bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Refining Holocene sea‐level variations for the Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos, northern Norway: implications for prehistoric human–environment interactions
Authors: Balascio Nicholas L. , D'Andrea William J. , Creel Roger C. , Marshall Leah , Dia Moussa , Wickler Stephen , Anderson R. Scott , Austermann Jacqueline , Vasskog Kristian , Nielsen Pål Ringkjøb , Dahl Svein Olaf 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTThe Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos are located off the outer coast of northern Norway far from the center of the former Fennoscandian Ice Sheet and near the continental shelf edge. Existing relative sea‐level (RSL) data indicate a pronounced mid‐Holocene transgression and interesting connections with the region's prehistoric human settlement history. Here we present seven new sea‐level index points from isolation basins and five terrestrial limiting points from a coastal sedimentary sequence to refine the region's RSL history. Ingression and isolation contacts in isolation basin sediment cores are identified using sedimentary geochemical data, scanning X‐ray fluorescence profiles and phytoplankton analysis. The ages of these contacts are determined using radiocarbon‐based age models. Our index points range from 11.2 to 1.5k cal a bp and are combined with previously published data to predict the spatiotemporal evolution of sea level in this region using an ensemble of spatiotemporal empirical hierarchical models (STEHME). The new RSL curve constrains the timing of the mid‐Holocene transgression, which occurred from c. 9 to 6k cal a
bp when sea level increased from −4 to 7 m above present day. From c. 6 to 5k cal a
bp, RSL rapidly fell to c. 4 m above present values, and more gradually declined at an average rate of c. 0.8 m ka−1 over the last 5k cal a
bp. Isobase maps derived using the STEHME show a decrease in the regional shoreline gradients since the transgression maximum from 0.25 to 0.07 m km−1. Our data also better define how RSL variations influenced the location and preservation of coastal settlement locations and harbors from the early Stone Age through historic intervals, improving understanding of regional human–environment interactions.
Mechanism of organic matter enrichment in a basin with shallow biogenic gas: a case study of Pleistocene shale in the Qaidam Basin
Authors: Liu Xiaoxue , Jiang Zhenxue , Tang Xianglu , Shao Zeyu , Xu Mingshuai 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTOrganic matter is the material basis of shale gas. The Qaidam Basin is a key exploration and development area for shallow biogenic shale gas in China. In this study, we have focused on Quaternary Pleistocene shale in the Qaidam Basin, and the mechanism of organic matter enrichment was investigated in terms of water column stratification and paleoclimate. The results show that the K9–K7 section has greater biological productivity than the K5–K4 section. During the early–middle Pleistocene (K9–K7 deposition period), due to a warm and humid climate, the water column was strongly stratified and herbaceous plants developed, resulting in increased biological productivity. Stronger stratification also led to a reducing environment in the lower layer, which was conducive to the preservation of organic matter from the upper layer. During the late Pleistocene (K5–K4 deposition period), with a dry and hot climate, stratification became weaker and the vegetation evolved into woody plants, reducing biological productivity. Weaker stratification led to destruction of the reducing environment, which was not conducive to enrichment of the sedimentary organic matter. Moreover, the increased temperatures increased the activity of methanogenic bacteria, which consumed a lot of the organic matter.
