bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Linking shape conspicuous asymmetry with shape covariation patterns and performance in the insect head and mandibles
Authors: Ginot Samuel , Sommerfeld Simon , Blanke Alexander 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Bilateral symmetry is widespread across animals, yet, among bilaterians, many cases of conspicuous asymmetries evolved. This means that bilaterally homologous structures on the left and right sides display divergent phenotypes. The evolution of such divergent phenotypes between otherwise similarly shaped structures can be thought to be favored by modularity, but this has rarely been studied in the context of left-right differences. Here, we provide an empirical example, using geometric morphometrics to assess patterns of asymmetry and covariation between landmark partitions in a grasshopper with conspicuously asymmetric mandibles. Our morphometric data confirm the presence of strictly directional conspicuous asymmetry in the mandibles and surrounding structures. Covariance patterns and tests hint at a strong integration between mandibles despite their divergent morphologies, and variational modularity with the head capsule. While mandibles have been selected to achieve a key-and-lock morphology by having interlocking shapes, the developmental modularity required to achieve this seems to be overwritten by developmental and/or functional integration, allowing the precise matching required for feeding. The consequent conflicting covariation patterns are reminiscent of the palimpsest model. Finally, the degree of directional asymmetry appears to be under selection, although we find no relationship between bite force and mandible shape or asymmetry.
Research on pH-responsive antibacterial materials using citral-modified zinc oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Fan Yanan , Xu Qixiang , Ren Keyu , Zhai Mengge , Xing Guozheng , Song Yishan , Zhu Yongheng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives
With the increasing damage caused by foodborne pathogens to human health and the increasing attention given to healthy diets, novel food antimicrobial agents have been widely studied.

Materials and Methods
In this study, three different morphologies of citral-modified ZnO nanoparticle antimicrobial materials were prepared, and the citral-modified porous ZnO nanorod antimicrobial materials with the highest loading (60.35%) and the strongest inhibitory effect (MIC=0.2–0.1 mg/mL) were screened through a series of characterization and bacterial inhibition experiments. This novel antimicrobial material has excellent and long-lasting antimicrobial properties. It inhibited Escherichia coli by 100% when stowed at 25 °C and protected from light for 10 d and inhibited the growth of E. coli by 58.17% after being stowed under the same conditions for 60 d. Furthermore, we tested the pH change during 24 h of E. coli growth and the pH responsiveness of the materials.

Results
The results demonstrated that under the acid-producing condition of E. coli growth, the pH-sensitive imine bond (–CH=N–) formed by the condensation of the amino of functionalized ZnO nanoparticles and citral was hydrolyzed to release the citral, which indicated that the release mechanism of citral in the antibacterial material was pH-sensitive.

Conclusions
The antibacterial materials in this study have broad application prospects in the field of food production and packaging in the future. Moreover, this study provides a theoretical basis for guaranteeing food quality and safety.
Spatio-temporal modeling of high-throughput multispectral aerial images improves agronomic trait genomic prediction in hybrid maize
Authors: Morales Nicolas , Anche Mahlet T , Kaczmar Nicholas S , Lepak Nicholas , Ni Pengzun , Romay Maria Cinta , Santantonio Nicholas , Buckler Edward S , Gore Michael A , Mueller Lukas A , Robbins Kelly R 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Design randomizations and spatial corrections have increased understanding of genotypic, spatial, and residual effects in field experiments, but precisely measuring spatial heterogeneity in the field remains a challenge. To this end, our study evaluated approaches to improve spatial modeling using high-throughput phenotypes (HTP) via unoccupied aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery. The normalized difference vegetation index was measured by a multispectral MicaSense camera and processed using ImageBreed. Contrasting to baseline agronomic trait spatial correction and a baseline multitrait model, a two-stage approach was proposed. Using longitudinal normalized difference vegetation index data, plot level permanent environment effects estimated spatial patterns in the field throughout the growing season. Normalized difference vegetation index permanent environment were separated from additive genetic effects using 2D spline, separable autoregressive models, or random regression models. The Permanent environment were leveraged within agronomic trait genomic best linear unbiased prediction either modeling an empirical covariance for random effects, or by modeling fixed effects as an average of permanent environment across time or split among three growth phases. Modeling approaches were tested using simulation data and Genomes-to-Fields hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) field experiments in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020 for grain yield, grain moisture, and ear height. The two-stage approach improved heritability, model fit, and genotypic effect estimation compared to baseline models. Electrical conductance and elevation from a 2019 soil survey significantly improved model fit, while 2D spline permanent environment were most strongly correlated with the soil parameters. Simulation of field effects demonstrated improved specificity for random regression models. In summary, the use of longitudinal normalized difference vegetation index measurements increased experimental accuracy and understanding of field spatio-temporal heterogeneity.
Timescales of glacial isostatic adjustment in Greenland: is transient rheology required?
Authors: Pan Linda , Mitrovica Jerry X , Milne Glenn A , Hoggard Mark J , Woodroffe Sarah A 
Published: March 2024

