bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulatory factor X‐5/SCL/TAL1 interruption site axis promotes aerobic glycolysis and hepatocellular carcinoma cell stemness
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Zhong , Wang Zi‐Ming , Zhang Hao‐Wen , Gong Yan‐Xin , Sun Hao‐Ran , Zhang Wei 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe incidence and development of various tumors, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), are linked to tumor stem cells. Although research has revealed how important SCL/TAL1 interruption site (STIL) is in many human tumors, the impact of STIL on HCC stem cells is poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the regulatory mechanisms and the function of STIL in the stemness of HCC tumor cells. Bioinformatics analysis was applied to determine the STIL and regulatory factor X‐5 (RFX5) expression in HCC tissues. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the expression of STIL and RFX5 in HCC tissues. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was utilized to measure the STIL and RFX5 expression levels in HCC cells. The viability of the cells was assessed by the Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay. The sphere formation assay was used to evaluate the sphere‐forming capacity. The expression levels of the stem cell markers SOX2, Oct‐4, CD133, CD44, the glycolysis‐related proteins LDHA, HK2, AKT, p‐AKT, and β‐catenin were assessed by Western blot. Lactate production, oxygen consumption rate, and extracellular acidification rate were measured to assess the glycolytic capacity of HCC cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual‐luciferase experiments were performed to validate the connection between RFX5 and STIL. Bioinformatics analysis determined that STIL exhibited high expression in HCC tissues and was enriched in the glycolysis pathway. In addition, the expression of glycolysis marker genes was positively correlated with STIL expression. Cell experiments verified that the activation of the glycolysis pathway by overexpression of STIL promoted stemness in HCC. Molecular experiments also revealed the binding relationship between STIL and RFX5. IHC detected high expression of STIL and RFX5 in HCC tissues. Cell functional experiments revealed that RFX5 could influence the HCC cells stemness by activating the STIL transcription via the glycolysis pathway. This study identified a novel role for the RFX5/STIL axis in HCC progression, which may offer treatment targets for HCC.
Indocyanine Green Angiography for Real‐time Evaluation of Nasoseptal Flap Vascularity and Perfusion
Authors: Noiphithak Raywat , Yanez‐Siller Juan C. , Rukskul Pataravit , Yodwisithsak Pornchai 
Published: December 2024

ObjectivesTo investigate the characteristics of the vascular pedicle of the nasoseptal flap (NSF) and its perfusion patterns using intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) angiography during endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS), and examine the correlation between ICG perfusion patterns and clinical outcomes, including postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and flap necrosis.MethodsThis study enrolled patients undergoing ESBS between January 2017 and December 2021. Intraoperative ICG angiography was performed to visualize the arterial supply of the nasal septum and evaluate NSF perfusion. Postoperative CT scans and clinical follow‐ups were conducted to assess flap outcomes.ResultsA total of 126 patients were included in the study. The posterior septal artery (PSA) was most commonly identified in the middle third of the sphenoidal rostrum (63.5% right, 60.3% left). Three branching patterns were observed: single‐branch (58.7% right, 64.3% left), double‐branch (12.7% right, 11.1% left), and reticular‐branch (26.6% right, 24.6% left). Among 72 patients who underwent NSF placement, ICG angiography showed full enhancement in 37 patients (51.4%), partial enhancement in 27 patients (37.5%), and no enhancement in eight patients (11.1%). Postoperative CSF leak occurred in eight patients (11.1%), with no significant correlation to ICG enhancement patterns (p = 0.07). Flap necrosis occurred in five patients (6.9%), all of whom had shown no ICG enhancement beyond the pedicle (p < 0.01).ConclusionsICG angiography is a valuable tool for visualizing the vascular supply of NSF during ESBS. While it does not correlate with postoperative CSF leak, ICG enhancement pattern showed a significant association with flap necrosis. This technique may contribute to improved surgical outcomes and reduced complications in NSF reconstructions.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 135:1060–1065, 2025
Sink or break: Oil increases resistance of phytoplankton aggregates to fragmentation
Authors: Ziervogel Kai , Sweet Julia A. , Song Yixuan , Bretherton Laura , Rau Matthew J. , Quigg Antonietta , Passow Uta 
Published: December 2024

AbstractFragmentation of marine snow affects the downward flux of organic matter, and other aggregate‐associated compounds such as oil. Using phytoplankton aggregates, we demonstrate that marine snow with oil, termed marine oil snow, had a higher resistance to fragmentation compared to marine snow without oil when exposed to turbulence ex situ. At moderate shear levels, typical of the ocean mixed layer, 17% of marine snow without oil broke, whereas 63% of marine snow fragmented at intermediate shear. In contrast, only 17% and 33% of marine oil snow fragmented at the intermediate and highest shear levels, respectively. Our results suggest that oil increases the cohesion and stability of aggregates making them less susceptible to breaking. This work contributes toward explaining the exceptional oil sedimentation event following the 2010 spill in Gulf of Mexico. It also enhances our understanding of the factors that determine the probability of sinking aggregates to fragment.
