bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using regional‐scale predictive habitat models to assess protection and identify potential locations for additional management or monitoring for a species of conservation interest
Authors: Langton Rebecca , Stirling David , Boulcott Philip 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMarine protected areas (MPAs) and associated management measures are being implemented to conserve marine benthic species. To make effective decisions, marine managers need data on the distributions of species of interest and anthropogenic pressures, but also the potential connectivity between habitat patches.To explore how predictive modelling can be utilized in such a process, a model was developed to predict the distribution of northern sea fan,Swiftia pallida, habitat around parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Ireland.The predicted distribution of suitable habitat was compared with spatial data on mobile bottom‐contacting fishing activity, and the location of MPAs designated for benthic features, and the management measures within MPAs that restrict mobile bottom‐contacting fishing activity, which is the main pressure‐causing activity thatS. pallidaare sensitive to.Over 20% of predicted suitable habitat is within MPAs, over 10% is within MPA management measures and over 48% is within areas that have experienced no bottom contacting‐fishing activity, which is significantly higher than the equivalent values for the study region as a whole. However, patches were identified that potentially experience above average levels of fishing activity and remain unmanaged, including within MPAs designated for associated features. The analysis also highlighted patches that could be candidates for monitoring recovery and the locations of unknown populations.For each patch of suitable habitat, the number of other patches within 22 km, a previously published estimate of dispersal distance forS. pallida, was used as a proxy for connectedness. Connectedness was estimated to be greatest for patches towards the centre and west of the study region.The results indicate how the outputs of predictive distribution models can be used in conjunction with other data to prioritize areas for surveys and identify locations where effective management may facilitate conservation or the recovery of benthic species.
State estimation for a class of nonlinear non‐Gaussian cyber–physical systems under false data injection attacks
Authors: Miao Kelei , Yan Zejun , Chen Yourong , Yin Shu , Zhang Wen‐An , Han Meng 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this article, we consider the state estimation problem for nonlinear cyber–physical systems with non‐Gaussian process noises under actuator false data injection attacks from the perspective of defenders. The process noises and actuator false data injection attacks herein are regarded as non‐Gaussian noises. Then, the prior density of the state is considered as a sum of Gaussians with unknown covariance matrixes. The partial variational Bayesian method is applied to approximate the unknown covariance matrixes, and the unscented Gaussian sum filter is used for state estimation as well as decreasing the computing complexity. Finally, some simulation results are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed state estimation method.
Actinide‐Pnictide Chemistry: A Uranium Primary Alkyl Stibinide and a Diuranium Hexaantimonide‐Tetralithium Zintl Cluster
Authors: Rookes Thomas M. , Balázs Gábor , Gardner Benedict M. , Wooles Ashley J. , Scheer Manfred , Liddle Stephen T. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractStructurally characterised U−Sb bonds are rare. Here, the synthesis and characterisation of [U(TrenDMBS){Sb(H)C(H)(SiMe3)2}] (5, TrenDMBS=N(CH2CH2NSiMe2But)3) and [{U(TrenTIPS)}2{Sb3(μ6‐Li)(μ‐Li[THF]2)3Sb3}] (6, TrenTIPS=N(CH2CH2NSiPri3)3) are reported. Complex 5 is an unprecedented primary stibinide actinide complex and 6 can be formulated as containing a unique triple decker 20 skeletal‐electron distorted closo tricapped Zintl cluster (Sb3Li4Sb3)2− that is analogous to the D3h closo tricapped trigonal prism form of [Ge9]2−. Quantum chemical calculations emphasise polar U−Sb bonding in 5 and 6, and that viewing (Sb3Li4Sb3)2− as a single unit rather than two distinct but contiguous (Sb3)3− units, themselves unprecedented in molecular actinide chemistry, is valid due to the presence of three weak (Sb3)⋯(Sb3) (3, −1)‐bond critical points. Complexes 5 and 6 highlight the challenges of preparing polar U−Sb bonds and the underlying tendency for unpredictable cluster formation with Sb.
