bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The internal transcribed spacer 1 sequence polymorphism brings updates to tsetse species distribution in the northern Cameroon: Importance in planning efficient vector control
Authors: Feudjio Soffack Steve , Melachio Tanekou Tito Tresor , Farikou Oumarou , Kame Ngasse Ginette Irma , Tchami Mbagnia Mureille Carole , Wondji Murielle , Wondji Charles S. , Abd‐Alla Adly M. M. , Geiger Anne , Simo Gustave , Njiokou Flobert 
Published: April 2024

AbstractVector control remains one of the best strategies to prevent the transmission of trypanosome infections in humans and livestock and, thus, a good way to achieve the elimination of human African trypanosomiasis and animal African trypanosomiasis. A key prerequisite for the success of any vector control strategy is the accurate identification and correct mapping of tsetse species. In this work, we updated the tsetse fly species identification and distribution in many geographical areas in Cameroon. Tsetse flies were captured from six localities in Cameroon, and their species were morphologically identified. Thereafter, DNA was extracted from legs of each tsetse fly and the length polymorphism of internal transcribed spacer‐1 (ITS1) region of each fly was investigated using PCR. ITS1 DNA fragments of each tsetse species were sequenced. The sequences obtained were analysed and compared to those available in GenBank. This enabled to confirm/infirm results of the morphologic identification and then, to establish the phylogenetic relationships between tsetse species. Morphologic features allowed to clearly distinguish all the tsetse species captured in the South Region of Cameroon, that is, Glossina palpalis palpalis, G. pallicera, G. caliginea and G. nigrofusca. In the northern area, G. morsitans submorsitans could also be distinguished from G. palpalis palpalis, G. tachinoides and G. fuscipes, but these three later could not be distinguished with routine morphological characters. The ITS1 length polymorphism was high among most of the studied species and allowed to identify the following similar species with a single PCR, that is, G. palpalis palpalis with 241 or 242 bp and G. tachinoides with 221 or 222 bp, G. fuscipes with 236 or 237 bp. We also updated the old distribution of tsetse species in the areas assessed, highlighting the presence of G. palpalis palpalis instead of G. fuscipes in Mbakaou, or in sympatry with G. morsitans submorsitans in Dodeo (northern Cameroon). This study confirms the presence of G. palpalis palpalis in the Adamawa Region of Cameroon. It highlights the limits of using morphological criteria to differentiate some tsetse species. Molecular tools based on the polymorphism of ITS1 of tsetse flies can differentiate tsetse species through a simple PCR before downstream analyses or vector control planning.
Targeting the EGFR pathway: An alternative strategy for the treatment of tuberous sclerosis complex?
Authors: Schachenhofer Julia , Gruber Victoria‐Elisabeth , Fehrer Stefanie Valerie , Haider Carmen , Glatter Sarah , Liszewska Ewa , Höftberger Romana , Aronica Eleonora , Rössler Karl , Jaworski Jacek , Scholl Theresa , Feucht Martha 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionTuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is caused by variants in TSC1/TSC2, leading to constitutive activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1. Therapy with everolimus has been approved for TSC, but variations in success are frequent. Recently, caudal late interneuron progenitor (CLIP) cells were identified as a common origin of the TSC brain pathologies such as subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGA) and cortical tubers (CT). Further, targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) with afatinib, which is expressed in CLIP cells, reduces cell growth in cerebral TSC organoids. However, investigation of clinical patient‐derived data is lacking.AimsObservation of EGFR expression in SEGA, CT and focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) 2B human brain specimen and investigation of whether its inhibition could be a potential therapeutic intervention for these patients.MethodsBrain specimens of 23 SEGAs, 6 CTs, 20 FCD2Bs and 17 controls were analysed via immunohistochemistry to characterise EGFR expression, cell proliferation (via Mib1) and mTOR signalling. In a cell‐based assay using primary patient‐derived cells (CT n = 1, FCD2B n = 1 and SEGA n = 4), the effects of afatinib and everolimus on cell proliferation and cell viability were observed.ResultsEGFR overexpression was observed in histological sections of SEGA, CT and FCD2B patients. Both everolimus and afatinib decreased the proliferation and viability in primary SEGA, tuber and FCD2B cells.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that EGFR suppression might be an effective alternative treatment option for SEGAs and tubers, as well as other mTOR‐associated malformations of cortical development, including FCD2B.
