bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phloem sap from melon plants contains extracellular vesicles that carry active proteasomes which increase in response to aphid infestation
Authors: Sánchez‐López Christian M. , Soler Carla , Garzo Elisa , Fereres Alberto , Pérez‐Bermúdez Pedro , Marcilla Antonio 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe morphogenesis of higher plants requires communication among distant organs throughout vascular tissues (xylem and phloem). Numerous investigations have demonstrated that phloem also act as a distribution route for signalling molecules being observed that different macromolecules translocated by the sap, including nucleic acids and proteins, change under stress situations. The participation of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in this communication has been suggested, although little is known about their role. In fact, in the last decade, the presence of EVs in plants has originated a great controversy, where major concerns arose from their origin, isolation methods, and even the appropriate nomenclature for plant nanovesicles. Phloem sap exudates from melon plants, either aphid‐free or infested with Aphis gossypii, were collected by stem incision. After sap concentration (Amicon), phloem EVs (PhlEVs) were isolated by size exclusion chromatography. PhlEVs were characterised using Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis, Transmission electron microscopy and proteomic analysis. Here we confirm the presence of EVs in phloem sap in vivo and the detection of changes in the particles/protein ratio and composition of PhlEVs in response to insect feeding, revealing the presence of typical defence proteins in their cargo as well as components of the proteasome complex. PhlEVs from infested plants showed lower particles/protein ratio and almost two times more proteolytic activity than PhlEVs from aphid‐free plants. In both cases, such activity was inhibited in a dose‐dependent manner by the proteasome inhibitor MG132. Our results suggest that plants may use this mechanism to prepare themselves to receive infectious agents and open up the possibility of an evolutionary conserved mechanism of defence against pathogens/stresses in eukaryotic organisms.
Are autocratic donors impeding democracy abroad? The presence of autocratic donors and citizens' perceptions of democracy
Authors: Gafuri Adea 
Published: October 2024

AbstractDoes the presence of autocratic donors alter citizens' perceptions of democracy? The paper argues that the presence of autocratic donors can alter citizens' views of donors' influence and support for democracy. The study analyses, on the donor side Chinese development assistance from AidData, one of the largest autocratic donors worldwide and, on the recipient side, Serbia—a middle‐income country where both Western and non‐traditional donors are heavily involved with aid projects. The findings suggest that in the presence of higher levels of aid from autocratic donors, citizens who uphold a very positive view of donors' political influence are the least likely to support democracy. The article proposes two main mechanisms: the attribution processes of aid and the instrumentalization of foreign aid by elites. The analysis employs a mixed‐method approach, combining mixed‐ordered probit regression of aid and municipal‐level survey data with insights from 16 interviews with experts on Serbia who have direct experience with aid initiatives or research. The study contributes to advancing our understanding of the impact of autocratic donors on citizens' support for democracy.
Comparison of Echo Planar and Turbo Spin Echo Diffusion‐Weighted Imaging in Intraoperative MRI
Authors: Thorpe James C. , Thust Stefanie C. , Gillon Claire H. M. , Rowe Selene , Swain Charlotte E. , MacArthur Donald C. , Howarth Simon P. , Avula Shivaram , Morgan Paul S. , Dineen Rob A. 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundDiffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) is routinely used in brain tumor surgery guided by intraoperative MRI (IoMRI). However, conventional echo planar imaging DWI (EPI‐DWI) is susceptible to distortion and artifacts that affect image quality. Turbo spin echo DWI (TSE‐DWI) is an alternative technique with minimal spatial distortions that has the potential to be the radiologically preferred sequence.PurposeTo compare via single‐ and multisequence assessment EPI‐DWI and TSE‐DWI in the IoMRI setting to determine whether there is a radiological preference for either sequence.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationThirty‐four patients (22 female) aged 2–61 years (24 under 18 years) undergoing IoMRI during surgical resection of intracranial tumors.Field Strength/Sequence3‐T, EPI‐DWI, and TSE‐DWI.AssessmentPatients were scanned with EPI‐ and TSE‐DWI as part of the standard IoMRI scanning protocol. A single‐sequence assessment of spatial distortion and image artifact was performed by three neuroradiologists blinded to the sequence type. Images were scored regarding distortion and artifacts, around and remote to the resection cavity. A multisequence radiological assessment was performed by three neuroradiologists in full radiological context including all other IoMRI sequences from each case. The DWI images were directly compared with scorings of the radiologists on which they preferred with respect to anatomy, abnormality, artifact, and overall preference.Statistical TestsWilcoxon signed‐rank tests for single‐sequence assessment, weighted kappa for single and multisequence assessment. A P‐value <0.001 was considered statistically significant.ResultsFor the blinded single‐sequence assessment, the TSE‐DWI sequence was scored equal to or superior to the EPI‐DWI sequence for distortion and artifacts, around and remote to the resection cavity for every case. In the multisequence assessment, all radiologists independently expressed a preference for TSE‐DWI over EPI‐DWI sequences on viewing brain anatomy, abnormalities, and artifacts.Data ConclusionThe TSE‐DWI sequences may be favored over EPI‐DWI for IoMRI in patients with intracranial tumors.Level of Evidence2Technical EfficacyStage 5
Effective Electromagnetic Properties of Composite Material Computed From Neural Network Approach
Authors: Kameni Abelin , Palessonga Den , Semmoumy Zahraa , Bensetti Mohamed 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThanks to their lightweight, composite materials have become widely used in the automotive and aerospace industries. The design of components made from these materials is carried out by numerical modeling which can sometimes be tedious because of the need to take into account the internal structure of these materials. Obtaining the effective properties of an equivalent homogeneous material to replace the composite in our numerical models makes modeling easier. Classical homogenization approaches are not always suitable to obtain these effective properties. This article deals with an inverse problem that consists in computing the electromagnetic properties from the knowledge of the magnetic shielding effectiveness values. For different composite samples, an artificial neural network method is used to predict the effective conductivities from the magnetic shielding effectiveness measurements. The magnetic shielding effectiveness values computed from the predicted conductivities are close to those obtained from the measurements.
