bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecosystem carbon stock variation along forest stand ages: insight from eastern coast mangrove ecosystem of India
Authors: Panda Muktipada , Dash Bikash R. , Sahu Sudam C. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The mangrove ecosystem has the highest carbon sink potential which significantly contributes to bringing carbon neutrality. Understanding the carbon stock dynamics along the age of forest stands in the mangrove forest ecosystem is of significance for managing the forests and their carbon accumulation. This study aimed to estimate the forest structural attributes, biomass and total ecosystem carbon stock (TECS) of old natural (age > 50 years) and young planted (age ~ 20 years) mangrove forest stands at Bichitrapur Mangrove Reserve Forest in eastern coast of India. We also attempted to understand the interrelationship of structural attributes, biomass and soil properties in the mangrove forests. To achieve the results, twenty random plots were established (size: 20 m × 25 m) and suitable allometric equations along with species-specific wood density values were used to estimate the biomass and carbon stock.

Results
Altogether, 29 plant species (18 exclusive and 11 associate species) were recorded. The mean total biomass (± SE) and soil organic carbon (at 30 cm depth) were 165.31 ± 20.89 t ha−1 and 40.20 ± 1.24 t C ha−1 for young stands, and 586.12 ± 56.74 t ha−1 and 49.68 ± 2.39 t C ha−1 for old stands, respectively. Among mangrove species, Avicennia marina contributed the highest vegetation biomass in both forest stands (59.72 t ha−1 and 262.28 t ha−1 in young and old stands, respectively), followed by Avicennia officinalis (35.05 t ha−1) and Sonneratia apetala (26.09 t ha−1) in young stand and Avicennia alba (169.28 t ha−1) and Avicennia officinalis (115.58 t ha−1) in old stand. The mean TECS was 235.62 ± 27.34 t C ha−1. The contribution of vegetation and soil to TECS was 63% and 37% in the young stand, whereas in the old stand it was 83% and 17%, respectively. The correlation analyses revealed that mean stand height (r = 0.87), basal area (r = 0.99), soil nitrogen (r = 0.76), potassium (r = 0.78), and carbon (r = 0.80) were significantly positively correlated with total biomass at p < 0.01.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that old mangrove forest stands store substantially high carbon stock than young planted forest stands, implying the role of forest age in determining the carbon storage potential of mangrove ecosystems.
On the reduction of imaging time-points for dosimetry in radionuclide therapy
Authors: Gustafsson Johan , Taprogge Jan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The aim was to develop a theoretical framework for how errors in estimated activities propagate to a dispersion in time-integrated activity in radionuclide-therapy dosimetry and how this affects the comparison of radionuclide-therapy dosimetry schemes.

Methods
Formulae for the variance of relative errors of estimated time-integrated activities and relative differences in time-integrated activities between measurement schemes when one or more time-points are removed were derived using the law of propagation of uncertainty for a population of time-activity-curve parameters. The formulae were derived under the assumptions of fixed coefficients of variation for estimated activities, and underlying mono-exponential curves. Analytical predictions were compared with results from numerical simulations and data for kidneys, liver, and spleen from a data-set of 18 patients treated with 177Lu-DOTA-TATE.

Results
The dispersion in time-integrated activity is minimized if the time-points used for curve fitting have a large dispersion and are centered over the mean of

$$\tau ={\lambda }_{\text{eff}}^{-1}$$

τ
=

λ

eff

-
1

over the population, where

$${\lambda }_{\text{eff}}$$

λ
eff

is the effective decay constant (i.e., the sum of the biological and physical decay constants). For large dispersions of decay constants in the population, the centering of time-points becomes gradually less important. The analytical expressions replicated the main trends from the numerical simulations. Furthermore, the analytical expressions predicted correctly the optimal reduced imaging schedule in 9 of 12 pairwise comparisons between schedules for patients.

