bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physically Based Real‐Time Rendering of Atmospheres using Mie Theory
Authors: Schneegans S. , Meyran T. , Ginkel I. , Zachmann G. , Gerndt A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMost real‐time rendering models for atmospheric effects have been designed and optimized for Earth's atmosphere. Some authors have proposed approaches for rendering other atmospheres, but these methods still use approximations that are only valid on Earth. For instance, the iconic blue glow of Martian sunsets can not be represented properly as the complex interference effects of light scattered at dust particles can not be captured by these approximations. In this paper, we present an approach for generalizing an existing model to make it capable of rendering extraterrestrial atmospheres. This is done by replacing the approximations with a physical model based on Mie Theory. We use the particle‐size distribution, the particle‐density distribution as well as the wavelength‐dependent refractive index of atmospheric particles as input. To demonstrate the feasibility of this idea, we extend the model by Bruneton et al. [BN08] and implement it into CosmoScout VR, an open‐source visualization of our Solar System. In a first step, we use Mie Theory to precompute the scattering behaviour of a particle mixture. Then, multi‐scattering is simulated, and finally the precomputation results are used for real‐time rendering. We demonstrate that this not only improves the visualization of the Martian atmosphere, but also creates more realistic results for our own atmosphere.
Physically‐Based Lighting for 3D Generative Models of Cars
Authors: Violante N. , Gauthier A. , Diolatzis S. , Leimkühler T. , Drettakis G. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRecent work has demonstrated that Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) can be trained to generate 3D content from 2D image collections, by synthesizing features for neural radiance field rendering. However, most such solutions generate radiance, with lighting entangled with materials. This results in unrealistic appearance, since lighting cannot be changed and view‐dependent effects such as reflections do not move correctly with the viewpoint. In addition, many methods have difficulty for full, 360° rotations, since they are often designed for mainly front‐facing scenes such as faces. We introduce a new 3D GAN framework that addresses these shortcomings, allowing multi‐view coherent 360° viewing and at the same time relighting for objects with shiny reflections, which we exemplify using a car dataset. The success of our solution stems from three main contributions. First, we estimate initial camera poses for a dataset of car images, and then learn to refine the distribution of camera parameters while training the GAN. Second, we propose an efficient Image‐Based Lighting model, that we use in a 3D GAN to generate disentangled reflectance, as opposed to the radiance synthesized in most previous work. The material is used for physically‐based rendering with a dataset of environment maps. Third, we improve the 3D GAN architecture compared to previous work and design a careful training strategy that allows effective disentanglement. Our model is the first that generate a variety of 3D cars that are multi‐view consistent and that can be relit interactively with any environment map.
Non‐Euclidean Sliced Optimal Transport Sampling
Authors: Genest Baptiste , Courty Nicolas , Coeurjolly David 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn machine learning and computer graphics, a fundamental task is the approximation of a probability density function through a well‐dispersed collection of samples. Providing a formal metric for measuring the distance between probability measures on general spaces, Optimal Transport (OT) emerges as a pivotal theoretical framework within this context. However, the associated computational burden is prohibitive in most real‐world scenarios. Leveraging the simple structure of OT in 1D, Sliced Optimal Transport (SOT) has appeared as an efficient alternative to generate samples in Euclidean spaces. This paper pushes the boundaries of SOT utilization in computational geometry problems by extending its application to sample densities residing on more diverse mathematical domains, including the spherical space 𝕊d, the hyperbolic plane ℍd, and the real projective plane ℙd. Moreover, it ensures the quality of these samples by achieving a blue noise characteristic, regardless of the dimensionality involved. The robustness of our approach is highlighted through its application to various geometry processing tasks, such as the intrinsic blue noise sampling of meshes, as well as the sampling of directions and rotations. These applications collectively underscore the efficacy of our methodology.
