bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Machine learning models to predict nitrate concentration in a river basin
Authors: Dorado-Guerra Diana Yaritza , Corzo-Pérez Gerald , Paredes-Arquiola Javier , Pérez-Martín Miguel Ángel 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Aquifer-stream interactions affect the water quality in Mediterranean areas; therefore, the coupling of surface water and groundwater models is generally used to solve water-planning and pollution problems in river basins. However, their use is limited because model inputs and outputs are not spatially and temporally linked, and the data update and fitting are laborious tasks. Machine learning models have shown great potential in water quality simulation, as they can identify the statistical relationship between input and output data without the explicit requirement of knowing the physical processes. This allows the ecological, hydrological, and environmental variables that influence water quality to be analysed with a holistic approach. In this research, feature selection (FS) methods and algorithms of artificial intelligence—random forest (RF) and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) trees—are used to simulate nitrate concentration and determine the main drivers related to nitrate pollution in Mediterranean streams. The developed models included 19 inputs and sampling of nitrate concentration in 159 surface water quality-gauging stations as explanatory variables. The models were trained on 70 percent data, with 30 percent used to validate the predictions. Results showed that the combination of FS method with local knowledge about the dataset is the best option to improve the model’s performance, while RF and XGBoost simulate the nitrate concentration with high performance (r = 0.93 and r = 0.92, respectively). The final ranking, based on the relative importance of the variables in the RF and XGBoost models, showed that, regarding nitrogen and phosphorus concentration, the location explained 87 percent of the nitrate variability. RF and XGBoost predicted nitrate concentration in surface water with high accuracy without using conditions or parameters of entry and enabled the observation of different relationships between drivers. Thus, it is possible to identify and delimit zones with a spatial risk of pollution and approaches to implementing solutions.
Exploring vulnerability to heat and cold across urban and rural populations in Switzerland
Authors: de Schrijver Evan , Royé Dominic , Gasparrini Antonio , Franco Oscar H , Vicedo-Cabrera Ana M 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Heat- and cold-related mortality risks are highly variable across different geographies, suggesting a differential distribution of vulnerability factors between and within countries, which could partly be driven by urban-to-rural disparities. Identifying these drivers of risk is crucial to characterize local vulnerability and design tailored public health interventions to improve adaptation of populations to climate change. We aimed to assess how heat- and cold-mortality risks change across urban, peri-urban and rural areas in Switzerland and to identify and compare the factors associated with increased vulnerability within and between different area typologies. We estimated the heat- and cold-related mortality association using the case time-series design and distributed lag non-linear models over daily mean temperature and all-cause mortality series between 1990–2017 in each municipality in Switzerland. Then, through multivariate meta-regression, we derived pooled heat and cold-mortality associations by typology (i.e. urban/rural/peri-urban) and assessed potential vulnerability factors among a wealth of demographic, socioeconomic, topographic, climatic, land use and other environmental data. Urban clusters reported larger pooled heat-related mortality risk (at 99th percentile, vs. temperature of minimum mortality (MMT)) (relative risk = 1.17 (95%CI: 1.10; 1.24), vs peri-urban 1.03 (1.00; 1.06), and rural 1.03 (0.99; 1.08)), but similar cold-mortality risk (at 1st percentile, vs. MMT) (1.35 (1.28; 1.43), vs rural 1.28 (1.14; 1.44) and peri-urban 1.39 (1.27–1.53)) clusters. We found different sets of vulnerability factors explaining the differential risk patterns across typologies. In urban clusters, mainly environmental factors (i.e. PM2.5) drove differences in heat-mortality association, while for peri-urban/rural clusters socio-economic variables were also important. For cold, socio-economic variables drove changes in vulnerability across all typologies, while environmental factors and ageing were other important drivers of larger vulnerability in peri-urban/rural clusters, with heterogeneity in the direction of the association. Our findings suggest that urban populations in Switzerland may be more vulnerable to heat, compared to rural locations, and different sets of vulnerability factors may drive these associations in each typology. Thus, future public health adaptation strategies should consider local and more tailored interventions rather than a one-size fits all approach.
Post-critically finite maps on ℙⁿ for 𝕟≥2 are sparse
Authors: Ingram Patrick , Ramadas Rohini , Silverman Joseph 
Published: December 2022

