bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do we need MRI in all biopsy naïve patients? A multicenter cohort analysis
Authors: Krausewitz Philipp , Borkowetz Angelika , Ortner Gernot , Kornienko Kira , Wenzel Mike , Westhoff Niklas ,   GESRU Academics Prostate Cancer Group
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The combined approach (CB) of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided biopsy (TB) and systematic biopsy (SB) is strongly recommended based on numerous studies in biopsy naïve men with suspicion of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCA). However, the unbalanced accessibility of MRI, challenges related to reimbursement and the scarcity of specialized medical practitioners continue to impede a widespread implementation.

Therefore, our objective was to determine a subset of men that could undergo SB without an increased risk of underdiagnosis at reduced expenses.

Methods

A multicenter analysis of 2714 men with confirmed PCA and suspicious MRI who underwent CB were enrolled. Cancer detection rates were compared between the different biopsy routes SB, TB and CB using McNemar paired test. Additionally, Gleason grade up- and down-grading was determined.

Results

CB detected more csPCA than TB and SB (p < 0.001), irrespective of MRI findings or biopsy route (transperineal vs. transrectal). Thereby, single biopsy approaches misgraded > 50% of csPCA. TB showed higher diagnostic efficiency, defined as csPCA detection per biopsy core than CB and SB (p < 0.001). For patients with abnormal DRE and PSA levels > 12.5 ng/ml, PSAD > 0.35 ng/ml/cm3, or > 75 years, SB and CB showed similar csPCA detection rates.

Conclusion

Conducting CB provides the highest level of diagnostic certainty and minimizes the risk of underdiagnosis in almost all biopsy-naive men. However, in patients with suspicious DRE and high PSA levels, PSAD, or advanced age solely using SB leads to similar csPCA detection rates. Thus, a reduced biopsy protocol may be considered for these men in case resources are limited.
Methods for the optimal preservation of blow fly intra-puparial forms for morphological analysis in forensic casework
Authors: López-García Jaime , Piña Mario A. , Clark Brett , Hall Martin J. R. , Martín-Vega Daniel
Published: February 2024

Accurate minimum post-mortem interval (minPMI) estimations often rely on a precise age determination of insect developmental stages, which is significantly influenced by environmental temperature. An optimal preservation of the entomological samples collected at crime scenes is pivotal for a reliable aging of immature insect samples. For blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae), the most widely used insect indicators in forensic investigations, an appropriate preservation of tissues is particularly important in the case of puparial samples because aging methods for intra-puparial forms usually depend on morphological analyses; however, although informative soft tissues and structures could be discoloured and/or distorted if they are not properly fixed, there is a lack of studies to assess different methods for the optimal preservation of intra-puparial forms collected in forensic investigations. The present study compares three preservation methods for intra-puparial forms of the blow fly Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830: (i) direct immersion into 80% ethanol, (ii) puncturing of the puparium and hot water killing (HWK) prior to preservation in 80% ethanol, and (iii) HWK without puncturing before preservation in 80% ethanol. External and internal morphological analyses of intra-puparial forms of different ages were conducted to assess the quality of preservation. The results indicate that direct immersion in ethanol led to poor preservation, affecting both external and internal tissues. Both methods with HWK resulted in a better preservation, but puncturing resulted, in some cases, in physical damage of the specimens. HWK without puncturing emerged as the optimal preservation method, consistently yielding high preservation scores for both external and internal morphological analyses. These findings have practical implications for forensic practitioners and emphasise the need for updating some published guidelines and protocols in forensic entomology.
Spatial expression of claudin 18.2 in matched primaries and metastases of tubo-ovarian carcinoma of all subtypes
Authors: Wagner Paul , Gass Paul , Pöschke Patrik , Eckstein Markus , Gloßner Laura , Hartmann Arndt , Beckmann Matthias Wilhelm , Fasching Peter Andreas , Ruebner Matthias , Emons Julius , Erber Ramona
Published: February 2024

Physiologically, claudin 18 splice variant 2 (CLDN18.2) expression is restricted to the gastric epithelium, but its expression has been detected in solid cancers. Zolbetuximab, a chimeric IgG1 antibody targeting CLDN18.2, has demonstrated promising effects in patients suffering from CLDN18.2-positive, HER2-negative locally advanced gastric cancer and is currently being studied further. To date, little is known about CLDN18.2 expression in other histological subtypes of tubo-ovarian carcinoma (TOC) and their matching metastases.

Using a cohort of all histological TOC subtypes, we investigated the immunohistochemical (IHC) CLDN18.2 expression in both TOCs (n = 536), their matching metastatic tissue (n = 385) and in 93 metastases without primary. Tissue microarrays comprised both the tumor center and periphery. IHC positivity was defined as biomarker expression of ≥ 75% in tumor cells with moderate-to-strong membranous staining.