Efficient production of isomaltulose using engineered Yarrowia lipolytica strain facilitated by non‐yeast signal peptide‐mediated cell surface display
Authors: Liu Juanjuan , Li Jiao , Chen Peng , Zeng Yan , Yang Jiangang , Sun Yuanxia 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDIsomaltulose is a ‘generally recognized as safe’ ingredient and is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The exploration and development of efficient technologies is essential for enhancing isomaltulose yield.RESULTSIn the present study, a simple and efficient surface display platform mediated by a non‐yeast signal peptide was developed in Yarrowia lipolytica and utilized to efficiently produce isomaltulose from sucrose. We discovered that the signal peptide SP1 of sucrose isomerase from Pantoea dispersa UQ68J (PdSI) could guide SIs anchoring to the cell surface of Y. lipolytica, demonstrating a novel and simple cell surface display strategy. Furthermore, the PdSI expression level was significantly increased through optimizing the promoters and multi‐site integrating genes into chromosome. The final strain gained 451.7 g L−1 isomaltulose with a conversion rate of 90.3% and a space–time yield of 50.2 g L−1 h−1.CONCLUSIONThe present study provides an efficient way for manufacturing isomaltulose with a high space–time yield. This heterogenous signal peptide‐mediated cell surface display strategy featured with small fusion tag (approximately 2.2 kDa of SP1), absence of enzyme leakage in fermentation broth and ample room for optimization, providing a convenient way to construct whole‐cell biocatalysts to synthesize other products and broadening the array of molecular toolboxes accessible for engineering Y. lipolytica. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Can cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) in pleural lavage serve as a predictive and prognostic biomarker among surgically treated Stage I−III a nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC)? A pilot study
Authors: Saikia Jyoutishman , Malik Prabhat S. , Kumar Sachin , Jain Deepali , Madan Karan , Bharati Sachidanand Jee , Deo Suryanarayana , Kumar Sunil 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe role of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) in operable nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. This study was aimed to evaluate the feasibility for identification of cfDNA in pleural lavage fluid and its correlation with plasma in resectable NSCLCs.MethodsConsecutively resected NSCLCs were evaluated for cfDNA levels in preoperative plasma (PLS1), intraoperative pleural‐lavage (PLV) and postoperative (at 1 month) plasma sample (PLS2). CfDNA was isolated and measured quantitatively by qPCR in a TaqMan probe‐detection approach using the human β‐actin gene as the amplifying target.ResultsAll (n = 34) except one were negative for malignant cells in PLV cytology. CfDNA could be isolated from all the three samples (PLS1, PLV, and PLS2) successfully in each patient. The median cfDNA levels in PLS1, PLV and PLS2 were 118 ng/mL (IQR 61−158), 167 ng/mL (IQR 59.9−179.9) and 103 ng/mL (IQR 66.5−125.4) respectively. The median follow‐up was 34.1 months (IQR 25.2−41.6). A significant overall‐survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were recorded for patients with cfDNA level cut‐offs at 125, 170, and 100 ng/mL, respectively for PLS1, PLV, and PLS2. Patients with raised cfDNA in PLS1 (>125 ng/mL) and PLV (>170 ng/mL) had significantly poorer 2‐year OS, p = 0.005 and p = 0.012, respectively. The hazards (OS) were also higher for those with raised cfDNA in PLV (HR = 5.779, 95% CI = 1.162−28.745, p = 0.032). PLV (>170 ng/mL) had increased pleural recurrences (p = 0.021) and correlated significantly with poorer DFS at 2‐years (p = 0.001) with increased hazards (HR = 9.767, 95% CI = 2.098−45.451, p = 0.004). Multivariable analysis suggested higher cfDNA in PLV as a poor prognostic factor for both OS and DFS.ConclusionsAmong patients with operable NSCLC, it is feasible to identify cfDNA in pleural lavage and correlate PLV cfDNA with pleural recurrences and outcomes.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma in the older population: A prospective analysis of outcomes
Authors: Kadhum Murtaza , Mayr Laura , Jawad Ali M. , Pope‐Jones Sophie , Cubitt Jonathan , Hemington‐Gorse Sarah 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe use of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in the older population, defined as those over 70 years old, has been debated since the adoption of SLNB into routine practice. Interestingly, there remains a paucity of evidence, especially regarding the rates of SLNB positivity, complications, and subsequent adjuvant therapy in those with node positivity.MethodData on patient's comorbidities, positivity rates, complication rates, and subsequent adjuvant treatments were collected prospectively from 998 patients (644 patients < 70 and 354 patients ≥ 70 years old) between 2016 and 2022.ResultsPatients aged ≥ 70 were found to have a higher prevalence of comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidaemia. The mean Breslow thickness was 2.2 and 2.5 in the under and over 70 groups respectively (p = 0.03). The mean mitotic rate was found to be 3.3 in the under 70 s and 4.1 in the over 70 s (p = 0.02). Despite these results, no significant differences were observed in the positivity rates of sentinel lymph node biopsies or in the treatment options selected for positive results. The under 70 s were more likely to experience loss of sensation (p < 0.01), but no difference was found in the total number of complications between the two groups.ConclusionAlthough patients aged 70 and above had a greater incidence of comorbidities, the study revealed that they had lower complications rates and there was no significant variation in the SLNB positivity rate or chosen treatment options between the two age groups. This study supports the move to physiological rather than chronological age assessments in SLNB of the elderly.
