bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perfect Pseudo-Matchings in Cubic Graphs
Authors: Fleischner Herbert , Gh Behrooz Bagheri , Klocker Benedikt 
Published: November 2024

AbstractA M in a cubic graph G is a spanning subgraph of G such that every component of M is isomorphic to $$K_2$$

K
2

or to $$K_{1,3}$$

K

1
,
3

. In view of snarks G with dominating cycle C, this is a natural generalization of perfect matchings since $$G \setminus E(C)$$

G
\
E
(
C
)

is a perfect pseudo-matching. Of special interest are such M where G/M is planar because such G have a cycle double cover. We show that various well known classes of snarks contain planarizing perfect pseudo-matchings, and that there are at least as many snarks with planarizing perfect pseudo-matchings as there are cyclically $$5-$$

5
-

edge-connected snarks.
Compartment-specific small non-coding RNA changes and nucleolar defects in human mesial temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Vangoor Vamshidhar R. , Giuliani Giuliano , de Wit Marina , Rangel Carolina K. , Venø Morten T. , Schulte Joran T. , Gomes-Duarte Andreia , Senthilkumar Ketharini , Puhakka Noora , Kjems Jørgen , de Graan Pierre N. E. , Pasterkamp R. Jeroen 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) is a debilitating disease characterized by recurrent seizures originating from temporal lobe structures such as the hippocampus. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying mTLE are incompletely understood but include changes in the expression of non-coding RNAs in affected brain regions. Previous work indicates that some of these changes may be selective to specific sub-cellular compartments, but the full extent of these changes and how these sub-cellular compartments themselves are affected remains largely unknown. Here, we performed small RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of sub-cellular fractions of hippocampal tissue from mTLE patients and controls to determine nuclear and cytoplasmic expression levels of microRNAs (miRNAs). This showed differential expression of miRNAs and isomiRs, several of which displayed enriched nuclear expression in mTLE. Subsequent analysis of miR-92b, the most strongly deregulated miRNA in the nucleus, showed accumulation of this miRNA in the nucleolus in mTLE and association with snoRNAs. This prompted us to further study the nucleolus in human mTLE which uncovered several defects, such as altered nucleolar size or shape, mis-localization of nucleolar proteins, and deregulation of snoRNAs, indicative of nucleolar stress. In a rat model of epilepsy, nucleolar phenotypes were detected in the latency period before the onset of spontaneous seizures, suggesting that nucleolar changes may contribute to the development of seizures and mTLE. Overall, these data for the first time implicate nucleolar defects in the pathogenesis of mTLE and provide a valuable framework for further defining the functional consequences of altered sub-cellular RNA profiles in this disease.
Impact of meconium-stained amniotic fluid thickness on maternal infectious morbidity: a comprehensive clinical and microbiological analysis
Authors: Abu Shqara Raneen , Lowenstein Lior , Frank Wolf Maya 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the thickness of meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) and maternal infectious morbidity.

Methods
A retrospective study of 15,950 term singleton pregnancies at a tertiary hospital (2020–2024). Women were categorized into four groups based on the presence and thickness of MSAF: clear, light, intermediate, and thick. The co-primary outcomes were clinical chorioamnionitis and puerperal endometritis, defined as a composite maternal infectious morbidity. In women with intrapartum fever (IPF), chorioamniotic swabs were obtained and compared according MSAF thickness. Multivariate analysis identified predictors of a composite maternal infections and adverse neonatal outcomes.

Results
Of the cohort, 13,745 had clear amniotic fluid, and 2,205 had MSAF (561 light, 1,426 intermediate, 218 thick). The incidence of maternal infections increased with MSAF thickness, with thick MSAF showing the highest rates of clinical chorioamnionitis (4.1%, p < 0.001) and endometritis (1.4%, p = 0.039). In IPF cases, thicker MSAF was associated with a higher prevalence of positive swab cultures, particularly of Enterobacteriaceae (61.9%). Group B Streptococcus (GBS) remained consistent across all MSAF groups. Multivariate analysis showed that MSAF levels were associated with increased maternal infectious morbidity (p < 0.001). Additional risk factors for maternal infections included nulliparity (p < 0.001), catheter balloon insertion (p = 0.004), prolonged ROM (p < 0.001), and cesarean delivery (p < 0.001). In contrast, only intermediate (p < 0.001) and thick MSAF (p < 0.001) correlated with adverse neonatal outcomes.

