bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On comparing the profitability of horizontal mergers under Cournot and Bertrand competitions
Authors: Tao Aiyuan , Wang X. Henry 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis paper reconsiders the comparison of horizontal two‐firm mergers in differentiated oligopolies, originally explored with the assumption that the merged firm produces a single product. By relaxing this assumption, our analysis presents a contrast to previous findings that suggested that a two‐firm merger is more likely under the Cournot competition than under the Bertrand competition. We find that the opposite holds true if the merged firm chooses to produce one or both products post‐merger. Moreover, we demonstrate that, in most circumstances, and under either the Cournot or Bertrand competition, the merged firm has an incentive to produce both products post‐merger.
A Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial of Bumetanide in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Damier Philippe , Degos Bertrand , Castelonovo Giovanni , Anheim Mathieu , Benatru Isabelle , Carrière Nicolas , Colin Olivier , Defebvre Luc , Deverdal Marie , Eusebio Alexandre , Ferrier Vanessa , Giordana Caroline , Houeto Jean‐Luc , Le Dily Severine , Mongin Marie , Thiriez Claire , Tranchant Christine , Ravel Denis , Corvol Jean‐Christophe , Rascol Olivier , Ben Ari Yehezkel 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundActing on the main target of dopaminergic cells, the striatal γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic cells, might be a new way to treat persons with Parkinson's disease (PD).ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of bumetanide, an Na–K–Cl cotransporter (NKCC1) inhibitor, to improve motor symptoms in PD.MethodsThis was a 4‐month double‐blind, randomized, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled trial of 1.75 to 3 mg/day bumetanide as an adjunct to levodopa in 44 participants with PD and motor fluctuations.ResultsCompared to the baseline, the mean change in OFF Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III score after 4 months of treatment (primary endpoint) did not improve significantly compared with placebo. No changes between participants treated with bumetanide and those treated with placebo were observed for most other outcome measures. Despite no relevant safety signals, bumetanide was poorly tolerated.ConclusionsThere was no evidence in this study that bumetanide has efficacy in improving motor symptoms of PD. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Clinical and Genetic Spectrum in a Large Cohort of Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
Authors: Cao Yuwen , Zheng Haoran , Zhu Zeyu , Yao Li , Tian Wotu , Cao Li 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundNext‐generation sequencing‐based molecular assessment has benefited the diagnosis of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) subtypes. However, the clinical and genetic spectrum of HSP due to large fragment deletions/duplications has yet to be fully defined.ObjectiveWe aim to better characterize the clinical phenotypes and genetic features of HSP and to provide new thoughts on diagnosis.MethodsWhole‐exome sequencing (WES) was performed in patients with clinically suspected HSP, followed by multiple ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) sequentially carried out for those with negative findings in known causative genes. Genotype–phenotype correlation analyses were conducted under specific genotypes.ResultsWe made a genetic diagnosis in 60% (162/270) of patients, of whom 48.9% (132/270) had 24 various subtypes due to point mutations (SPG4/SPG11/SPG35/SPG7/SPG10/SPG5/SPG3A/SPG2/SPG76/SPG30/SPG6/SPG9A/SPG12/SPG15/SPG17/SPG18/SPG26/SPG49/SPG55/SPG56/SPG57/SPG62/SPG78/SPG80). Thirty patients were found to have causative rearrangements by MLPA (11.1%), among which SPG4 was the most prevalent (73.3%), followed by SPG3A (16.7%), SPG6 (3.3%), SPG7 (3.3%), and SPG11 (3.3%). Clinical analysis showed that some symptoms were often related to specific subtypes, and rearrangement‐related SPG3A patients seemingly had later onset. We observed a presumptive anticipation among SPG4 and SPG3A families due to rearrangement.ConclusionsBased on the largest known Asian HSP cohort, including the largest subgroup of rearrangement‐related pedigrees, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the clinical and genetic spectrum of HSP. We propose a diagnostic flowchart to sequentially detect the causative genes in practice. Large fragment mutations account for a considerable proportion of HSP, and thus, MLPA screening acts as a beneficial supplement to routine WES. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Chemie und Kunst: K(l)Experimente
Authors: Albus Stefan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDie 1960er Jahre mit ihren anarchistischen Kunststoffobjekten sind vorbei. Kreative setzen Polymerwerkstoffe mittlerweile gezielt ein, um ihre Vorstellungen zu verwirklichen. Auf der Kunstmesse Art Cologne ist alles Chemie und Physik, darunter Schaum, Autolack, Kunstfell und Epoxidharz.
