bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimising bronchoalveolar lavage: lessons from alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Authors: Herron Malcolm , Roche Suzanne , Fraughen Daniel D , Heeney Ronan C , Kanchi Lasya , Leacy Emma J , Casey Michelle , Gunaratnam Cedric , Carroll Tomás P , Murphy Mark P , McElvaney Noel G 
Published: November 2024

Background
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is essential in determining the efficacy of novel therapies in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). These require initial proof-of-concept demonstration that treatment administration increases alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) levels and/or anti-neutrophil elastase inhibitory capacity (ANEC) in the lung. Early-phase studies often encounter high interindividual variability of BAL results, primarily stemming from the inherent dilution characteristics of returned BAL fluid. A BAL protocol that minimises this variability is needed for reliable comparison of biochemical endpoints in the lung.

Methods
The study population included 21 severe AATD (ZZ), 22 moderate AATD (MZ) and 23 non-AATD (MM) individuals, further categorised as healthy, unobstructed current smokers or patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). An additional six ZZ individuals were receiving intravenous alpha-1 augmentation therapy. We compared common BAL correction methods—albumin, total protein and epithelial lining fluid (ELF) volume measured by urea—when reporting early-phase biochemical endpoints, AAT and ANEC.

Results

BAL performed with a paediatric bronchoscope (PB) improved alveolar sampling compared with a traditional adult bronchoscope. Both uncorrected and ELF-corrected BAL demonstrated high interindividual variability regardless of lung health status. BAL total protein correction minimised interindividual variability, producing significant differences in AAT and ANEC between all genotypes, the strongest relationship with plasma AAT levels (r
2
=0.83), greatest inter-lobar concordance in AAT levels (r
2
=0.76) and strong correlation between BAL AAT and ANEC (r
2
=0.88).

Conclusions
By capitalising on the marked consistency in AAT levels between AAT genotypes, and the close relationship between plasma and lung AAT levels, we demonstrate reliable alveolar sampling that aligns closely with plasma.
Color flavor locked strange stars in de Rham–Gabadadze–Tolley like massive gravity
Authors: Das Krishna Pada , Karmakar Akashdip , Debnath Ujjal 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe investigate Color Flavor Locked (CFL) Strange Stars using the most basic de Rham–Gabadadze–Tolley massive gravity model, which explains the massive graviton in the absence of a ghost propagating mode. In the current study, the compact star model has been achieved by solving the field equations for a static, uncharged sphere (Li et al., in Phys Dark Universe 42: 101308, 2023). Here, we provide some analytical and numerical findings and examine the effects of the massive gravity and anisotropy characteristics on the structure of this stellar object. The modified Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff equation is obtained by taking into account the hydrostatic equilibrium. In order to verify stability of the stellar object, we have taken into account the redshift function and adibatic index. Furthermore, it is observed that the model parameters have a substantial impact on the mass, radius, and compactness of the star object. Finally, our findings provide a possible structure of hypothetical super massive CFL strange stars, which may be placed in the lower “mass-gap” region $$2~M_{\odot }-5~M_{\odot }$$

