bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the role of tissue mechanics in fluid–structure interaction simulations of patient‐specific aortic dissection
Authors: Schussnig Richard , Rolf‐Pissarczyk Malte , Bäumler Kathrin , Fries Thomas‐Peter , Holzapfel Gerhard A. , Kronbichler Martin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractModeling an aortic dissection represents a particular challenge from a numerical perspective, especially when it comes to the interaction between solid (aortic wall) and liquid (blood flow). The complexity of patient‐specific simulations requires a variety of parameters, modeling assumptions and simplifications that currently hinder their routine use in clinical settings. We present a numerical framework that captures, among other things, the layer‐specific anisotropic properties of the aortic wall, the non‐Newtonian behavior of blood, patient‐specific geometry, and patient‐specific flow conditions. We compare hemodynamic indicators and stress measurements in simulations with increasingly complex material models for the vessel tissue ranging from rigid walls to anisotropic hyperelastic materials. We find that for the present geometry and boundary conditions, rigid wall simulations produce different results than fluid–structure interaction simulations. Considering anisotropic fiber contributions in the tissue model, stress measurements in the aortic wall differ, but shear stress‐based biomarkers are less affected. In summary, the increasing complexity of the tissue model enables capturing more details. However, an extensive parameter set is also required. Since the simulation results depend on these modeling choices, variations can lead to different recommendations in clinical applications.
Pre‐silking water deficit in maize induced kernel loss through impaired silk growth and ovary carbohydrate dynamics
Authors: Li Yebei , Huang Shoubing , Meng Qingfeng , Li Zongxin , Fritschi Felix B. , Wang Pu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBoth carbon limitation and developmentally driven kernel failure occur in the apical region of maize (Zea mays L.) ears. Failed kernel development in the basal and middle regions of the ear often is neglected because their spaces usually are occupied by adjacent ovaries at harvest. We tested the spatial distribution of kernel losses and potential underlying reasons, from perspectives of silk elongation and carbohydrate dynamics, when maize experienced water deficit during silk elongation. Kernel loss was distributed along the length of the ear regardless of water availability, with the highest kernel set in the middle region and a gradual reduction toward the apical and basal ends. Water deficit limited silk elongation in a manner inverse to the temporal pattern of silk initiation, more strongly in the apical and basal regions of the ear than in the middle region. The limited recovery of silk elongation, especially at the apical and basal regions following rescue irrigation was probably due to water potentials below the threshold for elongation and lower growth rates of the associated ovaries. While sugar concentrations increased or did not respond to water deficit in ovaries and silks, the calculated sugar flux into the developing ovaries was impaired and diverged among ovaries at different positions under water deficit. Water deficit resulted in 58% kernel loss, 68% of which was attributable to arrested silks within husks caused by lower water potentials and 32% to ovaries with emerged silks possibly due to impaired carbohydrate metabolism.
Bio‐blends of virgin and post‐industrial poly(methyl methacrylate) waste/pristine chitosan: Structure, thermal, and physical properties
Authors: Mouffok Samir , Kaci Mustapha 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPolymer blends based on plastic waste and natural biodegradable polymers is an interesting strategy in view of environmental and technical concerns. This article investigates the structure, thermal and physical properties of virgin and post‐industrial polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) waste/pristine chitosan (Cs) bio‐blends. Waste PMMA was generated by an extrusion process for the manufacturing of sheets. The results of gel permeation chromatography analysis (GPC) show a slight decrease (about 8%) in the average molecular weight of PMMA after extrusion. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode (FTIR‐ATR) spectra do not reveal changes in the chemical structure of post‐industrial PMMA/Cs blends compared to virgin PMMA/Cs samples, indicating that chain scission reactions are the dominant degradation mechanism of PMMA during processing. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results reveal a single glass transition temperature () for the blends, implying miscibility of the components. Post‐industrial PMMA/Cs samples exhibit slightly lower values of compared to virgin PMMA/Cs blends. The post‐industrial PMMA waste slightly reduces nano‐mechanical properties and thermal stability of the blends relative to those from virgin PMMA. In contrast, it increases the water uptake of the bio‐blends compared with virgin PMMA.Highlights
Chain scission is the dominant degradation mechanism of PMMA during extrusion.
Miscibility between the homopolymers within the blends.
PMMA waste slightly reduced the nano‐mechanical properties of the bio‐blends.
Post‐industrial PMMA waste increased the water uptake of the bio‐blends.
Possibility of using post‐industrial PMMA waste by blending with chitosan.
Der Suprafestkörper
Authors: Ferlaino Francesca , Mark Manfred J. 
