bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promotion of order
Bunyavirales
to class
Bunyaviricetes
to accommodate a rapidly increasing number of related polyploviricotine viruses
Authors: Kuhn Jens H. , Brown Katherine , Adkins Scott , de la Torre Juan Carlos , Digiaro Michele , Ergünay Koray , Firth Andrew E. , Hughes Holly R. , Junglen Sandra , Lambert Amy J. , Maes Piet , Marklewitz Marco , Palacios Gustavo , Sasaya (笹谷孝英) Takahide , Shi (施莽) Mang , Zhang (张永振) Yong-Zhen , Wolf Yuri I. , Turina Massimo
Published: September 2024

Prior to 2017, the family
Bunyaviridae
included five genera of arthropod and rodent viruses with tri-segmented negative-sense RNA genomes related to the Bunyamwera virus. In 2017, the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) promoted the family to order
Bunyavirales
and subsequently greatly expanded its composition by adding multiple families for non-segmented to polysegmented viruses of animals, fungi, plants, and protists. The continued and accelerated discovery of bunyavirals highlighted that an order would not suffice to depict the evolutionary relationships of these viruses. Thus, in April 2024, the order was promoted to class
Bunyaviricetes
. This class currently includes two major orders,
Elliovirales
(
Cruliviridae
,
Fimoviridae
,
Hantaviridae
,
Peribunyaviridae
,
Phasmaviridae
,
Tospoviridae
, and
Tulasviridae
) and
Hareavirales
(
Arenaviridae
,
Discoviridae
,
Konkoviridae
,
Leishbuviridae
,
Mypoviridae
,
Nairoviridae
,
Phenuiviridae
, and
Wupedeviridae
), for hundreds of viruses, many of which are pathogenic for humans and other animals, plants, and fungi.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in systemic lupus erythematosus treated with pembrolizumab
Authors: Ørum Matilde , Lund Laursen Alex , Troldborg Anne
Published: September 2024

This case report discusses a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) treated with low-dose azathioprine who developed progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML is a rare, severe, demyelinating disease linked to John Cunningham polyomavirus (JCV) reactivation.

Treated with pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, the patient initially improved. However, after the fourth dose, her condition rapidly worsened resulting in treatment discontinuation and death. Similar cases highlight the complex interplay of factors in PML development in SLE patients, including immunosuppression and genetic factors. The use of pembrolizumab in PML and SLE necessitates careful consideration of potential complications.
Seismic Performance of the Bridge Piers Reinforced with PP-ECC in the Plastic Hinge Region
Authors: Yu Linfeng , Ma Shengqiang , Dan Danhui , Ma Wenjie , Chen Shengwei
Published: September 2024

Ductility deficiency in reinforced concrete (RC) piers is a substantial factor contributing to earthquake damage in bridge structures. In this study, the conventional concrete in the potential plastic hinge area was substituted with polypropylene fiber-reinforced engineered cementitious composite (PP-ECC), thereby leveraging its high ductility characteristics to explore the seismic performance of RC piers strengthened by PP-ECC. A finite element model was established to discuss the reinforced height, axial compression ratio, longitudinal reinforcement ratio and stirrup ratio on the hysteresis performance by referring to a published paper with a 1/5 scale test specimen. Based on the results of the parameter analysis, an ideal set of configuration parameters was proposed. Subsequently, a full-size simplified mechanical model was established with ideal reinforcement parameters. Time-history and pushover analysis were utilized to test the seismic response. The study indicates that the two analytical methods were largely consistent. The improvement in the displacement and shear force of the strengthened pier gradually decreased with the increase in acceleration amplitude. Time-history analysis reveals a decrease in the enhancement of displacement from 82.26% to 17.98% and a reduction at the bottom reaction from 12.2% to 1.5%. Under the pushover analysis method, the retrofitting level of the top displacement decreased from 77.22% to 11.53%, whereas the improvement level of the bottom shear decreased from 9.62% to 3.69%. These results provide a theoretical basis and reference standard for the application of PP-ECC.
Novel Computation-Efficient Single-Image Super-Resolution Based on Hierarchical Dirichlet Process Using Compound Poisson Process
Authors: Khalili Sadaghiani Abdol Vahab , Sargolzaei Hamid , Forouzandeh Behjat
Published: September 2024

This research presents a Bayesian nonparametric (BNP) clustering method for estimating filter-bank coefficients of discrete wavelet transform (DWT) for high-performance single-image super-resolution (SISR). The statistical model works on the idea of an “infinite mixture model” that operates using a Markov chain without a predefined number of states. Using the hierarchical dirichlet process (HDP) that uses blocked Gibbs Sampling to obtain the desired final values, the model extracts statistical dependencies between coarse and finer scales. Also, it defines a compound Poisson process (CPP) to model the DWT coefficients within a specific scale, granting the ability to perfectly predict, model, and remove the Poisson noise of the image at the same during the process. Thus, the proposed unsupervised HDP–CPP model observes and exploits statistical inter-scale and intra-scale dependencies of image sub-bands. Despite deep neural network-based SISR methods that require training of millions of weights in some cases, this approach provides a flexible and versatile platform with much less complexity and the ability to model the correlation of distant pixels. This method has excellent upscaling and denoising capabilities, and outperforms state-of-the-art methods with noticeably sharper images using a very small image-bank of less than 30 high-resolution and low-resolution images.
Dilations of (dual) frames for Krein spaces
Authors: Dong Rui-Qi , Li Yun-Zhang
Published: September 2024