Can we predict whether a man with acute or chronic urinary retention will void after bladder outflow resistance reduction surgery? ICI‐RS 2023
Authors: Tarcan Tufan , Acar Ömer , Malde Sachin , Sinha Sanjay , Sahai Arun , Perrouin‐Verbe Marie‐Aimee , Hashim Hashim , Agro Enrico Finazzi , Wein Alan , Abrams Paul 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAimsTo address the predictive factors of a successful voiding after bladder outflow resistance reduction surgery (BORRS) in men presenting with acute or chronic urinary retention (UR).MethodsA think tank (TT) of ICI‐RS was gathered in 2023, Bristol, UK, to discuss several aspects of the problem, such as the pathophysiology of UR, the clinical and urodynamic evaluation of men with UR and whether it is possible to predict which men will be able to successfully void after treatment with contemporary surgical options.ResultsThe TT agreed that successful voiding after BORRS depends on several factors but that a strong recommendation cannot be made regarding preoperative evaluation and whether there are predictive factors of success because of the heterogeneity of patients and methodology in published trials. The diagnosis of obstruction in men with UR may be challenging when there is apparent reduced detrusor contraction during urodynamic studies. Even in the absence of bladder contractility there is documentation of such cases that have voided adequately after BORRS. Still, detrusor underactivity and inadequate relief of prostatic obstruction are the main causes of an unsuccessful voiding after BORRS. Conventional resection and enucleation methods remain the most successful surgeries in relieving UR in men, whereas the efficacy of minimally invasive surgical treatments needs to be assessed further.ConclusionResearch is needed to understand the pathophysiology of UR and the predictors of successful voiding after different types of BORRS in men with UR.
Outcomes for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients with intestinal perforation
Authors: Canedo Gustavo de Oliveira , Fahy Aodhnait S. , Krol Eveline Lapidus , Abla Oussama , Chiu Priscilla P. L. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectivesIntestinal perforation during acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment in children is rare, but represents a severe complication with possible long‐term consequences. In this study, we aim to provide an overview of the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of these patients; analyze surgical pathology findings for possible causes; and determine its impact on patients’ therapy, nutritional status, and outcome.Study designHistorical chart review from January 2000 to October 2020 of children with ALL and intestinal perforation during therapy diagnosed at a single institution. Data collected included patient demographics, anthropometric measurements, ALL characteristics, diagnosis and surgery of intestinal perforation, pathology, adjustments to treatment plan, and outcome.ResultsOf 1840 ALL patients, 13 (0.7%) presented with intestinal perforation during treatment. Perforation occurred during induction phase in 91% of cases. Most patients underwent laparotomy with ostomy creation, and no patient died from the intervention or developed malnutrition. Pathology mainly revealed inflammation at the perforation site. Two samples showed leukemic infiltration and presence of microorganisms. Patients were able to resume ALL therapy in all cases. A total of eight patients (73%) were in first remission at last follow‐up, with a median follow‐up time of 42 months (interquartile range = 42).ConclusionEarly surgical intervention is a successful treatment approach for intestinal perforation in ALL patients. There is a clear predilection for induction phase in the occurrence of intestinal perforation in ALL patients. No specific cause was identified. Patients can receive bridging chemotherapy during surgical recovery and proceed with their treatment without apparent impact on outcome.
