bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Satellite observations of Arctic blowing dust events >82°N
Authors: Baddock Matthew , Hall Alex , Rideout Joseph , Bryant Rob , Bullard Joanna , Gassó Santiago 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study reports satellite evidence for the most northerly blown dust activity yet observed on Earth. A systematic inspection of high‐resolution satellite imagery identified active dust events and their sources >82°N in Peary Land, Greenland. In the absence of any local weather measurements, for all observed dust activity a focus period in April 2020 with multiple dust plumes, reanalysis climate data found the majority of dust events to be associated with wind speeds exceeding a typical threshold value for blowing sand and dust uplift. Wind direction variability points to dust‐raising by cold airflow down‐valley winds, likely from nearby ice masses.
Cultural Heritage and Urban Development: Embracing the Historic Urban Landscape Approach
Authors: Francini Carlo , Rozochkina Tatiana 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn the global context, there is not a single historic city that has managed to preserve its original character intact; this concept is perpetually evolving, destined to transform in tandem with society itself. Given the constant urban change, how can the societies accommodate the need for urban development and the cultural heritage conservation within urban management? The article elaborates on the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach as a solution framework that provides an understanding of how historic fabric and contemporary development can harmoniously interact, reinforcing their respective roles and significance. The case study of Florence serves as a compelling example of efficacy of this approach and offers valuable insights into the HUL’s successful integration into existing local frameworks, ultimately shedding light on the potential benefits of the HUL application in different urban contexts.
A Novel Perception of Quantum Software: Theoretical, Engineering, and Application Aspects
Authors: Felderer Michael , Pérez-Castillo Ricardo , Piattini Mario , Exman Iaakov 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe chapter discusses the importance of quantum software and defines it as a multifaceted concept comprising a theoretical, engineering, and application viewpoint. Hence, it covers aspects of quantum software theory, quantum software systems, as well as quantum software laboratory. The chapter also outlines the entire book and its individual chapters structured into three parts on quantum software theory, quantum software system design, as well as quantum software laboratory and applications.
Simulating Quantum Software with Density Matrices: Reading Feynman on Fast-Forward
Authors: Exman Iaakov 
Published: August 2024