This paper addresses the dilation problem on (dual) frames for Krein spaces. We characterize Riesz bases for Krein spaces and equivalence ([Formula: see text]-unitary equivalence) between frames for Krein spaces; prove that every frame (dual frame pair) for a Krein space can be dilated to a Riesz basis (dual Riesz basis pair) for a larger Krein space, and that the corresponding [Formula: see text]-orthogonal complementary frame ([Formula: see text]-joint complementary frame) is unique up to equivalence ([Formula: see text]-joint equivalence). Also we illustrate that two equivalent Parseval frames for Krein spaces need not be [Formula: see text]-unitarily equivalent and that not every Parseval frame can be dilated to a [Formula: see text]-orthonormal basis for a larger Krein space, and derive a result on matrices of finite size as application.
Relationship Between Growth Surface Temperature and Crystal Structure of TiO2 Coatings Prepared Using Direct Current Pulsed Magnetron Sputtering Technology
Authors: Yao Tingting , Hao Yuji , Ding Wanyu
Published: September 2024

In this study, TiO2 coatings are deposited on Si(100) wafers by direct current pulsed magnetron sputtering technology. The crystal structure of TiO2 coatings gradually transforms from the anatase phase to the amorphous phase when the sputtering power is decreased from 900[Formula: see text]W to 150[Formula: see text]W. Besides, the growth surface temperature of TiO2 coatings decreases from 630[Formula: see text]C to 241[Formula: see text]C. The relationship between the growth behavior and growth surface temperature of TiO2 coatings is investigated using the dynamic scaling theory. The results show that in the first stage, the growth behavior of TiO2 coatings gradually transforms from the Frank–van der Merwe mode to the Volmer–Weber mode with decreasing sputtering power from 900[Formula: see text]W to 150[Formula: see text]W. In the second stage, the growth behavior of TiO2 coatings gradually transforms from the Stranski–Krastanov mode to the Volmer–Weber mode. Transformation of the growth behavior of TiO2 coatings in the second stage transforms the crystal structure of TiO2 coatings from the anatase phase to the amorphous phase.
Analysis of Depth Spatial Variations of Accelerograms Recorded from the Center for Engineering Strong Motion Data: Numerical Simulation for Multipoint Ground Motions
Authors: Wen Pan , Bi Xirong , Luo Nan
Published: September 2024

Studies on depth spatial variations are rare because of the limited number of measured recordings of the subsurface along the depth direction from the ground surface. However, these depth variations can directly influence the seismic dynamic response of underground structures or the foundations of space structures through multi-support excitation. In this study, depth spatial variations, including phase and amplitude, are analyzed to describe ground motions along different depths based on surface-earthquake time histories. The observed recordings from the Center for Engineering Strong Motion Data are used to investigate the spatial variation characteristics of the phase and amplitude in the depth direction, represented by the lagged coherence and Fourier amplitude spectrum ratio, respectively. A corresponding model is established under various site conditions to simulate multipoint correlated ground motions along the depth from the surface. Finally, a numerical simulation of multipoint ground motions is conducted to verify the application of the established models. This study provides an effective tool for describing spatial variations in both phase and amplitude, which are crucial for simulating ground motions at various depths.
The Neogene–Quaternary volcanism of the Carpathian–Pannonian region: from initial plate tectonic models to quantitative petrogenetic explanations
Authors: Harangi Szabolcs , Seghedi Ioan , Lukács Réka
Published: September 2024

A wide range of volcanic rocks formed in the Carpathian–Pannonian region during the last 20 Myr, closely associated with the tectonic evolution of the area: (1) high-SiO
2
rhyolites and rhyodacites; (2) calc-alkaline-type volcanic suites (basalt–andesite–dacite–rhyolite and adakitic rocks); (3) potassic–ultrapotassic volcanic rocks (shoshonites, latites, leucitites and lamproites); and (4) alkali sodic volcanic rocks (basalts, trachyandesites and trachytes). During the 18.1–14.4 Ma silicic ignimbrite flare-up volcanism, explosive eruptions produced large volume of tephras, which covered extended areas of Europe. Calc-alkaline-type volcanism took place in syn-extensional and post-collisional settings. There is no classic volcanic arc in the Carpathian–Pannonian Region, and so the term ‘back-arc basin’ should be used for the Pannonian Basin only in a structural geology sense. Alkali basalt volcanism occurred mostly in the peripheral areas of the Pannonian Basin primarily owing to edge-driven convective upwelling of heterogeneous asthenospheric mantle. The youngest eruptions took place 100–30 ka ago, mostly in the geodynamically still active southeast Carpathians. After 50 years of intense research, there are still many open questions to be solved. Interdisciplinary understanding of the results of different disciplines is crucial to better constrain the evolution of this tectonically complex area, to reveal its geoenergy and to assess potential natural hazards.
Proresolving Lipid Mediators in the Respiratory System
Authors: Serhan Charles N. , Levy Bruce D.
Published: September 2024

