bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetics and beyond: Precision Medicine Real-World Data for Patients with Cervical, Vaginal or Vulvar Cancer in a Tertiary Cancer Center
Authors: Kraus Fabian B. T. , Sultova Elena , Heinrich Kathrin , Jung Andreas , Westphalen C. Benedikt , Tauber Christina V. , Kumbrink Jörg , Rudelius Martina , Klauschen Frederick , Greif Philipp A. , König Alexander , Chelariu-Raicu Anca , Czogalla Bastian , Burges Alexander , Mahner Sven , Wuerstlein Rachel , Trillsch Fabian
Published: February 2024

Advances in molecular tumor diagnostics have transformed cancer care. However, it remains unclear whether precision oncology has the same impact and transformative nature across all malignancies. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-related gynecologic malignancies who underwent comprehensive molecular profiling and subsequent discussion at the interdisciplinary Molecular Tumor Board (MTB) of the University Hospital, LMU Munich, between 11/2017 and 06/2022. We identified a total cohort of 31 patients diagnosed with cervical (CC), vaginal or vulvar cancer. Twenty-two patients (fraction: 0.71) harbored at least one mutation. Fifteen patients (0.48) had an actionable mutation and fourteen (0.45) received a recommendation for a targeted treatment within the MTB. One CC patient received a biomarker-guided treatment recommended by the MTB and achieved stable disease on the mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus for eight months. Factors leading to non-adherence to MTB recommendations in other patient cases included informed patient refusal, rapid deterioration, stable disease, or use of alternative targeted but biomarker-agnostic treatments such as antibody–drug conjugates or checkpoint inhibitors. Despite a remarkable rate of actionable mutations in HPV-related gynecologic malignancies at our institution, immediate implementation of biomarker-guided targeted treatment recommendations remained low, and access to targeted treatment options after MTB discussion remained a major challenge.
SARS-CoV-2 ORF7a Mutation Found in BF.5 and BF.7 Sublineages Impacts Its Functions
Authors: Timilsina Uddhav , Ivey Emily B. , Duffy Sean , Plianchaisuk Arnon ,   The Genotype to Phenotype Japan (G2P-Japan) Consortium, Ito Jumpei , Sato Kei , Stavrou Spyridon
Published: February 2024

A feature of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants BF.5 and BF.7 that recently circulated mainly in China and Japan was the high prevalence of the ORF7a: H47Y mutation, in which the 47th residue of ORF7a has been mutated from a histidine (H) to a tyrosine (Y). Here, we evaluated the effect of this mutation on the three main functions ascribed to the SARS-CoV-2 ORF7a protein. Our findings show that H47Y mutation impairs the ability of SARS-CoV-2 ORF7a to antagonize the type I interferon (IFN-I) response and to downregulate major histocompatibility complex I (MHC-I) cell surface levels, but had no effect in its anti-SERINC5 function. Overall, our results suggest that the H47Y mutation of ORF7a affects important functions of this protein, resulting in changes in virus pathogenesis.
Comparative Analysis of Autophagy and Apoptosis in Disc Degeneration: Understanding the Dynamics of Temporary-Compression-Induced Early Autophagy and Sustained-Compression-Triggered Apoptosis
Authors: Khaleque Md Abdul , Kim Jae-Hoon , Lee Hwan-Hee , Kim Ga-Hyun , You Whang-Yong , Lee Woo-Jin , Kim Young-Yul
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the initiation of autophagy activation and apoptosis in nucleus pulposus cells under temporary compression (TC) and sustained compression (SC) to identify ideal research approaches in intervertebral disc degeneration. Various techniques were used: radiography (X-ray), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), transmission electron microscope (TEM), H&E staining, Masson’s trichrome staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC) (LC3, beclin-1, and cleaved caspase-3), and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for autophagy-related (beclin-1, LC3, and P62) and apoptosis-related (caspase-3 and PARP) gene expression analysis. X-ray and MRI revealed varying degrees of disc degeneration, ranging from moderate to severe in both groups. The severity was directly linked to compression duration, with SC resulting in notably severe central NP cell degeneration. Surprisingly, TC also caused similar, though less severe, degeneration. Elevated expression of LC3 and beclin-1 was identified after 6 weeks, but it notably declined after 12 weeks. Central NP cells in both groups exhibited increased expression of cleaved caspase-3 that was positively correlated with the duration of SC. TC showed fewer apoptotic markers compared to SC. LC3, beclin-1, and P62 mRNA expression peaked after 6 weeks and declined after 12 weeks in both groups. Cleaved caspase-3 and PARP expression peaked in SC, positively correlating with longer compression duration, while TC showed lower levels of apoptosis gene expression. Furthermore, TEM results revealed different events of the autophagic degradation process after 2 weeks of compression. TCmay be ideal for studying early triggered autophagy-mediated degeneration, while SC may be ideal for studying late or slower-triggered apoptosis-mediated degeneration.
Engineered Chimera Protein Constructs to Facilitate the Production of Heterologous Transmembrane Proteins in E. coli
Authors: Ogunbowale Adeyemi , Georgieva Elka R.
Published: February 2024