Conclusion
Greater severity of MSAF is associated with increased maternal infectious morbidity, especially infections related to Enterobacteriaceae. Studies about preventive measures in cases of thick MSAF are warranted.
How to best assess shedder status: a comparison of popular shedder tests
Authors: Ali Darya , van Oorschot Roland A. H. , Linacre Adrian , Goray Mariya 
Published: November 2024

Abstract“Shedder status” describes the inherent variation between individuals to leave touch DNA on a surface through direct contact. Depending on the amount and quality of DNA or cellular deposition, individuals are typically deemed high, intermediate, or low shedders. Although many shedder tests have been described, variability in study design and categorisation criteria has limited the ability of researchers to accurately compare results, as well as accrue the necessary population data. As activity level reporting becomes more common, the need for reliable and standardised testing increases. To assess reproducibility, this study compared shedder status data generated by six participants using three different shedder tests, as modified from the literature. This involved DNA quantification and profiling of a handprint made on a glass plate, DNA quantification and profiling of a grip mark made on a plastic conical tube, and cell scoring of a Diamond™ Dye-stained fingermark. All participants washed and dried their hands fifteen minutes before each deposit. To assess the impact of behaviour on shedder designation, participants either refrained from activity or went about their daily tasks during this wait. The shedder status of participants changed between tests, as DNA-based testing often generated lower shedder statuses than cell scores. Further, when different categorisation methods were applied to a single test, intra-person variability increased as the number of shedder designations increased from two (low/high) to five (low/low-intermediate/intermediate/intermediate-high/high). Moving forward, the utilisation of a single shedder test and standardised categorisation criteria is needed to employ shedder testing in forensic casework.
Freiheit in der Zwickmühle
Authors: Nebel Lisa , Mardus Bettina , Sell Christian 
Published: November 2024

ZusammenfassungZwanghafte und psychotische Symptome treten häufig zeitgleich oder aufeinanderfolgend auf, was verschiedene psychoanalytische Theorien auf mögliche funktionale Zusammenhänge von Zwang und Psychose zurückführen. Dieser Hypothese soll in einer systematischen Einzelfallstudie nachgegangen werden, in der qualitative und quantitative Daten aus der stationären Behandlung einer Patientin mit zwanghaften und paranoid-halluzinatorischen Symptomen gemäß dem Hermeneutic Single-Case Efficacy Design (HSCED) ausgewertet werden. Die Ergebnisse deuten auf einen Zusammenhang beider Symptomgruppen im Sinne einer gemeinsamen oder abwechselnden psychischen Triangulierungsfunktion hin: Zwang und psychotische Symptomatik können anscheinend, für sich genommen oder im Zusammenspiel, eine von der Patientin dringend benötigte dritte Position vorübergehend einführen – wenn auch unter massiven Kompromissen für die Lebensqualität der Patientin. Solche funktionalen Zusammenhänge haben Implikationen für die Beurteilung des Behandlungserfolgs. Wir diskutieren, dass bei solch komplexen Dynamiken in der Psychosentherapie die Notwendigkeit besteht, psychodynamische Konzepte von therapeutischer Entwicklung mit einem Modell von Personal Recovery zusammenzudenken.
Laser hemorrhoidoplasty versus hemorrhoidectomy in the treatment of surgically indicated hemorrhoids in inflammatory bowel patients: a randomized comparative clinical study
Authors: Zakaria Reham , Amin Mohamed Mahmoud , Abo-Alella Heba Alhussein , Hegab Yasmine Hany 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aims to assess and compare the outcomes of traditional surgery and laser surgery for anal hemorrhoids in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods
This is a single-center prospective randomized comparative clinical trial performed at Zagazig University Hospitals from September 2023 to September 2024. The study comprised 48 patients who were admitted during this period and had inflammatory bowel disease along with hemorrhoids. The patients were randomly allocated into two groups: Group I consisted of 24 patients who underwent laser hemorrhoidoplasty, selected based on odd numbers, while Group II consisted of 24 patients who underwent traditional surgery, selected based on even numbers.