Let

f
:

P

n

→

P

n

f:{\mathbb P}^n\to {\mathbb P}^n

be a morphism of degree

d
≥
2

d\ge 2

. The map

f
f

is said to be post-critically finite (PCF) if there exist integers

k
≥
1

k\ge 1

and

ℓ
≥
0

\ell \ge 0

such that the critical locus

Crit
f

\operatorname {Crit}_f

satisfies

f

k
+
ℓ

(

Crit
f

)
⊆

f
ℓ

(

Crit
f

)

f^{k+\ell }(\operatorname {Crit}_f)\subseteq {f^\ell (\operatorname {Crit}_f)}

. The smallest such

ℓ
\ell

is called the tail-length. We prove that for

d
≥
3

d\ge 3

and

n
≥
2

n\ge 2

, the set of PCF maps

f
f

with tail-length at most

2
2

is not Zariski dense in the the parameter space of all such maps. In particular, maps with periodic critical loci, i.e., with

ℓ
=
0

\ell =0

, are not Zariski dense.
Nanotechnology: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Moriarty Philip 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Nanotechnology: A Very Short Introduction discusses the key scientific themes and concepts underpinning nanotechnology, including interatomic and intermolecular forces. It covers single atom imaging, quantum confinement, self-assembly, molecular machinery, and nanomagnetism. It also shows the science underpinning nanotechnology. What is nanotechnology and how will it affect people? This VSI describes nanotechnology as a staple of science fiction that has a chequered history when it comes to public perception. It explores the question of whether swarms of sentient nanomachines will ultimately take over the world or whether nanotech will give nothing more than improved sun creams.
Interaction effect between fasting plasma glucose and lipid profiles on mortality of peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Xu Yiping , Zhong Zhong , Li Yi , Li Zhijian , Zhou Yi , Li Zhibin , Mao Haiping 
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundPeritoneal dialysis (PD) patients have a high risk of abnormal glucose and lipids metabolism.ObjectiveWe investigated the effects of baseline fasting plasma glucose (FPG) as well as its interaction with lipid profiles on all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) cause-specific mortality in PD patients.MethodsA total of 1995 PD patients were enrolled. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox regression models were performed to assess the association of FPG levels with mortality in PD patients.ResultsDuring a median (25th–75th quartile) follow-up period of 48.1 (21.8–77.9) months, 567 (28.4%) patients died, including 282 (14.1%) CVD deaths. Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed that all-cause and CVD cause-specific mortality increased significantly with elevated baseline FPG levels (Log-rank tests: both P-values &lt;.001). However, with adjustment for potential confounding factors, baseline FPG levels were not significantly associated with all-cause and CVD cause-specific mortality. Nevertheless, a significant interaction between baseline FPG and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) on all-cause mortality was found (P for interaction test: .013), and subgroup analyses further showed that all-cause mortality was significantly increased for baseline FPG ≥7.0 mmol/L compared with the normal reference (FPG &lt;5.6 mmol/L) (hazard ratio 1.89, 95% confidence interval 1.11–3.23, P-value = .020) for patients with LDL-C ≥3.37 mmol/L only, but not for those with lower LDL-C levels (&lt;3.37 mmol/L).ConclusionThe significant interaction effect between baseline FPG and LDL-C on all-cause mortality showed that, for PD patients with LDL-C ≥3.37 mmol/L, higher FPG levels (≥7.0 mmol/L) were significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and need more intensive management of their FPG by clinicians in the future.
Ketone body levels in wintering great tits Parus major in sites differing in artificial food availability