Lung inflammation, infection, and injury can lead to critical illness and death. The current means to pharmacologically treat excessive uncontrolled lung inflammation needs improvement because many treatments are or will become immunosuppressive. The inflammatory response evolved to protect the host from microbes, injury, and environmental insults. This response brings phagocytes from the bloodstream to the tissue site to phagocytize and neutralize bacterial invaders and enables airway antimicrobial functions. This physiologic response is ideally self-limited with initiation and resolution phases. Polyunsaturated essential fatty acids are precursors to potent molecules that govern both phases. In the initiation phase, arachidonic acid is converted to prostaglandins and leukotrienes that activate leukocytes to transmigrate from postcapillary venules. The omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., DHA and EPA) are precursors to resolvins, protectins, and maresins, which are families of chemically distinct mediators with potent functions in resolution of acute and chronic inflammation in the respiratory system.
Cellular calcium handling and electrophysiology are modulated by chronic physiological pacing in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Knierim Maria , Bommer Thea , Paulus Michael , Riedl Dominic , Fink Sarah , Pöppl Arnold , Reetz Florian , Wang Peter , Maier Lars S. , Voigt Niels , Nahrendorf Matthias , Sossalla Samuel , Streckfuss-Bömeke Katrin , Pabel Steffen
Published: September 2024

Electric pacing is increasingly used in research with human induced pluripotent stem cell cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM), for example to simulate arrhythmias but also to enhance maturity. Therefore, it is mandatory to understand the effects of pacing itself on cellular electrophysiology in late-stage, matured hiPSC-CM. This study provides an electrophysiological characterization of the effects of chronic electric pacing at a physiological rate on differentiated hiPSC-CM.
Enhancement over DBSCAN Satellite Spatial Data Clustering
Authors: Al-Batah Mohammad Subhi , Al-Kwaldeh Enas Rezeg , Wahed Mutaz Abdel , Alzyoud Mazen , Al-Shanableh Najah
Published: September 2024

Image processing is a promising technique for enhancing images or extracting useful information from them. One commonly used density‐based clustering algorithm is DBSCAN (Density‐Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise). However, DBSCAN struggles with satellite images due to their large sizes, often resulting in excessively long computation times. This research proposes an improved version of DBSCAN called “Enhanced DBSCAN‐based Histogram” (EDBSCAN‐H) to address these issues. EDBSCAN‐H enhances DBSCAN by incorporating a histogram‐based approach to better manage large datasets and reduce computation time. The key improvement lies in using the histogram of the input image and measuring the distance between data objects and histogram points to determine whether a region is dense or sparse, thereby selecting suitable parameters. EDBSCAN‐H introduces an additional parameter, ε2, alongside the original DBSCAN parameters ε₁ and MinPts. This enhancement allows EDBSCAN‐H to achieve improved performance across various metrics for clustering spatial data images.
Relationship between Stress and Neuroimmunological Responses and Health Literacy in Newly Diagnosed HIV‐Infected Patients: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Arnetz Bengt B. , Arnetz Judith E. , Kaminski Norbert , Tomlin Ryan , Cole Andrew , Bartlett Pamela , Crawford Robert , Jameson Andrew
Published: September 2024

Objectives. We aimed to study self‐rated health and psycho‐neuroimmunological responses during the initial 6 months after testing positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and its relationship to health literacy, that is, the ability to take in and understand information about one’s illness. Health literacy plays a critical role in patients’ ability to adhere to antiretroviral treatment (ART). However, there is a lack of studies on the possible impact of HIV‐induced proinflammatory processes on health literacy. Methods. Twelve patients with newly diagnosed HIV attending an urban Ryan White‐funded HIV clinic responded to a questionnaire and had blood samples drawn at baseline (first visit) and after 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. The questionnaire measured stress, depression, and health literacy. Blood was analyzed for HIV RNA plasma viral load, CD4 cell count, pro‐ and antistress, and inflammatory markers. Results. Complete data for the entire 4 collection periods were available for nine patients. Over the 6‐month period, mean viral load decreased from 353,714.83 (standard deviation 870,334.61) to 35.89 (14.04) copies/mL (p < 0.001). CD4 cell count increased from 321.08 (167.96) to 592.44 (300.06) cells/mm3 (p < 0.001). Self‐rated stress decreased from a baseline mean of 7.33 (2.29) to 3.56 (3.21), on a 0–10 visual analogue scale, at the 6‐month follow‐up (p < 0.01). C‐reactive protein (CRP) decreased from 5757.05 (3146.86) to 2360.84 (2277.33) ng/mL (p < 0.05). Mean health literacy score at baseline was 17.67 (3.50; scale range 0–20) and did not change during the follow‐up period. However, increased stress and decreased CRP (p = 0.05) during the 6‐month follow‐up predicted higher health literacy scores at 6 months. Conclusion. Both stress and proinflammatory processes in newly diagnosed HIV‐infected patients might adversely impact patients’ health literacy and thus their capacity to align with treatment guidance.
Tuberculosis Meningitis in a 9‐Month‐Old Girl during the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Bordbari Amir-Hassan , Sheidaee Kobra , Hajialibeig Azin , Navaeifar Mohammad Reza , Gooran Maedeh , Rezai Mohammad Sadegh
Published: September 2024

