bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The 45° and 60° of sagittal femoral tunnel placement in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction provide similar knee stability
Authors: Cheng Rongshan , Yao Gai , Dimitriou Dimitris , Jiang Ziang , Yang Yangyang , Tsai Tsung‐Yuan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPurposeThe aim of the present study was to compare 45° and 60° of sagittal femoral tunnel angles in terms of anterior tibial translation (ATT), valgus angle and graft in situ force following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).MethodsTen porcine knees were subjected to the following loading conditions: (1) 89 N anterior tibial load at 35° (full extension), 60° and 90° of knee flexion and (2) 5 N m valgus tibial moment at 35° and 45° of knee flexion. ATT and graft in situ force of the intact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and ACLR were collected using a robotic universal force/moment sensor (UFS) testing system for (1) ACL intact, (2) ACL‐deficient (ACLD) and (3) two different ACLR using different sagittal femoral tunnel angles (coronal 45°/sagittal 45° and coronal 45°/sagittal 60°).ResultsDuring the anterior tibial load, the femoral tunnel angle of ACLR knees at coronal 45°/sagittal 45° and 60° had significantly higher ATT than that of the ACL‐intact knees at 60° of knee flexion (p < 0.05). The femoral tunnel angle of ACLR knees at coronal 45°/sagittal 60° had significantly lower graft in situ force than that of the ACL‐intact knees at 60° and 90° of knee flexion (p < 0.05). During the valgus tibial moment, the femoral tunnel angle of ACLR knees at coronal 45°/sagittal 45° and 60° had significantly lower graft in situ force than that of the ACL‐intact knees at all knee flexions (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe femoral tunnel angle of ACLR knees at coronal 45°/sagittal 45° provided similar ATT, valgus angle and graft in situ force to that of ACLR knees at coronal 45°/sagittal 60°. Therefore, both femoral tunnel angles could be used in ACLR, as the sagittal femoral tunnel angle does not appear to be relevant in post‐operative knee stability.Level of EvidenceNot applicable.
Peritonsillar Abscess Outcomes with and Without Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kadrie A. , Ward C. , Chanamolu M. , Berry Joseph , Gillespie M.B. 
Published: July 2024

ObjectivesPeritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a common deep space head and neck infection, which can be diagnosed with or without computed tomography (CT). CT poses a risk for false positives, leading to unnecessary abscess drainage attempts without benefit, whereas needle or open aspiration without imaging could potentially lead to missed abscess in need of treatment. This study considered the utility and impact of obtaining CT scans in patients with suspected PTA by comparing outcomes between CT and non‐CT usage.MethodsRetrospective cohort analysis using TriNetX datasets compared the outcomes of two cohorts: PTA without CT and PTA with CT. Measured outcomes included incision and drainage; quinsy adenotonsillectomy; recurrent PTA; airway emergency/obstruction; repeat emergency department (ED) visits; and need for antibiotics, opiates, or steroids. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated using a cohort analysis.ResultsThe CT usage group had increased odds of receiving antibiotics (OR 3.043, [2.043–4.531]), opiates (OR 1.614, [1.138–1.289]), and steroids (OR 1.373, [1.108–1.702]), as well as a higher likelihood of returning to the ED (OR 5.900, [3.534–9.849]) and developing a recurrent PTA (OR 1.943, [1.410–2.677]). No significant differences were observed in the incidence of incision and drainage, quinsy adenotonsillectomy, or airway emergency/obstruction.ConclusionOur study indicated that CT scans for PTA diagnosis were associated with increased prescription of antibiotics, opioids, steroids, return ED visits, and recurrent PTA. Future prospective trials are needed to determine if the use of CT scans indicates higher patient acuity that explains the potential negative outcomes.Level of Evidence2 Laryngoscope, 134:4911–4917, 2024
Ensemble docking based virtual screening of SARS‐CoV‐2 main protease inhibitors
Authors: Fomina Anastasia D. , Uvarova Victoria I. , Kozlovskaya Liubov I. , Palyulin Vladimir A. , Osolodkin Dmitry I. , Ishmukhametov Aydar A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDuring the first years of COVID‐19 pandemic, X‐ray structures of the coronavirus drug targets were acquired at an unprecedented rate, giving hundreds of PDB depositions in less than a year. The main protease (Mpro) of severe acute respiratory syndrome‐related coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is the primary validated target of direct‐acting antivirals. The selection of the optimal ensemble of structures of Mpro for the docking‐driven virtual screening campaign was thus non‐trivial and required a systematic and automated approach. Here we report a semi‐automated active site RMSD based procedure of ensemble selection from the SARS‐CoV‐2 Mpro crystallographic data and virtual screening of its inhibitors. The procedure was compared with other approaches to ensemble selection and validated with the help of hand‐picked and peer‐reviewed activity‐annotated libraries. Prospective virtual screening of non‐covalent Mpro inhibitors resulted in a new chemotype of thienopyrimidinone derivatives with experimentally confirmed enzyme inhibition.
