bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
L4/5 Disc Herniation: Not Unusually Accompanied with L5/S1 Low‐Grade Spondylolytic Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Zhou Haicheng , Zhou Qingshuang , Wang Bin , Qiu Yong , Zhu Zezhang , Liu Zhen , Sun Xu 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveIsthmic spondylolisthesis (IS) is distinguished by a congenital defect or acquired fracture of the pars interarticularis. Numerous studies on L5 low‐grade IS have been carried out; however, there is a paucity of data regarding the condition of L5 IS concomitant with L4/5 disc herniation. This study aimed to identify the incidence rate and to illustrate the possible risk factors for L4/5 disc herniation in L5 low‐grade IS patients.MethodsA total of 268 consecutive patients diagnosed as L5/S1 low‐grade IS between May 2017 and May 2022 were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Depending on the presence of L4/5 disc herniation or not, patients were divided into an L4/5 disc herniation group (L4/5 DH) and an L4/5 non‐disc herniation group (L4/5 non‐DH). Radiographic parameters were measured, and the ratios of L4–S1 segmental lordosis (SL) to lumbar lordosis (LDI), L4 inferior endplate (IEP) to L5 superior endplate (SEP) (L4 IEP/L5 SEP), and L5 IEP to S1 SEP (L5 IEP/S1 SEP) were compared between groups. The Pfirrmann grade of the L4/5 disc and the L5/S1 disc, and Roussouly classifications of each patient were also recorded. Univariate analysis (including independent‐samples t‐test and χ2‐test) and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to analyze the data.ResultsThere were 40 patients (14.9%) in the L4/5 DH group. The Roussouly classification differed significantly between groups. As demonstrated by the Pfirrmann grade, the L4/5 DH group showed more advanced disc degeneration at L4/5 than the L4/5 non‐DH group. In contrast to the L4/5 non‐DH group, the L4/5 DH group had a significantly larger L4 IEP, L4 IEP/L5 SEP, S1 SEP, and LDI while smaller L4/5 disc angle, L4/5 disc height, slip percentage, lumbar lordosis, and sacral slope. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that higher L4/5 disc Pfirrmann grade (p = 0.004), decreased L4/5 disc height (p < 0.001), and lower L5 slip percentage (p = 0.022) were significantly associated with the occurrence of L4/5 DH.ConclusionsL4/5 disc herniation is not unusually accompanied by L5/S1 low‐grade IS. Advanced L4/5 disc degeneration, decreased L4/5 disc height, and lower L5 slip percentage might be significantly associated with L4/5 disc herniation.
Antidemocratic tendencies on the left, the right, and beyond: A critical review of the theory and measurement of left‐wing authoritarianism
Authors: Nilsson Artur 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA series of new conceptualizations of left‐wing authoritarianism have recently been proposed to counterbalance the traditional focus on right‐wing authoritarianism in political psychology. This article scrutinizes conceptual confusions in the literature on authoritarianism that have been exacerbated by these new conceptualizations, including a pseudo‐debate about the existence of left‐wing authoritarianism; a conflation of the psychological phenomenon of authoritarianism with the more general category of all antidemocratic predispositions; and a number of logical, conceptual, and statistical fallacies that obscure psychological differences between antidemocratic predispositions on the right and the left. It proposes that antidemocratic predispositions on the right typically involve an authoritarian adherence to established norms along with violence and repression directed at perceived threats to, or deviations from, these norms, whereas those that occur on the left more commonly involve a motivation to overthrow the established authority along with violence and repression directed at perceived threats to superordinate ideological values. It concludes with a call for a broadened and reinvigorated program of research that studies the complexity and diversity of antidemocratic predispositions on the left, the right, and beyond, and their causal impact on antidemocratic attitudes and actions, drawing on insights from multiple traditions and fields of research.
