bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of dialysis modality on annual mortality: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Kim Yae Hyun , Kim Yeonjin , Ha Nayoung , Cho Jang-Hee , Kim Yon Su , Kang Shin-Wook , Kim Nam-Ho , Yang Chul Woo , Kim Yong-Lim , Lee Jung Pyo , Lee Woojoo , Oh Hyung Jung 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDespite numerous studies on the effect of each dialysis modality on mortality, the issue remains controversial. We investigated the hazard rate of mortality in patients with incident end-stage renal disease (ESRD) concerning initial dialysis modality (hemodialysis vs. peritoneal dialysis). Using a nationwide, multicenter, prospective cohort in South Korea, we studied 2207 patients, of which 1647 (74.6%) underwent hemodialysis. We employed the weighted Fine and Gray model over the follow-up period using inverse probability of treatment and censoring weighting. Landmark analysis was used for identifying the changing effect of dialysis modality on individuals who remained event-free at each landmark point. No significant difference in hazard rate was observed overall. However, the peritoneal dialysis group had a significantly higher hazard rate than the hemodialysis group among patients under 65 years after 4- and 5- year follow-up. A similar pattern was observed among those with diabetes mellitus. Landmark analysis also showed the higher hazard rate for peritoneal dialysis at 2 years for the education-others group and at 3 years for the married group. These findings may inform dialysis modality decisions, suggesting a preference for hemodialysis in young patients with diabetes, especially for follow-ups longer than 3 years.
Evaluation of antimicrobial stewardship activities using antibiotic spectrum coverage
Authors: Tanuma Michiya , Sakurai Takayuki , Nakaminami Hidemasa , Tanaka Masayo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractRecently, the days of antibiotic spectrum coverage (DASC) using the antibiotic spectrum coverage (ASC) score was reported as a new tool for measuring antimicrobial use. The days of therapy (DOT) are required to calculate the DASC, making it impossible to use when patient-level information is unavailable. Therefore, we have defined a new measure of antimicrobial use for antimicrobial spectrum coverage (AUSC) using antimicrobial use density (AUD) and ASC scores. In this study, we have investigated the use of antimicrobial agents retrospectively examined for monthly prescriptions between 2016 and 2022, and whether the AUSC could be used as a new measure. Our data showed that the AUD, AUSC, DOT, and DASC increased, whereas AUSC/AUD and DASC/DOT decreased over the study period. In addition, no correlation was found between DOT and DASC/DOT (ρ = − 0.093, p = 0.399), whereas there was a weak correlation between AUD and AUSC/AUD (ρ = − 0.295, p = 0.006). Therefore, in this study, the use of AUSC is considered less beneficial when DASC can be calculated based on DOT. On the other hand, in institutional settings where DOT cannot be calculated, AUSC may be useful as a new measure to evaluate antimicrobial use.
Isoflurane anesthesia and sleep deprivation trigger delayed and selective sleep alterations
Authors: Joyce Leesa , Carrillo Mas Clara , Meedt Veronica , Kreuzer Matthias , Schneider Gerhard , Fenzl Thomas 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIsoflurane anesthesia (IA) partially compensates NREM sleep (NREMS) and not REM sleep (REMS) requirement, eliciting post-anesthetic REMS rebound. Sleep deprivation triggers compensatory NREMS rebounds and REMS rebounds during recovery sleep as a result of the body’s homeostatic mechanisms. A combination of sleep deprivation and isoflurane anesthesia is common in clinical settings, especially prior to surgeries. This study investigates the effects of pre-anesthetic sleep deprivation on post-anesthetic sleep–wake architecture. The effects of isoflurane exposure (90 min) alone were compared with the effects of isoflurane exposure preceded by experimental sleep deprivation (6 h, gentle handling) on recovery sleep in adult mice by studying the architecture of post-anesthetic sleep for 3 consecutive post-anesthetic days. Effects of isoflurane anesthesia on recovery sleep developed only during the first dark period after anesthesia, the active phase in mice. During this time, mice irrespective of preceding sleep pressure, showed NREMS and REMS rebound and decreased wakefulness during recovery sleep. Additionally, sleep deprivation prior to isoflurane treatment caused a persistent reduction of theta power during post-anesthetic REMS at least for 3 post-anesthetic days. We showed that isoflurane causes NREMS rebound during recovery sleep which suggests that isoflurane may not fully compensate for natural NREMS. The study also reveals that isoflurane exposure preceded by sleep deprivation caused a persistent disruption of REMS quality. We suggest that preoperative sleep deprivation may impair postoperative recovery through lasting disruption in sleep quality.