Multi‐Task ADME/PK prediction at industrial scale: leveraging large and diverse experimental datasets**
Authors: Walter Moritz , Borghardt Jens M. , Humbeck Lina , Skalic Miha 
Published: July 2024

AbstractADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion) properties are key parameters to judge whether a drug candidate exhibits a desired pharmacokinetic (PK) profile. In this study, we tested multi‐task machine learning (ML) models to predict ADME and animal PK endpoints trained on in‐house data generated at Boehringer Ingelheim. Models were evaluated both at the design stage of a compound (i. e., no experimental data of test compounds available) and at testing stage when a particular assay would be conducted (i. e., experimental data of earlier conducted assays may be available). Using realistic time‐splits, we found a clear benefit in performance of multi‐task graph‐based neural network models over single‐task model, which was even stronger when experimental data of earlier assays is available. In an attempt to explain the success of multi‐task models, we found that especially endpoints with the largest numbers of data points (physicochemical endpoints, clearance in microsomes) are responsible for increased predictivity in more complex ADME and PK endpoints. In summary, our study provides insight into how data for multiple ADME/PK endpoints in a pharmaceutical company can be best leveraged to optimize predictivity of ML models.
A mixed finite element spatial discretization scheme and a higher‐order accurate temporal discretization scheme for a strongly discontinuous electromagnetic interface condition in ideal sliding electrical contact problems
Authors: Liu Shuqi , Yang Jinghan , Chen Dezhi , Chen Lixue 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSliding electrical contact involves multiple conductors sliding in contact at different speeds, with current flowing through the contact surfaces. The Lagrangian method is commonly used to describe the electromagnetic field in order to overcome the trouble of convective dominance, especially in high‐speed sliding electrical contact problems. However, to maintain correct field continuity, magnetic vector potential and scalar potential taken as variables cannot be continuous simultaneously at the ideal sliding electrical contact interface. This involves a strongly discontinuous condition for variables. Further, commonly used spatial–temporal discretization algorithms are invalid, for example, the classic finite element (CFEM) framework does not allow discontinuous variables, and the backward Euler method in time domain introduces a significant interface error source associated with the velocity of relative motion. To accurately handle strongly discontinuous conditions in numerical calculations, a mixed nodal finite element scheme and a higher‐order accurate temporal discretization scheme are introduced. In this scheme, classical finite element method is performed in each subdomain, and the derivative terms at the boundary are added as new variables. The effectiveness and accuracy of the above methods are verified by comparing them with a standard solution in a two‐dimensional railgun model and analyzing the current density distribution in a three‐dimensional railgun model.