Authors: Kaliński Adam , Glądalski Michał , Markowski Marcin , Skwarska Joanna , Wawrzyniak Jarosław , Bańbura Jerzy 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Ketone body levels, among other biochemical blood indices, are important indicators of the physiological condition of birds. Plasma ketone as an indicator of fasting and lipid use is strongly linked to demanding phases in the avian life cycle, such as migration or wintering. The main goal of this study was to check whether ketone body levels differ between the habitats in which individuals stay in winter. To test the above prediction, we used a portable point-of-care device to measure ketone body levels in wintering great tits (Parus major). We assumed that wintering in distinct habitats that differ structurally, particularly with respect to food availability, would affect the metabolic performance of birds and their physiological condition. Individual great tits were trapped in mist nets and blood-sampled in three distinct locations within the city: an urban parkland, the deciduous forest and a city centre. As expected, we showed that the mean ketone level was significantly higher in the area where artificial feeding was irregular than in two areas of regular feeding, indicating the more intense fasting state there. We also checked if the level of ketone bodies differs with respect to the sex of an individual, but we found no such difference.
Disgusting odors trigger the oral immune system
Authors: Anja Juran Stephanie , Tognetti Arnaud , Lundström Johan N , Kumar Lalit , Stevenson Richard J , Lekander Mats , Olsson Mats J 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Recent research has characterized the behavioral defense against disease. In particular the detection of sickness cues, the adaptive reactions (e.g. avoidance) to these cues and the mediating role of disgust have been the focus. A presumably important but less investigated part of a behavioral defense is the immune system response of the observer of sickness cues. Odors are intimately connected to disease and disgust, and research has shown how olfaction conveys sickness cues in both animals and humans. This study aims to test whether odorous sickness cues (i.e. disgusting odors) can trigger a preparatory immune response in humans. We show that subjective and objective disgust measures, as well as TNFα levels in saliva increased immediately after exposure to disgusting odors in a sample of 36 individuals. Altogether, these results suggest a collaboration between behavioral mechanisms of pathogen avoidance in olfaction, mediated by the emotion of disgust, and mechanisms of pathogen elimination facilitated by inflammatory mediators.
Disgusting stimuli are associated with an increased risk of infection. We here test whether disgusting odors, can trigger an immune response in the oral cavity. The results indicate an increase level of TNFα in the saliva. This supports that disease cues can trigger a preparatory response in the oral cavity.
Immigration and teacher bias towards students with an immigrant background
Authors: De Benedetto Marco Alberto , De Paola Maria 
Published: December 2022

AbstractWe analyse the role of changes in the geographic concentration of immigrants in shaping teachers’ assessment of students’ performance. By using data on Italian students attending the fifth grade, we adopt an IV estimation strategy and, by controlling for student performance in blindly scored tests of proficiency, find that an increasing presence of immigrants in the local population negatively affects the way teachers evaluate immigrant students, as opposed to their peers, in non-blindly graded tests. We also reveal that the effect is mainly driven by schools located in smaller communities and in areas with lower overall levels of educational attainment and that it is unlikely to be related to the conduct of immigrant students who live in the areas experiencing sizable increases in immigration flows. In addition, older teachers tend to be more biased.
Defining vulnerability subgroups among pregnant women using pre-pregnancy information: a latent class analysis
Authors: Molenaar J M , van der Meer L , Bertens L C M , de Vries E F , Waelput A J M , Knight M , Steegers E A P , Kiefte-de Jong J C , Struijs J N 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background
Early detection of vulnerability during or before pregnancy can contribute to optimizing the first 1000 days, a crucial period for children’s development and health. We aimed to identify classes of vulnerability among pregnant women in the Netherlands using pre-pregnancy data on a wide range of social risk and protective factors, and validate these classes against the risk of adverse outcomes.

