bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Global Major Reservoirs and Lakes on Plastic Dynamics Using a Process‐Based Eco‐Hydrology Model
Authors: Nakayama Tadanobu 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTEnvironmental contamination by plastics has been receiving considerable attention from scientists, policymakers and the public. In this study, the process‐based model NICE‐BGC was extended to couple with LAKE2K in a stratified water quality model to evaluate the global plastic dynamics in both lotic and lentic waters. The new model could simulate riverine plastic transport in inland waters with and without the presence of global major reservoirs and lakes. The result showed the simulated plastic transport with the presence of reservoirs becomes slightly smaller than that without the presence of reservoirs. In particular, the plastic burial simulated by the model became different with and without the lake model when the density of plastic was higher than that of water. This result showed there are limits to the application of the same partial differential equations as in inorganic carbon for the derivatives either with or without the reservoirs as assumed in a previous study by this author, especially when the plastic density is higher than that of water. The model also simulated plastic sedimentation in the global lakes and reservoirs together, and showed that more plastic deposits in the reservoirs than in the lakes with the exception of the Caspian Sea and most of lentic waters are found to deposit more microplastics than macroplastics as pointed out in a previous study. Finally, the weighted average of plastic budget in the global major rivers with the effect of anthropogenic factors such as construction of artificial dams and global lakes in lentic water was quantified. The simulated result also showed that incorporation of the lake model in NICE‐BGC led to improved estimates of plastic dynamics in inland waters, and may aid the development of solutions and measures to reduce plastic input to the ocean.
Cerebral Microcirculation: Progress and Outlook of Laser Doppler Flowmetry in Neurosurgery and Neurointensive Care
Authors: Wårdell Karin , Richter Johan , Zsigmond Peter 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTLaser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) is a well‐established technique for the investigation of tissue microcirculation. Compared to skin, the use in the human brain is sparse. The measurement of cerebral microcirculation in neurointensive care and during neurosurgery is challenging and requires adaptation to the respective clinical setting. The aim of the review is to present state of the art and progress in neurosurgery and neurointensive care where LDF has proven useful and can find clinical importance in the investigation of cerebral microcirculation. The literature in the field is summarized and recent technical improvements regarding LDF systems and fiber optical probe designs for neurosurgical and neurocritical care described. By combining two signals from the LDF unit, the measurement of the microcirculation (Perfusion) and gray whiteness (TLI) of the brain tissue, the full potential of the device is achieved. For example, a forward‐looking LDF‐probe detects high‐risk hemorrhage areas and gray‐white matter boundaries along intraoperative trajectories during stereotactic neurosurgery. Proof of principles are given for LDF as a guidance tool in deep brain stimulation implantation, brain tumor needle biopsies, and as long‐term monitoring device in neurocritical care. With well‐designed fiber optical probes, surgical fixation, and signal processing for movement reduction, LDF monitoring of the cerebral microcirculation is successful up to 10 days. The use of LDF can be combined with other physiological measurement techniques, for example, fluorescence spectroscopy for identification of glioblastoma during tumor surgery. Fiber optics can also be used during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Despite the many advantages, fiber optical LDF has not yet reached its full potential in clinical neuro‐applications. Multicenter studies are required to further evaluate LDF in neurosurgery and neurointensive care. In conclusion, the present status of LDF in neurosurgery and neurointensive care has been reviewed. By combining Perfusion and TLI with tailored probe designs the full potential of LDF can be achived in measuring cerebral microcirculation. This includes guidance during DBS implantation and needle biopsies, and long‐term monitoring in neurocritical care.
CRISPR/Cas9‐based editing of NF‐YC4 promoters yields high‐protein rice and soybean
Authors: Wang Lei , O'Conner Seth , Tanvir Rezwan , Zheng Wenguang , Cothron Samuel , Towery Katherine , Bi Honghao , Ellison Evan E. , Yang Bing , Voytas Daniel F. , Li Ling 
Published: September 2024

Summary
Genome editing is a revolution in biotechnology for crop improvement with the final product lacking transgenes. However, most derived traits have been generated through edits that create gene knockouts.