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a serious form of TB disease that can result in high morbidity and mortality, particularly if there are delays in diagnosis and treatment. In this case report, a 9‐month‐old girl was admitted with persistent vomiting and focal seizures. On examination, she was found to have a right‐side hemiparesis. Brain imaging showed intense nodular leptomeningeal enhancement, hydrocephalus, a hypolucent lesion in the left basal ganglia, arterial stenosis and vasculitis, and an old ischemic insult. The patient was initially diagnosed with an acute ischemic stroke and was treated with aspirin and antiepileptic drugs. The patient’s condition failed to improve despite initial treatment, leading to further diagnostic procedures. The results uncovered a diagnosis of TBM. The case highlights the importance of considering TBM as a possible cause of neurological symptoms, especially during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic where similar symptoms can be present in cases of neurological complications of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C).
Inflammatory Manifestations Associated With Gut Dysbiosis in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kozhakhmetov Samat , Kaiyrlykyzy Aiym , Jarmukhanov Zharkyn , Vinogradova Elizaveta , Zholdasbekova Gulnaz , Alzhanova Dinara , Kunz Jeanette , Kushugulova Almagul , Askarova Sholpan
Published: September 2024

Recent studies strongly suggest that gut microbiome can influence brain functions and contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, reported changes in the gut microbiomes in AD patients from different countries are not similar, and more research is needed to reveal the relationships between human microbiomes and AD in diverse ethnic populations. There is also an assumption that microbiome‐associated peripheral inflammation might drive the development of sporadic AD. This cross‐sectional study is aimed at analyzing the gut microbial profile and exploring potential associations with blood cytokines and some clinical parameters among individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in Kazakhstan. Consistent with previous studies, we have found that the microbial landscape in AD reveals specific alterations in the gut microbiome. Specifically, the AD patient group showed a decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. The differential abundance analysis highlighted a dysbiosis in the gut microbiota of AD patients, marked by a reduced presence of Bifidobacterium, particularly B. breve. In our study, AD patients’ altered gut microbiota composition notably features an increased presence of Pseudomonadota like Phyllobacterium and inflammatory bacteria such as Synergistetes and the Christensenellaceae family. The metabolic profiling of the AD microbiome reveals a predominant presence of pathways related to sugar, carrier molecules, tetrapyrrole, pyrimidine biosynthesis, and nucleic acid processing. This analysis also highlighted a marked reduction in SCFA, carbohydrate, polysaccharide, polyamine, and myo‐inositol degradation pathways. The increases in the proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1a, IL‐8, IL‐17A, IL‐12p40, TNF‐β, MCP‐1, IL‐2, and IL‐12p70 and the anti‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐10 and IL‐13 were observed in AD patients. Key variables driving the separation of AD and controls include inflammatory markers (IL‐1a and IL‐8), growth factors (EGF), lipids (LDL), BMI, and gut microbes, like genus Tyzzerella and Turicibacter and species Parabacteroides distasonis and Bacteroides eggerthii. We have also demonstrated that almost all cytokines strongly correlate with serum adiponectin levels and specific microbial taxa in AD patients. Thus, our findings identify potential microbial and inflammatory signatures in an ethnically distinct cohort of AD patients. These could serve as AD biomarkers and microbiota‐based therapeutic targets for treating AD.
Four new species and a key to Australian species of the genus Diochus Erichson (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae, Staphylininae, Diochini)
Authors: HUANG TIAN , ZHOU YU-LINGZI , JANÁK JIŘÍ , ZHOU HONG-ZHANG
Published: September 2024

The Australian species of the genus Diochus Erichson, 1839 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae, Staphylininae, Diochini) are reviewed and four new species are described: Diochus basseti sp. nov. and D. weiri sp. nov. from Queensland, D. lawrencei sp. nov. from Northern and Western Australia, and D. slipinskii sp. nov. from Western Australia. Four previously described species from Australia are revised here based on the examination of type material: Diochus divisus Fauvel, 1877, D. octavii Fauvel, 1877, D. longus Lea, 1929, and D. pubiventris Lea, 1929. A key to all eight species is included, along with photographs and line drawing plates for each species. A lectotype for Diochus divisus Fauvel, 1877 is designated.
A new species of Athyreus MacLeay, 1819 (Coleoptera: Geotrupidae: Bolboceratinae: Athyreini) from northeastern Brazil
Authors: CELANTE GABRIEL LUIZ , CARVALHO ADHAN GABRIEL , JAHYNY BENOIT JEAN BERNARD , ARAÚJO KAYLLA BRISLEY SILVA , SANTOS PAULA BATISTA DOS
Published: September 2024

Athyreus arretado Celante & Carvalho, new species (Coleoptera: Geotrupidae: Bolboceratinae: Athyreini) is described from Casa Nova, Bahia, Brazil. An updated identification key to males in the Athyreus aeneus species group is provided. Distribution maps of some Bolboceratinae species with new records in northeastern Brazil for Athyreus tuberifer Felsche, 1909 from Sergipe; Neoathyreus (Neoathyreus) anthracinus (Klug, 1843) and Neoathyreus (Neoathyreus) lanuginosus (Klug, 1843) from Paraíba; Athyreus vavini Boucomont, 1902, Neoathyreus (Neoathyreus) braziliensis Howden, 1985, and Neoathyreus (Neoathyreus) centromaculatus (Felsche, 1909) from Pernambuco; and Bolbapium caesum (Klug, 1843) from Bahia are provided.
Contribution to the genus Nicephora Bolívar, 1900 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) with one new species from Yunnan, China
Authors: LIU QING , SU JIE , SHI FUMING
Published: September 2024