Long‐term outcome following magnetic resonance imaging‐guided focused ultrasound unilateral thalamotomy for medication‐refractory essential tremor
Authors: Ito Hisashi , Yamamoto Kazuaki , Fukutake Shigeru , Kamei Tetsumasa , Yamaguchi Toshio , Taira Takaomi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the long‐term outcome 5 years after transcranial magnetic resonance imaging‐guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) unilateral ventral intermediate nucleus (Vim) thalamotomy for essential tremor (ET), following our interim reports.MethodsThis was a prospective and open‐labeled study involving a single center. Ten medication‐refractory ET patients (8 men and 2 women, aged 67.1 ± 17.5 years, all right‐handed) underwent left MRgFUS Vim thalamotomy. They were assessed using the Clinical Rating Scale for Tremor (CRST) and the overall health and quality of life (QOL) scale of the Quality of Life in Essential Tremor Questionnaire (QUEST). Additionally, we assessed safety issues during the study period.ResultsRight‐hand tremor improved immediately after the procedure in all patients. The right‐hand CRST score remained significantly improved by 60.2% and 33.5% from baseline at both 1‐ and 5‐years post‐treatment, respectively (both p < 0.05). On the other hand, the left‐hand CRST score and the overall QOL score of QUEST showed no improvement. Adverse events during and immediately after the procedure were mild and reversible. We observed no delayed adverse events.ConclusionMRgFUS unilateral Vim thalamotomy is adopted as one of the therapeutic options for intractable ET. Further investigation of the methodology for accurate targeting and sonication is important to improve long‐term outcomes involving a larger number of patients. In addition, not only unilateral but also bilateral Vim thalamotomy may be necessary to achieve a better quality of life.
Asymmetric dimethylarginine correlates with indicators of prethrombotic state in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation
Authors: Du Zhaona , Jiang Wenbo , Yu Chengyun , Zhang Ming , Xia Wei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe mechanism of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in thrombosis in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is still unclear. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between ADMA and indicators of prethrombotic state in NVAF patients and to analyze the predictive role of ADMA in NVAF thrombosis.MethodsA total of 192 NVAF patients were continuously selected from January 2023 to October 2023. Plasma ADMA levels were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography. P‐selectin (P‐sel), von Willebrand factor (vWF), D‐dimer (D‐D), and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured by the nitrate reductase assay for plasma nitrite/nitrate, then the Griess method (Shanghai Hailian Biotechnology Co., Shanghai, China) was used to calculate plasma NO levels.ResultsIn our study, ADMA levels were significantly elevated and positively correlated with P‐sel, vWF, D‐D, and PAI‐1, whereas NO levels were significantly negatively correlated with these prethrombotic factors in NVAF. Furthermore, multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that ADMA and LA diameter were independent predictors of high thrombosis risk (CHA2DS2‐VASc ≥2 score) in patients with NVAF.ConclusionsOur findings suggested that ADMA correlated with the prethrombotic state in NVAF and that reduction of ADMA levels in NVAF patients may be a novel therapeutic strategy for thrombosis risk reduction.