AbstractRichard P. Feynman’s 1982 paper “Simulating Physics with Computers” is often recognized as a pioneer of quantum computing. However, careful reading between the lines finds further meaningful content. This work reinterprets the pioneering paper, as a precursor of Quantum Software. Feynman’s proposal to represent the simulated system by a Density Matrix opens the way toward a mathematical Quantum Software systems theory.Density Matrix modularization leads to software modules as high-level abstractions unifying conceptual software units and matrix basis kets, stimulating new software-related questions and novel quantum solutions. Software modules are building blocks for any imaginable Quantum Software computations in practice, such as software system evolution, measurement, compositionality, and future potential applications.
Quantum Software Ecosystem Design
Authors: Basermann Achim , Epping Michael , Fauseweh Benedikt , Felderer Michael , Lobe Elisabeth , Röhrig-Zöllner Melven , Schmiedinghoff Gary , Schuhmacher Peter K. , Setyawati Yoshinta , Weinert Alexander 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe rapid advancements in quantum computing necessitate a scientific and rigorous approach to the construction of a corresponding software ecosystem, a topic underexplored and primed for systematic investigation. This chapter takes an important step in this direction. It presents scientific considerations essential for building a quantum software ecosystem that makes quantum computing available for scientific and industrial problem-solving. Central to this discourse is the concept of hardware–software co-design, which fosters a bidirectional feedback loop from the application layer at the top of the software stack down to the hardware. This approach begins with compilers and low-level software that are specifically designed to align with the unique specifications and constraints of the quantum processor, proceeds with algorithms developed with a clear understanding of underlying hardware and computational model features, and extends to applications that effectively leverage the capabilities to achieve a quantum advantage. We analyze the ecosystem from two critical perspectives: the conceptual view, focusing on theoretical foundations, and the technical infrastructure, addressing practical implementations around real quantum devices necessary for a functional ecosystem. This approach ensures that the focus is toward promising applications with optimized algorithm–circuit synergy, while ensuring a user-friendly design, an effective data management, and an overall orchestration. This chapter thus offers a guide to the essential concepts and practical strategies necessary for developing a scientifically grounded quantum software ecosystem.
Development and Deployment of Quantum Services
Authors: Moguel Enrique , Garcia-Alonso Jose , Murillo Juan M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractQuantum computing is advancing by leaps and bounds to become a commercial reality. This revolutionary new technology aims to improve essential areas such as cybersecurity, financial services, and medicine. The growth of this technology has encouraged different research centers and big companies such as IBM, Amazon, Microsoft, and Google to dedicate considerable efforts to the development of new technologies that bring quantum computing to the market. However, these technologies are not yet mature and create a major problem of vendor lock-in. Therefore, new techniques and tools are needed to facilitate access to this technology and to allow developers to increase the level of abstraction at which they work. In this chapter, we perform a technical comparison between different quantum computing service providers using a case study by performing empirical tests based on the Traveling Salesman Problem. This study highlights the differences between the major providers. To address these differences and reduce the vendor lock-in effect, we made three proposals: an extension of the Quantum API Gateway to support the different vendors; a code generator making use of a modification of the OpenAPI specification; and a workflow to automate the continuous deployment of these services making use of GitHub Actions. This would allow programmers to deploy quantum code without specific knowledge of the major vendors, which would facilitate access and simplify the development of quantum applications.
Labor’s Economic Rationalism: Women Under the Hawke and Keating Governments (1983–1996)
Authors: Johnson Carol 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis chapter focuses on Australian government policy but also provides relevant international examples. It discusses gender equality policy during the period of the Hawke and Keating governments. It highlights internationally innovative policy developments such as the introduction of Women’s Budget Statements, later exported to the world in the form of gender responsive budgeting. However, it argues that the governments’ internationally innovative attempts to meld neoliberalism and social democracy—a project which influenced Tony Blair’s “New Labour”—had less positive effects on women such as public sector cutbacks and a marketisation of services. Furthermore, some of the neoliberal framing influences on industrial relations policy were to contribute to the gender pay gap for decades to come. Nonetheless, it will be suggested that the Blair (1997–2007) government’s “Third Way” placed less of a focus on being socially inclusive than the Hawke and Keating governments’ policies. However, Australian supporters of gender equality were to face a much greater challenge with the defeat of Labor and the election of the socially conservative, neoliberal Howard government that was influenced by both Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan.
Innate immune signatures in the nasopharynx after SARS-CoV-2 infection and links with the clinical outcome of COVID-19 in Omicron-dominant period
Authors: Cha Hyunkyung , Lee Chan Mi , Kim Sujin , Kang Chang Kyung , Choe Pyoeng Gyun , Jeon Yoon Kyung , Jo Hyeon Jae , Kim Nam Joong , Park Wan Beom , Kim Hyun Jik 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWhile severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is characterized by impaired induction of interferons (IFNs) and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), the IFNs and ISGs in upper airway is essential to restrict the spread of respiratory virus. Here, we identified the prominent IFN and ISG upregulation in the nasopharynx (NP) of mild and even severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients (CoV2+) in Omicron era and to compare their clinical outcome depending on the level of IFNs and ISGs. Whereas the induction of IFNB was minimal, transcription of IFNA, IFNG, and IFNLs was significantly increased in the NP of CoV2 + patients. IFNs and ISGs may be more upregulated in the NP of CoV2 + patients at early phases of infection according to viral RNA levels and this is observed even in severe cases. IFN-related innate immune response might be characteristic in macrophages and monocytes at the NP and the CoV2 + patients with higher transcription of IFNs and ISGs in the NP showed a correlation with good prognosis of COVID-19. This study presents that IFNs and ISGs may be upregulated in the NP, even in severe CoV2 + patients depending on viral replication during Omicron-dominant period and the unique IFN-responsiveness in the NP links with COVID-19 clinical outcomes.
Uncovering miRNA-Mediated Regulation in Phellem Versus Xylem Differentiation in Quercus suber L.
Authors: Lopes Susana T. , Costa Bruno , Chaves Inês , Costa Augusta , Miguel Célia M. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSeveral regulators of phellem/cork formation have been identified in recent years, using mainly transcriptomic approaches. However, this developmental process, showing parallels to the functioning of vascular cambium, remains poorly understood. The cork oak tree (Quercus suber L.) exhibits a remarkable ability to form a traumatic phellogen after debarking, enabling sustainable cork production. We aimed at uncovering post-transcriptional mechanisms controlled by miRNAs, specifically involved in regulating phellogen functioning and phellem differentiation in cork oak. To achieve this, we conducted a comparative analysis of the small RNA transcriptome between differentiating phellem and xylem, both originating from secondary meristems (phellogen and vascular cambium). In addition to identifying miRNAs exclusive to phellogen/phellem tissues, we discovered 246 differentially expressed miRNAs between the two tissues, of which 74 are conserved. The most abundant miRNA families found in phellem tissues were MIR165/166, MIR167, MIR168 and MIR390. By analysing miRNA predicted targets and their expression in the same tissues, many of the differentially expressed miRNAs were found associated with sequence-specific DNA binding functions. Within these, transcription factor families HD-ZIP III, WRKY, NAC and MYB were highlighted as key in phellem differentiation. Furthermore, hormone-mediated signalling pathways, particularly involving auxin, appeared as an enriched biological process, as several ARF transcripts, among other auxin signalling genes like IAA11, ARF18 and ARF19, were identified as putative targets of conserved or novel miRNAs. Overall, our results provide a comprehensive overview of the miRNA landscape during cork formation, providing valuable knowledge for further functional studies and potential practical applications in forest management.
Graphical Abstract
Real-world data on the prevalence of BRCA1/2 and HRR gene mutations in patients with primary and metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Hommerding Moritz , Hommerding Oliver , Bernhardt Marit , Kreft Tobias , Sanders Christine , Tischler Verena , Basitta Patrick , Pelusi Natalie , Wulf Anna-Lena , Ohlmann Carsten-Henning , Ellinger Jörg , Ritter Manuel , Kristiansen Glen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study seeks to contribute real-world data on the prevalence of BRCA1/2 and HRR gene mutations in prostate cancer.

