bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advancing Nuclear Research and Education in Slovenia and EU: From Operating the TRIGA Reactor to Building a New Generation Facility
Authors: Malec Jan , Tiselj Iztok , Cizelj Leon , Pungerčič Anže , Goričanec Tanja , Snoj Luka 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe TRIGA Mark II research reactor at the Jožef Stefan Institute in Slovenia achieved first criticality in 1966. Since then, the reactor has been playing an important role in developing nuclear technology. The reactor has been mainly used for research, education of university students, training of operators of the Krško nuclear power plant (start of operation in 1983) and other nuclear specialists, isotope production and beam applications. The reactor is experiencing a high level of activity today, engaging in a diverse range of experiments and studies across reactor physics, environmental research, radiation hardness testing as well training and education. The future of nuclear technology in Slovenia is focused on new NPPs, while the research community is looking forward to a possible new nuclear reactor. The basic initiatives are at a very preliminary stage: the primary choice is dual-core pool-type reactor, with a zero-power core and a separate MW-size core, cooled and moderated with light water. Such a dual-core configuration is designed to meet the varied requirements of the European Union member states. Another option would be hosting one or more micro-reactors with electrical and/or heating power producing capability that could offer stronger support toward demonstration of prototype small modular reactors in prototype future electrical grids.
WS6 and 5-iodotubercidin small molecules and growth factors; TGF, HGF, and EGF synergistically enhance proliferation of β-like human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
Authors: Akhavan Saeedeh , Sanati Mohammad Hossein , Irani Shiva , Soheili Zahra-Soheila , Arpanaei Ayyoob 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Objectives
It has been shown that growth factors and small molecules play an essential role in the proliferation of β cells and insulin production. In this study, we investigated the effects of small molecules (WS6 and 5-iodotubercidin) and growth factors (TGFβ, HGF, and EGF) on the proliferation of β-like human ipSCs.

Methods
iPSCs derived β cells were treated with small molecules and growth factors. Cytotoxic activity of small molecules and growth factors was determined using MTT assay. Insulin gene expression and secretion were measured by qPCR and ELISA, respectively. The protein expression of insulin was evaluated by western blot as well.

Results
Simltananeous addition of WS6 and Harmine into the culture media increased insulin gene expression compared to treatment by each molecule alone (p < 0.05). It was found that the simultaneous recruitment of EGH, HGF, and TGF-β increased insulin expression compared to treatment by each molecule alone (p < 0.05). Results showed that EGF, HGF, TGF-β growth factors increased insulin gene expression, eventually leading to insulin secretion from β cells (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
Growth factors and small molecules synergistically enhanced the proliferation of β cells and insulin production.
Potential for pulp revascularization in mature anterior teeth with lateral luxation in relation to the patient’s age at the time of injury—a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Henriksen J. S. , Lauridsen E. , Jensen S. S. , Gerds T. A. , Hermann N. V. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate the potential for pulp revascularization in relation to patient age at the time of injury following luxation injury of mature anterior permanent teeth.

Materials and methods
A total of 93 teeth from 70 patients were included. The patients were divided into subgroups based on their age at the time of the injury. Statistics: the Aalen–Johansen method was used to estimate the risks of pulp canal obliteration (PCO) and pulp necrosis (PN). The absolute 2 year risks of PCO and PN were obtained with cause-specific Cox regression and reported separately for each cohort, standardised to age at injury and degree of repositioning.

Results
For the group younger than 15 years of age, the risk of PN after 12 months was 62.3% [95% CI 44.9; 79.7] in the cohort from 1972 to 1980 and 28.6% [95% CI 4.9; 52.2] in the cohort from 2012 to 2020. For the age group 16–20 years, the risk of PN after 12 months was 66.7 [95% CI 40.0;93.3] in the cohort from 1972 to 1980 and 25% [95% CI 0.0;55.0] in the cohort from 2012 to 2020. For the age group between 21 and 25, the risk of PN after 12 months was 66.7% [95% CI 40.0; 93.3] in the cohort from 1972 to 1980 and 55.6% [95% CI 23.1; 88.0] in the cohort from 2012 to 2020.

