bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Precommercial Thinning but Not Commercial Thinning Increases the Merchantable and Large Sawlog Volume Production of Lodgepole Pine on Fair Sites
Authors: Ara Mostarin , Pinno Bradley D , Scaria Francis , Froese Robert E 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The effect of thinning on stand structure and volume production is well studied. However, the effect of combinations of precommercial (PCT) and commercial thinning (CT) on the production of different log grades and differential growth responses is less understood, although it is crucial for forest managers to choose an optimal management regime. Starting with actual operational field data from a lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var.latifolia) PCT trial on fair quality sites (site index: 16–18 m at 50 years), we used an individual tree growth model to forecast development over the entire rotation. We found thinning changed the structure (density, quadratic mean diameter) of the stands but not the total volume production. However, in terms of merchantable volume and large sawlog volume, stands with only PCT provided the largest volume, more than either CT or a combination of PCT and CT, or the unthinned control. Moreover, our study findings also showed that, by doing only PCT, stands reached maximum merchantable or large sawlog mean annual increment earlier than other thinned or unthinned stands. This indicates that PCT might shorten the rotation length and contribute to an enhanced supply of timber.
Study Implications: The effect of commercial thinning (CT) on stand structure and volume production is well studied. However, the effect of combinations of precommercial (PCT) and commercial thinning (CT) on the production of different log grades and differential growth responses is less studied, although it is crucial for forest managers to choose a management option. Starting with actual operational field data from a lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var.latifolia) PCT trial in a fair-quality site (site index [SI]: 16–18), we used an individual tree growth model to develop the stands over the entire rotation. We found thinning changed the structure (density, quadratic mean diameter) of the stands but not the total volume production. However, in terms of merchantable volume and large sawlog volume, stands with only PCT provided the largest volume, more than either CT or a combination of PCT and CT, or the unthinned control. Moreover, our study findings also showed that, by doing only PCT, stands reached maximum merchantable or large sawlog MAI earlier than other thinned or unthinned stands. This indicates that PCT might shorten the rotation length and contribute to the continuous supply of timber production.
Protein–protein and protein–nucleic acid binding site prediction via interpretable hierarchical geometric deep learning
Authors: Zhang Shizhuo , Han Jiyun , Liu Juntao 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Identification of protein–protein and protein–nucleic acid binding sites provides insights into biological processes related to protein functions and technical guidance for disease diagnosis and drug design. However, accurate predictions by computational approaches remain highly challenging due to the limited knowledge of residue binding patterns. The binding pattern of a residue should be characterized by the spatial distribution of its neighboring residues combined with their physicochemical information interaction, which yet cannot be achieved by previous methods. Here, we design GraphRBF, a hierarchical geometric deep learning model to learn residue binding patterns from big data. To achieve it, GraphRBF describes physicochemical information interactions by designing an enhanced graph neural network and characterizes residue spatial distributions by introducing a prioritized radial basis function neural network. After training and testing, GraphRBF shows great improvements over existing state-of-the-art methods and strong interpretability of its learned representations. Applying GraphRBF to the SARS-CoV-2 omicron spike protein, it successfully identifies known epitopes of the protein. Moreover, it predicts multiple potential binding regions for new nanobodies or even new drugs with strong evidence. A user-friendly online server for GraphRBF is freely available at http://liulab.top/GraphRBF/server.
