bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forensic species identification: practical guide for animal and plant DNA analysis
Authors: Corradini Beatrice , Gianfreda Denise , Ferri Gianmarco , Ferrari Francesca , Borciani Ilaria , Santunione Anna Laura , Cecchi Rossana 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe importance of non-human DNA in the forensic field has increased greatly in recent years, together with the type of applications. The molecular species identification of animal and botanical material may be crucial both for wildlife trafficking and crime scene investigation. However, especially for forensic botany, several challenges slow down the implementation of the discipline in the routine.Although the importance of molecular analysis of animal origin samples is widely recognized and the same value is acknowledged to the botanical counterpart, the latter does not find the same degree of application.The availability of molecular methods, especially useful in cases where the material is fragmented, scarce or spoiled preventing the morphological identification, is not well known. This work is intended to reaffirm the relevance of non-human forensic genetics (NHFG), highlighting differences, benefits and pitfalls of the current most common molecular analysis workflow for animal and botanical samples, giving a practical guide. A flowchart describing the analysis paths, divided in three major working areas (inspection and sampling, molecular analysis, data processing and interpretation), is provided. More real casework examples of the utility of non-human evidence in forensic investigations should be shared by the scientific community, especially for plants. Moreover, concrete efforts to encourage initiatives in order to promote quality and standardization in the NHFG field are also needed.
Optical coherence tomography homography for detection of retinal displacement: a validation study
Authors: Brosh Koby , Roditi Eduardo , Bansal Aditya , Martins Melo Isabela , Potter Michael J , Muni Rajeev H. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Retinal displacement following rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) has been associated with inferior functional outcomes. Recent evidence using an overlay technique suggests that fundus-autofluorescence underestimates post-RRD repair retinal displacement. This study aims to validate the overlay technique in normal eyes and to determine its sensitivity and specificity at detecting retinal displacement.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective case series involving 66 normal eyes, each with at least two separate infrared (IR) images at different time points. Overlay of the two images was based on manual marking of choroidal and optic nerve head (ONH) landmarks. For each set of two IR images, computer code for homography generated two outputs, flipping view video and an overlay picture. First, validation of choroidal/ONH alignment was performed using the flipping view video to ensure accurate manual markings. Then, two different masked graders (AB + IM) evaluated the overlays for presence of retinal displacement. 16 control eyes following RRD repair with detected retinal displacement on FAF imaging assessed sensitivity and specificity of the technique.

Results
94% of overlays were found to be well aligned (62/66). 11 cases exhibited errors on flipping view analysis (choroidal/ONH misalignment). Those 11 cases had a significantly higher rate of retinal displacement (false positives) compared to cases without errors (8/11,72% Vs 54/55,98%,P = 0.001). Sensitivity and specificity of the overlay technique for detecting retinal displacement considering only adequate flipping view cases (n = 55) were calculated as 100% and 98%, respectively.

Conclusions
IR overlay emerges as a reliable and valid method for detecting retinal displacement, exhibiting excellent sensitivity and specificity.
Nutritional management of the child with chronic kidney disease and on dialysis
Authors: Shaw Vanessa , Anderson Caroline , Desloovere An , Greenbaum Larry A. , Harshman Lyndsay , Nelms Christina L. , Pugh Pearl , Polderman Nonnie , Renken-Terhaerdt José , Snauwaert Evelien , Stabouli Stella , Tuokkola Jetta , Vande Walle Johan , Warady Bradley A. , Paglialonga Fabio , Shroff Rukshana 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
While it is widely accepted that the nutritional management of the infant with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is paramount to achieve normal growth and development, nutritional management is also of importance beyond 1 year of age, particularly in toddlers, to support the delayed infantile stage of growth that may extend to 2–3 years of age. Puberty is also a vulnerable period when nutritional needs are higher to support the expected growth spurt. Inadequate nutritional intake throughout childhood can result in failure to achieve full adult height potential, and there is an increased risk for abnormal neurodevelopment. Conversely, the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity among children with CKD underscores the necessity for effective nutritional strategies to mitigate the risk of metabolic syndrome that is not confined to the post-transplant population. Nutritional management is of primary importance in improving metabolic equilibrium and reducing CKD-related imbalances, particularly as the range of foods eaten by the child widens as they get older (including increased consumption of processed foods), and as CKD progresses. The aim of this review is to integrate the Pediatric Renal Nutrition Taskforce (PRNT) clinical practice recommendations (CPRs) for children (1–18 years) with CKD stages 2–5 and on dialysis (CKD2–5D). We provide a holistic approach to the overall nutritional management of the toddler, child, and young person. Collaboration between physicians and pediatric kidney dietitians is strongly advised to ensure comprehensive and tailored nutritional care for children with CKD, ultimately optimizing their growth and development.