To delve into the structure–function relationship of transmembrane proteins (TMPs), robust protocols are needed to produce them in a pure, stable, and functional state. Among all hosts that express heterologous TMPs, E. coli has the lowest cost and fastest turnover. However, many of the TMPs expressed in E. coli are misfolded. Several strategies have been developed to either direct the foreign TMPs to E. coli’s membrane or retain them in a cytosolic soluble form to overcome this deficiency. Here, we summarize protein engineering methods to produce chimera constructs of the desired TMPs fused to either a signal peptide or precursor maltose binding protein (pMBP) to direct the entire construct to the periplasm, therefore depositing the fused TMP in the plasma membrane. We further describe strategies to produce TMPs in soluble form by utilizing N-terminally fused MBP without a signal peptide. Depending on its N- or C-terminus location, a fusion to apolipoprotein AI can either direct the TMP to the membrane or shield the hydrophobic regions of the TMP, maintaining the soluble form. Strategies to produce G-protein-coupled receptors, TMPs of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, HIV-1 Vpu, and other TMPs are discussed. This knowledge could increase the scope of TMPs’ expression in E. coli.
Developmental Shifts in the Microbiome of a Cosmopolitan Pest: Unraveling the Role of Wolbachia and Dominant Bacteria
Authors: Zhu Xiangyu , Li Jinyang , He Ao , Gurr Geoff M. , You Minsheng , You Shijun
Published: February 2024

Wolbachia bacteria (phylum Proteobacteria) are ubiquitous intracellular parasites of diverse invertebrates. In insects, coevolution has forged mutualistic associations with Wolbachia species, influencing reproduction, immunity, development, pathogen resistance, and overall fitness. However, the impact of Wolbachia on other microbial associates within the insect microbiome, which are crucial for host fitness, remains less explored. The diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), a major pest of cruciferous vegetables worldwide, harbors the dominant Wolbachia strain plutWB1, known to distort its sex ratio. This study investigated the bacterial community diversity and dynamics across different developmental life stages and Wolbachia infection states in P. xylostella using high-throughput 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes dominated the P. xylostella microbiome regardless of life stage or Wolbachia infection. However, the relative abundance of dominant genera, including an unclassified genus of Enterobacteriaceae, Wolbachia, Carnobacterium, and Delftia tsuruhatensis, displayed significant stage-specific variations. While significant differences in bacterial diversity and composition were observed across life stages, Wolbachia infection had no substantial impact on overall diversity. Nonetheless, relative abundances of specific genera differed between infection states. Notably, Wolbachia exhibited a stable, high relative abundance across all stages and negatively correlated with an unclassified genus of Enterobacteriaceae, Delftia tsuruhatensis, and Carnobacterium. Our findings provide a foundational understanding of the complex interplay between the host, Wolbachia, and the associated microbiome in P. xylostella, paving the way for a deeper understanding of their complex interactions and potential implications for pest control strategies.
Advanced Heart Failure: Therapeutic Options and Challenges in the Evolving Field of Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Antonopoulos Michael , Bonios Michael J. , Dimopoulos Stavros , Leontiadis Evangelos , Gouziouta Aggeliki , Kogerakis Nektarios , Koliopoulou Antigone , Elaiopoulos Dimitris , Vlahodimitris Ioannis , Chronaki Maria , Chamogeorgakis Themistocles , Drakos Stavros G. , Adamopoulos Stamatis
Published: February 2024

Heart Failure is a chronic and progressively deteriorating syndrome that has reached epidemic proportions worldwide. Improved outcomes have been achieved with novel drugs and devices. However, the number of patients refractory to conventional medical therapy is growing. These advanced heart failure patients suffer from severe symptoms and frequent hospitalizations and have a dismal prognosis, with a significant socioeconomic burden in health care systems. Patients in this group may be eligible for advanced heart failure therapies, including heart transplantation and chronic mechanical circulatory support with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Heart transplantation remains the treatment of choice for eligible candidates, but the number of transplants worldwide has reached a plateau and is limited by the shortage of donor organs and prolonged wait times. Therefore, LVADs have emerged as an effective and durable form of therapy, and they are currently being used as a bridge to heart transplant, destination lifetime therapy, and cardiac recovery in selected patients. Although this field is evolving rapidly, LVADs are not free of complications, making appropriate patient selection and management by experienced centers imperative for successful therapy. Here, we review current LVAD technology, indications for durable MCS therapy, and strategies for timely referral to advanced heart failure centers before irreversible end-organ abnormalities.
Novel Screw Placement Method for Extremely Small Lumbar Pedicles in Scoliosis
Authors: Hwang Chang-Ju , Lee Joo-Young , Lee Dong-Ho , Cho Jae-Hwan , Lee Choon-Sung , Lee Mi-Young , Yoon So-Jung
Published: February 2024

