bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural assemblages of the earliest Triassic conodont Hindeodus parvus from the Shangsi section, Sichuan province, Southwest China
Authors: Huang Jinyuan , Hu Shixue , Li Jun , Zhou Changyong , Zhang Qiyue , Wen Wen , Min Xiao , Jiang Haishui , Martínez-Pérez Carlos , Zhang Kexin 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe morphology and number of elements in the Early Triassic conodont apparatus of the genus Hindeodus, particularly Hindeodus parvus (Kozur and Pjatakova, 1976), still remain controversial. In order to shed light on the apparatus composition of this iconic genus, here we report two well-preserved conodont natural assemblages of Hindeodus from the base of Member I of the Feixianguan Formation (Induan, lower Griesbachian, in age) at Shangsi section, Sichuan Province, Southwest China. These two natural assemblages preserve direct evidence of the number, morphology, and arrangement of elements in the apparatus of Hindeodus, and in particular H. parvus. The apparatus of H. parvus consists of six morphotype elements with S, M, and P positions, showing the typical ozarkodinid 15-element arrangement. The S1-S4 array comprises a set of nine ramiform elements: a crown-shaped alate element without a ‘posterior’ process situated at the S0 position, two inner pairs of digyrate elements positioned at the S1–2 positions, and two outer pairs of bipennate elements located at the S3 and S4 locations. A pair of dolabrate elements occupy the M position outside the S array. The paired P1 and P2 positions are occupied by carminiscaphate and angulate elements, respectively. The 15-element apparatus architecture for the genus, resembles the well-known template of ozarkodinid model, further indicating the conservative architecture of the apparatus in Order Ozarkodinida spanning more than 250 million years.
Numerical evaluation of urban-warming mitigation strategies in an urban-porous media. An application of stabilized finite elements methods
Authors: García-Chan Néstor , Licea-Salazar Juan A. , Gutierrez-Ibarra Luis G. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we explore the effectiveness of strategies for mitigating urban warming from a numerical simulation standpoint. To achieve this, a reinterpretation of porosity on an urban context allows us to identify the urban surface covered by streets, and the urban surface covered by buildings as the fluid and solid phases of an urban-porous media, respectively. Using a Gaussian distribution we define the urban porosity at all points within an urban zone. Once the urban porosity is defined, a Darcy-Brinkman-Forchheimer type model is coupled with a thermal exchange model to obtain the wind field, and the air temperature. The convective nature of the model, and the porosity gradients lead us to use stabilized finite element methods in order to avoid the appearance of spurious oscillations in numerical solutions: we use a pressure stabilizer for the Darcy-Brinkman-Forchheimer model and a least-squares stabilizer for the thermal exchange model. Numerical experiments were conducted on a domain modeled after the Metropolitan Zone of Guadalajara City, Mexico, to evaluate strategies such as white roofs, concrete-paved streets instead of asphalt, and large urban parks. The results reveal significant differences in urban temperatures, which in turn helps to alleviate thermal stress for city inhabitants.
PET imaging of GABAA receptors in pancreatic islets by [11C]flumazenil
Authors: Maloum-Rami Faïza , Cheung Pierre , Antoni Gunnar , Jin Zhe , Eriksson Olof , Espes Daniel 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease characterized by a progressive β-cell destruction. There are no clinically established methods for quantifying endocrine cells of the pancreas and current knowledge is almost exclusively based on autopsy material and functional measurements. Based on the expression of the γ-aminobutyric acid A receptors (GABAARs) in pancreatic islets and the fact that GABAAR agonists are being explored as treatment for T1D, we hypothesized that the positron emission tomography (PET) tracer [11C]flumazenil ([11C]FMZ) could serve as a marker of the endocrine mass of the pancreas. The in vivo uptake of [11C]FMZ in pig pancreas was evaluated by PET/CT, either tracer alone or after blockade of GABAAR by unlabeled flumazenil. The pancreatic binding of [11C]FMZ was investigated in vitro with frozen sections of pig pancreas as well as human organ donors, in addition to isolated mouse and human islets and exocrine preparations. The expression of GABAAR subunits in pig, human and mouse pancreas was explored by immunohistochemistry.

