bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving Ecological Barrier Area Sustainability Integrating Ecosystem Service Interaction and Social–Ecological System Coupling
Authors: Li Sinan , Pu Junwei , Deng Xiaodong , Dong Baiyu , Su Yue 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTEcological barrier areas are the natural area with special ecological functions, and play a vital role in maintaining the global ecological balance, protecting biodiversity, and regulating climate. They also profoundly affect the local social system and the inhabitants' lifestyle. Mitigating trade‐offs between distinct ecosystem services and enhancing social–ecological system coupling are essential for the sustainable development of ecological barrier areas. However, the lack of integrating them on topographical gradient features compromises our ability to design precise interventions for regional sustainability. Taking the Sichuan‐Yunnan Ecological Barrier area as a case area, this study developed a management approach by integrating ecosystem service interactions and social–ecological system coupling under multidimensional topographical gradients to provide a reference for assessing and improving the sustainability of the ecological barrier area. The results demonstrated that during 2010–2020, topography played a key role in shaping ecosystem service interactions, with the hilly area showing the highest synergistic level for multiple service pairs. The high and highest relief mountain areas had the lowest coupling index of the social–ecological system; this coupling index decreased rapidly in the flatter areas, while it increased in the low and middle relief mountain areas. Based on the above multi‐dimensional characteristics, six sustainable development zones were subdivided for formulating differentiated management strategies and improving regional sustainability. This research provides essential insights for improving the sustainability of ecological barrier area regarding differentiated territorial spatial management strategies, and delivers guidance for coordinating relationships between social and ecological systems in other similar areas.
Prevalence of Parkinson's Disease in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: A Multicenter Study
Authors: von Scheibler Emma N.M.M. , Swillen Ann , Repetto Gabriela M. , Reyes Nikolai Gil D. , Lang Anthony E. , Marras Connie , Kuijf Mark L. , Rouhl Rob P.W. , van Eeghen Agnies M. , Juri Carlos , Vogels Annick , van Amelsvoort Thérèse A.M.J. , Bassett Anne S. , Boot Erik 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackground22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) has been associated with increased risk of early‐onset Parkinson's disease (PD).ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and predictors of PD in a large international 22q11.2DS sample.MethodsThe sample comprised 856 adults (median age 28 (range 16–76) years; 53.0% female). PD was defined as clinical diagnosis by a neurologist (including bradykinesia, rest tremor and/or rigidity). Age‐specific risk and predictors of PD were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curve and Cox regression.ResultsPD was present in 1.8% (95% CI: 0.9–2.6%) of the sample, 3.4% (95% CI: 2.2–4.6%) when including uncertain PD (clinical diagnosis or suspicion, but not meeting all criteria), and 14.0% (95% CI: 6.9–21.0%) of those aged ≥50 years. Median age at motor onset was 45 (range 20–66) years. None of the factors considered were associated with PD.ConclusionsGiven high PD prevalence and young onset, we propose periodic motor evaluations from age 40 years in 22q11.2DS.
The Emerging Landscape of Tubercular Targets: A Medicinal Chemistry Approach
Authors: Shaik Baji Baba , Moodley Kimeshni , Ghumran Safiyah , Bala Muhammad D. , Singh Parvesh , Karpoormath Rajshekhar 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAntitubercular drug discovery progress in the last decade, especially research on the biological function, target inhibition and diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis has considerably advanced. The application of target‐based drug discovery techniques have become a more powerful tool for medicinal chemists in developing new therapeutic strategies, such as its application in the identification/validation of new targets, new leads, and drug candidates with optimized efficacy. This has been further evidenced by the recent approval of delamanid and bedaquiline for the treatment of MDR‐TB and XDR‐TB, respectively. While a TB drug pipeline has shown great development, high attrition rates must constantly replenish the pipeline with high‐quality leads acting through the inhibition of new targets. This review provides a critical analysis of the approaches used to advance hit compounds into viable lead candidates as well as the possible influence of new targets on drug development in the near future. Finally, we concluded with the present challenges that are faced in TB drug development.
