bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ambient noise surface-wave imaging in a hardrock environment: implications for mineral exploration
Authors: Wilczynski Zbigniew , Kaslilar Ayse , Malehmir Alireza , Manzi Musa , Vivin Lilas , Lepine Jean , Valishin Oleg , Högdahl Karin 
Published: November 2024

SUMMARY
The advancement of seismic methods is vital for mineral exploration in the ongoing energy transition. In this study, we investigate the application of ambient noise seismic interferometry and surface-wave analysis to characterize the subsurface in a mineral exploration context. We then confirm the results of the passive seismic investigation through an active source experiment. We collected ambient noise data using a 2-D seismic line initially deployed for an active source reflection seismic study. By cross-correlating the signals, we retrieved the surface waves and constructed a 2-D shear-wave velocity profile using conventional surface-wave analysis. We utilized the active source data to establish initial assumptions about the surveyed medium and then validated the passive seismic experiment. The passive seismic results are concordant with the active source results and allow for the interpretation of geological contacts and fault zones. Our work demonstrates the potential of passive seismic methods for investigating local tectonic settings and their role in hardrock mineral exploration.
Teleseismic virtual-source reverse time migration of upper crustal structures in the Three Gorges region, China
Authors: Zou Zhihui , Zhou Hua-Wei , Fang Lihua , Kuang Wenhuan , Pei Jianxin 
Published: November 2024

SUMMARY
The Three Gorges (TG) in central China is an earthquake prone region that lacks active-source seismic surveys, hence requiring high-resolution passive seismic imaging to reveal crustal structures in detail. While teleseismic virtual-source reflection (TVR) profiling is effective for imaging gently dipping upper crustal structures, it is unsuitable for mapping steep structures beneath rugged topography in the TG region. Here we develop a teleseismic virtual-source reverse time migration (TV-RTM) to improve the imaging of steep structures. Synthetic tests are conducted to demonstrate the validity and resolution of the TV-RTM method. To mitigate the imaging inaccuracy due to sparse station spacing, we interpolate direct-arrival waveforms to achieve a doubling of the minimally required station spacing from 2 to 4 km. The TV-RTM images of the upper crustal structure beneath a 2-D array in the TG region reveal significant fold and thrust structures that correlate well with the surface geology and tectonic framework. The resolution of the images is assessed using 2-D and 3-D synthetic models with the station and source geometry of field data. The TV-RTM method provides a new passive seismic solution for studying upper crustal structures in regions that lack active-source seismic data.
The diversity of glycan chains in jellyfish mucin of three Cubozoan species: the contrast in molecular evolution rates of the peptide chain and Glycans
Authors: Kaneko Takuma , Tanaka Shinra , Sugiyama Minami , Kaise Shiori , Inui Hiroshi , Ushida Kiminori 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The O-glycan composition of jellyfish (JF) mucin (qniumucin: Q-mucin) extracted from three Cubozoan species was studied after the optimization of the purification protocol. Application of a stepwise gradient of ionic strength to anion exchange chromatography (AEXC) was effective for isolating Q-mucin from coexisting impurities. In the three species, the amino acid sequence of the tandem repeat (TR) region in Q-mucin in all three Cubozoans seemed to remain the same as that in all Scyphozoans, although their glycan chains seemed to exhibit clear diversity. In particular, the amounts of acidic moieties on the glycan chains of Q-mucin from the Cubozoans markedly varied even in these genetically close species. In two of the three Cubozoan species, the fraction of disaccharides was large, showing a sharp contrast to that of the glycans of Q-mucin in Scyphozoans. This study also indicates that the simple sequence of TR commonly inherited in all Cubozoan and Scyphozoan JF species after the long term of evolution over 500 M years. According to this research, the glycans and the TR of mucin-type glycoproteins (MTGPs), forming a hierarchical structure, appear to complement each other in the evolutionary changes because the time required for their hereditary conversion is considerably different. The cooperation of these mechanisms is a strategy to achieve the contradictory functions of biosystems, namely species conservation and diversity acquisition.
Dynamic response analysis of a floating bridge structure under combined actions from seismic loading and waves at different incident angles
Authors: Wang Piguang , Xu Haoran , Shen Yiming , Qu Yang , Du Xiuli 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This article investigates the complex-coupled response of a cross-sea floating bridge under the combined actions of seismic loading and wave at different incident angles. The bridge structure is modeled using the finite element method, considering the interaction between the girder, pier, pontoon, and mooring chains. Wave forces are calculated based on potential theory, and an added mass approach is applied to simulate the hydrodynamic forces induced by the earthquake. Simulations were conducted using a 1-year random wave at three different incident angles of 0o, 45o, and 90o, combined with three-dimensional seismic loading of varying magnitudes: 0.3, 0.5, and 1 g. The simulation results indicate that the direction of the incident wave significantly influences the bridge’s response. The coupling effect between wave and seismic forces on the floating bridge’s response is not simply additive. Generally, when the earthquake magnitude is low, the wave loading significantly impacts the bridge’s dynamics. However, as the earthquake magnitude increases, the bridge’s response becomes dominated by the seismic forces, rendering the influence of wave forces negligible.
Prolonged sitafloxacin and doxycycline combination regimen for treating infections by highly resistant Mycoplasma genitalium
Authors: Ando Naokatsu , Mizushima Daisuke , Takano Misao , Mitobe Morika , Kobayashi Kai , Kubota Hiroaki , Miyake Hirofumi , Suzuki Jun , Sadamasu Kenji , Aoki Takahiro , Watanabe Koji , Oka Shinichi , Gatanaga Hiroyuki 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Mycoplasma genitalium, which causes sexually transmitted diseases, is increasingly resistant to key antibiotics such as macrolides and quinolones, posing a challenge for treatment.