Effect of micro‐oxygenation on color of wines made with toasted vine‐shoots
Authors: Sánchez‐Gómez Rosario , Cebrián‐Tarancón Cristina , Martínez‐Gil Ana María , Nevares Ignacio , Alonso Gonzalo L. , Salinas M. Rosario , del Alamo‐Sanza María 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDToasted vine‐shoots (SEGs) are an enological tool to improve wines, to differentiate them, and to encourage sustainable wine production. Micro‐oxygenation (MOX) is typically combined with the use of alternative oak products to simulate the oxygen transmission rate of traditional barrel aging, affecting wine color. Its use alongside SEGs has been studied.RESULTSTempranillo wines were treated with SEGs at two doses (12 and 24 g L−1) after malolactic fermentation at two fixed micro‐oxygenation levels: (a) low, which received 6.24 ± 0.87 mg L−1·month−1 of oxygen; and, (b) high, which received 11.91 ± 0.71 mg L−1·month−1 of oxygen. The wines were bottled and stored for 6 months. At the end of the treatment, MOX affected the anthocyanins and color parameters, but not the enological characteristics. At this time, the anthocyanins content reduction presented a negatively significant correlation with oxygen for wines treated with 12 g L−1. The factors that most influenced the development of color parameters during the time after bottling were the period for which the wine evolved in the bottle and SEG dose. The visual sensorial descriptors showed an evolution according to aged red wines, but without differences according to the SEG‐MOX treatments.CONCLUSIONThe SEG‐MOX treatments caused significant changes in wine color. It would be advisable to adjust SEG‐MOX techniques to increase their effectiveness. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
The Impact of Intraoperative Anesthesiology Provider Handovers on Postoperative Complications After Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) Surgery
Authors: Guerra‐Londono Juan Jose , Pham Sydney , Bhutiani Neal , Prakash Laura , Feng Lei , Tzeng Ching‐Wei D. , Cata Juan P. , Soliz Jose M. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe objective of this study is to assess the possible association between intraoperative anesthesia team handovers and increased 90‐day major complications following HPB surgery.MethodsThis is a single‐center retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent HPB surgery. Anesthesiologist handover (AH) occurred when a complete transfer of care to a receiving anesthesiologist. total anesthesia team handovers (TH) occurred when both anesthesiologist and supervised provider transferred care. The primary outcome was 90‐day major complications, defined as an ACCORDION score of ≥ 3.ResultsNinety‐day major complications occurred in 35 (21.6%) of TH and 96 (21.9%) of AH patients. With adjustment of other covariates, no significant association was found between AH (OR, 1.358, 95% CI, 0.935–1.973, p = 0.1079) or TH (OR, 1.157, 95% CI, 0.706–1.894, p = 0.5633) and 90‐day major complications.ConclusionsIn a high‐volume HPB center, anesthesia team handovers were not associated with an increased risk of patients having a major complication within 90 days after HPB surgery.