2

M
⊙

-
5

M
⊙

and remains stable without collapsing into a black hole corresponding to our considered model parameters.
Scattering effects of bumblebee gravity in metric-affine formalism
Authors: Heidari N. , Macedo Caio F. B. , Filho A. A. Araújo , Hassanabadi H. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn this work, we explore a Schwarzschild-like black hole within the framework of metric-affine bumblebee gravity. First, we investigate the behavior of the Kretschmann scalar and singularities in this modified gravity approach. Next, we introduce a newly defined time coordinate related to a stationary asymptotically flat spacetime. We also analyze the scattering effects and numerically calculate and comprehensively examine the partial and total absorption cross sections. At the high-frequency approximation, we find that the absorption cross section tends to the geodesic capture cross section. The continued fraction method is applied to investigate the quasinormal modes, and we explore the deviations of both the real and imaginary terms of the quasinormal modes from the Schwarzschild case in detail. We verify the relation between the shadow radius and the real part of the quasinormal frequencies at the eikonal limit within this modified gravity framework. Finally, we examine the energy emission rate.
Isotropization by shock waves generation in anisotropic hydrodynamics
Authors: Kovalenko Aleksandr 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAnisotropic hydrodynamics (aHydro) has proven successful in modeling the evolution of quark-gluon matter created in heavy-ion collisions. The hydrodynamic description of quark-gluon plasma has also been widely used to study sound phenomena, such as shock waves. It has recently been shown that initial fluctuations in energy density and supersonic partons can generate fairly strong shock waves. However, significant anisotropic properties of the system due to the rapid longitudinal expansion of matter have not been taken into account in such studies. Moreover, the process of isotropization and its characteristic time-scales were not considered along with the question of the shock waves formation. Previous studies on shock discontinuous solutions in anisotropic hydrodynamics assumed constant anisotropy, leading to flow refraction towards the anisotropy axis and flow acceleration, characteristics of rarefaction waves, indicating limitations in this approach. This paper investigates discontinuous solutions for normal shock waves without flow refraction, introducing two compression parameters for longitudinal and transverse pressures. The resulting analytical solutions, as well as numerical computations, provide an isotropization mechanism of the system.
Safe Driving Adversarial Trajectory Can Mislead: Toward More Stealthy Adversarial Attack Against Autonomous Driving Prediction Module
Authors: Dong Yingkai , Wang Li , Li Zheng , Li Hao , Tang Peng , Hu Chengyu , Guo Shanqing 
Published: November 2024

The prediction module, powered by deep learning models, constitutes a fundamental component of high-level Autonomous Vehicles (AVs). Given the direct influence of the module’s prediction accuracy on AV driving behavior, ensuring its security is paramount. However, limited studies have explored the adversarial robustness of the prediction modules. Furthermore, existing methods still generate adversarial trajectories that deviate significantly from human driving behavior. These deviations can be easily identified as hazardous by AVs’ anomaly detection models and thus cannot effectively evaluate and reflect the robustness of the prediction modules.
To bridge this gap, we propose a stealthy and more effective optimization-based attack method. Specifically, we reformulate the optimization problem using Lagrangian relaxation and design a Frenet-based objective function along with a distinct constraint space. We conduct extensive evaluations on 2 popular prediction models and 2 benchmark datasets. Our results show that our attack is highly effective, with over 87% attack success rates, outperforming all baseline attacks. Moreover, our attack method significantly improves the stealthiness of adversarial trajectories while guaranteeing adherence to physical constraints. Our attack is also found robust to noise from upstream modules, transferable across trajectory prediction models, and high realizability. Lastly, to verify its effectiveness in real-world applications, we conduct further simulation evaluations using a production-grade simulator. These simulations reveal that the adversarial trajectory we created could convincingly induce autonomous vehicles (AVs) to initiate hard braking.
Effect of Betaine on Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress in Methotrexate‐Induced Testicular Damage in Mice
Authors: Rezaei-Tazangi Fatemeh , Varaa Negar , Kazemikia Zahra , Goodarzi Arash , Khorsandi Layasadat 
Published: November 2024

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is widely administered to manage various cancers. However, MTX induces spermatogenic defects.Objective: This study investigated the protective effects of betaine (BET) against MTX–induced testicular damage.Materials and Methods: Forty‐eight male mice were randomly divided into six groups: control, BET (300 mg/kg), MTX (20 mg/kg), and MTX (20 mg/kg) + BET (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg) groups. Testosterone levels, histological changes, sperm quality, apoptosis, and oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed to evaluate the protective effects of BET.Results: MTX disrupted germinal epithelium, reduced sperm quality, and decreased serum testosterone levels, as well as induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in the testicular tissue. BET dose dependently restored the testosterone levels and catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Furthermore, BET reduced lipid peroxidation, as indicated by decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. BET preserved normal spermatogenesis, improved sperm quality, and reduced histological changes by MTX. Moreover, BET reduced apoptosis by decreasing the Bcl‐2 Associated X‐protein (Bax)/B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) ratio in the testicular tissue of the MTX‐intoxicated mice.Conclusion: The results indicate that BET mitigates testicular harm triggered by MTX by inhibiting apoptosis and decreasing oxidative stress levels.
Prevalence of Hydatidosis in Cattle Slaughtered at Bishoftu Municipal Abattoir, Ethiopia, and Assessment of Its Economic Loss and Community Awareness
Authors: Bekele Tesfaye , Fentaw Nigate , Teshale Ayichew , Mosu Solomon 
Published: November 2024