Graphical abstract
Predicting the potential toxicity of the metal oxide nanoparticles using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Sayed Gehad Ismail , Alshater Heba , Hassanien Aboul Ella 
Published: July 2024

AbstractOver the years, machine learning (ML) algorithms have proven their ability to make reliable predictions of the toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles. This paper proposed a predictive ML model of the potential toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles. A dataset consisting of 79 descriptors including 24 metal oxide nanoparticles (MexOy NPs) and their physicochemical and structural characteristics is adopted. The proposed model comprises of three main phases. The first phase is used to analyze the characteristics of nanoparticles along with their toxicity behavior. In the second phase, the problems associated with the metal oxide nanoparticles dataset are tackled. The first problem namely the class imbalance problem is handled through utilizing synthetic minority over-sampling technique (SMOTE). The second problem namely the outliers is handled through applying a novel feature selection algorithm based on the enhanced binary version of the sine tree-seed algorithm (EBSTSA). The proposed EBSTSA is used to find the relevant features affecting toxicity. The density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) is utilized as a tool for identifying outliers in the dataset and for visualizing the impact of the feature selection on the performance of the subsequent classification. Finally, in the third phase, the support vector machine (SVM) supervised machine learning algorithm and k-fold cross-validation method are applied to classify the mode of action of each instance of nanoparticle as toxic or nontoxic. The simulation results showed that the EBSTSA-based feature selection algorithm is reliable and robust across 23 benchmark datasets from the UCI machine learning repository. The results also showed that proposed EBSTSA can effectively find the relevant descriptors for nano-particles. Furthermore, the results demonstrated the efficacy of the proposed ML toxicity prediction model. It is obtained on average 1.02% of error rate, 100% of specificity, 98.87% of sensitivity, and 99.47% of f1-score.
Intraoperative MRI without an intraoperative MRI suite: a workflow for glial tumor surgery
Authors: Frisk Henrik , Persson Oscar , Fagerlund Michael , Jensdottir Margret , El-Hajj Victor Gabriel , Burström Gustav , Sunesson Annika , Kits Annika , Majing Tomas , Edström Erik , Kaijser Magnus , Elmi-Terander Adrian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Intraoperative MRI (iMRI) has emerged as a useful tool in glioma surgery to safely improve the extent of resection. However, iMRI requires a dedicated operating room (OR) with an integrated MRI scanner solely for this purpose. Due to physical or economical restraints, this may not be feasible in all centers. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using a non-dedicated MRI scanner at the radiology department for iMRI and to describe the workflow with special focus on time expenditure and surgical implications.

Methods
In total, 24 patients undergoing glioma surgery were included. When the resection was deemed completed, the wound was temporarily closed, and the patient, under general anesthesia, was transferred to the radiology department for iMRI, which was performed using a dedicated protocol on 1.5 or 3 T scanners. After performing iMRI the patient was returned to the OR for additional tumor resection or final wound closure. All procedural times, timestamps, and adverse events were recorded.

