bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short stories from Sphagnum of rare species, taxonomy, and speciation
Authors: Kyrkjeeide Magni Olsen , Meleshko Olena , Flatberg Kjell Ivar , Hassel Kristian 
Published: July 2023

AbstractConserving species and their genetic variation are a global priority to safeguard evolutionary potential in a rapidly changing world. Species are fundamental units in research and nature management, but taxonomic work is increasingly undermined. Increasing knowledge on the species genetic diversity would aid in prioritizing conservation efforts. Sphagnum is a diverse, well‐known bryophyte genus, which makes the genus suited to study speciation and cryptic variation. The species share specific characteristics and can be difficult to separate in the field. By combining molecular data with thorough morphological examination, new species have recently been discovered. Still, there are taxonomic uncertainties, even for species assessed on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Here, we use molecular data to examine three rare species within the subgenus Acutifolia described based on morphological characters. All species have narrow distributions and limited dispersability. First, we confirm the genetic origin of S. skyense. Second, we show that S. venustum is a haploid species genetically distinct from morphologically similar species. Lastly, S. nitidulum was found to have a distinct haplotype, but cannot be genetically separated from other red Acutifolia species. We also found high genetic variation within red Acutifolia specimens, indicating the need of further morphological examination and possibly taxonomic revision. Until then, our results have shown that genetic data can aid in prioritizing targets of conservation efforts when taxonomy is unresolved. All three taxa should be further searched for by field biologists to increase knowledge about their distribution ranges.
The prevalence of psychological distress in adults newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes: Data from the Australian 3D case‐series study
Authors: Ardouin Stephen , Ball Lauren , Burch Emily , Barton Chris , Sturgiss Elizabeth , Williams Lauren T. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIssue AddressedThis cross‐sectional analysis of the Australian 3D study aimed to determine the prevalence of psychological distress and describe its associated characteristics in adults recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.MethodsAdults (aged 18 years and over) who were recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (<6 months prior) were recruited through the Australian National Diabetes Services Scheme in 2018–2019. Demographic and health data were collected via interview‐administered telephone surveys. Hierarchical regression was used to analyse whether demographic, self‐care and clinical characteristics were associated with psychological distress, as measured by the K10 questionnaire.ResultsOf the participants (n = 223), 26.3% presented with psychological distress, with 8.4% reporting mild, 8.4% reporting moderate and 9.5% reporting severe psychological distress. Neither age, sex, body mass index or taking anti‐depressant medications were associated with the presence of psychological distress (p > .05). Being a smoker, living situation, less physical activity and poorer healthy eating beliefs and intentions were significantly associated with psychological distress in those not taking anti‐depressant medications (p < .05). Being female was significantly associated with psychological distress in those taking anti‐depressant medications (p < .05).ConclusionThe study found that psychological distress is highly prevalent in adults recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Behavioural factors such as smoking and low physical activity, as well as psycho‐social factors such as living situation, poor healthy eating beliefs and intentions were significantly associated with psychological distress. This has implications for the management of people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.So What?Psychological distress is highly prevalent in Australian adults newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, emphasising the urgent need for enhanced psychological care to support this group.
Tissue‐Matchable and Implantable Batteries Toward Biomedical Applications
Authors: Yan Bing , Zhao Yang , Peng Huisheng 
Published: July 2023

AbstractImplantable electronic devices can realize real‐time and reliable health monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of human body, which are expected to overcome important bottlenecks in the biomedical field. However, the commonly used energy supply devices for them are implantable batteries based on conventional rigid device design with toxic components, which both mechanically and biologically mismatch soft biological tissues. Therefore, the development of highly soft, safe, and implantable tissue‐matchable flexible batteries is of great significance and urgency for implantable bioelectronics. In this work, the recent advances of tissue‐matchable and implantable flexible batteries are overviewed, focusing on the design strategies of electrodes/batteries and their biomedical applications. The mechanical flexibility, biocompatibility, and electrochemical performance in vitro and in vivo of these flexible electrodes/batteries are then discussed. Finally, perspectives are provided on the current challenges and possible directions of this field in the future.
Characteristics of emergency general surgery services in Switzerland: a nationwide survey
Authors: Quaile Oliver , Perrodin Stéphanie Fabienne , Trippel Amedeo , Schnüriger Beat ,   “SwissACS”
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Objective
Running an emergency general surgery (EGS) service is challenging and requires significant personnel and institutional resources. The aim of this study was to achieve a nationwide overview of the individual EGS service organizations in public hospitals in Switzerland.

