bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reinforcement learning-based optimal hull form design with variations in fore and aft parts
Authors: Oh Se-Jin , Oh Min-Jae , Son Eun-Young 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
With recent advancements in artificial intelligence technology, various studies are being conducted in the shipbuilding industry. Traditionally, hull form variation methods have relied on the intuition and expertise of designers, leading to inconsistent results and unintended changes in the ship’s main dimensions depending on the designer’s competence. Moreover, the iterative process of design variation and analysis to derive the optimal hull form is both costly and time-consuming. To address these issues, this study proposes an optimal hull design technique utilizing reinforcement learning, a type of unsupervised learning in machine learning. Reinforcement learning allows the model to learn from past policies by recording and accumulating the rewards associated with various actions taken by an agent in a specific environment. In this study, after calculating the main parameters of the ship, the agent defines a state representing hull information and performs local transformations of the bow and stern. The reward of reinforcement learning is defined as the change in total resistance due to the hull deformation, constrained by limiting the tolerance of the ship’s prismatic coefficient (CP) and longitudinal center of buoyancy. In this study, the problem is solved by comparing the proximal policy optimization algorithm and the deep deterministic policy gradient algorithm to find the best deep reinforcement learning model for the hull optimization problem. The results were compared with the genetic algorithm and speed-constrained multi-objective particle swarm optimization, and the optimal hull resistance values were less different, but the time of the reinforcement learning model was five times shorter.
Visa policy and international student migration: evidence from Canada
Authors: Gonnot Jerome , Lanati Mauro 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis article examines how visa policy affects international student migration. Using administrative data on community colleges in Canada, we evaluate a reform that introduced a new visa stream—the Student Partners Program (SPP)—with shorter processing times and higher approval rates for student visa applicants able to demonstrate that they have the financial resources and language skills to succeed academically. Using a triple difference estimator, we find that SPP increased student migration from treated countries by 34% relative to what would have occurred without the reform, and that this effect materialized only among students from origin countries suffering from low approval rates. Moreover, we show that higher enrollment was driven in roughly equal proportions by an increase in visa approval rates and the volume of visa applications, suggesting that the policy helped reduce statistical discrimination and increased the attractiveness of treated institutions. We also leverage the SPP reform to investigate potential crowding-out effects. While inflows of international students did not reduce the number of domestic students enrolled at Canadian community colleges, the reform helped foreign enrollment outpace domestic enrollment by crowding-in international students from countries that were not eligible to SPP.
Review of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome
Authors: Gómez-Verdejo Fernando , Alvarado-Solorio Elsa , Suarez-Ahedo Carlos 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is a common condition of the hip that can cause significant damage to the joint, leading to degeneration and osteoarthritis. FAIS constitutes an abnormal and dynamic contact between the femoral head–neck junction and the acetabular rim, resulting from altered bone morphology at one or both sites. Repetitive trauma at the site of impingement generates progressive damage to the acetabular labrum, chondrolabral junction, and articular cartilage. Proper diagnosis based on patient symptoms, specific clinical signs, and imaging findings will guide treatment and ultimately allow preservation of the native hip joint. Common symptoms in patients with FAIS include pain, clicking, catching, buckling, stiffness, giving way, and a limited range of motion of the hip. Specific clinical maneuvers can aid diagnosis, such as flexion adduction internal rotation and flexion abduction external rotation tests. Imaging diagnosis includes orthogonal hip and pelvis X-ray views, as well as magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance arthrogram imaging. Initial treatment of FAIS can be conservative and include physical therapy, intra-articular injections, and activity modification. Currently, the preferred surgical management consists of hip arthroscopy, which aims to correct bony abnormalities, repair or reconstruct labral lesions and address other intra-articular and extra-articular derangements as needed.
Cohesin ring gates are specialized for meiotic cell division
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Liu Bohan , Zhang Ruirui , Zhu Zixuan , Zhao Li , Jiang Ruijie , Wang Yinghao , Qi Feifei , Wang Ruoxi , Zhao Huijie , Zhou Jun , Gao Jinmin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Cohesin is a ring complex closed with SMC-1, SMC-3, and a kleisin subunit, mediating sister chromatid cohesion in mitosis and meiosis. Kleisin N- and C-terminal domains interact with SMC-3 and SMC-1, forming two distinct cohesin gates. Whether these gates are specialized for mitosis and meiosis remains elusive. Here, we create Caenorhabditis elegans mutants that express chimeric proteins swapping N- and C-terminal domains between different kleisins to investigate how these gates are specialized for different cell division programs. Replacing the meiotic REC-8 N-terminus with that of a cell division-unrelated kleisin COH-1 or the mitotic kleisin SCC-1 disrupts inter-sister chromatid cohesion and causes severe meiotic defects. Swapping the REC-8 C-terminus with that of COH-1 or SCC-1 largely retains the meiotic functions of REC-8 but causes age-related chromosome abnormalities. A specialized C-terminus is also required for the functions of SCC-1. Furthermore, point mutations in REC-8 C-terminus cause severe meiotic defects without impairing SMC-1–kleisin interaction, suggesting an integrated SMC-1–kleisin gate. These findings suggest the requirements for specialized cohesin gates in different biological processes.