This paper reports one new species of Nicephora Bolívar, 1900 from Yunnan, China, namely Nicephora acumina sp. nov., and gives a supplemental description of Nicephora (Eunicephora) dianxiensis Wang & Liu, 2013. Diagnostic illustrations are provided, and all specimens examined are deposited in the Museum of Hebei University, China.
Socioeconomic and ethnic disparities in preterm births in an English maternity setting: a population-based study of 1.3 million births
Authors: Kayode G. , Howell A. , Burden C. , Margelyte R. , Cheng V. , Viner M. , Sandall J. , Carter J. , Brigante L. , Winter C. , Carroll F. , Thilaganathan B. , Anumba D. , Judge A. , Lenguerrand E. ,   Tommy’s National Centre for Maternity Improvemen﻿t
Published: September 2024

Background

Preterm birth is a major cause of infant mortality and morbidity and accounts for 7–8% of births in the UK. It is more common in women from socially deprived areas and from minority ethnic groups, but the reasons for this disparity are poorly understood. To inform interventions to improve child survival and their quality of life, this study examined the socioeconomic and ethnic inequalities in preterm births (< 37 weeks of gestation at birth) within Health Trusts in England.

Methods

This study investigated socioeconomic and ethnic inequalities in preterm birth rates across the National Health Service (NHS) in England. The NHS in England can be split into different units known as Trusts. We visualised between-Trust differences in preterm birth rates. Health Trusts were classified into five groups based on their standard deviation (SD) variation from the average national preterm birth rate. We used modified Poisson regression to compute risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) with generalised estimating equations.

Results

The preterm birth rate ranged from 6.8/100 births for women living in the least deprived areas to 8.8/100 births for those living in the most deprived areas. Similarly, the preterm birth rate ranged from 7.8/100 births for white women, up to 8.6/100 births for black women. Some Health Trusts had lower than average preterm birth rates in white women whilst concurrently having higher than average preterm birth rates in black and Asian women. The risk of preterm birth was higher for women living in the most deprived areas and ethnicity (Asian).

Conclusions

There was evidence of variation in rates of preterm birth by ethnic group, with some Trusts reporting below average rates in white ethnic groups whilst concurrently reporting well above average rates for women from Asian or black ethnic groups. The risk of preterm birth varied substantially at the intersectionality of maternal ethnicity and the level of socioeconomic deprivation of their residency. In the absence of other explanations, these findings suggest that even within the same Health Trust, maternity care may vary depending on the women’s ethnicity and/or whether she lives in an area of high socioeconomic deprivation. Thus, social factors are likely key determinants of inequality in preterm birth rather than provision of maternity care alone.
Role of cfDNA and ctDNA to improve the risk stratification and the disease follow-up in patients with endometrial cancer: towards the clinical application
Authors: Casas-Arozamena Carlos , Vilar Ana , Cueva Juan , Arias Efigenia , Sampayo Victoria , Diaz Eva , Oltra Sara S , Moiola Cristian Pablo , Cabrera Silvia , Cortegoso Alexandra , Curiel Teresa , Abalo Alicia , Pamies Serrano Mónica , Domingo Santiago , Padilla-Iserte Pablo , Arnaez de la Cruz Marta , Hernández Alicia , García-Pineda Virginia , Ruiz-Bañobre Juan , López Rafael , Matias-Guiu Xavier , Colás Eva , Gil-Moreno Antonio , Abal Miguel , Moreno-Bueno Gema , Muinelo-Romay Laura
Published: September 2024

Background

There has been a rise in endometrial cancer (EC) incidence leading to increased mortality. To counter this trend, improving the stratification of post-surgery recurrence risk and anticipating disease relapse and treatment resistance is essential. Liquid biopsy analyses offer a promising tool for these clinical challenges, though the best strategy for applying them in EC must be defined. This study was designed to determine the value of cfDNA/ctDNA monitoring in improving the clinical management of patients with localized and recurrent disease.

Methods

Plasma samples and uterine aspirates (UA) from 198 EC patients were collected at surgery and over time. The genetic landscape of UAs was characterized using targeted sequencing. Total cfDNA was analyzed for ctDNA presence based on the UA mutational profile.

Results

High cfDNA levels and detectable ctDNA at baseline correlated with poor prognosis for DFS (p-value < 0.0001; HR = 9.25) and DSS (p-value < 0.0001; HR = 11.20). This remained clinically significant when stratifying tumors by histopathological risk factors. Of note, cfDNA/ctDNA analyses discriminated patients with early post-surgery relapse and the ctDNA kinetics served to identify patients undergoing relapse before any clinical evidence emerged.

Conclusions

This is the most comprehensive study on cfDNA/ctDNA characterization in EC, demonstrating its value in improving risk stratification and anticipating disease relapse in patients with localized disease. CtDNA kinetics assessment complements current strategies to monitor the disease evolution and the treatment response. Therefore, implementing cfDNA/ctDNA monitoring in clinical routines offers a unique opportunity to improve EC management.