Study Design: Consecutive case series. Objective: To propose a screw placement method in patients with extremely small lumbar pedicles (ESLPs) (<2 mm) to maintain screw density and correction power, without relying on the O-arm navigation system. Summary of Background Data: In scoliosis surgery, ESLPs can hinder probe passage, resulting in exclusion or substitution of the pedicle screws with a hook. Screw density affects correction power, making it necessary to maximize the number of screw placements, especially in the lumbar curve. Limited studies provide technical guidelines for screw placement in patients with ESLPs, independent of the O-arm navigation system. Methods: We enrolled 19 patients who underwent scoliosis correction surgery using our novel screw placement method for ESLPs. Clinical, radiological, and surgical parameters were assessed. After posterior exposure of the spine, the C-arm fluoroscope was rotated to obtain a true posterior–anterior view and both pedicles were symmetrically visualized. An imaginary pedicle outline was presumed based on the elliptical or linear shadow from the pedicle. The screw entry point was established at a 2 (or 10) o’clock position in the presumed pedicle outline. After adjusting the gear-shift convergence, both cortices of the transverse process were penetrated and the tip was advanced towards the lateral vertebral body wall, where an extrapedicular screw was placed with tricortical fixation. Results: Out of 90 lumbar screws in 19 patients, 33 screws were inserted using our novel method, without correction loss or complications during an average follow-up period of 28.44 months, except radiological loosening of one screw. Conclusions: Our new extrapedicular screw placement method into the vertebral body provides an easy, accurate, and safe alternative for scoliosis patients with ESLPs without relying on the O-arm navigation system. Surgeons must consider utilizing this method to enhance correction power in scoliosis surgery, regardless of the small size of the lumbar pedicle.
Association between Unplanned Conversion and Patient Survival after Laparoscopic Liver Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis
Authors: Lee Boram , Cho Jai Young , Han Ho-Seong , Yoon Yoo-Seok , Lee Hae Won , Kang MeeYoung , Park Yeshong , Kim Jinju
Published: February 2024

Unplanned conversion (UPC) is considered to be a predictor of poor postoperative outcomes. However, the effects of UPC on the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain controversial. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes between patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) and those who underwent UPC for HCC. Among 1029 patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy between 2004 and 2021, 251 were eligible for the study. Of 251 patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC in PS segments, 29 (26.0%) required UPC, and 222 underwent LLR. After 1:5 PSM, 25 patients were selected for the UPC group and 125 for the LLR group. Blood loss, transfusion rate, hospital stay, and postoperative complication were higher in the UPC group. Regarding oncologic outcomes, although the 5-year overall survival rate was similar in both groups (p = 0.544), the recurrence-free survival rate was lower in the UPC group (p < 0.001). UPC was associated with poor short-term as well as inferior long-term outcomes compared with LLR for HCC in PS segments. Therefore, surgeons must carefully select patients and consider early conversion if unexpected bleeding occurs to maintain safety and oncologic outcomes.
Correlation of Plasmatic Amyloid Beta Peptides (Aβ-40, Aβ-42) with Myocardial Injury and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Del Moral Luis Eduardo , Lerma Claudia , González-Pacheco Héctor , Chávez-Lázaro Alan Cristhian , Massó Felipe , Rodriguez Emma
Published: February 2024

Background/Objective: Amyloid beta (β) -40 levels increase with age and inflammation states and appear to be associated with clinical manifestations of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We investigated the correlation of Aβ peptides with myocardial injury and inflammation biomarkers in patients with or without ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI, NSTEMI). Methods: This singe-center, cross-sectional, observational, and correlation study included 65 patients with ACS (n = 34 STEMI, 29 males, age = 58 ± 12 years; n = 31 NSTEMI, 22 males, age = 60 ± 12 years) who were enrolled in the coronary care unit within 12 h after symptom onset from February 2022 to May 2023. Aβ peptide levels and biochemical parameters were assessed. Results: NSTEMI patients had a higher prevalence of hypertension (p = 0.039), diabetes (p = 0.043), smoking (p = 0.003), and prior myocardial infarction (p = 0.010) compared to STEMI patients. We observed a higher level of Aβ-42 in NSTEMI (p = 0.001) but no difference in Aβ-40 levels. We also found a correlation between age and NT-proBNP with both Aβ peptides (Aβ-40, Aβ-42) (p = 0.001, p = 0.002 respectively). Conclusions: Our results show that patients with NSTEMI had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and prior myocardial infarction). Considering these results, we propose that Aβ-42 can add value to risk stratification in NSTEMI patients.
Pulmonary Vein Isolation Followed by Biatrial Ablation of Rotational Activity in Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Results of the Cryo-Vest Study
Authors: Weipert Kay Felix , Hutter Julie , Kuniss Malte , Kahle Patrick , Yogarajah Joerg , Hain Andreas , Sperzel Johannes , Berkowitsch Alexander , Hamm Christian W. , Neumann Thomas
Published: February 2024

