bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the second Vassiliev (In)variant for polymer knots
Authors: Klotz Alexander R , Estabrooks Benjamin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Knots in open strands such as ropes, fibers, and polymers, cannot typically be described in the language of knot theory, which characterizes only closed curves in space. Simulations of open knotted polymer chains, often parameterized to DNA, typically perform a closure operation and calculate the Alexander polynomial to assign a knot topology. This is limited in scenarios where the topology is less well-defined, for example when the chain is in the process of untying or is strongly confined. Here, we use a discretized version of the Second Vassiliev Invariant for open chains to analyze Langevin Dynamics simulations of untying and strongly confined polymer chains. We demonstrate that the Vassiliev parameter can accurately and efficiently characterize the knotted state of polymers, providing additional information not captured by a single-closure Alexander calculation. We discuss its relative strengths and weaknesses compared to standard techniques, and argue that it is a useful and powerful tool for analyzing polymer knot simulations.
Effects of multi-layer Ti3C2Tx nanosheets on compression strength and abrasion resistance of concrete
Authors: Silva Cristiane Arpino , Rosenkranz Andreas , Gonçalves Margarete R F , Costa Henara Lillian 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Concrete is a leader composite material for structural use in buildings, adaptable to all locations and circumstances in view of its properties such as versatility, durability, and performance. MXenes are new two-dimensional (2D) materials that are very promising for applications in many fields due to their layered structure and physicochemical characteristics. Focused on increasing the performance of concrete structures, this work proposed the reinforcement of concrete with the addition of very small amounts (0.02 wt-%) of MXenes consisting of multi-layer Ti3C2Tx nanosheets to improve compression and abrasion resistance. The reinforced concrete specimens were tested by uniaxial compression tests and rubber-wheel abrasion tests. The results obtained were compared with reference concrete prepared without any added nanosheets. The concrete with MXenes presented higher compression strength (15% higher) in relation to the reference samples after 3 days of molding. After 28 days, the average compression strength was 20.5% higher with Mxenes, but the difference at 28 days was not statistically significant. The rubber-wheel abrasion tests showed a tendency for reduced wear rates with Mxenes, but the difference was statistically significant only for the tests with larger abrasives. Differences in macroporosity of the concretes were not found to justify the improved performance with Mxenes. The main differences due to the Mxenes reinforcement were due a smoother microtopography. It was proposed that the mechanism responsible for obtaining smoother topography with MXenes was related to the lubricious nature of the Ti3C2Tx nanosheets, that can reduce interparticle friction when a transition of the paste flow to the thickening regime occurs, which is governed by boundary lubrication.
Inducing ferroptosis via nanomaterials: a novel and effective route in cancer therapy
Authors: Ensoy Mine , Ozturk Berfin Ilayda , Cansaran-Duman Demet , Yilmazer Açelya 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The use of nanomaterials for cancer ferroptosis presents a promising avenue for research and clinical applications. The unique properties of nanomaterials, such as their small size, large surface area, and ability to be engineered for specific tasks, make them ideal candidates for ferroptosis inducing cancer therapies. Ferroptosis is a new type of cell death mechanism that is distinct from apoptosis and necrosis. It has been shown to be critical in the treatment of various tumors. The ferroptotic mechanism has been mainly linked with the regulation of iron, amino acid, glutathione, and lipid metabolism of cells. The relationship between ferroptosis mechanisms and cancer nanomedicine has attracted considerable interest in recent years. It has been reported that the combination of nanomedicine and ferroptosis can achieve high therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of different cancer types. This review will provide an overview of recent work in ferroptosis-related cancer nanomedicine. First, general information is given about the definition of ferroptosis and its differences from other cell death mechanisms. Later, studies exploring the role of ferroptosis in the cancer nanomedicine field are discussed in detail. Specific focus has been given to the use of combinatorial treatment strategies which combine ferroptosis with chemodynamic therapy, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, immunotherapy and sonodynamic therapy. Considering the fact that ferroptosis inducing nanoparticles (NPs) have already been introduced into clinical studies, nanoscientists can further accelerate this clinical translation as they tailor the physicochemical characteristics of nanomaterials. This review provides enlightening information for all researchers interested in the molecular characterization and relationship between ferroptosis and cancer-directed NPs.
Map-based localization for intelligent vehicles based on fusion of multiple visual features in underground parking
Authors: Li Yicheng , Jiang Zhuoyi , Cai Yingfeng , Chen Long , Wang Hai 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The ‘last mile’ problem in intelligent car localization within underground parking lots presents challenges such as localization blind spots and feature extraction difficulties. To tackle these issues, this paper proposes a mapping and multiscale matching localization method based on the fusion of multiple feature sources using a ‘binocular mapping, monocular localization’ approach. By combining traditional features with deep learning features, the proposed method enhances feature matching accuracy and addresses feature extraction challenges. A sparse three-dimensional reconstruction method based on local feature-optical flow is also proposed to mitigate localization blind spots. During the mapping process, the underground parking lot scene is segmented into several nodes to store map information, each consisting of a feature layer, scene structure layer, and trajectory layer. In the multiscale matching localization process, ORB, LoFTR, and BoW multisource features are fused to achieve feature matching, determine the nearest node, and estimate vehicle pose using the PnP model through optical flow. Finally, a localization optimization algorithm outputs the localization result. Experiments were conducted across multiple underground parking lots encompassing a total area of over 100,000 square meters. The results demonstrated that the average error of map construction using the proposed algorithm is approximately 15 mm, and the average error rate of localization is 4.45%.
O07 Lower doses of retinol facilitate cell proliferation and epidermal thickening in photoaged skin
Authors: Mambwe Bezaleel , Bradley Eleanor , Bell Mike , Langton Abigail 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction and aims
Chronic exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation leads to cutaneous hypertrophic photoageing which clinically manifests as wrinkles, skin laxity and hyperpigmentation. This photoaged phenotype is underscored by a remodelled cutaneous microenvironment including epidermal thinning and rete ridge flattening. We have previously shown that cosmeceutical formulations of 0.3% and 1% retinol can effectively induce epidermal thickening and keratinocyte proliferation. However, these concentrations require careful usage to limit potential irritancy issues, highlighting a need to explore the benefits of lower dose retinol for daily skincare. Therefore, we compare the efficacy of lower doses of retinol in facilitating epidermal thickness and proliferation in photoaged skin, as this currently remains unknown.