Results
Strong specific in vivo uptake of [11C]FMZ was observed in the pig brain as expected, but in the pancreas the signal was moderate and only partially reduced by blockade. In vitro experiments revealed a positive but weak and variable binding of [11C]FMZ in islets compared to exocrine tissue in the mouse, pig and human pancreas. In pig and mouse pancreatic islets we identified the GABAAR subunits β2 and γ2 but not α2. In the human pancreas from non-diabetic donors, we have identified the α2, β2 (although weak) and γ2 subunits, whereas from a T2D donor the α2 subunit was missing.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that [11C]FMZ bind to GABAARs in the islets, but not with a sufficient contrast or magnitude to be implemented as an in vivo PET marker for the endocrine mass of the pancreas. However, GABAARs with different subunits are widely expressed in the endocrine cells within the pancreas in pig, human and mouse. Hence, the GABAAR could still be a potential imaging target for the endocrine cells of the pancreas but would require tracers with higher affinity and selectivity for individual GABAAR subunits.
The role of sense of ownership in rural community mini-grid management: qualitative case study from Tanzania
Authors: Ngoti Irene F. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
The majority of mini-grids in Tanzania are managed by private entities, faith-based institutions, and the government. In contrast, a limited number of mini-grids under community management strive to survive. Although the concept of “sense of ownership” is considered crucial for mini-grid sustainability in developing countries, there is limited theoretical exploration of the factors that drive this concept and its effects on community mini-grid management. This paper assesses the relationship between the sense of ownership among electricity users and the effective management of two solar community-based mini-grids with different sustainability experience.

Results
A sense of ownership plays a role in establishing the decision-making process of mini-grids among village energy committee members toward sustainable or unsustainable management. The mechanisms behind the sense of ownership among community members toward managing mini-grids are largely expedited by the strong leadership of village energy committee members, community participation in decision-making and resource mobilisation, especially in the preparation, design and implementation phases of mini-grids.

Conclusions
A sense of ownership is found to influence the effective management of community mini-grids in Tanzania. When designing mini-grid project policies and programs that target respective communities as prospective owners, energy practitioners and policy-makers should consider creating an environment that nurtures a sense of ownership.
Chlorogenic acid alleviates IPEC-J2 pyroptosis induced by deoxynivalenol by inhibiting activation of the NF-κB/NLRP3/caspase-1 pathway
Authors: Xue Yanmei , Li Fuchang , Li Rui , Zhang Xinru , Guo Huijun , Wang Chunyang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin that severely pollutes feed ingredients, and methods for reducing DON toxicity have become a significant research direction. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is an active polyphenol found in some plants, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and a protective effect on animal intestinal health. The effects of CGA on DON-induced pyroptosis in the intestinal porcine epithelial cell line-J2 (IPEC-J2) and its potential mechanism were explored in this study.

Results
IPEC-J2 cells viability and membrane integrity were inversely correlated with DON concentration. Compared to those in the group treated with DON alone at 2,500 ng/mL, pretreatment with 80 μmol/L CGA for 4 h significantly improved cell viability (P < 0.01), and the alleviation of typical pyroptotic symptoms induced by DON were observed, including reduced cellular DNA fragmentation, decreased release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), normalized ROS levels, restoration of extracellular Ca2+ and K+ contents to normal levels (P < 0.01 ), as well as suppressed the enzyme activities of caspase-1 and caspase-4 (P < 0.01). Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of TNF, MDP, NOD2, TLR4, ASC and GSDMD were significantly improved (P < 0.01), while both mRNA and protein expression levels of NF-κB, NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly upregulated (P < 0.01) in the CGA + DON group, compare to those in the DON group.

Conclusion
Pretreatment with 80 μmol/L CGA for 4 h effectively alleviated pyroptosis in IPEC-J2 cells induced by 2,500 ng/mL of DON through inhibiting activation of the NF-κB/ NLRP3/capase-1 pathway.
Molecular basis of mucopolysaccharidosis type II (Hunter syndrome): first review and classification of published IDS gene variants
Authors: Zanetti Alessandra , D’Avanzo Francesca , Tomanin Rosella 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) is a rare X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by genetic alterations in the iduronate 2-sulfatase (IDS) gene. A wide range of variants has been reported for different countries and ethnic groups. We collected, analyzed and uniformly summarized all published IDS gene variants reported in literature up to June 2023, here providing the first worldwide review and classification.

Methods
Data was obtained from a literature search, conducted in PubMed and Google. All data was analyzed to define the most common alleles, geographic distribution and genotype-phenotype correlation. Moreover, point variants were classified according to their pathogenicity, based on the ACMG guidelines.

Results
Several types of variants have been described in the IDS gene, including intrachromosomal homologous recombination occurring between the homologous regions of IDS gene and its pseudogene IDSP1. Overall, we collected 2852 individuals from 2798 families, including 24 female patients. Most families carried missense variants, followed by large deletions-insertions and complex rearrangements, small frameshift deletions/insertions and nonsense variants. Based on ACMG guidelines, 62.9% of the 779 point variants were classified as “pathogenic”, 35.4% as “likely pathogenic”, and the remaining 13 variants as having “uncertain significance”.

