bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of HDTMA-modified Philippine natural zeolite (PNZ) for sulfamethoxazole adsorption
Authors: Gaw Ethan Angelo P , Nuñez Julius Andrew P 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The surface of Philippine natural zeolites (PNZs) was modified using the surfactant hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (HDTMA-Cl) to improve its adsorption capacity of sulfamethoxazole (SMX), a persistent organic pollutant and emerging contaminant. The PNZs were modified with HDTMA based on their 100% and 200% external cation exchange capacity (ECEC) to form monolayer and bilayer HDTMA–modified zeolites (MHZ & BHZ). The unmodified zeolites (UZs) and surfactant–modified natural zeolites (SMNZs) were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis-Derivative Thermogravimetry, Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive x-ray Spectroscopy, and X-Ray Diffraction to confirm the modification of the PNZs using HDTMA. The SMX adsorption of UZ and SMNZs were fitted using isotherm and kinetic models. It was determined that all zeolites showed a high degree of linearity relative to the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin models. The maximum SMX adsorption of MHZ and BHZ was calculated to be 3.685 mg g−1 and 13.034 mg g−1, respectively, exhibiting 1.6 times and 5.5 times more improved SMX adsorption than UZ. Kinetic models showed that UZ and SMNZ adhered to the pseudo-second order model. The results of this study highlight the promising increased SMX adsorption using SMNZs.
Design and microstructural analysis of the mixture proportion of alkali-activated fly ash-slag composite cementitious material
Authors: Xu Hongchun , Yin Hang , Ge Pei 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
To explore the resource utilization of fly ash, slag, and coal gangue, the composition of hydration products and strength characteristics of fly ash-slag composite cementitious material (FSGF) were studied with NaOH as an alkali activator. First, response surface analysis was used to determine factors influencing the optimal NaOH content, basalt fiber dosage, and length to obtain the complete mix ratio of the composite cementitious material. Microscopic techniques such as XRD, FTIR, TG-DSC, and SEM were employed to analyze the crystal structure, thermal properties, and micro-morphology of the composite cementitious material, and to investigate the mechanism of NaOH-activated fly ash-slag cementitious material. The results indicated that the sensitivity of each factor affecting the mechanical properties of the composite cementitious material followed this sequence: NaOH content > basalt fiber length > basalt fiber dosage, with varying degrees of interaction among them. When the mass ratio of fly ash, slag, and coal gangue was 5:1:4, with 3% NaOH by weight, 2% basalt fiber dosage, and a fiber length of 3 mm, the optimal mix was achieved. The composite material achieved a compressive strength of 8.97 MPa after 28 days of standard curing at room temperature. NaOH, as an alkali activator, provided the strong alkaline environment required for the initial hydration of fly ash-slag composite cementitious materials, promoting the hydration of slag and fly ash. The hydration products in the fly ash-slag composite system were unevenly distributed, primarily consisting of gels like C-S-H, C-A-H, and C-A-S-H. NaOH was highly effective as an alkali activator in the fly ash-slag system.
Modelling and optimization for material removal rate while processing bio-compatible Ti-6Al-7Nb using wire electric discharge machining (WEDM)
Authors: Sharma Vikas 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This study utilizes machine learning methodologies, such as artificial neural networks (ANN) and TLBO (teaching Learning Based optimisation), to develop a model and Optimisation of the Material Removal Rate (MRR) in wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) of Ti-6Al-7Nb. The material removal rate was determined by conducting WEDM experiments with different levels of control parameters, including spark on time, spark off time, peak current, servo voltage, and wire feed rate using a Full Factorial approach through 81 runs. The most effective architecture for the ANN model was 4–10–1, and the parameters were adjusted depending on R2. The Artificial Neural Network (ANN) predictions were compared to those produced by the Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) model. The performance of these models was assessed by calculating the correlation between the experimental values and predicted values by models (R2). MRR value is optimised using TLBO (Teaching Learning Based Optimisation), keeping the relation developed by MLR as the objective function and leading to an improved material removal rate. The proposed method ANN & TLBO would help accurately predict and optimise MRR while processing Ti-6Al-7Nb. These machine learning-based methods significantly enhance complex machining processes by providing predictive capabilities & optimizing parameters, hence playing a vital role in achieving higher efficiency, quality, and adaptability in manufacturing environments.