Reducing learning and psychosocial disparities in Latino children with cancer: a randomized intervention trial
Authors: Patel Sunita K , Kim Seong-Hyeon , Ingman Kathleen , Huynh Van , Huszti Heather , Kayser Kimberly , Mucci Grace , Balderrama Melissa , Bava Laura , Onderwyzer Gold Abigail , Wuth Alicia , Delgado Nicole , Bosworth Alysia , Nishimura Emily , Hara Harneet , Pawlowska Anna , Mueller Lisa , Wong F Lennie 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
We developed a high-intensity parenting intervention program (HIP) to help parents support the academic success of childhood cancer survivors (CCSs), who often face post-treatment challenges affecting their school-related functioning. This randomized controlled trial (NCT03178617) evaluated HIP’s efficacy compared with lower-intensity, single-session, treatment-as-usual services (lower-intensity program [LIP]) in Latino families. Primary outcomes were parenting efficacy and CCSs’ school functioning; secondary outcomes included parenting knowledge and measures of CCSs’ academic performance, attention, and functioning outside of school.

Methods
In total, 106 Latino survivors of childhood leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma (aged 6–12 years) and their parents were randomly assigned to HIP (n = 54) or LIP (n = 52). Linear mixed-effects models evaluated group differences across baseline, 6-month (T2), and 12-month (T3) assessments.

Results
Parenting efficacy and knowledge improved significantly in the HIP arm, resulting in higher scores vs LIP at T2 and T3 (P ≤ .01). No significant between-group differences were found in child school functioning; however, HIP children showed significantly better social functioning and performance on 1 measure of attention (CPT-3 commissions) at T3 (P &lt; .05). Although HIP adherence challenges were observed, with only 33 (61%) completing the intervention, exploratory analyses suggest that benefits were most evident among those who were fully engaged. Satisfaction and perceived benefit were greater for HIP vs LIP at both time points (P &lt; .05).

Conclusions
Our results suggest the potential value of parent-directed behavioral interventions such as HIP for CCSs and their families. Further studies are needed to address participation barriers and enhance engagement to maximize and sustain benefits.
Increasing tree phylogenetic diversity stimulates microbial functional potential in a subtropical forest
Authors: Fang Yuantian , He Xunyang , Xie Qingquan , Li Dejun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Soil microbial functions are closely related to ecosystem productivity, carbon sequestration and their responses to global change. Tree phylogenetic diversity (TPD) has been found to impact microbial community composition, diversity and functions, but how it modulates the linkage between microbial community facets and functions remains unclear. Here, 45 plots covering a natural gradient of TPD were selected in a subtropical forest of southwest China to explore how increasing TPD impacts soil microbial community facets and microbial functional potential. The microbial functional potential was evaluated based on the abundances of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycling-related functional genes. Soil fungal alpha diversity increased significantly, but bacterial alpha diversity did not change as TPD increased. Both soil microbial network complexity and stability improved significantly with increasing TPD. Ultimately, increasing TPD promoted soil microbial functional potential by stimulating soil carbon and nitrogen availability, microbial keystone diversity and network stability collectively. These findings emphasize the critical roles of keystone taxa and network stability as microbial factors in stimulating soil microbial function in response to increasing TPD. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to increase TPD so as to stimulate soil microbial functions and other ecosystem functions when implementing afforestation or ecological restoration projects.
Adult presentation of symptomatic annular pancreas treated with gastrojejunostomy
Authors: Kryzsko Violet M , Tecos Maria E , Buesing Keely L , Henry Reynold 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Annular pancreas is a rare congenital abnormality that is often considered a neonatal condition, though in few cases it can present in adulthood. Patients diagnosed with annular pancreas in adulthood are often asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally from radiologic studies. While there is no existing treatment protocol for symptomatic annular pancreas, multiple surgical approaches have been documented in the literature. In this case study we present a 49-year-old female patient who presented with gastric outlet obstruction secondary to annular pancreas. The patient was treated with nasogastric decompression and open side-to-side gastrojejunostomy with an antecolic approach to bypass the obstructed duodenal segment. The surgery was successful, followed by an uneventful postoperative course and discharge on postoperative Day 4. By 5-week outpatient follow-up the patient had resolution of her symptoms and achieved weight gain.