Synthesis, Molecular Docking, and Anticonvulsant Activity of 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Derivatives
Authors: Balachandra Anagha , Deshpande Shridhar Narayan , Raj Anjana , Revanasiddappa Bistuvalli C. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA novel series of 1,3,4-oxadiazoles (O1–4) were synthesized and physical characterization was done by spectroscopic data (infrared, mass, proton nuclear magnetic resonance). To ascertain the synthesized compound's likely binding mechanism and affinity toward the protein target (Protein Data Bank ID: 3R7X), molecular docking was performed. The synthesized compounds were subjected to in silico analysis using Schrodinger suite 2020–4 and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion screening. Some of the synthesized compounds were subjected to in vivo evaluation of anticonvulsant activity by maximal electroshock seizure and pentylenetetrazol model. The synthesized 1,3,4-oxadiazole analogs may be developed as lead compounds and effective anticonvulsant agents for the pharmaceutical industry based on computational and in vivo data.
Comparing responses from a paper-based survey with a web-based survey in environmental criminology
Authors: Ceccato Vania , Gliori Gabriel , Näsman Per , Sundling Catherine 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis article aims to compare the pattern of responses obtained by a web-based and a paper-based survey used to investigate the transit safety of travellers in railway stations in Sweden. This aim is achieved by evaluating whether the response and the completion rates change as the surveys progress, assessing the effect of the survey mode on respondents’ answers (after controlling for the surveys’ internal consistency and differences in the samples), and the potential impact of the order of alternatives in multiple-choice questions on the responses. To carry out the study, a sample of 500 responses was taken from each population and later compared using a series of statistical tests. Findings indicate that despite the surveys’ high internal consistency, the prevalence of victimisation, fear of crime, and precautions detected in the web survey was higher than those found in the paper survey. The web survey shows a major drop just after the initial questions, while the paper survey shows a more stable pattern of responses, but was also affected by a single compulsory question that pushed the completion rate down. Finally, the order of alternatives in multiple-choice questions (fixed or random) did not affect the answers given by the respondents, providing a solid base for safety interventions in transit environments, regardless of survey mode. The article concludes by making suggestions for both research and practice.
A Positive Start: Backing a Horse Using Positive Reinforcement
Authors: Lethbridge Emma 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This case study delves into the transformative approach of starting a horse under saddle using a positive reinforcement technique (clicker training). Grounded in the ethos of respect, trust, and cooperation, this methodology emphasises fostering a strong bond and effective communication between horse and handler. The presented case study aims to showcase practical demonstrations highlighting the theory and application of positive reinforcement in initiating the riding training of a young pony.
Throughout this case study, we will explore the foundational principles of positive reinforcement in horse training, emphasising empathy and a holistic understanding of the horse’s perspective. It will detail the step-by-step process of introducing the saddle, bridle, and mounting, employing clicker training and shaping techniques.
Practical demonstrations will illustrate the gradual introduction of equipment, the use of clicker training for reinforcing desired behaviours, and the shaping of responses to riding cues. Through these demonstrations, the case study seeks to exemplify how positive reinforcement techniques can establish a willing and confident young horse, laying the groundwork for a harmonious and trusting relationship between horse and rider.