Background: Hydatid disease is a zoonotic disease caused by the intermediate stage of dog tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus.Objectives: The study investigated the prevalence of hydatid cysts and the risk factors in cattle slaughtered at the Bishoftu municipal abattoir. It also analyzed the economic loss and community’s awareness of this matter.Animals: 480 cattle brought for slaughtering were included in the study.Methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to April 2023 in Bishoftu municipal abattoir involving antemortem examination of cattle and postmortem hydatid cyst investigation, assessment of associated economic loss, and community awareness survey. Animals were selected systematically and cysts were investigated using standard meat inspection procedures.Results: 10.4% of the slaughtered cattle were found positive for hydatid cysts, with no statistically significant association with the considered risk factors. From 85 collected cysts, the lungs accounted for 55.3%, the liver for 29.4%, and the remaining 15.3% were from the spleen, kidney, and heart. About 47.1% of the cysts were fertile and 52.9% were infertile, of which, 37.5% were nonviable. In a survey of 100 individuals, 33.0% were unaware of hydatid disease, and 61.0% were unaware that the disease is zoonotic. Annual economic loss due to the case was estimated at 5,444,564.4 ($97,224.4).Conclusion: This study identified hydatid disease as a significant issue in cattle in Bishoftu, indicating the need for preventative and control measurements. Strategies such as deworming, controlling street dogs, establishing standardized abattoirs, and raising public awareness should be applied to alleviate the problem in Bishoftu and nationwide.
Redefining Cardiac Antibody-Mediated Rejection With Donor-Specific Antibodies and Graft Dysfunction
Authors: Goldberg Jason F. , Tian Xin , Bon Ann , Xu Yifei , Gerhard Eleanor , Brower Ruth , Jang Moon Kyoo , Kong Hyesik , Andargie Temesgen E. , Park Woojin , Najjar Samer S. , Tchoukina Inna , Shah Keyur B. , Hsu Steven , Rodrigo Maria E. , Marboe Charles , Berry Gerald J. , Valantine Hannah A. , Shah Palak , Agbor-Enoh Sean 
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:
Heart transplant recipients with donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) have an increased risk for antibody-mediated rejection. However, many patients with graft dysfunction and DSA do not have evidence of antibody-mediated rejection by endomyocardial biopsy (EMB).

METHODS:
Participants from this prospective, multicenter study underwent serial EMB, echocardiogram, DSA, and donor-derived cell-free DNA evaluations. Outcomes were defined as pAMR+ (pAMR≥1) or DSA+/left ventricle (LV) dysfunction (DSA presence+LVEF drop ≥10% to an LVEF≤50%). Cox regression evaluated the association between antibody-mediated rejection categories and death or sustained (for 3 months) reduction of LVEF to <50%.

RESULTS:

Two hundred sixteen patients (29% women, 39% Black race, median age 55 [interquartile range, 47–62] years) had 1488 EMB, 2792 DSA, 1821 echocardiograms, and 1190 donor-derived cell-free DNA evaluations. DSAs were present in 86 patients (40%). Fourteen patients had isolated pAMR+ episodes and 8 patients had isolated DSA+/LV dysfunction episodes; 2 patients had pAMR+ and then subsequently DSA+/LV dysfunction with pAMR+. Median %dd-cfDNA was significantly higher at diagnosis of pAMR+ (0.63% [interquartile range, 0.23–2.0];
P
=0.0002), or DSA+/LV dysfunction (0.40% [interquartile range, 0.36–1.24];
P
<0.0001), compared with patients without these outcomes (0.01% [interquartile range, 0.0001–0.10]). Both pAMR+ and DSA+/LV dysfunction were associated with long-term clinical outcome of death (n=18) or prolonged LV dysfunction (n=10): pAMR+ (hazard ratio, 2.8 [95% CI, 1.03–7.4];
P
=0.043); DSA+/LV dysfunction (hazard ratio, 26.2 [95% CI, 9.6–71.3];
P
<0.001); composite of both definitions (hazard ratio, 6.5 [95% CI, 2.9–14.3];
P
<0.001). Patients who developed pAMR+ or DSA+/LV dysfunction within the first 6 months of transplant were more likely to die within 3 years posttransplant (hazard ratio, 3.9 [95% CI, 1.03–14.6];
P
=0.031).

