bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the link between severity of dyspareunia and female sexual distress among a group of women with endometriosis: the mediating role of body functionality appreciation
Authors: Grano Caterina , Spinoni Marta , Porpora Maria Grazia , Di Gesto Cristian 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
While existing studies have predominantly focused on negative body image and its potential link to female sexual distress in women with endometriosis, no studies have investigated how positive body image (ie, body functionality appreciation) mediates the association between dyspareunia severity and sexual distress in this population.

Aim
This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of body functionality appreciation in the relationship between severity of dyspareunia and sexual distress in women living with endometriosis.

Methods
A total of 232 women with endometriosis (M = 35 years) took part in the study. Participants completed an anonymous questionnaire evaluating dyspareunia severity, functionality appreciation, female sexual distress, sociodemographic factors, and endometriosis-related clinical information. All participants were administered the following questionnaires: numerical rating scale, body functionality appreciation, female sexual distress scale.

Outcomes
Using a mediation model, the study analyzed both the direct and indirect effects of dyspareunia severity on sexual distress, with functionality appreciation as a mediator.

Results
The findings suggest that the severity of dyspareunia significantly contributes to sexual distress both directly and indirectly, by diminishing the appreciation for body functionality.

Clinical implications
Clinicians should not only focus on the severity of dyspareunia when evaluating sexual distress in women; instead, they should also acknowledge the protective role of positive body image. Integrated treatments that promote body functionality appreciation could enhance treatment outcomes.

Strengths and Limitations
The study is the first to examine the mediating role of body functionality appreciation in the relationship between dyspareunia severity and sexual distress in a sample of women with endometriosis; however, the assessment was cross-sectional and did not encompass other factors that may influence the connection between dyspareunia severity and sexual distress.