Overall CLDN18.2 positivity was 4.1% (21/515) in the TOC centers and 3.6% (18/498) in their peripheries. In primaries of mucinous tubo-ovarian carcinoma (MTOC), CLDN18.2 positivity rates were 45% (18/40) and 36.6% (15/41), respectively. Positivity rates for the corresponding metastases were 33% (4/12, center) and 27% (3/11, periphery). The expression was relatively homogenous throughout all tumor sites. With no expression in 99.5% of nonmucinous tumors, CLDN18.2 positivity was almost exclusively seen in the mucinous subtype.

In tubo-ovarian carcinoma, CLDN18.2 expression was, with rare exceptions, restricted to the mucinous subtype. Among them, 33% of metastasized MTOCs presented with CLDN18.2 positivity. Hence, CLDN18.2 might display a promising target for personalized therapy in patients with advanced MTOC.
Identification and characterization of a marine bacterium extract from Mameliella sp. M20D2D8 with antiviral effects against influenza A and B viruses
Authors: Kim Hyo-Jin , Park Jun-Gyu , Moon Kyeong-Seo , Jung Su-Bin , Kwon Yong Min , Kang Nam Seon , Kim Jeong-Hyeon , Nam Sang-Jip , Choi Grace , Baek Yeong-Bin , Park Sang-Ik
Published: February 2024

Despite significant improvements in vaccines and chemotherapeutic drugs, pathogenic RNA viruses continue to have a profound impact on the global economy and pose a serious threat to animal and human health through emerging and re-emerging outbreaks of diseases. To overcome the challenge of viral adaptation and evolution, increased vigilance is required. Particularly, antiviral drugs derived from new, natural sources provide an attractive strategy for controlling problematic viral diseases. In this antiviral study, we discovered a previously unknown bacterium, Mameliella sp. M20D2D8, by conducting an antiviral screening of marine microorganisms. An extract from M20D2D8 exhibited antiviral activity with low cytotoxicity and was found to be effective in vitro against multiple influenza virus strains: A/PR8 (IC50 = 2.93 µg/mL, SI = 294.85), A/Phil82 (IC50 = 1.42 µg/mL, SI = 608.38), and B/Yamagata (IC50 = 1.59 µg/mL, SI = 543.33). The antiviral action was found to occur in the post-entry stages of viral replication and to suppress viral replication by inducing apoptosis in infected cells. Moreover, it efficiently suppressed viral genome replication, protein synthesis, and infectivity in MDCK and A549 cells. Our findings highlight the antiviral capabilities of a novel marine bacterium, which could potentially be useful in the development of drugs for controlling viral diseases.
Unveiling rupture risk and clinical outcomes in midline aneurysms: A matched cohort analysis investigating the impact of localization within the anterior or posterior circulation
Authors: Swiatek Vanessa M. , Amini Amir , Sandalcioglu Ortuño Celina E. , Spitz Lena , Hartmann Karl , Rashidi Ali , Stein Klaus-Peter , Saalfeld Sylvia , Sandalcioglu I. Erol , Neyazi Belal
Published: February 2024

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) located in the anterior and posterior circulations of the Circle of Willis present differential rupture risks. This study aimed to compare the rupture risk and clinical outcomes of anterior communicating artery aneurysms (AcomA) and basilar tip aneurysms (BAs); two IA types located along the midline within the Circle of Willis. We retrospectively collected data from 1026 patients presenting with saccular IAs. Only AcomA and BAs with a 3D angiography were included. Out of 186 included IAs, a cohort of 32 BAs was matched with AcomA based on the patients’ pre-existing conditions and morphological parameters of IAs. Clinical outcomes, including rupture risk, hydrocephalus development, vasospasm incidence, and patients’ outcome, were compared. The analysis revealed no significant difference in rupture risk, development of hydrocephalus, need for ventricular drainage, or vasospasm incidence between the matched AcomA and BA cohorts. Furthermore, the clinical outcomes post-rupture did not significantly differ between the two groups, except for a higher Fisher Grade associated with BAs. Once accounting for morphological and patient factors, the rupture risk between AcomA and BAs is comparable. These findings underscore the importance of tailored management strategies for specific IA types and suggest that further investigations should focus on the role of individual patient and aneurysm characteristics in IA rupture risk and clinical outcomes.
Time budget of a mallard duck population residing in an urban park in northern Portugal during courtship and nesting period
Authors: Santos Luís Eduardo , de Sousa Liliana , Magalhães Ana
Published: February 2024

Behavioural observations were used to investigate the temporal dynamics events and associated variation in the daily activities of a sedentary population of mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) inhabiting an urban park in northern Portugal. Data was collected at Porto City Park from December to April, during the species’ courtship and early nesting periods. The most frequent activities for this population were locomotion, resting and feeding. Statistical analysis revealed that male and female behaviours differed significantly throughout the courtship period, as males exhibited more displays and aggressive behaviour while females were more prone to feed in order to meet their increased nutritional and energetic needs. Temporal analyses showed that courtship reached a peak in intensity in February, since it was in this month that the highest values for mating, aggressive behaviour in males and defensive behaviour in females were observed. Behavioural differences were found for this population, with higher feeding rates compared to those of wild populations as well as lower defensive behaviour rates. This paper sheds light on how synanthropized populations, as well as those from Southwestern Europe, show different behavioural responses from other populations. Additional extensive monitoring of population dynamics and factors such as latitudinal differences, habituation to humans and climate change will help to predict future growth and expansion rates.
Uniaxial mechanical stretch properties correlated with three-dimensional microstructure of human dermal skin
Authors: Zhou Mengyao , González Patrick José , Van Haasterecht Ludo , Soylu Alperen , Mihailovski Maria , Van Zuijlen Paul , Groot Marie Louise
Published: February 2024