Novel De Novo RALA Missense Variants Expand the Genotype Spectrum of Hiatt‐Neu‐Cooper Neurodevelopmental Syndrome
Authors: Dainelli Alice , Nosrati Mohammad Sadegh Shams , Romano Ferruccio , Vercellino Fabiana , Mancardi Maria Margherita , Torella Annalaura , Nigro Vincenzo , Capra Valeria , Zara Federico , Scala Marcello 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundRALA is a small GTPase from the RAS superfamily implicated in signal transduction and cytoskeletal dynamics. Recently, de novo variants in RALA have been associated with a neurodevelopmental syndrome characterized by intellectual disability (ID), developmental delay (DD), and seizures. So far, only < 12 patients have been reported.MethodsIn this study, we report two novel patients with neurodevelopmental impairment and epilepsy carrying previously unreported RALA variants. We performed a thorough clinical investigation of these patients and performed brain MRI to detect potential abnormalities. Trio‐exome sequencing and/or NGS panel testing were conducted to identify the genetic variants. Then, we reviewed previous cases reported in the literature.ResultsAffected individuals showed a complex neurodevelopmental phenotype consistent with Hiatt‐Neu‐Cooper neurodevelopmental syndrome. Brain MRI in both subjects showed abnormalities including megalencephaly and ventricular enlargement, previously unreported in RALA patients. Genetic testing revealed two novel de novo missense variants in RALA: c.217G>A, p.(Glu73Lys) in case #1 and c.73G>C, p.(Val25Leu) in case #2. Both variants affect highly conserved residues within the GTP/GDP‐binding site of the protein. These changes are predicted to be deleterious by in silico tools, interfering with the GTPase activity of RALA.ConclusionOur findings expand the genotype and phenotype spectrum of Hiatt‐Neu‐Cooper neurodevelopmental syndrome. Our observations also support the important role of variants affecting the GTP/GDP‐binding site of the RALA protein in the pathogenesis of Hiatt‐Neu‐Cooper neurodevelopmental syndrome.
The Estimate of Lifespan and Local Well‐Posedness for the Nonresistive MHD Equations in Homogeneous Besov Spaces
Authors: Luo Wei , Ye Weikui , Yin Zhaoyang 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we mainly investigate the Cauchy problem of the nonresistive MHD equation. We first establish the local existence in the homogeneous Besov space with , and give a lifespan of the solution that depends on the norm of the Littlewood–Paley decomposition of the initial data. Then, we prove that if the initial data in , then the corresponding existence times , which implies that they have a common lower bound of the lifespan. Finally, we prove that the data‐to‐solutions map depends continuously on the initial data when . Therefore, the nonresistive MHD equation is local well‐posedness in the homogeneous Besov space in the Hadamard sense. Our obtained result improves considerably the recent results by Fefferman et al[Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal. 223, no. 7 (2017):677‐691], Chemin et al [Adv. Math. 286(2016):1‐31 ] and Li et al[Adv. Math. 317(2017): 786‐798].
Solving an Augmented Nonnegative Matrix Factorization Model by Modified Scaled Nonmonotone Memoryless BFGS Methods Devised Based on the Ellipsoid Vector Norm
Authors: Dargahi Fatemeh , Babaie‐Kafaki Saman , Aminifard Zohre , Hajian Berenjestanaki Mohammad 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTWe suggest a modified version of the nonnegative matrix factorization problem, adding penalty terms to the model with the aim of taking control of the condition number of the decomposition elements. This measure is taken to reinforce computational stability in the solution path of the relevant optimization model. Then, using the ellipsoid vector norm in the Barzilai–Borwein least‐squares model, we gain scaling parameters for the memoryless BFGS updating formula. Therefore, two augmented versions of the Oren–Spedicato self‐scaling parameter are proposed when the BFGS and DFP formulas for the Hessian are employed as the matrix index of the ellipsoid norm. A similar analysis is conducted to obtain two augmented versions of the Oren–Luenberger self‐scaling parameter using the mentioned quasi‐Newton formulas for the inverse Hessian. We address the global convergence of the method under a modified version of a nonmonotone backtracking line search. Then, we discuss accelerating the method using a local memoryless quadratic model considering the given scaling parameters as scalar approximations of the Hessian. Finally, the computational merits of the given augmented nonnegative matrix factorization model as well as the effectiveness of the proposed scaling parameters are assessed on some standard and randomly generated test problems, and also, a classic database of facial images. The outputs generally support our analytical spectrum.
