bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of anatomical characters of Peperomia (Piperaceae) from Asia for taxonomy
Authors: Suwanphakdee Chalermpol , Sutthinon Pornsawan , Hodkinson Trevor R 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The flowers of Peperomia (Piperaceae) are simple, minute, and unique structures within the angiosperms consisting of a rounded bract, two stamens and an ovary, but generally lack taxonomic value at species level. Because of this, morphological characters of vegetative parts have been mainly used for species level taxonomy. There is a need to supplement these vegetative characters with anatomical characters. We selected 17 native Thai species representatives of South East Asian Peperomia to investigate the utility of vegetative anatomical characters for species delimitation, taxon identification, and classification. Stem, petiole, and leaf anatomical characters were studied using standard microscopic techniques. The anatomical characters demonstrated high diversity and supported species identification. Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) culstering, Principal Coordinates analysis (PCoA), and Principal Component Anaysis (PCA) were used to investigate patterns in the multivariate anatomical data and identify groupings of value to species classification. Four broad groupings were retrieved and some subgroupings identified. The most important characters that differentiated the species in the multivariate analysis included stem shape (roundness and ridges), petiole indumentum and trichome type, vascular bundle pattern and number, stem pith cavity, mucilage canals, and stem cortex sclerenchyma. These data were further used to prepare anatomical descriptions at generic and species levels and to provide a key to species.
Novel loss-of-function variants expand ABCC9-related intellectual disability and myopathy syndrome
Authors: Efthymiou Stephanie , Scala Marcello , Nagaraj Vini , Ochenkowska Katarzyna , Komdeur Fenne L , Liang Robin A , Abdel-Hamid Mohamed S , Sultan Tipu , Barøy Tuva , Van Ghelue Marijke , Vona Barbara , Maroofian Reza , Zafar Faisal , Alkuraya Fowzan S , Zaki Maha S , Severino Mariasavina , Duru Kingsley C , Tryon Robert C , Brauteset Lin Vigdis , Ansari Morad , Hamilton Mark , van Haelst Mieke M , van Haaften Gijs , Zara Federico , Houlden Henry , Samarut Éric , Nichols Colin G , Smeland Marie F , McClenaghan Conor 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Loss-of-function mutation of ABCC9, the gene encoding the SUR2 subunit of ATP sensitive-potassium (KATP) channels, was recently associated with autosomal recessive ABCC9-related intellectual disability and myopathy syndrome (AIMS). Here we identify nine additional subjects, from seven unrelated families, harbouring different homozygous loss-of-function variants in ABCC9 and presenting with a conserved range of clinical features.
All variants are predicted to result in severe truncations or in-frame deletions within SUR2, leading to the generation of non-functional SUR2-dependent KATP channels. Affected individuals show psychomotor delay and intellectual disability of variable severity, microcephaly, corpus callosum and white matter abnormalities, seizures, spasticity, short stature, muscle fatigability and weakness. Heterozygous parents do not show any conserved clinical pathology but report multiple incidences of intra-uterine fetal death, which were also observed in an eighth family included in this study. In vivo studies of abcc9 loss-of-function in zebrafish revealed an exacerbated motor response to pentylenetetrazole, a pro-convulsive drug, consistent with impaired neurodevelopment associated with an increased seizure susceptibility.
Our findings define an ABCC9 loss-of-function-related phenotype, expanding the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of AIMS and reveal novel human pathologies arising from KATP channel dysfunction.
An increase in albuminuria is associated with a higher incidence of malignancies
Authors: Luo Li , Kieneker Lyanne M , Yang Yuanhang , Janse Roemer J , Bosi Alessandro , de Boer Rudolf A , Vart Priya , Carrero Juan-Jesus , Gansevoort Ron T 
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
A single albuminuria measurement is reported to be an independent predictor of cancer risk. Whether change in albuminuria is also independently associated with cancer is not known.

