bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GSCtool: A Novel Descriptor that Characterizes the Genome for Applying Machine Learning in Genomics
Authors: Shen Zijie , Shen Enhui , Zhu Qian-Hao , Fan Longjiang , Zou Quan , Ye Chu-Yu
Published: October 2023

Machine learning (ML) is one of the core driving forces for the next breeding stage, and Breeding 4.0. Genotype matrix based on single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is often used in ML for genome‐to‐phenotype prediction. Genotype matrix has an inherent defect, as the feature spaces it generates across different individuals or groups are inconsistent, and this hinders the application of ML. To overcome the challenge, a genome descriptor, Genic SNPs Composition Tool (GSCtool) is developed, which counts the number of SNPs in each gene of the genome so the dimension of the feature vectors equals the number of annotated genes in a species. Compared to using the genotype matrix, using GSCtool significantly decreases the model training time and has a higher accuracy of phenotype prediction. GSCtool also achieves good performance in variety identification, which is useful in crop variety protection. In general, GSCtool will help facilitate the application and study of genomic ML. The source code and test data of GSCtool are freely available at https://github.com/SZJhacker/GSCtool and https://gitee.com/shenzijie/GSCtool.
Cooperative Photoredox and N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Fluoroaroylation for the Synthesis of α‐Trifluoromethyl‐Substituted Ketones
Authors: Yu Xiaoye , Maity Anirban , Studer Armido
Published: October 2023

α‐Trifluoromethylated ketones have attracted significant attention as valuable building blocks in organic synthesis. Such compounds are generally accessed through trifluoromethylation of ketones. Here we report an alternative disconnection approach for the construction of α‐CF3 carbonyl compounds by using aroyl fluorides as bifunctional reagents for fluoroaroylation of gem‐difluoroalkenes through cooperative photoredox and N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis. This strategy bypasses the use of expensive or sensitive trifluoromethylation reagents and/or the requirement for ketone pre‐functionalization, thus enabling an efficient and general synthetic method to access α‐CF3‐substituted ketones. A wide variety of gem‐difluoroalkenes and aroyl fluorides bearing a diverse set of functional groups are eligible substrates. Notably, the developed methodology also provides rapid access to mono‐ or difluoroalkyl ketones. Mechanistic studies reveal that merging photoredox catalysis with NHC catalysis is essential for the reaction.
Heteroditopic NHC Ligand Supported Manganese(I) Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Activity as Non‐bifunctional Phosphine‐Free Catalyst for the α‐Alkylation of Nitriles
Authors: Donthireddy Siva Nagendra Reddy , Rit Arnab
Published: October 2023

In the present work, several manganese(I) complexes of chelating heteroditopic ligands Mn1–3, featuring ImNHC (imidazol‐2‐ylidene) connected to a 1,2,3‐triazole‐N or tzNHC (1,2,3‐triazol‐5‐ylidene) donors via a methylene spacer, with possible modifications at the triazole backbone have been synthesized and completely characterized. Notably, the CO stretching frequencies, electrochemical analysis, and frontier orbital analysis certainly suggest that the chelating ImNHC‐tzNHC ligands have stronger donation capabilities than the related ImNHC‐Ntz ligand in the synthesized complexes. Moreover, these well‐defined phosphine‐free Mn(I)−NHC complexes have been found to be effective non‐bifunctional catalysts for the α‐alkylation of nitriles using alcohols and importantly, the catalyst Mn1 containing ImNHC connected to a weaker triazole‐N donor displayed higher activity compared to Mn2/Mn3 containing an unsymmetrical bis‐carbene donors (ImNHC and tzNHC). A wide range of aryl nitriles were coupled with diverse (hetero)aromatic as well as aliphatic alcohols to get the corresponding products in good to excellent yields (32 examples, up to 95 % yield). The detailed mechanistic studies including deuterium labelling experiments reveal that the reaction follows a Borrowing Hydrogen pathway.
Bisbenzamidine and Bisbenzguanidine Ureas Act as Antibacterial Agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Kellogg Casey N. , Pugh Bryce A. , Starr Isaak M. , Parmar Dhruvi J. , Troxler A'Zane D. , Wolfe Amanda L.
Published: October 2023

Due to the global rise in the number of antibiotic resistant bacterial infections over the past 20 years, there is a dire need for the development of small molecule antibiotics capable of overcoming resistance mechanisms in pathogenic bacteria. Antibiotic development against Gram‐negative pathogens, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is especially challenging due to their additional outer membrane which reduces antibiotic entry. Recently, it has been shown that a broad range of nitrogen functionality, including guanidines, amidines, primary amines, imidazolines, and imidazoles, promote antibiotic and adjuvant activity in Gram‐negative bacteria, but few of these have been targeted towards Pseudomonas aeruginosa specifically despite this pathogen being deemed a critical threat by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Herein, we examined a small series of known and unknown nitrogenous dimers, with guanidine, amidine, dimethyl amine, and pyridine functionality, for antibacterial activity against multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We found that two, with bisbenzguanidine and bisbenzamidine functionality, are potent against clinical isolates of multidrug resistant and biofilm forming Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Isolation of Extracellular Vesicles from Phloem Sap by Size Exclusion Chromatography
Authors: Garzo Elisa , Sánchez‐López Christian M. , Fereres Alberto , Soler Carla , Marcilla Antonio , Pérez‐Bermúdez Pedro
Published: October 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles that are released by cells and participate in the transfer of information. It is now known that EVs from mammalian cells are involved in different physiological and pathophysiological processes (antigen presentation, tissue regeneration, cancer, inflammation, diabetes, etc.). In the past few years, several studies on plants have demonstrated that EVs are also key tools for plant intercellular and cross‐kingdom communications, suggesting that these nanostructures may contribute to distinct aspects of plant physiology such as development, defense, reproduction, symbiotic relationships, etc. These findings are challenging the traditional view of signaling in plants.