Uncovering the hidden hosts: Identifying inoculum reservoirs for Phytophthora pseudosyringae in Nothofagus forests in Chile
Authors: González Mariela P. , Mizubuti Eduardo S. G. , Gonzalez Gaston , Sanfuentes Eugenio A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMortality of Nothofagus trees in native forests in Chile has been observed for more than 30 years. Phytophthora pseudosyringae was identified as the causal agent of partial defoliation and bleeding cankers on Nothofagus obliqua and N. alpina. Nevertheless, to improve the conservation of natural resources it is crucial to determine potential native hosts that may act as inoculum reservoirs. Two N. obliqua stands were visited and all native plant species with symptoms resembling those caused by Phytophthora spp. were examined. Seven isolates from cortical and foliar tissues were isolated and subsequentially identified as P. pseudosyringae. Pathogenicity tests were carried out on eight species from a native forest. P. pseudosyringae caused cankers in N. obliqua, N. dombeyi and Persea lingue. Under natural conditions, no symptoms were detected on leaves of Cryptocarya alba, N. dombeyi, N. obliqua or Peumus boldus, but lesions were formed in inoculation assays under a controlled environment, suggesting that these species may act as hosts. Leaf necrosis in P. lingue was observed in both natural and controlled conditions. P. pseudosyringae can sporulate on lesions of C. alba, N. dombeyi and N. obliqua leaves. In Sophora macrocarpa, sporulation was observed both on asymptomatic tissues and on lesions. The frequent association of S. macrocarpa in the understorey of Nothofagus spp. strengthens the putative role of S. macrocarpa as an inoculum reservoir for epidemic events in Nothofagus. This is the first study carried out in the Southern Hemisphere on the life cycle of P. pseudosyringae in native Nothofagus forests.
Role of abscisic acid‐mediated stomatal closure in responses to pathogens in plants
Authors: Du Yuli , Zhang Heng , Jia Kunpeng , Chu Zongyan , Xu Shican , Tran Lam‐Son Phan , Guo Jinggong , Li Weiqiang , Li Kun 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn terrestrial plants, stomata in the leaf epidermis formed by guard cells are the major pathways for gas exchange. However, opened stomata also provide a major channel for pathogen entry. At the pre‐invasive stage, plants actively close stomata to prevent pathogen attack, which is termed stomatal immunity, and plant hormones are involved in this process. Here, we summarize recent advances in the role of abscisic acid (ABA) in promoting stomatal immunity to prevent pathogen entry. Additionally, salicylic acid shares common downstream elements with ABA to promote stomatal immunity, whereas reactive oxygen species and Ca2+ act as critical signals to cross‐talk with ABA signalling to regulate stomatal movement, and they also enhance the effect of ABA in stomatal immunity. On the other hand, at the post‐invasive stage, closed stomata create a water‐soaked environment that allows pathogen multiplication, and ABA signalling is hijacked by pathogens to reduce stomatal aperture. Here, we propose a model of dual roles of ABA‐mediated stomatal closure during plant‐pathogen interaction and offer emerging consequences and questions for ABA‐mediated stomatal immunity.
A practical guide to real‐world implementation of pre‐emptive therapy for Cytomegalovirus disease prevention in high‐risk seronegative liver transplant recipients with seropositive donors
Authors: Heldman Madeleine R. , Dunn Bailey , Clemens Evan , Henderson Megan , Fisher Cynthia E. , Rakita Robert M. , Kling Catherine E. , Limaye Ajit P. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe Comparison of Antiviral Preventative Strategies In Liver Transplant (CAPSIL) study showed pre‐emptive therapy (PET) to be superior to antiviral prophylaxis for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease prevention in high‐risk CMV seronegative liver transplant recipients (LTRs) with seropositive donors (D+R−). Despite the statistical superiority of PET over prophylaxis in research settings, PET is perceived as a logistically more complex strategy that requires careful coordination of weekly CMV PCR testing, prompt initiation of CMV antivirals upon viremia detection, and timely cessation of antivirals following viremia resolution. Transplant centers may be hesitant to use PET for CMV disease prevention in D+R− LTRs out of concern that PET coordination is not feasible in clinical practice. We recently described our experience using PET in CMV D+R− LTRs in a real‐world setting, and found it to be as effective for CMV disease prevention as PET performed as part of a clinical trial. Here, we describe a systematic approach for PET implementation in real‐world settings and provide practical tools to address anticipated challenges. This framework can support transplant programs in overcoming logistical barriers to PET and incorporating an evidence‐based and cost‐effective CMV prevention strategy into routine care for high‐risk CMV D+R− LTRs.