What Judges Must Believe
Authors: Ryu Angelo 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The standard view of judicial motivation is pluralist. Many considerations, on this view, motivate judges to apply the law. Perhaps they do so out of fear, or greed, or—on some occasions—because it is the right thing to do. Here I defend a competing view. Judges must believe legal duties are moral duties. That belief explains their enforcement of those duties. Various features of legal practice support this inference. Judges often render decisions the merits of which they vehemently disagree. They take pride in the lawfulness of such decisions, and are angry at the lawlessness of others. Those features of legal practice are only intelligible if a decisive number of judges were to believe legal duties are moral duties. Judges must believe possess this belief for certain core features of legal practice to obtain.
Global changes in the pattern of connectivity in developmental prosopagnosia
Authors: Epihova Gabriela , Cook Richard , Andrews Timothy J 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Developmental prosopagnosia is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties in recognizing the identity of a person from their face. While current theories of the neural basis of developmental prosopagnosia focus on the face processing network, successful recognition of face identities requires broader integration of neural signals across the whole brain. Here, we asked whether disruptions in global functional and structural connectivity contribute to the face recognition difficulties observed in developmental prosopagnosia. We found that the left temporal pole was less functionally connected to the rest of the brain in developmental prosopagnosia. This was driven by weaker contralateral connections to the middle and inferior temporal gyri, as well as to the medial prefrontal cortex. The pattern of global connectivity in the left temporal pole was also disrupted in developmental prosopagnosia. Critically, these changes in global functional connectivity were only evident when participants viewed faces. Structural connectivity analysis revealed localized reductions in connectivity between the left temporal pole and a number of regions, including the fusiform gyrus, inferior temporal gyrus, and orbitofrontal cortex. Our findings underscore the importance of whole-brain integration in supporting typical face recognition and provide evidence that disruptions in connectivity involving the left temporal pole may underlie the characteristic difficulties of developmental prosopagnosia.
athisomiRDB: A comprehensive database of Arabidopsis isomiRs
Authors: Vivek A T , Arya Ajay , Swain Supriya P , Kumar Shailesh 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Several pieces of evidence challenge the traditional view of miRNAs as static molecules, revealing dynamic isomiRs originating from each miRNA precursor arm. In plants, isomiRs, which result from imprecise cleavage during pre-miRNA processing and post-transcriptional alterations, serve as crucial regulators of target microRNAs (miRNAs). Despite numerous studies on Arabidopsis miRNAs, the systematic identification and annotation of isomiRs across various tissues and conditions remain limited. Due to the lack of systematically collected isomiR information, we introduce the athisomiRDB database, which houses 20 764 isomiRs from Arabidopsis small RNA-sequencing (sRNA-seq) libraries. It comprises &gt;2700 diverse samples and allows exploration at the sample, miRNA, or isomiR levels, offering insights into the presence or absence of isomiRs. The athisomiRDB includes exclusive and ambiguous isomiRs, each with features such as transcriptional origin, variant-containing isomiRs, and identifiers for frequent single-nucleotide polymorphisms from the 1001 Genomes Project. It also provides 3ʹ nontemplated post-transcriptional additions, isomiR–target interactions, and trait associations for each isomiR. We anticipate that athisomiRDB will play a pivotal role in unraveling the regulatory nature of the Arabidopsis miRNAome and enhancing sRNA research by leveraging isomiR profiles from extensive sRNA-seq datasets.
Database URL: https://www.nipgr.ac.in/athisomiRDB
Does Sleep Moderate the Effects of Exercise Training or Complex Mental and Social Activities on Cognitive Function in Adults With Chronic Stroke? Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Trial
Authors: Falck Ryan S , Stein Ryan G , Davis Jennifer C , Eng Janice J , Middleton Laura E , Hall Peter A , Liu-Ambrose Teresa 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Exercise (EX) or cognitive and social enrichment (ENRICH) are 2 strategies for promoting cognition poststroke. Whether sleep moderates the effects of EX or ENRICH on cognition in adults with chronic stroke is unknown.