Background and Aims: Noninvasive mapping allows the identification of patient-specific atrial rotational activity (RA) that might play a key role in the perpetuation of persistent atrial fibrillation (PsAF). So far, the impact of pulmonary vein isolation by cryoballoon (Cryo-PVI) on RA is unclear. Moreover, the long-term effect of periprocedural termination of AF during the ablation procedure is controversial. Methods: Noninvasive electrocardiographic mapping with a 252-electrode vest was performed in 42 patients with PsAF. After the first analysis, Cryo-PVI was performed. The RA was analyzed again and then targeted by radiofrequency catheter ablation. The primary clinical endpoint was periprocedural termination of AF. The secondary endpoint was freedom from any atrial arrhythmia >30 s during a 12-month follow-up. Results: In 33 patients (79%), right atrial RA was identified leading to biatrial ablation, and nine patients (21%) had left atrial RA only. Twelve patients (28.6%) converted from AF to sinus rhythm (SR) (Group A). Thirteen patients (30.9%) converted to atrial tachycardia (AT) (Group B). In 17 patients (40.5%), AF was not terminated by ablation (Group C). After a mean follow-up time of 13.8 months, 26 patients were free from AF and AT (61.9%). In terms of rhythm, control Group A (75%) and B (83.3%) showed higher success rates than Group C (33.3%) (p < 0.01). Cryo-PVI had no substantial impact on RA. Conclusions: The RA-based ablation approach showed acceptable success rates. Periprocedural termination of AF had a positive predictive impact on the outcome. No difference was observed between conversion to SR or to AT. Cryo-PVI had no impact on RA.
A High Respiratory Drive Is Associated with Weaning Failure in Patients with COVID-19-Associated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: The Role of the Electrical Activity of the Diaphragm
Authors: Muttini Stefano , Jona Falco Jacopo , Cuevas Cairo Ilmari , Umbrello Michele
Published: February 2024

Background: Mechanical ventilation is the main supportive treatment of severe cases of COVID-19-associated ARDS (C-ARDS). Weaning failure is common and associated with worse outcomes. We investigated the role of respiratory drive, assessed by monitoring the electrical activity of the diaphragm (EAdi), as a predictor of weaning failure. Methods: Consecutive, mechanically ventilated patients admitted to the ICU for C-ARDS with difficult weaning were enrolled. Blood gas, ventilator, and respiratory mechanic parameters, as well as EAdi, were recorded at the time of placement of EAdi catheter, and then after 1, 2, 3, 7, and 10 days, and compared between patients with weaning success and weaning failure. Results: Twenty patients were enrolled: age 66 (60–69); 85% males; PaO2/FiO2 at admission 148 (126–177) mmHg. Thirteen subjects (65%) were classified as having a successful weaning. A younger age (OR(95%CI): 0.02 (0.01–0.11) per year), a higher PaO2/FiO2 ratio (OR(95%CI): 1.10 (1.01–1.21) per mmHg), and a lower EAdi (OR(95%CI): 0.16 (0.08–0.34) per μV) were associated with weaning success. Conclusion: In critically ill patients with moderate–severe C-ARDS and difficult weaning from mechanical ventilation, a successful weaning was associated with a lower age, a higher oxygenation, and a lower respiratory drive, as assessed at the bedside via EAdi monitoring.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome after Distal Radius Fracture—Case Report and Mini Literature Review
Authors: Świta Michał , Szymonek Paweł , Talarek Konrad , Tomczyk-Warunek Agnieszka , Turżańska Karolina , Posturzyńska Agnieszka , Winiarska-Mieczan Anna
Published: February 2024

This study explores the impact of the complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) on the lives and mobility of patients, with a particular focus on its emergence as a late complication of distal radius fractures (DRFs), a common occurrence, especially among an aging population. The absence of a standardized treatment for the CRPS and the challenge of predicting its occurrence make it a complex medical issue. This research aims to shed light on the effects of treating the CRPS through a case study involving a 75-year-old woman with untreated osteoporosis who experienced a Colles fracture after a fall. The initial management involved repositioning and stabilizing the fractured forearm with a plaster cast, followed by an operation using percutaneous pinning via a Kirschner wire. Subsequently, the patient developed CRPS symptoms and was admitted to the rehabilitation department three months post-fracture. The affected forearm exhibited swelling, warmth, pain, and severely limited range of motion. Treatment involved a combination of medications, physiotherapy, and kinesiotherapy. Significantly, the patient experienced notable improvement following these interventions. This study underscores the absence of a definitive standard for CRPS treatment but suggests that proper rehabilitation and pharmaceutical interventions can contribute positively to patient outcomes. The case further highlights the potential association between DRF and CRPS development, emphasizing the need for continued research in this field.
Deciphering Childhood Rosacea: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Woo Yu Ri , Kim Hei Sung
Published: February 2024

Childhood rosacea is a lesser known, yet significant, skin condition presenting diagnostic and treatment challenges. Although often underdiagnosed due to unclear diagnostic criteria, it manifests similarly to adult rosacea, with features such as papulopustular, telangiectasia, granulomatous, idiopathic facial aseptic granuloma, and ocular rosacea. The complex pathophysiology involves genetic, immunological, and environmental factors. Distinguishing childhood rosacea from conditions like acne, steroid rosacea, sarcoidosis, and lupus vulgaris is crucial but complicated by the lack of established criteria. Treatment strategies, mainly extrapolated from adult management protocols, include topical therapies, systemic medications, and laser treatments, adapted for pediatric patients. Special attention is given to ocular rosacea, often preceding skin manifestations, necessitating multidisciplinary care. The review underscores the urgent need for clear diagnostic guidelines, increased awareness, and tailored pediatric treatment protocols to improve patient outcomes and mitigate the condition’s evolution into adulthood.
Analysis of Dynamic Characteristics of Rotor Sail Using a 4DOF Rotor Model and Finite Element Model
Authors: Kim Dong Min , Hong Soon Ho , Jeong Se Hyeon , Kim Sun Je
Published: February 2024