Conclusion
These findings, in addition to advancing theoretical understanding of the role of positive body image in women with dyspareunia, may be valuable in guiding the design of interventions aimed at reducing sexual distress in women with high levels of dyspareunia severity.
Set-Off Between Solvent Parties: Equitable Set-Off
Authors: Derham Rory 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This chapter discusses the set-off between solvent parties in correlation with the notion of equitable set-off. It explains that an equitable set-off has been pleaded directly as a defence in the claimant’s action since the Judicature Acts. Similar to other forms of set-off, equitable set-off is concerned with monetary demands. Thus, a person cannot retain a non-monetary asset by way of equitable set-off against a money claim. The chapter cites that an equitable set-off can take several forms before elaborating on the key concepts of implied agreement, equitable proprietary estoppel, acting by analogy with the Statutes, and substantive equitable set-off.
Set-Off Between Solvent Parties: Various Aspects
Authors: Derham Rory 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This chapter explores the various aspects of set-off between solvent parties. It starts with the interplay of charterparties and bills of lading before considering the key concepts of negotiable instruments, letters of credit, and direct debits. Meanwhile, the general principle of building and construction contracts revolves around how a cross-claim for damages for delay, bad workmanship, or failure to complete is capable in principle of being employed in a set-off against an amount due for work performed under a building contract. The chapter also considers the criticisms of the state of the law of set-off in correlation with the Statutes of Set-off. It explains the undesirability of extending the defence of set-off to encompass unrelated damages cross-claims.
Set-Off in Insolvency
Authors: Derham Rory 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This chapter discusses the extent of set-off in insolvency. It cites that the principal source of rights of set-off in the event of bankruptcy is section 323 of the Insolvency Act 1986. The availability of set-off may be crucial in circumstances where a bankrupt and a creditor have had prior mutual dealings giving rise to cross-demands. Additionally, the mutual credit provision extends to the situation where an insolvent partnership is wound up in accordance with the Insolvent Partnerships Order 1994. In company administration and liquidation, the relevant provision is set out, respectively, in the Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016. The chapter also considers the provisions in Australia concerning bankruptcy and company liquidation.
The Rule in Cherry v Boultbee
Authors: Derham Rory 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This chapter focuses on the rule in Cherry v Boultbee. It explains that the equitable principle is concerned with whether a person entitled to participate in a fund is bound to contribute to the aid of that fund. The rule, originally developed in the context of administering the estates of deceased people, illustrates a more fundamental principle of equity, that he who seeks equity must do equity. Unless an intention has been manifested to exclude the operation of the Cherry v Boultbee principle, the executor in such a case may decline to hand over anything in satisfaction of the legacy to the extent of the debt. The chapter cites that Cherry v Boultbee should be distinguished from an executor’s right of retainer.
Set-Off Agreements
Authors: Derham Rory 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of set-off agreements. It explains that parties dealing with each other may enter into an agreement for the satisfaction of their cross-demands by bringing them into an account in a set-off. Moreover, the set-off may be expressed to occur immediately or upon the happening of a specified future event. The chapter cites that an agreement for a set-off can arise by custom or be inferred from conduct. However, if a set-off agreement is terminated under a contractual right of termination, the termination may be on terms preserving the operation of the agreement in respect of matters covered by it before the termination.
Assignees, and Other Interested Third Parties
Authors: Derham Rory 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This chapter elaborates on the key concepts of assignees and other interested parties. It tackles the availability of set-off in cases involving assignments, crystallized floating securities, trusts, execution creditors, and subrogation rights. When a debt is assigned, a set-off may occur between the assignee’s beneficial interest in the assigned debt and a cross-claim that the debtor has against the assignee. In some circumstances, the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 allows a person not part of the contract to enforce a term in the contract purporting to confer a benefit on them. The chapter also explains that an intervening third party interest in a debt may take the form of fixed security, which commonly arises when floating security over a company’s assets and undertaking crystallizes.
Enforceability of mahr under a sharīʿa law-based contract in New Zealand: a comparison with United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada
Authors: Raman Durgeshree 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Enforcement of sharīʿa-based marriage contracts, which contain provisions for the payment of mahr (dowry/dower) upon death of husband or divorce by either party, has proven to be quite challenging in jurisdictions such as the UK, Australia, and Canada. New Zealand courts are currently dealing with their first such case. In undertaking a comparative analysis, this article highlights that a statutory framework for dealing with such claims is better suited than simply enforcing it as a simple contract, which has the potential to produce unjust and inequitable results.
Evaluation of the diagnostic performance of a semi-quantitative lateral flow assay for the detection of Cryptococcus antigen in serum and cerebrospinal fluid specimens
Authors: Castañeda-Torres Maria Camila , Arango Julián , Zuluaga Alejandra , Rúa-Giraldo Álvaro , Caceres Diego H 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Cryptococcosis predominantly affects immunocompromised individuals, particularly those with advanced HIV disease, with meningitis being the most severe form and linked to high mortality. Diagnosis typically relies on rapid Cryptococcus antigen (CrAg) testing, and antigen titer quantification helps in early detection and assessing disease severity. However, conventional titer methods are often more expensive than qualitative antigen detection. This study assessed the diagnostic performance of a semi-quantitative lateral flow assay (CrAgSQ LFA, IMMY™) for CrAg detection in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collected between 2014 and 2022. The CrAgSQ LFA was compared to the standard CrAg LFA (IMMY™) and Clarus Cryptococcal Ag enzyme immunoassay (EIA-CrAg, IMMY™). The CrAgSQ LFA demonstrated 100% sensitivity and specificity in both serum and CSF, with perfect agreement (kappa 1.00) with the CrAg LFA. When comparing the CrAgSQ LFA with the titer measurement results obtained using CrAg LFA, titers ranged as follows: in category 1+, from 1:2 to 1:20; in 2+, from 1:5 to 1:40; in 3+, from 1:20 to 1:2560; and in 4+, from 1:320 to 1:2560. Titer results for the CrAgSQ LFA aligned well with CrAg LFA, and operator agreement was strong, with weighted kappa values of 0.926 and 0.966. The CrAg-EIA showed a sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 100% using the manufacture cutoff (&gt;0.265), which improved to 96% sensitivity with an optimized cutoff value (&gt;0.145). Overall, the CrAgSQ LFA demonstrated high accuracy and reliability, suggesting it could be a valuable tool for diagnosing cryptococcosis in the Americas.
Cosmological imprints in the filament with DisPerSE
Authors: Wu Ziyong , Luo Yu , Wang Wei , Kang Xi , Cen Renyue 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In the regime of cosmology and large-scale structure formation, filaments are vital components of the cosmic web. This study employs statistical methods to examine the formation, evolution, and cosmological constraints of filaments identified by DisPerSe. We run large-sample of N-body simulations to study the filament length and its evolution. In general, the filament length distribution can be fitted by a power law with both the normalization and power index dependent on redshift and cosmological parameters. It is discovered that filament length distribution is influenced by various cosmological parameters, with σ8 and ns exhibiting slightly stronger dependence than Ωm. We also uncover a three-stage filament formation process from z ∼ 3 to z ∼ 1: rapid formation of both long and short filaments from z ∼ 3 to z ∼ 2, persistence of long filaments from z ∼ 2 to z ∼ 1, followed by fragmentation and increased prevalence of shorter filaments below z ∼ 1. Finally, we employ initial power spectrum fluctuations to elucidate the cosmological dependence on the filament length function. These insights enhance our understanding of filament evolution and their cosmological relevance and also highlight the potential cosmological applications in observations.
Phase-space Delaunay tessellation field estimator
Authors: Feldbrugge Job 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
The reconstruction of density and velocity fields is of central importance to the interpretation of N-body simulations. We propose a phase-space extension of the Delaunay tessellation field estimator (DTFE) that uses the mapping from Lagrangian to Eulerian space to track the dark matter fluid in phase-space. The new reconstruction scheme removes several artefacts from the conventional DTFE in multistream regions, while preserving the adaptive resolution in high-density regions and yielding continuous fields. The estimator also removes some tessellation artifacts of a previously proposed phase-space reconstruction scheme. The method is particularly suitable to the estimation of density and velocity fields of N-body simulations with multiple particle species and/or starting with glass initial conditions.
Asteroseismic masses of red giants in the Galactic Globular Clusters M9 and M19