Objectives
To assess the effectiveness of prolonged sitafloxacin and doxycycline combination therapy as a new alternative treatment strategy for highly drug-resistant M. genitalium strains

Methods
A prospective cohort study was conducted at the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan, from 1 January 2020 to 31 October 2022. Patients with M. genitalium urogenital or rectal infections and those who did not receive the initial sitafloxacin monotherapy were included. Patients were administered sitafloxacin and doxycycline for 21 days as salvage therapy. M. genitalium isolates were tested for parC, gyrA and 23S rRNA resistance-associated mutations.

Results
Twenty-seven patients received the combination therapy. All M. genitalium strains available for resistance analysis had parC (24/24) and macrolide resistance-associated (25/25) mutations, and 68% (17/25) had gyrA mutations. The overall cure rate was 77.8%. For strains with concurrent parC and gyrA mutations, the cure rate was 68.8% (P = 0.053) compared with that for monotherapy (37.5%).

Conclusions
Prolonged combination therapy is highly effective against M. genitalium strains with concurrent parC and gyrA mutations. Future research should focus on establishing the optimal treatment duration and monitoring the risk of resistance.
Associations between neighbourhood-level median household income and outpatients’ risk of antibiotic non-susceptible uropathogens in a major urban centre, USA
Authors: Mwansa Chanda M L , Babiker Ahmed , Satola Sarah , Logan Latania K , Nadimpalli Maya L 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Resistance to first-line antibiotics among urinary tract infections continues to rise, but how neighbourhood-level socioeconomic status impacts this risk remains unclear. We examined the effect of neighbourhood-level income on a patient’s risk of having a uropathogen non-susceptible to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) or nitrofurantoin.

Methods
We used electronic health record data and antibiotic susceptibility test results for urinary Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae collected at Emory Healthcare outpatient facilities in greater Atlanta between October 2022 and September 2023. We determined patients’ block group median household income (MHI) using their residential addresses and 2017–21 US census data. We performed a logistic regression with a priori risk factors using a generalized estimating equation, with subgroup analysis by organism and for patients with diabetes mellitus.

Results
We included 9325 urine E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates from 3867 outpatients. Compared to uropathogenic E. coli, K. pneumoniae were more likely to be non-susceptible to nitrofurantoin (P &lt; 0.001) and less likely to be non-susceptible to TMP/SMX (P &lt; 0.001). Compared to the lowest MHI quintile, patients in the highest MHI quintile neighbourhoods had 0.78 odds of harbouring a non-susceptible uropathogen (95% CI: 0.64, 0.95) after controlling for patient age, sex and race/ethnicity, along with neighbourhood-level characteristics. This association was stronger for K. pneumoniae infections and non-significant among people with diabetes.