Methods
A 3-arm parallel randomized clinical trial among community-dwelling adults aged 55+ years with chronic stroke (ie, ≥12 months since stroke). Participants were randomized to 2× per week EX, ENRICH, or balance and tone control (BAT). At baseline, device-measured sleep duration and efficiency were measured using wrist-worn actigraphy; self-reported quality was measured by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Participants were categorized at baseline as having good or poor device-measured duration, device-measured efficiency, or self-reported quality based on PSQI. The primary cognitive outcome was Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale Plus (ADAS-Cog-Plus) measured at baseline, 6 months (end of intervention), and 12 months (6-month follow-up). We examined if baseline sleep categorizations (ie, good vs poor) moderated the effects of EX or ENRICH on ADAS-Cog-Plus.

Results
We enrolled 120 participants in the trial (EX = 34; ENRICH = 34; BAT = 52). Sleep quality (ie, device-measured sleep efficiency or self-reported sleep quality) categorization moderated effects of EX (but not ENRICH) on ADAS-Cog-Plus. Compared with BAT participants with poor sleep quality, EX participants with poor sleep quality had better ADAS-Cog-Plus performance at 6 months (estimated mean difference for those with poor device-measured sleep efficiency: −0.48; 95% CI [−0.85, −0.10]; p = .010); estimated mean difference for those with poor self-reported sleep quality: −0.38; 95% CI [−0.70, −0.07]; p = .014). There was no effect of EX on ADAS-Cog-Plus for participants with good sleep quality. Device-measured sleep duration did not moderate intervention effects.

