bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variations of deep soil moisture under different vegetation restoration types in a watershed of the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Meng Tingting , Sun Pei 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe soil water content and water consumption of deep layer (200–1000 cm) of sloping farmland, grassland and Jujube orchard in Yuanzegou small watershed in the loess hilly region were studied. The results showed that (1) the soil moisture content of sloping farmland, grassland and Jujube orchard increased at first and then decreased at 0–200 cm, with mean values of 11.91%, 11.23% and 9.99% respectively; From 200 to 1000 cm, the soil moisture content decreased slowly and tended to be stable, with mean values of 11.77%, 11.62% and 9.96% respectively. (2) 200–1000 cm, the soil water storage ranged in the order of sloping farmland > grassland > Jujube orchard, with mean values of 148.78, 145.28 and 121.11 mm respectively. (3) In the 200–1000 cm soil layer, the water consumption of the Jujube orchard ranged from 21.67 to 32.97 mm, and that of grassland ranged from − 4.47 to 10.32 mm, the water consumption of deep soil in Jujube orchard was significantly higher than that in grassland (p < 0.05)., Although the Jujube orchard had obvious deep soil moisture consumption, it was insufficient to cause serious soil drying and increased farmers' income, so it can be planted locally, but the planting density should be reasonable and water-saving engineering technology should be adopted.
Brain injury biomarkers do not predict delirium in acutely ill older patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: de Alencar Júlio César Garcia , Garcez Flávia Barreto , Pinto Agnes Araujo Sardinha , Silva Lucas Oliveira Junqueira e , Soler Lucas de Moraes , Fernandez Shirley Steffany Muñoz , Van Vaisberg Victor , Gomez Gomez Luz Marina , Ribeiro Sandra Maria Lima , Avelino-Silva Thiago Junqueira , Souza Heraldo Possolo 
Published: March 2023

AbstractDelirium is a common, serious, and often preventable neuropsychiatric emergency mostly characterized by a disturbance in attention and awareness. Systemic insult and inflammation causing blood–brain-barrier (BBB) damage and glial and neuronal activation leading to more inflammation and cell death is the most accepted theory behind delirium's pathophysiology. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between brain injury biomarkers on admission and delirium in acutely ill older patients. We performed a prospective cohort study which analyzed plasma S100B levels at admission in elderly patients. Our primary outcome was delirium diagnosis. Secondary outcomes were association between S100B, NSE and Tau protein and delirium diagnosis and patients’ outcomes (admissions to intensive care, length of hospital stay, and in-hospital mortality). We analyzed 194 patients, and 46 (24%) developed delirium, 25 on admission and 21 during hospital stay. Median of S100B at admission in patients who developed delirium was 0.16 and median was 0.16 in patients who didn’t develop delirium (p: 0.69). Levels S100B on admission did not predict delirium in acutely ill elderly patients.Trial registration: The study was approved by the local institutional review board (CAPPESq, no. 77169716.2.0000.0068, October 11, 2017) and registered in Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBEC, no. RBR-233bct).
A new class of Poisson Ridge-type estimator
Authors: Ertan Esra , Akay Kadri Ulaş 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe Poisson Regression Model (PRM) is one of the benchmark models when analyzing the count data. The Maximum Likelihood Estimator (MLE) is used to estimate the model parameters in PRMs. However, the MLE may suffer from various drawbacks that arise due to the existence of multicollinearity problems. Many estimators have been proposed as alternatives to each other to alleviate the multicollinearity problem in PRM, such as Poisson Ridge Estimator (PRE), Poisson Liu Estimator (PLE), Poisson Liu-type Estimator (PLTE), and Improvement Liu-Type Estimator (ILTE). In this study, we define a new general class of estimators which is based on the PRE as an alternative to other existing biased estimators in the PRMs. The superiority of the proposed biased estimator over the other existing biased estimators is given under the asymptotic matrix mean square error sense. Furthermore, two separate Monte Carlo simulation studies are implemented to compare the performances of the proposed biased estimators. Finally, the performances of all considered biased estimators are shown in real data.