Association between discontinuity in clinicians and outcomes of nursing home residents
Authors: Yun Hyunkyung , Unruh Mark Aaron , Ryskina Kira L , Jung Hye-Young 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Little is known about the impact of clinician discontinuity on quality of care for nursing home residents. We examined the association between clinician discontinuity and outcomes of residents with long-term care stays up to 3 years using claims for a national 20% sample of Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries from 2014 through 2019. We used an event study analysis that accounted for staggered treatment timing. Estimates were adjusted for resident, clinician, and nursing home characteristics. Three sensitivity analyses were conducted. The first excluded small nursing homes, which were in the lowest quartile based on the number of beds. The second attributed residents to clinician practices rather than individual clinicians. The third removed the 3-year long-term care stay restriction. We found that, compared to residents who did not experience a clinician change, those with a clinician change had a 0.7 percentage point higher likelihood of an ambulatory care sensitive hospitalization in a given quarter (a 36.8% relative increase). Clinician discontinuity was not associated with ambulatory care sensitive emergency department visits. Results from our 3 sensitivity analyses were consistent with those from the primary analysis. Policymakers may consider using continuity in clinicians as a marker of nursing home quality.
Obesity Uncovers the Presence of Inflammatory Lung Macrophage Subsets With an Adipose Tissue Transcriptomic Signature in Influenza Virus Infection
Authors: Alarcon Pablo C , Ulanowicz Cassidy J , Damen Michelle S M A , Eom John , Sawada Keisuke , Chung Hak , Alahakoon Tara , Oates Jarren R , Wayland Jennifer L , Stankiewicz Traci E , Moreno-Fernandez Maria E , Zacharias William J , Salomonis Nathan , Divanovic Senad 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Obesity is an independent risk factor for increased disease severity during influenza A virus (IAV) infection. White adipose tissue (WAT) inflammation promotes disease pathogenesis in obesity. Whether obesity modifies lung and WAT immune cells to amplify influenza severity is unknown. We show that obesity establishes a proinflammatory transcriptome in lung immune cells that is augmented during IAV infection and that IAV infection changes WAT immune cell milieu in obesity. Notably, a decrease in WAT macrophages (ATM) inversely correlates with an increase in infiltrating lung macrophages in obese IAV-infected mice. Further analyses of lung immune cell uncovered a macrophage subset that shares a transcriptomic signature with inflammatory ATMs. Importantly, adoptive transfer of ATMs from obese mice into lean IAV infected mice promotes host immune cell infiltration to the lungs. These findings suggest that, in an obese state, ATMs may exacerbate the inflammatory milieu important in pathologic responses to IAV infection.
Postearthquake train operation safety assessment model based on machine learning
Authors: Mao Yong-heng , He Chang , Jiang Lizhong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Assessing the seismic risk to high-speed rail systems with limited structural damage data is a challenging task. This study employs machine learning algorithms to predict the wheel–rail forces of high-speed trains operating under postearthquake conditions, particularly when infrastructure along the railway is damaged. By developing a postearthquake train operation safety assessment model, this article effectively predicts the impact of track irregularities induced by different earthquake intensities on wheel–rail interactions. The results obtained through feature selection and regression analysis using the Random Forest algorithm provide valuable insights into key safety indicators for postearthquake train operations. Compared to traditional multibody dynamic models, this approach significantly improves the efficiency of analysis and computation. An analysis of the results across multiple speed levels reveals that trains operating at 250 km/h face derailment risks when subjected to high-intensity earthquakes (PGA &gt; 0.6 g). The proposed predictive safety assessment model demonstrates that adjusting train speeds according to seismic intensity can effectively enhance operational safety, offering critical support for postearthquake emergency recovery efforts.
Ethanol stability from 9 years of a blind quality control program in blood alcohol analysis
Authors: Phung Erika , Rodgers Corissa , Gooden Andrea , Stout Peter , Lee Dayong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
A blind quality control (BQC) program in blood alcohol analysis was implemented at the Houston Forensic Science Center (HFSC) in September 2015. By mimicking authentic toxicology blood evidence, the laboratory can perform a concurrent evaluation of their technical and administrative casework procedures and test the accuracy and reliability of their volatile analysis method in a format that is blinded to the analyst. From September 2015 to November 2023, HFSC’s Quality Division submitted 1228 antemortem whole-blood samples: 292 ethanol-negative samples and 936 ethanol-positive samples at 16 target concentrations (0.051, 0.080, 0.100, 0.110, 0.120, 0.130, 0.150, 0.160, 0.170, 0.180, 0.190, 0.200, 0.230, 0.240, 0.250, and 0.260 g/dL). A second, unopened blood tube in 168 of the 1228 BQCs was also analyzed after 721–1140 days: 24 ethanol-negative samples and 144 ethanol-positive samples at 5 target concentrations (0.080, 0.100, 0.130, 0.180, and 0.240 g/dL).