Conclusions
Higher neighbourhood-level MHI was associated with lower individual risk of harbouring a first-line antibiotic-non-susceptible uropathogen.
Possible role of bone turnover markers in the diagnosis of adult hypophosphatasia
Authors: Bertoldo Francesco , Tripepi Giovanni , Zaninotto Martina , Plebani Mario , Scillitani Alfredo , Varenna Massimo , Crotti Chiara , Cipriani Cristiana , Pepe Jessica , Minisola Salvatore , Pugliese Flavia , Guarnieri Vito , Baffa Valeria , Torres Marco Onofrio , Zanchetta Francesca , Fusaro Maria , Rossini Maurizio , Brandi Maria Luisa , Egan Colin Gerard , Simioni Paolo , Arcidiacono Gaetano Paride , Sella Stefania , Giannini Sandro 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare disorder of the bone metabolism, characterized by genetically determined low alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Low ALP may also be observed in some common causes of bone fragility, such as in osteoporosis treated with antiresorptive drugs. This study aimed to verify whether differences in bone turnover markers (BTMs) could help differentiate adult patients with HPP from those with osteoporosis undergoing antiresorptive treatment. In this multicenter study, we enrolled 23 adult patients with a diagnosis of HPP and compared them with 46 osteoporotic subjects previously treated with zoledronic acid or denosumab. BTMs such as CTX, N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (P1NP), total ALP, and bone ALP (bALP) were measured, and ratios between BTMs were also calculated. Considering that the control group included only females, in the primary analysis we compared their characteristics with that of the 16 female patients with HPP. Both individual BTMs (CTX and P1NP) and 4 BTM ratios (ALP/P1NP, bALP/P1NP, ALP/CTX, and bALP/CTX) showed satisfactory discriminatory power, outperforming ALP alone. P1NP, in particular, had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.962 with a cut-off of 32 μg/L, while as for the BTMs ratios, the ALP/P1NP ratio had an AUC of 0.964 with a cut-off of 1.114. Similar results were confirmed when including male HPP patients, when adjusting for age and sex, and finally when performing a sensitivity analysis only in patients with ALP less than or equal to 32 U/L (ie, the median of the distribution of the entire population). In cases of low ALP and bone fragility, BTM and their ratios could help distinguish HPP patients from osteoporotic individuals treated with antiresorptive drugs, aiding in accurate diagnosis and reducing the risk of inappropriate treatment.
An industrial robot-based sawing method for natural stone sculpture
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Yin Fangchen , Huang Hui , Huang Guoqin , Cui Changcai 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In order to enhance the efficiency of stone sculpture machining while reducing natural stone waste and environmental pollution, a method for the efficient and green sawing of natural stone sculptures using industrial robots is proposed. The model contour is used as the directrix of the ruled surface to construct a ruled surface model that minimizes volume. The contour curve corresponding to this minimized-volume ruled surface model serves as the machining path for an integrated robotic diamond wire cutting system. A ruled surface model of Stanford Bunny was obtained by sawing a marble block using the robotic diamond wire cutting system. The experimental results show that the material removal rate of the robotic diamond wire cutting is 1.37 times that of saw blade cutting and 2.30 times that of grinding. The volume of stone powder generated during the processing was 0.16×10⁷mm³, accounting for only 1.47% of the total stone powder produced during the grinding process. In summary, the proposed method not only enhances processing efficiency but also reduces natural stone waste and mitigates environmental pollution.
Demographic parameters of Pachycrepoideus vindemiae (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) reared on Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae), Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae), and Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) puparia