Night‐to‐Day Ratio of Excreted Urinary Sodium Concentration Using Spot Urine in Older Adults With Nocturnal Polyuria
Authors: Natsume Osamu , Nishimura Nobutaka , Shimizu Takuto , Fujimoto Kiyohide 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe diurnal rhythm in water and solute diuresis is known to be disturbed in older adults with nocturia due to nocturnal polyuria. We estimated the prevalence of increased natriuresis in nocturia due to nocturnal polyuria by comparing individuals with and without nocturnal polyuria.MethodsWe calculated the night‐to‐day ratio of excreted urinary sodium and potassium concentrations adjusted for urinary creatinine concentration and urinary osmolality using spot urine samples collected at 2 PM (daytime) and 6 AM (nighttime) and compared results among controls with nocturia and paitents with nocturia with and without nocturnal polyuria.ResultsAmong 83 patients aged 50 to 86 years, the mean night‐to‐day ratio of excreted urinary sodium and potassium concentrations in the nocturia group with nocturnal polyuria (n = 40) was 2.5, which was significantly higher (p = 0.034) than those in the control group (n = 23; 0.7) and the nocturia group without nocturnal polyuria (n = 20; 0.9). After adjustment for age, no difference in potassium and urinary osmolality existed among groups. Thirteen patients (33%) in the nocturia group with nocturnal polyuria showed increased natriuresis when a 2.0 night‐to‐day ratio of excreted urinary sodium was applied as a cut‐off for increased natriuresis, whereas only 3 (7%) patients in the combined groups without nocturnal polyuria had increased natriuresis (p = 0.005).ConclusionsOne‐third of patients with nocturia due to nocturnal polyuria had increased natriuresis. Assessment of a night‐to‐day ratio of excreted urinary sodium using spot urine samples could facilitate a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and optimal management of nocturnal polyuria.
Sustainable hemp fiber reinforced polylactic acid/poly(butylene succinate) biocomposites: Assessing the effectiveness of MAH‐g‐PLA as a compatibilizer
Authors: Ucpinar Bedriye , Sivrikaya Taha , Aytac Ayse 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe unsustainability of petroleum resources and the growing issue of plastic pollution necessitate the development of sustainable biocomposites as alternatives to synthetic materials. On this basis, a blend of biosourced poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(butylene succinate) was reinforced with hemp fibers (HF) in various amounts (5–10–20‐30 wt%). In order to facilitate the interaction between PLA/PBS and HFs, maleic anhydride grafted PLA (MAH‐g‐PLA) was added to the biocomposite containing 20 wt% HF at various ratios to produce compatibilized biocomposites. All samples were processed by melt blending and injection molding and characterized. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to determine whether the MAH group interacts with OH groups through reactive processes. However, the compatibility is deemed insufficient due to the low reactive compatibility and inadequacy of the PBS and HF end groups, which failed to enhance the tensile strength property of composites. Differential scanning calorimetry demonstrated that the crystallinity of the matrix, which decreased with the addition of HF, increased markedly with the incorporation of the compatibilizer. The poor interfacial adhesion observed between PLA/PBS and HF in scanning electron microscope images resulted in a reduction in tensile strength while the modulus increased. The compatibilizer did not lead to a considerable enhancement in tensile strength, but the modulus increased considerably. HF and MAH‐g‐PLA slowed the thermal degradation of the matrix and improved its thermomechanical properties. However, it can be concluded that MAH‐g‐PLA is not a sufficiently effective compatibilizer for this biocomposite.
Current Status of Prostate Biopsy in Africa: Are We Ready for a Targeted Biopsy?
