bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of structural reforms on employment and the trade–labour link: Robust evidence from Europe and Central Asia
Authors: Rovo Natasha , Crespo Cuaresma Jesus , Vincelette Gallina A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe use Bayesian model averaging techniques to assess the role of different types of structural and institutional variables and their interaction with specific characteristics of the economy, as determinants of employment dynamics for 30 economies in Europe and Central Asia. We find that, once short‐run dynamics are controlled for, common structural determinants for the employment rate emerge, including tax rates, human capital, availability of technology, labour market regulation and trade openness. The results show that the effect of labour market regulation on employment outcomes is affected by other characteristics, such as trade openness. Focusing on the trade–labour link, we find that labour market reforms toward a more flexible labour market have a positive impact on employment ratios, and this effect is stronger for economies characterised by relatively low level of trade barriers. In addition, the positive employment effects from labour market regulation reforms are stronger; the less flexible is the initial labour market regulatory framework. These findings bring important policy insights related to the employment potential of further structural reforms and trade integration for the countries in the region.
Protecting an artificial savanna as a nature‐based solution to restore carbon and biodiversity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Djiofack Brice Yannick , Beeckman Hans , Bourland Nils , Belanganayi Basile Luse , Laurent Félix , Ilondea Bhely Angoboy , Nsenga Laurent , Huart Alain , Longwwango Menard Mbende , Deklerck Victor , Lejeune Geert , Verbiest William W. M. , Van den Bulcke Jan , Van Acker Joris , De Mil Tom , Hubau Wannes 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA large share of the global forest restoration potential is situated in artificial ‘unstable’ mesic African savannas, which could be restored to higher carbon and biodiversity states if protected from human‐induced burning. However, uncertainty on recovery rates in protected unstable savannas impedes science‐informed forest restoration initiatives. Here, we quantify the forest restoration success of anthropogenic fire exclusion within an 88‐ha mesic artificial savanna patch in the Kongo Central province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo). We found that aboveground carbon recovery after 17 years was on average 11.40 ± 0.85 Mg C ha−1. Using a statistical model, we found that aboveground carbon stocks take 112 ± 3 years to recover to 90% of aboveground carbon stocks in old‐growth forests. Assuming that this recovery trajectory would be representative for all unstable savannas, we estimate that they could have a total carbon uptake potential of 12.13 ± 2.25 Gt C by 2100 across DR Congo, Congo and Angola. Species richness recovered to 33.17% after 17 years, and we predicted a 90% recovery at 54 ± 2 years. In contrast, we predicted that species composition would recover to 90% of old‐growth forest composition only after 124 ± 3 years. We conclude that the relatively simple and cost‐efficient measure of fire exclusion in artificial savannas is an effective nature‐based solution to climate change and biodiversity loss. However, more long‐term and in situ monitoring efforts are needed to quantify variation in long‐term carbon and diversity recovery pathways. Particular uncertainties are spatial variability in socio‐economics and growing conditions as well as the effects of projected climate change.
Preparation and application of microfiltration porous coal gangue–loess‐based ceramic membrane
Authors: Liu Kang , Zhang Ming , Li Miaoyu , Tong Zhi 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe ceramic membrane is widely used in the field of domestic sewage treatment due to its high flexural strength, acid and alkali corrosion resistance, easy cleaning, and other advantages. This article uses coal gangue and loess as the main raw material (coal gangue:loess = 8:2), calcium carbonate as the pore‐forming agent, and carboxymethyl cellulose as the binder. The ceramic membrane was prepared by extrusion molding method and solid particle sintering method. The effects of pore‐forming agent content and sintering temperature on the physical and chemical properties of the ceramic membrane, such as flexural strength, microstructure, pure water flux, and acid‐base corrosion rate, were investigated. The results show that when the sintering temperature is 1000°C and the pore‐forming agent content is 10wt%, the pure water flux exceeds 1434L/h m2 MPa, the flexural strength exceeds 25.4 MPa, the porosity exceeds 46.9%, and the acid‐alkali corrosion rate of the ceramic membrane below 1.6%/0.15%. At this time, the treatment efficiency of domestic sewage is excellent, the removal rate of COD, suspended solids and ammonia nitrogen exceeds 27.66%, 99.9%, and 26.77%, respectively. This work has trend‐setting significance for the fabrication and application of low‐cost ceramic membranes.