Conclusions
Exercise is particularly beneficial in improving cognitive function in adults with chronic stroke and poor sleep quality.
Testing the unintended cost effects of health policies for generic substitutions: the case of China’s National Volume-Based Procurement (NVBP) policy
Authors: Zhao Boya , Wu Jing , Feng Xing Lin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Generic substitutions are globally considered to contain health expenditures. Yet it is uncertain whether the costs spill over to other medicines or health services. Contextualizing China’s National Volume-Based Procurement (NVBP) policy, which promoted generic substitution, this study tests the changes in patients’ utilization of generic medicines and whether the costs shift to other pharmaceutics or health services post-policy. This population-based, matched, cohort study uses claims data from Tianjin, China in 2018–2020. We focus on amlodipine, the most commonly used calcium channel blocker with the largest procurement volume. We build comparable post-policy cohorts: Non-switchers who kept using originator amlodipine, Pure-switchers who loyally switched to generic amlodipine, and Back-switchers who switched back-and-forth; and compare between each matched pair, respectively, their annual healthcare costs and that broken down by components, and patients’ use of and adherence to amlodipine post-policy. In all, 1185 Pure-switchers, 1398 Back-switchers, and 2330 Non-switchers were identified (mean age: 63.0 years; 58.5% men). For the matched pairs, Pure-switchers (n = 772) incurred annual total medical costs of CNY 9213.5, 12.2% lower than Non-switchers [n = 1544, absolute difference CNY −1309.3, 95% confidence interval (−2645.8, −19.6)]. The cost reduction only results from amlodipine prescriptions in outpatient encounters and are equally borne by health plans and the enrolees. The costs for Pure-switchers and Non-switchers are not different from other medicines, nor from other items including tests, surgeries, beds, and medical consumables for hypertension-related encounters/admissions. Pure-switchers also had higher daily dosage and better adherence to amlodipine than Non-switchers. The differences between Back-switchers and Non-switchers show similar trends but are less profound. China’s NVBP policy is effective in controlling pharmaceutical costs. No unintended cost effects have yet been identified in the short run. Other countries may learn from China on a comprehensive set of auxiliary policies, including listing, bidding, purchasing, and reimbursing, to better promote generic substitutions.
Torturing Environment in the Documentation of Human Rights Violations in the Case of the Indigenous Rama-Kreol Communities in Nicaragua
Authors: Perez-Sales Pau , Arrieta-Betancourt Mandy Tatiana , López-Neyra Gabriela , Galán-Santamarina Andrea , Fraile-Julián Esther 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT∞
In transitional justice processes, retrospective documentation of complex repressive environments poses significant challenges. Documenting state repression in fragile environments is challenging, especially when relying on local sources and information from vulnerable populations. This study employs a mixed-methods approach to document the Nicaraguan State’s actions against Rama-Kriol communities aimed at coercing them into accepting the construction of an Inter Oceanic Canal in their ancestral territories. The article introduces the concept of torturing environments to shed light on the multifaceted nature of low-intensity warfare against indigenous communities. Six axes of coercive actions emerged from the analysis: (a) threats to community survival, (b) assaults on physical integrity, (c) measures hindering individual and community control over their life, (d) attacks on individual and collective identity and (e) erosion of community cohesion, culture and identity. The concept of torturing environments offers unique insights into the multifaceted strategies employed in low-intensity conflicts against indigenous populations. Its application is valuable in documenting intricate contexts, especially where information is fragile and volatile, thereby contributing significantly to the search for truth and historical clarification in transitional justice efforts.
Fifty Shades of Deprivation: Disaggregating Types of Economic Disadvantage in Studies of Terrorism
Authors: Hertog Steffen , Arellano Adrian , Hegghammer Thomas , Østby Gudrun 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Does economic deprivation fuel terrorist recruitment? A large empirical literature has explored this question, but the findings remain contradictory and inconclusive. We argue that this is due to inconsistencies in the way deprivation has been defined and measured. This article identifies these deficiencies and provides a roadmap toward more precise measurement of deprivation and consequently toward a better understanding of its potential impact on the emergence of terrorism. More specifically, we propose a conceptual framework that distinguishes three different dimensions of relative deprivation: individual vs. collective, objective vs. subjective, and synchronic vs. diachronic. Combining them yields eight different mechanisms that could link economic status to terrorist radicalization. Drawing inspiration from fields such as conflict studies, social psychology, and political behavior, we outline some measurement approaches that could capture the mechanisms in a targeted way. The findings have implications for how researchers should collect data and design studies as well as for how policymakers should interpret the statistical results.
Metabolic interactions of Limosilactobacillus reuteri ZJ625 and Ligilactobacillus salivarius ZJ614 in co-culture: implications for multi-strain probiotics
Authors: Kwoji Iliya Dauda , Okpeku Moses , Aiyegoro Olayinka Ayobami , Adeleke Matthew Adekunle 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Aims
Limosilactobacillus reuteri ZJ625 and Ligilactobacillus salivarius ZJ614 are potential probiotic bacteria. The mechanisms of enhanced benefits by muti-strain probiotics are yet fully understood. We elucidated the influence of co-culturing on the metabolite profiles of Limosilactobacillus reuteri ZJ625 and Ligilactobacillus salivarius ZJ614 to decipher the impacts of co-culturing on metabolic interactions between the strains.

Methods and results
Limosilactobacillus reuteri ZJ625 and Ligilactobacillus salivarius ZJ614 were grown in single and co-cultures in defined media. Bacterial cell metabolites were extracted at the mid-stationary growth phase and analysed using two-dimensional gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC–TOFMS). Mass-spectral data were preprocessed and analysed using unsupervised and supervised methods based on the group allocations. A total of 1387 metabolites were identified, with 18.31% significant metabolites (P &lt; 0.05) and 10.17% differential metabolites (P &lt; 0.05, variable importance on projection &gt; 1). The differential metabolites identified include arabinofuranose, methyl-galactoside, N-acetylglutamic acid, phosphoric acid, and decanoic acid. The metabolites impacted carbohydrate and amino-sugar metabolism.