Unequal gender‐based attraction toward public sector employment in China: The role of perceived discrimination and public service motivation
Authors: Yang Yan , Wen Bo , Tao Lei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPromoting demographic diversity and representation in the public sector workforce is a critical prerequisite for achieving social equity. This study investigates gender differences in public sectoral preference in China, subsequently exploring the underlying mechanisms that cause such a gender gap. Based on social psychological theories, this study develops and tests a moderated mediation model that examines public service motivation (PSM) as the mediating mechanism and perceived discrimination as the moderator. Utilizing the nationally representative China Education Panel Survey, our findings suggest a strong gender effect regarding the attractiveness of public sector employment in China. In terms of the specific mechanism whereby gender helps predict public sectoral preference, PSM indeed plays a mediating role. Specifically, the gender gap in public sector employment will be further widened by PSM when perceived discrimination is high. Overall, this study contributes to the extant literature by exploring the effects of gender on public sector preferences and to the practice by helping policymakers ideate solutions to enhance diversity effectively.
Investigation on the damage mechanisms using acoustic emission method and damping characteristics of hybrid flax‐glass composites
Authors: Rajendran Balaji , Krishna Prabakar K. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFiber‐reinforced polymers (FRP) feature high strength‐to‐weight ratio amongst the emerging class of natural composites. This paper presents the impact of the glass fiber on the tensile strength of the flax epoxy laminate. The mechanical behavior and damping characteristics of flax fiber reinforced polymer (FFRP) and the hybrid flax‐glass fiber reinforced polymer (HFRP) are experimentally investigated. Both the flax and hybrid FRPs are made using vacuum infusion process. The specimens without and with holes of 4, 5, and 6 mm in diameter are subjected to tensile test using acoustic emission monitoring and free vibration test. In the former testing, HFRP resulted in higher peak frequencies and cumulative counts. Also, the natural frequency and damping factor of HFRP vary proportionately with the hole size, as identified in the latter tests. Different damage mechanisms during the tensile test revealed that the presence of glass fibers in HFRP increased resistance for certain damage mechanisms.Highlights
Adding glass fiber to flax fiber reinforced polymer (FFRP) creates a hybrid FRP (HFRP) with increased resistance to damage and improved damping characteristics.
HFRP exhibits a distinction in failure mechanisms compared to FFRP.
The study utilizes acoustic emission (AE) to identify various damage mechanisms in the material, providing a more detailed information.
The addition of glass fibers in HFRP leads to a more pronounced increase in damping factors.
Understanding teacher counterproductive work behavior: Tracing individual, occupational, and organizational factors
Authors: Ghasemi Farshad , Herman Keith C. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDespite extensive research on antecedents and consequences of counterproductive work behavior (CWB), factors contributing to it in educational settings and teachers have not been adequately addressed. With participants of secondary school teachers working in public schools (270), private schools (302), and other educational institutions (319) in Iran, this study explored factors associated with CWB at the individual (age, gender, and perceived justice), occupational (interpersonal conflicts and working hours), and organizational (job content, class size, and teaching context) levels. Significant relationships, with small effect sizes, were found between CWB and younger male teachers with low perceived justice. The results also indicated a linear trend with occupational variables and CWB in the public sector. An escalation in CWB engagement was observed with an increase in working hours and class size. There was a strong positive correlation between psychological demands and CWB, and negative associations were found for social support and decision latitude with significant differences in teacher categories. Hierarchal regression analysis confirmed the significant contributions of these variables to the variances in CWB. The implications have been discussed in light of study results by recommending policies and strategies to be used by school psychologists, administrators, and teacher educators to curtail dysfunctional behaviors and ultimately create school environments that promote teachers' job commitment and the delivery of high‐quality education.