SlCRCa is a key D‐class gene controlling ovule fate determination in tomato
Authors: Wu Junqing , Li Pengxue , Zhu Danyang , Ma Haochuan , Li Meng , Lai Yixuan , Peng Yuxin , Li Haixiao , Li Shuang , Wei Jinbo , Bian Xinxin , Rahman Abidur , Wu Shuang 
Published: April 2024

SummaryCell fate determination and primordium initiation on the placental surface are two key events for ovule formation in seed plants, which directly affect ovule density and seed yield. Despite ovules form in the marginal meristematic tissues of the carpels, angiosperm carpels evolved after the ovules. It is not clear how the development of the ovules and carpels is coordinated in angiosperms. In this study, we identify the S. lycopersicum CRABS CLAW (CRC) homologue SlCRCa as an essential determinant of ovule fate. We find that SlCRCa is not only expressed in the placental surface and ovule primordia but also functions as a D‐class gene to block carpel fate and promote ovule fate in the placental surface. Loss of function of SlCRCa causes homeotic transformation of the ovules to carpels. In addition, we find low levels of the S. lycopersicum AINTEGUMENTA (ANT) homologue (SlANT2) favour the ovule initiation, whereas high levels of SlANT2 promote placental carpelization. SlCRCa forms heterodimer with tomato INNER NO OUTER (INO) and AGAMOUS (AG) orthologues, SlINO and TOMATO AGAMOUS1 (TAG1), to repress SlANT2 expression during the ovule initiation. Our study confirms that angiosperm basal ovule cells indeed retain certain carpel properties and provides mechanistic insights into the ovule initiation.
Early and late outcomes of congenital biliary dilatation in pediatric patients
Authors: Takahashi Yoshiaki , Kobayashi Takashi , Kinoshita Yoshiaki , Arai Yuhki , Ohyama Toshiyuki , Yokota Naoki , Sugai Yu , Takano Shoichi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to reveal the early and late postoperative complications and outcomes after surgery for congenital biliary dilatation (CBD) by reviewing cases over the past 40 years.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 59 patients with CBD who underwent radical surgery for complications and outcomes, based on medical records. Early complications were defined as those requiring treatment within 5 years of the initial operation. Late complications were defined as those treated more than 5 years later.ResultsThe median age at the first surgery was 37 months. Regarding biliary reconstruction, 54 of the 59 patients (91.5%) underwent hepaticojejunostomy. Although three patients underwent cholecystoduodenostomy and one patient underwent hepaticoduodenostomy, all were converted to hepaticojejunostomy after a median of 12.5 years. One patient developed synchronous biliary carcinoma and underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Early complications occurred in seven patients with 10 events (surgical site infection, n = 3 bile leakage, n = 3; ileus, n = 3; bile duct obstruction, n = 1 and intussusception, n = 1). Late complications occurred in nine patients with 12 events (ileus, n = 3; anastomotic stricture, n = 3; hepatolithiasis, n = 3; asynchronous biliary carcinoma, n = 2; pancreatolithiasis, n = 1). Two of the three patients with hepatolithiasis underwent hepatectomy refractory to the endoscopic approach. Two patients developed asynchronous biliary carcinoma at 34 and 13 years after last operation; both ultimately died of the carcinoma. Only 35 patients (61.4%) underwent a follow‐up examination. A total of 11 female patients (45.8%) eventually married, and all successfully gave birth.ConclusionAlthough the long‐term prognosis is excellent with complete cyst excision and hepaticojejunostomy, we emphasize the importance of long‐term follow‐up.
Handling of human milk to prevent acquired cytomegalovirus infection in Japanese neonatal intensive care units: The first nationwide survey
Authors: Saito Kana , Tanaka Kosuke , Nakagawa Ryota , Ozawa Junichi , Haga Mitsuhiro , Miyahara Naoyuki , Kabe Kazuhiko , Namba Fumihiko 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundHuman milk (HM) has been proven to provide immunological and nutritional advantages to neonates; however, acquired cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can be associated with raw HM. In Japan, there are no standardized guidelines concerning HM handling. This cross‐sectional survey was performed to reveal specific trends in HM handling in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Japan.MethodsA questionnaire was sent to 255 NICUs participating in the Japanese Neonatologist Association in May 2020. It involved HM handling practices, such as maternal screening, pasteurization, storage, and the workforce.ResultsOf 255 NICUs, 174 (67.8%) responded to the survey. Maternal CMV screening was carried out in 37 units (22.2%), and CMV inactivation in HM was performed in 44 units (26.5%). For CMV inactivation, a freeze‐thawing method was employed in about 90% of units. In 70% of units providing CMV inactivation, CMV inactivation was conducted regardless of bodyweight and corrected gestational age of infants until the infants' discharge. Acquired CMV infection in preterm neonates was observed in 43 units (25.7%) in the survey period.ConclusionA wide range of HM handling practices are used in Japanese NICUs. A national guideline for handling HM in NICUs should be created to promote the infection control of CMV.
