bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison Study by using Pyrolysis of Kenna Sugarcane Bagasse and Sawdust in Sudan
Authors: Abuelnuor Abuelnuor A.A. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Today the request for save energy and addressing emissions has become a primary concern for every country aiming to achieve sustainable development while preserving its environment. The demand for energy is steadily rising, driven by rapid population growth and industrial development. Fossil fuels continue to play a major role in fulfilling these energy needs., but their combustion is linked to rising environmental issues. There are many sources of energy use to solve the environmental problems and fossil fuel shorted such as biomass. This paper aims to explore the potential of biomass to provide significantly higher amounts of useful energy while reducing pollutant emissions compared to fossil fuels. In this research the two samples of sugar cane bagasse and sawdust is study by slow pyrolysis. Two samples are presented—one from Kenana bagasse and the other from sawdust. Bio-oil is a product of the slow pyrolysis process, and its calorific value, determined through laboratory analysis, is significantly high compared to previous studies. This indicates that bio-oil emits fewer pollutants than fossil fuels, making it suitable for use in transportation and various industrial sectors.
Compact super-Gaussian evanescent beam expanders for integrated photonics
Authors: Kouznetsov Dmitry , Deng Qingzhong , Yurtsever Günay , Neutens Pieter , Garcia-Munoz Victor , Matos Manuel , Stassen Andim , Van Dorpe Pol , Verellen Niels 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This paper presents the modeling, design and experimental validation of integrated optical super-Gaussian evanescent beam expanders. A general analytical model for converting the mode of a single mode waveguide into a wide super-Gaussian slab mode is derived and the design procedure is described. Several structures have been experimentally verified on wafer scale and the results are in good correspondence with the design. Applications where wide flat-top beams would prove their superiority are, for instance, bio-sensing applications, flow cytometry and on-chip microscopy.
Inverse-designed metasurfaces with facile fabrication parameters
Authors: Zhou You , Shao Yixuan , Mao Chenkai , Fan Jonathan A 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Optical metasurfaces are planar nanostructured devices that are industrially attractive in part because they utilize high-throughput microelectronic fabrication techniques for implementation. It is therefore critical to develop design paradigms that can balance the realization of highly efficient wavefront responses together with device manufacturability. We introduce a gradient-based design framework for freeform metasurfaces in which nanoscale elements are explicitly constrained to feature basic shapes, nearly uniform feature sizes, and exceptionally low aspect ratios. In spite of the apparent uniformity of the metasurface geometric features, the devices are able to utilize nonlocal near-field optical coupling to achieve highly efficient and extreme wavefront scattering beyond conventional design methodologies. Utilizing this approach, we design facile high-numerical-aperture devices such as beam deflectors and large-area metalenses capable of diffraction-limited focusing. We anticipate that these concepts can facilitate the design and integration of metasurfaces into monolithic optical systems.
The Human Factor
Authors: Sinner Alejandro , Carreras Cèsar , Houten Pieter 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis book establishes a foundation for the study of ancient demography in the Iberian peninsula, focusing on its largest province, Hispania Citerior (renamed as Tarraconensis in the Early Empire). The authors follow a multidisciplinary approach that includes compiled archaeological, epigraphic, architectonic, osteological, and genetic datasets. Their integration and interpretation provide cutting-edge research and methodology in this area, and fills a gap in the scholarly literature, as no comprehensive work currently exists on the topic in English, Spanish, or any other language. This comprehensive and detailed study of a single province is necessary to generate accurate demographic estimates and to compare it with datasets from other regions and historical periods. By examining the province of Hispania Citerior/Tarraconensis in depth, the authors provide a detailed understanding of demographic patterns, urbanism, and urbanization rates over time, and link them with the social, cultural, and economic factors that affected the Iberian peninsula and the western Mediterranean from the fourth century BCE until the end of the Roman period. For instance, population size was a significant indicator of economic growth and performance, and the distribution of people between urban and rural areas played a vital role in the negotiation and construction of collective identities. Additionally, human mobility promoted cultural change and mediated information and technological flows. The volume provides the first comprehensive, state-of-the-art demographic analysis of the Iberian peninsula from the late Iron Age down to the end of the Roman period, including diachronic comparisons between different cultures and a significant number of case studies. By doing so, the authors provide new methodological approaches and insights into demographic patterns and their impact on ancient societies, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the ancient Mediterranean.