EVs are probably involved in the phloem's transport system, since this vascular tissue plays a crucial role in translocating nutrients, defensive compounds, and informational signals throughout the plant. The collection of phloem is experimentally challenging because sap is under high turgor pressure inside the sieve elements, which have a small diameter and are hidden within the plant organs. The goals of this work are to develop new protocols that allow us to detect EVs for the first time in the phloem of the plants, and to isolate these nanovesicles for in‐depth analysis and characterization.

Our protocols describe two distinct methods to collect the phloem sap from rice and melon. The first method (Basic Protocol 1) involves ‘Aphid stylectomy by radiofrequency microcautery’ using rice plants and the aphid Sitobion avenae. This is considered the least invasive method for collecting phloem sap. The second method, ‘Stem incision’, involves cutting the stem of melon plants for collecting the exuded sap. Phloem sap EVs are then isolated by size exclusion chromatography. The results obtained in this study represent the first report on typical EVs isolated from in vivo–collected phloem sap. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Isolation of EVs from phloem sap: Aphid stylectomy by radiofrequency microcautery

Basic Protocol 2: Isolation of EVs from phloem sap: Stem incision method
Effect of uptake of improved seed potato and donor‐funded training on smallholder farmers’ market participation
Authors: Kangogo Ednah , Otieno David Jakinda , Okello Julius , Mwenye Obed , Kapalasa Eliya
Published: October 2023

Enhancing the productivity of crops through the adoption and uptake of technologies improves farmers' socioeconomic status through increased market participation. However, smallholder farmers in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) face a myriad of challenges that make it difficult for them to access and participate in the output markets. Like most SSA countries, the uptake of improved technologies is still low in Malawi. This study examines the relationship between the uptake of improved potato seed and donor‐funded training on market participation. Using secondary data from 393 potato farmers in Malawi, the study applied a triple‐hurdle model to examine the extent to which such interventions and other socioeconomic and institutional factors influence market participation. The results showed that male‐headed farm households, more experienced farmers, and those who participated in International Potato Center (CIP)‐led training were likely to market their potato output. Further, farmers closer to urban centers, those with off‐farm income, those who had participated in potato training, use of improved potato seed, and quantity of output positively influenced the decision to sell in high‐value markets such as supermarkets. On the other hand, land size, ownership of transport equipment, group membership, and access to credit had positive effects on the amount of potatoes sold, while the distance to the markets reduced the quantity sold. Based on these findings, there is a need to set up a seed system within the local communities where farmers can easily access the seeds. Additionally, there is a need for a collaborative effort between public and private sector stakeholders to invest in the production of improved potato seeds that would help to address the shortfall in supply. Finally, institutional support interventions that utilize farmer groups as a key entry point in sustaining training on improved potato seed, relaxing credit constraints, and promoting diversification into off‐farm enterprises would enhance potato production and marketing.
Breeding of high seed oil oleate levels into Upland cotton from wild Gossypium barbadense L. germplasm
Authors: Dowd Michael K. , Shockey Jay , McCarty Jack C. , Jenkins Johnie N.
Published: October 2023

A high seed oil oleate trait identified in wild Gossypium barbadense L. cotton accession GB713 (PI 608139) was bred into Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivar Sure‐Grow 747 (SG747, PVP 9800118). Starting from the F2 generation of an initial cross between GB713 and SG747, plants were selected by measuring the seed oil fatty acid distributions by gas chromatography. Selected F3 plants were crossed to M Rk‐Rn 6, a line previously created from GB713 and SG747 for improved nematode resistance. High‐oleate plants were selected in the F2 population. Selected plants were then crossed to HOa1 (a ∼35% oleate line derived from M Rk‐Rn 1, a sibling line to M Rk‐Rn 6), and high‐oleate plants were again selected in the F2 population. F3 plants were re‐selected for the high‐oleate trait, and four selected F4 lines were evaluated in 2022 field plots. The four lines had oleate levels between 52% and 57%, approximately triple that found in normal cottonseed oil (15%–19%) and higher than in either the high‐oleate wild GB713 parent (∼40%) or in the previously released HOa cotton plant lines (33%–35%). The increased oleate levels occurred with an approximately equal reduction in linoleic acid. Other seed and fiber properties were largely like those of SG747, although some residual GB713 character existed within the lines. The resulting oil composition should be ideal for use in deep fat frying, with the high level of oleic acid improving the oil's oxidative stability but with sufficient linoleic acid to maintain frying flavor.
Radical Thiocyano(Selenocyano)trifluoromethylations of Alkenes on Water
Authors: Gao Chi , Liu Yang , Zhu Hong‐Ye , Wang Mang
Published: October 2023