Metastasis of skin squamous cell carcinoma in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Alves Felipe F. C. , de Jesus Laura C. B. , Cristelli Marina P. , Enokihara Milvia M. S. e S. , Hirata Sérgio H. , Facina Anamaria da Silva , Tomimori Jane 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the most common skin malignancy in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) as a result of immunosuppression. A worldwide increase in kidney transplantation justifies the determination of prognostic biomarkers by collecting detailed patient data on metastasis development. This study aims to characterize the clinical, epidemiological, and histopathological profiles of KTRs who developed metastasis of cSCC. We conducted a retrospective single‐center study on 18 KTRs and 21 immunocompetent patients (ICs) with metastatic cSCC, using data from 2004 to 2021. ICs were older (median age 70.5 years) than KTRs (median age: 59.5 years). Both groups were predominantly male with Fitzpatrick skin phototype I/II. The primary tumor appeared around 83.5 months post‐transplant, usually in sun‐exposed areas (61.1%), though some non‐exposed areas in ICs (23.8%) contradicted literature findings. KTRs took longer to develop metastasis (median: 11.0 months) compared to ICs (median: 5.5 months). The mean size of the primary tumor was smaller in KTRs (2.50 cm2) compared to ICs (4.55 cm2). The main lymph node chain affected by metastasis was parotid lymph nodes in KTRs (27.8%) and cervical/axillar lymph nodes in ICs (both 19.0%). Both groups exhibited similar primary tumor grades and metastasis evolution, but KTRs had a higher prevalence of lymphovascular invasion. Metastasis of cSCC was more common in males with low skin phototype, in KTRs, particularly on the head and neck. The study suggests a possible link between lymphovascular invasion and metastasis development in KTRs.
Correlation of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the AGT gene with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus in Northeast China
Authors: Wu Huitao , Zhang Xuan , Lin Guiling , Zhang Qi , He Ziman , Wang Zhe , Xu Wenlu , Yin Xiyu , Su Linglan , Zhuang Yanping , Gong Aimin 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTo investigate the correlation between susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs699, rs4762 and rs1926723 in the AGT gene in the population of Northeast China, while also introducing a new method for early detection of SLE. A total of 856 cases of SLE patients and healthy volunteers who attended the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from January 2020 to December 2022 were recruited. Clinical information and biood samples were collected from particpants in this study. SNaPshot sequencing technology was used to sequence the bases of the rs699, rs4762 and rs1926723 in the AGT gene. The genetic stability of SNPs was analysed by means of Hardy–Weinberg (HWE) genetic equilibrium. The study examined the correlation between genetically stable SNPs and susceptibility to SLE using logistic regression analysis.Rs699 did not adhere to the principles of the HWE genetic equilibrium (p < .01). Conversely, both rs4762 and rs1926723 conformed to the HWE genetic equilibrium (p > .05). However, no significant differences in genotypes and alleles frequencies of the rs4762 were observed between the two groups (p > .05). Furthermore, there was a significant difference in the distribution of AG, GG genotypes frequency and G allele frequency at the rs1926723 between the two groups (p < .001). Individuals with AG and GG genotypes and the G allele had a significantly lower frequency of SLE, indicating a potential genetic protective factor against susceptibility to the SLE.The SNPs rs1926723 may be linked to the susceptibility to SLE, and the AG, GG genotypes and the G allele may be important protective factors for the development of SLE in Northeast China.