Methods
Using the in vivo Manchester Patch Test Assay, test substances (vehicle and retinol at concentrations of 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1% and 1%) were applied under occlusion to extensor forearms of healthy but photoaged volunteers (three men, three women; age range 66–86 years) for 12 days. Resultant skin biopsies were processed for histological assessment of epidermal thickness and keratinocyte proliferation.

Results
Epidermal thickness was significantly increased with 0.025% (P &lt; 0.05), 0.05%, 0.1% and 1% (all P &lt; 0.01) retinol treatment, compared with baseline or vehicle. Immunofluorescence staining of the proliferation marker Ki67 identified elevated keratinocyte proliferation following retinol treatment (P &lt; 0.05 for 0.025%, 0.05% and 1%) compared with baseline. Although Ki67 expression in the 0.1% retinol treatment was elevated, significance was not achieved compared with baseline. However, compared with the vehicle, all retinol concentrations significantly increased Ki67 expression (P &lt; 0.05). Clinically, 50% of volunteers showed an erythemal irritancy response to 1% retinol only.

Conclusions
We established that lower doses of retinol are capable of inducing keratinocyte proliferation and epidermal thickening without irritancy issues. Therefore, long-term effective treatment of photoaged skin with low-dose retinol products may be the preferred choice for individuals where retinol sensitivity has previously been an issue.
P24 Folliculin silencing in human hair follicles ex vivo upregulates intrafollicular mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 activity: a new model for studying Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome
Authors: Fostier William , Linowiecka Kinga , Chéret Jérémy , Paus Ralf , Rajan Neil 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction and aims
Birt–Hogg–Dubé (BHD) syndrome is a rare multisystem disorder caused by germline pathogenic variants in the FLCN gene. BHD skin tumours predominantly affect facial skin, confer a significant psychosocial burden, and there is a lack of nonsurgical therapies. Here we report a novel ex vivo human model to study the impact of FLCN loss in human hair follicles (HFs), the putative origin of BHD skin tumours.