Efficacy and safety of 1064‐nm fractional picosecond laser for the treatment of postmastectomy scars in transgender men: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rutnin Suthinee , Yongpisarn Tanat , Sakpuwadol Nawara , Namasondhi Amornrut , Pomsoong Cherrin , Rattananukrom Teerapong , Thadanipon Kunlawat 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectivesSubcutaneous mastectomy is a crucial component of gender affirmation therapy for transgender men (TM), but the scars that result from this procedure can frequently impair their quality of life. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of 1064‐nm fractional picosecond laser (FxPico) treatment for hypertrophic and atrophic postmastectomy scars in TM.MethodsTwenty‐two patients with a total of 35 pairs of bilateral symmetric mastectomy scars were enrolled. One of each pair of symmetric scars was randomly assigned to receive four FxPico treatments at 4‐week intervals. All scars were evaluated using the modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS) and three‐dimensional imaging for scar roughness, melanin index, and hemoglobin index before each treatment session and at 1, 3, and 6 months following the last treatment. Additionally, participant‐rated scar satisfaction (PSS) and scar improvement (Global Assessment Score, GAS), as well as adverse events were recorded.ResultsDuring the 6‐month follow‐up period after the end of laser treatment sessions, the treated scars showed significant reductions in the mVSS compared to the untreated controls (p < 0.001), whereas the melanin index and hemoglobin index were not significantly different. Subgroup analysis of hypertrophic scars demonstrated statistically significant reductions in mVSS at 1 (p = 0.003) and 3 months (p = 0.041) after the end of laser treatments. PSS was significantly higher on the laser‐treated scars than the controls (p = 0.008), and a participant‐rated GAS of 2.95 ± 0.65 was found. There were no serious adverse events reported.Conclusions1064‐nm FxPico could be utilized to treat mastectomy scars among TM, particularly the hypertrophic type.
Value co‐creation in the sharing economy: Revisiting the past to inform future
Authors: Vasil M Muhammad , Chopdar Prasanta Kr , Buhalis Dimitrios , Das Sitanshu Sekhar 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe objective of this study is to provide an integrated view of the body of knowledge of value co‐creation in the sharing economy in terms of the topical content and the research background. To this end, this study conducts a systematic literature review guided by the SPAR‐4‐SLR protocol. Leveraging the integrated ADO‐TCM framework, the review identifies 39 antecedents under 3 categories, 7 decision constructs, and 18 outcome constructs related to value co‐creation, as well as the prevalent theories, contexts, and methods explored in this domain. The review exposes several research gaps and offers insightful future research pathways that are directed toward theory, context, and method. These pathways can serve as a guide to strengthen and advance the theoretical, contextual, and methodological foundations of future research, contributing to the sustained evolution of the domain.
The copy number of the eukaryotic rRNA gene can be counted comprehensively
Authors: Yabuki Akinori , Hoshino Tatsuhiko , Nakamura Tamiko , Mizuno Keiko 
Published: March 2024

AbstractGene sequence has been widely used in molecular ecology. For instance, the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene has been widely used as a biological marker to understand microbial communities. The variety of the detected rRNA gene sequences reflects the diversity of the microorganisms existing in the analyzed sample. Their biomass can also be estimated by applying quantitative sequencing with information on rRNA gene copy numbers in genomes; however, information on rRNA gene copy numbers is still limited. Especially, the copy number in microbial eukaryotes is much less understood than that of prokaryotes, possibly because of the large and complex structure of eukaryotic genomes. In this study, we report an alternative approach that is more appropriate than the existing method of quantitative sequencing and demonstrate that the copy number of eukaryotic rRNA can be measured efficiently and comprehensively. By applying this approach widely, information on the eukaryotic rRNA copy number can be determined, and their community structures can be depicted and compared more efficiently.