The intact and healthy skin forms a barrier to the outside world and protects the body from mechanical impact. The skin is a complex structure with unique mechano-elastic properties. To better direct the design of biomimetic materials and induce skin regeneration in wounds with optimal outcome, more insight is required in how the mechano-elastic properties emerge from the skin’s main constituents, collagen and elastin fibers. Here, we employed two-photon excited autofluorescence and second harmonic generation microscopy to characterize collagen and elastin fibers in 3D in 24 human dermis skin samples. Through uniaxial stretching experiments, we derive uni-directional mechanical properties from resultant stress-strain curves, including the initial Young’s modulus, elastic Young’s modulus, maximal stress, and maximal and mid-strain values. The stress-strain curves show a large variation, with an average Young’s modules in the toe and linear regions of 0.1 MPa and 21 MPa. We performed a comprehensive analysis of the correlation between the key mechanical properties with age and with microstructural parameters, e.g., fiber density, thickness, and orientation. Age was found to correlate negatively with Young’s modulus and collagen density. Moreover, real-time monitoring during uniaxial stretching allowed us to observe changes in collagen and elastin alignment. Elastin fibers aligned significantly in both the heel and linear regions, and the collagen bundles engaged and oriented mainly in the linear region. This research advances our understanding of skin biomechanics and yields input for future first principles full modeling of skin tissue.
Predatory preferences of a non-indigenous crab do not depend on prey invasion scenarios
Authors: Theurich Nora , Briski Elizabeta , Cuthbert Ross N.
Published: February 2024

Predatory non-indigenous species (NIS) have profound impacts on global ecosystems, potentially leading to native prey extinction and reshaping community dynamics. Among mechanisms potentially mediating predator impacts and prey invasion success are predator preferences between native vs. non-indigenous prey, a topic still underexplored. Using functional response and prey preference experiments, this study focused on the predation by the non-indigenous Japanese brush-clawed shore crab, Hemigrapsus takanoi, between the native gammarid Gammarus duebeni and the analogous non-indigenous Gammarus tigrinus. Although H. takanoi showed subtle differences in its functional response type between the two prey species, its preferences across their environmental frequencies were not strongly influenced by the prey invasion scenario. The findings highlight the need for a comprehensive understanding of interactions in ecosystems with multiple NIS, offering fresh insights into complex feeding interactions within marine environments.
Climate projections of human thermal comfort for indoor workplaces
Authors: Sulzer Markus , Christen Andreas
Published: February 2024

Climate models predict meteorological variables for outdoor spaces. Nevertheless, most people work indoors and are affected by heat indoors. We present an approach to transfer climate projections from outdoors to climate projections of indoor air temperature (Ti) and thermal comfort based on a combination of indoor sensors, artificial neural networks (ANNs), and 22 regional climate projections. Human thermal comfort and Ti measured by indoor sensors at 90 different workplaces in the Upper Rhine Valley were used as training data for ANN models predicting indoor conditions as a function of outdoor weather. Workplace-specific climate projections were modeled for the time period 2070–2099 and compared to the historical period 1970–1999 using the same ANNs, but ERA5-Land reanalysis data as input. It is shown that heat stress indoors will increase in intensity, frequency, and duration at almost all investigated workplaces. The rate of increase depends on building and room properties, the workplace purpose, and the representative concentration pathway (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, or RCP8.5). The projected increase of the mean air temperature in the summer (JJA) outdoors, by + 1.6 to + 5.1 K for the different RCPs, is higher than the increase in Ti at all 90 workplaces, which experience on average an increase of + 0.8 to + 2.5 K. The overall frequency of heat stress is higher at most workplaces than outdoors for the historical and the future period. The projected hours of indoor heat stress will increase on average by + 379 h, + 654 h, and + 1209 h under RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5, respectively.
CXCR2 antagonist navarixin in combination with pembrolizumab in select advanced solid tumors: a phase 2 randomized trial
Authors: Armstrong Andrew J. , Geva Ravit , Chung Hyun Cheol , Lemech Charlotte , Miller Wilson H. , Hansen Aaron R. , Lee Jong-Seok , Tsai Frank , Solomon Benjamin J. , Kim Tae Min , Rolfo Christian , Giranda Vincent , Ren Yixin , Liu Fang , Kandala Bhargava , Freshwater Tomoko , Wang Judy S.
Published: February 2024