Conclusion
There is potential for pulp revascularization in mature anterior teeth with lateral luxation in patients up to 25 years of age. The risk of PN appears to increase with age.
Integrating Genomic Data with the Development of CRISPR-Based Point-of-Care-Testing for Bacterial Infections
Authors: Wanitchanon Thanyapat , Chewapreecha Claire , Uttamapinant Chayasith 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance contribute to global mortality. Despite many infections being preventable and treatable, the lack of reliable and accessible diagnostic tools exacerbates these issues. CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)-based diagnostics has emerged as a promising solution. However, the development of CRISPR diagnostics has often occurred in isolation, with limited integration of genomic data to guide target selection. In this review, we explore the synergy between bacterial genomics and CRISPR-based point-of-care tests (POCT), highlighting how genomic insights can inform target selection and enhance diagnostic accuracy.

Recent Findings
We review recent advances in CRISPR-based technologies, focusing on the critical role of target sequence selection in improving the sensitivity of CRISPR-based diagnostics. Additionally, we examine the implementation of these technologies in resource-limited settings across Asia and Africa, presenting successful case studies that demonstrate their potential.

Summary
The integration of bacterial genomics with CRISPR technology offers significant promise for the development of effective point-of-care diagnostics.
Investigations of the Cold Box Core Curing Stage Using an Augmented Simulation Approach
Authors: Khan M. S. , Mrowka N. M. , Sablowski J. , Asghar M. T. , Kupsch C. , Szucki M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractFoundry sand cores are used to produce complex metal castings. They are manufactured on universal coremaking machines in two distinct stages, shooting and curing. Various simulation tools exist to optimize the coremaking process. Numerical modeling of the two distinct process stages is challenging as it involves different tooling, raw materials, and process parameters. Additionally, each stage requires appropriate mathematical modeling of the fluid flow since the relevant physical phenomena are different. The state-of-the-art combined simulation approach (CA) can simulate these two stages in sequence using a Core shooting & curing module. The gassing system (GS) is also important to consider when calculating the complete physical mass flow during the curing stage in CA. An augmented simulation approach (AA) is proposed, which can include GS in the coremaking simulations. This approach enables the execution of two-stage combined simulations (CA) using Magma C + M software (SW1) and incorporates GS data using FLOW-3D CAST software (SW2). In order to analyze the influence of including selected factors such as the hopper during the shooting stage and GS during the curing stage, the simulation approaches CA and AA were compared. The simulation results were correlated with experiment results (EX) to analyze sand density distribution and different curing times, focusing on the final core quality. Quantity analysis has been done among EX samples to observe the cured core trend. The results obtained from AA exhibit a significantly better correlation with EX than with CA. The proposed augmented approach offers significant potential for the improved analysis, optimization, and accurate prediction of complex coremaking processes within polyurethane (PU) Cold Box Systems.
Triple S-scheme BiOBr@LaNiO3/CuBi2O4/Bi2WO6 heterojunction with plasmonic Bi-induced stability: deviation from quadruple S-scheme and mechanistic investigation
Authors: Malefane Mope Edwin , Khutlane Joyce Tsepiso , Managa Muthumuni , van Sittert Cornelia Gertina Catharina Elizabet , Nkambule Thabo Thokozani Innocent , Kuvarega Alex Tawanda 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe investigation and understanding of heterointerfaces formation and charge transfer dynamics in two or more semiconductor heterojunctions increased ensuing establishment of S-scheme and dual S-scheme heterojunctions. However, investigations of possible charge transfer at interfaces and their type in four component systems are limited. Herein, a four-component heterojunction was investigated to postulate and demonstrate deviation between quadruple and triple S-scheme heterojunctions possibilities using LaNiO3, BiOBr, CuBi2O4, and Bi2WO6. DFT and XPS were used to construct the band structure and support the charge transfer at the interfaces to follow S-S strategy during OTC and SMX degradation under visible light. IEF, bend bending systematically modulated charge transfer, and the core-shell strategy restricted possible junctions’ formation to three to accord triple S-scheme heterojunction. This work demonstrated the construction of Triple S-scheme heterostructures as a promising strategy for efficient charge separation making it a suitable candidate for elimination of pollutants.