Knowledge gaps and confidence in counseling about aneuploidy screening and testing: A survey of prenatal care clinicians
Authors: Thorsen M. M. , Khanuja K. , Mahoney R. C. , Al‐Kouatly H. B. , Russo M. L. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractObjectivesComprehensive counseling on prenatal genetic screening and diagnostic testing is challenging for clinicians. We sought to identify baseline clinician knowledge of prenatal genetic screening and diagnostic testing and needs to promote counseling aligned with ACOG recommendations.MethodsWe performed an anonymous, cross‐sectional survey of clinicians at two unaffiliated, tertiary academic institutions to assess the knowledge of, confidence in, and time spent counseling on prenatal genetic screening and diagnostic testing. Stata (Version 17, College Station, TX) was used to perform descriptive statistics. Deductive and inductive coding was used to analyze responses regarding ideal education resources.ResultsThe survey response rate was 78% (100/129). Only 36% of respondents correctly answered knowledge questions about prenatal genetic screening and diagnostic testing. A majority, 59% (16/39), of those confident or extremely confident in counseling were unable to answer all questions accurately. Respondents reported a median of 5.6 min (95% CI 4.9–6.4 min) spent counseling. Thematic analysis of free responses revealed desire for visual tools that discuss financial costs and patient values.ConclusionsSurveyed clinicians demonstrated deficiencies in knowledge about prenatal genetic counseling. To provide better and more comprehensive care, we noted a desire for the development of formalized resources for clinician and patient education.
Effects of grade retention in lower secondary education on students' self‐concept, self‐esteem, goal orientations, and school career
Authors: Pipa Joana , Daniel João R. , Peixoto Francisco 
Published: January 2024

AbstractGrade retention is one of the most discussed and controversial educational measures, and yet, it is still widely applied in many countries. Research investigating the effects of grade retention on students' psychosocial variables presents mixed findings, partly due to the variables assessed, methodological issues, and the length of the studies. This study aimed to analyse both the short to medium and longitudinal effects of grade retention in grades 7 or 8 on Portuguese students' academic self‐concept, self‐esteem, goal orientations, and school career. Data were collected continuously over a 3‐year span (once a year) and, again, 3 years after the third wave. After matching 477 students on several pretreatment variables using inverse probability treatment weighting with time‐varying treatments (i.e., retention), our analytical sample consisted of 85 promoted students, 33 students retained in grade 7, and 32 students retained in grade 8. Our results showed that retained students did not differ from their promoted peers in self‐esteem and goal orientations in the short, medium, or long term. The exception was for an increase in the academic self‐concept of retained students, but only in short term. Finally, considering students' school career, grade retention was not predictive of further retention.
Rapid detection of multi‐scale cotton pests based on lightweight GBW‐YOLOv5 model
Authors: Liang Jinyan , Tian Min , Liu Xiang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDPest infestation is one of the primary causes of decreased cotton yield and quality. Rapid and accurate identification of cotton pest categories is essential for producers to implement effective and expeditious control measures. Existing multi‐scale cotton pest detection technology still suffers from poor accuracy and rapidity of detection. This study proposed the pruned GBW‐YOLOv5 (Ghost‐BiFPN‐WIoU You Only Look Once version 5), a novel model for the rapid detection of cotton pests.RESULTSThe detection performance of the pruned GBW‐YOLOv5 model for cotton pests was evaluated based on the self‐built cotton pest dataset. In comparison with the original YOLOv5 model, the pruned GBW‐YOLOv5 model demonstrated significant reductions in complexity, size, and parameters by 68.4%, 66.7%, and 68.2%, respectively. Remarkably, the mean average precision (mAP) decreased by a mere 3.8%. The pruned GBW‐YOLOv5 model outperformed other classic object detection models, achieving an outstanding detection speed of 114.9 FPS.CONCLUSIONThe methodology proposed by our research enabled rapid and accurate identification of cotton pests, laying a solid foundation for the implementation of precise pest control measures. The pruned GBW‐YOLOv5 model provided theoretical research and technical support for detecting cotton pests under field conditions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
An automated alignment algorithm for identification of the source of footwear impressions with common class characteristics
Authors: Lee Hana , Carriquiry Alicia , Park Soyoung 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe introduce an algorithmic approach designed to compare similar shoeprint images, with automated alignment. Our method employs the Iterative Closest Points (ICP) algorithm to attain optimal alignment, further enhancing precision through phase‐only correlation. Utilizing diverse metrics to quantify similarity, we train a random forest model to predict the empirical probability that two impressions originate from the same shoe. Experimental evaluations using high‐quality two‐dimensional shoeprints showcase our proposed algorithm's robustness in managing dissimilarities between impressions from the same shoe, outperforming existing approaches.