Identification of potential molecular mechanism related to craniofacial dysmorphism caused by FOXI3 deficiency
Authors: Xing Xiao‐Liang , Zeng Ziqiang , Wang Yana , Pan Bo , Huang Xueshuang 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundHemifacial macrosomia (HFM, OMIM 164210) is a complex and highly heterogeneous disease. FORKHEAD BOX I3 (FOXI3) is a susceptibility gene for HFM, and mice with loss of function of Foxi3 did exhibit a phenotype similar to craniofacial dysmorphism. However, the specific pathogenesis of HFM caused by FOXI3 deficiency remains unclear till now.MethodIn this study, we first constructed a Foxi3 deficiency (Foxi3−/−) mouse model to verify the craniofacial phenotype of Foxi3−/− mice, and then used RNAseq data for gene differential expression analysis to screen candidate pathogenic genes, and conducted gene expression verification analysis using quantitative real‐time PCR.ResultsBy observing the phenotype of Foxi3−/− mice, we found that craniofacial dysmorphism was present. The results of comprehensive bioinformatics analysis suggested that the craniofacial dysmorphism caused by Foxi3 deficiency may be involved in the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway. Quantitative real‐time PCR results showed that the expression of PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway‐related gene Akt2 was significantly increased in Foxi3−/− mice.ConclusionThe craniofacial dysmorphism caused by the deficiency of Foxi3 may be related to the expression of Akt2 and PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway. This study laid a foundation for understanding the function of FOXI3 and the pathogenesis and treatment of related craniofacial dysmorphism caused by FOXI3 dysfunction.
Classification of multi‐feature fusion ultrasound images of breast tumor within category 4 using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Xu Pengfei , Zhao Jing , Wan Mingxi , Song Qing , Su Qiang , Wang Diya 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundBreast tumor is a fatal threat to the health of women. Ultrasound (US) is a common and economical method for the diagnosis of breast cancer. Breast imaging reporting and data system (BI‐RADS) category 4 has the highest false‐positive value of about 30% among five categories. The classification task in BI‐RADS category 4 is challenging and has not been fully studied.PurposeThis work aimed to use convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for breast tumor classification using B‐mode images in category 4 to overcome the dependence on operator and artifacts. Additionally, this work intends to take full advantage of morphological and textural features in breast tumor US images to improve classification accuracy.MethodsFirst, original US images coming directly from the hospital were cropped and resized. In 1385 B‐mode US BI‐RADS category 4 images, the biopsy eliminated 503 samples of benign tumor and left 882 of malignant. Then, K‐means clustering algorithm and entropy of sliding windows of US images were conducted. Considering the diversity of different characteristic information of malignant and benign represented by original B‐mode images, K‐means clustering images and entropy images, they are fused in a three‐channel form multi‐feature fusion images dataset. The training, validation, and test sets are 969, 277, and 139. With transfer learning, 11 CNN models including DenseNet and ResNet were investigated. Finally, by comparing accuracy, precision, recall, F1‐score, and area under curve (AUC) of the results, models which had better performance were selected. The normality of data was assessed by Shapiro‐Wilk test. DeLong test and independent t‐test were used to evaluate the significant difference of AUC and other values. False discovery rate was utilized to ultimately evaluate the advantages of CNN with highest evaluation metrics. In addition, the study of anti‐log compression was conducted but no improvement has shown in CNNs classification results.ResultsWith multi‐feature fusion images, DenseNet121 has highest accuracy of 80.22 ± 1.45% compared to other CNNs, precision of 77.97 ± 2.89% and AUC of 0.82 ± 0.01. Multi‐feature fusion improved accuracy of DenseNet121 by 1.87% from classification of original B‐mode images (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe CNNs with multi‐feature fusion show a good potential of reducing the false‐positive rate within category 4. The work illustrated that CNNs and fusion images have the potential to reduce false‐positive rate in breast tumor within US BI‐RADS category 4, and make the diagnosis of category 4 breast tumors to be more accurate and precise.