Results
Group I, which underwent laser treatment for hemorrhoids in inflammatory bowel patients, demonstrated significantly better outcomes than traditional surgery (p < 0.001) regarding operation time, pain score and duration, postoperative anal discharge, return to work time, and patient satisfaction. Moreover, laser treatment was found to be more effective than traditional surgery for treating hemorrhoids in inflammatory bowel patients in terms of postoperative bleeding and anal stenosis. Additionally, there was a higher frequency of residual hemorrhoids in laser group.

Conclusion
Laser treatment is mostly superior to traditional surgery for hemorrhoids in inflammatory bowel patients.

Trial registration
Clinical Trial.gov (NCT06216223), registered on December 27, 2023, last updated in
May 12, 2024.

Protocol registration ID
#101080-5-9-2023
Multi-mode trade policy retaliation
Authors: Feinberg Robert M. , Nes Kjersti , Reynolds Kara M. , Schaefer Aleks 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPrevious studies have found evidence that countries may choose to retaliate against countries for certain trade actions. What has not been empirically examined is the use of multi-modal retaliation in trade policy. Using an exporter-importer-sector panel of antidumping (AD), sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS), and technical barriers to trade (TBT) actions between 1995 and 2019, we find evidence of cross-modal retaliation: importers are statistically more likely to initiate an AD petition against an exporter if they have an ongoing SPS-related concern against that exporter. The World Trade Organization’s dispute settlement body (DSB) was initially seen as promoting the stability of the global trading system by limiting such unilateral retaliation, widespread throughout the 1980s. We find statistical evidence suggesting that countries may be increasingly engaging in unilateral actions, particularly through SPS and TBT, in response to trade policy disputes as confidence in the WTO DSB falls. Our findings suggest that countries may expect more unilateral retaliatory action through SPS and TBT if recent efforts to reform the WTO DSB fail.
Understanding the role of inequality of opportunity in body mass index and waist circumference among Mexican adults
Authors: Salas-Ortiz Andrea 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMexico faces one of the most acute obesity crises worldwide. Despite policy efforts to decrease the prevalence of obesity among adults, an upward trend continues. The aetiology of obesity is complex and defined by multiple factors. While most of the literature has centered on studying behavioural attitudes that contribute to an energy balance that is positive (e.g., when energy intake is greater than expenditure), fewer studies have explored the role of inequality of opportunity (IOp), which focuses on studying the pathways from people’s circumstances to health outcomes. In this study, IOp is measured, identified, and characterised in body mass index and waist circumference for Mexican adults. To address the challenges related to measuring IOp in these health outcomes, a modified version of the dissimilarity index and unconditional quantile regression models based on recentered influence functions are used. Results show that variation in both outcomes is related to inequality in circumstances. The two main drivers of these inequalities are parental health conditions and the geographic region where individuals live. These findings offer a broader perspective to the role of people’s circumstances and their importance in tackling the obesity crisis in Mexico.
Work from home, time allocation, and well-being: the impact of lockdowns
Authors: Giménez-Nadal José Ignacio , Molina José Alberto , Velilla Jorge 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of working from home (WFH) skyrocketed as businesses closed and distancing standards were mandated, exposing many workers to a remote work arrangement. This paper studies how WFH relates to worker time allocation and enjoyment, considering gender differences and pandemic phases, using real-time data from the UK Click-and-Drag Diary covering pre-pandemic, lockdown, and post-pandemic periods. Findings show no statistically significant overall relationship to time allocation, but reveal gender disparities: pre-pandemic, WFH involved less paid work and more leisure among women, but during lockdowns, patterns converged. The results also indicate that there were no statistically significant differences in instantaneous enjoyment between WFH and non-WFH male employees. Female WFH employees enjoyed leisure time less than their counterparts pre-pandemic, however this negative correlation vanished during and after the pandemic. The economic implications span labor productivity, gender dynamics in employment, business model adaptation, and work-life balance. These findings could impact corporate policies, human resource strategies, and the design of governmental policies related to the labor market and gender equality.
Using Photogrammetry and Deviation Analysis to Conduct Quantitative Monitoring Surveys of WWII Sites in the Pacific
Authors: McKinnon Jennifer F. , Yamafune Kotaro 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn 2012 a program to investigate the management of underwater cultural heritage (UCH) related to the WWII battle for Saipan was developed with several collaborative partners. The program was conceptualized in response to the creation of the WWII Battle for Saipan Underwater Heritage Trail that launched in 2010 (McKinnon and Carrell in J Maritime Archaeol 10(1):11–27, 2015). With the creation of the trail there became a need to monitor and record both the benefits and impacts of promoting visitation at UCH sites. The monitoring program began on a five-year interval and included archaeological site inspections and the collection of in situ conservation data in 2012 and 2017. In 2017, as photogrammetric survey data was advancing and becoming more useful, it was added to the monitoring program. Again in 2023, site inspections, in situ surveys, and photogrammetric surveys were undertaken providing a total of 15 years of data at five-year intervals. This data has proved invaluable for recording both qualitatively and quantitatively how these WWII submerged sites are changing over time. This article reports on the development of photogrammetric surveys and the use of deviation analysis to demonstrate natural and cultural changes on UCH sites of a WWII battlefield from 2017 to 2023.
A forgotten chapter in the history of immunotherapy: cancer therapy with Blastomyces extracts
Authors: Galassi Francesco M. , Ribatti Domenico 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This article recapitulates the discoveries and anti-tumoural therapeutical proposals by Francesco Sanfelice, who in 1931 published an essay entitled The Treatment of Cancer and Sarcoma with Cancrocidin (paraneoforming Blastomycetes). Sanfelice’s discoveries are contextualised with subsequent scientific discoveries, especially with those by L. Scott McDaniel and G. Cozad, who evaluated the functionality of murine peritoneal macrophages previously sensitised precisely with Blastomyces dermatitidis antigen extracts. Finally, recent research on the topic of intratumoural microbiota is mentioned showing how Sanfelice’s ideas, albeit partly outdated, can still inspire current biomolecular research.
Improvement of plan quality in whole-breast radiation following BCS using feasibility DVH by less-experienced planners
Authors: Zhang Yun , Huang Yuling , Luo Mingming , Yuan Xingxing , Wang Xiaoping , Gong Changfei 
Published: November 2024

