , Winters-Stone Kerri M. , Velthuis Miranda J. , Taaffe Dennis R. , van Mechelen Willem , Kersten Marie José , Nollet Frans , Wiskemann Joachim , Buffart Laurien M , May Anne M 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose
This individual participant data meta-analysis (IPD-MA) assesses exercise effects on self-reported cognitive functioning (CF) and investigates whether effects differ by patient-, intervention-, and exercise-related characteristics.

Methods
IPD from 16 exercise RCTs, including 1987 patients across multiple types of non-metastatic cancer, was pooled. A one-stage IPD-MA using linear mixed-effect models was performed to assess exercise effects on self-reported CF (z-score) and to identify whether the effect was moderated by sociodemographic, clinical, intervention- and exercise-related characteristics, or fatigue, depression, anxiety, and self-reported CF levels at start of the intervention (i.e., baseline). Models were adjusted for baseline CF and included a random intercept at study level to account for clustering of patients within studies. A sensitivity analysis was performed in patients who reported cognitive problems at baseline.

Results
Minimal significant beneficial exercise effects on self-reported CF (β=−0.09 [−0.16; −0.02]) were observed, with slightly larger effects when the intervention was delivered post-treatment (n=745, β=−0.13 [−0.24; −0.02]), and no significant effect during cancer treatment (n=1,162, β=−0.08 [−0.18; 0.02]). Larger effects were observed in interventions of 12 weeks or shorter (β=−0.14 [−0.25; −0.04]) or 24 weeks or longer (β=−0.18 [−0.32; −0.02]), whereas no effects were observed in interventions of 12–24 weeks (β=0.01 [−0.13; 0.15]). Exercise interventions were most beneficial when provided to patients without anxiety symptoms (β=−0.10 [−0.19; −0.02]) or after completion of treatment in patients with cognitive problems (β=−0.19 [−0.31; −0.06]). No other significant moderators were identified.

Conclusions
This cross-cancer IPD meta-analysis observed small beneficial exercise effects on self-reported CF when the intervention was delivered post-treatment, especially in patients who reported cognitive problems at baseline.

Implications for Cancer Survivors
This study provides some evidence to support the prescription of exercise to improve cognitive functioning. Sufficiently powered trials are warranted to make more definitive recommendations and include these in the exercise guidelines for cancer survivors.
Predicting crop damage caused by wireworms and the effect of tillage on trap efficiency
Authors: Kabaluk Todd , Chaigneau Alicia , Furlan Lorenzo 
Published: May 2023

AbstractA novel wireworm ‘probe’ trap is described, characterized, and used in field trials to (i) determine effects of different spring tillage treatments on its efficiency capturing Agriotes obscurus L. Coleoptera: Elateridae wireworms; and (ii) assess its ability to predict crop damage. In pot trials, its attractiveness to other wireworm species was determined. In a forage/grass field, spring tillage treatments included: ploughing, rototilling, glyphosate-sprayed then ploughing, glyphosate-sprayed then rototilling, glyphosate-sprayed untilled, and untilled. The number of wireworms captured in tilled treatments increased until 20 October. The number of wireworms captured in untilled treatments remained low. Subterranean CO2 levels in tilled treatments decreased after tillage and over the trapping period, suggesting the increase in captured wireworms occurred because trap CO2 levels were not overwhelmed by soil levels. The decrease in subterranean CO2 was less pronounced in untilled-glyphosate and relatively unchanged in untilled-no glyphosate, corresponding to the lower number of wireworms captured. In a separate trial determining the trap’s ability to predict crop damage, a 2 m-wide section was rototilled in grass/forage fields in the spring of Year 1. Probe traps assessed wireworm levels in August and October of Year 1 to predict crop damage for potato and corn planted in Year 2. The y-intercept of linear equations suggested that wireworms captured in October better-predicted potato damage and corn emergence although equations were significant only for August. October-captured wireworms ≤ 21 mm in length correlated better with crop damage than larger wireworms. Pot studies revealed the probe trap to also attract A. litigiousus, A. sordidus, A. brevis, and A. ustulatus.
Medical Nutrition Therapy Provided by Dietitians is Effective and Saves Healthcare Costs in the Management of Adults with Dyslipidemia
Authors: Sikand Geeta , Handu Deepa , Rozga Mary , de Waal Desiree , Wong Nathan D. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Purpose of Review
Referral to nutrition care providers in the USA such as registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) for medical nutrition therapy (MNT) remains low. We summarize research on the effectiveness of MNT provided by dietitians versus usual care in the management of adults with dyslipidemia. Improvements in lipids/lipoproteins were examined. If reported, blood pressure (BP), fasting blood glucose (FBG) glycated hemoglobin (A1c), body mass index (BMI), and cost outcomes were also examined.

Recent Findings
The synthesis of three systematic reviews included thirty randomized controlled trials. Multiple MNT visits (3–6) provided by dietitians, compared with usual care, resulted in significant improvements in total cholesterol (mean range: − 4.64 to − 20.84 mg/dl), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mean range: − 1.55 to − 11.56 mg/dl), triglycerides (mean range: − 15.9 to − 32.55 mg/dl), SBP (mean range: − 4.7 to − 8.76 mm Hg), BMI (mean: − 0.4 kg/m2), and A1c (− 0.38%). Cost savings from MNT were attributed to a decrease in medication costs and improved quality of life years (QALY).