Trifluoromethylation‐based difunctionalization of alkenes provides a step‐economical route to CF3‐containing polyfunctionalized organics. New and scalable processes are highly desired in this field. Here, we report a simple and environmentally benign method for olefinic thiocyanotrifluoromethylation. Using PhICF3Cl as unique CF3 agent and NaSCN as the SCN source, the difunctionalization of alkenes selectively occurs on water at ambient condition. Mechanism studies suggest a radical process in which SCN anion is proposed to act as not only reductive initiator but also S‐nucleophile. All tested reactions are compatible with mono‐, di‐, tri‐, and tetra‐substituted alkenes and with high functional group tolerance. This method is also suitable for the selenocyanotrifluoromethylation of alkenes. Therefore, a sustainable platform has been established to synthesize valuable β‐trifluoromethylated thio(seleno)cyanates in a green way.
Photoinduced 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloadditions of Cyclic Enones and 2,5‐Disubstituted Tetrazoles: An Unprecedented Pathway to Polysubstituted Pyrazolines and Pyrazoles
Authors: Labassi Chiraz , Fournier‐Le Ray Nicolas , Gauffre Fabienne , Fillaut Jean‐Luc , Gatri Rafik
Published: October 2023

We report herein the syntheses of original pyrazolines and pyrazoles through 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of cyclic enones with 2,5‐disubstituted nitrile imines achieved via photochemical activation of 2,5‐diaryl substituted tetrazoles. Monitoring of the reactions, similar to nitrile imine‐mediated tetrazole‐ene cycloadditions (NITEC), could be performed by means of UV‐vis absorption and emission measurements. The presence or absence of substituents in the alpha position of the ketone function makes it possible to direct these reactions towards the selective formation of pyrazoles or pyrazolines. The choice of the cyclic enones and 2,5‐disubstituted tetrazoles proved crucial for the fluorescence properties of the polycyclic derivatives obtained.
Decreasing the mean subtree order by adding k edges
Authors: Cambie Stijn , Chen Guantao , Hao Yanli , Tokar Nizamettin
Published: October 2023

The mean subtree order of a given graph , denoted , is the average number of vertices in a subtree of . Let be a connected graph. Chin et al. conjectured that if is a proper spanning supergraph of , then . Cameron and Mol disproved this conjecture by showing that there are infinitely many pairs of graphs and with , and such that . They also conjectured that for every positive integer , there exists a pair of graphs and with , , and such that . Furthermore, they proposed that provided . In this note, we confirm these two conjectures.
Association of hospital spending with care patterns and mortality in patients hospitalized with community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Latif Marina , Guo Ning , Tereshchenko Larisa G. , Rothberg Michael B.
Published: October 2023

Background

Pneumonia is a leading cause of mortality and intensive therapy is costly. However, it is unclear whether more spending is associated with better patient outcomes or how hospitals could decrease costs.

Objectives

This study investigates the association between hospital spending and 14‐day inpatient mortality among community‐acquired pneumonia inpatients.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study focused on adult pneumonia patients discharged between July 2010 and June 2015 from 260 US hospitals in the Premier database. Hospitals were divided into four pneumonia cost‐of‐care quartiles and average cost was calculated for each hospital. Odds of 14‐day inpatient mortality and care practices were compared among high and low‐cost hospitals.

Results

The study population comprised 534,038 patients with a mean age 69.5 (SD 16.3); 51.9% were female, 75% White, and 71.9% covered by Medicare. Hospitals were largely medium‐sized (40.4%), located in the South (49.2%), and in urban areas (82.3%). The fully adjusted population‐averaged cost was 14,486 US dollars (95% confidence interval [CI] 13,982–14,867). Hospital practices associated with cost included intensity of diagnostic work‐up +$14 (95% CI +12 to +18; p < .0001) and de‐escalation of antibiotic therapy, +$6836 (95% CI +2291 to +11,160; p = .004). There was no significant difference in odds of 14‐day inpatient mortality between hospitals in the highest and lowest cost quartiles.

Conclusions

Greater spending at the hospital level was not associated with lower mortality. Lower diagnostic costs were associated with lower cost of care, suggesting that judicious use of diagnostic testing might reduce costs without worsening patient outcomes.
Engineering minimal tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase targeting MMPs via gene shuffling and yeast surface display
Authors: Hosseini Arman , Kumar Sachin , Hedin Kyle , Raeeszadeh‐Sarmazdeh Maryam
Published: October 2023

