bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Varieties of Cubes of Opposition
Authors: Pizzi Claudio E. A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe objects called cubes of opposition have been presented in the literature in discordant ways. The aim of the paper is to offer a survey of such various kinds of cubes and evaluate their relation with an object, here called “Aristotelian cube”, which consists of two Aristotelian squares and four squares which are semiaristotelian, i.e. are such that their vertices are linked by some so-called Aristotelian relation. Two paradigm cases of Aristotelian squares are provided by propositions written in the language of the logic of consequential implication, whose distinctive feature is the validity of two formulas, A $$\rightarrow $$
→
B $$\supset \lnot $$

⊃
¬

(A $$\rightarrow $$
→
$$\lnot $$
¬
B) and A $$\rightarrow $$
→
B $$\supset \lnot $$

⊃
¬

($$\lnot $$
¬
A $$\rightarrow $$
→
B), expressing two different forms of contrariety. Part of section 1 is devoted to define the notions of rotation and of r-Aristotelian square, i.e. a square resulting from some rotation of an Aristotelian square. In section 2 this notion is extended to the one of a r-Aristotelian cube, i.e. of a cube resulting from some rotation of some square of an Aristotelian cube. This notion is used in the sequel to analyze various cubes of oppositions which can be found in the literature: (1) the one used by W. Lenzen to reconstruct Caramuel’s Octagon; (2) the one used by D. Luzeaux to represent the implicative relation among S5-modalities; (3) the one introduced by D. Dubois to represent the relations between quantified propositions containing positive predicates and their negations; (4) the one called Moretti cube. None of such cubes is strictly speaking Aristotelian but each of them may be proved to be r-Aristotelian. Section 5 discusses the assertion that Dubois cube was anticipated in a paper published by Reichenbach in 1952. Actually Dubois’ construction was anticipated by the so-called Johnson–Keynes cube, while the Reichenbach cube, unlike Dubois cube, is an instance of an Aristotelian cube in the sense defined in this paper. The dominance of such notion is confirmed by J.F. Nilsson’s cube, representing relations between propositions with nested quantifiers, and also by a cube introduced by S. Read to treat quantifiers with existential import. A cube similar to Read’s cube, introduced by Chatti and Schang, is shown to be r-Aristotelian. In section 6 the author remarks that the logic of the formulas occurring in the cubes of Chatti–Schang and Read have the drawback of not satsfying the law of Identity. He then proposes a definition of non-standard quantifiers which satisfies Identity, are independent of existential assumptions and such that their interrelations are represented by an Aristotelian cube.
Advancements in Surgical Management of Megaureters
Authors: Boswell Timothy C. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
To review and describe the recent evolution of surgery for the various types of pediatric megaureter.

Recent Findings
Megaureter management first relies on determining the underlying cause, whether by obstruction, reflux, or a combination, and then setting appropriate surgical indications because many cases do not require surgery as shown by observation studies. Endoscopic balloon dilation has been on the rise as a major treatment option for obstructive megaureter, while refluxing megaureters can also be treated by laparoscopic and robotic techniques, whether extravesically or transvesicoscopically. During ureteral reimplantation, tapering is sometimes necessary to address the enlarged ureter, but there are also considerations for not tapering or for tapering alternatives.

Summary
Endoscopic and minimally invasive surgeries for megaureter have been the predominant focus of recent megaureter literature. These techniques still need collaborative prospective studies to better define which surgeries are best for patients needing megaureter interventions.