AbstractVariability in plan quality of radiotherapy is commonly attributed to the planner’s skill rather than technological parameters. While experienced planners can set reasonable parameters before optimization, less experienced planners face challenges. This study aimed to assess the quality of volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) in patients with left-sided breast cancer following breast-conserving surgery. Twenty-eight patients requiring whole-breast irradiation were randomly selected for inclusion. Each patient underwent two VMAT treatment plans: one optimized by an experienced planner (VMAT-EXP group) and the other designed by a less experienced planner using feasibility dose-volume histogram (FDVH) parameters from PlanIQ (VMAT-FDVH group). Both plans aimed to deliver a prescription dose of 50 Gy in 25 fractions to the planning target volume (PTV). Dosimetry parameters for the PTV and organs at risk (OARs) were compared between the two groups. Both the VMAT-EXP and VMAT-FDVH groups met the clinical plan goals for PTV and OARs. VMAT-FDVH demonstrated a PTV coverage and homogeneity comparable to those of VMAT-EXP. Compared to VMAT-EXP plans, VMAT-FDVH plans resulted in a significant reduction in the mean ipsilateral lung dose, with an average decrease of 0.9 Gy (8.5 Gy vs. 7.6 Gy, P < 0.001). The V5Gy and V20Gy of the ipsilateral lung were also reduced by 3.2% and 1.8%, respectively. Minor differences were observed in the heart, contralateral lung, breast, and liver. Personalized objectives derived from the feasibility DVH tool facilitated the generation of acceptable VMAT plans. Less experienced planners achieved lower doses to the ipsilateral lung while maintaining adequate target coverage and homogeneity. These findings suggest the potential for the effective use of VMAT in in patients with left-sided breast cancer following breast-conserving surgery, especially when guided by feasibility DVH parameters.
Business-as-usual trends will largely miss 2030 global conservation targets
Authors: Palomo Ignacio , González-García Alberto , Ferraro Paul J. , Muradian Roldan , Pascual Unai , Arboledas Manuel , Bullock James M. , Bruley Enora , Gómez-Baggethun Erik , Lavorel Sandra 
Published: November 2024