Methods
All Swiss public hospitals with a surgical and emergency department were included and contacted by telephone. General surgeons were interviewed between December 2021 and January 2022 using a standardized questionnaire.

Results
Seventy-two out of 79 public hospitals in Switzerland (91.1%) agreed to the survey. They employed 1,581 surgeons in 19 (26.4%) hospitals with < 100 beds, 39 (54.2%) hospitals with 100–300 beds, 7 (9.7%) with 300–600 beds, and 7 (9.7%) with > 600 beds. The median number of surgeons per hospital was 20.5 (IQR 13.0–29.0). Higher level of care (intermediate or intensive care unit) was significantly less available in small hospitals (< 100 beds). The median hour of designated emergency operating room capacity per day was 14 h (IQR 14–24) for all hospitals with < 600 beds and 24 h (IQR 14–24) for the largest hospitals (> 600 beds). With increasing hospital size, there was a significant increase in the number of surgical units where EGS and orthopedic trauma surgery were covered by two separate teams (21.1% vs. 43.6% vs. 85.7% vs. 100%, p = 0.035). The median number of surgeons on-call per hospital and per 24 h was 5.0 (IQR 3.3–6.0).

Conclusion
Lack of higher level of care in small hospitals, limited emergency OR capacity and short rotations of on-call teams are major drawbacks of many current EGS systems in Switzerland. Centralization of critically ill EGS patients and reorganization of surgical on-call systems to designated acute care surgery teams should be considered.
Dietary patterns, malnutrition, muscle loss and sarcopenia in cancer survivors: findings from the UK Biobank
Authors: Curtis Annie R , Livingstone Katherine M , Daly Robin M , Brayner Barbara , Abbott Gavin , Kiss Nicole 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To identify dietary patterns derived from protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and vitamin D and examine associations with malnutrition, low muscle mass and sarcopenia in cancer survivors.

Methods
This cross-sectional study included cancer survivors (n = 2415) from the UK Biobank (age [mean ± SD] 59.7 ± 7.1 years; 60.7% female). The Oxford WebQ 24-h dietary assessment estimated food and nutrient intakes. Reduced rank regression derived dietary patterns (response variables: protein [g/kg/day], PUFA [g/day] and vitamin D [μg/day]). Adjusted logistic regression analysis examined associations between dietary patterns and malnutrition, low muscle mass and sarcopenia.

Results
Three dietary patterns were identified: (i) ‘high oily fish and nuts’, characterised by higher oily fish and nuts and seeds intake; (ii) ‘low oily fish’, characterised by lower oily fish intake and higher potato intake; and (iii) ‘meat and dairy’, characterised by higher intake of meat, poultry and dairy. Eighteen percent of participants were malnourished, 5% had low muscle mass and 6.5% had sarcopenia. Odds of being malnourished were significantly lower with adherence to a ‘high oily fish and nuts’ pattern (OR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.50, 0.65) and ‘low oily fish’ pattern (OR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.73, 0.90). The ‘meat and dairy’ pattern was not associated with malnutrition. No dietary patterns were associated with low muscle mass or sarcopenia.

Conclusions
Energy-rich dietary patterns were associated with lower odds of malnutrition in cancer survivors but did not influence muscle mass or sarcopenia risk.