The interest in wind-assisted ship propulsions (WASPs) is increasing to improve fuel efficiency and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in ships. A rotor sail, one of the typical WASPs, can provide auxiliary propulsive force by rotating a cylinder-shaped structure based on the Magnus effect. However, due to its huge rotating structure, a meticulous evaluation of the influence on the ship structure and dynamical stability of the rotating structure should be conducted in the design stage. In this respect, an analysis of the rotating structure for a 30 m height and 3 m diameter rotor sail was conducted in this study. First, a 4DOF (four-degree-of-freedom) model was derived to simplify the dynamics of the rotor sail. Using the 4DOF model, natural frequencies for four low-order modes of the rotor sail were calculated, and frequency responses at support points were predicted. Next, a comparison and validation with the finite element model of the rotor sail were carried out. For the 1st and 2nd natural frequencies, a difference of approximately 0.3 Hz was observed between the 4DOF model and the finite element model, confirming the effectiveness of the 4DOF model for low-order modes. In analysis with changes in the bearing supporting stiffnesses, it was verified that lower support bearings have a significant impact on rotor dynamics compared to upper support bearings. Vibration response at the upper support was also confirmed through frequency response analysis caused by imbalance at Thom disk and mid-plate. Additionally, when estimating the eccentricity of the Thom disk as imbalance, a limit of eccentricity error could be set as 24 mm. The presented modeling procedures and analysis results can be references during early design stage of a novel rotor sail structure.
Modeling and Improvement Strategies for Safety Resilience in Maritime Hazardous Chemical Transportation System Based on Dissipative Structure Theory and System Dynamics
Authors: Yuan Changfeng , Sun Xing , Zhang Qing , Niu Lulu , Meng Shasha
Published: February 2024

Maritime hazardous chemical transportation accidents have the characteristics of strong suddenness, wide influence, and great harm. To analyze the ability of a maritime hazardous chemical transportation system (MHCTS) to cope with sudden disturbance events, “resilience” is introduced into MHCTS safety research. The key to studying resilience is modeling its evolutionary process. Based on the dissipative structure theory, this study analyzes the entropy flow mechanism of MHCTS safety resilience evolution. Through a statistical analysis of 197 investigation reports on maritime hazardous chemical transportation accidents, the factors influencing the safety resilience of the MHCTS were determined. The entropy value and weight of each influencing factor were calculated using the entropy method and entropy weight method, respectively. Based on this, an entropy model of the safety resilience evolution of the MHCTS was established. The evolution process falls under four categories of disturbance strengths, which were simulated using the system dynamics method. The degree of contribution of absorptive, adaptive, and restorative capacities to the improvement of system safety resilience under four disturbance conditions and the sensitivity of each influencing factor to the absorptive, adaptive, and restorative capacities were analyzed. Based on the analyses, targeted resilience improvement strategies are proposed. The research results provide a theoretical reference for the study of safety resilience mechanisms and resilience management in the MHCTS.
Study on Effect of Particle Size Distribution on Water-Retention Capacity of Coral Sand from Macro and Micro Perspective
Authors: Wu Hao , Lei Xuewen , Chen Xiang , Shen Jianhua , Wang Xinzhi , Ma Tiantian
Published: February 2024

The reclamation coral sand (CS) layer is the survival environment for island reef vegetation in the South China Sea. The root system within the CS bed draws water necessary for vegetation growth, implying that the water-retention capacity of CS plays a pivotal role in determining vegetation viability. Particle size distribution (PSD) significantly influences the water-retention capacity of geomaterials. This study examines the impact of PSD on the water-retention capacity of CS from both macro (soil–water characteristic curve, SWCC) and micro (pore water distribution) perspectives using the pressure plate test and nuclear magnetic resonance technique, and an F&X model was used to analyze the SWCC of CS. The findings indicated that the F&X model aptly describes the SWCC of CS with different PSDs. Both the air entry value and residual water content rise with an increased content of fine grains (d < 0.25 mm), suggesting that the presence of fine grains augments the water-retention capacity of CS. It is considered that a size range of d = 0.075–0.25 mm predominantly impacts the water-retention capacity of CS. The PSD primarily influences the water-retention capacity by affecting the pore size distribution of CS. The volume of small pores swells with the surge of fine-grain content, while the maximum pore size contracts with increasing fine-grain content. Limited pore connectivity in CS means macropores can retain water even under high suction, bolstering the water-retention capacity of CS. These findings offer theoretical guidance for selecting gradation parameters for the planting layer on island reefs.
Identification and Characterization of Nigrospora Species and a Novel Species, Nigrospora anhuiensis, Causing Black Leaf Spot on Rice and Wild Rice in the Anhui Province of China
Authors: Liu Yang , An Jiahao , Safdar Asma , Shen Yang , Sun Yang , Shu Wenhui , Tan Xiaojuan , Zhu Bo , Xiao Jiaxin , Schirawski Jan , He Feng , Zhu Guoping
Published: February 2024