Registration of R18‐14147: A high‐protein conventional soybean germplasm line
Authors: Vieira C. Canella , Florez‐Palacios L. , Marmo R. G. , Acuña A. , Wu C. , Harrison D. , Rogers D. , Mozzoni L. , Roberts T. , Carlin J. F. , Faske T. R. , Mian M. A. R. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractR18‐14147 (Reg. no. GP‐528, PI 705143) is a high‐protein conventional soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] germplasm of maturity group Mid‐IV developed and released by the University of Arkansas System – Division of Agriculture Research & Extension in 2023. The germplasm is an F3:4 selection from the cross LG10‐3671‐1 × R09‐430. Plants of R18‐14147 have an indeterminate growth habit with purple flowers, gray pubescence, brown pod wall, and imperfect black hilum. Across 28 environments in Arkansas (2019–2022), R18‐14147 yield averaged 4482 kg ha−1, with broad adaptability and yield stability. Seed of R18‐14147 contains on average 429 g kg−1 and 191 g kg−1 of protein and oil on a dry weight basis, respectively, and seed weight is 15.2 g 100 seeds−1. The average seed protein content of this line is 8%–27% higher than the average protein content of the check cultivars used in various trials to evaluate R18‐14147. Additionally, R18‐14147 has been identified as resistant to stem canker. R18‐14147 presents soybean growers in the mid‐southern United States with a promising germplasm alternative combining high yield potential and elevated seed protein content for alternative crop rotation in herbicide‐tolerant cultivar systems, offering potentially seed‐saving cost benefits and serving as a valuable germplasm for new cultivar development.
Genetic fingerprinting reveals how traditional farming practices aided to preserve ancient table grape varieties in Almería (southeastern Spain)
Authors: Tello Javier , Galán Álvaro , Rodríguez‐Torres Inmaculada , Martínez‐Zapater José Miguel , Rubio Casanova Antonio , Ibáñez Javier 
Published: July 2024

Societal Impact StatementTable grape production is a traditional practice in southeastern Spain, where locals have produced fresh grapes and raisins for centuries. Many of these vines are now centenary, and they represent a useful source of diversity for developing future table grape varieties with improved traits. Genetic analysis showed that many of the local varieties identified in this study were traditional varieties from Western Mediterranean countries. Others were not identified, and they might be old grape varieties of previous importance in the region. The conservation and characterization of these varieties could be key to ensuring current and future vineyard sustainability.Summary

Current worldwide table grape production focuses on a reduced number of Vitis vinifera L. varieties. However, traditional farmers have grown many table grape varieties for centuries, as they provided a steady source of fresh fruit and raisins. These ancient living genotypes potentially store a genetic diversity that can be used now to ensure future grape production.
Here we focused on the study of grapevines found across Almería, one of the Spanish regions with longer tradition in table grape production. After an exhaustive inspection, we located 220 old (some centenary) vines producing grapes consumed by owners or in abandoned areas no longer devoted to agriculture.
Some of these vines were identified by comparing their simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genetic profiles with available data from international databases. We found that, while grape growers' efforts focused on the cultivation of traditional grape varieties from Western Mediterranean regions, they also cultivated few exogenous varieties if they provided additional fruit features. Other vines were found to have genetic profiles that did not match reference datasets. Interestingly, some of them were found in multiple locations, suggesting they are endangered varieties with some previous relevance in the region. Besides, first‐degree relationships support the autochthonous origin of many of these unidentified genotypes.
Locals kept a high number of different grapevine varieties, now considered reservoirs of genetic diversity. Traditional farming practices have been useful to prevent the loss of this diversity, which now needs to be preserved and further studied to contribute to the sustainability of viticultural systems.