Conclusions
The dispersion of errors and deviations in estimated time-activity curves can be predicted using simple formulae. These formulae have the potential to be used for optimization of dosimetry measurement schemes for established and new radiopharmaceuticals as long as the mean and dispersion of biological half-lives are known in the patient population.
Quantum size effects and tailoring the electron energy levels in semiconductors: comparison study on AlxGa1-xAs and GaxIn1-xAs quantum wires
Authors: Abu-Assy M. K. , Mahmood Fatin Fadhel , El-Wahab Z. A. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The engineering of the architecture of the quantum wires has shown a real challenge in the scientific community owing to their fascinating and auspicious application potential in the field of optoelectronics. The modulation of the morphology and structure of the quantum wires may give rise to the modulation of the energy levels and band offset positions to enhance the charge carriers transfer through any electronic device and improve the overall performance for the future application in the field of spintronics and photonics. Here, we proposed, for the first time, a novel rectangular architecture based AlxGa1-xAs and GaxIn1-xAs quantum wires to engineer the electron energy spectrum according to a wide range of applications in electronics and optical devices. The electron energy levels in rectangular AlxGa1-xAs and GaxIn1-xAs quantum wires with infinite potential barrier were calculated at different x values and different cross-section areas to explore the role of dopant and compared with the cylindrical shape. The calculations of the electron confinement energy in the first and second energy levels indicate that the energy value in cylindrical quantum wire is less than its value in rectangular one while for E
3 the energy value in cylindrical quantum wire is larger than its value in rectangular one for all values of x. The confinement energy was found to be inversely proportional to the ratio of the doped material. The electron energy dispersion in Al

x

Ga

1-x

As and Ga

x

In

1-x

As quantum wires of 100 nm2 cross-section area, x = 0.4 for E

1
, E

2
and E

3
with the wave vector value has been investigated. The calculations of the first and second energy levels indicated that the energy value in cylindrical quantum wire is less than its value in rectangular one for E

1
and E

2
while for E
3 the energy value in cylindrical quantum wire is larger than its value in rectangular with a distinct value for each wave vector value for all x values. These unique features of the proposed novel architecture may open a new avenue for the future applications in photonics, spintronics and waveguides.
Can the new model of shared property rights promote better corporate financial performance in China?
Authors: Ma Zihao , Zhang Shuaishuai , Li Xiao , Guo Jiahong , Yang Lidan , Cao Shixiong 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Scientific research and technological innovation are driving modern economies; however, a new form of property rights is required to compensate knowledge workers for their contributions. In 1994, the Science and Technology Bureau of Shenzhen, China implemented a policy to encourage scientists and engineers to develop innovative technologies that would provide them a share of the profits earned from their innovations. This created a new “shared property rights” system. China’s shared property model is so new that the conditions under which it can improve enterprise profits remain unclear. To answer this question, we obtained data from the China Stock Market and Accounting Research database for 904 Chinese enterprises that had implemented shared property rights for the first time between 2009 and 2021 and used a propensity score matching method and econometric models to evaluate their performance. The results indicated that shared property incentives improved corporate financial performance and that benefits increased gradually over time. The new approach showed a stronger positive effect than restricted stock options during the study period. The strength of the incentive was greater for core technical staff than for senior executives, suggesting that scientists, engineers, and computer programmers should be the targets of a shared property rights incentive program. To take full advantage of the new shared property rights institution, enterprise managers should set the implementation period at a reasonable length (5 to 10 years, based on our study results). Enterprises can also test two or more simultaneous approaches that account for the specific needs of each category of workers, based on a careful examination of their current situation and expected or desired future situations.
Understanding perception of the radiology community concerning virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology in radiology education
Authors: Paulson Suneet , Figueiredo Dwight , Matre Sushant 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Radiology education is crucial in developing the fundamental skills and knowledge for effectively interpreting medical images, planning interventions, and providing high-quality patient care. By incorporating immersive technologies like VR and AR, significant enhancements to preexisting radiology-based teaching and training simulations can enhance learning, visualization, and skill development in radiology. This paper explores four basic types of VR technology used in radiology education, which are non-immersive, semi-immersive, fully immersive, and augmented reality, and their applications. This review talks about the key applications of VR and AR to provide students with real-world training where students gain hands-on experience in a risk-free and controlled environment. Virtual radiography simulation can be used to practice and enhance patient positioning skills without getting exposed to any X-ray radiation. The VERT platform can be used to simulate radiography processes, including patient setup and dose planning. Furthermore, 3D VR simulation provides a detailed three-dimensional model of anatomical structures, enhancing learning. This review also focuses on the applications of AR, such as VIPER (virtual interactive patient education and radiotherapy) and ARTUR (augmented reality for radiographic training). While both VIPER and ARTUR are designed to improve learning and training in radiology, VIPER primarily focuses on patient education, offering a 3D visualization of the radiotherapy process, including treatment rooms, equipment, and patient anatomy. On the other hand, ARTUR is an application that utilizes holograms to provide a 3D image that students can manipulate to practice radiographic positioning.