CONCLUSIONS:
Expanding the characterization of antibody-mediated rejection to include patients with DSA and concurrent allograft dysfunction identified DSA+ patients at risk for death and prolonged LV dysfunction.
Loss of the Endothelial Glycocalyx Component EMCN Leads to Glomerular Impairment
Authors: Hu Zhengping , Cano Issahy , Lei Fengyang , Liu Jie , Bossardi Ramos Ramon , Gordon Harper , Paschalis Eleftherios I. , Saint-Geniez Magali , Ng Yin Shan Eric , D’Amore Patricia A. 
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:
EMCN (endomucin), an endothelial-specific glycocalyx component, was found to be highly expressed by the endothelium of the renal glomerulus. We reported an anti-inflammatory role of EMCN and its involvement in the regulation of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) activity through modulating VEGFR2 (VEGF receptor 2) endocytosis. The goal of this study is to investigate the phenotypic and functional effects of EMCN deficiency using the first global EMCN knockout mouse model.

METHODS:
Global EMCN knockout mice were generated by crossing EMCN-floxed mice with ROSA26-Cre mice. Flow cytometry was used to analyze infiltrating myeloid cells in the kidneys. The ultrastructure of the glomerular filtration barrier was examined by transmission electron microscopy, whereas urinary albumin, creatinine, and total protein levels were analyzed from freshly collected urine samples. Expression and localization of EMCN, EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein), CD45 (cluster of differentiation 45), CD31, CD34, podocin, and albumin were examined by immunohistochemistry. Mice were weighed regularly, and their systemic blood pressure was measured using a noninvasive tail-cuff system. Glomerular endothelial cells and podocytes were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting for RNA sequencing. Transcriptional profiles were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes in both endothelium and podocytes, followed by gene ontology analysis. Protein levels of EMCN, albumin, and podocin were quantified by Western blot.

RESULTS:

The EMCN
−/−
mice exhibited increased infiltration of CD45
+
cells, with an increased proportion of Ly6G
high
Ly6C
high
myeloid cells and higher VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1) expression. EMCN
−/−
mice displayed albuminuria with increased albumin in the Bowman’s space compared with the EMCN
+/+
littermates. Glomeruli in EMCN
−/−
mice revealed fused and effaced podocyte foot processes and disorganized endothelial fenestrations. We found no significant difference in blood pressure between EMCN knockout mice and their wild-type littermates. RNA sequencing of glomerular endothelial cells revealed downregulation of cell-cell adhesion and MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)/ERK (extracellular signal–regulated kinase) pathways, along with glycocalyx and extracellular matrix remodeling. In podocytes, we observed reduced VEGF signaling and alterations in cytoskeletal organization. Notably, there was a significant decrease in both mRNA and protein levels of podocin, a key component of the slit diaphragm.

CONCLUSION:
Our study demonstrates a critical role of the endothelial marker EMCN in supporting normal glomerular filtration barrier structure and function by maintaining glomerular endothelial tight junction and homeostasis and podocyte function through endothelial-podocyte crosstalk.
Neuroprotective Potential of Nitroglycerin in Ischemic Stroke: Insights into Neural Glucose Metabolism and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Inhibition
Authors: Jiang Shangqian , Ding Yuchuan , Wang Hongrui , Kim Enoch , Geng Xiaokun 
Published: November 2024

Background
Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), also known as nitroglycerin, is predominantly recognized as a vasodilator for ischemic heart disease, and its potential neuroprotective properties in acute ischemic stroke remain under exploration. We sought to discover the therapeutic advantages and mechanisms of post‐recanalization GTN administration in acute ischemic stroke.