SUMMARY
The possibility of a transient rheological response to ice age loading, first discussed in the literature of the 1980s, has received renewed attention. Transient behaviour across centennial to millennial timescales has been invoked to reconcile apparently contradictory inferences of steady-state (Maxwell) viscosity based on two distinct data sets from Greenland: Holocene sea-level curves and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) derived modern crustal uplift data. To revisit this issue, we first compute depth-dependent Fréchet kernels using 1-D Maxwell viscoelastic Earth models and demonstrate that the mantle resolving power of the two Greenland data sets is highly distinct, reflecting the differing spatial scale of the associated surface loading: the sea-level records are sensitive to viscosity structure across the entire upper mantle while uplift rates associated with post-1000 CE fluctuations of the Greenland Ice Sheet have a dominant sensitivity to shallow asthenosphere viscosity. Guided by these results, we present forward models which demonstrate that a moderate low viscosity zone beneath the lithosphere in Maxwell Earth models provides a simple route to simultaneously reconciling both data sets by significantly increasing predictions of present-day uplift rates in Greenland whilst having negligible impact on predictions of Holocene relative sea-level curves from the region. Our analysis does not rule out the possibility of transient deformation, but it suggests that it is not required to simultaneously explain these two data sets. A definitive demonstration of transient behaviour requires that one account for the resolving power of the data sets in modelling the glacial isostatic adjustment process.
Can a feminist foreign policy be undone? Reflections from Sweden
Authors: Towns Ann , Jezierska Katarzyna , Bjarnegård Elin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In 2022, Sweden retracted its feminist foreign policy (FFP). What are the consequences for Swedish foreign policy and for FFPs elsewhere? We published an extensive report on the Swedish FFP in 2023, based on a survey that went out to all Swedish diplomats, interviews with more than 30 key foreign policy officials, and hundreds of steering documents from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The article draws out new insights from the report. The retraction is likely to result in a deprioritization of gender equality in Swedish foreign policy. Sweden will likely lose its international leadership role on gender issues. However, FFPs may be more resilient than anticipated because of how foreign policy is governed. Governments that wish to retract FFPs are constrained by three key governance features: First, international agreements and soft law on women's rights place demands on policy content. Second, the decentralized nature of foreign policy implementation allows considerable autonomy on the ground, so that implementors may continue to work with gender equality. Third, longstanding international expectations for Sweden as a gender equality champion create a role-based constraint. These factors contribute to the ‘stickiness’ of FFPs, suggesting that a retraction is unlikely to result in a wholesale abandonment of gender equality activities. The article also examines the enduring legacy of the Swedish FFP beyond its formal retraction, highlighting adoption of FFPs by a growing number of states in different parts of the world.
Increasing venous thromboembolism risk assessment through a whole hospital-based intervention: a pre-post service evaluation to demonstrate quality improvement
Authors: Abboud Juliana , Shaikh Niaz , Moosa Musthafa , Dempster Martin , Adair Pauline 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. VTE risk assessment is a crucial part of the VTE prevention guideline. However, VTE risk assessment was not consistently undertaken for admitted patients. The aim of this study was to identify whether a quality improvement project implemented to change documentation of VTE risk assessment for hospitalized patients impacted patient safety by decreasing the rate of VTE incidences. The study was set in a 600+ bed acute hospital that provides medical and surgical services for adult patients during the period October 2018–September 2020. The hospital adopted the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) 9th edition VTE prevention guidelines and followed the Modified Caprini risk assessment tool. Following the FOCUS-Plan-Do-Check-Act (FOCUS PDCA) improvement methodology, the improvement team implemented multicomponent interventions over a 3-month period, including conducting educational sessions, sharing VTE documentation compliance results, giving reminders during rounds, assigning a VTE liaison physician within each clinical specialty, and updating and communicating the hospital adopted VTE guidelines. A total of 17 612 patients were included, respectively, 8971 in pre-intervention and 8641 post-intervention period. Documentation of VTE risk assessment upon admission increased significantly in the post quality improvement intervention period (60% vs. 42%, relative increase of 30%, χ2 = 1.43, P &lt; 0.001). The run chart trend analysis demonstrated significant improvement shift and improvement trend after quality improvement project implementation, and it was sustained for 15 months. There was no impact on patient safety with a slight not statistically significant decrease in the VTE incidences rate post intervention period (0.4% vs. 0.5%, relative decrease of 1%, χ2 = 0.82, P &lt; 0.397). The quality improvement project intervention significantly increased the percentage of patients assessed for VTE risk in a hospital setting.
Evaluating and improving the usability of a mHealth platform to assess postoperative dental pain
Authors: Ibarra-Noriega Ana M , Yansane Alfa , Mullins Joanna , Simmons Kristen , Skourtes Nicholas , Holmes David , White Joel , Kalenderian Elsbeth , Walji Muhammad F 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The use of interactive mobile health (mHealth) applications to monitor patient-reported postoperative pain outcomes is an emerging area in dentistry that requires further exploration. This study aimed to evaluate and improve the usability of an existing mHealth application.

