bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preliminary study of the electrospray DPE peculiarities from the liquid surface in the presence of the CSWs
Authors: HE 贺 Weiguo 伟国 , HUO 霍 Weijie 卫杰 , HAN 韩 Luofeng 罗峰 , ZHU 朱 Kangwu 康武 , WANG 王 Feng 锋 , WANG 王 Zekun 泽坤 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The Ultrasonic Electric Propulsion (UEP) system is a cutting-edge propulsion technology that is mostly used on platforms for small satellites (less than 10 kg). The characteristics of droplet partial emissions (DPEs) in the UEP system are investigated using a high-speed imaging technique (an ultra-high speed camera (NAC HX-6) and a long-distance microscope) in this work. The experiments demonstrate that there are a few partial emission modes, including left-side emission, double-side emission, and right-side emission, that are present in the droplet emission process of the UEP system. These modes are primarily caused by the partial formation of capillary standing waves (CSWs) on the emission surface of the ultrasonic nozzle. The emission rate for single- and double-sided emissions varies at different times, indicating that there are different CSWs engaged in droplet emission due to variations in the liquid film thickness and charge state of the liquid cones. Additionally, as the droplets emit continuously, a raised area on the emission surface appears, with several droplets emitting there as a result of charge accumulation. Additionally, photos of the CSWs with emitting droplets are obtained, which highlights the CSWs’ distinctive wave morphology.
Morphological evaluation of the feline placenta correlates with gene expression of vascular growth factors and receptors
Authors: Gudenschwager-Basso Erwin K , Frydman Galit , Weerakoon Shaneke , Andargachew Hariyat , Piltaver Cassandra M , Huckle William R 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Placental angiogenesis is critical for normal development. Angiogenic factors and their receptors are key regulators of this process. Dysregulated placental vascular development is associated with pregnancy complications. Despite their importance, vascular growth factor expression has not been thoroughly correlated with placental morphologic development across gestation in cats. We postulate that changes in placental vessel morphology can be appreciated as consequences of dynamic expression of angiogenic signaling agents. Here, we characterized changes in placental morphology alongside expression analysis of angiogenic factor splice variants and receptors throughout pregnancy in domestic shorthair cats. We observed increased vascular and lamellar density in the lamellar zone during mid-pregnancy. Immunohistochemical analysis localized the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) receptor KDR to endothelial cells of the maternal and fetal microvasculatures. PlGF and its principal receptor Flt-1 were localized to the trophoblasts and fetal vasculature. VEGF-A was found in trophoblast cells and associated with endothelial cells. We detected expression of two Plgf splice variants and four Vegf-a variants. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed upregulation of mRNAs encoding pan Vegf-a and all Vegf-a splice forms at gestational days 30–35. Vegf-A showed a marked relative increase in expression during mid-pregnancy, consistent with the pro-angiogenic changes seen in the lamellar zone at days 30–35. Flt-1 was upregulated during late pregnancy. Plgf variants showed stable expression during the first two-thirds of pregnancy, followed by a marked increase toward term. These findings revealed specific spatiotemporal expression patterns of VEGF-A family members consistent with pivotal roles during normal placental development.
An inflammation resolution–promoting intervention prevents atrial fibrillation caused by left ventricular dysfunction
Authors: Hiram Roddy , Xiong Feng , Naud Patrice , Xiao Jiening , Sosnowski Deanna K , Le Quilliec Ewen , Saljic Arnela , Abu-Taha Issam H , Kamler Markus , LeBlanc Charles-Alexandre , Al-U’Datt Doa’a G F , Sirois Martin G , Hebert Terence E , Tanguay Jean-François , Tardif Jean-Claude , Dobrev Dobromir , Nattel Stanley 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Aims
Recent studies suggest that bioactive mediators called resolvins promote an active resolution of inflammation. Inflammatory signalling is involved in the development of the substrate for atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of resolvin-D1 on atrial arrhythmogenic remodelling resulting from left ventricular (LV) dysfunction induced by myocardial infarction (MI) in rats.