Between Real and Phantasy: Encouraging Creativity in the First Year Architectural Education Through Fairy Tales
Authors: Aras Lerzan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe first year architectural education is based on understanding the nature of creativity in design thinking, which serves to build a solid base for a real design process; and in studios several methods are used to develop it. This study aims to discuss how using fairy tales can serve as a tool for encouraging creativity in first year design studios. It is based on a 6‐week‐long basic design II summer school course where 20 architecture and interior architecture students were asked to write fairy tales in a fantasy genre and visualise their fairy tale environment. At the end of this experimental study, we learned four important lessons: (a) when Gen Z students meet design issues first, they can be more involved and interested if they are given the opportunity to reveal their dreams and imaginations without any restriction; (b) they can show their open‐mindedness, and accept the fact that a good presentation performance even with hand drawing is possible, without using technological tools; (c) fairy tales with their unique structures can lead them to advance their “out of the box” thinking. Combining phantasy with reality might be a good tool for liberating the power of imagination which ultimately can bring good design thinking abilities and enhanced creativity, and finally (d) a further study about how they implemented this experiment in their second year design problem is worthy of further analysis.
METTL14/miR‐29c‐3p axis drives aerobic glycolysis to promote triple‐negative breast cancer progression though TRIM9‐mediated PKM2 ubiquitination
Authors: Wu Hao , Jiao Yile , Guo Xinyi , Wu Zhenru , Lv Qing 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe energy metabolic rearrangement of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis is a significant biological feature and can promote the malignant progression. However, there is little knowledge about the functional mechanisms of methyltransferase‐like protein 14 (METTL14) mediated contributes to TNBC malignant progression. Our study found that METTL14 expression was significantly upregulated in TNBC tissues and cell lines. Silencing METTL14 significantly inhibited TNBC cell growth and invasion in vitro, as well as suppressed tumour growth. Mechanically, METTL14 was first found to activate miR‐29c‐3p through m6A and regulate tripartite motif containing 9 (TRIM9) to promote ubiquitination of pyruvate kinase isoform M2 (PKM2) and lead to its transition from tetramer to dimer, resulting in glucose metabolic reprogramming from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis to promote the progress of TNBC. Taken together, these findings reveal important roles of METTL14 in TNBC tumorigenesis and energy metabolism, which might represent a novel potential therapeutic target for TNBC.
AI adoption in America: Who, what, and where
Authors: McElheran Kristina , Li J. Frank , Brynjolfsson Erik , Kroff Zachary , Dinlersoz Emin , Foster Lucia , Zolas Nikolas 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe study the early adoption and diffusion of five artificial intelligence (AI)‐related technologies (automated‐guided vehicles, machine learning, machine vision, natural language processing, and voice recognition) as documented in the 2018 Annual Business Survey of 850,000 firms across the United States. We find that fewer than 6% of firms used any of the AI‐related technologies we measure, though most very large firms reported at least some AI use. Weighted by employment, average adoption was just over 18%. AI use in production, while varying considerably by industry, was found in every sector of the economy and clustered with emerging technologies, such as cloud computing and robotics. Among dynamic young firms, AI use was highest alongside more‐educated, more‐experienced, and younger owners, including owners motivated by bringing new ideas to market or helping the community. AI adoption was also more common in startups displaying indicators of high‐growth entrepreneurship, including venture capital funding, recent product and process innovation, and growth‐oriented business strategies. Early AI adoption was far from evenly distributed: a handful of “superstar” cities and emerging hubs led startups' adoption of AI. These patterns of early AI use foreshadow economic and social impacts far beyond this limited initial diffusion, with the possibility of a growing “AI divide” if early patterns persist.