Outcome measures in pediatric chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
Authors: Guttikonda Apoorva , Ahmad Ghazal , Goyal Parul , Xiang Yijin , Johnson Laura Michelle , Gillespie Scott , Carvell Kimberly T. , Butera Robert , Verma Sumit 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroduction/AimsObjective outcome measures in children undergoing treatment for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) are lacking. The aim of the study was to record serial grip strength and motor nerve conduction studies to assess interval change.MethodsThis was a retrospective review of 16 children (8 females and 8 males; median age, 9.7 years; interquartile range, 6–13 years) with CIDP followed at a tertiary children's hospital from 2013 to 2021. Subjects were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Right and left grip strength measurements were obtained at each clinic visit using a handheld dynamometer. Annual right median motor nerve conduction study data were recorded during the study period.ResultsMean duration of follow‐up was 2.9 years. Grip strength (right: 0.19 kg/month, p < 0.001; left 0.23 kg/month, p < 0.001) and median F‐wave latencies (−0.23/month, p = 0.015) showed significant improvement over time. Akaike information criterion showed time + IVIG frequency <21 days as best fit for grip strength and distal compound muscle action potential amplitude.DiscussionOur study results indicate serial grip strength measurements are a feasible and objective way to assess motor strength improvement in children with CIDP receiving immunotherapy.
New approximations for network reliability
Authors: Brown Jason I. , Kolokolnikov Theodore , Kooij Robert E. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe introduce two new methods for approximating the all‐terminal reliability of undirected graphs. First, we introduce an edge removal process: remove edges at random, one at a time, until the graph becomes disconnected. We show that the expected number of edges thus removed is equal to , where is the number of edges in the graph, and is the average of the all‐terminal reliability polynomial. Based on this process, we propose a Monte‐Carlo algorithm to quickly estimate the graph reliability (whose exact computation is NP‐hard). Moreover, we show that the distribution of the edge removal process can be used to quickly approximate the reliability polynomial. We then propose increasingly accurate asymptotics for graph reliability based solely on degree distributions of the graph. These asymptotics are tested against several real‐world networks and are shown to be accurate for sufficiently dense graphs. While the approach starts to fail for “subway‐like” networks that contain many paths of vertices of degree two, different asymptotics are derived for such networks.
Enhanced dielectric properties of ferroelectric polymer composites by surface‐modified BaTiO3 particles
Authors: Ouyang Wen , Sheng Su , Chen Fulin , Tu Zinan , Jiang Qichang , Ding Qiuyuan , Wen Jian 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBarium titanate (BaTiO3, BT)/poly (vinylidene fluoride, PVDF) composites containing 0%–50% of ceramic filler volume fraction were fabricated by spin‐coating method, and it was shown that the permittivity of BT/PVDF composites increased with the addition of ceramic filler. In order to enhance the interfacial bonding between the two phases, the surface modification treatment of BT ceramic particles was carried out using different mass fractions of γ‐Aminopropyl‐triethoxysilane (KH550). The results indicated that the dielectric properties of the modified composites were enhanced. The dielectric constant of the BT/PVDF composite with 10 vol.% ceramic filler treated with 1 wt.% KH550 is 20.3, which is twice as much as pure PVDF. A model of BT/PVDF dielectric composite was employed by using COMSOL Multiphysics to simulate and analyze the effects of filler particle size, volume fraction, and degree of dispersion on the properties of composite dielectric films from the perspective of microstructural. Calculated results show that the addition of ceramic particles triggers local electric field distortion, which affects the dielectric properties of the composites. Meanwhile, the degree of dispersion of the filler also affects the breakdown resistance of the composite material, when the filler is uniformly dispersed, the local electric field is reduced, which effectively enhances the breakdown resistance of the material. Finite element simulation analyzes the macroscopic dielectric properties from a microstructural point of view, which is beneficial for further understanding of ceramic‐polymer composites.Highlights
The dielectric properties of the polymer matrix were enhanced by doping BT.
The KH550 can enhance the dispersion of BT particles in the PVDF.
The surface‐modified BT improved the dielectric properties of the composite.
COMSOL simulation confirmed the effectiveness of the interface modification.