Structure–property relationship in functionalized azobenzene photoswitches and their supramolecular behavior
Authors: Grewal Surbhi , Srivastava Anjali , Singh Sapna , Venkataramani Sugumar 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHerein, we report the design, synthesis, and supramolecular behavior of 30 structurally diverse photoresponsive azobenzene molecular systems. To establish structure–property relationships, azobenzenes appended with N‐picolinyl and/or N‐benzyl groups tethered directly through carboxamides or via triazolylmethyl carboxamide linkages were explored. We have evaluated the photoswitching characteristics and thermal stability of the Z isomers through systematic studies. All the targets were also screened for their aggregation behavior and supramolecular aspects. Among all the derivatives, a few carboxamide‐based systems formed microcrystals upon aggregation, showing light responsiveness. In contrast, the derivatives tethered via triazolylmethyl carboxamide linkage exhibited hydrogel formation with excellent water‐absorbing capacity. All supramolecular aspects of the morphology of the microcrystal and hydrogel states and their stimuli‐responsiveness have been studied using spectroscopy and various microscopic techniques.
How do small formal and informal firms in Egypt compare? An analysis of firm characteristics and implications for formalization efforts
Authors: Krafft Caroline , Assaad Ragui , Rahman Khandker Wahedur , Cumanzala Maakwe 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFormalizing firms can potentially increase the tax base, expand safety and social protections for workers, create good jobs, and promote firm growth. However, the costs and processes of formality may be too challenging for some firms to bear. Thus, informal firms may not be able to survive the transition to formality, and attempts to expand formality through more intensive enforcement may be harmful and counterproductive to job creation and growth. This paper investigates the potential for currently informal firms to formalize in Egypt. The paper compares the characteristics of formal and informal micro and small nonagricultural firms and identifies the extent of similarities and potential for formalization. The analysis finds that, beyond firm size and whether the firm operates in a fixed establishment, the basic and easily observable characteristics of firms are not closely linked to formality. Firm age, productivity, and owner characteristics, such as education, are strongly predictive of formality. The predicted probability of being formal is greater than 50% for only about 26% of informal firms, suggesting most firms are not good candidates for formalization. The paper develops profiles (groups and clusters) of similar firms to identify those with a higher potential for formalization.
In the mind of Narcissus: The mediating role of emotional regulation in the emergence of distorted cognitions
Authors: Vida Dorian , Láng András , Áfra Eszter , Kemény Viktor , Czibor Andrea , Csapó Gyöngyvér , Putz Ádám , Bandi Szabolcs 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionCurrently narcissism is considered one of the most widespread phenomenon. As a consequence, its different types (grandiose and vulnerable narcissism) have been investigated from several different perspectives. The present research attempts to explore the differences between the two types of narcissism and their links with different cognitive components that are connected to these personality traits. The primary aim of our study is to investigate the possible connections among maladaptive schemas (entitlement, vulnerability, emotional deprivation) and cognitive evaluation systems (self‐esteem, systemizing‐empathizing) and narcissism.MethodsWe applied both correlation and path analyses to explore the hypothesized associations.ResultsThe results show that early maladaptive schemas are strongly associated with narcissism and the empathizing system. The different subtypes of narcissism have different connections with self‐esteem.ConclusionOur results show that the two types of narcissism have different manifestations and connections with the early maladaptive schemas, Emphatizing Quotient, and self‐esteem. Our empirical results serve as important and empirically supported inputs to counseling and clinical practice.