Production of chitosan from Aspergillus niger and quantitative evaluation of the process using adapted analytical tools
Authors: Krake S. , Conzelmann C. , Heuer S. , Dyballa M. , Zibek S. , Hahn T. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe chitosan production process from fishery waste is already established in industrial scale, whereby fungal chitosan is produced in lower amounts. Since fungal chitosan could be isolated from under-valorized vegan streams while exhibiting slightly different characteristics, it has also potential for other applications. Within this publication, we focus on the chitosan production from Aspergillus niger. This study provides a detailed determination of the biomass composition, adapting and comparing different analytical tools, with special focus on the chitin and chitosan content. The major content of the dried biomass is composed of glucans (48.6 ± 1.4%), followed by proteins with an amount of 22.2 ± 0.7%. Chitin and chitosan provide 16.0 ± 0.8% of the biomass. Within our chitosan production studies, we compared the effect of different process strategies including steps as deproteinization (DP), acid extraction (AE), deacetylation (DA), as well as purification. Initially, we obtained poor values (lower than 73.6%) for the chitosan purity. A direct DA step followed by purification resulted in a chitosan purity of up to 89.6%, a recovery of 30.5% and a yield with regard to the biomass of 5.5%. The DA degree of the resulting chitosan is similar to chitosan derived from fishery waste, whereas the molecular weight is lower. The results achieved so far are consistent with the literature, extending beyond, the data emphasized that a chitosan production from residual fungal biomass after fermentation is suitable by direct DA and purification. However, further adaption is necessary so that other matrix compounds could be also obtained.
Immobilization study of a monomeric oleate hydratase from Rhodococcus erythropolis
Authors: Bandookwala Maria , Prem Sophia A. , Kollmannsberger Kathrin L. , Zavrel Michael , Garbe Daniel , Brück Thomas 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe chemical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries are currently confronted with the challenge of transitioning from traditional chemical processes to more sustainable biocatalytic methods. To support that aim, we developed various heterogeneous biocatalysts for an industrially relevant enzyme called oleate hydratase that converts oleic acid to 10-hydroxystearic acid, a fatty emollient substance useful for various technical applications. We used cheap support matrices such as silica, chitosan, cellulose, and agarose for further scale-up and economic feasibility at the industrial level alongside more sophisticated supports like metal–organic frameworks. Different physical and chemical binding approaches were employed. Particularly, by immobilizing oleate hydrates on a 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane surface-functionalized cellulose matrix, we developed an enzyme immobilizate with almost 80% activity of the free enzyme. The long-term goal of this work was to be able to use the developed heterogeneous biocatalyst for multiple reuse cycles enabling profitable biocatalysis. Despite high initial conversion rate by the developed cellulose-based immobilizate, a depletion in enzyme activity of immobilized oleate hydratase was observed over time. Therefore, further enzyme modification is required to impart stability, the optimization of operational conditions, and the development of carrier materials that enable economical and sustainable enzymatic conversion of oleic acid to meet the commercial demand.
Graphical abstract
Reconstructing the trade history: provenance study of Han bronze mirrors in and out of Han China
Authors: Wang Xiang , Liu Ruiliang , Gao Jun , Pollard A. Mark , Fan Anchuan , Huang Fang , Li Ruiliang , Zhang Shixuan , Hua Fenglin , Jin Zhengyao 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA rapidly increasing number of bronze mirrors dated to the Chinese Han dynasty (202 BC – AD 220), known for their unique decorative patterns and highly developed alloying techniques, have been widely discovered in both China and beyond, providing fresh materials and scientific data to revisit their geological provenance, production and circulation network along the ancient Silk Road. In this paper, 47 bronze mirrors unearthed in the southeastern provinces of China, including Zhejiang, Anhui and Fujian provinces, have been characterized by typo-chronology, lead isotopic analysis, compositional analysis and metallography. A much wider comparative study is also carried out through a combination of data from China, Japan, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia, leading to a more updated lead isotopic database of the Han mirrors spreading out of China in various directions. Compared with the traditional ‘optimal’ model based on the Han mirrors recovered in Japan, the current study contributes several key changes in the bronze mirror production of the Han dynasty. The systematic analysis of the alloy composition, trace elements and typological studies shows that the bronze mirror industry shifted towards a more standardized production in the middle to late Western Han Dynasty. In contrast to the substantial change of non-mirror bronze productions, the similar distribution of lead isotope data in early and middle to late Western Han mirrors suggests that the ‘official monopoly of salt and iron’ policy was less effective for the management of lead involved in mirror production. Bronze mirrors dated to middle to late Western Han discovered outside Han-China, such as Japan, Thailand, Afghanistan, Xiongnu and the ancient Dian Kingdom, appear to be subjected to a more specific type of lead as a result of the state-centralized policy of the Western Han court.