Introduction
Authors: Sinner Alejandro , Carreras Cèsar , Houten Pieter 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe chapter introduces the volume and its contents from a historiographic, methodological, and theoretical perspective. It first reflects on the recent interest that the field of ancient demography in general and the demography of the Roman world in particular have experienced in the last few decades, but also discusses how this interest either still focuses on specific areas (e.g. Egypt, Italy, and Britain) or just considers the Roman Empire as a whole. The chapter then explains why a book devoted to the province of Hispania Citerior/Tarraconensis is necessary and introduces the new and diverse datasets and the methodological and theoretical approaches that lie at the core of the present study. The final section presents the main topics covered by each individual chapter as well as some of the themes that are treated across several chapters.
Economics
Authors: Deaves Richard 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This chapter provides some important background material from modern economics that will be useful for household finance. Front and center are preferences, utility (reflecting preferences), and the maximization of utility subject to constraints. Another important concept is valuation, namely ascertaining the intrinsic value of any asset. In markets, equilibrium prices are determined by the interaction of demanders and suppliers. Whenever risk (appropriately defined) is present, it is natural for investors to require a risk premium in compensation for the risk borne. Potentially subverting this rational ideal is the possibility of market inefficiency, which exists when intrinsic value and market price are too far apart.
Time
Authors: Deaves Richard 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This chapter presents time preference, both rational and behavioral. Rational time preference implies exponential discounting. This means that one’s rate of time preference in comparing near and far consumption does not change as the near focal point moves farther into the future. The major problem with exponential discounting is that many people exhibit present bias. This means that one’s rate of time preference is high if the near focal point is the present. Quasi-hyperbolic utility can explain choices characterized by present bias. Some demographic determinants, such as cognitive skills. and psychological factors, such as emotion, behind time preference are also discussed.
Hedgers
Authors: Deaves Richard 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This chapter focuses on insurance, an important risk management tool used by households for hedging. The major types of insurance are life, health, auto and home. I begin by considering what risks should be insured against and different insurance types. How an insurance market ideally works is next addressed. Whether policies are purchased often comes down to an interplay between risk aversion and wealth, with prospect theory preferences sometimes playing a role. Poor insurance decisions are not uncommon. Three important mistakes that are not uncommon are overpaying for modest-payoff insurance, overestimating probability loss because of availability (and so overpaying for insurance), and not insuring when advisable.
Investors
Authors: Deaves Richard 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This chapter focuses on errors made by individual investors. The preference for skewness is evidenced by the popularity of lottery stocks. Firms with high availability, perhaps because they are in the news or have recently experienced price swings, attract investors. Zeroing in by many investors on stocks with these and other characteristics may lead to buying pressure and inflated prices. Local bias occurs when people favor geographically close investments, but the existence of a payoff is dubious. Path-dependent investment behaviors such as repurchase effects and the disposition effect are displayed by many investors. Which investors are most susceptible to various biases is discussed.
Followers
Authors: Deaves Richard 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This chapter focuses on intervention designed to ameliorate outcomes for individual financial decision makers. Intervention can come from different sources: from industry (to better serve customers or in response to government pressures or mandates), from government via rules (whether direct legislation or regulation), or by individuals themselves (through commitment devices). Nudges have proved useful in getting people to save enough while taking on an appropriate amount of risk. A good nudge is a default. Various defaults have proved to be very useful in the context of pension design. For example, auto-enrollment nudges people to save, and auto-escalation nudges people to save an appropriate amount.