Long non‐coding RNA MALAT1 triggers ferroptosis via interaction with FUS to enhance ACSF2 mRNA stabilization in septic acute kidney injury
Authors: Duan Zhi‐Bing , Zheng Ji‐Fu , Huang Si‐Yue , Hu Li‐Li 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSeptic acute kidney injury (AKI) is a fatal disease in the intensive care unit, with ferroptosis playing a crucial role in its pathogenesis. Long non‐coding RNA (LncRNA) metastasis‐associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) has been implicated in septic‐induced AKI inflammation and apoptosis. However, its regulatory role in ferroptosis and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In vivo and in vitro models of septic AKI were established using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge, respectively. Serum levels of creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), kidney injury molecule‐1 (Kim‐1), neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL), and inflammatory cytokine in kidney tissues were determined by ELISA kits. Histopathological alterations and apoptosis were evaluated by HE staining and TUNEL. Ferroptosis was accessed by measuring MDA, GSH, Fe2+, total and lipid ROS levels, and mitochondrial ultrastructure changes. Target molecular levels were determined using RT‐qPCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Interactions among MALAT1, acyl‐CoA synthetase family member 2 (ACSF2) and FUS RNA binding protein (FUS) were validated by RIP and RNA‐pull down. MALAT1 level was significantly elevated in both in vivo and in vitro septic AKI models, of which knockdown impeded ferroptosis to alleviate septic AKI. Mechanistically, high MALAT1 expression increased ACSF2 mRNA stability via interaction with FUS. Rescue experiments showed that ACSF2 overexpression partially reversed the ferroptosis inhibition mediated by MALAT1 silencing. MALAT1 induces ferroptosis and exacerbates septic AKI by stabilizing ACSF2 mRNA with the assistance of FUS. These findings provide theoretical evidence for MALAT1 as a potential therapeutic target for septic AKI.
Creating a learning health system to include environmental determinants of health: The GroundsWell experience
Authors: Rodgers Sarah E. , Geary Rebecca S. , Villegas‐Diaz Roberto , Buchan Iain E. , Burnett Hannah , Clemens Tom , Crook Rebecca , Duckworth Helen , Green Mark Alan , King Elly , Zhang Wenjing , Butters Oliver 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroductionPolicies aiming to prevent ill health and reduce health inequalities need to consider the full complexity of health systems, including environmental determinants. A learning health system that incorporates environmental factors needs healthcare, social care and non‐health data linkage at individual and small‐area levels. Our objective was to establish privacy‐preserving household record linkage for England to ensure person‐level data remain secure and private when linked with data from households or the wider environment.MethodsA stakeholder workshop with participants from our regional health board, together with the regional data processor, and the national data provider. The workshop discussed the risks and benefits of household linkages. This group then co‐designed actionable dataflows between national and local data controllers and processors.ResultsA process was defined whereby the Personal Demographics Service, which includes the addresses of all patients of the National Health Service (NHS) in England, was used to match patients to a home identifier, for the time they are recorded as living at that address. Discussions with NHS England resulted in secure and quality‐assured data linkages and a plan to flow these pseudonymised data onwards into regional health boards. Methods were established, including the generation of matching algorithms, transfer processes and information governance approvals. Our collaboration accelerated the development of a new data governance application, facilitating future public health intervention evaluations.ConclusionThese activities have established a secure method for protecting the privacy of NHS patients in England, while allowing linkage of wider environmental data. This enables local health systems to learn from their data and improve health by optimizing non‐health factors. Proportionate governance of health and linked non‐health data is practical in England for incorporating key environmental factors into a learning health system.
The role of immersive spaces on the customer experience: An exploration of fashion metaverses
Authors: Alexander Bethan , Blazquez Marta , Chrimes Courtney , Boardman Rosy 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study explores the impact of immersive spaces, such as the metaverse, on the customer experience. The research examines consumers' motivations to use metaverse spaces and analyses how various dimensions of virtual environments and the associated pain points affect the overall customer experience, including cognitive, affective, behavioral, and social outcomes. It also investigates whether consumers perceive differences between brands' metaverse and physical spaces. The fashion industry, as an early adopter of the metaverse, serves as the context. A qualitative research design, including consumer diaries and focus groups, is conducted. Findings reveal five motivations for using metaverse environments: freedom of expression, creativity, exploration, entertainment, and productivity. We identify several pain points that impact the overall customer experience that should be overcome to realize the metaverse's potential. This study highlights implications for theory and practice related to immersive spaces and the customer experience, benefiting metaverse designers and customers alike, and influencing brands' marketing strategies that increasingly focus on incorporating immersive spaces. As the field of omniverse marketing remains underdeveloped, our research advances knowledge by extending the customer experience framework into the context of immersive spaces and contributes to the body of knowledge of consumer psychology and marketing.