Methods
We compiled sequencing data of 197 cases of primary and metastatic prostate cancer, in which HRR mutation analysis was performed upon clinical request within the last 5 years. All cases were analyzed using a targeted NGS BRCAness multigene panel, including 8 HRR genes (ATM, BRCA1, BRCA2, CDK12, CHEK2, FANCA, HDAC2, PALB2).

Results
Our findings reveal a prevalence of potentially targetable mutations based on FDA criteria of 20.8%, which is comparable to the literature. However, the frequency of targetable BRCA2 mutations within our cohort was lower than reported for mCRPC and ATM and CHEK2 mutations were more prevalent instead. Thus, while 20.8% (n = 38) of the cases meet the criteria for olaparib treatment per FDA approval, only 4.9% (n = 9) align with the eligibility criteria according to the EMA approval.

Conclusion
This study offers valuable real-world insights into the landscape of BRCA1/2 and HRR gene mutations and the practical clinical management of HRR gene testing in prostate cancer, contributing to a better understanding of patient eligibility for PARPi treatment.
Urinary continence outcomes, surgical margin status, and complications after radical prostatectomy in 2,141 German patients treated in one high-volume inpatient rehabilitation clinic in 2022
Authors: Bahlburg Henning , Rausch Patricia , Tully Karl Heinrich , Berg Sebastian , Noldus Joachim , Butea-Bocu Marius Cristian , Beyer Burkhard , Müller Guido 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To identify independent predictors of urinary continence and report early complications after radical prostatectomy (RP) in a large, contemporary German cohort.