Relevant biochar characteristics influencing compressive strength of biochar-cement mortars
Authors: Hylton Julia , Hugen Aaron , Rowland Steven M. , Griffin Michael , Tunstall Lori E. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTo counteract the contribution of CO2 emissions by cement production and utilization, biochar is being harnessed as a carbon-negative additive in concrete. Increasing the cement replacement and biochar dosage will increase the carbon offset, but there is large variability in methods being used and many researchers report strength decreases at cement replacements beyond 5%. This work presents a reliable method to replace 10% of the cement mass with a vast selection of biochars without decreasing ultimate compressive strength, and in many cases significantly improving it. By carefully quantifying the physical and chemical properties of each biochar used, machine learning algorithms were used to elucidate the three most influential biochar characteristics that control mortar strength: initial saturation percentage, oxygen-to-carbon ratio, and soluble silicon. These results provide additional research avenues for utilizing several potential biomass waste streams to increase the biochar dosage in cement mixes without decreasing mechanical properties.
Graphical Abstract
Functional retrogression of LOFSEPs in specifying floral organs in barley
Authors: Shen Chaoqun , Yang Xiujuan , Wang Duoxiang , Li Gang , Tucker Matthew R. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe barley genome encodes a complete set of MADS-box proteins sharing homology with components of the ABCDE model, which explains the molecular basis of floral organ identity in angiosperm flowers. Although the E-class members are universally expressed across floral whorls and crucial for flower development in Arabidopsis and rice, the functional role of the barley E-class LOFSEP subfamily (comprising MADS1, MADS5, and MADS34) remains elusive, particularly during spikelet formation. Here, we characterize the single, double and triple lofsep mutants in barley in an attempt to overcome the anticipated genetic redundancy. Surprisingly, loss of function of all LOFSEP members only disturbs lemma development, either converting this hull organ into a leaf-like structure or reducing its size. The inner organs, including lodicules, anthers and pistil remain unaffected. A systematic interrogation of how ABCDE class genes are affected in all whorls of the mutants was undertaken. Generally, in the lemma and palea of the lofsep mutants, A- and E-class genes are hyperactivated, B- and C- classes are slightly repressed, and D-class genes show unchanged expression in these inner organs. Intriguingly, loss of function of MADS6, an AGL6 member closely related to the E-class genes, leads to most organs being transformed into lemma-like organs with new spikelets generated from the center of the flower. Contrasting with rice, these findings suggest barley LOFSEPs may have regressed in determining floral organ identity, and this could be partially compensated by HvMADS6.
Comparing traditional and automated conservation assessments for Himalayan species of Buddleja
Authors: Gurung Bishal , Chen Gao , Ge Jia 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTo compare the benefits and drawbacks of traditional and automated conservation assessments, we used a field-based study and automated conservation assessments using GeoCAT, red and ConR to assess four species of Buddleja (Scrophulariaceae), a cosmopolitan genus of flowering plants. Buddleja colvilei, Buddleja sessilifolia, Buddleja delavayi and Buddleja yunnanensis are endemic to the Himalayan region. They have not yet been assessed for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species but are facing elevated risks of extinction because of various anthropogenic and environmental pressures. Buddleja sessilifolia and B. delavayi are listed as Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations in Yunnan, China, where they are known to be threatened. Although automated assessments evaluated B. delavayi and B. yunnanensis as Endangered and B. sessilifolia and B. colvilei as Vulnerable, our field studies indicated a different categorization for three of the species: B. delavayi and B. yunnanensis as Critically Endangered and B. sessilifolia as Endangered. Our findings indicate that the accuracy and reliability of assessment methods can differ and that field surveys remain important for conservation assessments. We recommend an integrated approach addressing these limitations, to safeguard the future of other species endemic to the Himalayan region.