Development, validation, and application of a generic image‐based noise addition method for simulating reduced dose computed tomography images
Authors: Alsaihati Njood , Solomon Justin , McCrum Erin , Samei Ehsan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundMajor efforts in computed tomography (CT) have been focused on reducing radiation dose to patients while maintaining adequate diagnostic quality. To that end, research tools have been developed to simulate reduced‐dose images via either image‐based or projection‐based methods. The former is limited to fully capturing realistic texture, streak, and non‐stationary characteristics of reduced dose, while the latter is impractical clinically.PurposeTo develop and validate an image‐based noise addition method that accounts for such attributes while being practical in clinical settings.MethodsA noise addition method was developed to add realistic noise in the image domain. The method first estimates the noise power spectrum (NPS) of CT images, which are also forward‐projected to form synthetic projections. The projection data are supplemented with random white noise proportional to their attenuation values. The noise sinogram is then back‐projected onto the image, filtered by the NPS, and scaled according to the desired dose reduction level. The tool was evaluated using both phantom images and patient data. The phantom images were acquired using a multi‐sized image quality phantom (Mercury Phantom 3.0, Duke University), and a thorax anthropomorphic phantom (Lungman Phantom, Kyoto Kagaku) at different dose levels and reconstruction settings. The patient images consisted of two dose levels of various CT examinations and reconstruction settings. The simulated and real reduced‐dose images were compared in terms of the noise magnitude and texture (i.e., NPS average frequency, NPS‐fav). The utility of this methodology was also assessed for routine clinical use for CT protocol review.ResultsFor the phantom images, the percent errors in the noise magnitude between the simulated images and the actual images of the Mercury Phantom and anthropomorphic phantom images were 3.34% and 3.50%, respectively. The difference in fav was 0.07 mm−1 for the Mercury Phantom and 0.06 mm−1 for the anthropomorphic phantom between the simulated and actual images. The average noise magnitude percent error between the simulated and actual patient images was 4.61% with noise texture judged to be visually comparable with some kernel dependencies. When implemented clinically, the tool proved practical to simplify the process of estimating radiation dose reduction for CT protocols, resulting in a 50% dose reduction of our multiple myeloma protocol.ConclusionsThe method generated simulated CT images with realistic noise properties similar to images acquired at the same radiation exposure without needing access to raw projection data.
Evaluating cross‐sectional geometry‐based methodologies on an archaeological and historical sample
Authors: Garoufi Nefeli , Rovinas Vasileios , Pierros Vasileios , Chovalopoulou Maria‐Eleni 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe construction of a complete biological profile for unknown individuals from skeletal remains plays a key role in the holistic study of archaeological sites. However, the presence of commingled elements, as in the case of mass graves, hinders this process. This work aims to evaluate the diaphyseal cross‐sectional geometric properties of the long bones for pair‐matching and for sex estimation based on the femur, tibia, and humerus bones on archaeological and historical samples. The sample consisted of 3D virtual bone models of 95 individuals (46 males, 39 females, 10 of unknown sex) from both Greek and English assemblages, utilizing the dedicated “csg‐toolkit” GNU Octave package for variable extraction. The pair‐matching sorting algorithm performed adequately in all three assemblages, excluding over 97% of the true mismatched pairs. The accuracy rate for certain pair detection was close to 50% for the lower limbs, and 41% for the humerus, with the algorithm deeming a significant amount of the missed pairs as plausible, resulting in 70% to 80% of total pairs to be detected in some capacity for all bone assemblages. The sex estimation classifiers performed sufficiently in all cases, yielding moderately high accuracy rates in the majority of examined samples, with values consistently higher than 70%. However, the application of contemporary methods on archaeological or historical material needs to be performed with caution, as secular changes and population‐specific trends can affect the applicability of the methods. As such, the utilization of different techniques before reaching a conclusion is vital and should be encouraged.
Single‐Axis Tracking and Bifacial Gain on Sloping Terrain
Authors: Ledesma Javier R. , Lorenzo Eduardo , Narvarte Luis 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTThis paper describes a mathematical model for dealing with large bifacial single‐axis tracking photovoltaic (PV) plants over terrain of arbitrary orientation and slope. The only constraint is that the ground surface and the plane of the tracker axes must be parallel. This allows for two‐dimensional (2D) modelling of the ground shading scene required for backtracking geometry and rear irradiance calculations. The model has been implemented in SISIFO, an open PV simulation tool developed by IES‐UPM, which is slope aware since June 2022. In addition, a set of equations for upgrading tracker controllers, previously restricted to horizontal terrains, is also provided. As a representative case, a real 90 MWp PV plant installed on an uneven terrain is analysed. The orography of the ground is described as a set of facets with different azimuth and slope angles. The plant is also described by the relative frequency distribution of the STC power over the different facets. A dedicated simulation exercise is then performed for each facet. Depending on the azimuth and slope values, the resulting final energy yield may be higher or lower than that associated with a horizontal terrain. The yield of the whole PV plant is calculated as a weighted average of the results, with the relative frequency being the averaging factor. If the plant is placed on favourable facets, the energy yield of the whole plant can be close to that calculated on horizontal terrain, at the cost of discarding a part of the available land. In this case, a 0.4% increase in yield is obtained at the cost of discarding about 40% of the available land.