Lifestyle modification and medication use among diabetes mellitus patients attending Jimma University Medical Center, Jimma zone, south west Ethiopia
Authors: Garedow Aster Wakjira , Jemaneh Tsiyon Mekoya , Hailemariam Addisalem Gebresilase , Tesfaye Gorfineh Teshome 
Published: March 2023

AbstractDiabetes, a non-communicable metabolic disease, causes multiple complications and deaths worldwide. It is a complex, chronic disease that requires continuous medical care with multifactorial risk reduction strategies beyond glycemic control. Ongoing patient education and self-management support are critical for preventing acute complications and reducing the risk of long-term complications. There is ample evidence that healthy lifestyle choices, such as a healthy diet, moderate weight loss, and regular exercise, can maintain normal blood sugar levels and minimize diabetes-related complications. In addition, this lifestyle change has a major impact on controlling hyperglycemia and can help to maintain normal blood sugar levels. This study aimed to assess lifestyle modification and medication use in patients with diabetes mellitus at Jimma University Medical Center. Hospital-based prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1 to September 30, 2021 among DM patients who have follow-up at diabetic clinic of Jimma University Medical Center. Consecutive sampling was used until the required sample size was achieved. Data were checked for completeness, then entered into Epidata version 4.2 software and exported to SPSS version 21.0. Pearson’s chi-square test was performed to determine the association between KAP and independent factors. Variables with a p value < 0.05 were considered significant. A total of 190 participants took part in this study with a response rate of 100%. In this study, 69 (36.3%) participants had good knowledge, 82 (43.2%) moderate knowledge and 39 (20.5%) poor knowledge, 153 (85.8%) had positive attitudes, 141 (74.2%) had good practice. Marital status, Occupational status and educational status were significantly associated with knowledge and attitude towards LSM and medication use. Marital status was the only variable that remained significantly associated with knowledge, attitude and practice towards LSM and medication use. The result of this study showed that more than 20% of the participants had poor knowledge, attitude, and practice towards medication use and LSM. Marital status was the only variable which remained to be significantly associated with KAP towards LSM and medication use.
Increased SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and spread of infection without awareness among healthcare workers through 2020–2022 in a Japanese medical center
Authors: Kanamori Rie , Yan Yan , Ito Kanami , Fukuda Hiroshi , Hori Satoshi , Yamamoto Takamasa , Igawa Gene , Saito Kaori , Horiuchi Yuki , Nojiri Shuko , Nishizaki Yuji , Tabe Yoko , Takahashi Kazuhisa , Naito Toshio 
Published: March 2023

AbstractDespite Japan’s high vaccination coverage, daily numbers of new COVID-19 cases have been high. However, studies on the seroprevalence among Japanese people and the causative factors for rapid spread have remained limited. In this study, we aimed to examine the seroprevalence and associated factors in healthcare workers (HCWs) of a medical center in Tokyo using blood samples drawn at annual check-ups from 2020 to 2022. We found that of the 3,788 HCWs in 2022 (by mid-June), 669 were seropositive for N-specific antibodies (tested by Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 assay); the seroprevalence surged from 0.3% in 2020 and 1.6% in 2021 to 17.7% in 2022. Notably, our study found 325 (48.6%; 325/669) cases were infected without awareness. Among those with a previously PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection during the past three years, 79.0% (282/357) were found after January 2022, after the Omicron variant was first detected in Tokyo at the end of 2021. This study indicates the fast spread of the SARS-CoV-2 among HCWs during the Omicron surge in Japan. The high percentage of infection without awareness may be a key driving factor causing rapid person-to-person transmission, as shown in this medical center with high vaccination coverage and strict infection control measures.