Published: April 2024

ZusammenfassungSeit kurzem ist es möglich, den vor über 50 Jahren vorhergesagten paradoxen Materiezustand eines Suprafestkörpers im Labor zu erzeugen. Er besitzt tatsächlich eine feste und eine suprafluide Phase zugleich. Die für die Erzeugung verwendeten dipolaren Quantengase ermöglichen eine präzise Manipulation dieses Zustands und erlauben einen direkten Einblick in seine Eigenschaften. Zukünftig könnten neue suprafeste Quantengas‐Systeme aus ultrakalten Molekülen und Quantengasmischungen weitere überraschende Erkenntnisse parat halten.
Functional proteomics reveals that Slr0237 is a SigE‐regulated glycogen debranching enzyme pivotal for glycogen breakdown
Authors: Liu Ye , Ge Haitao , Lu Dandan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe group 2 σ factor for RNA polymerase SigE plays important role in regulating central carbon metabolism in cyanobacteria. However, the regulation of SigE for these pathways at a proteome level remains unknown. Using a sigE‐deficient strain (ΔsigE) of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and quantitative proteomics, we found that SigE depletion induces differential protein expression for sugar catabolic pathways including glycolysis, oxidative pentose phosphate (OPP) pathway, and glycogen catabolism. Two glycogen debranching enzyme homologues Slr1857 and Slr0237 are found differentially expressed in ΔsigE. Glycogen determination indicated that Δslr0237 accumulated glycogen under photomixotrophic condition but was unable to utilize these reserves in the dark, whereas Δslr1857 accumulates and utilizes glycogen in a similar way as the WT strain does in the same condition. These results suggest that Slr0237 plays the major role as the glycogen debranching enzyme in Synechocystis.
Diversity and conservation status of palms (Arecaceae) in two hotspots of biodiversity in Colombia and Ecuador
Authors: Couvreur Thomas L. P. , Jijon Nayeli , Montúfar Rommel , Morales‐Morales Paula A. , Sanín Maria José , Copete Juan Carlos , Lozinguez Alix , Pérez Álvaro J. , Beech Emily 
Published: April 2024

Societal Impact StatementPalms provide vital plant resources and ecosystem services to people across the tropics. To improve conservation guidance, a “health check” of palms in two highly threatened biodiversity hotspots in Colombia and Ecuador was undertaken. Palms are very diverse in these regions, but over one third are threatened with extinction now, especially among endemic species. Widespread and useful palms are also under intense human pressure and need to be prioritized in terms of sustainable management practices. Given the importance of palms for humans, inclusive conservation actions should be continued in both countries in order to safeguard this resource.Summary

Palms provide central plant resources to societies in the tropics, especially in the Global South. The western Pacific and Andean regions of Colombia and Ecuador host two hotspots of biodiversity. To prioritize conservation policies towards palms, we undertook a conservation assessment of species in the region.
We compiled a taxonomically verified database of specimens collected in both hotspots. We inferred preliminary conservation assessments using International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Criteria B. In addition, we evaluated the level of exposure of palms to human use and population density using the anthrome concept.
We documented 144 native palm species in 33 genera occurring in both hotspots of Colombia and Ecuador. Of these, 55 are endemic to this region. We recorded 133 species for Colombia, 43 endemic, and 71 species for Ecuador, 9 endemic. A third of all palm species in the region are potentially threatened with extinction (50/144) and 12 as preliminary Critically Endangered. Aiphanes and Geonoma have the highest number of threatened species. In total, 60% of palm specimens were collected in the “low human impact” anthrome type. In contrast, 41% of specimens occur in high human density areas.
The two hotspots of biodiversity in Colombia and Ecuador are very diverse in palms. However, we show that this diversity is under threat and is predominantly found in areas impacted by human activities. Extinction risk is highest in endemic species in both countries. Widespread and useful palm species also face threats linked to overexploitation or habitat loss. Inclusive conservation measures should be designed to conserve, together with communities, this plant resource.
Randomized multiarm bandits: An improved adaptive data collection method
Authors: Zhao Zhigen , Wang Tong , Ji Bo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn many scientific experiments, multiarmed bandits are used as an adaptive data collection method. However, this adaptive process can lead to a dependence that renders many commonly used statistical inference methods invalid. An example of this is the sample mean, which is a natural estimator of the mean parameter but can be biased. This can cause test statistics based on this estimator to have an inflated type I error rate, and the resulting confidence intervals may have significantly lower coverage probabilities than their nominal values. To address this issue, we propose an alternative approach called randomized multiarm bandits (rMAB). This combines a randomization step with a chosen MAB algorithm, and by selecting the randomization probability appropriately, optimal regret can be achieved asymptotically. Numerical evidence shows that the bias of the sample mean based on the rMAB is much smaller than that of other methods. The test statistic and confidence interval produced by this method also perform much better than its competitors.