Result
The median time from the decision to initiate iMRI until reopening of the wound after scanning was 68 (52–104) minutes. Residual tumors were found on iMRI in 13 patients (54%). There were no adverse events during the surgeries, transfers, transportations, or iMRI-examinations. There were no wound-related complications or infections in the postoperative period or at follow-up. There were no readmissions within 30 or 90 days due to any complication.

Conclusion
Performing intraoperative MRI using an MRI located outside the OR department was feasible and safe with no adverse events. It did not require more time than previously reported data for dedicated iMRI scanners. This could be a viable alternative in centers without access to a dedicated iMRI suite.
Epidemiology of biliary tract-associated bloodstream infections and adequacy of empiric therapy: an Australian population-based study
Authors: Gassiep Ian , Edwards Felicity , Laupland Kevin B. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Although the biliary tract is a common source of invasive infections, the epidemiology of cholangitis- and cholecystitis-associated bloodstream infection (BSI) is not well defined. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence, clinical determinants, microbiology of biliary tract-associated BSI, and predicted adequacy of common empiric therapy regimens.

Methods
All biliary tract-associated BSI in Queensland during 2000–2019 were identified using state-wide data sources. Predicted adequacy of empiric antimicrobial therapy was determined according to microbiological susceptibility data.

Results
There were 3,698 episodes of biliary tract-associated BSI occurred in 3,433 patients of which 2,147 (58.1%) episodes were due to cholangitis and 1,551 (41.9%) cholecystitis, for age- and sex-standardized incidence rates of 2.7, and 2.0 per 100,000 population, respectively. An increasing incidence of biliary tract-associated BSI was observed over the study that was attributable to an increase in cholangitis cases. There was a significant increased risk for biliary tract-associated BSI observed with advancing age and male sex. Patients with cholangitis were older, more likely to have healthcare associated infection, and have more comorbidities most notably liver disease and malignancies as compared to patients with cholecystitis. The distribution of infecting pathogens was significantly different with polymicrobial aetiologies more commonly observed with cholangitis (18.4% vs. 10.5%; p < 0.001). The combination of ampicillin/gentamicin/metronidazole was predicted to have the overall highest adequacy (96.1%), whereas amoxicillin/clavulanate had the lowest (77.0%). Amoxicillin/clavulanate (75.2% vs. 79.4%, p:0.03) and ceftriaxone/metronidazole (83.4% vs. 89.6%; p < 0.001) showed significantly inferior predicted adequacy for cholangitis as compared to cholecystitis.