Importance of methodological pluralism in deriving counterfactuals for evidence‐based conservation
Authors: Holden Petra , Anderson Molly , Eckardt Frank , Ziervogel Gina , Jack Samuel L. , New Mark G. , Smit Julian , Visser Martine , Hoffman M. Timm 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMost protected area impact research that uses counterfactuals draws heavily on quantitative methods, data, and knowledge types, making it valuable in producing generalizations but limited in temporal scope, historical detail, and habitat diversity and coverage of ecosystem services. We devised a methodological pluralistic approach, which supports social science qualitative methods, narratives, mixed methods, and interdisciplinarity, to fully unlock the potential of counterfactuals in ensuring a place‐based and detailed understanding of the socioecological context and impacts of protected areas. We applied this approach to derive possible counterfactual conditions for the impact of a montane protected area on 40 years of vegetation change in the Cape Floristic Region—a global biodiversity hotspot and UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Africa. We incorporated diverse methods, knowledge, and information sources, drawing on before–after protected area comparisons for inside and outside the protected area. A significant increase in shrubland vegetation (17–30%) was observed and attributed primarily to a decline in frequent burning for grazing. This also occurred outside the protected area and was driven by socioeconomic drivers and not by concerns over biodiversity conservation or land degradation. Had the protected area not been established the area would have seen intensification of cultivation and increased road networks, buildings, and water storage in dams. Our approach increased historical temporal coverage of socioecological change and contextualized assumptions around causality. Protected area impact evaluation should reengage in place‐based research that fully incorporates pluralism in methodologies for constructing counterfactuals in a way that builds regional and global understanding from the local level upward. We devised 10 key principles for deriving counterfactuals grounded in methodological pluralism, covering aspects of collaboration, cocreation, inter‐ and transdisciplinarity, diverse values and lived experiences, multiple knowledge types, multiple possible causal mechanisms, social science qualitative methods, perceptions, perspectives, and narratives.
Real‐life use of letermovir prophylaxis for cytomegalovirus in heart transplant recipients
Authors: Saltiel Grégoire , Faure Emmanuel , Assaf Ady , Chopin Marie‐Charlotte , Moreau Fanny , Faure Karine , Goeminne Céline , Vuotto Fanny 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionCytomegalovirus (CMV) remains the predominant opportunistic infection following solid organ transplantation (SOT). While valganciclovir is the drug of choice for CMV prophylaxis, its utility can be compromised due to the risk of cytopenia. Letermovir, a novel agent approved for CMV prophylaxis in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients and high‐risk kidney transplant recipients, exhibits reduced toxicity. This study aims to present the practical application of letermovir as both primary and secondary prophylaxis against CMV in heart transplant recipients (HTR).MethodsIn this observational, retrospective, single‐center study, we included all consecutive adult HTRs from June 2020 to January 2022 who were administered letermovir for CMV prophylaxis. We documented instances of CMV breakthrough infections, side effects related to letermovir, changes in neutropenia following the switch from valganciclovir to letermovir, and any drug interactions with the immunosuppressive regimen.ResultsThe study comprised 10 patients: two received primary prophylaxis with letermovir due to a high risk of CMV infection (donor‐positive, recipient‐negative serostatus), and eight received it as secondary prophylaxis following a CMV infection. The median duration of letermovir administration was 8 months (range 3–12 months). No CMV breakthrough infections were reported while on prophylaxis. However, three patients experienced CMV breakthrough infections after discontinuing letermovir prophylaxis (30%). No significant side effects were observed, although one patient reported digestive intolerance. Among the nine patients on tacrolimus, six needed reduced doses after switching to letermovir.ConclusionThis real‐life study appears to support the effectiveness of letermovir prophylaxis in HTR. Nonetheless, the risk of CMV infection post‐treatment cessation is notable. Further drug monitoring and research on the efficacy of letermovir for CMV prophylaxis in SOT patients is warranted.