Effects of the pyriproxyfen and fenthion on the gonadal morphology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus: Perciformes, Cichlidae)
Authors: Moises Marques e Silva Glaucia , Lins Oliveira Jorge Eduardo , B. Silva Farias Naisandra , Júnior Raimundo F. A. , Nascimento Wallace S. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCommercially available insecticides present acute toxicity to the health of fish and other aquatic organisms, which may impair the local aquaculture. This study evaluated the gonadal morphology of freshwater fish exposed to pyriproxyfen and fenthion. Forty‐five juvenile male Nile tilapias (Oreochromis niloticus) were divided into control, pyriproxyfen‐exposed (0.01 g/L), and fenthion‐exposed (0.001 g/L) groups. They were evaluated in three moments (30, 60, and 90 days). The variables analyzed were the gonadosomatic index (GSI), weight to length ratio, seminiferous tubules morphometry (diameter and height), tissue damage, and immunohistochemical analysis for caspase‐3, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Pyriproxyfen and fenthion injured the seminiferous tubule tissue, and the damage progressed according to the exposure time. In addition, the GSI gradually reduced over time in all groups compared with the first moment (30 days), while caspase‐3, TNF‐α, and VEGF values increased only in the fenthion‐exposed group. Therefore, pyriproxyfen and fenthion changed the gonadal morphology of male Oreochromis niloticus, which may affect their reproduction in the wild or captivity.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the efficacy of vonoprazan for proton pump inhibitor‐resistant gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Simadibrata Daniel Martin , Lesmana Elvira , Fass Ronnie 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground and AimUp to 40% of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients experience inadequate symptom relief with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), termed PPI‐resistant or refractory GERD. Vonoprazan, a potassium‐competitive acid blocker, has better efficacy than PPI in suppressing gastric acid secretion. This meta‐analysis summarizes the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan for treating PPI‐resistant GERD (both erosive esophagitis [EE] and non‐erosive reflux disease [NERD]).MethodsFour electronic databases (Medline, Embase, SCOPUS, and CENTRAL) were searched for studies indexed until August 1, 2023. Both observational studies and clinical trials assessing the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan in PPI‐resistant GERD were included. Efficacy outcomes included healing and maintenance rates of EE and improvement of the Frequency Scale for Symptoms of GERD (FSSG) scores. Serious adverse events (SAEs) were considered a safety outcome. The modified Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess study quality.ResultsTwelve studies were included in this meta‐analysis. Healing rates of PPI‐resistant EE with vonoprazan 20 mg were 91.7% (95% CI 86.8–94.8%) and 88.5% (95% CI 69.7–96.2%) at weeks 4 and 8, respectively. For healed PPI‐resistant EE, the overall maintenance rates with vonoprazan 10 mg were 82.6% (95% 61.2–95.0%) at week 8, 86.0% (95% CI 72.1–94.7%) at week 24, and 93.8% (95% CI 69.8–99.8%) at week 48. FSSG scores were improved in 74.6% (95% CI 65.8–81.7%) and 51.9% (95% CI 37.8–65.7%) of patients at weeks 4 and 8. Overall, no SAE was reported.ConclusionVonoprazan demonstrated high efficacy in the healing and maintenance of PPI‐resistant EE and moderate efficacy for the improvement of FSSG score. Vonoprazan was well tolerated in PPI‐resistant GERD patients.
Prenatal diagnosis and appearance of nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma in a fetus: A case report
Authors: Su Yu‐Qing , Huang Shu‐Jing , Lin Yan‐Ting , Huang Mei , Zhang Xiao‐Dong , Zhuang Bi‐Mei , Jiang Jin‐Na , Bai Dong‐Yu , Lin Jin‐Rong , Su Yi‐Ming 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe report a case of fetal nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma (NCMH) first noted on prenatal ultrasound at 34 weeks. A solid‐cystic mass which predominantly hyperechoicgenic and relatively clear margin, was located on the left nasal cavity and pharynx, with anterior extension and moderate blood flow. Further follow‐up ultrasound examination depicted an enlargement of the tumor. Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an inhomogeneous signal lesion involving the ethmoid sinuses, nasal cavity, and pharynx. The infant, delivered via cesarean section at 37 + 5 weeks, required urgent neonatology intervention due to respiratory difficulties. Neonatal MRI and computer tomography were subsequently performed at 1 day after birth. Surgical excision occurred at 7 days, confirming NCMH via histological examination. Awareness of this entity, is essential to avoid potentially harmful therapies, especially in prenatal period. Considered NCMH in diagnosis when fetal nasal masses presenting with predominantly high‐level echo, well‐defined margins and moderate vascularity.