Implications for Cancer Survivors
Better understanding of dietary patterns may improve cancer-related outcomes for cancer survivors.
The retrofitting of ships by applying retractable bow hydrofoils: a case study
Authors: Niklas Karol , Pruszko Hanna 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIncreasing environmental requirements and a relatively long ship life of 30 years mean more attention is needed to retrofit existing ships. One possibility is using hydrofoils to reduce the ship’s resistance and improve comfort and safety in rough sea conditions. This study investigates the influence of retractable bow hydrofoils on the seakeeping performance and operational conditions of a selected case study vessel (V-shaped bulbous bow). The methods used were full-scale computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and towing tank experiments for validation. The analysis was conducted for bow waves of different lengths and a ship’s operating speed. The most beneficial effect of hydrofoils was observed for wavelengths from λ/LWL = 1.0 to λ/LWL = 1.2. For the wavelength λ/LWL = 1.2, the reduction of heave motion was equal to 33%, pitch motion was equivalent to 28%, and the reduction of wave-added resistance was equal to 25%. The analysis also showed unfavourable conditions for which hydrofoil folding is needed to avoid causing an excessive increase in resistance. A generalized procedure has been developed to assess the potential for resistance and motion reduction by retrofitting existing ships using hydrofoils.
A new Gondwanan mayfly family from the Lower Cretaceous Crato Formation, Brazil (Ephemeroptera: Siphlonuroidea: Astraeopteridae fam. nov.)
Authors: Storari Arianny P. , Staniczek Arnold H. , Godunko Roman J. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe adult holotype of the fossil mayfly Astraeoptera cretacica Brandão et al. 2021 from the Cretaceous Crato Formation, Brazil, is reviewed and attributed to a new family Astraeopteridae fam. nov. Based on alate specimens, we also describe further new representatives of Astraeopteridae fam. nov., namely Astraeoptera vitrea sp. nov. and Astraeoptera oligovenata sp. nov., as well as the new genus and species Eosophobia acuta gen. et sp. nov. A subsequent character analysis of the new material suggests systematic affinities of Astraeopteridae fam. nov. with those extant families of Siphlonuroidea distributed in the Southern Hemisphere. These newly described fossil Siphlonuroidea from the Cretaceous of Brazil thus add to the biogeography and systematics of mayflies.
Extreme seasonal water-level changes and hydraulic modeling of deep, high-altitude, glacial-carved, Himalayan lakes
Authors: Camassa R. , Eidam E. F. , Leve L. G. , McLaughlin R. M. , Seim H. E. , Sharma S. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractHimalayan lakes represent critical water resources, culturally important waterbodies, and potential hazards. Some of these lakes experience dramatic water-level changes, responding to seasonal monsoon rains and post-monsoonal draining. To address the paucity of direct observations of hydrology in retreating mountain glacial systems, we describe a field program in a series of high altitude lakes in Sagarmatha National Park, adjacent to Ngozumba, the largest glacier in Nepal. In situ observations find extreme (>12 m) seasonal water-level changes in a 60-m deep lateral-moraine-dammed lake (lacking surface outflow), during a 16-month period, equivalent to a 5 $$\times 10^6$$