Authors: Howell Madeline , Campbell Simon W , Kalup Csilla , Stello Dennis , De Silva Gayandhi M 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Asteroseismic masses of globular cluster (GC) stars are invaluable to investigate stellar evolution. Previously, only two GCs have been seismically studied. We present new detections of solar-like oscillations in the clusters M9 and M19, focusing on two key areas: stellar mass-loss and GC multiple populations. Using K2 photometry, we detect solar-like oscillations in stars on the red giant branch and early asymptotic giant branch. We measure an integrated mass-loss for M9 of $0.16\pm 0.02$(rand)$^{+0.03}_{-0.03}$(sys)$~\mathrm{M}_{\odot }$ and M19 of $0.33\pm 0.03$(rand)$^{+0.09}_{-0.07}$(sys)$~\mathrm{M}_{\odot }$. Comparing these to the mass-loss estimates from previous seismically studied clusters, we derive a preliminary relationship between stellar mass-loss and metallicity for Type I GCs. We find that the mass-loss for M19 – a Type II GC – is significantly larger, suggesting Type II clusters follow a different mass-loss-metallicity trend. We also examine the mass distributions in each evolutionary phase for evidence of a bimodality that could indicate mass differences between sub-populations. While no clear bimodality is observed, there is tentative evidence suggesting the presence of two mass populations. Classification through spectroscopic abundances into the sub-populations is needed to verify these findings. This study reinforces that asteroseismology of GC stars provides an excellent testbed for studying stellar evolution. However, to advance the field we need high-quality photometry of more GCs, a goal that could be realised with the upcoming Roman Telescope.
CO-to-H2 conversion factor and grain size distribution through the analysis of αCO–qPAH relation
Authors: Chiang I-Da , Hirashita Hiroyuki , Chastenet Jérémy , Sandstrom Karin M , Koch Eric W , Leroy Adam K , Teng Yu-Hsuan , Williams Thomas G 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
The CO-to-H$_2$ conversion factor ($\alpha _\mathrm{CO}$) is expected to vary with dust abundance and grain size distribution through the efficiency of shielding gas from CO-dissociation radiation. We present a comprehensive analysis of $\alpha _\mathrm{CO}$ and grain size distribution for nearby galaxies, using the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) fraction ($q_\mathrm{PAH}$) as an observable proxy of grain size distribution. We adopt the resolved observations at 2 kpc resolution in 42 nearby galaxies, where $\alpha _\mathrm{CO}$ is derived from measured metallicity and surface densities of dust and H i assuming a fixed dust-to-metal ratio. We use an analytical model for the evolution of H$_2$ and CO, in which the evolution of grain size distribution is controlled by the dense-gas fraction ($\eta$). We find that the observed level of $q_\mathrm{PAH}$ is consistent with the diffuse-gas-dominated model ($\eta =0.2$) where dust shattering is more efficient. Meanwhile, the slight decreasing trend of observed $q_\mathrm{PAH}$ with metallicity is more consistent with high-$\eta$ predictions, likely due to the more efficient loss of PAHs by coagulation. We discuss how grain size distribution (indicated by $q_\mathrm{PAH}$) and metallicity impact $\alpha _\mathrm{CO}$; we, however, did not obtain conclusive evidence that the grain size distribution affects $\alpha _\mathrm{CO}$. Observations and model predictions show similar anticorrelation between $\alpha _\mathrm{CO}$ and 12 + log(O/H). Meanwhile, there is a considerable difference in how resolved $\alpha _\mathrm{CO}$ behaves with $q_\mathrm{PAH}$. The observed $\alpha _\mathrm{CO}$ has a positive correlation with $q_\mathrm{PAH}$, while the model-predicted $\alpha _\mathrm{CO}$ does not have a definite correlation with $q_\mathrm{PAH}$. This difference is likely due to the limitation of one-zone treatment in the model.
Synoptic Wide-field EVN–e-MERLIN Public Survey (SWEEPS) – I. First steps towards commensal surveys with VLBI
Authors: Herbé-George Célestin , McKean J P , Morganti Raffaella , Radcliffe Jack F 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
The high angular resolution and sensitivity of Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) offer a unique tool to identify and study active galactic nuclei and star-formation activity over cosmic time. However, despite recent technical advances, such as multiple phase centre correlation, VLBI surveys have thus far been limited to either a few well-studied deep-fields or wide-areas to a relatively shallow depth. To enter the era of extensive statistical studies at high angular resolution, a significantly larger area of the sky must be observed to much better sensitivity with VLBI. The Synoptic Wide-field EVN–e-MERLIN Public Survey (SWEEPS) is a proposed commensal observing mode for the EVN and e-MERLIN, where single-target principle investigator-led observations are re-correlated at the position of known radio sources within 12 arcmin of the pointing centre. Here, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept of this methodology by detecting a 5.6 mJy core-jet object at 1.7 GHz that would have otherwise been lost from the parent data set. This is the first object to be recovered as part of the SWEEPS pilot programme, which highlights the potential for increasing sample sizes of VLBI-detected radio sources with commensal observing modes in the near future.
Phylogenetic Analysis of 590 Species Reveals Distinct Evolutionary Patterns of Intron–Exon Gene Structures Across Eukaryotic Lineages