Unraveling Brain Synchronisation Dynamics by Explainable Neural Networks using EEG Signals: Application to Dyslexia Diagnosis
Authors: Gallego-Molina Nicolás J. , Ortiz Andrés , Arco Juan E. , Martinez-Murcia Francisco J. , Woo Wai Lok 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The electrical activity of the neural processes involved in cognitive functions is captured in EEG signals, allowing the exploration of the integration and coordination of neuronal oscillations across multiple spatiotemporal scales. We have proposed a novel approach that combines the transformation of EEG signal into image sequences, considering cross-frequency phase synchronisation (CFS) dynamics involved in low-level auditory processing, with the development of a two-stage deep learning model for the detection of developmental dyslexia (DD). This deep learning model exploits spatial and temporal information preserved in the image sequences to find discriminative patterns of phase synchronisation over time achieving a balanced accuracy of up to 83%. This result supports the existence of differential brain synchronisation dynamics between typical and dyslexic seven-year-old readers. Furthermore, we have obtained interpretable representations using a novel feature mask to link the most relevant regions during classification with the cognitive processes attributed to normal reading and those corresponding to compensatory mechanisms found in dyslexia.

Graphical Abstract
Regional fertility predictors based on socioeconomic determinants in Slovakia
Authors: Nestorová Dická Janetta , Lipták Filip 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe study's primary purpose was to recognise the effects of determinants on the level of fertility and thereby explain the differences in trends in the regions of Slovakia. At the turn of the century, the differences in fertility in regions increased, but the total fertility rate decreased. Multivariate statistical methods clarified the regional effects of the level and nature of fertility. Initial regression surveys indicated weak effects between regions, which led to applying factor and cluster analysis to establish regional types. Comprehensive regression analysis was then applied. The strength and nature of regional relationships differed at the inter- and intra-regional levels. Research has demonstrated significant differences in fertility rates dependent on the socioeconomic environment, as regional types uniquely link to determinants. Moreover, each determinant has specific spatial patterns with unequal regression coefficients at different regional levels, which cannot be evaluated constantly. Knowing how spatial variation in fecundity occurs will enable future studies to elucidate the processes involved. Finally, fertility is vital for social assessment and policy formulation, the study’s findings could inform local decision-makers and planners in identifying the socioeconomic conditions underlying fertility at the regional level and planning appropriate intervention strategies.
Effect of Lacticaseibacillus casei LC2W Supplementation on Glucose Metabolism and Gut Microbiota in Subjects at High Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-blinded, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Wang Danqi , Wang Xiaohua , Han Jin , You Chunping , Liu Zhenmin , Wu Zhengjun 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is a global epidemic complex and will cause serious metabolic comorbidities without treatment. A prevention strategy for MetS development has been proposed to modulate gut microbiota by probiotic administration to improve intestinal dysbiosis and benefit the host. Lacticaseibacillus casei LC2W has exhibited positive effects in preventing colitis and anti-hypertension in vivo. However, the effect of L. casei LC2W on subjects at high risk of MetS is unknown. Here, a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 60 subjects with high risk of MetS, and the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity and possible pathways of L. casei LC2W were inferred from the correlation analysis with gut microbiome composition, function, and clinical phenotypic indicators. The results showed that oral administration of L. casei LC2W could exert significant benefits on weight control, glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters, and SCFA production, as well as modulate the composition of gut microbiota. The relative abundance of Lacticaseibacillus, Bifidobacterium, Dorea, and Blautia was enriched, and their interaction with other gut microbes was strengthened by oral administration of L. casei LC2W, which was beneficial in ameliorating gut inflammation, promoting glucose and lipids degradation pathways, thus alleviated MetS. The present study confirmed the prevention effects of L. casei LC2W towards MetS from aspects of clinical outcomes and microflora modulation, providing an alternative strategy for people at high risk of MetS.Trial registration: The study was proactively registered in ClinicalTrial.gov with the registration number of ChiCTR2000031833 on April 09, 2020.