Our study pioneers a novel approach, utilizing gene editing to enhance gene expression by eliminating transcriptional repressor binding motifs.
Building upon our prior research demonstrating the protein‐boosting effects of the transcription factor NF‐YC4, we identified conserved motifs targeted by RAV and WRKY repressors in the NF‐YC4 promoters from rice (Oryza sativa) and soybean (Glycine max). Leveraging CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we deleted these motifs, resulting in reduced repressor binding and increased NF‐YC4 expression. This strategy led to increased protein content and reduced carbohydrate levels in the edited rice and soybean plants, with rice exhibiting up to a 68% increase in leaf protein and a 17% increase in seed protein, and soybean showing up to a 25% increase in leaf protein and an 11% increase in seed protein.
Our findings provide a blueprint for enhancing gene expression through precise genomic deletions in noncoding sequences, promising improved agricultural productivity and nutritional quality.
Legitimacy, voice and power in ride hailing labour movements in Kenya
Authors: Zollmann Julie 
Published: September 2024

AbstractOne way to improve gig work may be to strengthen worker voice via worker organisations. But organising gig workers under economic strain is difficult. In this article, I apply the power resources approach to two related but divergent cases of digital driver mobilisation—Mombasa and Nairobi—to demonstrate the relationship between the cultivation of internal and external legitimacy and the implications each has for different types of power. In Mombasa, association leaders mobilised a majority of local drivers and built internal legitimacy through geographic zone groups, direct communications and democratic norms. This legitimacy enabled them to use structural power, taking direct action against app companies. Unable to build internal legitimacy, Nairobi association leaders instead cultivated external legitimacy through media and politician appeals, using political power to press for regulation. However, workers contested representation by these leaders, raising questions about whether relying solely on external legitimacy increases effective worker voice.
Cost‐Effectiveness Ratio Analysis of LBBaP Versus BVP in Heart Failure Patients With LBBB
Authors: Wang Shengchan , Xue Siyuan , Jiang Zhixin , Hou Xiaofeng , Zou Fengwei , Yang Wen , Zhou Xiujuan , Zhang Shigeng , Zou Jiangang , Shan Qijun 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundFor the initial treatment strategy for patients with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) indications, whether to choose left bundle branch area pacing (LBBaP) or biventricular pacing (BVP) remains controversial. We aimed to investigate the cost‐effectiveness ratio (CER) of LBBaP and BVP in heart failure (HF) patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB).MethodsThis observational study included HF patients with LBBB who underwent successful LBBaP or BVP. The primary outcomes were echocardiographic response (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] increase ≥5%), LVEF improvement, hospitalization costs, and CER (CER = cost/echocardiographic response rate). Secondary outcomes included other echocardiographic parameters, New York Heart Association (NYHA), N‐terminal pro–B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), pacemaker parameters, complications, ventricular arrhythmia (VA) events, HF hospitalization (HFH), and all‐cause mortality.ResultsA total of 130 patients (85 LBBaP and 45 BVP) were included (65.6 ± 10.0 years, 70.77% men). The median follow‐up period was 16(12,30), months. Compared with BVP, the LBBaP group showed a greater increase in LVEF (20.2% ± 11.8% vs. 10.5% ± 13.9%; p < 0.001), higher echocardiographic response rate (86.1% vs. 57.8%; p < 0.001), and lower hospitalization costs [$9707.7 (7751.2, 18,088.5) vs. $20,046.1 (18,840.1, 22,447.3); p < 0.0001]. The CER was 112.7 and 346.8 in LBBaP and BVP, respectively. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER = △cost/△echocardiographic response rate) was $−365.3/per 1% increase in effectiveness. LBBaP improved cardiac function more significantly than BVP. There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes.ConclusionsLBBaP‐CRT is more cost‐effective than BVP, offering greater LVEF improvement, higher echocardiographic response rates, lower hospitalization costs, and more significantly improved cardiac function. These findings need large randomized clinical trials for further confirmation.