Translational relevance

The study demonstrates that high levels of cfDNA and detectable ctDNA at baseline are strong indicators of poor prognosis. This enables more accurate risk stratification beyond traditional histopathological factors, allowing clinicians to identify high-risk patients who may benefit from more aggressive treatment and closer monitoring. Moreover, longitudinal analysis of cfDNA/ctDNA can detect disease recurrence months before clinical symptoms or imaging evidence appear. This early warning system offers a significant advantage in clinical practice, providing a window of opportunity for early intervention and potentially improving patient outcomes.
Synthesis of new binary trimethoxyphenylfuran pyrimidinones as proficient and sustainable corrosion inhibitors for carbon steel in acidic medium: experimental, surface morphology analysis, and theoretical studies
Authors: Ali Hajar A. , El-Hossiany Ahmed. A. , Abousalem Ashraf S. , Ismail Mohamed A. , Fouda Abd El-Aziz S. , Ghaith Eslam A.
Published: September 2024

In this study, synthesis and assessment of the corrosion inhibition of four new binary heterocyclic pyrimidinones on CS in 1.0 M hydrochloric acid solutions at various temperatures (30–50 °C) were investigated. The synthesized molecules were designed and synthesized through Suzuki coupling reaction, the products were identified as 5-((5-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)furan-2-yl)methylene)pyrimidine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione (HM-1221), 2-thioxo-5-((5-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)furan-2-yl)methylene)dihydropyrimidine-4,6(1H,5H)-dione (HM-1222), 1,3-diethyl-2-thioxo-5-((5-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)furan-2-yl)methylene)dihydropyrimidine-4,6(1H,5H)-dione (HM-1223) and 1,3-dimethyl-5-((5-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)furan-2-yl)methylene)pyrimidine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione (HM-1224). The experiments include weight loss measurements (WL), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP). From the measurements, it can be shown that the inhibition efficiency (η) of these organic derivatives increases with increasing the doses of inhibitors. The highest η recorded from EIS technique were 89.3%, 90.0%, 92.9% and 89.7% at a concentration of 11 × 10−6 M and 298 K for HM-1221, HM-1222, HM-1223, and HM-1224, respectively. The adsorption of the considered derivatives fit to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Since the ΔGoads values were found to be between − 20.1 and − 26.1 kJ mol−1, the analyzed isotherm plots demonstrated that the adsorption process for these derivatives on CS surface is a mixed-type inhibitors. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), atomic force microscope (AFM) and Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were utilized to study the surface morphology, whereby, quantum chemical analysis can support the mechanism of inhibition. DFT data and experimental findings were found in consistent agreement.

Graphical Abstract
Spatial–temporal variations of b-values prior to medium-to-large earthquakes in Taiwan and the feasibility of real-time precursor monitoring
Authors: Chan Chung-Han , Kao Jo-Chen , Chen Da-Yi
Published: September 2024

This study explores the b-value variations prior to M ≥ 6.0 earthquakes in Taiwan, examining their potential as earthquake precursors. Focusing on the 2018 Hualien earthquake and others between 1999 and 2021, we found that many large earthquakes occurred in areas with low b-values a year prior, although there were no significant temporal changes near the epicenters. However, for more accurate earthquake precursors, incorporating additional factors is recommended to minimize uncertainty.

Graphical Abstract
Dynamical stiffening of dsDNA confined and stretched in a nanochannel
Authors: Yadav Indresh , Basak Rajib , van Kan Jeroen A. , van der Maarel Johan R. C.
Published: September 2024

The internal dynamics of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) confined within channels of diameters ranging from the persistence length to twice that length were investigated using fluorescence microscopy. By analysing spatiotemporal intensity fluctuations, we derived the intermediate dynamic structure factor. The structure factor consistently exhibited behaviour characteristic of Rouse dynamics, regardless of the channel diameter. Notably, as the channel diameter decreased, the DNA molecules became increasingly elongated along the channel, leading to shorter relaxation times. These findings indicate a dynamic stiffening effect, where the effective spring constant of a stretched polymer chain increases. We propose that this effect has significant implications for controlling DNA motion in biological and biotechnological applications.
Approach to stationarity for the KPZ fixed point with boundaries
Authors: Prolhac Sylvain
Published: September 2024

Current fluctuations for the one-dimensional totally asymmetric exclusion process (TASEP) connected to reservoirs of particles, and their large scale limit to the KPZ fixed point in finite volume, are studied using exact methods. Focusing on the maximal current phase for TASEP, corresponding to infinite boundary slopes for the KPZ height field, we obtain for general initial condition an exact expression for the late time correction to stationarity, involving extreme value statistics of Brownian paths. In the special cases of stationary and narrow wedge initial conditions, a combination of Bethe ansatz and numerical conjectures alternatively provide fully explicit exact expressions.
Validación de la Escala de Empatía Percibida de los Padres (EEPP) en adultos jóvenes argentinos: propuesta de una versión breve
Authors: Benítez Goncalvez Agustín , Vargas-Rubilar Jael , Lemos Viviana
Published: September 2024