The high‐quality genome of Cryptotaenia japonica and comparative genomics analysis reveals anthocyanin biosynthesis in Apiaceae
Authors: Liu Hui , Zhang Jia‐Qi , Zhang Rong‐Rong , Zhao Qin‐Zheng , Su Li‐Yao , Xu Zhi‐Sheng , Cheng Zong‐Ming (Max) , Tan Guo‐Fei , Xiong Ai‐Sheng 
Published: January 2024

SUMMARYCryptotaenia japonica, a traditional medicinal and edible vegetable crops, is well‐known for its attractive flavors and health care functions. As a member of the Apiaceae family, the evolutionary trajectory and biological properties of C. japonica are not clearly understood. Here, we first reported a high‐quality genome of C. japonica with a total length of 427 Mb and N50 length 50.76 Mb, was anchored into 10 chromosomes, which confirmed by chromosome (cytogenetic) analysis. Comparative genomic analysis revealed C. japonica exhibited low genetic redundancy, contained a higher percentage of single‐cope gene families. The homoeologous blocks, Ks, and collinearity were analyzed among Apiaceae species contributed to the evidence that C. japonica lacked recent species‐specific WGD. Through comparative genomic and transcriptomic analyses of Apiaceae species, we revealed the genetic basis of the production of anthocyanins. Several structural genes encoding enzymes and transcription factor genes of the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway in different species were also identified. The CjANSa, CjDFRb, and CjF3H gene might be the target of Cjaponica_2.2062 (bHLH) and Cjaponica_1.3743 (MYB). Our findings provided a high‐quality reference genome of C. japonica and offered new insights into Apiaceae evolution and biology.
Rethinking the transfusion pathway in myelodysplastic syndromes: Study protocol for a novel randomized feasibility n‐of‐1 trial of weekly‐interval red cell transfusion in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Mo Allison , Wood Erica , Shortt Jake , Charlton Andrew , Evers Dorothea , Hoeks Marlijn , Pritchard Elizabeth , Daly James , Hodgson Carol , Opat Stephen , Bowen David , Reynolds John , Thi Phung Thao Le , Stanworth Simon J. , McQuilten Zoe 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundAnemia in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is associated with poorer health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and physical function, and is frequently treated with transfusions. The current common practice of transfusing multiple red blood cells (RBC) units every 2–4 weeks may result in peaks/troughs in hemoglobin (Hb) level, yet maintaining a stable Hb may better improve HRQoL. We describe a study protocol aiming to investigate the feasibility of weekly low‐dose RBC transfusion in MDS patients, including assessing HRQoL and physical function outcomes.Study Design and MethodsIn this n‐of‐1 pilot study, patients receive two treatment arms, with randomly allocated treatment sequence: arm A (patient's usual transfusion schedule) and arm B (weekly transfusion, individualized per patient). To facilitate timely delivery of weekly transfusion, extended‐matched RBCs are provided, with transfusion based upon the previous week's Hb/pre‐transfusion testing results to eliminate delays of awaiting contemporaneous cross‐matching. Primary outcome is the feasibility of delivering weekly transfusion. Secondary outcomes include HRQoL, functional activity measurements, RBC usage, and alloimmunization rates. A qualitative substudy explores patient and staff experiences.ResultsThe trial is open in Australia, Netherlands, and UK. The first patient was recruited in 2020. Inter‐country differences in providing RBCs are observed, including patient genotyping versus serological phenotyping to select compatible units.DiscussionThis pilot trial evaluates a novel personalized transfusion approach of weekly matched RBC transfusion and challenges the dogma of current routine pre‐transfusion matching practice. Findings on study feasibility, HRQoL, and physical functional outcomes and the qualitative substudy will inform the design of a larger definitive trial powered for clinical outcomes.