Methods
Organ-cultured human anagen HFs and scalp skin were treated with small interfering RNA targeting FLCN (n = 2 donors) for 6 days ex vivo, followed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and quantitative immunohistomorphometry (qIHM).

Results
Successful FLCN knockdown was confirmed at both the mRNA (34% reduction compared with nontargeting control levels measured by qRT-PCR) and protein level (12% reduction in FLCN expression measured by qIHM). In FLCN-silenced HFs (n = 14, two donors), our preliminary Results demonstrated an increase in p-S6 expression, a direct downstream kinase of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex (mTORC)1 signalling. This was spatially restricted to the hair bulb and proximal outer root sheath keratinocytes, and was significantly greater than quantified in nontargeting control HFs (P &lt; 0.05).

Conclusions
FLCN silencing in ex vivo cultured, healthy human HFs and scalp skin provides a novel, instructive and accessible preclinical research model. We aim to delineate whether FLCN interacts with the key endogenous inhibitor of mTORC1 activity, TSC2, in future work, to gain insight into the role of FLCN in the pathobiology of BHD and the maintenance of healthy human HFs.
Preliminary Results from the International Registry on Liver Venous Deprivation (EuroLVD)
Authors: Joliat G R , Chevallier P , Wigmore S , Martin D , Labgaa I , Uldry E , Halkic N , Newhook T , Vauthey J N , Memeo R , Dasari B , Braunwarth E , Duran R , Denys A , Melloul E 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Liver venous deprivation (LVD) is a recently developed method to reach maximal liver hypertrophy before major hepatectomy. LVD combines simultaneous portal and ipsilateral hepatic vein embolization. An international registry was created in 2021.

Aims
This study aimed to describe the outcomes after LVD of patients included in the registry.

Methods
Since its creation, 7 international expert HPB centers participated to the registry. Preoperative characteristics, data on liver regeneration after LVD, and postoperative results after hepatectomy were collected. Future liver remnant (FLR) and standardized FLR ratios were defined as FLR/total functional liver volume and FLR/total estimated liver volume.

Results
A total of 191 patients were included (71 women). Median age was 63 (IQR 53-69) and body-mass index 24.8 kg/m2 (IQR 22.3-28.7). Fifty-three patients were ASA III/IV.
Main surgical indication was colorectal metastases (n=116). Median FLR and standardized FLR ratios before LVD were 33% (IQR 26-47) and 32% (IQR 23-39). Median time for the LVD procedure was 122 minutes (IQR 99-164). In one patient right hepatic vein embolization failed. Complications after LVD occurred in 14 patients (7%), including 7 hemorrhages/hematomas.
After LVD, median FLR and standardized FLR ratios significantly increased to 46% (IQR 39-59, p&lt;0.001) and 44% (IQR 35-50, p&lt;0.001), corresponding to a median kinetic growth rate of 3.2%/week (IQR 1.6-5.3). Hepatectomy was performed in 142 patients (69 extended hepatectomies), while 49 dropped out (7 for insufficient hypertrophy (4%), 27 for tumor progression (14%), and 15 for other reasons (8%)). Seventy-one patients had postoperative complications (50%), and only 2 developed postoperative liver failure (1%). Median Comprehensive Complication Index was 20.9 (IQR 0-30.8) and 10 patients were reoperated (7%).