Health Transitions and the Rise of Modern Contraceptive Prevalence: Demand, Access, and Choice
Authors: Corker Jamaica , Biddlecom Ann , Abbasi‐Shavazi Mohammad Jalal , Ezeh Alex , Ponce de León Rodolfo Gómez 
Published: September 2024

AbstractImprovements in health and mortality, known as the health transition, played important roles in the rise of modern contraceptive prevalence across countries. We describe key mechanisms and selected research evidence that show how health transitions helped shape contraceptive transitions around the world. Mechanisms include how decreases in child mortality rates affect the motivation to use contraception and how the organization and expansion of health care affect key barriers to contraceptive use. Substantial increases in child survival resulting from health transitions increase demand for deliberate fertility regulation and contraceptive use. Improved access to primary health care, particularly maternal and child health services and expansion into rural communities, was associated with increases in modern method use. Country‐specific policies that affected the organization and delivery of health care led to the dominance of particular modern methods in some countries. Empirical evidence is limited on how the quality of health care has affected aggregate level increases in modern method use. Using modern contraceptive prevalence to define the contraceptive transition reflects current data limitations but future research on the relationship of health transitions with macrolevel contraceptive prevalence trends may be able to incorporate more comprehensive aspects of how health transitions impact contraceptive choice and agency.
Main oral characteristics and treatment of ligneous gingivitis and periodontitis in individuals with plasminogen deficiency: A systematic review
Authors: Santos Diego Belmiro do Nascimento , da Silva Larissa Conrado , da Silva Isabelle do Vale Dantas , de Andrade Bruno Augusto Benevenuto , Maia Lucianne Cople , Tenório Jefferson R. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis systematic review evaluated the main clinical, radiographic, histopathological and treatment‐related characteristics of ligneous gingivitis (LG) and periodontitis (LP) in individuals with plasminogen deficiency (PD).Material and MethodsStudies in humans diagnosed with PD, focusing on the evaluation of oral characteristics and treatment of the LG/LP were considered for inclusion criteria. Electronic searches were performed up to April 2024 in five databases and in the grey literature. Risk of bias was assessed according to the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklists for case reports. It was provided a narrative synthesis of the results.ResultsA total of 17 studies were included. All were case reports that analyzed 17 individuals with PD who presented with LG/LP. The relative frequency of PD type I was 56%, while type II constitutes the remaining 44%. In most studies, patients exhibited ulceration clinically, bone loss radiographically, and subepithelial eosinophilic material accumulation on histopathological evaluation. Conventional periodontal scaling was the most used management. All included studies provided well‐described clinical characteristics and confirmed plasminogen deficiency through laboratory testing. Only three studies had a risk of bias values lower than 15%.ConclusionsCurrent evidence is limited and varied, complicating the diagnosis and treatment of GL/PL. Future studies should provide a more detailed account of treatments and include extended clinical and radiographic follow‐up.