Materials and methods
The usability of the application was assessed iteratively using a 3-phase approach, including a rapid cognitive walkthrough (Phase I), lab-based usability testing (Phase II), and in situ pilot testing (Phase III). The study team conducted Phase I, while providers and patients participated in Phase II and III.

Results
The rapid cognitive walkthrough identified 23 potential issues that could negatively impact user experience, with the majority classified as system issues. The lab-based usability testing yielded 141 usability issues.; 43% encountered by patients and 57% by dentists. Usability problems encountered during pilot testing included undelivered messages due to mobile phone carrier and service-related issues, errors in patients’ phone number data entry, and problems in provider training.

Discussion
Through collaborative and iterative work with the vendor, usability issues were addressed before launching a trial to assess its efficacy.

Conclusion
The usability of the mHealth application for postoperative dental pain was remarkably improved by the iterative analysis and interdisciplinary collaboration.
G protein-coupled receptor 84 gene expression is regulated by the ER stress response in the liver.
Authors: Kanemoto Soshi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
G protein-coupled receptor 84 (Gpr84) is reportedly activated by medium-chain fatty acids and is involved in the pathology of liver fibrosis. Inflammatory stimulants, such as lipopolysaccharide and tumor necrosis factor-α, upregulate Gpr84 expression. However, the detailed molecular mechanism by which Gpr84 is induced remains unknown. Inflammatory stimulation also evokes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, but there has been no direct evidence to link Gpr84 expression and the ER stress response. Administration of tunicamycin (Tm) provokes ER stress and acute steatosis in the liver tissue of mice. Here, in situ hybridization analysis revealed that induction of Gpr84 expression occurred in parenchymal cells in the liver tissue following Tm administration. Gene expression analysis using a reporter assay showed that the intron 1 region of Gpr84 was involved in induction of the gene under ER stress conditions. Furthermore, Tm-dependent upregulation of Gpr84 was blocked by the small chemical compound AEBSF, an inhibitor of ER stress transducers, in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, the current study marks the discovery that the ER stress agent Tm induces the expression of Gpr84.
Punitive damages under the Chinese Civil Code in the context of damages for trade mark infringement: the award that dares to speak its name
Authors: Ferrante Michele 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This article discusses the availability of punitive damages in China for trade mark infringement. While the UK has been reluctant to emphasize the ‘punitive’ nature of such damages, China has legitimized punitive damages by codifying them in 2021. The Supreme People’s Court Interpretation on the Application of Punitive Damages in the Trial of Civil Infringement Cases of Intellectual Property Rights (2021) has sought to clarify the requirements that are applicable to punitive damages, in particular with regard to the required ‘intention’ and the ‘serious circumstances’ in which such damages may be awarded. Although punitive damages still appear to be awarded rarely by Chinese courts, their availability and the increasing clarity around the requirements for their award should lead to the progressive strengthening of the trade mark owners’ right in China.