Conclusions
Integrating VR and AR in radiology education can enhance qualities like learning, visualization, and skill development using interactive and risk-free simulations. Tools like VERT, 3D VR simulation, VIPER, and ARTUR provide users a sense of hands-on experience, transforming the traditional ways of teaching. This review talks in detail about the perception of learners and educators on VR and AR, along with the qualities and skills users can enhance using these technologies. The paper highlights key factors hindering the adoption of these technologies in radiology education.
von Willebrand factor polymorphism (rs1063856) as a risk factor for portal vein thrombosis in chronic liver diseases
Authors: Bedira Isis Samy , Hendy Olfat M. , Abdelaal Moones , Basuni Ashraf A. , Koshoo Asma Ebrahim Gaber , Alkhatib Alzhraa , Mandour Sally S. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Due to its well-established involvement in clot formation, von Willebrand factor (vWF) has been held responsible for decades as a risk factor for arterio-venous thrombosis. It is currently unclear how genetic differences in vWF genes relate to the incidence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT). Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of vWF:Ag level and vWF gene polymorphism (rs1063856) as risk factors for PVT in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD).

Subjects and methods
This research of 70 individuals with CLD comprised 30 without PVT and 40 with PVT. Twenty patients with PVT-linked hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 20 patients with non-HCC-PVT comprised the two subgroups from the 40 PVT patients. Additionally, 30 healthy volunteers of the same age and gender as the patients were included in the study as a control group. Tests for liver and renal function, coagulation profile, complete blood count, hepatitis virus markers, and vWF:Ag level were conducted. The identification of the vWF gene polymorphism (rs1063856) was assessed using real-time PCR.

Results
When comparing CLD patients with PVT to those without PVT and the healthy control group, there was a substantial rise in the vWF: Ag level. Additionally, compared to instances of benign PVT, the vWF:Ag levels were considerably greater in malignant PVT.
CLD patients with PVT had higher frequencies of the vWF (rs1063856) AA genotype and A alleles (37.5% and 61.3%, respectively) than did control and non-PVT cases. Patients with the AA genotype showed the highest serum levels of vWF antigen, followed by those with the TA genotype.

Conclusion

vWF (rs1063856) AA gene polymorphism has a strong correlation with vWF plasma level and may be a risk factor for PVT development in CLD patients. These findings should be included in the risk assessment model to determine and guide management for those patients.
Gemcitabine combined with baicalein exerts antiviral activity against PEDV by inhibiting the entry and replication phases
Authors: Zheng Yingge , Zhang Yanfei , Xiong Fangying , Luo Dehua , Wang Yuxiang , Zhang Yijia , Wei Dengguo 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Cocktail therapy significantly reduces the development of resistance to individual medications due to viral mutations. However, for effective inhibition of a particular virus, a customized approach to combination pharmacotherapy may be essential. Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a member of the Coronaviridae family, whose genome consists of a single strand of positive-sense RNA and has evolved into multiple epidemic lineages with no available drugs in clinical practice. In this study, we found that the nucleoside analog gemcitabine decreased the titer of PEDV, with a median effective concentration (EC50) of 3.12 μM, thereby inhibiting viral replication. The natural product baicalein acts by targeting the early entry stage and directly inactivates the virus, with an EC50 of 5.02 μM. A notable synergistic effect was observed with the combination of 1 μM gemcitabine and 1.5 μM baicalein. This study demonstrated that the strategic use of a drug combination targeting both the replication and entry phases of the PEDV lifecycle can effectively inhibit viral proliferation.
Improving Individualized Rhabdomyosarcoma Prognosis Predictions Using Somatic Molecular Biomarkers
Authors: Zobeck Mark , Khan Javed , Venkatramani Rajkumar , Okcu M. Fatih , Scheurer Michael E. , Lupo Philip J. 
Published: February 2025

PURPOSE
Molecular markers increasingly influence risk-stratified treatment selection for pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). This study aims to integrate molecular and clinical data to produce individualized prognosis predictions that can further improve treatment selection.