Gram‐negative anaerobes elicit a robust keratinocytes immune response with potential insights into HS pathogenesis
Authors: Williams Samuel C. , Garcet Sandra , Hur Hong , Miura Shunsuke , Gonzalez Juana , Navrazhina Kristina , Yamamura‐Murai Mika , Yamamura Kazuhiko , Li Xuan , Frew John , Fischetti Vincent A. , Sela Uri , Krueger James G. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic autoinflammatory skin disease with activated keratinocytes, tunnel formation and a complex immune infiltrate in tissue. The HS microbiome is polymicrobial with an abundance of commensal gram‐positive facultative (GPs) Staphylococcus species and gram‐negative anaerobic (GNA) bacteria like Prevotella, Fusobacterium and Porphyromonas with increasing predominance of GNAs with disease severity. We sought to define the keratinocyte response to bacteria commonly isolated from HS lesions to probe pathogenic relationships between HS and the microbiome. Type strains of Prevotella nigrescens, Prevotella melaninogenica, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella asaccharolytica, Fusobacterium nucleatum, as well as Staphylococcus aureus and the normal skin commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis were heat‐killed and co‐incubated with normal human keratinocytes. RNA was collected and analysed using RNAseq and RT‐qPCR. The supernatant was collected from cell culture for protein quantification. Transcriptomic profiles between HS clinical samples and stimulated keratinocytes were compared. Co‐staining of patient HS frozen sections was used to localize bacteria in lesions. A mouse intradermal injection model was used to investigate early immune recruitment. TLR4 and JAK inhibitors were used to investigate mechanistic avenues of bacterial response inhibition. GNAs, especially F. nucleatum, stimulated vastly higher CXCL8, IL17C, CCL20, IL6, TNF and IL36γ transcription in normal skin keratinocytes than the GPs S. epidermidis and S. aureus. Using RNAseq, we found that F. nucleatum (and Prevotella) strongly induced the IL‐17 pathway in keratinocytes and overlapped with transcriptome profiles of HS patient clinical samples. Bacteria were juxtaposed to activated keratinocytes in vivo, and F. nucleatum strongly recruited murine neutrophil and macrophage migration. Both the TLR4 and pan‐JAK inhibitors reduced cytokine production. Detailed transcriptomic profiling of healthy skin keratinocytes exposed to GNAs prevalent in HS revealed a potent, extensive inflammatory response vastly stronger than GPs. GNAs stimulated HS‐relevant genes, including many genes in the IL‐17 response pathway, and were significantly associated with HS tissue transcriptomes. The close association of activated keratinocytes with bacteria in HS lesions and innate infiltration in murine skin cemented GNA pathogenic potential. These novel mechanistic insights could drive future targeted therapies.
Changes in physical activity during the year after the Great East Japan Earthquake and future frailty in older survivors
Authors: Tsubota‐Utsugi Megumi , Sasaki Ryohei , Suzuki Ruriko , Tanno Kozo , Kuno Junji , Shimoda Haruki , Sakata Kiyomi 
Published: April 2024

AimThis study examines whether changes in physical activity (PA) during the first year after the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (2011–2012) contributed to preventing the onset of future frailty among older survivors of the disaster.MethodsThis study tracked 2561 physically active Japanese survivors aged ≥ 65 years (43.6% men; mean age 72.9 years) who had completed self‐administered questionnaires in 2011 and 2012. PA levels for participants were classified into four categories based on ≥23 and <23 metabolic equivalent hours/week in 2011 and 2012: “consistently low,” “decreasing,” “increasing,” and “consistently high.” Frailty was defined as a Kihon Checklist score ≥ 5, which is used in the long‐term care insurance system in Japan. Hazard ratios were calculated for the onset of frailty using a Cox proportional hazards model that fitted the proportional sub‐distribution hazards regression model with weights for competing risks of death.ResultsFrom 2012 to 2018, 283 men and 490 women developed frailty. Men with consistently high or increasing PA during the first year after the disaster had a lower risk of frailty. Furthermore, even increasing PA by walking for just 30 min/day prevented future frailty in men; however, this association between a change in PA and the decreased risk of frailty was not observed in women.ConclusionsOlder men who remained physically active or resumed PA at an early stage and at a low intensity, even after being physically inactive owing to the disaster, were able to prevent future frailty. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 563–570.