C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) has a role in tumor progression, lineage plasticity, and reduction of immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy. Preclinical evidence suggests potential benefit of CXCR2 inhibition in multiple solid tumors. In this phase 2 study (NCT03473925), adults with previously treated advanced or metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer (MSS CRC), or non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were randomized 1:1 to the CXCR2 antagonist navarixin 30 or 100 mg orally once daily plus pembrolizumab 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks up to 35 cycles. Primary endpoints were investigator-assessed objective response rate (RECIST v1.1) and safety. Of 105 patients (CRPC, n=40; MSS CRC, n=40; NSCLC, n=25), 3 had a partial response (2 CRPC, 1 MSS CRC) for ORRs of 5%, 2.5%, and 0%, respectively. Median progression-free survival was 1.8–2.4 months without evidence of a dose-response relationship, and the study was closed at a prespecified interim analysis for lack of efficacy. Dose-limiting toxicities occurred in 2/48 patients (4%) receiving navarixin 30 mg and 3/48 (6%) receiving navarixin 100 mg; events included grade 4 neutropenia and grade 3 transaminase elevation, hepatitis, and pneumonitis. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 70/105 patients (67%) and led to treatment discontinuation in 7/105 (7%). Maximal reductions from baseline in absolute neutrophil count were 44.5%−48.2% (cycle 1) and 37.5%−44.2% (cycle 2) and occurred within 6−12 hours postdose in both groups. Navarixin plus pembrolizumab did not demonstrate sufficient efficacy in this study. Safety and tolerability of the combination were manageable. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03473925).
Can multifarious types of green bonds be accused of greenwashing with a durative analysis? Insights from a permanent causality vs. temporary causality phenomenon
Authors: Ghaemi Asl Mahdi , Smutka Lubos , Nasr Isfahani Mohammad , Raza Syed Ali , Vasa László
Published: February 2024

Green bonds are useful monetary tools that can finance sustainable endeavors to bolster an eco-friendly economy. This research inspects the frequency-domain causal relationship between diverse green bond types and the green economy from June 30, 2014 to August 3, 2023. The goal is to understand both permanent and temporary causal phenomena between them. The findings reveal that only pioneering green bonds display a robust bidirectional causal link with an eco-efficient economy. Meanwhile, other green bond types, like conventional, municipal, and currency-dominated green bonds, may be susceptible to greenwashing due to the absence of a thorough permanent causal tie with an ecologically sustainable economy. Additionally, enhancing pioneering green bonds by integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) stocks can transform the cause-and-effect dynamic between specific green bonds and the green economy. It shifts from a bilateral cause to a unilateral one stemming from the environmentally friendly economy and extending to distinguished green bonds. This phenomenon persists whether the 5% annual fee for sustaining and managing the index combining green bonds and ESG equities is considered or not. Interestingly, an environmentally conscious economy, in both persistent and transient associations, consistently affects ecological bonds with diverse traits. This highlights the importance of the overall state of an environmentally responsible economy in enhancing green bonds. These discoveries provide novel perspectives for green market regulators and policymakers to design improved standards for green assets.
Improvement of biogas yields in an anaerobic digestion process via optimization technique
Authors: Obileke KeChrist , Makaka Golden , Tangwe Stephen , Mukumba Patrick
Published: February 2024

Anaerobic digestion for biogas production was first used in 1895 for electricity generation and treating municipal solid waste in 1939. Since then, overcoming substrate recalcitrance and methane production has been one way to assess the quality of biogas production in a sustainable manner. These are achieved through pre-treatment methods and mathematical modeling predictions. However, previous studies have shown that optimisation techniques (pre-treatment and mathematical modeling) improve biogas yield efficiently and effectively. The good news about these techniques is that they address the challenges of low efficiency, cost, energy, and long retention time usually encountered during anaerobic digestion. Therefore, this paper aims to comprehensively review different promising pre-treatment technologies and mathematical models and discuss their latest advanced research and development, thereby highlighting their contribution towards improving the biogas yield. The comparison, application, and significance of findings from both techniques, which are still unclear and lacking in the literature, are also presented. With over 90 articles reviewed from academic databases (Springer, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar), it is evident that artificial neural network (ANN) predicts and improves biogas yield efficiently and accurately. On the other hand, all the pre-treatment techniques are unique in their mode of application in enhancing biogas yield. Hence, this depends on the type of substrate used, composition, location, and conversion process. Interestingly, the study reveals research findings from authors concerning the enhancement of biogas yield to arrive at a conclusion of the best optimization technique, thereby making the right selection technique.