Phylogeny and classification of the coffee family (Rubiaceae, Gentianales): Overview and outlook
Authors: Razafimandimbison Sylvain G. , Rydin Catarina 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe use of molecular data in phylogenetic reconstruction during more than three decades has greatly improved our understanding of the macroevolutionary history of the coffee family (Rubiaceae) and has provided a solid basis for improvement of its classification. Based on the results of 130 studies, among them most recent phylogenomic works, we present a consensus phylogeny and a robust classification of Rubiaceae that shed light on the evolutionary success of this highly diverse angiosperm family and can serve as a framework for ecological and evolutionary studies. There are more than 14,000 species and about 580 accepted genera of Rubiaceae that are assigned to 71 tribes, of which 68 are classified in two subfamilies (Dialypetalanthoideae with 38 tribes and Rubioideae with 30 tribes). Three tribes (Acranthereae, Coptosapelteae, Luculieae) remain unclassified as to subfamily. Sixty‐three of these 71 tribes are assigned to nine informal alliances (four in Rubioideae and five in Dialypetalanthoideae). These tribes are listed in alphabetical order within their respective alliances. Five tribes, one (Coussareeae) in Rubioideae and four (Airospermeae, Jackieae, Retiniphylleae, Steenisieae) in Dialypetalanthoideae, are excluded from these alliances due to unclear or conflicting phylogenetic positions. Thirty‐six tribes retain their tribal status but receive new generic limits to remedy their previous para‐ or polyphyletic nature. Twenty‐nine tribes not implemented in previous classifications have been added, of which three (Chioneae, Glionnetieae, Temnopterygeae) are newly described here. Basic information on phylogenies, distributions, former classifications, and useful references to previous works are provided for all accepted tribes, and future perspectives are discussed.
Identification of potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer using Mendelian randomization analysis and drug target prediction
Authors: Huang Zhulan , Zheng Hongping , Wang Haiyu , Ning Haojie , Che Aiwen , Cai Cuidan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBreast cancer stands as the foremost cause of cancer‐related mortality among women, presenting a substantial economic impact on society. The limitations in current therapeutic options, coupled with poor patient tolerance, underscore the urgent need for novel treatments. Our study embarked on a genomic association exploration of breast cancer, leveraging whole‐genome sequencing data from the Finngen database, complemented by expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) insights from the eQTLGen and GTEx Consortiums. An initial investigation was conducted through summary‐based Mendelian randomization (MR) to pinpoint primary eQTLs. Analysis of blood specimens revealed 103 eQTLs significantly correlated with breast cancer. Focusing our efforts, we identified 19 candidates with potential therapeutic significance. Further scrutiny via two‐sample MR pinpointed UROD, LMO4, HORMAD1, and ZSWIM5 as promising targets for breast cancer therapy. Our research sheds light on new avenues for the treatment of breast cancer, highlighting the potential of genomic association studies in uncovering viable therapeutic targets.
Entropy generation due to MHD Falkner–Skan flow of Casson fluid over a wedge: A numerical study
Authors: Abrar Muhammad N. , Yun Wang , Sharaf Mohamed 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study highlights the significance of entropy generation in the Falkner–Skan flow of Casson fluid past a wedge. To investigate the energy analysis, the governing equations include the heat transport equation in the presence of internal heat source, and the energy transport accounts for heat dissipation using viscous dissipation and Joule heating effect. The mathematical formulation of the problem leads to a set of nonlinear coupled partial differential equations. To obtain a similarity solution, similarity variables are introduced. The resulting differential equations are solved numerically using the shooting technique in conjunction with the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg 45 (RKF‐45) method. Graphical representations are utilized to demonstrate the physical significance of the relevant parameters. The study analyzes the impact of various parameters on the velocity, temperature, and entropy distributions for three wedge positions: stationary, forward‐moving, and backward‐moving. The results show that an increase in the wedge angle parameter and Casson parameter leads to an increase in fluid velocity, while fluid entropy increases rapidly with an increase in the Brinkmann number, power law Falkner–Skan parameter, and Reynolds number. Moreover, with an increment in the Prandtl and Eckert number, the Nusselt number coefficient decelerates for both static and moving wedge.
A note on the Radiant formula and its relations to the sliced Wasserstein distance
Authors: Auricchio Gennaro 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this note, we show that the squared Wasserstein distance can be expressed as the average over the sphere of one dimensional Wasserstein distances. We name this new expression for the Wasserstein Distance Radiant Formula. Using this formula, we are able to highlight new connections between the Wasserstein distances and the Sliced Wasserstein distance, an alternative Wasserstein-like distance that is cheaper to compute.
Obtaining new classes of optimal linear codes by puncturing and shortening optimal cyclic codes
Authors: Hernández Félix , Vega Gerardo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this paper we use the puncturing and shortening techniques on two already-known classes of optimal cyclic codes in order to obtain three new classes of optimal linear codes achieving the Griesmer bound. The weight distributions for these codes are settled. We also investigate their dual codes and show that they are either optimal or almost optimal with respect to the sphere-packing bound. Moreover, these duals contain classes of almost maximum distance separable codes which are shown to be proper for error detection. Further, some of the obtained optimal linear codes are suitable for constructing secret sharing schemes with nice access structures.