Molecular characterization and genetic variability of Toxocara vitulorum from naturally infected buffalo calves for the first time in Bangladesh
Authors: Biswas Hiranmoy , Ahmed Nurnabi , Roy Babul Chandra , Hasan Mohammad Manjurul , Rahman MD Khalilur , Talukder Md. Hasanuzzaman 
Published: October 2024

AbstractToxocara vitulorum is one of the deadliest parasite of buffalo calves in Bangladesh. This study was conducted to explore genetic variability within and among the T. vitulorum populations in buffalo calves of Bangladesh. Genomic DNA was extracted, ITS2, COX1 and NAD1 gene were amplified and sequenced. Distinct 29 ITS2, 21 unique NAD1 and 24 COX1 genotypes were detected among the T. vitulorum of different geographic regions. These three gene genotypes similarities ranged from 97 to 99%, when these were compared to best hit scoring T. vitulorum sequences retrieved from GenBank. A total of 12 and 6 unique haplotypes were detected for COX1 and NAD1 gene sequences. The average nucleotide and haplotype diversity for COX1 and NAD1 were 0.0931 & 0.89493 and 0.00658 & 0.77895 respectively and the recorded values were more dispersed than previously published values. The pairwise Nst values ranged from −0.050 to 0.602 and Fst from −0.050 to 0.600 between all the T. vitulorum genotypes indicated huge genetic differentiation which were reportedly higher than other published reports Fst values. This is the first report of T. vitulorum on the basis of COX1 gene in Bangladesh. The study findings will be helpful for further extensive epidemiological studies regarding anthelmintic resistance, control and prevention of T. vitulorum infection in buffalo calves.
Rehabilitating Republican China: Historical Memory, National Identity and Regime Legitimacy in the Post-Mao Era
Authors: Zhang Qiang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Described in the Chinese Communist Party's orthodox historiography as a dark and repressive period and part of the “century of humiliation,” the Republican era has in recent decades undergone a significant reassessment in the People's Republic of China (PRC). In books, newspaper articles, documentaries and dramas, Republican China has sometimes been portrayed as a vibrant society making remarkable progress in modernization in the face of severe external challenges. This article explores the origins of this surprising rehabilitation and examines in detail how the Republican-era economic legacies have been reassessed in the reform era. It finds that while the post-Mao regime continues to use the negative view of China's pre-communist history to maintain its historical legitimacy, it has also been promoting a positive view of aspects of the same period in order to support its post-1978 priorities of modernization and nationalism, a trend that has persisted under Xi Jinping despite his tightened ideological control. The selective revival of Republican legacies, although conducive to the Party's current political objectives, has given rise to revisionist narratives that damage the hegemony of its orthodox historical discourses, on which its legitimacy still relies.
Forecasting US Voter Turnout
Authors: Bednarczuk Michael 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
Voter turnout is a crucial indicator of democratic health, yet forecasting turnout remains an understudied area in political science. This article presents two pioneering models for predicting US presidential election turnout: the national and the state model. The national one, using data from 1868 from 2020, employs lagged turnout as its sole predictor. The state model, covering 1984 to 2020, incorporates demographic and institutional variables to forecast state-level participation. The national predicts 65.3% turnout for 2024, whereas the state model forecasts increased turnout in 41 states compared to 2020. The models’ ability to generate early predictions offers valuable lead time for planning and resource allocation, which has implications for election administrators and political campaigns, as well as for the vibrancy of civic engagement in America.