Overexpression of specific matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has a key role in development of several diseases, such as cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular diseases due to their critical role in degradation and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), a family of four in humans, are endogenous inhibitors of MMPs. TIMPs have a high level of sequence and structure homology, with a broad range of binding and inhibition to the family of MMPs. It is important to identify the key motifs of TIMPs responsible for inhibition of MMPs to develop efficient therapeutics targeting specific MMPs. We used DNA shuffling between the human TIMP family to generate a minimal TIMP hybrid library in yeast to identify the dominant minimal MMP inhibitory regions. The minimal TIMP variants screened toward MMP‐3 and MMP‐9 using fluorescent‐activated cell sorting (FACS). Interestingly, several minimal TIMP variants selected after screening toward MMP‐3cd or MMP‐9cd, with lengths as short as 20 amino acids, maintained or improved binding to MMP‐3 and MMP‐9. The TIMP‐MMP binding dissociation constant (KD), in the nM range, and MMP inhibition constants (Ki), in the pM range, of these minimal TIMP variants were similar to the N‐terminal domain of TIMP‐1 on the yeast surface and in solution indicating the potency of these minimal variants as MMP inhibitors. We further used molecular modeling simulation, and molecular docking of the minimal TIMP variants in complex with MMP‐3cd to understand the binding and inhibition mechanism of these variants.
MXene‐Coated Liposome‐Quercetin‐Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles for Electrochemical Detection of Dopamine
Authors: Lee Jiyoung , Paul Jose , Sangubotla Roopkumar , Kim Jongsung
Published: October 2023

This study reports a novel electrochemical approach for selective dopamine (DA) sensing. DA is a potential neurological biomarker for human aging and other neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease. The sensor is constructed using titanium‐based MXene and quercetin (Qu)‐loaded liposome functionalized with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) (MXene/Lip‐Qu@AuNPs). MXene/Lip‐Qu@AuNPs is coated on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for DA sensing. The MXene provides high conductivity for electrochemical measurements of DA. The modified GCE is employed for DA sensing against various interferants, including ascorbic acid, aspartic acid, arginine, and cysteine. The proposed MXene/Lip‐Qu@AuNP‐based GCE exhibits sufficient detection limits of 0.35 and 0.72 μM for DA sensing using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry methods within a linear concentration range of 1–10 μM, respectively. The proposed sensor is used to detect DA in human serum samples. Hence, the proposed novel sensor is highly convenient and provides highly selective and sensitive DA detection.
Water level prediction using deep learning models: A case study of the Kien Giang River, Quang Binh Province
Authors: Hieu Trieu T. , Chieu Ta Q. , Quang Dinh N. , Hieu Nguyen D.
Published: October 2023

Time‐series water level prediction during natural disasters, for example, typhoons and storms, is crucial for both flood control and prevention. Utilizing data‐driven models that harness deep learning (DL) techniques has emerged as an attractive and effective approach to water level prediction. This paper proposed an innovative data‐driven methodology using DL network architectures of Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), Long Short‐Term Memory (LSTM), and Bidirectional Long‐Short Term Memory (Bi‐LSTM) to predict the water level at the Le Thuy station in the Kien Giang River. These models were implemented and validated based on hourly rainfall and water level observations at meteo‐hydrological stations. Three combinations of input variables with different time leads and time lags were established to evaluate the forecast capability of three proposed models by using five metrics, that is, R2, MAE, RMSE, Max Error Value, and Max Error Time. The results revealed that the LSTM model outperformed the Bi‐LSTM and GRU models, when water level and rainfall observations for one‐time lag at three stations were used to predict the water level at the Le Thuy station with 1‐h time lead, with the five metrics registering at 0.999; 3.6 cm; 2.6 cm; 12.9 cm; and −1 h, respectively.
Soil protein: A key indicator of soil health and nitrogen management
Authors: Naasko Katherine , Martin Tvisha , Mammana Christian , Murray Jacob , Mann Meredith , Sprunger Christine
Published: October 2023

Monitoring soil nitrogen (N) dynamics in agroecosystems is foundational to soil health management and is critical for maximizing crop productivity in contrasting management systems. The newly established soil health indicator, autoclaved‐citrate extractable (ACE) protein, measures an organically bound pool of N. However, the relationship between ACE protein and other N‐related soil health indicators is poorly understood. In this study, ACE protein is investigated in relation to other soil N measures at four timepoints across a single growing season along a 33‐year‐old replicated eight‐system management intensity gradient located in southwest Michigan, USA. On average, polyculture perennial systems that promote soil health had two to four times higher (2–12 g kg−1 higher) ACE protein concentrations compared to annual cropping and monoculture perennial systems. In addition, ACE protein fluctuated less than total soil N, NH4+‐N, and NO3−‐N across the growing season, which shows the potential for ACE protein to serve as a reliable indicator of soil health and soil organic N status. Furthermore, ACE protein was positively correlated with total soil N and NH4+‐N and negatively correlated with NO3−‐N at individual sampling timepoints across the management intensity gradient. In addition, ACE protein, measured toward the end of the growing season, showed a consistent and positive trend with yield across different systems. This study highlights the potential for ACE protein as an indicator of sustainable management practices, SOM cycling, and soil health and calls for more studies investigating its relationship with crop productivity.
Feature Extraction with Multiple Receptive Fields Conducted on ECG Signals for Performance Enhancement in OSA Severity Classification
Authors: Yeh Cheng‐Yu , Chen Jeng‐Wen , Wang Cheng‐Yi , Hsu Mao‐Huan , Hwang Shaw‐Hwa
Published: October 2023