Endophytes: a uniquely tailored source of potential antibiotic adjuvants
Authors: Moussa Ashaimaa Y. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMultidrug microbial resistance is risking an annual loss of more than 10 million people’ lives by 2050. Solutions include the rational use of antibiotics and the use of drugs that reduce resistance or completely obliterate them. Here endophytes come to play due to their high-yield production and inherent nature to produce antimicrobial molecules. Around 40%, 45% and 17% of antibacterial agents were obtained from fungi, actinomycetes, and bacteria, respectively, whose secondary metabolites revealed effectiveness against resistant microbes such as MRSA, MRSE, and Shigella flexneri. Endophyte’s role was not confined to bactericidal effect but extended to other mechanisms against MDR microbes, among which was the adjuvant role or the “magic bullets". Scarce focus was given to antibiotic adjuvants, and many laboratories today just screen for the antimicrobial activity without considering combinations with traditional antibiotics, which means real loss of promising resistance combating molecules. While some examples of synthetic adjuvants were introduced in the last decade, the number is still far from covering the disused antibiotics and restoring them back to clinical use. The data compiled in this article demonstrated the significance of quorum sensing as a foreseen mechanism for adjuvants from endophytes secondary metabolites, which call for urgent in-depth studies of their molecular mechanisms. This review, comprehensively and for the first time, sheds light on the significance of endophytes secondary metabolites in solving AMR problem as AB adjuvants.
Microsurgical training on non-living models: a systematic literature review
Authors: Franza Mara , Buscemi Salvatore , Incandela Francesco Giuseppe , Cammarata Emanuele , Romano Giorgio , Cicero Luca , Cassata Giovanni , Cirincione Roberta , Toia Francesca 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Preclinical training in microsurgery usually proceeds through steps of increasing difficulty. Traditionally, advanced training is carried out on living animal models which best reproduce the clinical scenario, but recently, the increasing interest in animal rights has led to a greater development and spread of different non-living models for all steps of training.

Methods
The aim of this study was to identify, through a review of the literature, the inanimate models suitable for basic and intermediate/advanced training courses and to evaluate their pros and cons. The search was carried out exclusively through the PubMed database, with "microsurgery" or “supermicrosurgery” and ("training" or "non-living model") as keywords in the "title and/or abstract" fields. The filters used were: publication date (2010–2022) and species (other animals). The study was done following the PRISMA 2020 checklist criteria.

Results
A total number of 398 articles were initially screened. Following abstract review, 75 articles were selected, and 51 articles were chosen following full text review. Several non-living models are available for training on fine dissection and microsurgical technique. Among the non-animal models, food and synthetic materials (silicone tubes and latex gloves) were predominantly used. Among the non-living animals, the chicken was the most frequently used animal followed by the pig and the rat. Non-living animal mainly focus on vascular sutures on vessels of different vessels, including very small vessels for supermicrosurgery.

Conclusions
The results of this study have shown that many different non-living models are available not only for basic microsurgical training, but also for intermediate training. These models allow to improve microsurgical and supermicrosurgical skills, simultaneously reducing the use of living animals, according to the “3 R” principle. Their main limitation is that due to their characteristics, as tissue consistency and the absence of a pumping flow, they do not provide a realistic experience as that on living animals, which are still the reference for the final phases of microsurgical training.
Level of evidence:Not ratable.
Flexible-dimensional L-statistic for mean estimation of symmetric distributions
Authors: Baz Juan , García-Zamora Diego , Díaz Irene , Montes Susana , Martínez Luis 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEstimating the mean of a population is a recurrent topic in statistics because of its multiple applications. If previous data is available, or the distribution of the deviation between the measurements and the mean is known, it is possible to perform such estimation by using L-statistics, whose optimal linear coefficients, typically referred to as weights, are derived from a minimization of the mean squared error. However, such optimal weights can only manage sample sizes equal to the one used to derive them, while in real-world scenarios this size might slightly change. Therefore, this paper proposes a method to overcome such a limitation and derive approximations of flexible-dimensional optimal weights. To do so, a parametric family of functions based on extreme value reductions and amplifications is proposed to be adjusted to the cumulative optimal weights of a given sample from a symmetric distribution. Then, the application of Yager’s method to derive weights for ordered weighted average (OWA) operators allows computing the approximate optimal weights for sample sizes close to the original one. This method is justified from the theoretical point of view by proving a convergence result regarding the cumulative weights obtained for different sample sizes. Finally, the practical performance of the theoretical results is shown for several classical symmetric distributions.