METHODS

Clinical variables and somatic mutation data for 20 genes from 641 patients with RMS in the United Kingdom and the United States were used to develop three Cox proportional hazard models for predicting event-free survival (EFS). The Baseline Clinical (BC) model included treatment location, age, fusion status, and risk group. The Gene Enhanced 2 (GE2) model added
TP53
and
MYOD1
mutations to the BC predictors. The Gene Enhanced 6 (GE6) model further included
NF1
,
MET
,
CDKN2A
, and
MYCN
mutations, selected through least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. Model performance was assessed using likelihood ratio tests and optimism-adjusted, bootstrapped validation and calibration metrics.

RESULTS

The GE6 model demonstrated superior predictive performance compared with the BC model (
P
< .001) and GE2 model (
P
< .001). The GE6 model achieved the highest discrimination with a time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.766. Mutations in
TP53
,
MYOD1
,
CDKN2A
,
MET
, and
MYCN
were associated with higher hazards, while NF1 mutation correlated with lower hazard. Individual prognosis predictions varied between models in ways that may suggest different treatments for the same patient. For example, the 5-year EFS for a 10-year-old patient with high-risk, fusion-negative,
NF1
-positive disease was 50.0% (95% CI, 39 to 64) from BC but 76% (64 to 90) from GE6.

CONCLUSION
Incorporating molecular markers into RMS prognosis models improves prognosis predictions. Individualized prognosis predictions may suggest alternative treatment regimens compared with traditional risk-classification schemas. Improved clinical variables and external validation are required before implementing these models into clinical practice.
Correlation of TgAb With Clinicopathological Features and Unfavorable Efficacy of 131I Ablation in PTC
Authors: Xu Xiang , Zhang Chunling , Wang Guoqiang , Dong Bingzi , Guo Yanjun , Xing Baodi , Zhao Wenjuan , Wang Yangang , Gong Kun 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Context
Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common malignant thyroid cancer. Several clinicopathological features may affect therapeutic efficacy.

Objective
To analyze the relationship between thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) with clinicopathological features and efficacy of 131I ablation in PTC patients.

Methods
A total of 548 PTC patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and subsequent 131I ablation were enrolled. The clinicopathological features between TgAb-positive and TgAb-negative groups were compared. The clinicopathological characteristics and risk factors affecting the efficacy of 131I ablation were analyzed.

Results
A total of 157 cases (28.65%) were in the preoperative TgAb-positive group and 391 cases (71.35%) were in the TgAb-negative group. The TgAb-positive group was younger and had a higher proportion of females, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) positivity, multiple foci, coexistence of PTC, Hashimoto thyroiditis, and increased TSH; they had reduced FT4 and FT3, and reduced BRAF positivity (all P &lt; .05). Logistic regression analysis showed positive correlation between TgAb positivity and multifocality (P &lt; .05). Compared with the noneffective group (88 cases, 16.06%), the effective group (460 cases, 84.94%) had a reduced proportion of TgAb positivity and multifocality, a shorter time interval between surgery and subsequent 131I ablation, and a lower proportion of initial 131I ablation dosage &gt; 100 mCi (all P &lt; .05). Logistic regression showed that TgAb positivity, longer time interval between surgery and subsequent 131I ablation, and initial 131I ablation dosage &gt; 100 mCi were positively correlated with nonefficacy of 131I ablation (odds ratios 2.248, 1.012, and 3.128, respectively; P &lt; .05).