Conclusion
Co-culturing of Limosilactobacillus reuteri ZJ625 and Ligilactobacillus salivarius ZJ614 influenced the metabolite profiles of the strains and impacted metabolic/biosynthetic pathways, indicating cell-to-cell interactions between the strains.
Dipeptides from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum limit Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogenesis
Authors: Narasimulu Jayanth , Baburajan Nandana , Saravanan Tamil Selvam , Raorane Chaitany Jayprakash , Vaidyanathan Vinoth Kumar , Ravichandran Vinothkannan , Rajasekharan Satish Kumar 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Aims
Lactobacilli have drawn a great deal of attention due to the heterogeneity of their cells, as well as their remarkable ability to adapt to a range of harsh conditions. One such adaptation response by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum was forming a V-shaped cell structure in low acidic pH conditions. This study aims to identify low pH induced-biofilm formation in L. plantarum and Limosilactobacillus reuteri and their antagonistic interactions with an opportunistic pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1.

Methods and results
Dual species bacterial interactions revealed a Lactobacilli biofilm-mediated suppression of PAO1 biofilms and pyocyanin pigment. Furthermore, filtrates from Lactobacilli grown at low acidic pH (pH 3.5) effectively arrest the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa PAO1, including biofilm, swarming motility, and pyocyanin formation. Liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of several Lactobacilli-secreted metabolites and dipeptides that exhibited strong LasR receptor antagonistic interactions in molecular docking analysis. Prolyl-tyrosine showed the best lasR antagonistic and PAO1 biofilm inhibitory activities of the identified dipeptides.

Conclusion
Overall, the results will contribute to the development of anti-infective drugs against P. aeruginosa using Lactobacilli secreted dipeptides. Furthermore, the investigation identifies several dipeptides that can be extracted from V-shaped Lactobacilli for antimicrobial protein therapy against P. aeruginosa and other pathogens.
Influence of endoxifen on mammographic density: results from the KARISMA-Tam trial
Authors: Hammarström Mattias , Gabrielson Marike , Bergqvist Jenny , Lundholm Cecilia , Crippa Alessio , Bäcklund Magnus , Wengström Yvonne , Borgquist Signe , Eliasson Erik , Eriksson Mikael , Tapia José , Czene Kamila , Hall Per 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Monitoring metabolites of tamoxifen, such as endoxifen, has been suggested as a strategy to ascertain therapeutic effect of tamoxifen therapy, but clinical guidelines are missing. Herein, we aim to investigate the outcome of endoxifen concentrations of low-dose tamoxifen, using change in mammographic breast density as a proxy for therapy response.

Methods
In the randomized KARISMA-Tam (Karolinska Mammography project for risk prediction of breast cancer -Intervention Study with Tamoxifen) trial, including 5 doses of tamoxifen, measurements of plasma endoxifen concentrations, determination of CYP2D6 metabolizer status, and mammographic breast density change over the trial period were carried out. Association between endoxifen concentrations and relative mammographic breast density change after 6 months treatment was analyzed using linear regression in a spline model.

Results
A total of 824 women (335 premenopausal, 489 postmenopausal) were included. In analyses of premenopausal women, a spline model described a mammographic breast density decrease, equivalent to the mean (−18.5%) seen in women exposed to 20 mg tamoxifen, at endoxifen concentrations of 2-3 ng/mL. The mammographic breast density decrease reached a nadir at endoxifen levels of 3 ng/mL and did not decrease further at higher endoxifen concentrations. Most intermediate and normal tamoxifen metabolizers (about 90% of all participants) reached an endoxifen concentration of more than 2 ng/mL at tamoxifen doses of 5 and 10 mg. No mammographic breast density decrease was seen in the postmenopausal group.

Conclusions
We have identified a possible window of effect on mammographic breast density at endoxifen concentrations of 2-3 ng/mL in premenopausal women, which corresponds to the doses of 5 and 10 mg tamoxifen. Because mammographic breast density change was used as a surrogate marker for therapy response, results should be confirmed using clinically established outcomes measures.