Is economic growth in East Asia pacific and South Asia ESG factors based and aligned growth?
Authors: Işık Cem , Ongan Serdar , Islam Hasibul , Jabeen Gul , Pinzon Stefania 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAsia–Pacific countries are experiencing rapid economic growth. Is this growth ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors‐based and aligned growth? Therefore, this study investigates the connections between ESG indicators and economic growth in East Asia Pacific and South Asia. To achieve this aim, we employed the FMOLS, DOLS, and AMG models. While the AMG model highlights significant long‐term positive effects of the environmental (EFs) and governance factors (GOVNF) on economic growth, the FMOLS and DOLS models emphasize the substantial influence of social factors (SOC) on economic growth. These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of ESG factors and offer valuable insights for policymakers aiming to align strategies with the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Notably, the GOVNF, with components like control of corruption, regulatory quality, rule of law, and government effectiveness, does not influence the GDP of developed nations, such as Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. However, its significance is evident in countries like Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. This result might stem from the possibility that developed countries have historically addressed and resolved issues like corruption and the rule of law, while these elements remain crucial determinants for the economic growth of developing nations like Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. Empirical findings provide the region's policymakers with essential insights and a guide for implementing their economic growth policies ESG factor‐based and aligned to the United Nations' SDGs. These targets will make the economic growth of the region's countries sustainable.
Key recommendations for the implementation of policies concerning LGBTIQ+ children
Authors: Langarita Jose Antonio , Sadurní‐Balcells Núria , Platero Lucas , Esteves Mafalda , Albertín Pilar , Montserrat Carme , López Saez Miguel Ángel , Pastor Yolanda , Blanco‐Fuente Irene , Kutassy Dorottya 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe Colourful Childhoods project, funded by the European Union, has been implemented in six European Union countries (Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, and Spain) between 2022 and 2024. The project aimed to contribute to the development of effective strategies to prevent and combat all forms of violence against LGBTIQ children in vulnerable and post‐COVID contexts. This text discusses the relevance of policies targeting LGBTIQ+ children, identifies some of the primary needs of LGBTIQ+ children to inform the development of public policies that enhance their well‐being, presents the requirements of professionals working with children to provide effective support, and highlights political and legal needs. Additionally, the text provides recommendations that can contribute to the well‐being of LGBTIQ+ children.
Functionalization of Arabinoxylan in Chitosan Based Blends by Periodate Oxidation for Drug Release Study
Authors: Jabeen Nazish , Iram Fozia , Atif Muhammad , Fatimah Naalain E 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis article presents the isolation of arabinoxylan (AX) from Plantago ovata seed husk and its oxidation using periodate to create oxidized‐AX (OAX) with distinct functionalities. Utilizing the solution casting method, biocompatible blends of arabinoxylan/chitosan (AX/CS) are prepared at various weight ratios, and their properties are assessed. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) are employed to gauge compatibility and thermal traits of AX and OAX with CS. Solubility tests reveal partial and limited solubility of AX and OAX in distilled water, respectively. OAX displays favorable compressibility and flow rate through Carr's index, Hausner's ratio, and angle of repose analyses. FT‐IR data confirm intermolecular hydrogen bonding between CS′s −NH2− group and OAX′s carbonyl group, with XRD showing low crystallinity. Diclofenac sodium (DC) is loaded as a model drug into AX/CS and OAX/CS blends for release studies in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer. Results exhibit OAX/CS blends with sustained drug release, surpassing AX/CS blends. Among ratios tested, the OAX/CS (1 : 2) blend emerges as a superior excipient, demonstrating enhanced in‐vitro release potential, highlighting oxidized blends′ promise in sustained drug delivery systems.