Information
© The Author 2024
Preparation and investigation of high-performance flexible and transparent Ag/PDMS substrate with the bionic structure of cicada wings
Authors: He Mengqi , Wang Jun , Luo Qiongya , Cai Xin , Li Shuangyun , Xu Meifeng , Wang Chaonan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In this study, an efficient, homogeneous, flexible and transparent Ag/Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate with an orderly three-dimensional nanopillar structure was proposed. Ag NPs were thermally deposited on the flexible bionic PDMS support obtained by a two-step replication of cicada wings. Scanning electron microscope images reveal when the deposition time was 50 min, Ag NPs of proper size densely covered the entire PDMS nanopillar surface in the Ag-50/PDMS substrate. Both the gaps between the Ag NPs and those between the nanopillars acted as efficient electric field amplifiers. The enhancement factor (EF) of the Ag-50/PDMS substrate was calculated to be 2.89 × 107 by using crystal violet as the probe molecule. The Ag-50/PDMS substrate also exhibited good uniformity and reproducibility with a relative standard deviation of 1.46% and 11.45% respectively. The detection capability of the proposed flexible and transparent Ag-50/PDMS substrate in practical applications was demonstrated by the in-situ detection of 0.1 ppm malachite green on fish surfaces, indicating its great potential in the field of food monitoring.
Introduction
Authors: Dierking Ingo , Martins Figueiredo Neto Antônio 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAn introduction into liquid crystals is given, including thermotropic as well as lyotropic molecules and phases. Similarities and differences between the two fundamental classes of liquid crystals are pointed out. In particular, the sub-classes of materials forming lyotropic liquid crystals are introduced: amphiphiles, inorganic nanoparticles, 2D materials, biomaterials, and nanorods and nanotubes. Also, chirality is introduced for lyotropics. For a long time, lyotropic liquid crystals have been overshadowed by their thermotropic counterparts, mainly due to the potential for application of the latter in the display industry. This picture has somewhat shifted over the last decade, with numerous novel lyotropic systems having been discovered and formulated. These have opened the door far beyond amphiphilic compounds, lipid membranes and surfactants, which are of course of importance in their own right. It thus is a perfect time to collate all these efforts and recent advances in a book that goes beyond the classic topics of lyotropic systems. The aim of this book is to provide a broad yet detailed view of a field of research in liquid crystals, which has seen much development over the last years and has turned into a prosperous topic, which increasingly has been welcomed by many groups that formerly mainly concentrated on thermotropic materials. The motivation to review the field of lyotropic liquid crystals from amphiphilic to colloidal systems lies in the aim to bridge between the two worlds of lyotropics and thermotropics, which for so long have been treated very much independently. The more so as it increasingly becomes apparent that many of the features observed in standard thermotropic LCs, may also be observed in lyotropic systems and vice versa.
Amphiphilics
Authors: Dierking Ingo , Martins Figueiredo Neto Antônio 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Lyotropic liquid crystals may be formed mixing amphiphilic molecules and a solvent. The stabilization of this state of matter depends on the relative concentrations of the different components of the mixture and the temperature. The electrostatic interaction between molecules, or even parts of the molecules, is the driving force responsible for the stabilization of a particular molecular structure. To form a liquid crystalline structure, molecular segregation occurs on the nanoscale, mainly due to the electric affinity between molecules of the solvent and specific parts of the amphiphiles. In this chapter we discuss the main types of amphiphilic molecules present in lyotropics, the structures identified, and typical phase diagrams. In particular nematic phases are described since it is only in lyotropics that the three nematic phases, two uniaxial and one biaxial, have been observed.
Chiral lyotropic liquid crystals
Authors: Dierking Ingo , Martins Figueiredo Neto Antônio 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In this chapter the chiral mesophases of lyotropic mixtures are presented. We start with the cholesteric lyotropic liquid crystals, obtained by doping nematic mesophases with chiral molecules or using, directly, chiral amphiphilic molecules. In the framework of the Landau–de Gennes model, the free-energy density of the cholesteric phase, as a function of the temperature, is discussed. The relation between the cholesteric pitch and the concentration of chiral molecules in the lyotropic mixture is obtained from this model. Chiral lamellar mesophases, exhibiting twist-grain boundary phases, lyotropic blue phases, and the recently observed chiral lamellar structure, with its remarkable features, are also discussed.