Increase of Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Levels After Inactivated COVID‐19 Vaccine in Hemodialysis Patients: An Important Single‐Center Observation
Authors: Yaghoubi Fatemeh , Dalil Davood , Iranzadeh Saeid , Ghahramani Ali 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe effects of COVID‐19 vaccines on immunocompromised people such as hemodialysis (HD) patients are an important topic that should be addressed. This study reports an observation of the effect of the third dose of the Sinopharm vaccine (SphV3) on the level of hepatitis B surface antibody (anti‐HBs) in HD patients, and the differences between anti‐HBs titers before and after SphV3 were analytically evaluated.MethodsThis single‐center observational study involved all HD patients presented to Shariati Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from February 2021 to March 2022. All patients received three doses of the Sinopharm vaccine over 8 months. The anti‐HBs level is measured every 6 months as the routine evaluation against HBV infection for all HD patients. Three months before (anti‐HBs‐B3) and 3 months after (anti‐HBs‐A3) SphV3 were the routine times to measure the anti‐HBs titer during this study.ResultsTwenty‐five HD patients were enrolled. Overall, the anti‐HBs‐A3 was significantly higher than anti‐HBs‐B3 (p = 0.001). The anti‐HBs levels before and after SphV3 were not statistically remarkable in patients with diabetes and ischemic heart disease. The patients with a history of kidney transplant and those with a history of COVID‐19 had significant differences between anti‐HBs‐B3 and anti‐HBs‐A3 (p = 0.002, p = 0.003, respectively).ConclusionOur findings revealed that inactivated COVID‐19 vaccine may be involved in the humoral immune response to hepatitis B in HD patients. It may be novel and have significant implications for the vaccination protocol for immunocompromised patients, including those undergoing HD and transplant recipients.
Polarization and Partitioning Representation: How an Overlooked Aspect of Contemporary Democracy Leads to Polarizing Societies
Authors: Scholtz Hanno 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTPolarization within Western societies escalates, as citizens increasingly distrust their governments and disagree with one another in an increasingly emotional way. Departing from a literature devoid of ideas to break this destructive trend, this paper presents a novel approach: While societies have evolved—becoming more diverse, individualized, and interconnected—democratic systems have remained unchanged, hence rooted in outdated structures. This misalignment drives the rise of political polarization. Through a comprehensive review of literature and data across OECD countries, this paper states the generality of the polarization problem, with the U.S. only as severest example. It introduces the concept of ‘partitioning representation’ of representing individuals as parts of non‐overlapping subsets of society, a form that fitted a bygone era of geographically and socially partitioned communities. The paper identifies three mechanisms through which the disjunction between this traditional form of representation and contemporary individualization leads to polarization: disconnection of voters from the political process, intra‐party dynamics that favor radicalization, and perverse incentives for political and media actors. Ultimately, breaking this destructive cycle requires rethinking how representation can work in a world that no longer conforms to the partitioned societies of the Western past. This calls for new forms of doing politics, empowering citizens to engage meaningfully with the political process and restoring the capacity for collective problem‐solving that is essential for democratic resilience in a new approach usefully called a ‘civil democracy’.
Pregnancy Among Reported Lyme Disease Cases—United States, 1992–2019
Authors: Bostic Taylor D. , Kugeler Kiersten J. , Hinckley Alison F. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundLyme disease (LD), the most common vector‐borne disease in the United States, typically presents with a localised erythema migrans rash (EM). Left untreated, infection can disseminate to cause severe heart, joint or nervous system manifestations. Summaries of LD surveillance data have been published previously but did not include the frequency, demographic or clinical characteristics of LD cases during pregnancy.MethodsWe summarised confirmed and probable LD cases by pregnancy status as reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during 1992–2019. We defined an LD case during pregnancy as one with (1) female sex, (2) age 14–49 years and (3) positive pregnancy indication. We evaluated the frequency, seasonality, age distribution, race and ethnicity, geographic distribution and clinical manifestations of LD cases during pregnancy and cases among non‐pregnant females. We compared proportions using chi‐squared tests.ResultsAmong 698,876 reported LD cases, 112,002 (16%) were confirmed or probable cases among females aged 14–49 years; 32,301 (29%) were specifically reported as non‐pregnant and 643 (0.6%) (568 confirmed and 75 probable cases) reported as pregnant. Illness onset peaked in June among LD cases during pregnancy, but in July for cases among non‐pregnant females. A higher proportion of confirmed LD cases during pregnancy had only EM rash than did cases among non‐pregnant females (66% vs. 60%, p = 0.019).ConclusionsLD cases during pregnancy are rare. Compared to non‐pregnant females, cases among pregnant females more commonly involve early clinical manifestations. These patterns could suggest earlier detection or more complete reporting of LD cases during pregnancy than their non‐pregnant counterparts. Earlier detection could be due to frequent contact with healthcare or increased self‐advocacy during pregnancy. Prompt antimicrobial treatment is critical for preventing severe disease and reducing risk of adverse pregnancy or birth outcomes.