The Challenge of Forecasting the 2024 Presidential and House Elections: Economic Pessimism and Election Outcomes
Authors: Lockerbie Brad 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
Using a forecasting model based on economic pessimism and recognizing the difficulties of making such a forecast in such atypical times, the forecasting model predicts a narrow loss for the incumbent presidential party and a loss of 12 seats in the House of Representatives. Even with the unusual nature of politics in the United States over the past decade, this model does a good job of predicting election outcomes. The more pessimistic people are, the worse the incumbent party does in presidential and House elections. Moreover, the power of incumbency shows strongly.
Distinguishing potential and effective additionality of forest conservation interventions
Authors: Delacote Philippe , Le Velly Gwenolé , Simonet Gabriela 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe additionality of forest conservation interventions is frequently questioned. In particular, they are often considered to be located in places where forests are not threatened, which points to the existence of location biases. Revisiting this location bias concept, we conceptually distinguish potential and effective additionality and theoretically consider how the objectives of the implementer affect the siting choice of the forest conservation interventions and their additionality. Our theoretical intuition is that the choices of the implementers are influenced by the quality of institutions. Our results show that (1) the implementer's objective and local institutions may lead the implementer to select a site with low development potential and low forest threat, and (2) the selection of a site with low development potential, which is frequently presented as a location bias, does not necessarily preclude additionality.
Measuring compassion in end-of-life cancer patients: The Italian validation of the Sinclair Compassion Questionnaire (SCQit)
Authors: Bovero Andrea , Fraoni Alessandra , Urru Sara , Berchialla Paola , Cotardo Francesca , Di Girolamo Irene , Ostacoli Luca , Sinclair Shane , Carletto Sara 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectivesCompassion is acknowledged as a key component of high-quality palliative care, producing positive outcomes for both patients and healthcare providers. The development of the Sinclair Compassion Questionnaire (SCQ) fulfilled the need for a valid and reliable tool to measure patients’ experience of compassion. To validate the Italian version of the SCQ and to evaluate its psychometric properties in a sample of cancer patients with a life expectancy of less than 4 months.MethodsCronbach’s alpha estimates were computed to evaluate the internal reliability. Exploratory Factor Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and Item Response Theory analyses were performed to assess the validity of the construct. Divergent validity was assessed using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Treatment Satisfaction-Patient Satisfaction, the revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale, and the Trust in Oncologist Scale-Short Form. Data were collected from 131 patients recruited in either a hospital or a hospice setting.ResultsThe analyses confirmed the single factor structure of SCQit, with Confirmatory Factor Analysis factor loadings ranging between 0.81 and 0.92 and satisfactory internal reliability. Hospital setting and high diagnosis/prognosis awareness were associated with significantly lower SCQit scores, whereas practicing a religious faith was associated with greater experiences of compassion.Significance of resultsThe Italian version of the SCQ (SCit) is a valid and reliable measure of patient-reported compassion. The SCQit can be used in clinical practice and research to measure the compassion experiences of terminally ill cancer patients and to evaluate the effectiveness of training to promote compassionate care in healthcare professionals.
Transparent Corruption: The Effect of Illicit Connections and Trusted References on the Demand for Bureaucratic Intermediation
Authors: Morales-Arilla José Ramon , Ibarra Ana 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis article investigates the effect of priming the existence of corrupt connections to the bureaucracy and of trusted references on the demand for intermediary services. We performed an experimental survey with undergraduate students in Caracas, Venezuela. Participants are presented with a hypothetical situation in which they need to obtain the apostille of their professional degrees in order to migrate and are considering whether to hire an intermediary (“gestor”) or not. The survey randomly reveals the existence of an illicit connection between thegestorand the bureaucracy and whether a trusted individual referred the intermediary. Our findings are not consistent with the “market maker” hypothesis that revealing the existence of illicit connections increases demand. Consistent with the view that trust is a key element in inherently opaque transactions, we find that the demand for intermediaries is price inelastic whengestoresare referred by trusted individuals.