Methods
We included 64 303 subjects of the Stockholm CREAtinine Measurements (SCREAM) project without a history of cancer and with at least two urine albumin–creatinine ratio (ACR) tests up to 2 years apart. Albuminuria changes were quantified by the fold-change in ACR over 2 years, and stratified into the absence of clinically elevated albuminuria (i.e. never), albuminuria that remained constant, and albuminuria that increased or decreased. The primary outcome was overall cancer incidence. Secondary outcomes were site-specific cancer incidences.

Results
During a median follow-up of 3.7 (interquartile range 3.6–3.7) years, 5126 subjects developed de novo cancer. After multivariable adjustment including baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate and baseline ACR, subjects with increasing ACR over 2 years had a 19% (hazard ratio 1.19; 95% confidence interval 1.08–1.31) higher risk of overall cancer compared with those who never had clinically elevated ACR. No association with cancer risk was seen in the groups with decreasing or constant ACR. Regarding site-specific cancer risks, subjects with increasing ACR or constant ACR had a higher risk of developing urinary tract and lung cancer. No other associations between 2-year ACR changes and site-specific cancers were found.

Conclusions
Increases in albuminuria over a 2-year period are associated with a higher risk of developing overall, urinary tract and lung cancer, independent of baseline kidney function and albuminuria. These data add important weight to the link that exists between albuminuria and cancer incidence.
Beta-adrenergic blockade increases pulmonary vascular resistance and causes exaggerated hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction at high altitude: a physiological study
Authors: Hilty Matthias Peter , Siebenmann Christoph , Rasmussen Peter , Keiser Stefanie , Müller Andrea , Lundby Carsten , Maggiorini Marco 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
An increasing number of hypertensive persons travel to high altitude (HA) while using antihypertensive medications such as beta-blockers. Nevertheless, while hypoxic exposure initiates an increase in pulmonary artery pressure (Ppa) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), the contribution of the autonomic nervous system is unclear. In animals, beta-adrenergic blockade has induced pulmonary vasoconstriction in normoxia and exaggerated hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) and both effects were abolished by muscarinic blockade. We thus hypothesized that in humans, propranolol (PROP) increases Ppa and PVR in normoxia and exaggerates HPV, and that these effects of PROP are abolished by glycopyrrolate (GLYC).

Methods
In seven healthy male lowlanders, Ppa was invasively measured without medication, with PROP and PROP + GLYC, both at sea level (SL, 488 m) and after a 3-week sojourn at 3454 m altitude (HA). Bilateral thigh-cuff release manoeuvres were performed to derive pulmonary pressure-flow relationships and pulmonary vessel distensibility.

Results
At SL, PROP increased Ppa and PVR from (mean ± SEM) 14 ± 1 to 17 ± 1 mmHg and from 69 ± 8 to 108 ± 11 dyn s cm−5 (21% and 57% increase, P = 0.01 and P &lt; 0.0001). The PVR response to PROP was amplified at HA to 76% (P &lt; 0.0001, P[interaction] = 0.05). At both altitudes, PROP + GLYC abolished the effect of PROP on Ppa and PVR. Pulmonary vessel distensibility decreased from 2.9 ± 0.5 to 1.7 ± 0.2 at HA (P &lt; 0.0001) and to 1.2 ± 0.2 with PROP, and further decreased to 0.9 ± 0.2% mmHg−1 with PROP + GLYC (P = 0.01).