Optimization of a lipid nanoparticle–based protocol for RNA transfection into primary mononuclear phagocytes
Authors: Zhang Yu , Béland Louis-Charles , Roussel Sabrina , Bertrand Nicolas , Hébert Sébastien S , Vallières Luc 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The effective delivery of synthetic RNA into mononuclear phagocytes is a prerequisite for experimental research and therapeutic development. However, traditional methods are highly ineffective and toxic for these cells. Here, we aimed to optimize a transfection protocol for primary bone marrow–derived phagocytes, specifically dendritic cells and macrophages, using lipid nanoparticles generated by microfluidics. Our results show that a lipid mixture similar to that used in Moderna's COVID-19 messenger RNA vaccine outperforms the others tested. Improved messenger RNA transfection can be achieved by replacing uridine with methylpseudouridine but not methoxyuridine, which interferes with transfection. The addition of diphenyleneiodonium or apocynin can enhance transfection in a cell type–dependent manner without adverse effects, while apolipoprotein E provides no added value. These optimized transfection conditions can also be used for microRNA agonists and antagonists. In sum, this study offers a straightforward, highly efficient, reproducible, and nontoxic protocol to deliver RNA into different primary mononuclear phagocytes in culture.
Frameshift mutations in peripheral blood as a biomarker for surveillance of Lynch syndrome
Authors: Song Yurong , Loomans-Kropp Holli , Baugher Ryan N , Somerville Brandon , Baxter Shaneen S , Kerr Travis D , Plona Teri M , Mellott Stephanie D , Young Todd B , Lawhorn Heidi E , Wei Lei , Hu Qiang , Liu Song , Hutson Alan , Pinto Ligia , Potter John D , Sei Shizuko , Gelincik Ozkan , Lipkin Steven M , Gebert Johannes , Kloor Matthias , Shoemaker Robert H 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Lynch syndrome is a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome caused by germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes, which lead to high microsatellite instability and frameshift mutations at coding mononucleotide repeats in the genome. Recurrent frameshift mutations in these regions are thought to play a central role in the increased risk of various cancers, but no biomarkers are currently available for the surveillance of high microsatellite instability-associated cancers.

Methods
A frameshift mutation-based biomarker panel was developed and validated by targeted next-generation sequencing of supernatant DNA from cultured high microsatellite instability colorectal cancer cells. This panel supported selection of 122 frameshift mutation targets as potential biomarkers. This biomarker panel was then tested using matched tumor, adjacent normal tissue, and buffy coat samples (53 samples) and blood-derived cell-free DNA (cfDNA) (38 samples) obtained from 45 high microsatellite instability and mismatch repair-deficient patients. We also sequenced cfDNA from 84 healthy participants to assess background noise.