Conclusions
Bloodstream infections related to cholecystitis and cholangitis exhibit different epidemiology, microbiology, and requirements for empiric therapy.
GRIMS: global and regional ionosphere monitoring system
Authors: Ozdemir Behlul Numan , Alcay Salih , Ogutcu Sermet , Pekgor Ahmet , Seemala Gopi Krishna , Oztan Gurkan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe ionosphere shows regular changes such as daily, 27 days, seasonal, semi-annual, annual, and 11 years. These changes can be modeled and their effects largely determined. However, in addition to regular changes, irregular changes occur in the ionosphere due to space weather conditions, natural disasters, and human-induced irregularities. GNSS is one of the instruments along with many others that can give a piece of information on the ionospheric state. Various indices/parameters are used to determine the effect of space weather conditions. The well-known ones are solar activity indices, geomagnetic storm indices, magnetic field components, proton density, and proton flux parameters. It is important to take all of these indices into consideration when investigating the source of the anomaly. Considering only some of them may lead to incorrect inferences about the source of possible anomalies. To carry out comprehensive research in this field, it is necessary to analyze a very large data set. This indicates the requirement for an automatic system. With the Global and Regional Ionosphere Monitoring System (GRIMS) designed within the scope of this study, the ionosphere can be monitored globally and regionally. The GRIMS is online at https://www.online-grims.com/. By using Global ionospheric maps and GNSS receiver data, global, regional, and station-specific anomalies can be detected regularly through methods such as HDI (Highest Density Interval) and ARIMA (Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average). GRIMS gathers space weather-related parameters from ionospheric data centers to help users interpret the situation, and it allows users to download the results and request data for specific days. The details of the experimental results and output products of the system designed during the geomagnetic active days of March 17, 18, 2015 are given in this paper. Moreover, geomagnetic active days that occurred between 2000 and 2023 are given in the GRIMS.
Green Parties and the Quest for Biodiversity: The Political Economy of Fiscal Commitments in OECD Economies
Authors: Herwartz Helmut , Theilen Bernd 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study focuses on green parties in government and analyzes the political economy of public spending for biodiversity and landscape protection, comparing it with other environmental and non-environmental spending categories. Using panel data covering 26 OECD economies during the sample period from 1995 to 2021, we employ an error-correction approach that effectively accounts for both the presence of stochastic trends in the data and the structure of public budgets. Our findings highlight significant differences in the political economy of biodiversity and landscape protection spending compared with other environmental expenditures. Firstly, while governments under the participation of green parties generally allocate more funds to other environmental issues, the same does not hold true for biodiversity. Secondly, growth rates of other environmental expenditures increase considerably during election periods, whereas expenditures dedicated to biodiversity and landscape protection tend to shrink. Thirdly, environmental expenditures are more procyclical in comparison with public spending for non-environmental purposes, where, however, under green parties in government the cyclicality of biodiversity and landscape protection expenditure is mitigated during periods of fiscal adjustments. These results underscore the importance of establishing enhanced and counter-cyclical funding mechanisms, bolstered by support from supranational organizations, to ensure continuous and effective preservation of biodiversity.
Self-Threatening Extortionists Constitute a Problem for Utilitarians, Not Contractualists
Authors: Huseby Robert , Lindstad Sigurd 
Published: July 2024

AbstractJohann Frick has claimed that morality requires that we (in many cases) should give in to the demands of rational agents who attempt to extort us by threatening to harm themselves (self-threatening extortionists). He has further argued that since contractualism implies that there is no such moral requirement, such cases represent a problem for this brand of moral theory. In this paper, we argue that things are quite the other way around: Morality does not require that we give in to the demands of self-threatening extortionists. Such cases, therefore, represent a problem for (act) utilitarianism, rather than contractualism. Our argument appeals to a particular understanding of the idea that rational agents have a special responsibility to take care of their own interests or welfare.
Designing preschool children's educational games for enlightenment through decision analysis methods
Authors: Zhu Yan , Zhou Rui , Zhang Yuexia 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAs an innovative form of digital online education, educational games have potentially significant impacts on preschool children's enlightenment education. Identifying key factors for effective design is crucial in game development. This study identifies key factors for the design of educational games aimed at preschool children's enlightenment through decision analysis methods. The specific research steps include using SET analysis method to identify gaps in development opportunities, employing the Analytic Hierarchy Process to construct an interactive system design model for enlightenment educational games, calculating the weight value of each factor, and pinpointing the key factors for design practice. Based on this methodology, an enlightenment educational game has been developed, and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation method has been utilized to assess the practical implementation. The approach outlined in this study enables designers to swiftly recognize the critical elements in designing educational games for preschool children's enlightenment, facilitating a responsive design process, achieving effective game designs, and ultimately enhancing preschool children's learning interest and outcomes.
A clinically compatible in vitro drug-screening platform identifies therapeutic vulnerabilities in primary cultures of brain metastases
Authors: Jeising Sebastian , Nickel Ann-Christin , Trübel Johanna , Felsberg Jörg , Picard Daniel , Leprivier Gabriel , Wolter Marietta , Huynh My Ky , Olivera Marlene B. , Kaulich Kerstin , Häberle Lena , Esposito Irene , Klau Gunnar W. , Steinmann Julia , Beez Thomas , Rapp Marion , Sabel Michael , Dietrich Sascha , Remke Marc , Cornelius Jan F. , Reifenberger Guido , Qin Nan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Brain metastases represent the most common intracranial tumors in adults and are associated with a poor prognosis. We used a personalized in vitro drug screening approach to characterize individual therapeutic vulnerabilities in brain metastases.