Development of clobetasol‐loaded biodegradable nanoparticles as an endodontic intracanal medicament
Authors: Elmsmari Firas , González Sánchez José Antonio , Delgado Luis M. , Espina Marta , Duran‐Sindreu Fernando , García Maria Luisa , Sánchez‐López Elena 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimThe aim of current study is the development and optimization of biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) to be used in the field of Endodontics as intracanal medication in cases of avulsed teeth with extended extra‐oral time, utilizing PLGA polymers loaded with the anti‐inflammatory drug clobetasol propionate (CP).MethodologyCP‐loaded nanoparticles (CP‐NPs) were prepared using the solvent displacement method. CP release profile from CP‐NPs was assessed for 48 h against free CP. Using extracted human teeth, the degree of infiltration inside the dentinal tubules was studied for both CP‐NPs and CP. The anti‐inflammatory capacity of CP‐NPs was evaluated in vitro measuring their response and reaction against inflammatory cells, in particular against macrophages. The enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to examine the cytokine release of IL‐1β and TNF‐α.ResultsOptimized CP‐NPs displayed an average size below 200 nm and a monomodal population. Additionally, spherical morphology and non‐aggregation of CP‐NPs were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. Interaction studies showed that CP was encapsulated inside the NPs and no covalent bonds were formed. Moreover, CP‐NPs exhibited a prolonged and steady release with only 21% of the encapsulated CP released after 48 h. Using confocal laser scanning microscopy, it was observed that CP‐NPs were able to display enhanced penetration into the dentinal tubules. Neither the release of TNF‐α nor IL‐1β increased in CP‐NPs compared to the LPS control, displaying results similar and even less than the TCP after 48 h. Moreover, IL‐1β release in LPS‐stimulated cells, decreased when macrophages were treated with CP‐NPs.ConclusionsIn the present work, CP‐NPs were prepared, optimized and characterized displaying significant increase in the degree of infiltration inside the dentinal tubules against CP and were able to significantly reduce TNF‐α release. Therefore, CP‐NPs constitute a promising therapy for the treatment of avulsed teeth with extended extra‐oral time.
Characterization of a full‐thickness decellularized and lyophilized human placental membrane for clinical applications
Authors: Wetzell Bradley , Ork Britini , Softic Davorka , Morse Jennifer , Hutchens William , Meng Fanwei , McLean Julie B. , Moore Mark A. , Qin Xiaofei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAllografts derived from live‐birth tissue obtained with donor consent have emerged as an important treatment option for wound and soft tissue repairs. Placental membrane derived from the amniotic sac consists of the amnion and chorion, the latter of which contains the trophoblast layer. For ease of cleaning and processing, these layers are often separated with or without re‐lamination and the trophoblast layer is typically discarded, both of which can negatively affect the abundance of native biological factors and make the grafts difficult to handle. Thus, a full‐thickness placental membrane that includes a fully‐intact decellularized trophoblast layer was developed for homologous clinical use as a protective barrier and scaffold in soft tissue repairs. Here, we demonstrate that this full‐thickness placental membrane is effectively decellularized while retaining native extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold and biological factors, including the full trophoblast layer. Following processing, it is porous, biocompatible, supports cell proliferation in vitro, and retains its biomechanical strength and the ability to pass through a cannula without visible evidence of movement or damage. Finally, it was accepted as a natural scaffold in vivo with evidence of host‐cell infiltration, angiogenesis, tissue remodelling, and structural layer retention for up to 10 weeks in a murine subcutaneous implant model.
An unintentional consequence of taxation: Tax cuts and vertical pay dispersion
Authors: Song Xiaoning , Wu Cen , Zheng Ying 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe study the effect of tax cuts on the pay dispersion between firms’ executives and rank‐and‐file employees. Using the 2009 value‐added tax (VAT) reform in China as a quasi‐experimental setting, we find that tax cuts are associated with increased vertical pay dispersion, which is an unintentional consequence. We also find that managerial power intensifies the effect of tax cuts on vertical pay dispersion, consistent with the view that the increase in pay dispersion is due to managerial rent extraction. Furthermore, our results are not driven by executives’ higher pay‐for‐performance sensitivity than rank‐and‐file employees. In addition, we find that the VAT reform significantly increases pay dispersion driven by noneconomic factors but has no significant impact on dispersion driven by economic factors. Overall, our results support the rent‐extraction channel for the effect of tax cuts on income inequality.