Do winter and summer cohorts of the invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus differ in seed germination and seedling growth?
Authors: Shrestha A. , Dangol A. , Airi H. , Kharel N. , Thapa L. B. , Devkota A. , Shrestha B. B. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe highly invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus flowers during both hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters in Nepal, yet it remains unknown if there are differences in seed germination and seedling growth during these contrasting seasons. We analysed seed germination and seedling growth of summer and winter cohorts of P. hysterophorus in Kathmandu Valley. Seeds were germinated at low (25/15°C) and high (30/20°C) temperatures, 12/12 h photoperiod and complete dark, and at different levels of water stress. Seedlings were grown in a greenhouse to determine biomass allocation and relative growth rate (RGR). Winter seeds had higher seed biomass than summer seeds, and both seed types germinated under complete dark and 12/12 h photoperiod. Summer seeds germinated at significantly lower rates and percentage than winter seeds at the low temperature, but this difference in germination was not present when summer and winter seeds were incubated at the high temperature. Winter seeds had higher germination (percentage and rate) and took a longer time to reach maximum germination than summer seeds at different levels of water stress. Seedling emergence of both seed types declined with increasing soil depth. Seedling RGRs were nearly equal (summer: 73 mg g−1 day−1, winter: 77 mg g−1 day−1). Biomass allocation to stem and leaves were similar in both cohorts but root biomass allocation was higher in the winter than in the summer cohort. Overall, the maternal environmental effect was moderate on seed germination, and weak on seedling growth. Lack of a pronounced difference in the germination and seedling growth of summer and winter cohorts of P. hysterophorus suggests a wide environmental tolerance of the species, and this could be one of the reasons for the species' ability to invade diverse climatic and geographic regions globally.
Modeling of Optimal Power Generation in Small Hydropower Plants
Authors: Kahraman Gökhan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Small hydropower plants (SHPs) have gained international attention as a reliable and versatile renewable energy source. Unfortunately, this energy source is not used efficiently. This is because these systems utilize headwaters with lower water capacity called forebays instead of large water reservoirs like dams. Since this hinders the control of electricity generation, the headwater is either wasted before it can be converted into electricity or it is exhausted very quickly and electricity generation stops after a short time. The aim of this study is to prevent the loss of electricity generation through the efficient use of SHP headwater. For this purpose, a mathematical model was created based on two SHPs operating in tandem. The mathematical model obtained was analyzed, and forebay water level simulation graphs for electricity generation at water flowrates of 2000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 kg/h were obtained. With the help of the obtained graphs, critical wicket gate openings for maximum electricity generation at flowrates of 2000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 kg/h were calculated. The results of this study are applicable to all SHPs. These results are also promising in terms of optimizing the use of a renewable energy source.
Advances in Drilling and Completion Fluid Technologies for Protecting Oil and Gas Reservoirs: Research Progress and Development Trends
Authors: Dindoruk Birol , Zhang Fengyuan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The exploration and development of oil and gas reservoirs present significant challenges in achieving objectives such as increased reserves, enhanced production, and improved efficiency. The protection of reservoirs has been internationally recognized as a crucial technology for enabling high output with minimal investment, specifically due to the susceptibility of the drilling and completion phases to severe damage. The resulting harm significantly reduces oil and gas production and may cause drilled wells to become nonproductive, thereby hampering oil and gas field discoveries. Over the past half-century, scholars have extensively researched and developed four generations of temporary plugging-based technologies for oil and gas reservoir protection, including shielding temporary plugging, fine temporary plugging, temporary plugging with physiochemical film, and biomimetic temporary plugging. These advancements have progressively enhanced the effectiveness of reservoir protection. However, the increasing depth and complexity of oil and gas exploration and development have rendered previous technologies inadequate in providing sufficient protection, resulting in amplified risks to drilling safety such as circulation loss, sloughing, obstruction, drill pipe sticking, and blowouts. To overcome these challenges, the development of drilling and completion fluid technologies capable of forming a liquid casing during drilling has emerged as a novel solution for safeguarding oil and gas reservoirs. The successful implementation of this technology on a large scale enables the efficient development of untapped oil and gas resources, marking a breakthrough in reservoir protection. It also identifies future research directions and has practical implications for field technicians and scientific professionals.