Rice production in the Anhui province is threatened by fungal diseases. We obtained twenty-five fungal isolates from rice and wild rice leaves showing leaf spot disease collected along the Yangtze River. A phylogenetic analysis based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1 alpha (TEF1-α), and beta tubulin (TUB2) sequences revealed one isolate (SS-2-JB-1B) grouped with Nigrospora sphaerica, one (QY) with Nigrospora chinensis, twenty-two with Nigrospora oryzae, and one isolate (QY-2) grouped in its own clade, which are related to but clearly different from N. oryzae. Nineteen tested isolates, including sixteen strains from the N. oryzae clade and the three isolates of the other three clades, caused disease on detached rice leaves. The three isolates that did not belong to N. oryzae were also able to cause disease in rice seedlings, suggesting that they were rice pathogens. Isolate QY-2 differed from the other isolates in terms of colony morphology, cell size, and susceptibility to fungicides, indicating that this isolate represents a new species that we named Nigrospora anhuiensis. Our analysis showed that N. sphaerica, N. chinensis, and the new species, N. anhuiensis, can cause rice leaf spot disease in the field. This research provides new knowledge for understanding rice leaf spot disease.
“Part of the Team”: In-House Sports Reporters Navigating the Journalistic Periphery
Authors: Perreault Gregory P. , Nölleke Daniel , Crawford Monica , Hackett Ella
Published: February 2024

In recent years, the sports communication landscape has seen changes in terms of who occupies the role of sports reporter. In-house reporters, or sports communicators employed by specific clubs, teams, or leagues, now contribute content to the sports media landscape. This study explores the complicated relationship between in-house reporters’ self-perceived professional identities and in-houses reporters’ perceptions of their audiences through the lens of Bourdieusian field theory. As such, it sees in-house reporters as peripheral actors negotiating the boundaries of the sports journalism field. Through semi-structured interviews with 28 in-house sports reporters from the United States and Austria, our findings suggest that in-house reporters conceive of themselves both in relation to professional journalism and as members of the sports establishment. Furthermore, they note an ambiguous relationship to their audience, which is both reliant upon the reporters’ work, and, at times, highly critical of it.
Volatility and Herding Bias on ESG Leaders’ Portfolios Performance
Authors: Gavrilakis Nektarios , Floros Christos
Published: February 2024

We here analyze the factor loadings given by the CAPM, the Fama–French three (FF3), and the five-factor model (FF5), and test the performance and the validity of adding two more factors (volatility and dispersion of returns) to the FF5 factor model of European index-based ESG leaders’ portfolios. Our ESG leaders’ portfolios generated significant negative alphas during 2012–2022, corroborating the literature’s negative argument. The negative abnormal returns of ESG leaders’ portfolios are homogeneous across the three ESG pillars. We conclude that European ESG leaders’ portfolios are biased toward large cap and value stocks with robust operating profitability and against aggressive investments. As robustness tests, we examine Global ESG leaders’ index-based portfolios, producing the same results but with reduced importance in some loading factors like profitability and investment strategy. Furthermore, we deduced that European and Global ESG leaders’ portfolios tilt towards volatility and herding bias.
Resh(AI)ping Good Administration: Addressing the Mass Effects of Public Sector Digitalisation
Authors: Sanchez-Graells Albert
Published: February 2024

Public sector digitalisation is transforming public governance at an accelerating rate. Digitalisation is outpacing the evolution of the legal framework. Despite several strands of international efforts to adjust good administration guarantees to new modes of digital public governance, progress has so far been slow and tepid. The increasing automation of decision-making processes puts significant pressure on traditional good administration guarantees, jeopardises individual due process rights, and risks eroding public trust. Automated decision-making has, so far, attracted the bulk of scholarly attention, especially in the European context. However, most analyses seek to reconcile existing duties towards individuals under the right to good administration with the challenges arising from digitalisation. Taking a critical and technology-centred doctrinal approach to developments under the law of the European Union and the Council of Europe, this paper goes beyond current debates to challenge the sufficiency of existing good administration duties. By stressing the mass effects that can derive from automated decision-making by the public sector, the paper advances the need to adapt good administration guarantees to a collective dimension through an extension and a broadening of the public sector’s good administration duties: that is, through an extended ex ante control of organisational risk-taking, and a broader ex post duty of automated redress. These legal modifications should be urgently implemented.
Silurian Climatic Zonation of Cryptospore, Trilete Spore and Plant Megafossils, with Emphasis on the Přídolí Epoch
Authors: Bek Jiří , Steemans Philippe , Frýda Jiří , Žárský Viktor
Published: February 2024