All 316 ethanol-negative samples remained negative. After 42–758 days, the average (median, range) change in ethanol concentration of the 936 positive samples was −1.4% (−1.3%, −12.0% to +8.4%) with a statistically significant difference (P &lt; .001) observed for the gradual decline in blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over time. The average BAC percentage differences per target concentration, ranged from −6.4% (−0.008 g/dL) to +5.7% (+0.011 g/dL), were within HFSC’s current measurement uncertainty (9.4% at k = 3), showing no apparent correlation between the change in ethanol and the theoretical target concentration. As the analysis time between the two blood specimens from the same evidence kit extended, the loss in ethanol significantly increased (P &lt; .001).
Risk Factors for ARDS in Hospitalized Burn Patients: An Analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank
Authors: Sim Danielle , Subramanian Madhu , Caffrey Julie 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common complication among mechanically ventilated adult patients with burns; however, the risk factors associated with its development are not well understood. Conflicting evidence also exists regarding ARDS as an independent predictor of poor hospital outcomes. The purpose of this study is to identify risk factors for ARDS in mechanically ventilated adult patients with burns and characterize the impact of ARDS on hospital course. The National Trauma Data Bank was queried for patients ≥ 18 years with International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes corresponding to burn injury from 2007 to 2016. Hospitalized patients with at least 48 h of mechanical ventilation were included. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for ARDS. Propensity score-matched analysis at a 1:3 ratio was used to determine the impact of ARDS on hospital course. This sample included 13,928 patients, of which 1437 (10.3%) developed ARDS. Hypotension in the emergency department, alcohol use disorder, total body surface area, injury severity score (ISS), and inhalation injury were independently associated with ARDS. In the propensity score-matched cohort, patients with ARDS had a significantly longer median (interquartile range) length of stay (31 [15-54] vs. 22 [9-43], P &lt; .001). In-hospital mortality was also significantly higher in the ARDS cohort (203 [35%] vs. 325 [24%], P &lt; .001). These findings highlight the impact of patient and injury characteristics on developing ARDS and support the consideration of ARDS when estimating mortality risk in patients with burns.
Altered post-fracture systemic bone loss in a mouse model of osteocyte dysfunction
Authors: Osipov Benjamin , Emami Armaun J , Cunningham Hailey C , Orr Sophie , Lin Yu-Yang , Jbeily Elias H , Punati Ritvik S , Murugesh Deepa K , Zukowski Hannah M , Loots Gabriela G , Carney Randy , Vargas Diego , Ferguson Virginia L , Christiansen Blaine A 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Femur fracture leads to loss of bone at uninjured skeletal sites, which may increase risk of subsequent fracture. Osteocytes, the most abundant bone cells, can directly resorb bone matrix and regulate osteoclast and osteoblast activity, but their role in systemic bone loss after fracture remains poorly understood. In this study we used a transgenic (TG+) mouse model that overexpresses human B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) in osteoblasts and osteocytes. This causes enhanced osteoblast proliferation, followed by disruption in lacunar-canalicular connectivity and massive osteocyte death by 10 wk of age. We hypothesized that reduced viable osteocyte density would decrease the magnitude of systemic bone loss after femur fracture, reduce perilacunar remodeling, and alter callus formation. Bone remodeling was assessed using serum biomarkers of bone formation and resorption at 5 d post-fracture. We used micro-computed tomography, high resolution x-ray microscopy, mechanical testing, and Raman spectroscopy to quantify the magnitude of systemic bone loss, as well as changes in osteocyte lacunar volume, bone strength, and bone composition 2 wk post-fracture. Fracture was associated with a reduction in circulating markers of bone resorption in non-transgenic (TG-) animals. TG+ mice exhibited high bone mass in the limbs, greater cortical elastic modulus and reduced post-yield displacement. After fracture, TG+ mice lost less trabecular bone than TG- mice, but conversely TG+ mice exhibited trends toward a lower yield point and reduced femoral cortical thickness after fracture, though these were not statistically significant. Lacunar density was greater in TG+ mice, but fracture did not alter lacunar volume in TG+ or TG- mice. These findings suggest that osteocytes potentially play a significant role in the post-traumatic systemic response to fracture, though the effects differ between trabecular and cortical bone.