AbstractTo address climate change and global biodiversity loss, the world must hit three important international conservation targets by 2030: protect 30% of terrestrial and marine areas, halt and reverse forest loss, and restore 350 Mha of degraded and deforested landscapes. Here, we (1) provide estimates of the gaps between these globally agreed targets and business-as-usual trends; (2) identify examples of rapid past trend-shifts towards achieving the targets; and (3) link these past trend-shifts to different levers. Our results suggest that under a business-as-usual scenario, the world will fail to achieve all three targets. However, trend-shifts that rapidly “bend the curve” have happened in the past and these should therefore be fostered. These trend-shifts are linked to transformative change levers that include environmental governance, economic factors, values, and knowledge. Further research on trend-shifts, as well as bold action on underlying levers, is urgently needed to meet 2030 global conservation targets.
Transitions to crop residue burning have multiple antecedents in Eastern India
Authors: Urban Cordeiro E. , Samaddar A. , Munshi S. , Ajay A. , Rossiter D. G. , Sohane R. K. , Malik R. , Craufurd P. , Pingali P. , McDonald A.J. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractFar removed from the agricultural fire “hotspots” of Northwestern India, rice residue burning is on the rise in Eastern India with implications for regional air quality and agricultural sustainability. The underlying drivers contributing to the increase in burning have been linked to the adoption of mechanized (combine) harvesting but, in general, are inadequately understood. We hypothesize that the adoption of burning as a management practice results from a set of socio-technical interactions rather than emerging from a single factor. Using a mixed methods approach, a household survey (n = 475) provided quantitative insights into landscape and farm-scale drivers of burning and was complemented by an in-depth qualitative survey (n = 36) to characterize decision processes and to verify causal inferences derived from the broader survey. For communities where the combine harvester is present, our results show that rice residue burning is not inevitable. The decision to burn appears to emerge from a cascading sequence of events, starting with the following: (1) decreasing household labor, leading to (2) decreasing household livestock holdings, resulting in (3) reduced demands for residue fodder, incentivizing (4) adoption of labor-efficient combine harvesting and subsequent burning of loose residues that are both difficult to collect and of lower feeding value than manually harvested straw. Local demand for crop residues for livestock feeding plays a central role mediating transitions to burning. Consequently, policy response options that only consider the role of the combine harvester are likely to be ineffective. Innovative strategies such as the creation of decentralized commercial models for dairy value chains may bolster local residue demand by addressing household-scale labor bottlenecks to maintaining livestock. Secondary issues, such as timely rice planting, merit consideration as part of holistic responses to “bend” agricultural burning trajectories in Eastern India towards more sustainable practices.
A Method for Dynamic Kolsky Bar Compression at High Temperatures: Application to Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Pittman E.R. , Clarke A. J. , Lamberson L. E. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAn experimental apparatus for measuring the dynamic behavior of materials subjected to strain rates on the order of 10$$^3$$

3

s$$^{-1}$$

-
1

and temperatures up to 800°C with a unique triple actuation system is developed in this work. This system is based on the traditional Kolsky (or split-Hopkinson pressure) bar design, with the addition of an external furnace used to heat the specimen to the desired temperature. A synchronized triple pneumatic actuation system is used to control the motion and timing of the the sample, incident, and transmitted bars. The cold contact time (CCT), or the time during which the heated sample is in contact with the room temperature bars before compression, is measured experimentally and carefully controlled to minimize the development of a temperature gradient across the sample and avoid heating of the bars. Experiments are performed in conjunction with ultra high speed imaging and 2D digital image correlation (DIC), as well as high speed thermal imaging. To verify the viability of the proposed system, experiments were conducted on Ti-6Al-4V (wt.%) at temperatures from 25°C up to and 800°C at an average strain rate of approximately 1200 s$$^{-1}$$

-
1

.