This paper describes dispersed cryptospores and trilete spores from tropical, temperate and cool climate belts within Přídolí and compares them with the land plant megafossil record. The palynology of earlier intervals in the Silurian are also reviewed. A common feature of the cryptospore and trilete spore records is that their number is surprisingly lowest in the tropical climatic belt and much higher in the temperate and especially in the cool latitude, and the highest number of cryptospore taxa occurring only in one belt is found in the cool belt while the highest number of trilete spore taxa that occurred only in one belt is recorded in the temperate belt. In general, based on the dispersed spore record, we can estimate that the plant assemblages of the tropical belt were dominated by rhyniophytes; trimerophytes probably prevailed over rhyniophytes in the temperate belt, and rhyniophytes again dominated within the cool belt.
Elderly Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Hypertension: Clinical Characteristics, Survival, and Risk Stratification in a Single-Center Prospective Registry
Authors: Goncharova Natalia , Lapshin Kirill , Berezina Aelita , Simakova Maria , Marichev Alexandr , Zlobina Irina , Marukyan Narek , Malikov Kirill , Aseeva Alexandra , Zaitsev Vadim , Moiseeva Olga
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The predictive value of the risk stratification scales in elderly patients with IPAH might differ from that in younger patients. It is unknown whether young and older IPAH patients have the same survival dependence on PAH-specific therapy numbers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic relevance of risk stratification scales and PAH medication numbers in elderly IPAH patients in comparison with young IPAH patients. Materials and methods: A total of 119 patients from a prospective single-center PAH registry were divided into group I < 60 years old (n = 89) and group II ≥ 60 years old (n = 30). ESC/ERS, REVEAL, and REVEAL 2.0 risk stratification scores were assessed at baseline, as well as H2FpEF score and survival at follow-up. Results: During a mean follow-up period of 2.9 years (1.63; 6.0), 42 (35.3%) patients died; at 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 10 years, survival was 95%, 88.6%, 78.5%, 61.7%, 48.5%, and 33.7%, respectively. No survival differences were observed between the two groups, despite the use of monotherapy in the elderly patients. The best predictive REVEAL value in elderly patients (IPAH patients ≥ 60 years) was AUC 0.73 (0.56–0.91), p = 0.03; and in patients with LHD comorbidities in the entire cohort, it was AUC 0.73 (0.59–0.87), p < 0.009. Factors independently associated with death in the entire cohort were CKD (p = 0.01, HR 0.2), the right-to-left ventricle dimension ratio (p = 0.0047, HR 5.97), and NT-proBNP > 1400 pg/mL (p = 0.008, HR 3.18). Conclusion: Risk stratification in the elderly IPAH patients requires a fundamentally different approach than that of younger patients, taking into account the initial limitations in physical performance and comorbidities that interfere with current assessment scores. The REVEAL score reliably stratifies patients at any age and LHD comorbidities. The initial monotherapy seems to be reasonable in patients over 60 years. Selection tools for initial combination PAH therapy in older IPAH patients with comorbidities need to be validated in prospective observational studies.
Myocardial Perfusion Imaging and C-Reactive Protein in Myocardial Ischemia: A Retrospective Single-Center Study
Authors: Rammos Aidonis , Bechlioulis Aris , Kekiopoulou Areti , Kekiopoulos Pavlos , Katsouras Christos S. , Sioka Chrissa
Published: February 2024

Background: Inflammation is an important mechanism in atherosclerosis and plaque formation. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a common inflammatory biomarker associated with the risk of coronary heart disease. We investigated the relationship of CRP with findings from myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). Methods: In this retrospective study, 102 consecutive patients (mean age 71 years, 68% males) who underwent MPI (for diagnostic reasons or quantification of myocardial ischemia) and CRP determination (upper limit: 6 mg/L) within 1 month from MPI were included. The patients had no infection or recent acute coronary syndrome. Results: The median CRP level was 4 mg/L (2, 10) among the study population. Patients with raised CRP had higher summed stress score (SSS) (p = 0.006) and summed rest score (SRS) (p = 0.001) and higher risk for SSS > 3 (OR 9.25, 95% CI 2.03–42.13, p = 0.001) compared to those with low CRP. The association of SSS and SRS with CRP levels was more evident in patients over 70 years (p = 0.027 and p = 0.005, respectively). No significant difference in summed difference score was shown. The two groups had no difference in other risk factors (p > 0.05 for all comparisons). Conclusion: a high level of CRP was associated with the presence and extent of stress-induced myocardial ischemia in MPI.
The Impact of Green Supply Chain Management on Circular Economy Performance: The Mediating Roles of Green Innovations
Authors: Abdallah Ayman Bahjat , Al-Ghwayeen Wafaa Shihadeh , Al-Amayreh Esra’a M. , Sweis Rateb J.
Published: February 2024

Background: This study investigated the impact of green supply chain management (GSCM) on circular economy (CE) performance. The mediating roles of three green innovation types, namely green product innovation, green process innovation, and green management innovation, are also examined. Methods: This study’s population comprised all companies in the manufacturing sector in Jordan. A simple random method was applied to gather data from 278 companies. The research model was evaluated in terms of validity and reliability, which were found to be satisfactory. Hayes’s PROCESS macro in IBM SPSS was applied for hypothesis testing. Results: The findings showed that GSCM directly and positively affected CE performance. Moreover, GSCM showed positive impacts on the three types of green innovation. In addition, the three innovation types demonstrated positive impacts on CE performance and proved to positively mediate the GSCM–CE performance relationship. Conclusions: The present study is the first, to the best of our knowledge, to examine the mediating effect of green innovations on the GSCM–CE performance relationship. It is also among the first to examine the impact of GSCM on three different types of green innovation that represent technological and non-technological innovations.
High-Throughput Ensemble-Learning-Driven Band Gap Prediction of Double Perovskites Solar Cells Absorber
Authors: Djeradi Sabrina , Dahame Tahar , Fadla Mohamed Abdelilah , Bentria Bachir , Kanoun Mohammed Benali , Goumri-Said Souraya
Published: February 2024