Bathymetric origin shapes the physiological responses of Pterygophora californica (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae) to deep marine heatwaves
Authors: Almeida‐Saá Antonella C. , Umanzor Schery , Zertuche‐González Jose Antonio , Cruz‐López Ricardo , Muñiz‐Salazar Raquel , Ferreira‐Arrieta Alejandra , Bonet Melià Paula , García‐Pantoja Jessica Anayansi , Rangel‐Mendoza Laura K. , Vivanco‐Bercovich Manuel , Ruiz‐Montoya Leonardo , Guzmán‐Calderón Jose Manuel , Sandoval‐Gil Jose Miguel 
Published: January 2024

AbstractKelp communities are experiencing exacerbated heat‐related impacts from more intense, frequent, and deeper marine heatwaves (MHWs), imperiling the long‐term survival of kelp forests in the climate change scenario. The occurrence of deep thermal anomalies is of critical importance, as elevated temperatures can impact kelp populations across their entire bathymetric range. This study evaluates the impact of MHWs on mature sporophytes of Pterygophora californica (walking kelp) from the bathymetric extremes (8–10 vs. 25–27 m) of a population situated in Baja California (Mexico). The location is near the southernmost point of the species's broad distribution (from Alaska to Mexico). The study investigated the ecophysiological responses (e.g., photobiology, nitrate uptake, oxidative stress) and growth of adult sporophytes through a two‐phase experiment: warming simulating a MHW and a post‐MHW phase without warming. Generally, the effects of warming differed depending on the bathymetric origin of the sporophytes. The MHW facilitated essential metabolic functions of deep‐water sporophytes, including photosynthesis, and promoted their growth. In contrast, shallow‐water sporophytes displayed metabolic stress, reduced growth, and oxidative damage. Upon the cessation of warming, certain responses, such as a decline in nitrate uptake and net productivity, became evident in shallow‐water sporophytes, implying a delay in heat‐stress response. This indicates that variation in temperatures can result in more prominent effects than warming alone. The greater heat tolerance of sporophytes in deeper waters shows convincing evidence that deep portions of P. californica populations have the potential to serve as refuges from the harmful impacts of MHWs on shallow reefs.
A Transformer‐Based microvascular invasion classifier enhances prognostic stratification in HCC following radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Wang Wentao , Wang Yueyue , Song Danjun , Zhou Yingting , Luo Rongkui , Ying Siqi , Yang Li , Sun Wei , Cai Jiabin , Wang Xi , Bao Zhen , Zheng Jiaping , Zeng Mengsu , Gao Qiang , Wang Xiaoying , Zhou Jian , Wang Manning , Shao Guoliang , Rao Sheng‐xiang , Zhu Kai 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackground & AimsWe aimed to develop a Transformer‐based deep learning (DL) network for prognostic stratification in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients undergoing RFA.MethodsA Swin Transformer DL network was trained to establish associations between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) datasets and the ground truth of microvascular invasion (MVI) based on 696 surgical resection (SR) patients with solitary HCC ≤3 cm, and was validated in an external cohort (n = 180). The multiphase MRI‐based DL risk outputs using an optimal threshold of .5 was employed as a MVI classifier for prognosis stratification in the RFA cohort (n = 180).ResultsOver 90% of all enrolled patients exhibited hepatitis B virus infection. Liver cirrhosis was significantly more prevalent in the RFA cohort compared to the SR cohort (72.2% vs. 44.1%, p < .001). The MVI risk outputs exhibited good performance (area under the curve values = .938 and .883) for predicting MVI in the training and validation cohort, respectively. The RFA patients at high risk of MVI classified by the MVI classifier demonstrated significantly lower recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival rates at 1, 3 and 5 years compared to those classified as low risk (p < .001). Multivariate cox regression modelling of a‐fetoprotein > 20 ng/mL [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.53; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.02–2.33, p = .047], high risk of MVI (HR = 3.76; 95% CI: 2.40–5.88, p < .001) and unfavourable tumour location (HR = 2.15; 95% CI: 1.40–3.29, p = .001) yielded a c‐index of .731 (bootstrapped 95% CI: .667–.778) for evaluating RFS after RFA. Among the three risk factors, MVI was the most powerful predictor for intrahepatic distance recurrence.ConclusionsThe proposed MVI classifier can serve as a valuable imaging biomarker for prognostic stratification in early‐stage HCC patients undergoing RFA.