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder, and polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for diagnosing OSA. However, patients often have to wait long before receiving the costly PSG test in a hospital. Hence, low‐cost and easy‐to‐use portable screening tools were developed for predicting OSA. Based on our recent study, this paper presents a feature extraction method with multiple receptive fields applied to the input electrocardiography (ECG) signals of a model to improve its performance in OSA severity classification. This work also employs unsegmented ECG signals as input to keep all the advantages from our original approach. The proposed model achieves an overall accuracy of 59.49% for four‐level OSA severity classification, giving an improvement of approximately 2% compared to our original work. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Intrahepatic splenosis as a differential diagnosis for hepatic neoplasia in a dog
Authors: Moser Jasmine , Bacon Nick , Guilherme Sergio
Published: October 2023

Intrahepatic splenosis is the heterotopic autotransplantation of splenic tissue secondary to splenic trauma or splenectomy. A 12‐year‐old Cairn terrier was referred due to lethargy, collapse and abdominal discomfort. Abdominal ultrasound and a computed tomography scan (CT) revealed an intrahepatic mass in the left medial liver lobe. The dog underwent surgery for liver lobectomy, and subsequent histopathology revealed intrahepatic splenosis. The dog had undergone splenectomy 3 years previously due to splenic rupture following an abdominal trauma.
Clinical characteristics of sudden hearing loss during pregnancy
Authors: Wu Xiao‐Nan , Wang Hong‐Yang , Zhang Xiao‐Long , Chen Guo‐Hui , Guan Jing , Gao Yun , Wang Da‐Yong , Wang Qiu‐Ju
Published: October 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to explore the clinical characteristics and management of sudden hearing loss (HL) during pregnancy, thus better guiding the clinical practice.

Methods

The clinical and follow‐up data of 17 patients (17 ears) with sudden HL during pregnancy were analyzed retrospectively (the observe group). Twelve nonpregnant female patients (12 ears) with sudden HL of similar clinical characteristics were selected as the control group. The prognosis of the two groups was compared. All the patients were followed up after delivery, and two of them were readmitted to the hospital 1–2 months after delivery.

Results

The observe group had better improvement in hearing and a higher response rate compared to the control group. The pure tone hearing and speech recognition rate of patients could still be improved after the readmitted treatment, and the hearing could partially recover spontaneously during follow‐up. The laboratory indicators that affect the inflammatory response and coagulation pathway were significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

The hearing condition of sudden HL during pregnancy is severe, and the prognosis of these patients is better than nonpregnant patients of similar clinical characteristics. Postpartum treatment is still effective, and some patients showed self‐healing with time during follow‐up. The inflammatory response and coagulation function may affect the hearing of patients through a metabolic pathway.
On the uniqueness of eigenfunctions for the vectorial p-Laplacian
Authors: Hynd Ryan , Kawohl Bernd , Lindqvist Peter
Published: October 2023

We study a nonlinear eigenvalue problem for vector-valued eigenfunctions and give a succinct uniqueness proof for minimizers of the associated Rayleigh quotient.
A theorem of Gordan and Noether via Gorenstein rings
Authors: Bricalli Davide , Favale Filippo Francesco , Pirola Gian Pietro
Published: October 2023

Gordan and Noether proved in their fundamental theorem that an hypersurface $$X=V(F)\subseteq {{\mathbb {P}}}^n$$

X
=
V

(
F
)

⊆

P

n

with $$n\le 3$$

n
≤
3

is a cone if and only if F has vanishing hessian (i.e. the determinant of the Hessian matrix). They also showed that the statement is false if $$n\ge 4$$

n
≥
4

, by giving some counterexamples. Since their proof, several others have been proposed in the literature. In this paper we give a new one by using a different perspective which involves the study of standard Artinian Gorenstein $${{\mathbb {K}}}$$
K
-algebras and the Lefschetz properties. As a further application of our setting, we prove that a standard Artinian Gorenstein algebra $$R={{\mathbb {K}}}[x_0,\dots ,x_4]/J$$

R
=
K
[

x
0

,
⋯
,

x
4

]
/
J

with J generated by a regular sequence of quadrics has the strong Lefschetz property. In particular, this holds for Jacobian rings associated to smooth cubic threefolds.
The INCH-trial: a multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing short- and long-term outcomes of open and laparoscopic surgery for incisional hernia repair
Authors: van Veenendaal Nadine , Poelman Marijn , Apers Jan , Cense Huib , Schreurs Hermien , Sonneveld Eric , van der Velde Susanne , Bonjer Jaap
Published: October 2023

Background

Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair is increasingly performed worldwide and expected to be superior to conventional open repair regarding hospital stay and quality of life (QoL). The INCisional Hernia-Trial was designed to test this hypothesis.

Methods

A multicenter parallel randomized controlled open-label trial with a superiority design was conducted in six hospitals in the Netherlands. Patients with primary or recurrent incisional hernias were randomized by computer-guided block-randomization to undergo either conventional open or laparoscopic repair. Primary endpoint was postoperative length of hospital stay in days. Secondary endpoints included QoL, complications, and recurrences. Patients were followed up for at least 5 years.