×

10
6

m$$^3$$

3

volume change annually. The water column thermal structure was also monitored over the same period. A hydraulic model is constructed, validated against observed water levels, and used to estimate hydraulic conductivities of the moraine soils damming the lake and improves our understanding of this complex hydrological system. Our findings indicate that lake level compared to the damming glacier surface height is the key criterion for large lake fluctuations, while lakes lying below the glacier surface, regulated by surface outflow, possess only minor seasonal water-level fluctuations. Thus, lakes adjacent to glaciers may exhibit very different filling/draining dynamics based on presence/absence of surface outflows and elevation relative to retreating glaciers, and consequently may have very different fates in the next few decades as the climate warms.
A promising predictive biomarker combined EBV NDA with PNI for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in nonendemic area of China
Authors: He Qiao , Huang Yecai , Yuan Linjia , Wang Zuo , Wang Qiuju , Liu Daduan , Li Luona , Li Xianbing , Cao Zhi , Wang Dongsheng , Yang Mu 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn endemic areas, EBV DNA is used to guide diagnosis, detect recurrence and distant metastasis of NPC. Until now, the importance of EBV DNA in the prediction of NPC has received little attention in non-endemic regions. To explore the prognostic value of EBV DNA alone or in combination with PNI in NPC patients from a non-endemic area of China. In this retrospective study, 493 NPC patients were enrolled. Clinical pathologic data, pre-treatment plasma EBV DNA, and laboratory tests were all performed. A standard anticancer treatment was prescribed, and follow up data were collected. EBV DNA was found to be positively related to clinical stage (r = 0.357, P < 0.001), T stage (r = 0.193, P < 0.001), N stage (r = 0.281, P < 0.001), and M stage (r = 0.215, P < 0.001). The difference in EBV DNA loads between clinical stage, T, N and M stage was statistically significant (P < 0.001). In this study, the best cutoff value for EBV-DNA to distinguish the prognosis of NPC was 262.7 copies/ml. The 5-year OS of patients in the EBV-DNA ≤ 262.7 copies/ml group and EBV-DNA > 262.7 copies/ml group was 88% and 65.3%, respectively (P < 0.001). EBV-DNA and PNI were found to be independent prognostic factors for OS in multivariate analysis (P < 0.05). EBV-DNA was independent prognostic factors for PFS. In predicting NPC patients OS, the novel combination marker of EBV DNA and PNI outperformed TNM staging (AUC: 0.709 vs. 0.675). In addition, the difference between EBV + PNI and EBV + TNM was not statistically significant for OS or PFS (P > 0.05). This novel combination biomarker was a promising biomarker for predicting NPC survival and may one day guide treatment option.
The effect of load on spatial statistical learning
Authors: Amsalem Nadav , Sahar Tomer , Makovski Tal 
Published: July 2023

AbstractStatistical learning (SL), the extraction of regularities embedded in the environment, is often viewed as a fundamental and effortless process. However, whether spatial SL requires resources, or it can operate in parallel to other demands, is still not clear. To examine this issue, we tested spatial SL using the standard lab experiment under concurrent demands: high- and low-cognitive load (Experiment 1) and, spatial memory load (Experiment 2) during the familiarization phase. We found that any type of high-load demands during the familiarization abolished learning. Experiment 3 compared SL under spatial low-load and no-load. We found robust learning in the no-load condition that was dramatically reduced in the low-load condition. Finally, we compared a no-load condition with a very low-load, infrequent dot-probe condition that posed minimal demands while still requiring attention to the display (Experiment 4). The results showed, once again, that any concurrent task during the familiarization phase largely impaired spatial SL. Taken together, we conclude that spatial SL requires resources, a finding that challenges the view that the extraction of spatial regularities is automatic and implicit and suggests that this fundamental learning process is not as effortless as was typically assumed. We further discuss the practical and methodological implications of these findings.
Enhanced performance of gene expression predictive models with protein-mediated spatial chromatin interactions
Authors: Chiliński Mateusz , Lipiński Jakub , Agarwal Abhishek , Ruan Yijun , Plewczynski Dariusz 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThere have been multiple attempts to predict the expression of the genes based on the sequence, epigenetics, and various other factors. To improve those predictions, we have decided to investigate adding protein-specific 3D interactions that play a significant role in the condensation of the chromatin structure in the cell nucleus. To achieve this, we have used the architecture of one of the state-of-the-art algorithms, ExPecto, and investigated the changes in the model metrics upon adding the spatially relevant data. We have used ChIA-PET interactions that are mediated by cohesin (24 cell lines), CTCF (4 cell lines), and RNAPOL2 (4 cell lines). As the output of the study, we have developed the Spatial Gene Expression (SpEx) algorithm that shows statistically significant improvements in most cell lines. We have compared ourselves to the baseline ExPecto model, which obtained a 0.82 Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (SCC) score, and 0.85, which is reported by newer Enformer were able to obtain the average correlation score of 0.83. However, in some cases (e.g. RNAPOL2 on GM12878), our improvement reached 0.04, and in some cases (e.g. RNAPOL2 on H1), we reached an SCC of 0.86.
A quantitative method for the determination of rock fragmentation based on crack density and crack saturation
Authors: Xiao Yao , Deng Huafeng , Li Jianlin , Zhou Meiling , Assefa Eleyas , Chen Xingzhou 
Published: July 2023