Methods and results
MI was produced by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. Intervention groups received daily intraperitoneal resolvin-D1, beginning before MI surgery (early-RvD1) or Day 7 post-MI (late-RvD1) and continued until Day 21 post-MI. AF vulnerability was evaluated by performing an electrophysiological study. Atrial conduction was analysed by using optical mapping. Fibrosis was quantified by Masson’s trichrome staining and gene expression by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and RNA sequencing. Investigators were blinded to group identity. Early-RvD1 significantly reduced MI size (17 ± 6%, vs. 39 ± 6% in vehicle-MI) and preserved LV ejection fraction; these were unaffected by late-RvD1. Transoesophageal pacing induced atrial tachyarrhythmia in 2/18 (11%) sham-operated rats, vs. 18/18 (100%) MI-only rats, in 5/18 (28%, P &lt; 0.001 vs. MI) early-RvD1 MI rats, and in 7/12 (58%, P &lt; 0.01) late-RvD1 MI rats. Atrial conduction velocity significantly decreased post-MI, an effect suppressed by RvD1 treatment. Both early-RvD1 and late-RvD1 limited MI-induced atrial fibrosis and prevented MI-induced increases in the atrial expression of inflammation-related and fibrosis-related biomarkers and pathways.

Conclusions
RvD1 suppressed MI-related atrial arrhythmogenic remodelling. Early-RvD1 had MI sparing and atrial remodelling suppressant effects, whereas late-RvD1 attenuated atrial remodelling and AF promotion without ventricular protection, revealing atrial-protective actions unrelated to ventricular function changes. These results point to inflammation resolution–promoting compounds as novel cardio-protective interventions with a particular interest in attenuating AF substrate development.
From escalation to weaning strategies: how to integrate the ECMELLA concept
Authors: Schrage Benedikt , Bernhardt Alexander , Potapov Evgenij , Bertoldi Letizia F , Mangner Norman 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The additional implantation of a micro-axial flow pump (mAFP) in patients receiving extracorporeal life support by a veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) for cardiogenic shock (CS) has gained interest in recent years. Thus far, retrospective propensity score-matched studies, case series, and meta-analyses have consistently shown an improved survival in patients treated with the so-called ECMELLA concept. The pathophysiological context is based on the modification of V-A ECMO-related side effects and the additive benefit of myocardial unloading. From this point of view, knowledge and detection of these pathophysiological mechanisms are of utmost importance to successfully manage mechanical circulatory support in CS. In this article, we describe best practices for the indication of the two devices as well as escalation and de-escalation approaches including implantation and explantation strategies that are key for success.
Examining the transferability of height–diameter model calibration strategies across studies
Authors: Ciceu Albert , Chakraborty Debojyoti , Ledermann Thomas 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Height–diameter (H–D) models are fundamental tools for predicting the relationship between tree H–D at breast height, for numerous applications in forestry. Increasingly, studies develop H–D models that can be calibrated to achieve a high level of precision with only a few observations. Different calibration methods and strategies are employed and compared in these studies, often disregarding the data used to develop the models and the H–D function used. In this study, we examined the transferability of optimal calibration strategies across studies, conducting a literature review and an empirical study. We compared the performance of six H–D functions and different calibration methods when using the same calibration strategies and dataset. Based on our literature review, we found that the most commonly employed calibration strategy is random-effects calibration and that the most common variable used to develop generalized H–D models is dominant height. We observed that different calibration methods can lead to varying results due to their different emphases on various aspects of the data and their individual limitations. Moreover, when the same dataset is used for calibration, different H–D functions may exhibit various performances. However, we found high percentages of agreement for the Curtis, Schumacher, and Wykoff H–D functions across all three calibration methods and low agreement between all functions and the Power H–D function. These observations underscore the need to consider all relevant factors, including the H–D function used, when selecting an H–D function and calibration strategy to ensure optimal transferability of the model. Our study provides insights that can improve the accuracy of H–D models, which are essential for predicting forest growth and structure in the context of changing environmental conditions.