Summary
Multiple MNT visits provided by dietitians compared with usual care improved lipids/lipoproteins, BP, A1c, weight status, and QALY with significant cost savings in adults with dyslipidemia and justify a universal nutrition policy for equitable access to MNT.
Soziale Normen und der Emissionsausgleich bei Flügen: Evidenz für deutsche Haushalte
Authors: Eßer Jana , Frondel Manuel , Sommer Stephan 
Published: May 2023

ZusammenfassungDie Bereitschaft, freiwillige Zahlungen zum Ausgleich von Emissionen an Kohlendioxid (CO2) zu leisten, hat in den vergangenen Jahren erheblich zugenommen. Eine Möglichkeit, diese Kompensationsbereitschaft weiter zu erhöhen, besteht in der Aktivierung einer sozialen Norm, indem darauf aufmerksam gemacht wird, dass ein Emissionsausgleich gesellschaftlich erwünscht ist. Vor diesem Hintergrund untersucht dieser Beitrag die Bereitschaft, die durch Flugreisen verursachten CO2-Emissionen durch den Kauf von Ausgleichszertifikaten zu kompensieren anhand eines diskreten Entscheidungsexperimentes, das in eine Erhebung aus dem Jahr 2019 eingebettet wurde. Dabei wurde eine deskriptive soziale Norm in zufälliger Weise vorgegeben, ebenso wie eine von drei Kompensationshöhen von 5, 10 oder 15 €. Im Ergebnis zeigt sich, dass 57,0 % der Probanden sich dafür entscheiden, die Emissionen eines künftig anstehenden Fluges auszugleichen. Hierbei finden sich nur geringe, statistisch nicht signifikante Unterschiede zwischen der Kontrollgruppe und der Gruppe, die mit einer sozialen Norm konfrontiert wurde.
Fatal cardiac air embolism after CT-guided percutaneous needle lung biopsy: medical complication or medical malpractice?
Authors: Pigaiani Nicola , Barbiero Giulio , Balestro Elisabetta , Ausania Francesco , McCleskey Brandi , Begni Erica , Bortolotti Federica , Brunelli Matteo , De Leo Domenico 
Published: May 2023

AbstractComputed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of the lung is a well-recognized and relatively safe diagnostic procedure for suspicious lung masses. Systemic air embolism (SAE) is a rare complication of transthoracic percutaneous lung biopsies. Herein, we present a case of an 81-year-old man who underwent CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of a suspicious nodule in the lower lobe of the right lung. Shortly after the procedure, the patient coughed up blood which prompted repeat CT imaging. He was found to have a massive cardiac air embolism. The patient became unresponsive and, despite resuscitation efforts, was pronounced dead. The pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical features, radiological evidence, and autopsy findings associated with SAE are discussed, which may, in light of the current literature, assist with the dilemma between assessing procedural complications and medical liability. Given the instances of SAE in the setting of long operative procedures despite careful technical execution, providing accurate and in-depth information, including procedure-related risks, even the rarest but potentially fatal ones, is recommended for informed consent to reduce medicolegal litigation issues.
Expression and biological function of the cellular communication network factor 5 (CCN5) in primary liver cells
Authors: Borkham-Kamphorst Erawan , Meurer Steffen K. , Weiskirchen Ralf 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe cellular (centralized) communication network (CCN) factor protein family contains six small secreted cysteine-rich proteins sharing high structural similarity. These matricellular proteins have vital biological functions in cell adhesion, migration, cell cycle progression, and control of production and degradation of extracellular matrix. However, in liver the biological functions of CCN proteins become most visible during hepatic injury, disease, and remodeling. In particular, most of the hepatic functions of CCN proteins were derived from CCN2/CTGF, which becomes highly expressed in damaged hepatocytes and acts as a profibrogenic molecule. On the contrary, CCN1/CYR61 seems to have opposite effects, while the biological activity during hepatic fibrosis is somewhat controversially discussed for other CCN family members. In the present study, we analyzed the expression of CCN5/WISP2 in cultures of different types of primary liver cells and in an experimental model of hepatic fibrosis. We found that CCN5 is expressed in hepatic stellate cells, myofibroblasts and portal myofibroblasts, while CCN5 expression is virtually absent in hepatocytes. During hepatic fibrogenesis, CCN5 is significantly upregulated. Overexpression of CCN5 in portal myofibroblasts reduced expression of transforming growth factor-β receptor I (ALK5) and concomitant Smad2 activation, whereas JunB expression is upregulated. Moreover, elevated expression of CCN5 induces endoplasmic reticulum stress, unfolded protein response and apoptosis in portal myofibroblasts. We suggest that upregulated expression of CCN5 might be an intrinsic control mechanism that counteracts overshooting fibrotic responses in profibrogenic liver cells.
Graphical abstract