Authors: Dieudonne Ziba Ouima Justin , Gebreselassie Kaleab Habtemichae , Mohammed Taofiq Olayinka , Khalid Abdullahi , Nedjim Saleh Abdelkerim , Kifle Anteneh Tadesse , Biyouma Marcella D. C. , Dogo Hassan , Agbo Christian , Emmanuel Muhawenimana , Mahamat Mahamat Ali , Khassim Ndoye Alain , John Lazarus , Donega Yameogo Clotaire Alexis Marie Kiemdiba , Lezrek Mohamed , Brahima Kirakoya , Adama Ouattara , Aristide Kabore Fasnewende 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundProstate cancer remains a significant public health issue globally, with considerable disparities in diagnostic and management practices, especially in Africa. Traditional diagnostic methods such as transrectal ultrasound‐guided biopsies have limitations in accuracy and are associated with potential complications. Emerging targeted biopsy techniques promise improved cancer detection rates and reduced morbidity but face adoption challenges across the African continent due to variable access to advanced imaging technologies and professional expertise.ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the current practices of prostate biopsy techniques in Africa, focusing particularly on the readiness for and integration of targeted biopsy methods. It assesses the accessibility, quality, volume of procedures, and availability of advanced diagnostic tools across different regions.ResultsThe survey included 58 centers across five African regions, representing a 70% response rate from an initial 83 invitations sent. Finger‐guided biopsy was the most common method, used by 41 centers, while only one center reported using MRI fusion biopsy. Thirty‐five centers routinely administered a rectal enema, and nearly all (n = 50) centers employed antibiotic prophylaxis, predominantly fluoroquinolones. For anesthesia, 12 centers used injectable lidocaine, and 38 centers used intrarectal lidocaine gel. The number of biopsy cores taken varied, with most centers taking 12, while others used fewer.ConclusionThe findings indicate a critical need for concerted efforts to bridge the gap in prostate cancer diagnostics and treatment in Africa. Enhancing the quality of prostate cancer care on the continent requires investments in training, infrastructure, and standardization of practices. Collaborative efforts towards adopting advanced diagnostic tools and methods are essential for aligning African practices with global standards, ultimately improving outcomes for prostate cancer patients.
Intramuscular CMT‐167 Tumours Produce a Mild Cachexia Phenotype in C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Remaily Bryan C. , Vu Trang T. , Thomas Justin , Kim Kyeongmin , Stanton Camille , Xie Zhiliang , Granchie Lauren , Manna Millennium , Gregorevic Paul , Mo Xiaokui , Lowe Jeovanna , Rafael‐Fortney Jill A. , Kulp Samuel K. , Ganesan Latha P. , Owen Dwight H. , Mace Thomas A. , Coss Christopher C. , Phelps Mitch A. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundCancer cachexia is a debilitating syndrome characterized by irreversible losses in skeletal muscle mass, with or without losses in adipose tissue. Cancer cachexia is an underrecognized syndrome that impacts ~50% of all cancer patients and accounts for up to ~20% of all cancer deaths. Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers in the United States with an estimated 137 000 deaths in the year 2021 alone. Lung cancer is highly comorbid with cancer cachexia. Pre‐clinical models are heavily relied upon to study both lung cancer and cancer cachexia; however, there is a need to develop novel models to study the relationship between the two diseases. We therefore characterized the cachexia phenotype in the CMT‐167 syngeneic lung cancer model.MethodsMale C57BL6/J mice, aged 8–10 weeks, were administered an intramuscular (IM) injection of either 0.5 × 106 CMT‐167 cells or vehicle. Clinically relevant features of cancer cachexia were assessed 23 days after CMT‐167 cell administration in tumour bearing mice by assessment of terminal skeletal muscle and adipose tissue mass, gastrocnemius myofiber cross sectional area (CSA), circulating biomarkers of cachexia, and skeletal muscle E3 ubiquitin ligase mRNA. A single intravenous dose pharmacokinetic study of pembrolizumab was completed to assess tumour status influence upon antibody pharmacokinetics.ResultsCompared to tumour free (TF) mice, we observed lower terminal tumour‐adjusted bodyweight, adipose tissue mass, gastrocnemius mass, quadriceps mass, and gastrocnemius myofiber CSA. CMT‐167 tumour bearing (TB) mice did not lose bodyweight relative to starting weight, but instead failed to gain as much weight as TF controls. CMT‐167 TB mice exhibited increased concentrations of circulating markers of cachexia and muscle wasting, such as IL‐6 and TNF‐α, although there was no difference in transcription of E3 ubiquitin ligases Trim63 (MuRF‐1) and Fbxo32 (atrogin‐1) in skeletal muscle compared to TF mice. CMT‐167 TB mice exhibited increased catabolic clearance (CL) of the human IgG4 anti‐PD‐1, pembrolizumab, agreeing with published literature showing increased CL of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cachectic populations. Comparing the IM CMT‐167 model to historical data with the well‐established IM Lewis Lung Carcinoma model, CMT‐167 TB mice displayed a less severe cachectic phenotype in terms of bodyweight and skeletal muscle effects.ConclusionsThe IM CMT‐167 model is a syngeneic lung cancer model of mild cachexia. CMT‐167 TB mouse is a novel model in which to study cancer cachexia induction, skeletal muscle atrophy and immune checkpoint inhibitor clearance mechanisms in the context of lung cancer.