Expression of the grapevine anion transporter ALMT2 in Arabidopsis roots decreases the shoot Cl−/NO3− ratio under salt stress
Authors: Wu Yue , Henderson Sam W , Walker Rob R , Shelden Megan C , Gilliham Matthew 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Grapevines (Vitis vinifera, Vvi) are economically important crop plants which, when challenged with salt (NaCl) in soil and/or irrigation water, tend to accumulate Na+ and Cl– in aerial tissues, impacting yield and berry acceptability for winemaking. Grapevine (Vitis spp.) rootstocks vary in their capacity for shoot Cl− exclusion. Here, we characterize two putative anion transporter genes—Aluminium-activated Malate Transporter VviALMT2 and VviALMT8—that were differentially expressed in the roots of efficient (140 Ruggeri) and inefficient (K51-40) Cl−-excluding rootstocks, to explore their potential for impacting shoot Cl− exclusion. Using the Xenopus laevis oocyte expression system, VviALMT2 and VviALMT8 formed conductive channels that were highly permeable to NO3−, slightly to moderately permeable to other substrates including Cl− and malate, but impermeable to SO42−. Quantitative reverse transcription–PCR analyses revealed that VviALMT2 was more highly expressed in the root vasculature and up-regulated by high [NO3−] re-supply post-starvation, while the fluorescently tagged translational fusion of VviALMT2 localized to the plasma membrane. As VviALMT8 showed no such features, we selected VviALMT2 as our salt exclusion candidate and assessed its function in planta. Expression of VviALMT2 in Arabidopsis thaliana root vasculature reduced shoot [Cl−]/[NO3−] after NaCl treatment, which suggests that VviALMT2 can be beneficial to plants under salt stress.
Evolutionary origins, macroevolutionary dynamics, and climatic niche space of the succulent plant syndrome in the Caryophyllales
Authors: Vásquez-Cruz Marilyn , Loera Israel , Del Angel Melina , Nakamura Miguel , Hultine Kevin R , Hernández-Hernández Tania 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The succulent plant syndrome is defined by the coordination of traits that enhance internal water storage within plant tissues. Although distributed globally in different habitats, succulent plants are thought to have evolved to avoid drought in arid regions, due to trait modifications that decrease tissue water deficits. We evaluated the evolution and the ecological significance of the succulent strategy at a global scale by comparing the climatic niche of species displaying succulence within the core Caryophyllales with their non-succulent relatives. We assembled and curated a worldwide dataset of 201 734 georeferenced records belonging to 5447 species within 28 families, and analyzed the climatic niche of species along with their origin and evolutionary trajectories using ecological niche modeling, phylogenetic regression, divergence dates, and ancestral state estimation. The results indicated that the core Caryophyllales have inhabited drylands since their origin in the Early Cretaceous. However, the succulent syndrome appeared and diversified during later geological periods. The climatic niche space of succulents is narrower than that of non-succulent relatives, but no niche separation was detected between groups. Our results support alternative interpretations of the environmental and ecological forces that spurred the origin and diversification of the succulent plant syndrome and the radiation of rich succulent lineages.
Toxin-Antitoxin Systems Reflect Community Interactions Through Horizontal Gene Transfer
Authors: Bethke Jonathan H , Kimbrel Jeffrey , Jiao Yongqin , Ricci Dante 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Bacterial evolution through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) reflects their community interactions. In this way, HGT networks do well at mapping community interactions, but offer little toward controlling them—an important step in the translation of synthetic strains into natural contexts. Toxin–antitoxin (TA) systems serve as ubiquitous and diverse agents of selection; however, their utility is limited by their erratic distribution in hosts. Here we examine the heterogeneous distribution of TAs as a consequence of their mobility. By systematically mapping TA systems across a 10,000 plasmid network, we find HGT communities have unique and predictable TA signatures. We propose these TA signatures arise from plasmid competition and have further potential to signal the degree to which plasmids, hosts, and phage interact. To emphasize these relationships, we construct an HGT network based solely on TA similarity, framing specific selection markers in the broader context of bacterial communities. This work both clarifies the evolution of TA systems and unlocks a common framework for manipulating community interactions through TA compatibility.