Vulnerability assessment for naval ships against air-explosive impulses: modified damage-extent method incorporating structural capacity
Authors: Kim Kwang Sik , Yoon Joon Young , Lee Jang Hyun 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Traditionally, vulnerability assessments for naval ships have relied on empirical calculations to estimate the extent of damage without taking into account the structural capacity of the ship. This study introduces an enhanced damage-extent method that incorporates the structural load-bearing capacity of the hull to assess the vulnerability of naval ships to explosive loads. This vulnerability assessment predicts the area of damage to the hull structure and calculates the probability of onboard equipment experiencing functional losses due to the explosive load, thus allowing various design alternatives to be evaluated. The proposed methodology improves upon traditional damage-volume-based approaches, such as damage-radius and ellipsoid methods, by considering the hull’s structural stiffness and intrinsic damage resistance. It integrates the hull’s structural resistance to the load, enhancing the damage assessment process for both the hull and equipment. This approach facilitates damage prediction for different hull designs by comparing the allowable impulse with the explosive pressure. In assessing the functionality loss and vulnerability of the equipment within the damaged hull, the network of equipment functions is considered. An anti-ship cruise missile with a sea-skimming trajectory is investigated as the explosive charge, with procedures established to simulate its trajectory and impact location on the hull. Hundreds of potential internal and external explosion points are generated, predicting the explosive pressure at each location. The shock wave, including incident overpressure, reflection pressure, and quasi-static gas pressure, is converted into impulses, taking into account the configuration of hull compartments to accurately predict these pressures and equivalent impulse. The resulting impulse is compared with the intrinsic damage capacity of each compartment’s structure to assess potential damage. System network and fault tree analysis evaluate the loss of function and vulnerability of equipment within the damaged hull. Finally, the proposed capacity-based damage extent method demonstrates more accurate damage assessment compared to traditional methods, overcoming the limitations of damage-radius and ellipsoid approaches by considering hull strength.
An elastohydrodynamic model of the slot-die coating process
Authors: Lemarchand Fabian , Rivas Alejandro , Pradera-Mallabiabarrena Ainara , Salterain Alaine 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The slot-die coating process plays an important role in the industry, as it is employed in many different fields. The characteristics of the final application are determined by the flow between the die and the roller. This research paper aims to develop a mathematical model of such flow that takes into account the roller deformations caused by high pressure values reached by the coating fluid. This elastohydrodynamic model is made up of a coupling between the mathematical model of the flow and the mathematical model of the roller deformations. Model resolution is undertaken numerically by deforming the flow domain according to the roller deformations using computational fluid dynamics and computational solid mechanics techniques. For its part, the finite volume method is used to perform the flow model analysis and the finite element method is employed to deal with roller deformations. The results obtained from this model give information on the flow pressure distribution, coating gaps, meniscus position, extent of roller deformations in the coating flow, and the influence of different operating conditions. The information obtained from this study is valuable for industrial applications, as it gives insights into the coating process that can help manufacturers to define a suitable combination of operating parameters in order to obtain coating applications that meet quality and performance requirements.