Conclusion
Data from this study confirmed that MPS II is a genetically very heterogeneous disorder, making genotype-phenotype correlation very challenging and in most cases merely unfeasible. Mutation updates are essential for the correct molecular diagnosis, genetic counseling, prenatal and preimplantation diagnosis, and disease management.
Clinical trials in neuromodulatory treatment of drug-resistant hypertension and the need for spinal cord stimulation trials: a PRISMA systematic review
Authors: Thrash Garrett W. , Wang Elijah , Sun Yifei , Walker Harrison C. , Shirvalkar Prasad , Becker Bryan K. , Holland Marshall T. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Drug-resistant hypertension affects approximately 9–18% of the United States hypertensive population. Recognized as hypertension that is resistant to three or more medications, drug-resistant hypertension can lead to fatal sequelae, such as heart failure, aortic dissection, and other vast systemic disease. The disruption of the homeostatic mechanisms that stabilize blood pressure can be treated procedurally when medication fails. These procedures include carotid body stimulation, renal denervation, sympathectomies, dorsal root ganglia stimulation, and more recently spinal cord stimulation and have all been utilized in the treatment of drug-resistant hypertension.

Methods
To identify the clinical trials of neuromodulation in drug-resistant hypertension, a PubMed search was performed that included all original clinical trials of neuromodulation treating drug-resistant hypertension. The 838 articles found were sorted using Covidence to find 33 unique primary clinical trials. There were no methods used to assess risk of bias as a meta-analysis was not feasible due to heterogeneity.

Results
Renal denervation and carotid body stimulation have both shown promising results with multiple clinical trials, while sympathectomies have mostly been retired due to the irreversible adverse effects caused. Dorsal root ganglion stimulation showed varying success rates. Spinal cord stimulation is a novel treatment of drug-resistant hypertension that shows promising initial results but requires further investigation and prospective studies of the treatment to provide guidelines for future DRH treatment. The limitations of the review are reporting bias and absence of a meta-analysis that compares the treatment modality due to the heterogeneity of reported outcomes.

Conclusion
Innovation in neuromodulation is necessary to provide alternative avenues of treatment in the face of contraindications for standard treatment. Treatment of drug-resistant hypertension is essential to delay dangerous sequelae. This review’s objective is to summarize the clinical trials for treatment of drug-resistant hypertension following PRISMA guidelines and suggests future directions in the treatment of drug-resistant hypertension.
The implementation of speckle tracking echocardiography for cardiac resynchronization therapy optimisation. A rotational myocardial mechanics interpretation
Authors: Stefanidis Alexandros , Korlou Paraskevi , Margos Panagiotis , Ikonomidis Ignatios , Paraskevaidis Ioannis , Gatzoulis Konstantinos , Aivalioti Evmorfia , Kostopoulos Konstantinos 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has an additive therapeutic influence on left ventricular function in heart failure patients, but the underlying mechanisms through which it works are not completely explained. Our aim was to further elucidate the role of this intervention via rotational mechanics using 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE).

Results
We investigated 46 patients (65 ± 9 years) who received CRT. All enrolled patients were assessed on admission by 2D-STE and 6 min walk test (6 min WT) and followed in the outpatient device clinic by 2D-STE (at 1 week and 6 months post-implantation) and 6 min WT (at 6 months post-implantation). On their first appointment all biventricular systems were optimised by atrioventricular delay optimisation and by changing the temporal activation of ventricular electrodes aiming to reach the highest left ventricular effective stroke volume across all activation options. A new 2D-STE based index (twist integral) targeting to assess the rotational mechanics of the whole cardiac cycle was also measured to further explain the CRT response. Twenty-two (48%) patients were responders at 6-month follow-up and most of them had dilated cardiomyopathy. The commonest selected mode that was related with the greatest left ventricular performance response was the simultaneous activation of the 2 ventricular leads (39%). The strongest predictor of CRT response was the improvement of effective stroke volume between admission and first appointment at clinic, followed by the improvement of twist integral, the absence of coronary artery disease, and the improvement of peak systolic twist.

Conclusions
Additional CRT optimisation via changing the temporal activation of ventricular electrodes is beneficial for left ventricular performance in heart failure patients. The success of biventricular pacing may also be explained by the improvement of left ventricular rotational mechanics.
Global Disparities in the Characteristics and Outcomes of Leukemia Clinical Trials: A Cross-Sectional Study of the ClinicalTrials.gov Database
Authors: Alhajahjeh Abdulrahman , Rotter Lara K. , Stempel Jessica M. , Grimshaw Alyssa A. , Bewersdorf Jan Philipp , Blaha Ondrej , Kewan Tariq , Podoltsev Nikolai A. , Shallis Rory M. , Mendez Lourdes , Stahl Maximilian , Zeidan Amer M. 
Published: December 2024