Corrosion Resistance and Structure of Cr−O−N Coatings Formed in Vacuum Arc Plasma Fluxes With PIIID
Authors: Kuprin Alexandr S. , Rostova Hanna Y. , Reshetnyak Elena N. , Warcholinski Bogdan , Gilewicz Adam , Klimenko Ilya O. , Trzciński Konrad , Gazda Maria , Ryl Jacek , Sawczak Miroslaw 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTCr−O−N‐based vacuum arc coatings are very promising for the wear and corrosion protection of various steel parts. The aim of the work was to determine the effect of frequency and amplitude of the pulsed bias voltage (UB) on the elemental and phase composition, mechanical, and corrosion properties of Cr−O−N coatings. They have an amorphous structure with embedded nanosized solid solution crystallites based on CrN with a cubic structure and Cr2O3 with a rhombohedral structure. The increase in the bias voltage results in a reduction in the grain size of the Cr2O3 and CrN phases by about four times to about 5 nm, as well as a change in the CrN phase content in the coating. The lattice parameter increases slightly for the Cr2O3 phase but decreases for the CrN phase. The increase in the pulse frequency results in an increase in the CrN phase content in the coating and the lattice constant of both phases and a slight decrease in the crystallite size. The hardness of Cr−O−N coatings slightly increased with the UB from 26 ± 1 GPa (DC) to 28 ± 1 GPa (−300 V, pulsed), and the elastic modulus ranges from 290 to 310 GPa. The greatest changes were observed in corrosion resistance. With an increase in the bias voltage and pulse frequency, the corrosion current of Cr−O−N coatings on steel in 3% NaCl solution decreased by three orders of magnitude compared to coatings deposited at DC voltage and by five orders of magnitude compared to the base steel. Therefore, the use of a pulsed bias voltage with a frequency of at least 10 kHz and an amplitude of 700 V can significantly increase the corrosion resistance of Cr−O−N coatings on steel substrates.
Fixed‐Time Bipartite Synchronization of Stochastic Multiplex Signed Networks Via Quantized Generalized Intermittent Control
Authors: Qin Xuejiao , Jiang Haijun , Qiu Jianlong , Hu Cheng , Ren Yue 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis study is dedicated to the fixed‐time (FDT) bipartite synchronization of stochastic multiplex signed networks via quantized generalized intermittent control (QGIC). Firstly, a multiplex network including signed graphs and stochastic disturbances is introduced. Secondly, a new lemma of FDT stability is established by using reduction to absurdity and mathematical induction. Thirdly, based on the proposed FDT stability and the stochastic analysis techniques, several sufficient conditions on FDT bipartite synchronization are derived by designing a novel QGIC strategy. Significantly, the designed controller is a unified form of periodic and aperiodic cases and is only activated in the work interval. At last, two numerical simulations are offered to validate the superiority and effectiveness of the theoretical findings.
Elasticity of Substitution and Economic Growth: Some New Results
Authors: Chilarescu Constantin 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe main aim of this paper is to improve some recent results on the impact of the elasticity of substitution on economic growth. We proved the existence, uniqueness, and asymptotic stability of the balanced growth equilibrium and then study the effect of the elasticity of substitution on the long‐run equilibrium and on the steady state. We also show that a higher elasticity of substitution increases per capita income, the relative share of physical capital, the common growth rate, and the share of human capital allocated to the production sector.MSC Classification: C61, C62, E21, O41
A Compact Single‐Conductor Endfire Antenna With High Gain and Easy Assembly
Authors: Wang Shixuan , Teng Xihui , Jin Peiqi , Hou Yuefeng 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis letter proposes a compact air‐substrate single conductor endfire antenna, characterized by stable endfire radiation, high gain, high gain‐to‐length ratio and easy assembly. The proposed antenna is fed by air‐substrate double‐sided parallel strip lines (DSPSLs) in the TEM mode, ensuring stable endfire radiation pattern. Evolved from the periodic leaky‐wave antenna design, it also achieves high gain. Moreever, the radiating elements can couple energy through two paths, achieving an almost uniform electric field distribution, which contributes to a high gain‐to‐length ratio. Notably, a single‐conductor structure is achieved by terminating the short‐circuited DSPSLs, which simplifies the assembly process and minimizes manufacturing complexity. Finally, the proposed compact single‐conductor antenna is simulated, fabricated, and measured. The proposed endfire antenna features a compact size of 1.90λ0 × 0.42λ0 × 0.05λ0 operating at the center frequency of 5.00 GHz, where λ0 denotes the free‐space wavelength. According to the measurement results, the antenna also achieves a high gain of 11.37 dBi and a high gain‐to‐length ratio of 7.21, exhibiting a wide 1‐dB gain bandwidth of 4.00–5.30 GHz. These features make the antenna well‐suited for diverse long‐distance communication applications.