Cost-effectiveness of proactive health support—telephone-based self-management support compared with standard care for persons at risk of hospital admission
Authors: Rasmussen Maja Kjær , Benthien Kirstine Skov , Nielsen Camilla Palmhøj , Rasmussen Knud , Grønkjær Mette , Toft Ulla , Kidholm Kristian 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
A small share of patients account for a large proportion of costs to the healthcare system in Denmark as in many Western countries. A telephone-based self-management support, proactive health support (PaHS), was suggested for prevention of hospitalisations for persons at risk of hospital admission. These persons have chronic diseases, unplanned hospitalisations and age ≥ 65 years. However, evidence is limited on whether this type of intervention is cost-effective.

Aim
The aim of this study was to assess the incremental cost-utility ratio (ICER) of PaHS, compared with standard care.

Methods
The economic evaluation was nested within a randomised controlled trial, and was based on a health system perspective, with follow-up and time horizon of 12 months. We measured incremental costs per quality-adjusted life years (QALY) gained. Total average costs per patient included PaHS programme costs, and costs in hospitals, primary care and municipalities. We analysed differences by generalised linear models with Gamma distribution for costs and mixed models for QALY.

Results
We analysed data on 6,139 patients, where 3,041 received PaHS and 3,098 received usual care. We found no difference in healthcare costs, and programme costs were on average €1,762 per patient, providing incremental costs of €2,075. Incremental effects on QALY were 0.007, resulting in an ICER of €296,389 per QALY gained.

Conclusion
We found no evidence of PaHS being cost-effective in this study, but the results will be used to identify new ways to organise similar interventions and identify patients with the objective to reduce health system costs per patient.
Sexual selection: competition for resources provided by mating partners
Authors: Janicke Tim 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Ever since Darwin’s pioneering work, the definition of sexual selection has been subject to recurrent controversies. The main focus of a more recent debate centers on whether or not sexual selection encompasses intra-sexual competition for resources other than gametes. Specifically, it has been proposed to define sexual selection as competition for access to gametes and to consider competition for any other resources provided by mates as forms of natural selection. In this review, I elaborate on several drawbacks of this gamete-centered approach arguing that it (1) implies an artificial split of pre-copulatory competition for mates into two indistinguishable processes, (2) hinders the identification and quantification of sexual selection and, therefore, its distinction from other forms of natural selection, (3) gives rise to an overly male-biased perception on sexual selection, and (4) does not conform to Darwin’s original conception. In an attempt to provide a definition, which is explicit regarding the ultimate target of intra-sexual competition, I propose to define sexual selection as competition for access to reproductive resources provided by potential mating partners. I specify the main characteristics of this alternative definition in the context of previous ones and discuss potential limitations.
4D label-free quantitative proteomic analysis identifies CRABP1 as a novel candidate gene for litter size in rabbits
Authors: Bao Zhiyuan , Chen Yang , Li Jiali , Cai Jiawei , Yang Jie , Zhai Pin , Zhao Bohao , Wu Xinsheng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In commercial rabbit breeding, litter size is a crucial reproductive trait. This trait directly determines the reproductive ability of female rabbits and is crucial for evaluating the production efficiency. We here compared differentially expressed proteins of in the ovary tissue from New Zealand female rabbits with high (H) and low (L) litter sizes by using 4D label-free quantitative proteomic technology and identified 92 differential proteins. The biological functions of these proteins were revealed through gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Most distributions of GO and KEGG were related to reproduction, growth development, and metabolism. Furthermore, a novel candidate gene cellular retinoic acid binding protein-1 (CRABP1), which was highly expressed in the L group, was selected for further biological function verification. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry analysis revealed that CRABP1 can promote granulosa cell (GC) apoptosis and inhibit GC proliferation. Furthermore, qRT-PCR and western blotting analysis revealed that CRABP1 regulates the genes (HSD17B1, Wnt-10b, FSHR, TAF4B, BMP15, and BMP6) and protein (Wnt-10b) associated with steroid hormone synthesis and follicle development. The PCR product direct sequencing method revealed single nucleotide polymorphisms in the core promoter region of CRABP1. Luciferase activity assays revealed that the transcriptional activity of the GG genotype was significantly higher than that of the TT or TG genotype. Different genotypes are accompanied by changes in transcription factors, which indicates that T-359G polymorphism can regulate CRABP1 expression. In general, we identified litter size-related genes and revealed the mechanism underlying the effect of CRABP1 on litter size. CRABP1 serves as a key factor in the reproductive capacity of rabbits and can act as a molecular biomarker for the breeding of New Zealand rabbits.
Dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is associated with glycolytically active GATA3+ T helper 2 cells which may contribute to pruritus in lesional skin
Authors: Aala Wilson Jr F , Hou Ping-Chen , Hong Yi-Kai , Lin Yu-Chen , Lee Yu-Rong , Tu Wei-Ting , Papanikolaou Marieta , Benzian-Olsson Natashia , Onoufriadis Alexandros , I Chen Harn Hans , Hwang Daw-Yang , Cheng Siao Muk , Lu Kurt , Chen Peng-Chieh , McGrath John A , Hsu Chao-Kai 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DDEB) is characterized by trauma-induced blisters and, in some individuals, intense pruritus. Precisely what causes itch in DDEB and optimal ways to reduce it have not been fully determined.

Objectives
To characterize DDEB skin transcriptomes to identify therapeutic targets to reduce pruritus in patients.

Methods
Using bulk RNA sequencing, we evaluated affected and unaffected skin biopsy samples from six patients with DDEB (all with the very itchy pruriginosa subtype) and four healthy individuals. Single-cell transcriptomes of affected (n = 2) and unaffected (n = 1) DDEB skin and healthy skin (n = 2) were obtained. Dupilumab treatment was provided for three patients.

Results
The skin bulk transcriptome showed significant enrichment of T helper (Th)1/2 and Th17 pathways in affected DDEB skin compared with nonlesional DDEB skin and healthy skin. Single-cell transcriptomics showed an association of glycolytically active GATA3+ Th2 cells in affected DDEB skin. Treatment with dupilumab in three people with DDEB led to significantly reduced visual analogue scale (VAS) itch scores after 12 weeks (mean VAS 3.83) compared with pretreatment (mean VAS 7.83). Bulk RNAseq and quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that healthy skin and dupilumab-treated epidermolysis bullosa (EB) pruriginosa skin have similar transcriptomic profiles and reduced Th1/Th2 and Th17 pathway enrichment.

Conclusions
Single-cell RNAseq helps define an enhanced DDEB-associated Th2 profile and rationalizes drug repurposing of anti-Th2 drugs in treating DDEB pruritus.
Digenic Leigh syndrome on the background of the m.11778G&gt;A Leber hereditary optic neuropathy variant
Authors: Blickhäuser Beryll , Stenton Sarah L , Neuhofer Christiane M , Floride Elisa , Nesbitt Victoria , Fratter Carl , Koch Johannes , Kauffmann Birgit , Catarino Claudia , Schlieben Lea Dewi , Kopajtich Robert , Carelli Valerio , Sadun Alfredo A , McFarland Robert , Fang Fang , La Morgia Chiara , Paquay Stéphanie , Nassogne Marie Cécile , Ghezzi Daniele , Lamperti Costanza , Wortmann Saskia , Poulton Jo , Klopstock Thomas , Prokisch Holger 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Leigh syndrome spectrum (LSS) is a primary mitochondrial disorder defined neuropathologically by a subacute necrotizing encephalomyelopathy and characterized by bilateral basal ganglia and/or brainstem lesions. LSS is associated with variants in several mitochondrial DNA genes and more than 100 nuclear genes, most often related to mitochondrial complex I (CI) dysfunction. Rarely, LSS has been reported in association with primary Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) variants of the mitochondrial DNA, coding for CI subunits (m.3460G&gt;A in MT-ND1, m.11778G&gt;A in MT-ND4 and m.14484T&gt;C in MT-ND6). The underlying mechanism by which these variants manifest as LSS, a severe neurodegenerative disease, as opposed to the LHON phenotype of isolated optic neuropathy, remains an open question. Here, we analyse the exome sequencing of six probands with LSS carrying primary LHON variants, and report digenic co-occurrence of the m.11778G &gt; A variant with damaging heterozygous variants in nuclear disease genes encoding CI subunits as a plausible explanation.