Assessing focal spot alignment in clinical linear accelerators: a comprehensive evaluation with triplet phantoms
Authors: Riis Hans L. , Engstrøm Kenni H. , Slama Luke , Dass Joshua , Ebert Martin A. , Rowshanfarzad Pejman 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA fundamental parameter to evaluate the beam delivery precision and stability on a clinical linear accelerator (linac) is the focal spot position (FSP) measured relative to the collimator axis of the radiation head. The aims of this work were to evaluate comprehensive data on FSP acquired on linacs in clinical use and to establish the ability of alternative phantoms to detect effects on patient plan delivery related to FSP. FSP measurements were conducted using a rigid phantom holding two ball-bearings at two different distances from the radiation source. Images of these ball-bearings were acquired using the electronic portal imaging device (EPID) integrated with each linac. Machine QA was assessed using a radiation head-mounted PTW STARCHECK phantom. Patient plan QA was investigated using the SNC ArcCHECK phantom positioned on the treatment couch, irradiated with VMAT plans across a complete 360° gantry rotation and three X-ray energies. This study covered eight Elekta linacs, including those with 6 MV, 18 MV, and 6 MV flattening-filter-free (FFF) beams. The largest range in the FSP was found for 6 MV FFF. The FSP of one linac, retrofitted with 6 MV FFF, displayed substantial differences in FSP compared to 6 MV FFF beams on other linacs, which all had FSP ranges less than 0.50 mm and 0.25 mm in the lateral and longitudinal directions, respectively. The PTW STARCHECK phantom proved effective in characterising the FSP, while the SNC ArcCHECK measurements could not discern FSP-related features. Minor variations in FSP may be attributed to adjustments in linac parameters, component replacements necessary for beam delivery, and the wear and tear of various linac components, including the magnetron and gun filament. Consideration should be given to the ability of any particular phantom to detect a subsequent impact on the accuracy of patient plan delivery.
Two-step process for gossypol reduction and protein enhancement in cottonseed kernel powder
Authors: Satankar Varsha , Jhodkar Durwesh , Singh Mohan , Kumar Manoj , Mageshwaran Vellaichamy , Palanisamy Sivasubramanian , Ayrilmis Nadir , Khan Tabrej 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCottonseed is the major by-product of cotton and it contains about 33% protein which shows its potential to be utilized for food applications. However, the presence of gossypol restricts its use for edible purpose. The previous attempts made for gossypol reduction in cottonseed meal resulted in poor extraction efficiency and loss in protein quality. The present study aimed at efficient removal of gossypol from the cottonseed kernel powder to produce the high-protein flour with an excellent amino acid profile. The process was divided into two stages; in the first part, gossypol was extracted from the kernel powder at optimized conditions (acetone-to-water ratio 90:10, sample-to-solution ratio (1:10), 30-min shaken time, and number of extractions 4). Further, the oil was removed from the acetone-treated sample that yielded 15.7% oil. In the second-stage processing, the de-oiled sample was treated at optimized conditions (ethanol-to-water ratio 50:50, citric acid 0.2 M, sample-to-solvent ratio 1:15, and incubation time 30 min) in a water bath at 100 ℃ temperature. The cottonseed flour produced in the present study had 64% protein, 23% carbohydrates, 0.24% total gossypol, and all essential amino acids except tryptophan.