Comparative physiological and biochemical mechanisms in diploid, triploid, and tetraploid watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) grafted by branches
Authors: Kaseb Mohamed Omar , Umer Muhammad Jawad , Lu Xuqiang , He Nan , Anees Muhammad , El-remaly Eman , Yousef Ahmed Fathy , Salama Ehab A. A. , Kalaji Hazem M. , Liu Wenge 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSeed production for polyploid watermelons is costly, complex, and labor-intensive. Tetraploid and triploid plants produce fewer seeds/fruit, and triploid embryos have a harder seed coat and are generally weaker than diploid seeds. In this study, we propagated tetraploid and triploid watermelons by grafting cuttings onto gourd rootstock (C. maxima × C. mochata). We used three different scions: the apical meristem (AM), one-node (1N), and two-node (2N) branches of diploid, triploid, and tetraploid watermelon plants. We then evaluated the effects of grafting on plant survival, some biochemical traits, oxidants, antioxidants, and hormone levels at different time points. We found significant differences between the polyploid watermelons when the 1N was used as a scion. Tetraploid watermelons had the highest survival rates and the highest levels of hormones, carbohydrates, and antioxidant activity compared to diploid watermelons, which may explain the high compatibility of tetraploid watermelons and the deterioration of the graft zone in diploid watermelons. Our results show that hormone production and enzyme activity with high carbohydrate content, particularly in the 2–3 days after transplantation, contribute to a high survival rate. Sugar application resulted in increased carbohydrate accumulation in the grafted combination. This study also presents an alternative and cost-effective approach to producing more tetraploid and triploid watermelon plants for breeding and seed production by using branches as sprouts.
Left atrial CT volume and CHA2DS2-VASc score predict early pulmonary vein stump thrombus after left upper lobectomy
Authors: Takumi Koji , Nagano Hiroaki , Ueda Kazuhiro , Umehara Tadashi , Tokunaga Takuya , Kamimura Go , Sato Masami , Nakanosono Ryota , Yoshiura Takashi 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to clarify the feasibility of left atrial (LA) volume measurement and CHA2DS2-VASc score for predicting the development of pulmonary vein (PV) stump thrombus after left upper lobectomy (LUL). The study population comprised 50 patients who underwent LUL for pulmonary lesions. All patients were evaluated for the development of PV stump thrombus at 7 days after LUL. LA volume was measured using preoperative CT and the CHA2DS2-VASc score was evaluated. LA volume and CHA2DS2-VASc score were compared between patients with and without the development of PV stump thrombus using the Mann–Whitney U test. Receiver–operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the accuracy of prediction of PV stump thrombus development. PV stump thrombus was detected in 17 (33.4%) of the 50 patients. LA volume was significantly greater in patients who developed PV stump thrombus than in those without thrombus (79.7 ± 19.4 vs. 66.6 ± 17.0 mL, p = 0.040). CHA2DS2-VASc score was significantly higher in patients with PV stump thrombosis than in those without thrombus (3.4 ± 1.5 vs. 2.5 ± 1.5, p = 0.039). Area under the ROC curve values for predicting PV stump thrombus were 0.679, 0.676, and 0.714 for LA volume, CHA2DS2-VASc score, and their combination, respectively. In conclusion, LA volume measured using preoperative CT and CHA2DS2-VASc score may help predict the development of PV stump thrombus after LUL.