Authors: Garcez Amanda M , Krüger Alexandra P , Nava Dori E 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Pachycrepoideus vindemiae (Rondani) is a solitary generalist pupal ectoparasitoid that parasitizes dipterans of various families and genera. This study aimed to evaluate Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann), Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), and Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) to determine the best host for the development and mass production of parasitoid P. vindemiae in the laboratory. The experiments were performed in air-conditioned rooms at a temperature of 25 ± 2 °C, relative humidity of 70% ± 10%, and photophase of 12 h. Moreover, 24-h-old pupae of A. fraterculus, C. capitata, and D. suzukii were provided daily to 25 pairs of the parasitoid. The following parameters were determined: percentage of parasitism, percentage of emergence, hind tibia size, sex ratio, and longevity. A fertility life table was established using biological data. Notably, P. vindemiae parasitized the pupae of all 3 hosts but did not affect the sex ratio of the offspring. Parental parasitoids from the pupae of A. fraterculus and C. capitata lived longer than those from the pupae of D. suzukii. However, for all other parameters, parasitoids from D. suzukii showed better performance than those from other hosts, with shorter intervals between generations (T) and a higher net reproduction rate (Ro), intrinsic rate of increase (rm), and finite rate of increase (λ).
Axiomatization of Boolean Connexive Logics with syncategorematic negation and modalities
Authors: Jarmużek T , Malinowski J , Parol A , Zamperlin N 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In the article we investigate three classes of extended Boolean Connexive Logics. Two of them are extensions of Modal and non-Modal Boolean Connexive Logics with a property of closure under an arbitrary number of negations. The remaining one is an extension of Modal Boolean Connexive Logic with a property of closure under the function of demodalization. In our work we provide a formal presentation of mentioned properties and axiom schemata that allow us to incorporate them into Hilbert-style calculi. The presented axiomatic systems are provided with proofs of soundness, completeness and decidability. The properties of closure under negation and demodalization are motivated by the syncategorematic view on the connectives of negation and modalities, which is discussed in the paper.
Resolution of IP disputes in Turkey: emerging trends of mandatory mediation and specialized courts for IP disputes
Authors: Kaya Serkan , Kervankıran Emrullah , Akıncı Muhammed Furkan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Resolving IP disputes is a critical challenge within the intricate framework of global business and innovation. Turkey, amidst its evolving legal landscape, has shown considerable attention towards efficiently managing disputes linked to IP rights. Notably, Turkey has significantly transformed its approach to handling these issues by introducing specialized IP courts and embracing mandatory mediation as a resolution method. The adoption of mandatory mediation in Turkey marks a notable departure from traditional litigation approaches, aiming to expedite disputes and resolve them in a cost-effective manner. Additionally, the establishment of dedicated IP courts signals a deliberate shift towards adjudication grounded in specialized knowledge tailored to address the intricate nuances of IP conflicts. This article seeks to delve into the burgeoning trends and evolving practices surrounding IP courts and mandatory mediation to resolve IP disputes within the Turkish jurisdiction. By examining the historical foundations, legislative developments and practical applications of mandatory mediation in the context of IP disputes, this study aims to provide an insightful evaluation of the efficacy and feasibility of these mechanisms while exploring their implications for stakeholders.
Identifying physicians’ needs in community-based palliative care consultation for cancer patients in palliative care specialist-deficient settings: a qualitative study
Authors: Aoki Miwa , Yamamoto Sena , Takao Ayumi , Tamura Saori , Kizawa Yoshiyuki , Arao Harue 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Consultation with palliative care specialists can be beneficial in addressing the numerous demands of patients with cancers and their families within communities. In settings lacking palliative care specialists, establishing a new community-based palliative care consultation system necessitates gathering evidence to support its development. This study aimed to identify the specific palliative care consultation needs and the consultation methods requested by Japanese physicians in settings without palliative care specialists.