Embryonic alcohol exposure in zebrafish predisposes adults to cardiomyopathy and diastolic dysfunction
Authors: Weeks Olivia , Gao Xinlei , Basu Sandeep , Galdieri Jennifer , Chen Kaifu , Burns C Geoffrey , Burns Caroline E 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Aims
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) impact up to 0.8% of the global population. However, cardiovascular health outcomes in adult patients, along with predictive biomarkers for cardiac risk stratification, remain unknown. Our aim was to utilize a longitudinal cohort study in an animal model to evaluate the impact of embryonic alcohol exposure (EAE) on cardiac structure, function, and transcriptional profile across the lifespan.

Methods and results
Using zebrafish, we characterized the aftereffects of EAE in adults binned by congenital heart defect (CHD) severity. Chamber sizes were quantified on dissected adult hearts to identify structural changes indicative of cardiomyopathy. Using echocardiography, we quantified systolic function based on ejection fraction and longitudinal strain, and diastolic function based on ventricular filling dynamics, ventricular wall movement, and estimated atrial pressures. Finally, we performed RNA-sequencing on EAE ventricles and assessed how differentially expressed genes (DEGs) correlated with cardiac function. Here, we demonstrate that EAE causes cardiomyopathy and diastolic dysfunction through persistent alterations to ventricular wall structure and gene expression. Following abnormal ventricular morphogenesis, &gt;30% of all EAE adults developed increased atrial-to-ventricular size ratios, abnormal ventricular filling dynamics, and reduced myocardial wall relaxation during early diastole despite preserved systolic function. RNA-sequencing of the EAE ventricle revealed novel and heart failure-associated genes (slc25a33, ankrd9, dusp2, dusp4, spry4, eya4, and edn1) whose expression levels were altered across the animal's lifespan or correlated with the degree of diastolic dysfunction detected in adulthood.

Conclusion
Our study identifies EAE as a risk factor for adult-onset cardiomyopathy and diastolic dysfunction, regardless of CHD status, and suggests novel molecular indicators of adult EAE-induced heart disease.
The CJEU’s Unintelligible Impairment of the Financial Health of EU Performers: Ever-Increasing Suspense in Neighbouring Rights
Authors: Valk Etienne Gabriel 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
With the RAAP ruling in 2020, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) delivered a judgment with a far-reaching impact, both on the autonomy of Member States within the making of reservations under international treaties, and on revenues for collecting societies and neighbouring rightsholders in the EU. The controversial part of the judgment states that entering reservations on the granting of equitable remuneration for neighbouring rights on the basis of international treaties should only take place at EU level. This effectively leaves no autonomy to Member States within the principle of reciprocity, contrary to former popular belief by many Member States and scholars.
The US has entered reservations with regard to EU countries under Art. 15(3) WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT), thus no remuneration is disbursed for performances by EU artists in the US. Due to the US repertoire’s large presence in the EU, the latter’s performers will be left with a considerably smaller share of the revenues to be distributed by EU collecting societies.
The European Commission must urgently finish the ongoing research and consultation on RAAP. Right now, too many requests by interest groups remain unanswered. The recommended (and hoped for) route is for the EU to invoke the principle of reciprocity and enter reservations for other WPPT parties that have entered such reservations with regard to EU countries. An extensive arrangement regarding reservations is necessary, also regarding situations where the relationship between fundamental rights and reciprocity provisions is currently unknown.
The Ecosystem as Super-Organ/ism, Revisited: Scaling Hydraulics to Forests under Climate Change
Authors: Wood Jeffrey D , Detto Matteo , Browne Marvin , Kraft Nathan J B , Konings Alexandra G , Fisher Joshua B , Quetin Gregory R , Trugman Anna T , Magney Troy S , Medeiros Camila D , Vinod Nidhi , Buckley Thomas N , Sack Lawren 
Published: June 2024

Synopsis
Classic debates in community ecology focused on the complexities of considering an ecosystem as a super-organ or organism. New consideration of such perspectives could clarify mechanisms underlying the dynamics of forest carbon dioxide (CO2) uptake and water vapor loss, important for predicting and managing the future of Earth’s ecosystems and climate system. Here, we provide a rubric for considering ecosystem traits as aggregated, systemic, or emergent, i.e., representing the ecosystem as an aggregate of its individuals or as a metaphorical or literal super-organ or organism. We review recent approaches to scaling-up plant water relations (hydraulics) concepts developed for organs and organisms to enable and interpret measurements at ecosystem-level. We focus on three community-scale versions of water relations traits that have potential to provide mechanistic insight into climate change responses of forest CO2 and H2O gas exchange and productivity: leaf water potential (Ψcanopy), pressure volume curves (eco-PV), and hydraulic conductance (Keco). These analyses can reveal additional ecosystem-scale parameters analogous to those typically quantified for leaves or plants (e.g., wilting point and hydraulic vulnerability) that may act as thresholds in forest responses to drought, including growth cessation, mortality, and flammability. We unite these concepts in a novel framework to predict Ψcanopy and its approaching of critical thresholds during drought, using measurements of Keco and eco-PV curves. We thus delineate how the extension of water relations concepts from organ- and organism-scales can reveal the hydraulic constraints on the interaction of vegetation and climate and provide new mechanistic understanding and prediction of forest water use and productivity.