Coordination of bark and wood traits underlies forest‐to‐savanna evolutionary transitions
Authors: Dantas Vinicius L. , Oliveira Luan Carlos Silva , Marcati Carmen Regina , Sonsin‐Oliveira Júlia 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimTo test the hypothesis that adaptive shifts leading to the assembly of tropical savannas involved coordination between bark and wood traits and to understand the underlying mechanisms.LocationTropical South America.TaxonAngiosperms (woody).MethodsWe compiled data on three bark traits (total, inner and outer relative bark thickness), wood density, maximum height, five secondary xylem traits and on species' habitat information (light environment, climate, soil and fire history) for Neotropical savanna, forest and generalist species (biome groups). We tested for pairwise and multivariate associations among traits across species and if biome group and habitat conditions explained species positions along the resulting strategy axes.ResultsTraits covaried along four different axes. The first axis was consistent with a trade‐off between fire (thick barks) and shade tolerance (low bark to diameter ratio, high vessel density) and contributed to differentiate the three biome groups according to the preference for shaded environments. Forest species also differed from savanna and generalist species in a separate axis by being more resource acquisitive. Maximum height and wood density did not strongly trade‐off with bark thickness, although maximum height was negatively covaried with relative outer bark thickness. Preference for shaded conditions was the main driver of variation in the two principal strategy axes, but temperature, fire and soil sand content also explained differences in plant stature between savanna and generalist species.Main ConclusionsAllocation to bark is constrained by trade‐offs with wood, opposing shade‐tolerant and acquisitive forest species to fire‐resistant and conservative savanna species. Rather than a single strategy axis, three axes are necessary to understand the functional differences among savanna, forest and generalist species. Because two of these axes are controlled by light availability, the associated traits tend to covary in space and time, but not across species.
Decoding dynamic interactions between EGFR‐TKD and DAC through computational and experimental approaches: A novel breakthrough in lung melanoma treatment
Authors: Meher Rajesh Kumar , Mir Showkat Ahmad , Singh Kritika , Mukerjee Nobendu , Nayak Binata , Kumer Ajoy , Zughaibi Torki A. , Khan Mohd Shahnawaz , Tabrez Shams 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn the quest for effective lung cancer treatments, the potential of 3,6‐diaminoacridine‐9‐carbonitrile (DAC) has emerged as a game changer. While DAC's efficacy against glioblastoma is well documented, its role in combating lung cancer has remained largely untapped. This study focuses on CTX‐1, exploring its interaction with the pivotal EGFR‐TKD protein, a crucial target in lung cancer therapeutics. A meticulous molecular docking analysis revealed that CTX‐1 exhibits a noteworthy binding affinity of −7.9 kcal/mol, challenging Erlotinib, a conventional lung cancer medication, which displayed a binding affinity of −7.3 kcal/mol. For a deeper understanding of CTX‐1's molecular mechanics, this study employed rigorous 100‐ns molecular dynamics simulations, demonstrating CTX‐1's remarkable stability in comparison with erlotinib. The Molecular Mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann Surface Area (MM‐PBSA) method further corroborated these results, with CTX‐1 showing a free binding energy of −105.976 ± 1.916 kJ/mol. The true prowess of CTX‐1 was tested against diverse lung cancer cell lines, including A549, Hop‐62 and H‐1299. CTX‐1 not only significantly outperformed erlotinib in anticancer activity but also exhibited a spectrum of therapeutic effects. It effectively diminished cancer cell viability, induced DNA damage, halted cell cycle progression, generated reactive oxygen species (ROS), impaired mitochondrial transmembrane potential, instigated apoptosis and successfully inhibited EGFR‐TKD. This study not only underscores the potential of CTX‐1 a formidable contender in lung cancer treatment but also marks a paradigm shift in oncological therapeutics, offering new horizons in the fight against this formidable disease.