Improving Sustainable Financing for Universal Health Coverage in Bhutan: Exploring Policy Options and Financial Strategies
Authors: Tshering Ugyen , Sharma Jayendra , Tshering Dorji , Dendup Tandin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDeeply rooted in its developmental philosophy of gross national happiness (GNH), Bhutan's healthcare system strives towards achieving a shared goal of universal health coverage (UHC). Despite being primarily financed by the government, the health system faces a plethora of challenges. To overcome these hurdles and achieve UHC goals, expanding the fiscal space for health and improving operational efficiency are crucial. This article aims to address Bhutan's evolving healthcare landscape and advance the achievement of UHC through two policy options. The first policy option focuses on the dual objective of improving health outcomes and promoting financial sustainability by leveraging health taxes, whereas the second option emphasizes reinforcing a systematic health technology assessment (HTA) in the Bhutanese health system. First, drawing lessons from global experiences, the policy brief recommends leveraging health taxes to reduce societal and healthcare costs and enhance financial sustainability in the health sector. Considering Bhutan's high prevalence of tobacco and alcohol consumption, and taking opportunity from the ongoing Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform, continued advocacy on health taxes is essential, and soft earmarking the health taxes may be considered to finance a broader array of public health programmes, particularly focusing on the promotion of healthy lifestyle, health screening and outreach public health activities. Second, the integration of HTA into policymaking and decision‐making processes is essential for effective resource allocation in UHC. Nurturing and strengthening the existing HTA governance structure under the Ministry of Health (MoH) and establishing a dedicated multidisciplinary HTA Committee will ensure informed decision‐making and resource optimization. HTA evidence should inform the revision of health service standards, clinical guidelines development, procurement decisions and healthcare priorities. These policy options can assist the country in improving financial sustainability, enhancing effective resource allocation and utilization and improving healthcare delivery, aligning with its vision of GNH and ultimately accelerating progress towards achieving UHC.
Using peptide barcodes for simultaneous profiling of protein expression from mRNA
Authors: Kumano Shun , Tanaka Kazuki , Akahori Rena , Yanagiya Akiko , Nojima Akihiro 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRationalemRNA technology has begun to play a significant role in the areas of therapeutic intervention and vaccine development. However, optimizing the mRNA sequence that influences protein expression levels is a resource‐intensive and time‐consuming process. This study introduces a new method to accelerate the selection of sequences of mRNA for optimal protein expression.MethodsWe designed the mRNA sequences in such a way that a unique peptide barcode, corresponding to each mRNA sequence, is attached to the expressed protein. These barcodes, cleaved off by a protease and simultaneously quantified by mass spectrometry, reflect the protein expression, enabling a parallel analysis. We validated this method using two mRNAs, each with different untranslated regions (UTRs) but encoding enhanced green fluorescence protein (eGFP), and investigated whether the peptide barcodes could analyze the differential eGFP expression levels.ResultsThe fluorescence intensity of eGFP, a marker of its expression level, has shown noticeable changes between the two UTR sequences in mRNA‐transfected cells when measured using flow cytometry. This suggests alterations in the expression level of eGFP due to the influence of different UTR sequences. Furthermore, the quantified amount of peptide barcodes that were released from eGFP showed consistent patterns with these changes.ConclusionsThe experimental findings suggest that peptide barcodes serve as a valuable tool for assessing protein expression levels. The process of mRNA sequence selection, aimed at maximizing protein expression, can be enhanced by the parallel analysis of peptide barcodes using mass spectrometry.
The sustainability of small‐scale sheep and goat farming in a semi‐arid Mediterranean environment
Authors: Timpanaro Giuseppe , Foti Vera Teresa 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionSmall‐scale sheep and goat farming is one of the business models the EU depends on to achieve the objectives of the Green Deal. However, these production systems are characterized by structural weaknesses that risk being aggravated by international events, such as the post‐COVID‐19 crisis and reconstruction, the conflict in the European area and the generalized inflationary wave. Against this scenario, the work aims to expand knowledge of these companies’ sustainability levels to assess their performance, business model, the strategic keys to their resilience and chances of survival in the changed international scenario.Materials & MethodsThe approach chosen is SAFA (Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture Systems), the FAO's holistic framework. The empirical analysis focused on a sample of farms in a semi‐arid Mediterranean area.ResultsThe results demonstrate the sustainability lag in governance, social capital, fertilizer management, landscape heritage and economic terms. This is due to the absence of strategic planning on soil, environmental and livestock management, genetic and human resource management, and farm structure. Regarding economic resilience on performance, the weight of the CAP (common agricultural policy) for these farms and the effect of high production costs are high.ConclusionThe work is helpful for different stakeholders, who are invited both to structure the intervention of eco‐schemes on animal welfare for the 2023/2027 programming period and to support farm development plans to foster the flow of innovation, cooperation and sustainability.