RERconverge Expansion: Using Relative Evolutionary Rates to Study Complex Categorical Trait Evolution
Authors: Redlich Ruby , Kowalczyk Amanda , Tene Michael , Sestili Heather H , Foley Kathleen , Saputra Elysia , Clark Nathan , Chikina Maria , Meyer Wynn K , Pfenning Andreas R 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Comparative genomics approaches seek to associate molecular evolution with the evolution of phenotypes across a phylogeny. Many of these methods lack the ability to analyze non-ordinal categorical traits with more than two categories. To address this limitation, we introduce an expansion to RERconverge that associates shifts in evolutionary rates with the convergent evolution of categorical traits. The categorical RERconverge expansion includes methods for performing categorical ancestral state reconstruction, statistical tests for associating relative evolutionary rates with categorical variables, and a new method for performing phylogeny-aware permutations, “permulations”, on categorical traits. We demonstrate our new method on a three-category diet phenotype, and we compare its performance to binary RERconverge analyses and two existing methods for comparative genomic analyses of categorical traits: phylogenetic simulations and a phylogenetic signal based method. We present an analysis of how the categorical permulations scale with the number of species and the number of categories included in the analysis. Our results show that our new categorical method outperforms phylogenetic simulations at identifying genes and enriched pathways significantly associated with the diet phenotypes and that the categorical ancestral state reconstruction drives an improvement in our ability to capture diet-related enriched pathways compared to binary RERconverge when implemented without user input on phenotype evolution. The categorical expansion to RERconverge will provide a strong foundation for applying the comparative method to categorical traits on larger data sets with more species and more complex trait evolution than have previously been analyzed.
The three YTHDF paralogs and VIRMA are strong cross-histotype tumor driver candidates among m6A core genes
Authors: Destefanis Eliana , Sighel Denise , Dalfovo Davide , Gilmozzi Riccardo , Broso Francesca , Cappannini Andrea , Bujnicki Janusz M , Romanel Alessandro , Dassi Erik , Quattrone Alessandro 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal modification in mRNAs. Despite accumulating evidence for the profound impact of m6A on cancer biology, there are conflicting reports that alterations in genes encoding the m6A machinery proteins can either promote or suppress cancer, even in the same tumor type. Using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, we performed a pan-cancer investigation of 15 m6A core factors in nearly 10000 samples from 31 tumor types to reveal underlying cross-tumor patterns. Altered expression, largely driven by copy number variations at the chromosome arm level, results in the most common mode of dysregulation of these factors. YTHDF1, YTHDF2, YTHDF3 and VIRMA are the most frequently altered factors and the only ones to be uniquely altered when tumors are grouped according to the expression pattern of the m6A factors. These genes are also the only ones with coherent, pan-cancer predictive power for progression-free survival. On the contrary, METTL3, the most intensively studied m6A factor as a cancer target, shows much lower levels of alteration and no predictive power for patient survival. Therefore, we propose the non-enzymatic YTHDF and VIRMA genes as preferred subjects to dissect the role of m6A in cancer and as priority cancer targets.
Ideal Time to Conduct a Pharmacokinetic Investigation After Delivery to Fully Capture the Effect of Pregnancy on Drug Exposure
Authors: Berton Mattia , Stader Felix , Bettonte Sara , Battegay Manuel , Marzolini Catia 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The World Health Organization is pushing to accelerate the study of new human immunodeficiency virus drugs in pregnant women. However, regulatory guidelines do not specify when to conduct pharmacokinetic studies in postpartum women. This knowledge gap carries the potential to jeopardize the outcomes and conclusions of clinical trials aiming to study the effect of pregnancy on drug exposure. We used physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling along with clinical data to determine the time needed after delivery for drug exposure to return to prepregnancy levels.

Methods
A literature review was conducted to collect physiological parameters of pregnant and postpartum women. Regression analyses were performed to derive equations describing the parameters trajectory throughout pregnancy and post partum to inform our PBPK model. Published pharmacokinetic data in pregnant and postpartum women were used for the model verification. The PBPK model was subsequently applied to investigate pharmacokinetic changes throughout pregnancy and post partum.

Results
In agreement with the clinical data the PBPK model was able to describe the different effects of pregnancy on drug exposure, with bictegravir showing the largest reduction in exposure (approximately 50%) during the third trimester while ritonavir and raltegravir showing the lowest (approximately 30%). The successfully verified PBPK model predicted that all evaluated antiretrovirals mostly return to prepregnancy exposure 4 weeks after delivery.

Conclusions
Pharmacokinetic investigations on hepatically cleared drugs should not be conducted before the fifth week after delivery to fully characterize the effect of pregnancy on drug exposure. Because physiological changes remain after delivery, early measurements can underestimate the pregnancy effect on pharmacokinetics, leading to suboptimal dosing recommendations during pregnancy.