Perovskite materials have attracted much attention in recent years due to their high performance, especially in the field of photovoltaics. However, the dark side of these materials is their poor stability, which poses a huge challenge to their practical applications. Double perovskite compounds, on the other hand, can show more stability as a result of their specific structure. One of the key properties of both perovskite and double perovskite is their tunable band gap, which can be determined using different techniques. Density functional theory (DFT), for instance, offers the potential to intelligently direct experimental investigation activities and predict various properties, including band gap. In reality, however, it is still difficult to anticipate the energy band gap from first principles, and accurate results often require more expensive methods such as hybrid functional or GW methods. In this paper, we present our development of high-throughput supervised ensemble learning-based methods: random forest, XGBoost, and Light GBM using a database of 1306 double perovskites materials to predict the energy band gap. Based on elemental properties, characteristics have been vectorized from chemical compositions. Our findings demonstrate the efficiency of ensemble learning methods and imply that scientists would benefit from recently employed methods in materials informatics.
VisFormers—Combining Vision and Transformers for Enhanced Complex Document Classification
Authors: Dutta Subhayu , Adhikary Subhrangshu , Dwivedi Ashutosh Dhar
Published: February 2024

Complex documents have text, figures, tables, and other elements. The classification of scanned copies of different categories of complex documents like memos, newspapers, letters, and more is essential for rapid digitization. However, this task is very challenging as most scanned complex documents look similar. This is because all documents have similar colors of the page and letters, similar textures for all papers, and very few contrasting features. Several attempts have been made in the state of the art to classify complex documents; however, only a few of these works have addressed the classification of complex documents with similar features, and among these, the performances could be more satisfactory. To overcome this, this paper presents a method to use an optical character reader to extract the texts. It proposes a multi-headed model to combine vision-based transfer learning and natural-language-based Transformers within the same network for simultaneous training for different inputs and optimizers in specific parts of the network. A subset of the Ryers Vision Lab Complex Document Information Processing dataset containing 16 different document classes was used to evaluate the performances. The proposed multi-headed VisFormers network classified the documents with up to 94.2% accuracy, while a regular natural-language-processing-based Transformer network achieved 83%, and vision-based VGG19 transfer learning could achieve only up to 90% accuracy. The model deployment can help sort the scanned copies of various documents into different categories.
The Computational Testing Procedure for the Comprehensive Lifetime Performance Index of Burr XII Products in Multiple Production Lines
Authors: Wu Shu-Fei , Kuo Pei-Hsuan , Deng Wen-Shuenn
Published: February 2024

Extending from a single production line to multiple production lines, a comprehensive life performance index is proposed for evaluating the quality of lifetime products. The connection between the comprehensive lifetime performance index and the individual lifetime performance index is explored. For products with a lifetime following Burr XII distribution for the ith production line, the maximum likelihood estimation method and the corresponding asymptotic distribution for all lifetime performance indices are derived. Checking whether the comprehensive lifetime performance index has achieved the target value is essentially the same as testing whether each individual lifetime performance index has reached its corresponding target value. A testing procedure is proposed for a given significance level using the maximum likelihood estimator as the test statistic, and the power analysis is presented through graphical representations. For the power analysis, the impacts of sample size, the number of inspection intervals, the removal probability, the level of significance, and the number of production lines on the test power are analyzed, and the results show that there is a monotonic relationship between the test power and the above five impact factors. To illustrate how to apply the proposed testing procedure, we give one practical example with two production lines to test whether the comprehensive production process is capable.
Dynamic S-Box Construction Using Mordell Elliptic Curves over Galois Field and Its Applications in Image Encryption
Authors: Alali Amal S. , Ali Rashad , Jamil Muhammad Kamran , Ali Javed , Gulraiz
Published: February 2024

Elliptic curve cryptography has gained attention due to its strong resilience against current cryptanalysis methods. Inspired by the increasing demand for reliable and secure cryptographic methods, our research investigates the relationship between complex mathematical structures and image encryption. A substitution box (S-box) is the single non-linear component of several well-known security systems. Mordell elliptic curves are used because of their special characteristics and the immense computational capacity of Galois fields. These S-boxes are dynamic, which adds a layer of complexity that raises the encryption process’s security considerably. We suggest an effective technique for creating S-boxes based on a class of elliptic curves over GF(2n),n≥8. We demonstrate our approach’s robustness against a range of cryptographic threats through thorough examination, highlighting its practical applicability. The assessment of resistance of the newly generated S-box to common attack methods including linear, differential, and algebraic attacks involves a thorough analysis. This analysis is conducted by quantifying various metrics such as non-linearity, linear approximation, strict avalanche, bit independence, and differential approximation to gauge the S-box’s robustness against these attacks. A recommended method for image encryption involves the use of built-in S-boxes to quickly perform pixel replacement and shuffling. To evaluate the efficiency of the proposed strategy, we employed various tests. The research holds relevance as it can provide alternative guidelines for image encryption, which could have wider consequences for the area of cryptography as a whole. We believe that our findings will contribute to the development of secure communication and data protection, as digital security is becoming increasingly important.