El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar el funcionamiento técnico de la Escala de Empatía Percibida de los Padres (EEPP) en adultos jóvenes argentinos y proponer una versión breve. Para este fin se realizaron dos estudios. En el primero, participaron 177 adultos jóvenes (mujeres n = 126, 71.2 %; varones n = 49, 27.7 %) de entre 18 y 35 años (M = 23.03; DE = 4.82), residentes de catorce provincias argentinas, seleccionados a partir de un muestreo por conveniencia. Se evaluó el poder discriminativo de los ítems, la estructura subyacente de la escala y su consistencia interna. En el segundo estudio, con una nueva muestra de 168 adultos jóvenes (mujeres n = 110, 65.5 %; varones n = 58, 34.5 %) de entre 18 y 35 años (M = 23.17; DE = 3.83), mediante análisis factorial confirmatorio, se puso a prueba las estructuras observadas en los análisis factoriales exploratorios realizados en el Estudio 1. Por otro lado, se sumaron indicadores de consistencia interna (ω, FC, H y VME) y de validez externa. Al comparar las versiones completas y abreviadas, los resultados mostraron mejores índices de ajuste y menores medidas de error en las versiones breves de la EEPP. Los índices de de consistencia ofrecieron valores satisfactorios. Respecto a la validez concurrente, se evidenciaron correlaciones con diferentes medidas de empatía en línea con lo esperado teóricamente. La EEPP cuenta con un funcionamiento técnico adecuado, que permite evaluar este constructo en adultos jóvenes argentinos de manera válida, confiable y breve.
Nonsubstitutable Consumption Growth Risk
Authors: Dittmar Robert F. , Schlag Christian , Thimme Julian
Published: September 2024

Standard applications of the consumption-based asset pricing model assume that goods and services within the nondurable consumption bundle are substitutes. We estimate substitution elasticities between different consumption bundles and show that households cannot substitute energy consumption by consumption of other nondurables. As a consequence, energy consumption affects the pricing function as a separate factor. Variation in energy consumption betas explains a large part of the premia related to value, investment, and operating profitability. For example, value stocks are typically more energy intensive than growth stocks and thus riskier, because they suffer more from the oil supply shocks that also affect households.

This paper was accepted by Lukas Schmid, finance.

Funding: C. Schlag gratefully acknowledges research and financial support from the Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE.

Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.01269 .
Assessment of Barley Genotypes for Salinity Tolerance based on Various Indices under Field Condition
Authors: Kumar Yogender , Devi Suman , Phougat Divya , Chaurasia Harsh , Choudhary Sheetal
Published: September 2024

The subject of the current study was to assess the stress indices with the aim to identify the salt tolerant genotypes, in addition to recognize the selection criterion for salinity tolerance. A set of fourteen barley genotypes were screened under two environments as non-stress (Normal) and stress (Salinity) conditions. The experimental material was evaluated in Randomized Block Design during 2021-22 at Research Area of Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. The genotypes namely RD 2794, BH 19-49, BH 946 and BH 19-52 were identified salt tolerant based on average rank of SSI of different traits. Further, results based on overall rank of stress indices employed on grain yield, BH 19-13, BH 20-40, BH 393, BH 19-15, BH 20-02 and BH 946 were found most promising exhibiting tolerant to salinity. Correlation analysis discerned significant negative association of grain yield (Ys) with SSI, TOL, SSPI, RSI and RED and significant positive correlation with the indices viz., STI, YI, YSI, MP, GMP, HM and MRP. These indices, therefore, could be considered as the best selection criteria for salinity breeding. PCA indicated first principal component (PC 1) as salt tolerant component based on strong correlation with grain yield (Ys) and STI, YI, YSI, MP, GMP, HM, MRP indices under stress condition. The genotypes of cluster I portrayed better performance under salinity for grain yield (Ys) and SSI, TOL, SSPI, RSI, RED, YI, YSI, and MRP. The genotypes from this cluster could be utilized for salinity tolerance as elite breeding material.
Enhancing Feature Optimization for Crop Yield Prediction Models
Authors: Chatterjee Sabyasachi , Mondal Swarup Kumar , Datta Anupam , Gupta Hritik Kumar
Published: September 2024

The growth of the world population is leading to an increased demand for food production. Crop yield prediction models are vital for agricultural planning and decision-making, providing forecasts that can significantly impact resource management and food security. This paper focuses on the importance and benefits of feature optimization in enhancing the performance of crop yield prediction models. By reducing noise and complexity, optimized features allow the prediction models to concentrate on the critical factors affecting crop yield, leading to more precise predictions and lesser computation times. This work utilizes an enhanced genetic algorithm to optimize feature selection and model parameters, outperforming the performance of standard genetic algorithms. Comparative analysis showed significant improvement in the accuracy of yield predictions by optimizing the selection of relevant features. The minimal error between actual and predicted yields on both the training and testing datasets highlights the effectiveness of the enhanced genetic algorithm. Enhanced feature optimization not only improves the robustness and adaptability of yield prediction models but also contributes to more sustainable and efficient agricultural management.
Rhetorical devices for argumentation (on the example of Volodymyr Zelenskyi's political speech in the Knesset)
Authors:   Donetsk National University named after Vasyl Stus, Antonyuk Olena
Published: September 2024