Results

Hundred-and-two patients were recruited and randomized. In total, 88 patients underwent surgery and were included in the intention-to-treat analysis (44 in the open group, 44 in the laparoscopic group). Mean age was 59.5 years, gender division was equal, and BMI was 28.8 kg/m. The trial was concluded early for futility after an unplanned interim analysis, which showed that the hypothesis needed to be rejected. There was no difference in primary outcome: length of hospital stay was 3 (range 1–36) days in the open group and 3 (range 1–12) days in the laparoscopic group (p = 0.481). There were no significant between-group differences in QoL questionnaires on the short and long term. Satisfaction was impaired in the open group. Overall recurrence rate was 19%, of which 16% in the open and 23% in the laparoscopic group (p = 0.25) at a mean follow-up of 6.6 years.

Conclusions

In a randomized controlled trial, short- and long-term outcomes after laparoscopic incisional hernia repair were not superior to open surgery. The persisting high recurrence rates, reduced QoL, and suboptimal satisfaction warrant the need for patient’s expectation management in the preoperative process and individualized surgical management.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register NTR2808.
The role of laboratory investigations in the classification of tremors
Authors: Angelini Luca , Terranova Roberta , Lazzeri Giulia , van den Berg Kevin R E , Dirkx Michiel F , Paparella Giulia
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Tremor is the most common movement disorder. Although clinical examination plays a significant role in evaluating patients with tremor, laboratory tests are useful to classify tremors according to the recent two-axis approach proposed by the International Parkinson and Movement Disorders Society.

Methods

In the present review, we will discuss the usefulness and applicability of the various diagnostic methods in classifying and diagnosing tremors. We will evaluate a number of techniques, including laboratory and genetic tests, neurophysiology, and neuroimaging. The role of newly introduced innovative tremor assessment methods will also be discussed.

Results

Neurophysiology plays a crucial role in tremor definition and classification, and it can be useful for the identification of specific tremor syndromes. Laboratory and genetic tests and neuroimaging may be of paramount importance in identifying specific etiologies. Highly promising innovative technologies are being developed for both clinical and research purposes.

Conclusions

Overall, laboratory investigations may support clinicians in the diagnostic process of tremor. Also, combining data from different techniques can help improve understanding of the pathophysiological bases underlying tremors and guide therapeutic management.
Myocardial fibrosis associates with lupus anticoagulant in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Myhr Katrine A. , Zinglersen Amanda H. , Pecini Redi , Jacobsen Søren
Published: October 2023

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that carries increased risk of cardiovascular disease; however, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain poorly understood. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and degree of myocardial fibrosis in SLE patients and associated disease characteristics. Forty-nine SLE patients (89% female, mean age 52 ± 13 years, median disease duration 19 (11–25) years) and 79 sex-and age-matched healthy controls were included. CMR with T1 mapping was performed on SLE patients and healthy controls. Fifty-one SLE patients received gadolinium contrast for the evaluation of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and extra cellular volume (ECV). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to investigate the association between markers of myocardial fibrosis on CMR (LGE, T1, ECV) and SLE-related variables [clinical disease activity, lupus nephritis, chronic kidney disease, anti-cardiolipin and/or anti-beta-2 glycoprotein I antibodies, and lupus anticoagulant (LAC)] with adjustment for traditional risk factors. T1 values were elevated in SLE patients compared to healthy controls (1031 ± 36 ms vs. 1019 ± 25 ms, p = 0.01). LGE was present in 20% of SLE patients who received gadolinium contrast. On multivariable analysis, LAC was associated with LGE in SLE patients (β = 3.87, p = 0.02). Neither T1 nor ECV associated with SLE disease characteristics; however, there was a trend towards an association between LAC and T1 (β = 16.9, p = 0.08). SLE patients displayed signs of myocardial fibrosis on CMR that were associated with the presence of LAC. These findings support the pathophysiological understanding of LAC as a mediator of microvascular and subsequent myocardial dysfunction.

Graphical abstract
Solving travelling thief problems using coordination based methods
Authors: Namazi Majid , Newton M. A. Hakim , Sanderson Conrad , Sattar Abdul
Published: October 2023

A travelling thief problem (TTP) is a proxy to real-life problems such as postal collection. TTP comprises an entanglement of a travelling salesman problem (TSP) and a knapsack problem (KP) since items of KP are scattered over cities of TSP, and a thief has to visit cities to collect items. In TTP, city selection and item selection decisions need close coordination since the thief’s travelling speed depends on the knapsack’s weight and the order of visiting cities affects the order of item collection. Existing TTP solvers deal with city selection and item selection separately, keeping decisions for one type unchanged while dealing with the other type. This separation essentially means very poor coordination between two types of decision. In this paper, we first show that a simple local search based coordination approach does not work in TTP. Then, to address the aforementioned problems, we propose a human designed coordination heuristic that makes changes to collection plans during exploration of cyclic tours. We further propose another human designed coordination heuristic that explicitly exploits the cyclic tours in item selections during collection plan exploration. Lastly, we propose a machine learning based coordination heuristic that captures characteristics of the two human designed coordination heuristics. Our proposed coordination based approaches help our TTP solver significantly outperform existing state-of-the-art TTP solvers on a set of benchmark problems. Our solver is named Cooperation Coordination (CoCo) and its source code is available fromhttps://github.com/majid75/CoCo.
A novel impact model for the rocking motion of masonry arches
Authors: Bisegna Paolo , Coccia Simona , Como Mario , Nodargi Nicola A.
Published: October 2023