Results
Recurrent frameshift mutations at coding mononucleotide repeats were detectable not only in tumors but also in cfDNA from high microsatellite instability and mismatch repair-deficient patients, including a Lynch syndrome carrier, with a varying range of target detection (up to 85.2%), whereas they were virtually undetectable in healthy participants. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed high sensitivity and specificity (area under the curve = 0.94) of the investigated panel.

Conclusions
We demonstrated that frameshift mutations can be detected in cfDNA from high microsatellite instability and mismatch repair-deficient patients and asymptomatic carriers. The 122-target frameshift mutation panel described here has promise as a tool for improved surveillance of high microsatellite instability and mismatch repair-deficient patients, with the potential to reduce the frequency of invasive screening methods for this high-cancer-risk cohort.
Predicting five-year interval second breast cancer risk in women with prior breast cancer
Authors: Hubbard Rebecca A , Su Yu-Ru , Bowles Erin J A , Ichikawa Laura , Kerlikowske Karla , Lowry Kathryn P , Miglioretti Diana L , Tosteson Anna N A , Wernli Karen J , Lee Janie M 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Annual surveillance mammography is recommended for women with a personal history of breast cancer. Risk prediction models that estimate mammography failures such as interval second breast cancers could help to tailor surveillance imaging regimens to women’s individual risk profiles.

Methods
In a cohort of women with a history of breast cancer receiving surveillance mammography in the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium in 1996-2019, we used Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO)-penalized regression to estimate the probability of an interval second cancer (invasive cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ) in the 1 year after a negative surveillance mammogram. Based on predicted risks from this one-year risk model, we generated cumulative risks of an interval second cancer for the five-year period after each mammogram. Model performance was evaluated using cross-validation in the overall cohort and within race and ethnicity strata.

Results
In 173 290 surveillance mammograms, we observed 496 interval cancers. One-year risk models were well-calibrated (expected/observed ratio = 1.00) with good accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.64). Model performance was similar across race and ethnicity groups. The median five-year cumulative risk was 1.20% (interquartile range 0.93%-1.63%). Median five-year risks were highest in women who were under age 40 or pre- or perimenopausal at diagnosis and those with estrogen receptor-negative primary breast cancers.

Conclusions
Our risk model identified women at high risk of interval second breast cancers who may benefit from additional surveillance imaging modalities. Risk models should be evaluated to determine if risk-guided supplemental surveillance imaging improves early detection and decreases surveillance failures.
Characterization and antimicrobial activity of endophytic fungi from medicinal plant Agave americana
Authors: Khadka Ganesh , Shetty Kateel G , Annamalai Thirunavukkarasu , Tse-Dinh Yuk-Ching , Jayachandran Krish 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Endophytic microorganisms associated with medicinal plants are of particular interest as they are a potential source of new bioactive chemicals effective against novel emerging and drug-resistant pathogens. Agave americana is a tropical medicinal plant with antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties. We studied the biodiversity of fungal endophytes of A. americana and their antimicrobial production potential. Isolated endophytic fungi were classified into 32 morphotypes (15 from stem and 17 from leaf) based on their cultural and morphological characteristics. Among the fungal crude extracts tested, 82% of isolates from the leaves and 80% of the isolates from the stem showed antibacterial activity against the bacterial strains (Escherichia coli ATTC 25902, Staphylococcus aureus ATTC 14775, and Bacillus subtilis NRRL 5109) tested. Extracts from four fungal isolates from leaves showed antifungal activity against at least one of the fungal strains (Candida albicans ATTC 10231 and Aspergillus fumigatus NRRL 5109) tested. Crude extracts of seven fungal isolates showed a zone of inhibition of more than 11 mm at 10 mgml-1 against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria tested. Penicillium, Colletotrichum, Curvularia, Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes, and Pleurotus are the main endophytes responsible for bioactive potential. These results indicate that A. americana harbors endophytes capable of producing antimicrobial metabolites.