The circadian clock in the piriform cortex intrinsically tunes daily changes of odor-evoked neural activity
Authors: Takeuchi Shunsuke , Shimizu Kimiko , Fukada Yoshitaka , Emoto Kazuo 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe daily activity in the brain is typically fine-tuned by the circadian clock in the local neurons as well as by the master circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. In the olfactory response, odor-evoked activity in the piriform cortex (PC) and olfactory behavior retain circadian rhythmicity in the absence of the SCN, yet how the circadian rhythm in the PC is achieved independently of the SCN remains elusive. Here, to define neurons regulating the circadian rhythm of the odor-evoked activity in the PC, we knocked out the clock gene Bmal1 in a host of specific neurons along the olfactory circuit. We discovered that Bmal1 knockout in the PC largely abolishes the circadian rhythm of the odor-evoked activity. We further showed that isolated PC exhibits sustained circadian rhythms of the clock gene Per2 expression. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that expression patterns of multiple genes involved in neural activity and synaptic transmission exhibit circadian rhythm in the PC in a BMAL1-dependent manner. Our findings indicate that BMAL1 acts intrinsically in the PC to control the circadian rhythm of the odor-evoked activity in the PC, possibly through regulating expression patterns of multiple genes involved in neural activity and transmission.
Xanthomonas infection and ozone stress distinctly influence the microbial community structure and interactions in the pepper phyllosphere
Authors: Bhandari Rishi , Sanz-Saez Alvaro , Leisner Courtney P , Potnis Neha 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
While the physiological and transcriptional response of the host to biotic and abiotic stresses have been intensely studied, little is known about the resilience of associated microbiomes and their contribution towards tolerance or response to these stresses. We evaluated the impact of elevated tropospheric ozone (O3), individually and in combination with Xanthomonas perforans infection, under open-top chamber field conditions on overall disease outcome on resistant and susceptible pepper cultivars, and their associated microbiome structure, function, and interaction network across the growing season. Pathogen infection resulted in a distinct microbial community structure and functions on the susceptible cultivar, while concurrent O3 stress did not further alter the community structure, and function. However, O3 stress exacerbated the disease severity on resistant cultivar. This altered diseased severity was accompanied by enhanced heterogeneity in associated Xanthomonas population counts, although no significant shift in overall microbiota density, microbial community structure, and function was evident. Microbial co-occurrence networks under simultaneous O3 stress and pathogen challenge indicated a shift in the most influential taxa and a less connected network, which may reflect the altered stability of interactions among community members. Increased disease severity on resistant cultivar may be explained by such altered microbial co-occurrence network, indicating the altered microbiome-associated prophylactic shield against pathogens under elevated O3. Our findings demonstrate that microbial communities respond distinctly to individual and simultaneous stressors, in this case, O3 stress and pathogen infection, and can play a significant role in predicting how plant-pathogen interactions would change in the face of climate change.
4× Super‐resolution of unsupervised CT images based on GAN
Authors: Li Yunhe , Chen Lunqiang , Li Bo , Zhao Huiyan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractImproving the resolution of computed tomography (CT) medical images can help doctors more accurately identify lesions, which is important in clinical diagnosis. In the absence of natural paired datasets of high resolution and low resolution image pairs, we abandoned the conventional Bicubic method and innovatively used a dataset of images of a single resolution to create near‐natural high–low‐resolution image pairs by designing a deep learning network and utilizing noise injection. In addition, we propose a super‐resolution generative adversarial network called KerSRGAN which includes a super‐resolution generator, super‐resolution discriminator, and super‐resolution feature extractor to achieve a 4× super‐resolution of CT images. The results of an experimental evaluation show that KerSRGAN achieved superior performance compared to the state‐of‐the‐art methods in terms of a quantitative comparison of non‐reference image quality evaluation indicators on the generated 4× super‐resolution CT images. Moreover, in terms of an intuitive visual comparison, the images generated by the KerSRGAN method had more precise details and better perceptual quality.
Glitches in solar-like oscillating F-type stars
Authors: Deal M. , Goupil M.-J. , Cunha M. S. , Monteiro M. J. P. F. G. , Lebreton Y. , Christophe S. , Pereira F. , Samadi R. , Oreshina A. V. , Buldgen G. 