The in-plane rocking motion of a masonry arch subjected to ground acceleration is investigated, focusing on the impacts at stereotomy sections, which may occur during the motion. It is assumed that the arch arrives at the impact moving along a prescribed four-hinge mechanism and that, after the impact, it continues its motion along a new four-hinge mechanism to be determined. The novel concept of impulse line, which is analogous to the thrust line computed during the smooth motion, is introduced to describe the impulsive stress state arising within the arch at the impact. That is the basis for extending the Housner impact model, initially proposed for the rocking motion of a free-standing column, to the more complicated case of a masonry arch behaving as a single-degree-of-freedom system. The mechanism after the impact is determined by minimizing the kinetic energy loss of the arch at impact, i.e. by maximizing its restitution coefficient, over the set of compatible mechanisms that fulfill a suitable formulation of the virtual work principle. The descending impulse line is proven to be equilibrated, kinematically admissible (i.e., not resisting the opening of the hinges after the impact), and statically admissible (i.e., corresponding to a compressive impulsive stress state). Numerical results are presented, discussing the restitution coefficient of discrete and continuous circular arches with parameterized geometry, for which the four-hinge mechanism before the impact is assumed to follow from an equivalent static analysis.
Concordance study on Y-STRs typing between SeqStudio™ genetic analyzer for HID and MiSeq™ FGx forensic genomics system
Authors: Soldati Giulia , Turrina Stefania , Treccani Mirko , Saccardo Chiara , Ausania Francesco , De Leo Domenico
Published: October 2023

Background

Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS) allowed an increased number of information to be retrieved from short tandem repeat (STR) analysis, expanding them not only to the size, as already performed in Capillary Electrophoresis (CE), but also to the sequence. MPS requires constant development and validation of the analytical parameters to ensure that the genotyping results of STRs correspond to those obtained by CE. Given the increased frequency of usage of Y-STRs as supplementary markers to the autosomal STRs analysis, it is urgent to validate the concordance of the typing results between CE and MPS analyses.

Methods and results

DNA extracted from 125 saliva samples of unrelated males was genotyped using Yfiler™ Plus PCR Amplification Kit and ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit, which were analyzed by SeqStudio™ Genetic Analyzer for HID and MiSeq™ FGx Forensic Genomics System, respectively. For each shared Y-STR, allele designation, number of length- and sequence-based alleles per locus, stutter percentage, and the intra-locus balance of multicopy Y-STRs were screened.

Conclusions

Although the number of forensic genetics laboratories that are applying the MPS technique in routine analysis is small and does not allow a global assessment of MPS limitations, this comparative study highlights the ability of MPS to produce reliable profiles despite the generation of large amounts of raw data.
Congruence between vascular plants and bryophytes in response to ecological conditions in sustainably managed temperate forests (taxonomic- and trait-based levels)
Authors: Kutnar Lado , Kermavnar Janez , Sabovljević Marko S.
Published: October 2023

Vascular plant species (VP) and bryophytes (B) constitute a significant portion of forest biodiversity and respond to both management intensity and natural disturbances within forests. In this study, we investigated the cross-taxa congruence between understorey VP and B at both diversity and composition levels across a wide range of sustainably managed forests in Slovenia. The taxonomic and functional characteristics of the selected plant groups were studied, with a particular emphasis on ground-dwelling species. We employed a trait-based approach to examine the functional characteristics. On average, the species richness of B in sustainably managed temperate forests increased with the corresponding number of VP. Furthermore, a moderate positive correlation in species composition between the studied groups of ground-dwelling organisms was also observed. The ground-dwelling VP and B were congruent in terms of trait-based composition, which was influenced by soil reaction and nutrients and light availability, while trait-based diversity was only slightly similar in response to moisture. A negative correlation between the composition of stress-tolerant VP and B hemeroby was found, indicating forest environments with a low level of disturbance. This is likely due to the sustainable management of Slovenian forests, where climate change and natural disturbances have intensified in recent years. A cross-taxon comparison of the two groups at four different levels, namely taxonomic-based diversity and composition and trait-based diversity and composition, revealed varying degrees of congruence. It is therefore important to monitor the status and temporal trends of both groups from different aspects to draw reliable conclusions.
Evaluation of extraction and entrapment efficiency of black seed oil-containing emulsion as a delivery system for thymoquinone
Authors: Ardhi Aulia , Schreiner Matthias
Published: October 2023