Constructing mechanically robust, efficient self‐healing, high‐energy, and recyclable energetic composites by hybrid dynamic lock strategy
Authors: Sun Zhe , Cheng Yuhang , Wan Boyao , Jin Xiaoming , Zhang Tianfu , Zhu Hongyi , Xue Qi , Xiao Lei , Liu Guigao , Jiang Wei , Zhang Guangpu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIt is still a huge challenge to introduce effective crack‐healing ability into energetic composites with a high oxidizer content. In this article, a poly(urea‐urethane) energetic elastomer was prepared by the polycondensation reaction of glycidyl azido polymer (GAP), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), and 2‐aminophenyl disulfide (2‐APD). In the poly(urea‐urethane) elastomer structure, the hybrid dynamic lock, including multilevel H‐bonds and disulfide bonds, not only provides abundant dynamic interactions and promotes chain diffusion, but also enhances physical crosslinking density. Such a unique design fabricated the energetic elastomer with robust tensile strength (0.72 MPa), high stretchability (1631%), and outstanding toughness (8.95 MJ/m3) in the field of energetic polymers. Meanwhile, this energetic elastomer exhibited high self‐healing efficiency (98.4% at 60 °C) and heat release (Q = 1750.46 J/g). Experimental and theoretical results adequately explain the self‐healing mechanism, particularly the role of azido units. The high‐solid content (80 wt%) energetic composites based on the energetic elastomer presented outstanding micro‐defect self‐healing (97.8%) and recycling without loss of mechanical performance. The development of smart energetic composites with excellent self‐healing and recyclable ability provides a meaningful way for a wide range of applications in the field of energetic materials.
Numerical simulation of concrete structures—From research to engineering application
Authors: Cervenka Vladimir , Cervenka Jan , Rymes Jiri 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe paper describes the authors' contribution to the evolution of numerical simulation of concrete structures based on the nonlinear finite element method. The formulation of constitutive relations for concrete material is a keystone of this approach, whereas cracking is the dominant feature. Two distinct methods of crack modeling were developed, namely, the discrete and the smeared crack models. Blind prediction benchmarks of the experimental tests are used for model verification. Application of the numerical simulation in the design of concrete structures is supported by the global safety format, where the uncertainty sources, due to the material and the resistance model, are considered. A structural assessment of a prestressed reinforced concrete viaduct is shown as an example of application.
Single‐cell RNA sequencing reveals the landscape of biomarker in allergic rhinitis patient undergoing intracervical lymphatic immunotherapy and related pan‐cancer analysis
Authors: Li Yin , Li Hao , Huang Weijun , Yu Qingqing , Wang Kai , Xiong Yu , Wang Qixing , Qin Yang , Kuang Xiong , Tang Jun 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIntroductionAllergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the leading allergic diseases worldwide. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) induces persistent specific allergen tolerance to achieve remission of the symptoms in AR patients. We creatively conducted the intra‐cervical lymphatic immunotherapy (ICLIT) for AR patients. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of immune cell response of AIT in AR remains elusive.MethodTo investigate the transcriptome profile in AR patients who underwent ICLIT, we comprehensively investigated the transcriptional changes in B cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of AR patient by single‐cell RNA sequencing. Immunoglobulins and relative key gene, which influences the B cell differentiation, was demonstrated. The biomarkers' association with different types of tumors was investigated.ResultsNaive B cells, germinal center B cells, activated memory B cells, and memory B cells constituted the B cells subsets. The expression of IGHE, IGHGs, IGHA, IGHD, and IGHM from memory B cells was validated. Pseudotime analysis further indicated the dynamic change from the expression of the immunoglobulins in the memory B cells, suggesting that ITGB1 may contribute to the differentiation procedure of memory B cells. The cell–cell communication among these immune cells demonstrated the significantly enhanced CD23, BTLA signaling after ICLIT in AR patient. ITGB1 was upregulated in 13 tumors and downregulated in six others. High ITGB1 expression was linked to poor prognosis in eight types of tumors. ITGB1 expression showed correlations with tumor mutation burden, tissue purity, and microsatellite instability in different types of tumors.DiscussionITGB1 was demonstrated as a potential biomarker for AR patients after ICLIT and is significant in identifying immune infiltration in tumor tissue and predicting tumor prognosis.