Conclusion
The preliminary data of this international registry showed that LVD had a high technical success rate (190/191) with few post-procedural complications and significant kinetic growth. Major hepatectomy after LVD appeared to be safe.
Tolerance threshold of a pelagic species in China to total dissolved gas supersaturation: from the perspective of survival characteristics and swimming ability
Authors: Wang Hongtao , Wang Yuanming , Li Kefeng , Liang Ruifeng , Zhao Weiyang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Total dissolved gas (TDG) supersaturation downstream of dams can occur in the Yangtze River basin and is known to cause stress and even death in fish. Consequently, it is important to establish tolerance thresholds of endemic fish to protect local aquatic resources. We conducted experiments to assess survival characteristics and swimming ability of bighead carp, an important commercial fish dwelling in the Yangtze River, to evaluate its tolerance threshold to TDG supersaturation. The typical external symptoms of gas bubble trauma (GBT) were observed and the time when the fish lost equilibrium and died were recorded. The results showed that the mortality occurred when TDG level exceeded 125%, with obvious symptoms such as exophthalmos and bubbles on the head. The interval between loss of equilibrium and mortality decreased with an increase in TDG level. Neither exposure time nor TDG level significantly affected the critical swimming speed (Ucrit) of fish exposed to non-lethal exposure (110%, 120% and 125% TDG) over a 7 day period. Significant reductions in Ucrit were found under 130% and 135% TDG conditions when the exposure lasted 52.0 h and 42.9 h, respectively. The Ucrit also significantly decreased after exposure of 1.6 h under 140% TDG condition. Moreover, after exposure to 140% TDG for 39.2 h, 135% TDG for 56.5 h and 130% TDG for 95.9 h, bighead carp were transferred into air saturated water to recover for 24 h or 48 h; however, swimming performance remained impaired. The results of this study indicate that 125% TDG was the highest TDG level where limited mortality was observed and the swimming ability was not impaired, showing that 125% TDG can be set as the tolerance threshold of this species to guide the operation of dams in the Yangtze River Basin.
Conversation and pragmatics in children who are hard-of-hearing: a scoping review
Authors: Bongioletti Jenna , Doble Maree , Purcell Alison 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Technological and therapeutic advances have allowed many children who are born hard-of-hearing (HoH) to start school with age-appropriate spoken language skills, yet many of these children continue to find everyday conversations challenging. This scoping review maps the evidence related to development of conversation and pragmatic skills in children who are HoH and learning spoken language. The review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework and the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Quality appraisal, data extraction, and thematic analysis were used to describe the data. Systematic searches identified 36 articles for inclusion. Sample sizes were small and heterogenous. Most studies focused on school-aged children with severe hearing loss or greater. Methodological rigor varied. Thematic analysis revealed two global themes. First, children who are HoH continue to find conversation and pragmatics difficult to master, and second, there are a set of audiological, communication, environmental, and demographic characteristics that are associated with better conversation and pragmatic outcomes, some of which are fixed, whereas others are malleable. Focused attention on designing valid and reliable assessments for conversation and pragmatic skills, and on developing therapeutic approaches targeting early conversation and pragmatic skill development, is needed to reduce the impact conversation and pragmatic differences across the lifespan.
DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION EVALUATION IN CARDIAC AMYLOIDOSIS: BEYOND TRADITIONAL PARAMETERS TO DISCRIMINATE BETWEEN TRUE HEART FAILURE WITH PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION AND MIMICS
Authors: Sforna S , Zuchi C , Mengoni A , Lupi A , Belardinelli C , Massei F , Ambrosio G , Carluccio E 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Diastolic dysfunction in cardiac amyloidosis (CA), according to current guidelines, can be classified using mitral flow velocities, mitral annular e’ velocity, E/e’ ratio, tricuspid regurgitation jet and left atrial (LA) maximal volume. However, LA minimal volume and the ratio between LA and left ventricular (LV) volumes at end–diastole, known as left atrio–ventricular coupling index (LACI), have recently been proposed to refine prognosis and peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) has been demonstrated to better stratify diastolic dysfunction.

Aim of the Study
To evaluate, in patients with CA: 1) the role of LACI as marker of LV diastolic dysfunction; 2) whether LACI could discriminate cardiomyopathy from normal cardiac function; 3) whether LACI and/or PALS could help discriminate between true heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and amyloidotic cardiomyopathy (HFpEF–mimic).

Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 63 patients with CA and compared them with 80 true HFpEF patients and 70 healthy people; echocardiography was performed at the time of the diagnosis and diastolic function was characterized according to current guidelines.

Results
In patients with CA, LACI significantly increased as diastolic dysfunction worsened (P for trend &lt; 0.0001) and significantly correlated with LV filling pressures estimated by E/e’ ratio (beta = 0.65, P &lt; 0.0001) and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (beta = 0.63, P &lt; 0.0001). LACI, after adjustment for age, gender and body mass index (BMI), was significantly higher in CA [0.62 (95%CI 0.52–0.70)] and in HFpEF [0.61 (95%CI 0.55–0.68)] than in controls [0.29 (95%CI 0.19–0.39)], while the difference between the two diseased populations was not statistically significant; a cut–off value of 0.45 was able to discriminate between controls and diseased patients (sensitivity = 95%, specificity = 94%, area under ROC curve = 0.98). PALS, after adjustment for age, gender and BMI, was significantly lower in CA [11.1 (95%CI 8.4–13.8%) and 8.4 (95%CI 3.5–13.3%) respectively in ATTR and AL] than in HFpEF [17.4 (95%CI 15.6–19.3%)], and a cut–off value of 9.9% was able to discriminate between them (sensitivity = 89%, specificity = 73%, area under ROC curve = 0.86).

Conclusions
LACI is a novel index able to discriminate between normal and diseased patients. In CA, it shows good correlation with diastolic dysfunction and LV filling pressures. PALS can be used to discriminate between true HFpEF and CA.
LEFT ATRIAL STIFFNESS INDEX AS A NON–INVASIVE MEASURE TO PREDICT ATRIAL FIBRILLATION RECURRENCE AFTER CATHETER ABLATION
Authors: Di Simone V , Bonelli A , Guasti S , Grieco M , Inciardi R , Cersosimo A , Degiovanni A , Dell‘Era G , De Chiara B , Metra M , Patti G , Mazzone P , Moreo A 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Catheter ablation (CA) is an effective option for the management of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), albeit burdened with a recurrence rate that needs to be taken into account. To date, strong echocardiographic parameters able to predict the maintenance of sinus rhythm after CA are lacking.

Objective
To investigate if left atrial stiffness index (LASI), as the ratio of E/e’ and peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) could be a predictor of AF recurrence after CA.

Methods and Results
This is a multicenter prospective study enrolling patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF referred for CA. A total of 118 patients were included in the study (mean age 65.8 ± 7.9 years, 28% female, mean left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] 57.1±7.9%). The median value of LASI was 0.4. The subgroup of patients with high LASI (≥0.4) did not show any difference in baseline clinical characteristics compared to those with low LASI, except for higher frequency of history of peripheral vascular disease and chronic heart failure (p= 0.043 and p= 0.018, respectively). Besides, the former group had significantly higher values of NTproBNP (686±707.0 pg/mL vs. 220.6±306.2 pg/mL, p&lt;0.001), mean LA pressure (17.5±5.9 mmHg vs. 14.0±6.2 mmHg, p= 0.012), LA volume index [LAVi] (41.1±11.9 ml/m2 vs. 34.3±9.9 ml/m2, p 0.001), and lower value of LVGLS (14.7±4.0% vs 18.5±4.0%, p &lt; 0.001) and RVGLS of the free wall (21.2 ± 5.1% vs. 24.9±5.6%, p &lt; 0.001). During a follow–up period of 3 months, LASI showed a correlation with the probability of AF recurrence (for each increase of 0.1: OR 1.23; 95% CI [1.00, 1.50]; p = 0.045), also after adjustment for other variables. The ROC curve showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.69 for the prediction of AF recurrence. When compared with other LA parameters, LASI exhibited a slightly larger AUC (0.69 for LASI vs. 0.68 for LAVi, 0.33 for PALS and 0.45 for LA ejection fraction).

Conclusion
LASI is a novel non–invasive and useful parameter to predict AF recurrence after CA. It is potentially more accurate than other echocardiographic features routinely used in clinical practice.