A New Axial Compressor Test Facility for the Investigation of Aerodynamic Damping Featuring an Electromagnetic Excitation System
Authors: Buchwald Patrick , Müller Fabian F. , Günther Maiken , Vogt Damian M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Aerodynamic damping simulations involving detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models are nowadays an integral part of turbomachinery design processes, thanks to advancements made in simulation tools and in computer hardware over the last decades. However, the test cases available in the open literature suitable for the validation and continued development of simulation tools is rather limited. On this background, a new test facility is introduced that allows acquiring relevant and high-quality aerodynamic damping test data on axial compressor rotor test objects in a controlled manner. The test facility is built as a closed loop and thus enables operation at variable pressure levels ranging from near-vacuum to overpressure and with different operating media. Overall damping test data are acquired at controlled synchronous and nonsynchronous vibration conditions. While vibrations of the blades at controlled nonsynchronous vibration conditions can be introduced in the test facility by means of a proprietary electromagnetic excitation system that is acting below the hub line, vibrations at controlled synchronous conditions can be introduced from a set of magnets integrated into the casing. Great care has been spent to create a clean test case without any intruding parts or openings in the test section. In addition, an axial compressor blisk is presented, which acts as test object to show the capabilities of the test facility as well as to allow for detailed investigations of aerodynamic damping. While the first part of the article discusses the setup and the instrumentation of the test facility to excite and measure blade vibration in a nonintrusive way, flow-field measurements and the validation accompanying steady-state Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) simulations are shown in the second part. The third part of the article focuses on aerodynamic damping measurements for seven different modes at three different pressure levels in total. It can be shown that aerodynamic damping is by far the largest contributor to the overall damping.
Characterizing the Unsteady Flow Field in Low-Flow Turbine Operation
Authors: Rim Kim Hye , Stania Lennart , Maroldt Niklas , Oettinger Marcel , Seume Joerg R. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Current operational considerations require steam turbines to operate in a more flexible way, with more frequent and faster start-up and an increasing part-load operation. For very low mass flowrates, the interaction of highly separated flow with the high-speed rotor blades causes windage flow. This type of flow is characterized by increased temperature and highly unsteady flow, which forms vortex structures that rotate at a fraction of the rotor speed. If their magnitude is sufficiently high and the frequency is close to the blade eigenfrequency, non-synchronous vibration (NSV) can be induced. In this paper, low-flow turbine operation is investigated using a three-stage turbine rig that features an instrumentation concept focused on capturing aerodynamic and aeroelastic phenomena. Extensive steady probe, unsteady pressure, and tip-timing measurements are utilized. The experimental scope covers a wide range of operating points in terms of rotational speed and mass flowrates. Low-flow regimes are detected by a reversal in torque and increase in temperature. Unsteady measurements during transient operation identified large-scale vortical flow structures rotating along the circumference, so-called rotating instabilities (RIs). The onset, growth, and breakdown regimes of RI are characterized for different low-flow conditions. The quantitative characteristics of RI with regard to nodal diameter and rotational speed are derived by a cross-correlation of multiple unsteady sensors. The blade vibration measurements show a moderate structural response from unsteady aerodynamic excitation, indicating no significant NSV occurring in the present experimental setup. Later in the study, an acoustic excitation system has been applied to trigger a locked-in NSV without interrupting the coherent flow structures. From that, significant blade response has been observed, revealing a high degree of mistuning and damping of the rotor blading.
Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Flame-Retardant Additive Dimethyl Methylphosphonate on Combustion Behaviors of Electrolytes
Authors: Zhou Jie , Zheng Dong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Adding flame-retardant additives to electrolytes can significantly enhance the safety of lithium-ion batteries. To clarify the effects of flame-retardant additive dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) on electrolyte flammability under practical battery fire conditions, experimental studies are conducted on an electrolyte pool fire setup. It is observed that the flame of carbonate solvent is blue, while the flames of electrolyte and electrolyte with DMMP addition are yellow, due to the formation of phosphorus-containing particles in the flame. With 30 wt% DMMP addition, the combustion duration, combustion mass ratio, and flame height decrease significantly by 40%. The electrolyte achieves non-flammability when the additive fraction increases to 40%. It is observed that with DMMP addition the charred layer forms on the surface of electrolyte liquid, and slows down the heat and mass transfer between the gas and electrolyte liquid. This is the flame-retardant mechanism of DMMP in the condensed phase. The flame spectrum results show that with LiPF6 and DMMP addition the OH emission intensities are weakened dramatically. This is because LiPF6 and DMMP decompose to the radicals containing phosphorus, which can scavenge the vital radicals (H and OH), and then suppress the combustion chain branching reactions. This is the flame-retardant mechanism of LiPF6 and DMMP in the gas phase.