AbstractRock mechanics tests are essential for advancing theoretical and practical knowledge in the field. The rock failure mechanism can be studied by analyzing the failure characteristics of rock samples through mechanical tests. However, despite their usefulness, quantitative rock classification systems still possess certain limitations that need to be addressed. The main objective of this paper was to develop a comprehensive quantitative rock classification system based on rock failure characteristics. The rock classification indices, including crack density and crack saturation, were systematically introduced based on rigorous statistical analyses conducted on a diverse set of 200 rock samples. In particular, the crack saturation index serves as a crucial metric that primarily captures and quantifies the extent of actual crack propagation within the rock samples. Moreover, it is important to note that the two evaluation indices, crack density and crack saturation, work in harmony and complement each other, enhancing the overall understanding of rock fragmentation and failure characteristics. By taking into account both crack density and crack saturation, the proposed method effectively categorizes rock fragmentation into five distinct classes, namely “relatively intact”, “slightly fragmented”, “fragmented”, “very fragmented” and “extremely fragmented.” The validation process confirmed the efficacy of the proposed classification method in accurately capturing the crack-propagation characteristics of rocks. This outcome is highly significant as it significantly advances ones understanding of rock failure mechanisms and provides valuable insights into the overall characteristics of rocks.
Exploring the benefits of inoculated cowpeas under different climatic conditions in Namibia
Authors: Rasche Livia , Becker Joscha N. , Chimwamurombe Percy , Eschenbach Annette , Gröngröft Alexander , Jeong Jihye , Luther-Mosebach Jona , Reinhold-Hurek Barbara , Sarkar Abhijit , Schneider Uwe A. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractCowpeas (Vigna uniculataL. Walp) are grown by many smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa for food and their ability to fix nitrogen even under stress. Their performance depends on the indigenous rhizobial strains that live in symbiotic association with the roots; it can be enhanced if the seeds are inoculated with more effective ones. Data of the effectiveness of the technique under a variety of climatic conditions is rare. Here, we thus use a model to upscale two field experiments conducted in Namibia to include different climate change scenarios. The simulations show that non-inoculated cowpeas have mean yields of 0.5 t/ha and inoculated cowpeas 1 t/ha. If climatic conditions are favorable (cool and wet), estimated yield differences increase to over 1 t/ha. In dry years (< 200 mm), the average yield difference is only 0.1 t/ha. In the far future (2080–2100), instances of dry and hot years will increase. Using inoculated cowpea seeds instead of non-inoculated ones thus does not benefit farmers as much then as in the near future (2030–2050). In conclusion, using cowpea seeds inoculated with an efficient rhizobial strain can significantly increase yields under varying climatic conditions, but yield advantages decrease markedly in very dry and hot years.
Predictors of treatment outcomes following treat-and-extend regimen with aflibercept for branch retinal vein occlusion: post-hoc analysis of the PLATON trial
Authors: Son Wonyung , Jeong Woo Jin , Park Jung Min , Kim Jung-Yeul , Ji Yong-Sok , Sagong Min 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe investigated predictors of visual outcomes and injection interval in macular edema (ME) secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) treated with a treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen. All 48 patients in a multicenter study were followed for 52 weeks and received three monthly intravitreal aflibercept injections before the TAE regimen, with treatment intervals adjusted by 4 weeks, up to a maximum of 16 weeks. Various laboratory biomarkers and optical coherence tomography parameters were evaluated. Patients were classified into the extension failure group if they had ≥ 1 treatment interval decreased due to an increase in the central macular thickness compared to the previous visit and 18 patients were assigned to this group. In multivariate logistic analyses, presence of microaneurysms and prominent middle limiting membrane (p-MLM) sign, increased initial external limiting membrane (ELM) disruption, and higher total cholesterol were correlated with inhibiting a sustained extension in the injection interval (P = 0.015, P = 0.032, P = 0.037, P = 0.009, respectively). Therefore, in the patients with ME secondary to BRVO with these risk factors, early consideration of frequent injection may improve treatment outcome.