Approximate identities for ideals in L(Lp)$L(L^p)$
Authors: Johnson W. B. , Schechtman G. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe main result is that the only non‐trivial closed ideal in the Banach algebra of bounded linear operators on , , that has a left approximate identity is the ideal of compact operators. The algebra has at least one non‐trivial closed ideal that has a contractive right approximate identity as well as many, including the unique maximal ideal, that do not have a right approximate identity.
High-Speed Three-Dimensional-Digital Image Correlation and Schlieren Imaging Integrated With Shock Tube Loading for Investigating Dynamic Response of Human Tympanic Membrane Exposed to Blasts
Authors: Alipanahi Anahita , Luiz Jonathan Oliveira , Rosowski John J. , Furlong Cosme , Cheng Jeffrey Tao 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Investigating the dynamic response of human tympanic membranes (TMs) exposed to blasts requires full-field-of-view and three-dimensional (3D) methodologies. Our paper introduces a system that combines high-speed 3D digital image correlation (HS 3D-DIC) and Schlieren imaging (HS-SI) with a custom-designed shock tube for generating blast waves. This integrated system allows us to measure TM surface motions under intense transient loading, capturing full-field-of-view shape deformations exceeding 100 μm with a temporal resolution of 10 μs. System characterization encompasses (i) measuring the shock tube's output levels and repeatability, (ii) assessment of the spatial and temporal resolutions of the imaging techniques, and (iii) identification of overall system limitations. Optimizing these factors is crucial for improving the reliability of our system to ensure the accurate measurement of deformations. To assess our shock tube's reliability in generating repeated blast waves, we instrumented it with high-pressure (HP) and high-frequency (HF) pressure sensors along the blast wave pathway to record overpressure waveforms and compared them with Schlieren imaging visualized blast waves. We validate our HS 3D-DIC measured deformations by comparing them with deformations measured using single-point laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV), establishing a comprehensive assessment of the TM's dynamic response and potential fracture mechanics under blast. Finally, we test our approach with 3D-printed TM-like samples and a real cadaveric human TM. This methodology lays the groundwork for further investigations of blast-related auditory damage and the invention of more effective protective and medical solutions.
Quantifying the Fascicular Changes in Recovered Achilles Tendon Patients Using Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Tractography
Authors: Rahimnezhad Shabnam , Arefin Tanzil M. , Bai Xiaoxiao , Neuberger Thomas , Cortes Daniel 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Regardless of the way of treatment, persistent deficits in calf muscles in recovered patients from Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) exist long-term postinjury. Studies on calf muscle changes mostly highlight morphological changes in the calf muscles and Achilles tendon. However, limited attention has been given to fascicular changes. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can provide a better understanding of the characteristics and properties of tissues with organized microstructure. In the current study, we used DTI-derived indices (mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), and eigenvalues—λ1, λ2, and λ3) and fiber tractography to better understand the soleus muscle after recovery from ATR by comparing the results of injured legs with healthy ones. Our findings suggest that the standard deviations of measured parameters (FA, MD, and eigenvalues) within the soleus muscle are better predictors of the changes associated with the ATR as compared to the control counterpart for the volumetric region of interest (ROI). Additionally, in four out of five participants, smaller tracts were observed in the injured leg compared to the healthy one, as evidenced by the fiber length distribution of the tracts. Altogether, this study demonstrates the feasibility of the DTI and fiber tractography approaches to quantify the fascicular changes in the individuals recovered from ATR.