Methods
Urinary incontinence data of patients undergoing 3-week inpatient rehabilitation (IR) after RP were prospectively assessed by 24-hr pad test and uroflowmetry at the beginning and the end of IR, respectively. Lymphoceles were assessed prospectively by ultrasound. Tumor and patient characteristics, and information on urinary leakage on initial cystography were retrospectively extracted from discharge letters and surgical reports. Regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of urinary continence at the beginning of IR.

Results
Overall, 2,141 patients were included in the final analyses. Anastomotic leakage on the initial cystography and lymphoceles were found in 11.4% and 30.8% of patients, respectively. Intervention for a symptomatic lymphocele was required in 4.2% of patients. At the end of IR, 54.2% of patients were continent, while the median urine loss decreased to 73 g (interquartile range 15–321). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified age and diabetes mellitus as independent negative predictors, but nerve-sparing surgery as an independent positive predictor of urinary continence (each p < 0.001). Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that 24-hr urine loss increased by 7 g with each year of life (p < 0.001), was 79 g higher in patients with diabetes mellitus (p = 0.007), and 175 g lower in patients with NS (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Age, diabetes mellitus, and NS are significantly associated with continence outcomes in the early period after RP. Our analyses may help clinicians to pre-operatively counsel patients on potential surgical outcomes.
An Efficient Algorithm to Compute the Toughness in Graphs with Bounded Treewidth
Authors: Katona Gyula Y. , Khan Humara 
Published: August 2024

AbstractLet t be a positive real number. A graph is called t-tough if the removal of any vertex set S that disconnects the graph leaves at most |S|/t components. The toughness of a graph is the largest t for which the graph is t-tough. We prove that toughness is fixed-parameter tractable parameterized with the treewidth. More precisely, we give an algorithm to compute the toughness of a graph G with running time $${\mathcal {O}}(|V(G)|^3\cdot \textrm{tw}(G)^{2\textrm{tw}(G)})$$

O
(
|
V

(
G
)

|
3

·
tw

(
G
)

2
tw
(
G
)

)

where $$\textrm{tw}(G)$$

tw
(
G
)

is the treewidth. If the treewidth is bounded by a constant, then this is a polynomial algorithm.
The olfactory test established by Henkin: is it reliable and does it correlate to established psychophysical tests?
Authors: Hernandez Anna Kristina , Käb Irina , Hummel Thomas 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This pilot study aimed to determine whether the Henkin olfactory test discriminates between the olfactory function of patients with olfactory loss and healthy individuals, and whether the Henkin test is correlated with a validated psychophysical olfactory test.

Methods
Participants underwent olfactory testing using the modified Henkin test (including detection [DT] and recognition [RT] thresholds, magnitude estimation [ME], and hedonic ratings [H], for four different odors) and the extended “Sniffin’ Sticks” test battery (odor detection, discrimination, identification).

Results
Forty-four individuals (28 women, aged 19–81 years, mean: 39 years) were included. Twenty-three were healthy (mean age: 38 years) and 21 had olfactory dysfunction (OD) (mean age: 40 years). OD patients had worse mean DT, lower composite RT, and lower ME ratings. Mean and individual odor H ratings were not significantly different between the groups. Most individuals were classified as hyposmic when using the prescribed classification by Henkin, with only very few satisfying the stringent criteria of anosmia and normosmia. Modified Henkin subtests were all positively correlated with each other and with the “Sniffin’ Sticks”, except for Unpleasant Mean H which was only correlated with Pleasant Mean H; and Pleasant mean H which was not correlated with mean DT scores.

Conclusion
The Henkin test is able to separate between OD patients and controls. However, modifications to the conduct of this test may be required. Studies that used this test should be carefully interpreted.