Conclusions
Our data show that beta-adrenergic blockade increases, and muscarinic blockade decreases PVR, whereas both increase pulmonary artery elastance. Future studies may confirm potential implications from the finding that beta-adrenergic blockade exaggerates HPV for the management of mountaineers using beta-blockers for prevention or treatment of cardiovascular conditions.
Domestic Debate and International Office: Sweden in the UN Security Council 2017–18
Authors: Möller Ulrika , Ekengren Ann-Marie 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Through an explanation of the domestic political controversy that surrounded the most recent Swedish candidature and subsequent membership of the UN Security Council 2017–18, this article contributes to our understanding of the domestic–foreign policy nexus in two respects. First, it conceptualizes a domain of foreign policy priorities. Issues within this domain are likelier to deviate from a consensual pattern of foreign policy by sparking conflict, as they provoke competing national role conceptions among the foreign policy elite. Second, it refines results from previous study on the executive–legislative relationship in foreign policy. It confirms the association between party conflict on substantive foreign policy and a higher level of parliamentary control on the government. The conflict on substance leads to a decline in trust among members of parliament in opposition, which may motivate the continuation of parliamentary control through available instruments also after the conflict on substance is settled. The analysis is conducted in three descriptive steps: (1) the domestic-institutional context of decision-making, (2) partisan divides, and (3) the executive–legislative relationship. It utilizes a variety of sources, including parliamentary debates, governmental and parliamentary assessments, and interviews with diplomats and senior officials.
On Clairaut's theory and its extension for planetary hydrostatic equilibrium derived using gravitational multipole formalism
Authors: Chao Benjamin F , Shih Sheng-An 
Published: January 2024

SUMMARY
Clairaut's theory that relates the Earth's oblate figure and internal ellipticity to its gravity under rotational-hydrostatic equilibrium has reigned classical geodesy over the centuries. In this paper, we (i) derive from first principles the classical Clairaut's theory for the polar oblateness of a rotating planet under axi-symmetric rotational-hydrostatic equilibrium and (ii) extend the development to the triaxial case for the equatorial ellipticity of a tidally locked synchronous-rotating moon under rotational-tidal-hydrostatic equilibrium. Typical derivations of the classical Clairaut's theory presented in the literature being rather laborious even to first order, we instead exploit two concise forms of methodology: the gravitational multipole formalism on the physics side, and the Jacobian determinant for the Clairaut coordinate transformation on the mathematics side. The outcome is a logical and straightforward derivation of Clairaut's theory to first order in its entirety, encompassing all the equations and related formulas in geodesy bearing Clairaut's name. That further allows a natural extension to a tidally locked moon. In particular it is demonstrated that the same Clairaut's differential equation applies to both cases governing both the polar oblateness and the equatorial ellipticity.
Stress and frequency dependence of wave velocities in saturated rocks based on acoustoelasticity with squirt-flow dissipation
Authors: Ba Jing , Wei Yijun , Carcione José M , Adam Ludmila , Tang Genyang 
Published: January 2024