Low Back Pain Disparities in Portugal: A Population‐Based Study Analysing the Role of Social Determinants of Health
Authors: Duarte Susana Tinoco , Alves Joana , Cruz Eduardo Brazete , Heleno Bruno , Aguiar Pedro 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionDespite growing research, the relationship between social determinants of health (SDoH) and low back pain (LBP) remains inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate the associations between SDoH and self‐reported LBP in the Portuguese population in 2019 and explore potential differences between rural and urban areas.MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional study that includes 13,230 participants from the 2019 Portuguese National Health Interview Survey. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between SDoH and LBP. Interaction effects were examined to determine whether these relationships are modified by the degree of urbanisation/rurality.ResultsThe regression model for demographic and economic determinants showed associations between LBP and sex, age, marital status, education and financial capacity, with older rural residents having a higher likelihood of reporting LBP. The psychosocial model revealed that poor health status, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and dissatisfaction with life course were positively associated with LBP. In the behavioural model, obesity and history of smoking increased the probability of reporting LBP, whereas exercise behaviours reduced it and significantly varied across urban and rural regions. Health‐system factors, including hospital visits, medication use, consultations with rehabilitation professionals, delayed healthcare access, and unmet health needs due to financial constraints, were associated with LBP. Rural residents were more likely to seek outpatient care at hospitals.DiscussionThese findings emphasise the importance of integrating the evaluation of SDoH into healthcare settings to develop tailored interventions for LBP management.ConclusionLBP was influenced by several SDoH, but differences between rural and urban areas were limited.
Investigation of the Impact Response of Bi‐Continuous Nanoporous Solids via the Material Point Method: Verification Against Molecular Dynamics Predictions
Authors: Su Yu‐Chen , Saffarini Mohammed H. , Sewell Tommy , Chen Zhen 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTMolecular dynamics (MD) and the material point method (MPM) are both particle methods in spatial discretization. Molecular dynamics is a discrete particle method that is widely applied to predict fundamental physical properties and dynamic materials behaviors at nanoscale. The MPM is a continuum‐based particle method that was proposed about three decades ago to simulate large‐deformation problems involving multiphase interaction and failure evolution beyond the nanoscale. However, it is still a challenging task to validate MD responses against the experimental data due to the spatial limitation in impact and/or shock tests. The objective of this investigation is therefore to compare the MPM and MD solutions for the impact responses of porous solids at nanoscale. Since the governing equations for MD and explicit MPM are similar in temporal domain with different spatial discretization schemes, the MPM solutions could be verified against the MD ones, and the MD solutions might then be indirectly validated against the MPM ones as validated beyond the nanoscale. Since both MD forcing functions and MPM constitutive modeling are well‐formulated for metallic solids, we report a comprehensive comparative study of porous and non‐porous gold cubic targets impacted by full density non‐porous gold cubic flyers using the MPM and MD, respectively. The overall deformation patterns and particle‐velocity histories are demonstrated and analyzed, as obtained with the two particle methods. It appears that the MD and MPM solutions are consistent in capturing the physical responses, which shows the potential of using the MPM for multiscale simulations of extreme events involving porous solids, such as underground penetration and space exploration. In addition, MD solutions might be indirectly validated against the MPM ones for evaluating geological responses to extreme loadings, which provides an alternative route for multiscale verification and validation.
Can We Prevent Recurrent UTIs Without Antibiotics, in Both Those Who Do and Do Not Use Catheters? ICI‐RS 2024
Authors: Harding Christopher , Clavica Francesco , Averbeck Marcio Augusto , Da Silva Anasofia , Drake Marcus John , Gajewski Jerzy Bogdan , Khullar Vik , Pozniak Michael , Rantell Angie Marie , Tarcan Tufan , Werneburg Glenn Thomas , Giarenis Ilias 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAimsUrinary tract infections are one of the most common reasons for antibiotic prescription. The widespread use of antibiotic treatments contributes to the global health problem of antimicrobial resistance development. To slow down the progression of antimicrobial resistance, it is essential that we explore nonantibiotic preventive treatments for this common condition. We aim to report discussions regarding nonantibiotic preventive strategies for recurrent urinary tract infections in both catheterized and non‐catheterized patients that took place at the International Consultation on Incontinence—Research Society meeting in Bristol in 2024.MethodsWe undertook a think‐tank session during this multidisciplinary meeting specifically designated for discussion regarding both established and emerging nonantibiotic treatments for UTI prevention in both catheterized and non‐catheterized patients. This led to the generation of pertinent research questions, which hope to shape future UTI research.ResultsWe describe the discussions that took place and document the important research questions that were proposed during the International Consultation on Incontinence‐Research Society meeting in Bristol in 2024.ConclusionsThere is a range of established UTI preventative strategies for UTI prevention in both catheterized and non‐catheterized patients. Emerging UTI prevention treatments have varying levels of evidence to support their use, and in many areas, further research is needed to establish their place in clinical pathways.