A novel biosorbent material from waste fish scales (Cyprinus carpio) for biosorption of toxic dyes in aquatic environments
Authors: Yildiz Hakan , Yüksel Arslan Yusuf 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPolluted water sources are a growing concern in our world today, with more and more of our precious freshwater sources becoming contaminated. Pollution can come from a variety of sources, such as industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and even urban runoff. Several treatment technologies have been investigated, mainly for dye pollution from textile and industrial wastes. In this study, the biosorption of methylene blue dye from the water environment was examined utilizing a low-cost and biodegradable biomaterial. Waste fish scales modified with NaOH were used as biomaterial. The biosorption effect of methylene blue concentration and pH variables was optimized. SEM for the surface morphology of the biomaterial and FT-IR analyses for the detection of functional groups were performed. The characterization of methylene blue biosorption was conducted to fully understand its nature, including its kinetics, equilibrium, and thermodynamic works. It has been determined that the biosorption process conforms most closely to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model for its kinetic results and to the Langmuir isotherm for its equilibrium results. Based on the Langmuir isotherm data, the maximum capacity for biosorption (qmax) was found to be 344.82 mg g−1. The thermodynamic results showed that the process of biosorption of methylene blue on various surfaces is spontaneous and occurs via physisorption. Additionally, the experimental design method was utilized to determine the optimum conditions of the methylene blue biosorption process under various conditions. The maximum biosorption capacity was determined to be 102.367 mg g−1 at the optimal conditions. The potential of biosorbent derived from the waste fish scales is promising as a novel biosorbent material due to its unique surface morphology and high biosorption capacity.
Post-tuberculosis treatment paradoxical reactions
Authors: Hermans Sabine M. , Akkerman Onno W. , Meintjes Graeme , Grobusch Martin P. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractParadoxical reactions (PR) to tuberculosis (TB) treatment are common during treatment, but have also been described after treatment. A presentation with recurrent signs or symptoms of TB after cure or completion of prior treatment needs to be differentiated between microbiological relapse and a paradoxical reaction. We searched all published literature on post-treatment PR, and present a synthesis of 30 studies, focusing on the epidemiology, diagnosis and management of this phenomenon. We report an additional case vignette. The majority of studies were of lymph node TB (LN-TB), followed by central nervous system TB (CNS-TB). A total of 112 confirmed and 42 possible post-treatment PR cases were reported. The incidence ranged between 3 and 14% in LN-TB and was more frequent than relapses, and between 0 and 2% in all TB. We found four reports of pulmonary or pleural TB post-treatment PR cases. The incidence did not differ by length of treatment, but was associated with younger age at initial diagnosis, and having had a PR (later) during treatment. Post-treatment PR developed mainly within the first 6 months after the end of TB treatment but has been reported many years later (longest report 10 years). The mainstays of diagnosis and management are negative mycobacterial cultures and anti-inflammatory treatment, respectively. Due to the favourable prognosis in LN-TB recurrent symptoms, a short period of observation is warranted to assess for spontaneous regression. In CNS-TB with recurrent symptoms, immediate investigation and anti-inflammatory treatment with the possibility of TB retreatment should be undertaken.
On a total order on the set of Z-numbers based on discrete fuzzy numbers
Authors: Mir-Fuentes Arnau , De Miguel Laura , Massanet Sebastia , Mir Arnau , Riera Juan Vicente 
Published: July 2024

AbstractZ-numbers were introduced by Zadeh in 2011 as a pair of fuzzy numbers (A, B), where A is interpreted as a fuzzy restriction on the values of a variable, while B is interpreted as a measure of certainty or sureness of A. From the initial proposal, several other approaches have been introduced in order to reduce the computational cost of the involved operations. One of such approaches is called discrete Z-numbers where A and B are modelled as discrete fuzzy numbers. In this paper, the construction of total orders on the set of discrete Z-numbers is investigated for the first time. Specifically, the total order is designed for discrete Z-numbers where the second component has membership values belonging to a finite and prefixed set of values. The method relies on solid and coherent linguistic criteria and several linguistic properties are analyzed. The order involves the transformation of the first components of the discrete Z-numbers by using the credibility of the second components in the sense that a lower credibility enlarges in a greater extent the uncertainty of the first component. Then a total order on the set of discrete fuzzy numbers is applied. Finally, a practical example on how to order discrete Z-numbers is presented and a comparison with other ranking methods is performed from which the strengths of our method are stressed.