AlcoR: alignment-free simulation, mapping, and visualization of low-complexity regions in biological data
Authors: Silva Jorge M , Qi Weihong , Pinho Armando J , Pratas Diogo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Low-complexity data analysis is the area that addresses the search and quantification of regions in sequences of elements that contain low-complexity or repetitive elements. For example, these can be tandem repeats, inverted repeats, homopolymer tails, GC-biased regions, similar genes, and hairpins, among many others. Identifying these regions is crucial because of their association with regulatory and structural characteristics. Moreover, their identification provides positional and quantity information where standard assembly methodologies face significant difficulties because of substantial higher depth coverage (mountains), ambiguous read mapping, or where sequencing or reconstruction defects may occur. However, the capability to distinguish low-complexity regions (LCRs) in genomic and proteomic sequences is a challenge that depends on the model’s ability to find them automatically. Low-complexity patterns can be implicit through specific or combined sources, such as algorithmic or probabilistic, and recurring to different spatial distances—namely, local, medium, or distant associations.

Findings
This article addresses the challenge of automatically modeling and distinguishing LCRs, providing a new method and tool (AlcoR) for efficient and accurate segmentation and visualization of these regions in genomic and proteomic sequences. The method enables the use of models with different memories, providing the ability to distinguish local from distant low-complexity patterns. The method is reference and alignment free, providing additional methodologies for testing, including a highly flexible simulation method for generating biological sequences (DNA or protein) with different complexity levels, sequence masking, and a visualization tool for automatic computation of the LCR maps into an ideogram style. We provide illustrative demonstrations using synthetic, nearly synthetic, and natural sequences showing the high efficiency and accuracy of AlcoR. As large-scale results, we use AlcoR to unprecedentedly provide a whole-chromosome low-complexity map of a recent complete human genome and the haplotype-resolved chromosome pairs of a heterozygous diploid African cassava cultivar.

Conclusions
The AlcoR method provides the ability of fast sequence characterization through data complexity analysis, ideally for scenarios entangling the presence of new or unknown sequences. AlcoR is implemented in C language using multithreading to increase the computational speed, is flexible for multiple applications, and does not contain external dependencies. The tool accepts any sequence in FASTA format. The source code is freely provided at https://github.com/cobilab/alcor.
Telomere-to-telomere and gap-free genome assembly of a susceptible grapevine species (Thompson Seedless) to facilitate grape functional genomics
Authors: Wang Xianhang , Tu Mingxing , Wang Ya , Zhang Yali , Yin Wuchen , Fang Jinghao , Gao Min , Li Zhi , Zhan Wei , Fang Yulin , Song Junyang , Xi Zhumei , Wang Xiping 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Grapes are globally recognized as economically significant fruit trees. Among grape varieties, Thompson Seedless holds paramount influence for fresh consumption and for extensive applications in winemaking, drying, and juicing. This variety is one of the most efficient genotypes for grape genetic modification. However, the lack of a high-quality genome has impeded effective breeding efforts. Here, we present the high-quality reference genome of Thompson Seedless with all 19 chromosomes represented as 19 contiguous sequences (N50 = 27.1 Mb) with zero gaps and prediction of all telomeres and centromeres. Compared with the previous assembly (TSv1 version), the new assembly incorporates an additional 31.5 Mb of high-quality sequenced data with annotation of a total of 30 397 protein-coding genes. We also performed a meticulous analysis to identify nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat genes (NLRs) in Thompson Seedless and two wild grape varieties renowned for their disease resistance. Our analysis revealed a significant reduction in the number of two types of NLRs, TIR-NB-LRR (TNL) and CC-NB-LRR (CNL), in Thompson Seedless, which may have led to its sensitivity to many fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, and an increase in the number of a third type, RPW8 (resistance to powdery mildew 8)-NB-LRR (RNL). Subsequently, transcriptome analysis showed significant enrichment of NLRs during powdery mildew infection, emphasizing the pivotal role of these elements in grapevine’s defense against powdery mildew. The successful assembly of a high-quality Thompson Seedless reference genome significantly contributes to grape genomics research, providing insight into the importance of seedlessness, disease resistance, and color traits, and these data can be used to facilitate grape molecular breeding efforts.