Graphical Abstract
Knowledge Graph Embedding via Triplet Component Interactions
Authors: Wang Tao , Shen Bo , Zhang Jinglin , Zhong Yu
Published: February 2024

In knowledge graph embedding, multidimensional representations of entities and relations are learned in vector space. Although distance-based graph embedding methods have shown promise in link prediction, they neglect context information among the triplet components, i.e., the head_entity, relation, and tail_entity, limiting their ability to describe multivariate relation patterns and mapping properties. Such context information denotes the entity structural association inside the same triplet and implies the correlation between entities that are not directly connected. In this work, we propose a novel knowledge graph embedding model that explicitly considers context information in graph embedding via triplet component interactions (TCIE). To build connections between components and incorporate contextual information, entities and relations are represented as vectors comprised of two specialized parts, enabling comprehensive interaction. By simultaneously interacting with one-hop related head and tail entities, TCIE strengthens the connections between distant entities and enables contextual information to be transmitted across the knowledge graph. Mathematical proofs and experiments are performed to analyse the modelling ability of TCIE in knowledge graph embedding. TCIE shows a strong capacity for modelling four relation patterns (i.e., symmetry, antisymmetry, inverse, and composition) and four mapping properties (i.e., one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-one, and many-to-many). The experimental evaluation of ogbl-wikikg2, ogbl-biokg, FB15k, and FB15k-237 shows that TCIE achieves state-of-the-art results in link prediction.
A Graph Contrastive Learning Model Based on Structural and Semantic View for HIN Recommendation
Authors: Yu Ruowang , Xin Yu , Dong Yihong , Qian Jiangbo
Published: February 2024

With the rapid growth of information in the Internet era, people are in great need of recommendation methods to filter information. At present, recommendation methods which based on heterogeneous information network (HIN) have attracted wide attention. Recently, HIN-based recommendation methods need to be modeled from two aspects: node structural association and semantic association. To this end, we propose a graph contrastive learning model based on structural and semantic view for HIN recommendation (GCL-SS). GCL-SS utilizes U-I interactive view to obtain node structural embeddings, and utilizes U-I semantic view to obtain node semantic embeddings. Based on these two kinds of embeddings, we establish a self-supervised contrastive learning mechanism to effectively integrate structural information and semantic information of user (item) nodes in HIN, and finally learn a more discriminative user (item) embedding. In addition, in order to strengthen the semantic association between nodes, we innovatively utilize time sequence encoder (TSE), such as LSTM, to encode semantic homogeneous network decomposed by HIN in U-I semantic view. At last, based on the user and item embeddings, we adopt bilinear decoder to model the potential association between user and item, so as to realize rating prediction of user to item. The experimental results on three real datasets confirm that our GCL-SS model performs better than state-of-the-art recommendation methods in rating prediction task. In addition, the results of four ablation experiments indicate that our GCL-SS model can effectively improve the performance of rating prediction in recommendation.
Hydropower Reservoir Optimization with Solar Generation-Changed Energy Prices in California
Authors: Dogan Mustafa Sahin , Medellin-Azuara Josue , Lund Jay R.
Published: February 2024

Growing solar photovoltaic supply has significantly reshaped energy prices, lowering them during solar generating hours. Large-scale hydropower reservoir operations need to adapt to changes in energy prices to maximize hydropower revenue. This paper evaluates effects of solar generation-changed energy prices on hydropower generation for five multipurpose reservoirs in California using a hydroeconomic optimization model. In California, major solar generation began in 2013, so years 2010–2012 are a pre-solar period, and years 2013–2018 are post-solar. Reservoir operations, hydropower generation and revenue between these periods are compared. Operations in the wet season (January to June), and the dry season (July to December) are evaluated. Results show that releases are more profitable when hydropower is generated twice a day during on-peak hours in the morning and evening in the wet season. When water is scarce, energy is generated only during the higher-price evening peak. Hydropower generation is mostly curtailed between 10am and 6pm due to large solar supplies, and increase during morning and evening peaks when solar generation is unavailable. However, by optimizing hydropower scheduling hours, the new energy price pattern can be more profitable. With increased energy price variability and adaptation, overall daily revenue can increase by about 14% in the wet season and 30% in the dry season.
Determination of Young’s Modulus of PET Sheets from Lamb Wave Velocity Measurement
Authors: Lu H. , Menary G.
Published: February 2024

Background

The elastic modulus of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheets is typically measured through destructive tests that require specific sample preparation and time-consuming testing procedures.

Objective

To improve the efficiency of measuring the elastic modulus of PET sheets, research on a non-destructive measurement approach using guided Lamb waves was conducted.

Methods

In this approach, the group velocity of the zero-order symmetric Lamb wave mode (S0 mode) at a single frequency is first measured from PET sheets. The semi-analytical finite element method (SAFEM) is used as the forward model to calculate the corresponding numerical group velocity. Particle swarm optimisation (PSO) is used to update the elastic modulus in the SAFEM model until the numerical group velocity from the model matches the experimental results.

Results

The results show that measuring the group velocity data at a single frequency is sufficient for elastic modulus measurement while the material thickness can be assumed as a constant, which improves the efficiency of the measurement. The identified modulus differs from the tensile modulus of the material due to the frequency dependence of the elastic modulus. However, this discrepancy could be eliminated by using a linear regression model.