Published: March 2023

Context. The transition between convective and radiative stellar regions is still not fully understood. This currently leads to a poor modelling of the transport of energy and chemical elements in the vicinity of these regions. The sharp variations in sound speed located in these transition regions give rise to a signature in specific seismic indicators, opening the possibility to constrain the physics of convection to radiation transition. Among those seismic indicators, the ratios of the small to large frequency separation for l = 0 and 1 modes (r010) were shown to be particularly efficient to probe these transition regions. Interestingly, in the Kepler Legacy F-type stars, the oscillatory signatures left in the r010 ratios by the sharp sound-speed variation have unexpected large amplitudes that still need to be explained.
Aims. We analyse the r010 ratios of stellar models of solar-like oscillating F-type stars in order to investigate the origin of the observed large amplitude signatures of the r010 ratios.
Methods. We tested different possibilities that may be at the origin of the large amplitude signatures using internal structures of stellar models. We then derived an analytical expression of the signature, in particular, of the amplitude of variation, that we tested against stellar models.
Results. We show that the signature of the bottom of the convective envelope is amplified in the ratios r010 by the frequency dependence of the amplitude compared to the signal seen in the frequencies themselves or the second differences. We also find that with precise enough data, a smoother transition between the adiabatic and radiative temperature gradients could be distinguished from a fully adiabatic region. Furthermore, we find that among the different options of physical input investigated here, large amplitude signatures can only be obtained when convective penetration of the surface convective zone into the underlying radiative region is taken into account. In this case and even for amplitudes as large as those observed in F-type stars, the oscillating signature in the r01 ratios can only be detected when the convective envelope is deep enough (i.e. at the end of the main sequence). Assuming that the origin of the large amplitude glitch signal is due to penetrative convection (PC), we find that the PC must extend downward the convective to radiative transition significantly (about 1 − 2Hp) in order to reproduce the large amplitudes observed for the ratios of F-type stars. This deep extension of the convective envelope causes doubt that the origin of the large amplitudes is due to PC as it is modelled here or implies that current stellar modelling (without PC) leads to an underestimation of the size of convective envelopes. In any case, studying the glitch signatures of a large number of oscillating F-type stars opens the possibility to constrain the physics of the stellar interior in these regions.
SRG/eROSITA and XMM-Newton observations of Vela Jr
Authors: Camilloni Francesco , Becker Werner , Predehl Peter , Dennerl Konrad , Freyberg Michael , Mayer Martin G. F. , Sasaki Manami 
Published: March 2023

Context. The Vela supernova remnant (SNR) complex is a region containing at least three SNRs: Vela, Puppis A, and Vela Jr. With the launch of the spectro-imaging X-ray telescope eROSITA on board the Spectrum-Röntgen-Gamma (SRG) mission, it became possible to observe the one degree wide Vela Jr in its entirety. Although several previous pointed Chandra and XMM-Newton observations are available, it is only the second time after the ROSAT all-sky survey that the whole remnant was observed in X-rays with homogeneous sensitivity.
Aims. Vela Jr is one of the few remnants emitting in the TeV band, making it an important object in shock acceleration studies. However, the age and distance determination using X-ray emission is largely hampered by the presence of the Vela SNR along the same line. With the eROSITA data set our aim is to characterize the emission of Vela Jr and distinguish it from Vela emission, and also to characterize the spectral emission of the inner remnant.
Methods. We processed the eROSITA data dividing the whole remnant into seven different regions. In addition, images of the whole remnant were employed to pinpoint the position of the geometric center and constrain the proper motion of the CCO. We also employed archival XMM-Newton pointed observations of the NW rim to determine the cutoff energy of the electrons and the expansion velocity.
Results. We find the magnetic field can vary between 2 µG and 16 µG in the NW rim. We also find that the remnant spectrum is uniformly featureless in most regions, except for two inner regions where an extra thermal model component improves the fit. We obtain new coordinates for the geometric remnant center, resulting in a separation of only 35.2 ± 15.8″ from the position of the CCO. As a result, we reinforce the association between the CCO and a proposed faint optical–IR counterpart.