PURPOSE
Most clinical trials are conducted exclusively in high-income countries (HICs), with only a small fraction involving centers from low-middle income countries (LMICs). However, studies evaluating the global distribution of clinical trials in leukemia are limited. Therefore, we sought to assess the present state of leukemia clinical trials that involve centers from LMICs and to compare those with trials conducted exclusively in HICs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
We searched ClinicalTrials.gov to identify leukemia trials initiated between 2000 and 2020. In this cross-sectional study, the search strategy was developed by a medical librarian using controlled vocabulary and free-text terms. Data abstraction was independently executed by two reviewers. Trials were defined to be LMIC trials if they included centers from LMICs according to the World Bank Atlas country's income level classification for 2022-2023. Conversely, if a trial included centers from HICs only, the study was classified as a HIC trial.

RESULTS

Of 3,345 leukemia-related clinical trials identified, only 160 (4.8%) included centers from LMICs. Compared with HIC trials, LMIC trials had lower termination rates (12.5%
v
27.5%;
P
< .001) and were more likely randomized (52.5%
v
18.2%;
P
< .001), larger (sample sizes >50 patients: 69.0%
v
33.6%;
P
< .001), multicenter (81.9%
v
47.9%;
P
< .001), and later phase (phase III: 36.2%
v
8.98%;
P
< .001; phase IV: 6.25%
v
2.17%;
P
< .001). There was an increase in the proportion of randomized and diseased-focused clinical trials within the trials that involved LMIC centers between 2000-2005 and 2010-2015 (57.1%
v
47.1% and 85.7%
v
52.9%;
P
= .013 and 0.014, respectively).

CONCLUSION
We found a marked underrepresentation of LMICs in leukemia clinical trials reflecting limited access to novel leukemia therapies in LMICs.
Symmetric Separable Convex Resource Allocation Problems with Structured Disjoint Interval Bound Constraints
Authors: Schoot Uiterkamp Martijn H. H. 
Published: December 2024

Motivated by the problem of scheduling electric vehicle (EV) charging with a minimum charging threshold in smart distribution grids, we introduce the resource allocation problem (RAP) with a symmetric separable convex objective function and disjoint interval bound constraints. In this RAP, the aim is to allocate an amount of resource over a set of n activities, in which each individual allocation is restricted to a disjoint collection of m intervals. This is a generalization of classic RAPs studied in the literature in which, in contrast, each allocation is only restricted by simple lower and upper bounds, that is, m = 1. We propose an exact algorithm that, for four special cases of the problem, returns an optimal solution in [Formula: see text] time, where the term nF represents the number of flops required for one evaluation of the separable objective function. In particular, the algorithm runs in polynomial time when the number of intervals m is fixed. Moreover, we show how this algorithm can be adapted also to output an optimal solution to the problem with integer variables without increasing its time complexity. Computational experiments demonstrate the practical efficiency of the algorithm for small values of m and, in particular, for solving EV charging problems. History: Accepted by Antonia Frangioni, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms–Continuous. Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2023.0263 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2023.0263 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
Recycling Standards, Green Inventions, and Spillover: Evidence from California’s Electronic Waste Recycling Act (EWRA)
Authors: Dhanorkar Suvrat , Muthulingam Suresh 
Published: December 2024

Problem definition: The improper disposal of electronic and electrical goods at the end of their useful lives (i.e., e-waste) can have adverse effects on the environment and human health. The increased awareness of the negative consequences of e-waste has prompted many regulators to enact recycling standards that promote the proper disposal and recycling of e-waste. A large body of research has used analytical models to explore how recycling standards affect firms that make electronic and electrical goods. A key insight from this research is that e-waste recycling standards would induce firms to design products that have reduced environmental impact and are easier to recycle. In other words, e-waste recycling standards would enhance inventive activity at firms to better comply with regulatory requirements. But hardly any empirical work has validated the insights developed with analytical models. Methodology/results: We empirically examine whether California’s Electronic Waste Recycling Act (EWRA) affects the inventive output (i.e., measured as patents) of firms that manufacture electronic and electrical goods. We leverage a quasi-experimental setup that arises when California enacted the EWRA and use multiple identification strategies to isolate the law’s effect on the inventive output of firms. We disentangle two causal pathways, industry and headquarter location, by which EWRA affects manufacturers. We find that EWRA increased the environmentally focused inventive output (i.e., “green” patents) of affected firms in California by nearly 14% and by nearly 8% for firms in other states. Interestingly, we also observe spillover effects—EWRA increased other inventive output (i.e., patents other than green patents) of affected firms in California by nearly 41% and by nearly 24% for firms in other states. Managerial implications: Our study provides important insights for managers and policy makers by empirically quantifying the impact of recycling standards on environmentally focused inventions and by identifying spillover effects for other inventions. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2023.0444 .