An evaluation of the cetacean bycatch monitoring programme on board the Spanish set gillnet and bottom pair trawl fleets in the Bay of Biscay
Authors: Castro Jose , Cañás Lucia , Rodríguez Jose , Pierce Graham John , Saavedra Camilo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Bycatch of cetaceans by European Union (EU) fleets is mostly monitored by onboard observers under the EU Data Collection Framework (DCF) programme. There is concern that the resulting estimates of cetacean bycatch mortality are biased and imprecise, because bycatch events are rare, sampling coverage is limited, and DCF observers prioritize the sampling of the discard of commercial species. Here, we explore the utility of the recently established Spanish cetacean bycatch monitoring programme to estimate cetacean bycatch mortality and compare it to the EU DCF programme. Data from October 2020 to September 2021 from this new Spanish programme were analysed to explore the following issues: (i) representativeness of the sampling frame; (ii) estimation of bycatch per unit of effort (BPUE); and (iii) sampling coverage. The probabilistic sampling design of the programme, with a record of refusals, has allowed identification and correction of biases in BPUE estimation. BPUE estimates for the bottom pair trawl fleet were recalculated to account for the fact that although boats work in pairs, each pair is monitored by a single observer located in a single boat. In relation to the sampling coverage, our results point to a need for levels up to 31% to achieve statistically robust bycatch rates. The current Spanish EU DCF at-sea sampling programme (which includes the sampling of bycatch of non-target protected species) and the Spanish (dedicated) cetacean bycatch monitoring programme provided similar results on cetacean bycatch for some of the ICES Divisions and Metiers monitored but sampling coverage of both is insufficient to obtain robust estimates.
From guano to green hydrogen: food security and fertilizer disputes in international energy law
Authors: Hailes Oliver 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine triggered energy and food crises, driven by demand for natural gas as fuel and fertilizer feedstock. By adopting a recent framework for analysing the diverse ways in which international law regulates energy transactions, I extend the category of end-use energy products to include food for human consumption, given the economic importance of dietary energy and the entangled agendas of energy and food security. To highlight the intermediate roles played by international law in securing resources for conversion into dietary energy, I show how rules allocating entitlements over fossil fuels were inherited from an earlier generation of international disputes over fertilizer resources, including the taxation of nitrate exports, alien entitlements to guano discoveries, and the well-known confiscation of a factory at Chorzów. Many of these disputes between States and commercial actors prefigured the reliance of the modern energy industry on investment arbitration and retain currency in case law. Yet, the fertilizer trade also informed the development of offshore resource entitlements, the local regulation of global externalities, and the belated recognition of the rights of peoples over natural resources. Despite this normative evolution, dispute settlement in the energy sector is still driven by States and commercial actors, although the underlying transactions may have profound implications for food security. By reframing food as energy and integrating fertilizer disputes into a long history of international energy law, the anticipated transition from fossil fuels towards green hydrogen as a dual-use fuel and fertilizer feedstock may generate familiar sites of distributive conflict over resources for the production of dietary energy, calling for closer attention to whether food security may be enhanced by the entitlements of collective subjects (food sovereignty), individuals (right to food), corporations (investment protection), and States (economic regulation).