Conclusions

The method mentioned above can achieve non-destructive and efficient measurement of the elastic modulus of PET sheets, which can potentially be applied for in-line quality inspection in PET bottle production processes.
Short selling and firm investment efficiency
Authors: Yu Chang
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates the informativeness of short sales on detecting firm investment inefficiency. Neoclassical and agency theory suggest that investment inefficiency destroys firm value by allocating resources to less-valued uses. This paper finds that short-sellers adjust their short positions before the announcement of a financial statement, to use their information advantage on firm investment inefficiency. The relation between the short positions in a firm and its future investment inefficiency is both statistically and economically significant, and robust to a broad set of control variables. Subsample analyses show that the informativeness of short sales positions about future investment inefficiency is concentrated on overinvestment firms, firms with little board independence, and firms with low CEO incentive pay.
New Potato Varieties Resistant to Late Blight and with High Quality for French Fries Generated in Peru
Authors: Gastelo Manuel , Pérez Willmer , Eyzaguirre Raul , Quispe Katherine , Sanabria Kimberlayn , Bastos Carolina , Otiniano Ronal , Pérez Juan M. , Mendoza Alejandro , Unda Trinidad , Andrade Jorge
Published: February 2024

Potato is one of the main crops worldwide and generates income for small-scale farmers, and it is a primary component of the diet of rural inhabitants, especially in developing countries. In Peru, the demand for French fries in traditional restaurants, rotisserie chicken (“Pollerias”), and fast-food restaurants is increasing every day. However, supply is covered by imported pre-fried potatoes. During the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 growing seasons, ten potato clones belong to the International Potato Center (CIP) breeding program, and two Peruvian varieties used for frying as controls UNICA (CIP392797.22) and INIA 303-CANCHAN (CIP380389.1) were tested in 13 trials in farmers' fields placed in the north, center, and south of Peru using a randomized complete block design with three replications of 150 plants. Late blight severity and yield were evaluated under field conditions, and the contents of dry matter and reducing sugars were determined with laboratory tests. Clones CIP395123.6, CIP396026.101, and CIP396034.103 were selected for their high level of resistance to late blight, yields over 30 t/ha, with more than 20% dry matter, less than 0.20% reducing sugars and excellent quality for French fries’ sticks. Selected clones have been registered in the official register of cultivars of Peru, as new varieties. The standard of living of small and medium-scale potato farmers can be improved with the production of these new varieties, which support the health of producers and consumers and the environment. New potato varieties can be used as parents in breeding programs around the world.
45S5/PEEK Coatings by Cold Gas Spray with In Vitro Bioactivity, Degradation, and Cellular Proliferation
Authors: Garrido Beatriz , Albaladejo-Fuentes Vicente , Dosta Sergi , Garcia-Giralt Natalia , Garcia-Cano Irene
Published: February 2024

This study evaluated the biological response of cold-sprayed coatings composed of bioactive glass 45S5 and polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The functional coatings were produced by cold gas spray (CGS) technology, a technique that allows the deposition of powders at significantly low temperatures, avoiding heat damage to polymeric surfaces. By CGS, blends with different ratios of bioactive glass and PEEK powders have been deposited onto PEEK substrates to improve the response of the bio-inert polymer. The bioactivity of the coatings when immersed in a simulated body fluid solution was evaluated by observation with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Results verify that bioactive glass particles in the composite coatings enhance their bioactivity. A degradation test was performed with Tris–HCl solution. From the results obtained by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and the weight loss of the samples, it was noticed that the degradation was directly related to the amount of glass in the coatings. Finally, the ability of bone-forming cells to adhere and proliferate on the coatings was evaluated. These experiments showed that the presence of glass particles does not cause a significant increase in cell proliferation. Combining a bioactive material with PEEK leads to forming a final component that provides suitable bioactivity to the final implant.
Fretting Behavior of WC-Co-Cr Coatings Against QT Steel in Bolted Joint
Authors: Haaja Vilma , Varis Tommi , Laurila Jussi , Isakov Matti
Published: February 2024

Fretting damage on contacting surfaces introduces major challenges in mechanical assemblies. Thermal sprayed hardmetal coatings are extensively used for surface modification in tribological applications under demanding conditions and may also be subjected to fretting-inducing loading. In the present work, the fretting behavior of High Velocity Oxy-Fuel (HVOF) and High Velocity Air–Fuel (HVAF) sprayed WC-10Co-4Cr coatings against quenched and tempered (QT) steel was studied by using a single bolt joint-type fretting experiment. This experimental approach was selected to obtain realistic data on the fretting fatigue performance of the contact pairs (both coating-to-steel and coating-to-coating). Experimental results were completed with continuum-scale linear elastic finite element method (FEM) calculations.
A new approach to pedestal differentiation for soil loss estimation—a case study from a burnt area in north-central Portugal
Authors: Verheijen Frank G. A. , Martins Martinho A. S. , Prats Sergio A. , Keizer Jan J.
Published: February 2024