The article analyzes the rhetorical devices for argumentation and linguistic means in the political speech of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi in the Knesset, delivered on March 20, 2022. The speech is acutely political, evaluative, argumentative, emotional, manipulative, and characterized by a pronounced appeal to the value system. The study reveals the specifics of the arguments used by V. Zelenskyi to prove his position and convince the audience as well as highlights the rhetorical devices and linguistic means used in the process of proving the thesis and with the help of which the function of influence is realized. It is noted that the purpose of the speech under analysis is to convince and encourage listeners to take certain actions, for the realization of which the President must possess the ability to communicate effectively, i.e. to be communicatively competent. The article focuses on the analysis of the speech’s main arguments, the vast majority of which are tied to the emotional sphere. It is characterized by 1) argument to authority (opinions of other people are cited to prove one's own thesis); 2) argument to the public (used as an appeal to the audience's feelings); 3) argument to the facts (based on specific facts, examples); 4) argument for pity (used when it is necessary to evoke sympathy); 5) argument to arrogance (based on a compliment); 6) argument to the conscience (applied with the purpose of evoking the feeling of guilt, shame). Special attention is paid to rhetorical devices of argumentation and linguistic means of their implementation, among which the most common are anaphora, anadiplosis, antithesis, parcellation, and the use of rhetorical questions.
Translation transformations application in the process of psychologism rendering in English literary discourse
Authors:   Mykhailo Tuhan-Baranovskyi Donetsk National University of Economics and Trade, Ostapenko Svitlana
Published: September 2024

The article is devoted to the study of the peculiarities and translation transformations application while rendering psychologism from English into Ukrainian. The main scientific results are obtained applying a set of general scientific and special methods of research, namely: analysis and generalization of scientific literature on the problems of psychologism rendering in the process of translation; theoretical generalization, analysis and synthesis; holistic and integral approaches to the study of translation transformations; comparative, descriptive and analytical methods. Psychologism is an important element of a literary work that allows the reader to understand the inner world of the characters, their thoughts, feelings and experiences. When psychologism rendering, linguists often apply the following techniques to reproduce the psychological state of a character: using an internal monologue, dialogues, descriptions of appearance or the environment; using stylistic devices: metaphors, epithets, hyperbole and similes to enhance the psychological effect; taking into account cultural peculiarities. The author highlights that to achieve adequate translation the translator uses transformations to ensure that the translation text conveys all the information contained in the source text to the fullest extent possible, strictly adhering to the norms of the target language. The most frequently used translation transformations in the reproduction of psychologism are lexical transformations that adequately convey the semantic, stylistic and pragmatic features of the lexical unit, taking into account the norms of the target language. The main transformations in this group are semantic development, conceptual substitution, decompression and compression. As the analysed examples show, these transformations are often combined with each other and acquire the character of complex translation transformations, which is a necessary tool for preserving the specificity of psychologism in the English literary discourse text translation into Ukrainian.
Creative biography of Ivan Kotlyarevskyi in the genre-regional context of the first decades of the 21st century
Authors:   A. V. Nezhdanova Odesa National Music Academy, Вorysenko Nataliia , Rychka Tetiana ,   A. V. Nezhdanova Odesa National Music Academy
Published: September 2024

In the article, for the first time, samples of Ukrainian artistic and biographical Kotlyarevskiana of the first decades of the 21st century are analyzed holistically in a typological and regional aspect. Biographical, cultural-historical, comparative, and psychological methods of scientific research are applied. The main object of study is the biographical literary, artistic and popular science works «The Choice of Captain Kotlyarevsky» (2020) by V. Dobryansky and «Ivan Kotlyarevsky: Between the Empire and Ukraine» (2021) by P. Kraljuk; contextual component of intelligence – biographical novels and essays of the latest writing «P. S. of Hryhoriy Skovoroda...» (2009) by M. Shtelmak, «All angels of the Triangle. Apocrypha of Grigory Skovoroda's Travels» (2012) by V. Eshkilev, «Black Apple» (2013) and «Moon, Moon» (2022) by S. Protsyuk, «Secret Agent Mykola Gogol» (2016) P. by Kraljuk, «Iron Water» (2021) by M. Layuk. They represent figures of the classics of Ukrainian literature, whose lives are connected with the Poltava region, and were created and published in the postmodern period. The intensification of scientific and literary-artistic biography (in particular, writer's) nowadays is noted, the humanitarian and civilizational importance of this process is emphasized; the academic, scientific, popular science, and artistic formats of purely literary biographies are outlined and the special spread of the biographical novel (a type of artistic biography) and creative biography (a popular historical-literary mix) is indicated; the term «creative biography» is used with a scientific and universal meaning that is remarkable for today. It has been noted that Poltava Kotlyarevskiana, as well as regional writer biographies in general, is currently actively developing; its creators – mainly writers from the western region of Ukraine – time biographical novels and historical-publicist essays to the jubilee dates of outstanding writers, rethink and often interpret freely their biographies, causing public resonance and discussions.P. Kralyuk and V. Dobryanskyi in their works dedicated to I. Kotlyarevsky subtly depict and interpret in an original way, ideologically actualize in an anti-colonial and civic-patriotic way the image and achievements of the «father» of Ukrainian literature, emphasize his psychoworld, the alleged splitting of the spirit, but integral soul, interpreted as a national cultural code that clearly resonates in the tragic present.