SUMMARY
We perform seismic and ultrasonic measurements in carbonate and shaley sandstone samples as a function of differential pressure. The velocities show a strong frequency and pressure dependence. The dispersion disappears with increasing pressure and the squirt flow in turn inhibits the pressure dependence. To model these effects, we combine the Gurevich's squirt-flow model with the Mori–Tanaka scheme and the David Zimmerman model, and extend it with third-order elastic constants, to obtain a frequency-dependent acoustoelasticity model. Comparisons between measurements from this study and literature and modelling results show that the P-wave velocity increases non-linearly first and then nearly linearly, dominated by crack closure and acoustoelasticity, respectively. The pressure dependence of wave velocities is reduced by liquid substitution and further by the squirt-flow mechanism. The effects of fluid properties and crack closure on P-wave velocity decrease with differential pressure. The results will feed a new model and help better understanding the wave propagation in pre-stressed rocks at different scales.
GNE deficiency impairs Myogenesis in C2C12 cells and cannot be rescued by ManNAc supplementation
Authors: Neu Carolin T , Weilepp Linus , Bork Kaya , Gesper Astrid , Horstkorte Rüdiger 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
GNE myopathy (GNEM) is a late-onset muscle atrophy, caused by mutations in the gene for the key enzyme of sialic acid biosynthesis, UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine kinase (GNE). With an incidence of one to nine cases per million it is an ultra-rare, so far untreatable, autosomal recessive disease. Several attempts have been made to treat GNEM patients by oral supplementation with sialic acid precursors (e.g. N-acetylmannosamine, ManNAc) to restore sarcolemmal sialylation and muscle strength. In most studies, however, no significant improvement was observed. The lack of a suitable mouse model makes it difficult to understand the exact pathomechanism of GNEM and many years of research have failed to identify the role of GNE in skeletal muscle due to the lack of appropriate tools. We established a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Gne-knockout cell line using murine C2C12 cells to gain insight into the actual role of the GNE enzyme and sialylation in a muscular context. The main aspect of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of ManNAc and N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac). Treatment of Gne-deficient C2C12 cells with Neu5Ac, but not with ManNAc, showed a restoration of the sialylation level back to wild type levels–albeit only with long-term treatment, which could explain the rather low therapeutic potential. We furthermore highlight the importance of sialic acids on myogenesis, for C2C12 Gne-knockout myoblasts lack the ability to differentiate into mature myotubes.
A Scanner Darkly: Copyright Liability and Exceptions in Artificial Intelligence Inputs and Outputs
Authors: Guadamuz Andres 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This article delves into the legal issues surrounding the use of copyrighted works in training artificial intelligence (AI). It examines two critical questions: firstly, whether accessing and analysing copyrighted works for AI training constitutes copyright infringement; and secondly, whether outputs generated by AI from these inputs infringe on copyright. The primary focus is on the United Kingdom’s jurisdiction, with comparative analyses from EU law and a few US cases. The article aims to bring clarity to these multifaceted legal issues by thoroughly exploring the technicalities of machine learning and its implications for ongoing and future litigation. The hypothesis suggests that most inputs may fall under existing exceptions and limitations, but the outputs’ legality may depend on individual case specifics. The conclusion reflects on the inevitable legal challenges that accompany technological advances, as happened in the past with file sharing and the early World Wide Web. The article highlights the current stage of AI technology and law, suggesting that legal precedents or legislative actions might eventually settle disputes. It also emphasizes the importance of finding technological solutions – like metadata standards or proactive initiatives – to balance copyright holders’ rights with AI innovation. The article concludes by acknowledging the irreversible emergence of AI in our lives and the legal system’s need to adapt, offering equitable solutions to copyright holders while fostering technological advancement.
A cryptozoospermic infertile male with Y chromosome AZFc microdeletion and low FSH levels due to a simultaneous polymorphism in the FSHB gene: a case report
Authors: Graziani Andrea , Merico Maurizio , Grande Giuseppe , Di Mambro Antonella , Vinanzi Cinzia , Rocca Maria Santa , Selice Riccardo , Ferlin Alberto 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Genetic causes account for 10–15% of male factor infertility, making the genetic investigation an essential and useful tool, mainly in azoospermic and severely oligozoospermic men. In these patients, the most frequent findings are chromosomal abnormalities and Y chromosome long arm microdeletions, which cause a primary severe spermatogenic impairment with classically increased levels of FSH. On the other hand, polymorphisms in the FSH receptor (FSHR) and FSH beta chain (FSHB) genes have been associated with different FSH plasma levels, due to variations in the receptor sensitivity (FSHR) or in the production of FSH from the pituitary gland (FSHB). Here, we describe an unusual patient with a combined genetic alteration (classic AZFc deletion of the Y chromosome and TT homozygosity for the -211G&gt;T polymorphism in the FSHB gene (rs10835638)), presenting with cryptozoospermia, severe hypospermatogenesis, and normal LH and testosterone plasma concentrations, but low FSH levels. The patient partially benefitted from treatment with FSH (150 IU three times/week for 6 months) which allowed him to cryopreserve enough motile spermatozoa to be used for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. According to our knowledge, this is the first report of an infertile man with AZFc microdeletion with low FSH plasma concentrations related to homozygosity for the -211G&gt;T polymorphism in the FSHB gene.
Favourable surgical outcomes for either second primary lung cancer or intrapulmonary metastasis after resection of non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Ishikawa Yoshihiro , Tsuura Yukio , Okudela Koji , Sawazumi Tomoe , Arai Hiromasa , Ando Kohei , Woo Tetsukan , Morohoshi Takao , Inafuku Kenji , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Rino Yasushi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Metachronous lung cancer arising after resection of non-small-cell lung cancer is either a second primary lung cancer (SPLC) or intrapulmonary metastasis (IPM) of the initial lung cancer; however, differential diagnosis is difficult. We evaluated the surgical outcomes of metachronous lung cancer in a combined population of patients with SPLC and IPM.