Our findings suggest a digenic mechanism of disease for m.11778G&gt;A-associated LSS, consistent with recent reports of digenic disease in individuals manifesting with LSS due to biallelic variants in the recessive LHON-associated disease gene DNAJC30 in combination with heterozygous variants in CI subunits.
Whole genome sequencing increases the diagnostic rate in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
Authors: Record Christopher J , Pipis Menelaos , Skorupinska Mariola , Blake Julian , Poh Roy , Polke James M , Eggleton Kelly , Nanji Tina , Zuchner Stephan , Cortese Andrea , Houlden Henry , Rossor Alexander M , Laura Matilde , Reilly Mary M 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is one of the most common and genetically heterogeneous inherited neurological diseases, with more than 130 disease-causing genes. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has improved diagnosis across genetic diseases, but the diagnostic impact in CMT is yet to be fully reported. We present the diagnostic results from a single specialist inherited neuropathy centre, including the impact of WGS diagnostic testing.
Patients were assessed at our specialist inherited neuropathy centre from 2009 to 2023. Genetic testing was performed using single gene testing, next-generation sequencing targeted panels, research whole exome sequencing and WGS and, latterly, WGS through the UK National Health Service. Variants were assessed using the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and Association for Clinical Genomic Science criteria.
Excluding patients with hereditary ATTR amyloidosis, 1515 patients with a clinical diagnosis of CMT and related disorders were recruited. In summary, 621 patients had CMT1 (41.0%), 294 CMT2 (19.4%), 205 intermediate CMT (CMTi, 13.5%), 139 hereditary motor neuropathy (HMN, 9.2%), 93 hereditary sensory neuropathy (HSN, 6.1%), 38 sensory ataxic neuropathy (2.5%), 72 hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies (HNPP, 4.8%) and 53 ‘complex’ neuropathy (3.5%). Overall, a genetic diagnosis was reached in 76.9% (1165/1515). A diagnosis was most likely in CMT1 (96.8%, 601/621), followed by CMTi (81.0%, 166/205) and then HSN (69.9%, 65/93). Diagnostic rates remained less than 50% in CMT2, HMN and complex neuropathies. The most common genetic diagnosis was PMP22 duplication (CMT1A; 505/1165, 43.3%), then GJB1 (CMTX1; 151/1165, 13.0%), PMP22 deletion (HNPP; 72/1165, 6.2%) and MFN2 (CMT2A; 46/1165, 3.9%). We recruited 233 cases to the UK 100 000 Genomes Project (100KGP), of which 74 (31.8%) achieved a diagnosis; 28 had been otherwise diagnosed since recruitment, leaving a true diagnostic rate of WGS through the 100KGP of 19.7% (46/233). However, almost half of the solved cases (35/74) received a negative report from the study, and the diagnosis was made through our research access to the WGS data. The overall diagnostic uplift of WGS for the entire cohort was 3.5%.
Our diagnostic rate is the highest reported from a single centre and has benefitted from the use of WGS, particularly access to the raw data. However, almost one-quarter of all cases remain unsolved, and a new reference genome and novel technologies will be important to narrow the ‘diagnostic gap’.