Soil pedestals have long been used as qualitative indicators of soil splash erosion. In rangelands, plant-capped pedestals, generally grass tussocks, have also been used to quantitatively estimate soil loss since the first half of the twentieth century. In agricultural lands, forests, and badlands, stone-capped pedestals have been used as qualitative and semi-quantitative indicators of active, ‘extreme’ erosion. Little work has been reported on using capstone pedestal data for quantifying soil loss. We postulate that three distinct capstone pedestal types may be present in any given location and that a detailed analysis of a pedestal height histogram may be used to recognize their populations. This analysis can subsequently inform if soil loss can be reliably estimated and if so, which of the existing methods using pedestal height data will provide more accurate results. The three proposed capstone pedestal types are: (1) neo-pedestals formed underneath surface stones exposed by (partial) removal of the soil surface cover; (2) endo-pedestals formed underneath stones that were buried in the soil but have been exposed by erosion; and (3) phoenix-pedestals formed underneath stones from collapsed pedestals. In the pedestal height histogram of any given location, a skew to smaller heights may indicate the existence of endo- and/or phoenix-pedestals, which may be revealed as a bi-(or tri) modal distribution when using a smaller bin size. This concept was applied to a case study where soil loss had been monitored for control plots and mulched plots during a 5-year period following wildfire in a eucalypt plantation. We measured pedestal heights and used methods to quantitatively assess soil loss from soil pedestal data in the available literature. Soil pedestal data at the end of the 5-year period under or overestimated soil loss in the control treatment, with results ranging from 60 to 115% of measured soil loss, depending on the method. It is postulated that phoenix- and endo-pedestals may be a driving factor behind the observed discrepancies. We discuss how future research may provide more insight into dominant processes, and how frequency distributions may be used to select the best methods for estimating soil loss from pedestals.
Corporate sustainability, organizational resilience, and corporate purpose: a review of the academic traditions connecting them
Authors: Florez-Jimenez M. P. , Lleo A. , Ruiz-Palomino P. , Muñoz-Villamizar A. F.
Published: February 2024

The increasing complexity of economic, environmental, and social systems causes crises, uncertainty and risk to become common global issues, and organizations that want to achieve long-term prosperity must pursue corporate sustainability, i.e., the joint pursuit of environmental, social, and economic goals, in order to successfully face the complex and uncertain environment in which these organizations find themselves. To achieve the above, organizational resilience would also seem to be critical, as it is a capacity which enables the organization to build a risk-aware culture that helps it better position itself to deal with the demands of high-impact events as well as to be able to find opportunities through uncertainty. Yet, both corporate sustainability and organizational resilience are organizational capabilities that can nourish (and/or be nurtured by) a corporate purpose that leads organizations to have a clear and inspiring sense of direction, fostering the development of strong responsible and adaptive behaviors. Nevertheless, the academic traditions that relate and explain “how” these concepts are related are non-existent. To bridge the above gap, we conducted a science mapping analysis and discovered that by 2022, a total of 34 documents had presented the relationship between sustainability, organizational resilience and corporate purpose. The analysis of these 34 papers yields five different academic traditions from which the relationship between these three concepts has been studied and reveals several gaps that future research should address to gain a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of these three concepts to help organizations achieve long-term prosperity.
Desmoglein-2 Affects Vascular Function in Moyamoya Disease by Interacting with MMP-9 and Influencing PI3K Signaling
Authors: Wang Ajun , Li Nan , Zhang Nan , Liu Jian , Yang Tao , Li Dongxue , Li Changwen , Li Rui , Jiang Tongcui , Xia Chengyu
Published: February 2024

The pathogenesis and development of Moyamoya disease are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effect of desmoglein-2 (DSG2) on Moyamoya disease and determine the inhibitory effect of DSG2 in vascular remodeling in Moyamoya disease.

RNA sequencing, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and western blotting were used to detect the expression of DSG2 in the superficial temporal artery (STA) tissues of Moyamoya disease. The association between DSG2 and endothelial cells’ biological activities was investigated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), migration assay, tube formation assay, flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, and TUNEL apoptotic cell detection kit. Pathways affected by overexpression or knockdown of DSG2 were identified in endothelial cells.

The expression of DSG2 in the STA tissues of Moyamoya disease was lower than that in normal controls. Overexpression of DSG2 inhibits the proliferation and migration but promotes apoptosis in endothelial cells, and low DSG2 levels result in impaired angiogenesis. In addition, there was an interaction between DSG2 and MMP-9, and DSG2 acted through the PI3K signaling in endothelial cells.

Our results indicate that DSG2 affects PI3K signaling in vascular endothelial cells, and MMP-9 is involved in DSG2-mediated vascular changes in Moyamoya disease.
Bilateral cavernous sinus and ophthalmic vein thrombosis secondary to Trueperella pyogenes rhinosinusitis
Authors: Calo’ Lea , Scarano Emanuele , Brigato Francesca , Di Cintio Giovanni , Galli Jacopo
Published: February 2024