Conclusion
TgAb positivity is associated with increased risk of multiple foci and unfavorable efficacy of 131I ablation in PTC.
Glycogen synthase is required for heat shock-mediated autophagy induction in neuronal cells
Authors: Bhadauriya Pratibha , Onkar Akanksha , Nagarajan Kamali , Angamuthu Karuppusamy Kavikumar , Ganesh Subramaniam , Agarwal Saloni 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT
Autophagy is an essential cellular process that facilitates the degradation of aggregated proteins and damaged organelles to maintain cellular homeostasis and promote cell survival. Recent studies have indicated a direct role for glycogen synthase (GS) in activating neuronal autophagy and in conferring protection against cytotoxic misfolded proteins. Since heat shock induces protein misfolding and autophagy is an essential component of the heat shock response that clears the misfolded proteins, we looked at the possible role of GS in heat shock response pathways in neuronal cells. We demonstrate an increase in the activity and level of GS and a concomitant increase in the glycogen level during the heat shock and post-heat shock recovery period. These changes had a direct correlation with autophagy induction. We further demonstrate that heat shock transcription factor 1 regulates the level and activation of GS during heat shock and that GS is essential for the induction of autophagy during heat stress in neuronal cells. Intriguingly, the partial knock-down of GS led to increased death due to heat shock in neuronal cells and Drosophila. Our study offers a novel insight into the role of GS and glycogen metabolic pathways in heat shock response in neuronal cells.
From early development to maturity: a phenotypic analysis of the Townes sickle cell disease mice
Authors: Illa Ariadna Carol , Hvid Henning , Elm Torben , Frederiksen Christa Andsbjerg , Bangshof Lonnie Frimodt , Danielsen Dennis Funch , Skov Søren , Dan Ley Carsten 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT
Well-characterised mouse models of disease may provide valuable insights into pathophysiology. This study characterises the Townes mouse model of sickle cell disease (SCD) and establishes a time window in which the disease is present but does not progress significantly in terms of severity. We examined Townes mice with the HbAA, HbAS, and HbSS genotypes from young (4 weeks) to mature (5 months) stages of life to assess the disease state at different ages and any progression. We conducted blood tests, histological organ damage evaluations, and metabolic assessments to identify a suitable time frame for study based on welfare considerations. Townes HbSS mice displayed key SCD features such as anaemia, haemolysis, thromboinflammation and organ pathology. Notably, these manifestations remained relatively stable over the study period, indicating a stable phase suitable for conducting intervention studies. Mice with HbAS and HbAA genotypes served as comparative controls, showing minimal to no pathology throughout. These findings are valuable for future research on SCD and may ultimately lead to the development of more effective treatments for this debilitating disease.
Spółki holdingowe jako rzeczywisty właściciel oraz pośrednik dywidendy
Authors: Winnicki Oskar 
Published: February 2025

Nowelizacja ustawy o podatku dochodowym od osób prawnych z 2019 r. spowodowała pojawienie się trudności w zakresie stosowania przepisów podatkowych dotyczących podatku u źródła. Definicja legalna rzeczywistego właściciela generuje liczne problemy w stosowaniu zwolnienia przez spółki holdingowe ze względu na występowanie sporów w zakresie, czy prowadzą one działalność spełniającą wymogi definicji „rzeczywistej działalności gospodarczej” zawartej w art. 24a ust. 18 ustawy o podatku dochodowym od osób prawnych (dalej: u.p.d.o.p.), której spełnienie jest niezbędne, by móc skorzystać ze zwolnienia zawartego w art. 22 ust. 4 u.p.d.o.p. W artykule omówione zostaną regulacje dotyczące zwolnienia od podatku u źródła w zakresie problematyki związanej ze spółkami holdingowymi. W opracowaniu postawiona jest teza, że spółki holdingowe mogą spełniać w szerokim znaczeniu dyskusyjne kryterium uprawniające do zwolnienia, tj. mogą być rzeczywistym właścicielem należności. W drugiej części artykułu natomiast analizowana jest możliwość zastosowania koncepcji look through approach w sytuacji, gdy spółka holdingowa jest jedynie pośrednikiem przy wypłacaniu jej dywidendy, w szczególności po publikacji nowych objaśnień Ministerstwa Finansów z 28 września 2023 r.