Methods
We conducted a latent class analysis based on 42 variables derived from nationwide observational data sources and self-reported data. Variables included individual, socioeconomic, lifestyle, psychosocial and household characteristics, self-reported health, healthcare utilization, life-events and living conditions. We compared classes in relation to adverse outcomes using logistic regression analyses.

Results
In the study population of 4172 women, we identified five latent classes. The largest ‘healthy and socioeconomically stable’-class [n = 2040 (48.9%)] mostly shared protective factors, such as paid work and positively perceived health. The classes ‘high care utilization’ [n = 485 (11.6%)], ‘socioeconomic vulnerability’ [n = 395 (9.5%)] and ‘psychosocial vulnerability’ [n = 1005 (24.0%)] were characterized by risk factors limited to one specific domain and protective factors in others. Women classified into the ‘multidimensional vulnerability’-class [n = 250 (6.0%)] shared multiple risk factors in different domains (psychosocial, medical and socioeconomic risk factors). Multidimensional vulnerability was associated with adverse outcomes, such as premature birth and caesarean section.

Conclusions
Co-existence of multiple risk factors in various domains is associated with adverse outcomes for mother and child. Early detection of vulnerability and strategies to improve parental health and well-being might benefit from focussing on different domains and combining medical and social care and support.
Changes in cell surface properties of Pseudomonas fluorescens by adaptation to NaCl induced hypertonic stress
Authors: Abu Quba Abd Alaziz , Goebel Marc-Oliver , Karagulyan Mariam , Miltner Anja , Kästner Matthias , Bachmann Jörg , Schaumann Gabriele E , Diehl Doerte 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Determination of the effect of water stress on the surface properties of bacteria is crucial to study bacterial induced soil water repellency. Changes in the environmental conditions may affect several properties of bacteria such as the cell hydrophobicity and morphology. Here, we study the influence of adaptation to hypertonic stress on cell wettability, shape, adhesion, and surface chemical composition of Pseudomonas fluorescens. From this we aim to discover possible relations between the changes in wettability of bacterial films studied by contact angle and single cells studied by atomic and chemical force microscopy (AFM, CFM), which is still lacking. We show that by stress the adhesion forces of the cell surfaces towards hydrophobic functionalized probes increase while they decrease towards hydrophilic functionalized tips. This is consistent with the contact angle results. Further, cell size shrunk and protein content increased upon stress. The results suggest two possible mechanisms: Cell shrinkage is accompanied by the release of outer membrane vesicles by which the protein to lipid ratio increases. The higher protein content increases the rigidity and the number of hydrophobic nano-domains per surface area.
The Clinical Response of Upadacitinib and Risankizumab Is Associated With Reduced Inflammatory Bowel Disease Anti-TNF-α Inadequate Response Mechanisms
Authors: Wang Jing , Macoritto Michael , Guay Heath , Davis Justin W , Levesque Marc C , Cao Xiaohong 
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Background
Janus kinase (JAK) 1 inhibitor upadacitinib and IL-23 inhibitor risankizumab are efficacious in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients who are antitumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF)-α inadequate responders (TNF-IRs). We aimed to understand the mechanisms mediating the response of upadacitinib and risankizumab.

Methods
Eight tissue transcriptomic data sets from IBD patients treated with anti-TNF-α therapies along with single-cell RNAseq data from ulcerative colitis were integrated to identify TNF-IR mechanisms. The RNAseq colon tissue data from clinical studies of TNF-IR Crohn’s disease patients treated with upadacitinib or risankizumab were used to identify TNF-IR mechanisms that were favorably modified by upadacitinib and risankizumab.