Black seed oil (BSO) or Nigella sativa contains numerous bioactive components, in which thymoquinone (TQ) becomes a functional key compound and serves as an analytical marker. With its non-polar characteristic, lipid-based delivery systems can be a solution to improve the solubility of BSO. Thus, it is necessary to have a valid basis for TQ quantification, especially in the emulsion as the delivery system of BSO. This study aimed to validate a Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) method for quantifying TQ, and subsequently employ the method to evaluate TQ extraction from BSO and BSO-containing emulsion and determine the entrapment efficiency of the emulsion. The method indicated a linearity between 10 and 1280 µg/ml with detection and quantification limits of 13,59 and 41,19 µg/ml, respectively. The extraction of TQ with the sample:methanol ratio of 1:9 and 30-min centrifugation yielded the maximum TQ recovery from BSO and BSO-containing emulsion. The entrapment efficiency in emulsion reached 64,83% obtained with the density-changing centrifugation method. Overall, this validated GC-FID method demonstrated that the selected condition in the methanol extraction could effectively separate TQ from both BSO and its emulsion matrices and support the determination of the entrapment efficiency of the BSO-containing emulsion.
Conditional tail moment and reinsurance premium estimation under random right censoring
Authors: Goegebeur Yuri , Guillou Armelle , Qin Jing
Published: October 2023

We propose an estimator of the conditional tail moment (CTM) when the data are subject to random censorship. The variable of main interest and the censoring variable both follow a Pareto-type distribution. We establish the asymptotic properties of our estimator and discuss bias-reduction. Then, the CTM is used to estimate, in case of censorship, the premium principle for excess-of-loss reinsurance. The finite sample properties of the proposed estimators are investigated with a simulation study and we illustrate their practical applicability on a dataset of motor third party liability insurance.
Clinical anatomy of the paranasal sinuses and its terminology
Authors: Chmielewski Piotr Paweł
Published: October 2023

Since its inception, the International Anatomical Terminology has been an indispensable and widely embraced resource for authors, anatomists, researchers, and medical professionals, ensuring standardized anatomical terminology across various disciplines. Nonetheless, it is widely acknowledged that periodic updates and enhancements are necessary to incorporate the latest scientific knowledge and advancements in imaging techniques. The current version of Terminologia Anatomica includes a section dedicated to the paranasal sinuses, encompassing ethmoidal cells and three sinuses: frontal, sphenoidal, and maxillary. However, the anatomical lexicon pertaining to the paranasal sinuses is more extensive. In clinical practice, multiple terms related to clinically significant structures are commonly employed. This article focuses on the clinical terminology associated with the paranasal sinuses, proposing significant extensions to the existing Terminologia Anatomica. These extensions aim to enrich the anatomical nomenclature and facilitate a harmonious convergence between the language of clinicians and the anatomical lexicon. Further endeavors should bridge the gap in anatomical nomenclature and improve communication between anatomists, researchers, and clinicians, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy and improving interdisciplinary research collaboration.
Connecting gender norms and economic performance reveals gendered inequities in Malawian small-scale fish trade
Authors: Rice Emma D. , Bennett Abigail E. , Muhonda Park , Katengeza Samson P. , Kawaye Patrick , Liverpool-Tasie Lenis Saweda O. , Infante Dana M. , Tschirely David L.
Published: October 2023

Women play key roles in fish value chains, especially post-harvest processing and marketing of fish products. However, gendered inequities in small-scale fishery value chains persist around the globe, limiting livelihood benefits for many women and their households. This study uses a mixed methods approach to investigate how gender norms shape gendered inequities in marketing margins for fish retailers in small-scale fishery value chains. In the empirical case of usipa (Engraulicypris sardella) trade in Malawi, we find that there is nearly equal participation in fish retail between females and males. Yet, there is a statistically significant difference in marketing margins between female and male usipa retailers, with female retailers earning less. We find that gender norms indirectly impact marketing margins by disproportionately constraining time for women, shaping household decision-making regarding women’s spending, limiting women’s access to resources including financial services and fish, and maintaining patriarchal power dynamics. Despite these results, we find that there remains a dominant discourse among men that gender does not impact marketing margins. In connecting specific gender norms, revealed through qualitative methods, to specific livelihood outcomes, measured through quantitative methods, this study provides new insight into gendered inequities in small-scale fish trade.
Bayesian Analysis of Two-Part Latent Variable Model with Mixed Data
Authors: Xiong Shuang-Can , Xia Ye-Mao , Lu Bin
Published: October 2023

In analyzing semi-continuous data, two-part model is a widely appreciated tool, in which two components are enclosed to characterize the mixing proportion of zeros and the actual level of positive values in semi-continuous data. The primary interest underlying such a model is primarily to exploit the dependence of the observed covariates on the semi-continuous variables; as such, the exploitation of unobserved heterogeneity is sometimes ignored. In this paper, we extend the conventional two-part regression model to much more general situations where multiple latent factors are considered to interpret the latent heterogeneity arising from the absence of covariates. A structural equation is constructed to describe the interrelationships between the latent factors. Moreover, a general statistical analysis procedure is developed to accommodate semi-continuous, ordered and unordered data simultaneously. A procedure for parameter estimation and model assessment is developed under a Bayesian framework. Empirical results including a simulation study and a real example are presented to illustrate the proposed methodology.