Methods
A qualitative descriptive study utilizing semi-structured virtual interviews. From August 2023 to October 2023, we conducted interviews with 11 physicians providing cancer treatment in hospitals or clinics in a prefecture within the Kanto region of Japan without palliative care specialists. Participants were asked about the specific palliative care consultation needs they have and the need for consultation methods.

Results
Of the 11 physicians, nine had completed the nationwide basic primary palliative care education program. The survey revealed three themes regarding their consultation needs: ‘receiving specialized insight’, ‘inspiring confidence’, and ‘improving care capacity’, Two themes emerged regarding the need for consultation methods: ‘enhancing care collaboration’ and ‘improving accessibility’.

Conclusions
Physicians require consultation systems to empower them and enhance the community care capacity, in addition to providing specialized knowledge. These systems would include collaboration with specialists through outreach consultations, utilization of information and communications technology, and the establishment of nurse-led consultation teams to improve access to palliative care teams.
The Diverse Aspects of Uterine Serous Cancer: an NCI workshop on the status of and opportunities for advancement of research
Authors: Janakiram Naveena B , Clarke Megan A , Kai Mihoko , Wallace Tiffany A , Russo Sandra , Hecht Toby T , Kohn Elise C , Heckman-Stoddard Brandy 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The marked increase in the incidence and mortality associated with endometrial cancer over the past 2 decades is driven in part by rising rates of higher-grade, more aggressive endometrial cancers with variations in TP53, uterine serous cancers and their dedifferentiated component, uterine carcinosarcomas. Uterine serous cancer rates have been increasing among all racial and ethnic groups, with higher rates of this aggressive uterine cancer in Black women. The National Cancer Institute hosted a workshop in June 2023 to examine the diverse aspects of uterine serous cancers across epidemiology, biology, and molecular genetics and to advance knowledge from basic to preclinical and translational efforts. Key stakeholders, including basic scientists, clinical investigators, and patient advocates, came together to identify critical research gaps that, when addressed, would facilitate more comprehensive and rapid progress in understanding and ultimately treating uterine serous cancers across all patients. The National Cancer Institute released a supplemental funding opportunity (NOT-CA-24-044) in spring 2024 to facilitate rapid translation of these recommendations.
Use of radiofrequency ablation of the vaginal canal for genitourinary syndrome of menopause
Authors: Rothenberger Rodger , Kopinga Elaine , Dell Jeffrey , Moore Robert D , Miklos John R , Karram Mickey 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a prevalent condition with a constellation of symptoms including burning, dryness, dyspareunia, and irritative lower urinary tract symptoms that result from vulvovaginal atrophic changes. Though hormonal therapy is a mainstay of treatment in GSM, some patients may pursue nonhormonal therapies.

Aim
To determine the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation of the vaginal canal with the MorpheusV applicator in reducing the symptoms of GSM.

Methods
We conducted a multicenter prospective case series of women with GSM as confirmed by Vaginal Health Index Score (VHIS). Subjects received 3 treatments of radiofrequency ablation ~4 weeks apart with follow-up to 6-month posttreatment.

Outcomes
The primary endpoint was VHIS at 6-month posttreatment. Secondary endpoints were VHIS at 3 months, Visual analog scale (VAS) pain with each treatment, 3- and 6-month measurements of urogenital distress inventory-6 (UDI-6), and female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaires.

Results
From 2021 to 2023, 71 women were enrolled in the study with 51 followed to the 6-month follow-up time point. Treatments were found to be low in VAS pain score with mean values of 2.13 ± 2.1, 2.55 ± 2.38, and 2.18 ± 2.14 at treatments 1, 2, and 3 respectively. An improvement in VHIS score was seen from baseline to 3 months after the last treatment (15.00 ± 5.37 vs. 19.62 ± 4.44) and sustained at 6 months (20.23 ± 4.12) (P &lt; .001). Significant improvements in both UDI-6 and FSFI were also noted. Between baseline and 6 months after treatment (FSFI: 18.81 ± 9.57 vs. 22.81 ± 10.34, P &lt; 0.001; UDI-6: 39.58 ± 15.98 vs. 22.42 ± 14.03, P &lt; 0.001). No adverse events were encountered by any subject during this study.

Clinical implications
A therapy that is safe and effective in the treatment of both GSM and lower urinary tract symptoms without the use of hormonal methods is clinically impactful for the many patients who cannot receive or do not desire to receive these medications.

Strengths and limitations
Strengths of this study include the utilization of 3 treatment sessions, with follow-up of subjects to 6-month posttreatment with a comprehensive assessment of patient symptoms. Limitations include the unblinded nature of the study and the lack of a comparator group.

Conclusion
The data from this study suggests that radiofrequency ablation of the vaginal canal by the MorpheusV applicator is a safe and effective intervention for GSM. It also shows subjective improvements in stress urinary incontinence, urge urinary incontinence, and sexual function.