Optimizing the Retrofit Design and Operation of Multi-Energy Systems Integrated With Energy Networks
Authors: Dal Cin Enrico , Carraro Gianluca , Lazzaretto Andrea , Tsatsaronis George 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In the literature, there is a lack of tools able to optimize contextually the design and operation of a multi-energy system in its entirety, encompassing both (i) the number, type, and size of the energy conversion and storage plants supplying the end users of the system with the required energy and (ii) the geometry and capacity of the distribution networks delivering that energy to the users. Moreover, rarely the retrofit design problem is considered, where “retrofit design” refers to the addition of new capacity to components initially available in existing systems. Here, a general method is proposed to simultaneously optimize the retrofit design and operation of a multi-energy system and the associated energy networks. The goal consists of finding the additional capacity to be added to the already available components—energy conversion and storage plants, energy networks—and the new components to be installed in order to comply with given reduction targets in carbon emissions while keeping the life cycle cost of the system at a minimum. A district composed of commercial and residential buildings operating in a microgrid is considered as a case study. Heat can be provided to the end users via a district heating network, while electricity can be either generated on-site or imported from the national power grid. Results of the retrofit design problem show a contextual reduction of 35% in CO2 emission and 20% in life cycle cost with respect to the original system configuration.
Numerical Inspection of Location, Density Ratio, and Turbulent Kinetic Energy of Vortex Generator in Gas Turbine Blade Film Cooling Application
Authors: Halder Nirmal 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
By using a vortex generator, the current numerical study suggests reducing the consequences of a counter-rotating vortex pair. For this study, the delta winglet pair in the common-flow-down configuration is recommended. The investigation of a suitable turbulence model has been studied. The impact of vortex generator placement on the parameters of film cooling efficiency has been studied using numerical simulation. The vortex generator is located before the film hole or upstream, after the film cooling hole or downstream, and both before and after the film cooling hole. The outcome suggests that a vortex generator placed upstream of the circular film cooling hole will function more effectively. The film cooling hole dimension and free stream velocity are used to maintain a Reynolds number of 17000. Additionally, the effects of altering the density ratio (DR), turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), and secondary flow velocity (uj) on cooling effectiveness have been studied. The outcome demonstrates that the decrease in cooling efficiency is caused by an increase in uj and T.K.E. A baseline case is used to compare the outcomes. It has been noted that numerical analysis using commercial code for fluent and the k-omega shear stress transport turbulence model performs better.
A Literature Review on Stewart–Gough Platform Calibrations
Authors: Karmakar Sourabh , Turner Cameron J. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Researchers have studied Stewart–Gough platforms, also known as Gough–Stewart platforms or hexapod platforms extensively for their inherent fine control characteristics. Their studies led to the potential deployment opportunities of Stewart–Gough platforms in many critical applications such as medical field, engineering machines, space research, electronic chip manufacturing, automobile manufacturing, etc. Some of these applications need micro- and nano-level movement control in 3D space for the motions to be precise, complicated, and repeatable; a Stewart–Gough platform fulfills these challenges smartly. For this, the platform must be more accurate than the specified application accuracy level and thus proper calibration for a parallel robot is crucial. Forward kinematics-based calibration for these hexapod machines becomes unnecessarily complex and inverse kinematics complete this task with much ease. To experiment with different calibration techniques, various calibration approaches were implemented by using external instruments, constraining one or more motions of the system, and using extra sensors for auto or self-calibration. This survey paid attention to those key methodologies, their outcome, and important details related to inverse kinematic-based parallel robot calibrations. It was observed during this study that the researchers focused on improving the accuracy of the platform position and orientation considering the errors contributed by one source or multiple sources. The error sources considered are mainly kinematic and structural, in some cases, environmental factors also are reviewed; however, those calibrations are done under no-load conditions. This study aims to review the present state of the art in this field and highlight the processes and errors considered for the calibration of Stewart–Gough platforms.