Pro-Claimant bias in arbitrator selection
Authors: Traxler Tobias 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Recent empirical studies have confirmed that arbitrator selection affects outcomes in investor–state arbitrations. This article builds on the existing literature, relying on 48 semistructured interviews with investor-state arbitration practitioners. It makes three novel claims: (A) sophisticated counsel nowadays will take factors beyond a candidate’s appointment record into account when selecting an arbitrator. In this, a candidate’s likely ability to influence their peers’ thinking is particularly important. (B) States struggle to keep up with investors in the sophisticated process of arbitrator selection. They are frequently unable to engage counsel and select suitable arbitrators within the mandated timelines for arbitrator selection, and (C), as a consequence of the former two insights, states frequently fall into four different traps when selecting arbitrators. They appoint as their arbitrators famous jurists without significant investor-state arbitration experience, famous proinvestor arbitrators, and famous arbitrators that have publicly assumed entrenched positions and defer appointments to appointing authorities. This hinders states’ ability to effectively further their case during arbitrator selection, thus disadvantaging them in investor–state arbitrations.
Energy disciplines in PTAs between security and sustainability concerns: a comparative perspective
Authors: Espa Ilaria 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This article aims at exploring the universe of energy disciplines included in preferential trade agreements (PTAs) and their evolution through the prisms of energy security and energy sustainability. It offers a comparative perspective by classifying relevant provisions according to their scope and coverage, their level of normativity and enforceability, and their innovative potential for driving a structural reorientation of PTAs from a security-driven approach (ie focused on the use of trade rules to promote energy trade in order to foster availability) to a sustainability-driven approach (ie focused on the use of trade rules to promote environmentally sustainable energy trade in order to facilitate the energy transition). It identifies the main tenets underpinning this ongoing shift and offers some reflections on how and to which extent environmental sustainability can be advanced through PTA disciplines on energy.
A randomized, double-blinded Phase 3 study to demonstrate lot-to-lot consistency and to confirm immunogenicity and safety of the live-attenuated chikungunya virus vaccine candidate VLA1553 in healthy adults
Authors: McMahon Robert , Fuchs Ulrike , Schneider Martina , Hadl Sandra , Hochreiter Romana , Bitzer Annegret , Kosulin Karin , Koren Michael , Mader Robert , Zoihsl Oliver , Wressnigg Nina , Dubischar Katrin , Buerger Vera , Eder-Lingelbach Susanne , Jaramillo Juan Carlos 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
The global spread of the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) increases the exposure risk for individuals travelling to or living in endemic areas. This Phase 3 study was designed to demonstrate manufacturing consistency between three lots of the single shot live-attenuated CHIKV vaccine VLA1553, and to confirm the promising immunogenicity and safety data obtained in previous trials.

Methods
This randomized, double-blinded, lot-to-lot consistency, Phase 3 study, assessed immunogenicity and safety of VLA1553 in 408 healthy adults (18–45 years) in 12 sites across the USA. The primary endpoint was a comparison of the geometric mean titre (GMT) ratios of CHIKV-specific neutralizing antibodies between three VLA1553 lots at 28 days post-vaccination. Secondary endpoints included immunogenicity and safety over 6 months post-vaccination.

Results
GMTs were comparable between the lots meeting the acceptance criteria for equivalence. The average GMT (measured by 50% CHIKV micro plaque neutralization test; μPRNT50) peaked with 2643 at 28 days post-vaccination and decreased to 709 at 6 months post-vaccination. An excellent seroresponse rate (defined as μPRNT50 titre ≥ 150 considered protective) was achieved in 97.8% of participants at 28 days post-vaccination and still persisted in 96% at 6 months after vaccination. Upon VLA1553 immunization, 72.5% of participants experienced adverse events (AEs), without significant differences between lots (related solicited systemic AE: 53.9% of participants; related solicited local AE: 19.4%). Overall, AEs were mostly mild or moderate and resolved without sequela, usually within 3 days. With 3.9% of participants experiencing severe AEs, 2.7% were classified as related, whereas none of the six reported serious adverse events was related to the administration of VLA1553.

Conclusions
All three lots of VLA1553 recapitulated the safety and immunogenicity profiles of a preceding Phase 3 study, fulfilling pre-defined consistency requirements. These results highlight the manufacturability of VLA1553, a promising vaccine for the prevention of CHIKV disease for those living in or travelling to endemic areas.