Methods and Results
A total of 118 male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into groups: sham, transient/permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) with or without GTN treatment, and transient/permanent MCAO treated with both GTN and KT5823, an inhibitor of PKG. Acute ischemic stroke was induced by transient MCAO for 2 hours followed by 6 or 24 hours of reperfusion and permanent MCAO (28‐hour MCAO without reperfusion). The study assessed infarct volumes, neurological deficits, glucose metabolism metrics, NO, and cGMP levels via ELISA. mRNA and protein expression of key molecules of hyperglycolysis, gluconeogenesis, endoplasmic reticulum stress as well as signaling molecules (PKG, AMPK) were conducted via reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, and cell death was assessed with TUNEL and ELISA. GTN significantly reduced cerebral infarct volumes, neurological deficits, and cell death only after transient MCAO. GTN led to a significant reduction in the expression of NO and cGMP levels, key glucose metabolism, endoplasmic reticulum stress‐related genes and proteins, and phosphorylated AMPK while boosting PKG expression, in transient MCAO but not permanent MCAO. The GTN‐induced reduction in glucose metabolites, lactate, and reactive oxygen species was exclusive to transient MCAO groups. Coadministration of GTN and PKG inhibitors reversed the observed GTN benefits.

Conclusions
GTN induced neuroprotection in transient MCAO by improving glucose metabolism and potentially controlling endoplasmic reticulum stress through the NO‐cGMP‐PKG signaling cascade to inhibit AMPK phosphorylation.
Surfing beta burst waveforms to improve motor imagery-based BCI
Authors: Papadopoulos Sotirios , Darmet Ludovic , Szul Maciej J. , Congedo Marco , Bonaiuto James J. , Mattout Jérémie 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Our understanding of motor-related, macroscale brain processes has been significantly shaped by the description of the event-related desynchronization (ERD) and synchronization (ERS) phenomena in the mu and beta frequency bands prior to, during, and following movement. The demonstration of reproducible, spatially- and band-limited signal power changes has, consequently, attracted the interest of non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) research for a long time. BCIs often rely on motor imagery (MI) experimental paradigms that are expected to generate brain signal modulations analogous to movement-related ERD and ERS. However, a number of recent neuroscience studies has questioned the nature of these phenomena. Beta band activity has been shown to occur, on a single-trial level, in short, transient, and heterogeneous events termed bursts rather than sustained oscillations. In a previous study, we established that an analysis of hand MI binary classification tasks based on beta bursts can be superior to beta power in terms of classification score. In this article, we elaborate on this idea, proposing a signal processing algorithm that is comparable to- and compatible with state-of-the-art techniques. Our pipeline filters brain recordings by convolving them with kernels extracted from beta bursts and then applies spatial filtering before classification. This data-driven filtering allowed for a simple and efficient analysis of signals from multiple sensors, thus being suitable for online applications. By adopting a time-resolved decoding approach, we explored MI dynamics and showed the specificity of the new classification features. In accordance with previous results, beta bursts improved classification performance compared to beta band power, while often increasing information transfer rate compared to state-of-the-art approaches.
The Unintended Impact of R&D Tax Credits on Innovative Search
Authors: Balsmeier Benjamin , Fleming Lee , Stiebale Joel , Veihl Maria 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Research and development tax credits often aim to increase investment in experimentation, hoping that firms invent fundamentally new technologies that in turn generate positive spillovers. Since most policies require that companies make profits in order to claim credits, they might also shift investments towards less risky refinement and exploitation. Following the availability of credits, we demonstrate that firms do not experiment but deepen invention in areas of extant expertise. We observe stronger shifts for firms operating in uncertain markets where search failures are more likely to reduce credit eligibility.
A Critical Examination of the Theoretical Foundations of Wasaṭī Minority Jurisprudence
Authors: al-Hudawi Mohamed Jabir Ali , Poljarević Emin , Ahmad Khalil 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This study critically examines the wasaṭī approach within minority jurisprudence, leveraging insights from prominent Muslim scholars like Yūsuf al-Qaraḍāwī and Ṭāhā Jābir al-ʿAlwānī. The wasaṭī methodology emerges as a balanced pathway in addressing the religio-legal challenges faced by minority Muslim communities, by navigating between adaptationist and rejectionist viewpoints. By employing the method of revivalist ijtihād, wasaṭī scholars have issued many pioneering legal opinions that aim to integrate Muslim minorities into their respective host societies. However, this study also pinpoints certain limitations in this process. Its narrow concentration on Western contexts has drawn criticisms from traditionalist scholars for overlooking the longstanding experiences of Muslim minorities elsewhere. The study argues for a more inclusive analytical framework to better understand the jurisprudential needs of diverse Muslim minority populations globally. It highlights the necessity of extending research beyond Western contexts.