Monitoring and management of the Nearctic leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) in Italian vineyards
Authors: Bagnoli Bruno , Ricciardi Renato , De Fazi Livia , D’Anna Giordana , Braccini Piero , Benelli Giovanni , Lucchi Andrea 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The Nearctic leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus Ball (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) is the main vector of the grapevine flavescence dorée (FD) phytoplasmas in Europe. To limit the impact of pest control activities on human health and the environment, EU legislation is withdrawing a growing number of active ingredients (a.i.), highlighting the need to evaluate alternative S. titanus management tools. In this context, we carried out a three-year (2021–2023) study in Italian vineyards characterized by high S. titanus populations. We compared the effectiveness of different insecticide-based strategies, i.e., targeting only nymphs (2021) or nymphs and adults (2022–2023), by spraying some of the currently allowed products (i.e., flupyradifurone, acetamiprid, sulfoxaflor, etofenprox, deltamethrin, and pyrethrins). The effectiveness of insecticide-based treatments was evaluated in terms of adult catches on yellow sticky traps. Furthermore, to achieve useful insights for optimizing current monitoring tools, we compared S. titanus catches on sticky traps of five different colors (i.e., yellow, green, blue, black, and white), as well as those achieved with two types of currently marketed yellow sticky traps. Results showed that etofenprox, deltamethrin, and sulfoxaflor were the most effective products for reducing S. titanus adult populations (33.64%, 30.30%, and 31.26%, respectively). Yellow and green sticky traps were more attractive to S. titanus adults than white, blue, and black ones. Moreover, a significant difference in capture efficiency was observed between two commercial yellow devices (i.e., tenfold higher catches using Glutor over Super color). Practical implications of our results are discussed in the context of current IPM against this key leafhopper vector of FD.
Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma in pancreatoblastoma with TP53 and SMAD4 mutations: a clinicopathologic study of a rare entity
Authors: Nwosu Ifeomachukwu E , Zhang Jenny , Elliott Alexis S , De La Maza Michelina , Sun Belinda L 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Pancreatoblastoma, a rare pancreatic tumor, exhibits diverse differentiation pathways, including acinar, ductal, and neuroendocrine lineages, often with distinct squamoid nests [3]. We present a notable case of pancreatoblastoma coexisting with large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma in a 10-year-old boy, presenting with abdominal discomfort, weight loss, and lesions in the pancreas, spleen, and liver visible on imaging. A liver biopsy revealed a poorly differentiated carcinoma with neuroendocrine features, while a splenic biopsy showed acinar cell differentiation, raising possible diagnoses of pancreatoblastoma or acinar cell carcinoma. Subsequent surgical resection after chemotherapy revealed diverse components within the pancreatoblastoma, including well-differentiated acinar and neuroendocrine cells, squamoid nests, and a high-grade neuroendocrine carcinoma. Genetic analysis detected pathogenic variants in TP53 and SMAD4, rarely found in pancreatoblastomas. This juxtaposition of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and pancreatoblastoma suggests a potential evolution from well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors to poorly-differentiated carcinomas within pancreatoblastomas.
Does pre-charge bail prevent harm? A natural experiment
Authors: Whitten Dan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In the last decade pre-charge bail (PCB) has been subject to unprecedented scrutiny. Conflicting public policy decisions have been made on the basis that PCB prevents harm. Despite this, there has to date been no empirical examination of the relationship between PCB and crime-related harm. Utilizing bail law reform in 2017 as a natural experiment, this study draws on two comparable samples (n = 746), derived from the Metropolitan Police Service. Analysis indicated no statistically significant difference between harm caused by suspects whilst under investigation before versus after the law change, despite an 85.4 per cent reduction in arrestees being subject to bail. Findings may serve to undermine oft-confident assertion in the public policy arena that it is axiomatic that bail prevents harm. Further, this constitutes a nascent empirical evidence base regarding PCB that enables further research on this under-examined subject.