Ophthalmic vein thrombosis is a severe clinical entity with proptosis, eyelid swelling, orbital pain and reduction of visual acuity; its incidence is rare with 3–4 cases /million /year. Clinical manifestations result from venous congestion caused by septic (orbital cellulitis) or aseptic aetiologies (coagulopathies, trauma) and in some cases it could be associated with cavernous sinus thrombosis. In this paper, we describe a case report unique in the literature, of bilateral cavernous sinus and ophthalmic veins thrombosis due to both septic and aseptic causes characterized by unilateral sphenoid sinusitis sustained by Trueperella pyogenes infection. Trueperella pyogenes is an opportunistic animal pathogen, and its infections occur in both domestic and wild animals worldwide but are rare in humans; this is the first instance of human infection in the head and neck with an unknown hypercoagulable state.
Research progress of Paris polyphylla in the treatment of digestive tract cancers
Authors: Wang Jia , Ni Bao-yi , Wang Jing , Han Lei , Ni Xin , Wang Xin-miao , Cao Lu-chang , Sun Qian-hui , Han Xin-pu , Cui Hu-jun
Published: February 2024

Cancer has become one of the most important causes of human death. In particular, the 5 year survival rate of patients with digestive tract cancer is low. Although chemotherapy drugs have a certain efficacy, they are highly toxic and prone to chemotherapy resistance. With the advancement of antitumor research, many natural drugs have gradually entered basic clinical research. They have low toxicity, few adverse reactions, and play an important synergistic role in the combined targeted therapy of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. A large number of studies have shown that the active components of Paris polyphylla (PPA), a common natural medicinal plant, can play an antitumor role in a variety of digestive tract cancers. In this paper, the main components of PPA such as polyphyllin, C21 steroids, sterols, and flavonoids, amongst others, are introduced, and the mechanisms of action and research progress of PPA and its active components in the treatment of various digestive tract cancers are reviewed and summarized. The main components of PPA have been thoroughly explored to provide more detailed references and innovative ideas for the further development and utilization of similar natural antitumor drugs.
Pathways from research to sustainable development: Insights from ten research projects in sustainability and resilience
Authors: Scaini Anna , Mulligan Joseph , Berg Håkan , Brangarí Albert , Bukachi Vera , Carenzo Sebastian , Chau Thi Da , Courtney-Mustaphi Colin , Ekblom Anneli , Fjelde Hanne , Fridahl Mathias , Hansson Anders , Hicks Lettice , Höjer Mattias , Juma Benard , Kain Jaan-Henrik , Kariuki Rebecca W. , Kim Soben , Lane Paul , Leizeaga Ainara , Lindborg Regina , Livsey John , Lyon Steve W. , Marchant Rob , McConville Jennifer R. , Munishi Linus , Nilsson David , Olang Luke , Olin Stefan , Olsson Lennart , Rogers Peter Msumali , Rousk Johannes , Sandén Hans , Sasaki Nophea , Shoemaker Anna , Smith Benjamin , Thai Huynh Phuong Lan , Varela Varela Ana , Venkatappa Manjunatha , Vico Giulia , Von Uexkull Nina , Wamsler Christine , Wondie Menale , Zapata Patrick , Zapata Campos María José , Manzoni Stefano , Tompsett Anna
Published: February 2024

Drawing on collective experience from ten collaborative research projects focused on the Global South, we identify three major challenges that impede the translation of research on sustainability and resilience into better-informed choices by individuals and policy-makers that in turn can support transformation to a sustainable future. The three challenges comprise: (i) converting knowledge produced during research projects into successful knowledge application; (ii) scaling up knowledge in time when research projects are short-term and potential impacts are long-term; and (iii) scaling up knowledge across space, from local research sites to larger-scale or even global impact. Some potential pathways for funding agencies to overcome these challenges include providing targeted prolonged funding for dissemination and outreach, and facilitating collaboration and coordination across different sites, research teams, and partner organizations. By systematically documenting these challenges, we hope to pave the way for further innovations in the research cycle.
Can Online Music Platforms Be Fair? An Interdisciplinary Research Manifesto
Authors: Mazziotti Giuseppe , Ranaivoson Heritiana
Published: February 2024

In this article we present a manifesto for research into the complex interplay between social media, music streaming services, and their algorithms, which are reshaping the European music industry – a sector that has transitioned from ownership to access-based models. Our focus is to assess whether the current digital economy supports a fair and sustainable development for cultural and creative industries. The manifesto is designed to pave the way for a comprehensive analysis. We begin with the context of our research by briefly examining the de-materialisation of the music industry and the critical role of proprietary algorithms in organising and ranking creative works. We then scrutinise the notion of “fairness” within digital markets, a concept that is attracting increasing policy interest in the EU. We believe that, for “fairness” to be effective, the main inquiry around this concept – especially as regards remuneration of music creators – must be necessarily interdisciplinary. This presupposes collaboration across complementary fields to address gaps and inconsistencies in the understanding of how these platforms influence music creation and consumption and whether these environments and technologies should be regulated. We outline how interdisciplinary expertise (political science, law, economics, and computer science) can enhance the current understanding of “fairness” within Europe’s cultural policies and help address policy challenges. The article details how our research plan will unfold across various disciplinary hubs of a Horizon Europe project (Fair MusE) that aims to explore the challenges and opportunities of today’s digital music landscape. The plan culminates in the integration of these hubs’ findings to deliver “key exploitable results”.