Methods
Short-term cultures of cancer cells isolated from brain metastasis patients were molecularly characterized using next-generation sequencing and functionally evaluated using high-throughput in vitro drug screening to characterize pharmacological treatment sensitivities.

Results
Next-generation sequencing identified matched genetic alterations in brain metastasis tissue samples and corresponding short-term cultures, suggesting that short-term cultures of brain metastases are suitable models for recapitulating the genetic profile of brain metastases that may determine their sensitivity to anti-cancer drugs. Employing a high-throughput in vitro drug screening platform, we successfully screened the cultures of five brain metastases for response to 267 anticancer compounds and related drug response to genetic data. Among others, we found that targeted treatment with JAK3, HER2, or FGFR3 inhibitors showed anti-cancer effects in individual brain metastasis cultures.

Conclusion
Our preclinical study provides a proof-of-concept for combining molecular profiling with in vitro drug screening for predictive evaluation of therapeutic vulnerabilities in brain metastasis patients. This approach could advance the use of patient-derived cancer cells in clinical practice and might eventually facilitate decision-making for personalized drug treatment.
Token governance in initial coin offerings: Implications of token retention and resale restrictions for ICO success
Authors: Fuchs Johannes , Momtaz Paul P. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe high degree of asymmetric information in initial coin offerings (ICOs) increases the probability of moral hazard, adverse selection, and outright fraud. Token governance mechanisms may help mitigate such investment risks. Using novel data on token retention in the primary market and resale restrictions in the secondary market, we estimate the impact of these governance mechanisms on the fundraising success and post-funding performance of ICOs. First, we estimate the valuation elasticity of token retention, indicating that 10% fewer tokens sold increases the ICO funding amount by 3.2%. Second, restricting ICO investors’ ability to resell tokens in the secondary market has a detrimental impact on the 12-month buy-and-hold abnormal return. We also discuss contingency effects of the specific implementations of these governance signals and show that the effects are moderated by the quality of the venture’s human capital.
Association between dietary (poly)phenol intake and the ATHLOS Healthy Ageing Scale in the Polish arm of the HAPIEE study
Authors: Stepaniak Urszula , Grosso Giuseppe , Polak Maciej , Gradowicz-Prajsnar Barbara , Kozela Magdalena , Bobak Martin , Sanchez-Niubo Albert , Stefler Denes , Haro Josep Maria , Pająk Andrzej 
Published: July 2024

AbstractInverse association between (poly)phenol intake and age-related disorders has been demonstrated; however, little is known whether they affect comprehensively assessed healthy aging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between the intake of (poly)phenol (including selected classes and subclasses) and healthy aging scores related to biopsychosocial aspects of health and functioning. A cross-sectional study was performed using data on 9774 randomly selected citizens of Krakow (Poland) who were 45–69 years of age. Dietary (poly)phenol intake was evaluated using a food frequency questionnaire and matching food consumption data with the Phenol-Explorer database. The healthy aging scores were estimated from the ATHLOS Healthy Ageing Scale (HAS) developed by the Ageing Trajectories of Health-Longitudinal Opportunities and Synergies (ATHLOS) consortium. Beta coefficients were calculated using multivariable linear regression models. In multivariable adjusted models, there were significant positive associations between the ATHLOS HAS score and intake of total (poly)phenols (b per increase of 100 mg/day = 0.081; 95% CI, 0.050; 0.112) and among main classes of (poly)phenols with phenolic acids (b = 0.139; 95% CI, 0.098; 0.180). Intake of remaining classes of (poly)phenols (flavonoids, lignans, stilbenes, and others) was not related to the ATHLOS HAS score. Among individual classes studied, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols, flavones, and dihydrochalcones were associated with better healthy aging. The findings suggest the beneficial effect of total dietary (poly)phenol and some classes and subclasses of (poly)phenol intake in terms of healthy aging in Poland. These findings should be confirmed in other settings and with prospective data.