Quantity and Quality of Naturally Acquired Antibody Immunity to the Pneumococcal Proteome Throughout Life
Authors: Vissers Marloes , van de Garde Martijn D B , He Samantha W J , Brandsen Milou , Hendriksen Rosanne , Nicolaie Mioara Alina , van der Maas Larissa , Meiring Hugo D , van Els Cecile A C M , van Beek Josine , Rots Nynke Y 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Young children and older adults are susceptible for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Pneumococcal protein-specific antibodies play a protective role against IPD; however, not much is known about the pace of acquisition, maturation, and maintenance of these antibodies throughout life.

Methods
Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgA levels, avidity, and/or specificity to the pneumococcal proteome in serum and saliva from healthy young children, adults, and older adults, with known carriage status, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and 2-dimensional western blotting against ΔcpsTIGR4.

Results
Eleven-month-old children, the youngest age group tested, had the lowest pneumococcal proteome-specific IgG and IgA levels and avidity in serum and saliva, followed by 24-month-old children and were further elevated in adult groups. Among adult groups, the parents had the highest serum and saliva IgG and IgA antibody levels. In children, antibody levels and avidity correlated with daycare attendance and presence of siblings, posing as proxy for exposure and immunization. Immunodominance patterns slightly varied throughout life.

Conclusions
Humoral immunity against the pneumococcal proteome is acquired through multiple episodes of pneumococcal exposure. Low-level and low-avidity antiproteome antibody profiles in young children may contribute to their IPD susceptibility, while in overall antiproteome antibody-proficient older adults other factors likely play a role.
Root-associated Streptomyces produce galbonolides to modulate plant immunity and promote rhizosphere colonization
Authors: Nicolle Clément , Gayrard Damien , Noël Alba , Hortala Marion , Amiel Aurélien , Grat Sabine , Le Ru Aurélie , Marti Guillaume , Pernodet Jean-Luc , Lautru Sylvie , Dumas Bernard , Rey Thomas 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The rhizosphere, which serves as the primary interface between plant roots and the soil, constitutes an ecological niche for a huge diversity of microbial communities. Currently, there is little knowledge on the nature and the function of the different metabolites released by rhizospheric microbes to facilitate colonization of this highly competitive environment. Here, we demonstrate how the production of galbonolides, a group of polyene macrolides that inhibit plant and fungal inositol phosphorylceramide synthase (IPCS), empowers the rhizospheric Streptomyces strain AgN23, to thrive in the rhizosphere by triggering the plant’s defence mechanisms. Metabolomic analysis of AgN23-inoculated Arabidopsis roots revealed a strong induction in the production of an indole alkaloid, camalexin, which is a major phytoalexin in Arabidopsis. By using a plant mutant compromised in camalexin synthesis, we show that camalexin production is necessary for the successful colonization of the rhizosphere by AgN23. Conversely, hindering galbonolides biosynthesis in AgN23 knock-out mutant resulted in loss of inhibition of IPCS, a deficiency in plant defence activation, notably the production of camalexin, and a strongly reduced development of the mutant bacteria in the rhizosphere. Together, our results identified galbonolides as important metabolites mediating rhizosphere colonization by Streptomyces.