Authors: Glick Lior , Castiglione Silvia , Loewenthal Gil , Raia Pasquale , Pupko Tal , Mayrose Itay 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Introns are highly prevalent in most eukaryotic genomes. Despite the accumulating evidence for benefits conferred by the possession of introns, their specific roles and functions, as well as the processes shaping their evolution, are still only partially understood. Here, we explore the evolution of the eukaryotic intron–exon gene structure by focusing on several key features such as the intron length, the number of introns, and the intron-to-exon length ratio in protein-coding genes. We utilize whole-genome data from 590 species covering the main eukaryotic taxonomic groups and analyze them within a statistical phylogenetic framework. We found that the basic gene structure differs markedly among the main eukaryotic groups, with animals, and particularly chordates, displaying intron-rich genes, compared with plants and fungi. Reconstruction of gene structure evolution suggests that these differences evolved prior to the divergence of the main phyla and have remained mostly conserved within groups. We revisit the previously reported association between the genome size and the mean intron length and report that this association differs considerably among phyla. Analyzing a large and diverse dataset of species with whole-genome information while applying advanced modeling techniques allowed us to obtain a global evolutionary perspective. Our findings may indicate that introns play different molecular and evolutionary roles in different organisms.
Generic revision of the Recent Turridae (Neogastropoda: Conoidea)
Authors: Kantor Yuri , Bouchet Philippe , Fedosov Alexander , Puillandre Nicolas , Zaharias Paul 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
The family Turridae, once considered to encompass the entire diversity of Conoidea, excluding only the cone shells (family Conidae) and the auger shells (family Terebridae), has undergone significant redefinition based on both morphological and molecular data. Prior to this study, it included 15 Recent genera, comprising 209 species. However, a recent comprehensive analysis of an extensive dataset featuring 3,159 cytochrome c oxidase subunit I sequences has unveiled numerous species complexes, new species and previously undiscovered deep lineages. The newly proposed classification of Turridae based on an exon-capture phylogeny recognizes 24 clades, each worthy of genus rank, though only 13 of them had available names. As a result, 11 new genera have been described, namely Thielesyrinx n. gen., Shutogemmula n. gen., Mcleanigemmula n. gen., Pseudogemmula n. gen., Deceptigemmula n. gen., Oliveragemmula n. gen., Powelligemmula n. gen., Kilburnigemmula n. gen., Alisigemmula n. gen., Taylorigemmula n. gen. and Anisogemmula n. gen. With the exception of Thielesyrinx n. gen., species from all of these were previously classified within Gemmula, or Lophiotoma. Notably, some new genera, such as Deceptigemmula n. gen., Kilburnigemmula n. gen., Shutogemmula n. gen. and Taylorigemmula n. gen., cannot be morphologically differentiated, as similar species are found in other genera. Therefore, their distinction relies solely on molecular data. The name Eugemmula is re-instated from the synonymy of Gemmula. Purpuraturris is synonimized with Annulaturris, while Iotyrris with Xenuroturris. In total, we recognize 312 species/primary species hypotheses (PSHs) within the family. Molecular data were obtained for 212 species (among them 15 species complexes comprising in total 45 PSHs), mostly for the first time. A characteristic feature common to the entire family is the position of the relatively narrow anal sinus on the whorl periphery or immediately above it. Radula was examined in representatives of all genera. Although in several cases the radular morphology can aid genus differentiation (e.g. distinguishing Turris from Annulaturris), it is mostly a highly homoplastic structure, with very similar radular types occurring in distantly related genera.
VE-cadherin may suppress inflammation depending on the phase of inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Nishimi Shinichiro , Fukuse Sayaka , Miwa Yusuke , Wakabayashi Kuninobu , Isozaki Takeo 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Objectives
A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM)-15 and vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin are involved in angiogenesis. We investigated the relationship between ADAM-15 and VE-cadherin expressions in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods
VE-cadherin concentrations in the serum of patients with RA were measured using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. We stimulated fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS) with VE-cadherin and measured the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and inflammatory cytokine levels using ELISA. We also examined the correlation between serum VE-cadherin levels and DAS-28ESR, and used the Matrigel assay to examine VE-cadherin involvement in angiogenesis.

Results
Serum VE-cadherin levels were significantly higher in patients with RA than in healthy controls. A negative correlation was observed between VE-cadherin and DAS-28ESR. VEGF, chemokine ligand 16, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and interleukin-8 levels in the supernatant of RA-FLS or human umbilical vein endothelial cells stimulated with VE-cadherin were significantly lower than those in the controls. The number of intercellular bridges formed by endothelial cells using Matrigel significantly decreased in RA synovial fluids from which VE-cadherin had been removed compared to synovial fluids treated with control immunoglobulin G.

Conclusion
VE-cadherin may have an inhibitory effect on inflammation depending on the phase of RA inflammation.