METHODS
A retrospective study of 3534 consecutive patients with resected non-small-cell lung cancer between 1992 and 2016 was conducted at 4 institutions.

RESULTS
A total of 105 patients (66 males; median age, 70 years) who underwent a second pulmonary resection for metachronous lung cancer were included. Most patients (81%) underwent sublobar resection, and there was no 30-day mortality. All metachronous lung cancers were cN0, 5 were pN1-2. The postoperative comprehensive histologic assessment revealed SPLC (n = 77) and IPM (n = 28). The 5-year overall survival rate after the second resection was 70.6% (median follow-up: 69.7 months). A multivariable analysis showed that age &gt;70 years at the second resection (P = 0.013), male sex (P = 0.003), lymph node involvement in metachronous cancer (P &lt; 0.001), pathological invasive size of metachronous cancer &gt;15 mm (P &lt; 0.001) and overlapping squamous cell carcinoma histology of the initial and metachronous cancers (P = 0.003) were significant prognostic factors for poor survival after the second resection, whereas histological IPM was not (P = 0.065).

CONCLUSIONS
Surgery for cN0 metachronous lung cancer is safe and shows good outcomes. There were no statistically significant differences in the SPLC and IPM results. Caution should be exercised when operating on patients with overlapping squamous cell carcinoma.
A Matter of Journal Choice: A Conjoint Experiment on Submission Choices of Latin American IR Scholars
Authors: Montal Florencia , Pauselli Gino , Yamin Patricio 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This article addresses the underrepresentation of Global South scholars in Global North journals. In order to explore this issue, we conducted a study on the submission decisions of Global South scholars, with a focus on International Relations (IR). We collected novel data on IR scholars based in Latin America and conducted a conjoint experiment on a sample of 446 scholars. Our study provides the first experimental evidence of journal submission choice in Political Science in the Global South. Our findings indicate that both journal attributes and individual characteristics impact the choice of journal, including factors such as language, editorial location, and acceptance rates. This research has important implications for the discipline and for journal editors in the Global North, as it provides valuable insights on how to promote diversity in academic publishing as well as the limits of such strategies.
A novel approach: targeting virulence factors of Candida albicans with essential oil components
Authors: Shaban Abdulrahman M Abu , Darmani Homa 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Aims
Focusing on phytochemicals to target the virulence factors of Candida albicans is a promising avenue for novel antifungal compounds. Given the limited prior research on essential oil (EO) components and their specific effects on C. albicans virulence, our study aimed to explore their impact and uncover the underlying mechanisms.

Methods and results
We examined the effects on viability, dimorphic transition, biofilm formation, and changes in the expression of critical virulence-related genes. The results showed that Dehydrocostus lactone, displayed the most potent growth-inhibiting activity with the lowest MIC value, followed by Thymol and Costunolide. A substantial, dose-dependent decrease in germ tube formation occurred after exposure to sub-inhibitory concentrations of the EO components, with Carvacrol, Dehydrocostus Lactone, and Thymol exerting the most potent inhibitory effects. Across sub-inhibitory concentrations, Alpha Bisabolol consistently showcased the most potent antibiofilm activity, followed by lower but significant inhibitory effects with Dehydrocostus Lactone, Thymol, Alpha Pinene, Costunolide, Carvone, and Carvacrol. Alpha Bisabolol, Alpha Pinene, and Dehydrocostus Lactone caused almost total downregulation of ACT1 while minimal changes occurred in expression of HWP1, SAP4, ALS3, and ECE1.

Conclusions
Considering that actin is essential for various cellular processes, including budding, cell shape maintenance, and the formation of filaments in C. albicans, it is a plausible hypothesis that inhibiting ACT1 or disturbing actin’s normal functioning could potentially affect the fungus’s virulence, which warrants additional research and exploration. This study underscores the potent antifungal and anti-virulence properties of various EO components, which effectively cripple C. albicans and reduce its disease-causing ability. This innovative approach holds promise for effective clinical therapies.