Level of evidence
3.
Effects of ischemic pre-conditioning on electrically stimulated contractions
Authors: Allois Ruben , Pagliaro Pasquale , Leonardo Ermini , Roatta Silvestro 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Ischemic pre-conditioning (IPC) offers protection against future ischemic events and may improve sports performance due to several mechanisms at local and systemic levels. This study investigates the local effects on muscle contractility in electrically induced muscle contractions, thus effectively excluding any uncontrolled change in the motor drive.

Methods
Twenty-one subjects were divided into two groups: 12 subjects in the IPC group (3 × 5/5 min right arm ischemia/reperfusion; cuff pressure 250 mmHg) and 9 subjects in the SHAM group (same treatment at 20 mmHg). The adductor pollicis was contracted by supramaximal stimulation of the ulnar nerve with single pulses, trains of stimuli (5, 8, 10 and 12 Hz, 1-s duration) and bursts (4 pulses, 25 Hz), all separated by 5-s intervals. The stimulation sequence was delivered before and 15 and 30 min after IPC/SHAM treatment. The isometric contraction force, the superficial electromyographic signal, and tissue oxygenation were continuously monitored.

Results
A significant force decrease in time was observed at 8, 10 (p < 0.01) and 12 Hz (p < 0.05) along with a decrease in half-relaxation time in single twitches and bursts (p = 0.01), regardless of treatment. This general time-related weakening was more marked in IPC than SHAM at 5-Hz stimulation. No effects were observed on the magnitude of the superficial electromyographic signal.

Conclusion
Data indicate that IPC does not increase muscle force during electrically stimulated contractions, supporting the idea that IPC’s ergogenic effects are not due to increased muscle contractility.
Mosquito prevalence, resting habitat preference, and Plasmodium infection status of anophelines in coastal Karnataka during the declining phase of malaria—an exploratory study
Authors: Arumugam Gowthami , Saravu Kavitha , Kotthapalli Prashanth , Nallapati Vishnu Teja , Bhat Prashanth , Achari Muktha , Kulal Naveenchandra , Ananganallur Nagarajan Shriram , S. L. Hoti , Kumar Ashwani 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMalaria has a historical presence in the Dakshina Kannada (D.K.) and Udupi districts of Karnataka, India. To understand the potential involvement of anopheline fauna in malaria transmission, we conducted an exploratory entomological survey. The study is crucial given the decreasing malaria incidence in these districts in recent years. From September 2022 to August 2023, we collected indoor resting mosquitoes using a manual aspirator at 27 randomly chosen sites within three distinct resting habitats (human dwellings, cattle sheds, and construction sites) in the urban areas of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. Mosquitoes were morphologically identified, and anopheline specimens were tested for the presence of malarial parasite by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. We collected a total of 1810 mosquitoes, comprising 21 species distributed across five genera. Culex emerged as the predominant genus, constituting 84.4% of the collected specimens, while Anopheles accounted for 5.4%. Among the observed species, Culex quinquefasciatus was predominant, comprising 77.9% of the mosquito specimens collected in this study. Two malaria vectors, An. stephensi and An. subpictus complex, constituted 16.3% and 1.0% of the total anophelines collected, respectively. None of the 96 female anophelines was tested positive for Plasmodium infection. Our findings suggest that Anopheles mosquitoes prefer resting in cattle sheds over human dwellings. While our study identified two malaria vectors, they were present at low densities. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of these vector mosquitoes, it is essential to conduct long-term surveillance to monitor their prevalence and role in malaria transmission.
Sharp metastability transition for two-dimensional bootstrap percolation with symmetric isotropic threshold rules
Authors: Duminil-Copin Hugo , Hartarsky Ivailo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe study two-dimensional critical bootstrap percolation models. We establish that a class of these models including all isotropic threshold rules with a convex symmetric neighbourhood, undergoes a sharp metastability transition. This extends previous instances proved for several specific rules. The paper supersedes a draft by Alexander Holroyd and the first author from 2012. While it served a role in the subsequent development of bootstrap percolation universality, we have chosen to adopt a more contemporary viewpoint in its present form.