H∞$$ {H}_{\infty } $$ PID Control for Singularly Perturbed Systems With Randomly Switching Nonlinearities Under Dynamic Event‐Triggered Mechanism
Authors: Jiao Zhenglong , Wang Zidong , Luo Yuqiang , Wang Fan 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIn this article, the observer‐based proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID) control problem is studied for a class of singular perturbed systems with randomly switching nonlinearities. During the modeling process, a set of binary random sequences is introduced to describe the random behaviors of the nonlinear switching encountered in engineering practice. Considering the singular perturbation parameter (SPP), an observer‐based PID controller is constructed for the concerned singularly perturbed systems (SPSs), where the state information is estimated. To improve communication efficiency and reduce resource waste, a dynamic event‐triggered mechanism is employed during the measurement transmission. Meanwhile, an SPP‐dependent Lyapunov‐Krasovskii function is utilized to derive conditions under which the closed‐loop system is guaranteed to be stochastically stable with the desired performance under a specified upper bound on the SPP. All the desired observer and controller gains are determined by solving a set of matrix inequalities. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the suggested PID control method are verified through a simulation example.
Integrated optimization and coordination of cascaded reservoir operations: Balancing flood control, sediment transport and ecosystem service
Authors: Cao Xinmiao , Lin Teng , Li Jiahui , Zhou Ting 
Published: February 2025

AbstractExploring optimal operational schemes for synergistic development is crucial for sustainable management in river basins. This study introduces a multi‐objective synergistic optimization framework aimed at analyzing the interplay among flood control, ecological integrity, and desilting objectives under varying water‐sediment conditions. The framework encompasses multi‐objective reservoir optimal operation, scheme decision, and trade‐off analysis among competing objectives. To address the optimization model, an elite mutation‐based multi‐objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm that integrates genetic algorithms (GA) is developed. The coupling coordination degree is employed for optimal scheme decision‐making, allowing for the adjustment of weight ratios to investigate the trade‐offs between objectives. This research focuses on the Sanmenxia and Xiaolangdi cascade reservoirs in the Yellow River, utilizing three representative hydrological years: 1967, 1969, and 2002. The findings reveal that: (1) the proposed model effectively generates Pareto fronts for multi‐objective operations, facilitating the recommendation of optimal schemes based on coupling coordination degrees; (2) as water‐sediment conditions shift from flooding to drought, competition intensifies between the flood control and desilting objectives. While flood control and ecological objectives compete during flood and dry years, they demonstrate synergies in normal years (r = 0.22); conversely, ecological and desilting objectives are consistently competitive across all three typical years, with the strongest competition observed in the normal year (r = −0.95); (3) the advantages conferred to ecological objectives increase as water‐sediment conditions shift from flooding to drought. However, the promotion of the desilting objective requires more complex trade‐offs. This study provides a model and methodological approach for the multi‐objective optimization of flood control, sediment management, and ecological considerations in reservoir clusters. Moreover, the methodologies presented herein can be extended to other water resource systems for multi‐objective optimization and decision‐making.