Results
We found 7 TNF-IR upregulated modules related to innate/adaptive immune responses, interferon signaling, and tissue remodeling and 6 TNF-IR upregulated cell types related to inflammatory fibroblasts, postcapillary venules, inflammatory monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and cycling B cells. Upadacitinib was associated with a significant decrease in the expression of most TNF-IR upregulated modules in JAK1 responders (JAK1-R); in contrast, there was no change in these modules among TNF-IR patients treated with a placebo or among JAK1 inadequate responders (JAK1-IR). In addition, 4 of the 6 TNF-IR upregulated cell types were significantly decreased after upadacitinib treatment in JAK1-R but not among subjects treated with a placebo or among JAK1-IR patients. We observed similar findings from colon biopsy samples from TNF-IR patients treated with risankizumab.

Conclusions
Collectively, these data suggest that upadacitinib and risankizumab affect TNF-IR upregulated mechanisms, which may account for their clinical response among TNF-IR IBD patients.
Development and Validation of a GC–MS-EI Method to Determine α-PHP in Blood: Application to Samples Collected during Medico-Legal Autopsies
Authors: Machado Francisca , Franco João , Vieira Duarte Nuno , Margalho Cláudia 
Published: December 2022

AbstractNew psychoactive substances (NPSs) still represent an issue of great concern worldwide despite efforts made by national and international control systems to limit the spread of these substances. Alpha-pyrrolidinohexanophenone (α-PHP) is a fairly recent synthetic cathinone (the second largest group of monitored substances in Europe) with only a few published studies on the substance. Though there is a low incidence of NPS consumption in Portugal, a recent increase in apprehensions and detections in biological matrices of the substance was verified. An analytical methodology was developed and validated for determining and quantitating α-PHP in blood. Solid-phase extraction was employed for sample preparation (500 μL), which was further analyzed by gas chromatography--mass spectrometry-electron ionization in single-ion monitoring mode with cocaine-d3 as the internal standard. Method validation followed the guidelines of the American National Standards Institute/AAFS Standards Board (ANSI/ASB Standard 036). The procedure was linear between 10 and 1,000 ng/mL, with determination coefficients (r2) higher than 0.999. Carryover was not observed. A limit of detection of 5 ng/mL and a limit of quantitation of 10 ng/mL were achieved. Intraday and intermediate precision and bias assessment showed satisfactory results (coefficient of variation &lt;17.7%; bias &lt;11.6%), and extraction efficiency ranged from 98.5% to 103.3%. The stability of the substance was considered acceptable for at least 6 h at room temperature, 48 h in the autosampler and 21 days after five freeze/thaw cycles. The developed methodology was applied to 15 real samples from the Laboratory of Chemistry and Forensic Toxicology, Centre Branch of the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Portugal, with drug concentrations ranging from 15 to 227 ng/mL. Available information for each case is also detailed in the present article.
Potential Management Options for the Invasive Moth Spodoptera frugiperda in Europe
Authors: Babendreier Dirk , Toepfer Stefan , Bateman Melanie , Kenis Marc 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
We here review and discuss management options that growers in Europe could take in response to the expected invasion of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The focus is put on maize but the information provided is also relevant for other crops potentially affected. A sound forecasting system for fall armyworm both on a regional as well as at local scale should be established to alert growers as early as possible. Whilst a number of cultural control methods are adopted by maize growers in different regions globally to fight fall armyworm, many of them may either not be highly effective, too laborious, or otherwise unfeasible within the mechanized crop production systems used in Europe. Potential is seen in the stimulation of natural enemies through conservation biocontrol approaches, e.g., the planting of flower strips or intermediate cover crops, reducing tillage intensity, and avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides. To manage fall armyworm infestations, several effective biologically-based products are available globally, and some in Europe, e.g., based on specific baculoviruses, certain Bacillus thuringiensis strains, few entomopathogenic nematodes, and a number of botanicals. These should be given priority to avoid a major influx of insecticides into the maize agro-ecosystem once the fall armyworm arrives and in case growers are not prepared. Plant protection companies, particularly biocontrol companies should act proactively in starting registration of ingredients and products against fall armyworm in Europe. European maize growers should be made aware, in time, of key features of this new invasive pest and appropriate control options.