Impact of Gender Affirming Vaginoplasty on Lower Urinary Tract Function: A Single‐Center Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lee Jasmine , Oh Cheongeun , Brucker Benjamin , Bluebond‐Langner Rachel , Zhao Lee C. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionWith increased access to gender affirming care, the rate of vaginoplasties in the US has risen rapidly. Although some retrospective studies report high rates of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) after gender affirming vaginoplasty, the type and severity of symptoms has not been well‐described. The purpose of this study was to prospectively characterize postoperative changes in lower urinary tract function after robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty as measured by the American Urological Association Symptom Index questionnaire (AUASI), Urogenital Distress Inventory 6 (UDI6), and additional measures.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study of patients undergoing gender affirming robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty enrolled between August 2020 to September 2021. LUTS were evaluated pre‐ and postoperatively (1, 3, 6, and 12‐month) via the AUASI, UDI6, uroflowmetry, and post void residual (PVR) measurements. Averages and 95% confidence intervals over time were estimated and compared through univariate mixed‐effect linear regression models.ResultsA total of 43 patients were enrolled. The average patient age was 31.1 ± 9.1 years. Overall AUASI Score declined over time (p = 0.002; −0.42,−0.09), though the decrease was less than the clinically minimum importance difference (MID) of 3 points. Preoperative AUASI was 8.1 ± 5.2, 1 month: 8.1 (95% CI: −1.9,1.8); 3 months: 5.2 (−5.0,−1.2); 6 months: 5.7 (−4.6,−0.62); 12 months: 5.2 (−4.9,−0.81). Similarly, UDI6 score declined over time (p = 0.002; −1.12,−0.26), though the decrease was less than MID of 16.7 points. UDI6 score preoperatively was 16.3 ± 1.8; 1 month post op: 16.5 (−5.2,5.0); 3 months: 16.2 (−5.6,5.1); 6 months: 11.6 (−10,1.0), and at 12 months: 8.1 (−13,−2.3). Overall uroflowmetric outcomes measured at postoperative visits including post void residual volume, maximum flow velocity, and average flow velocity did not show any difference at any postoperative time point when compared with preoperative measurements.ConclusionsIn this study both the AUASI and UDI6 declined over time from initial preoperative evaluation to the 12 month follow up period, although the changes in AUASI and UDI6 score did not reach MID. Additionally, urodynamic measurements remained unchanged postoperatively. This data suggests that robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty has no effect on lower urinary tract function.
Association Between Stress‐Induced Weight Loss and Autophagy‐Related Gene Expression in the Hippocampus and Midbrain of Depression Model Mice
Authors: Mori Hiroaki , Yoshino Yuta , Okano Mariko , Funahashi Yu , Kumon Hiroshi , Ochi Shinichiro , Iga Jun‐ichi , Ueno Shu‐ichi 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTAimRecent studies have implicated autophagy in both weight regulation and depression. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between stress‐induced weight loss and autophagy‐related gene expression in a mouse model of depression.MethodMale C57BL/6 mice were subjected to a chronic immobilization stress (CIS) protocol for 14 days to induce depressive‐like behavior. Body weight was measured before and after the CIS, and depressive‐like behavior was assessed using the tail suspension test (TST). The expression levels of autophagy‐related genes (Atg5, Atg7, Atg12, Becn1, Mmp9, Fkbp5, and Map1lc3b) in the hippocampus and midbrain were evaluated using reverse transcription‐quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR). Serum cortisol levels were also measured.ResultsThe CIS resulted in significant weight loss and increased immobility time in the TST, indicating depressive‐like behavior. Serum cortisol levels were not different between CIS‐depression model and control mice. In the hippocampus, the expression levels of Fkbp5, Mmp9, and Map1lc3b were significantly higher in CIS‐depression model mice than in control mice. In the midbrain, the expression levels of Fkbp5 and Mmp9 were significantly higher in CIS‐depression model mice than in control mice. Increased autophagy‐related gene expressions in CIS‐depression model mice were consistent with the previous studies in the postmortem brains of patients with depression. A significant negative correlation was also found between Fkbp5 mRNA expression in the hippocampus and the weight change ratio before and after the CIS.ConclusionThe findings suggest that enhanced autophagy may be related to the pathology of depression and that Fkbp5, an autophagy regulator, mediates stress‐induced weight loss.