Bacterial communities in residential wastewater treatment plants are physiologically adapted to high concentrations of quaternary ammonium compounds
Authors: Chacon Luz , Rojas‐Jimenez Keilor , Arias‐Andres Maria 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBenzalkonium chloride (BAC) is a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) widely used as the active ingredient of disinfectants. Its excessive discharge into wastewater is constant and in high concentrations, likely affecting the physiology of microbial communities. We compared the physiological community profile of activated sludge (AS) bacteria with and without prior in vitro exposure to a high concentration of BAC (10 mg L−1). We measured the community functional diversity, carbon substrate multifunctionality, and the median effective concentration that inhibits carbon respiration (EC50) using Biolog EcoPlates supplemented with a gradient of 0–50 mg L−1 of BAC. Surprisingly, we did not find significant differences in the physiological parameters among treatments. Certain abundant bacteria, including Pseudomonas, could explain the community's tolerance to high concentrations of BAC. We suggest that bacterial communities in wastewater treatment plants’ AS are “naturally” adapted to BAC due to frequent and high‐dose exposure. We highlight the need to understand better the effects of QACs in wastewater, their impact on the selection of tolerant groups, and the alteration in community metabolic profiles.
Avelumab treatment for patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma can be safely stopped after 1 year and a PET/CT–confirmed complete response
Authors: Zijlker Lisanne P. , Levy Sonja , Wolters Wendy , van Thienen Johannes V. , van Akkooi Alexander C. J. , Tesselaar Margot E. T. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitor treatment of patients with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC) has shown high response rates, ranging from 33% to 73%. The ideal duration of treatment, however, is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate if avelumab treatment for mMCC can be safely stopped after 1 year of treatment and a complete response (CR) confirmed by fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG‐PET/CT) imaging.MethodsPatients who received more than one dose of avelumab treatment for mMCC between November 2017 and February 2022 were included in this study. Treatment was discontinued in case of a FDG‐PET/CT confirmed CR after 1 year (26 cycles) of avelumab or a CR and unacceptable toxicity earlier. The primary end point was recurrence‐free survival (RFS).ResultsSixty‐five patients were included: 25 (38%) had a FDG‐PET/CT–confirmed CR at discontinuation of avelumab. In those 25 patients, reasons for discontinuation of treatment were completion of 1 year of treatment in 13 (52%), toxicity in five (20%), and patient preference in seven (28%). Median duration of treatment in this group was 11 months (interquartile range, 6.1–11.7). Median follow‐up was 27 months (interquartile range, 15.8–33.8). The 12‐month RFS was 88% (95% CI, 0.74–1) and median RFS was not reached. Two patients (8%) had a recurrence at 4 and 7 months after discontinuation of treatment.ConclusionsPatients with mMCC who acquire a CR on PET/CT imaging appear to have durable responses after discontinuation of treatment after 1 year.
Hydrogen storage mechanism of metal–organic framework materials based on metal centers and organic ligands
Authors: Zhang Bo , Sun Yanli , Xu Hong , He Xiangming 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe effective storage and utilization of hydrogen energy is expected to solve the problems of energy shortage and environmental pollution currently faced by human society. Metal–organic framework materials (MOFs) have been shown by scientists to be very potential hydrogen storage materials. However, the current design methods and strategies for MOFs are still generally in the trial‐and‐error stage, and the research works are at the overall level. To solve the problems of directional design and rational construction of new MOFs, this work uses the principles and methods of coordination chemistry and crystal engineering to carry out the theoretical design and mechanism research of new MOFs for high‐efficiency hydrogen storage application scenarios. In this study, the structures selected for theoretical calculation were divided into two types: different ligands for the same metal (IRMOFs, MOF‐205, and DUT‐23‐Zn) and different metals for the same ligand (DUT‐23‐M [(M = Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn]). The model construction process, hydrogen loading with temperature, specific surface area, hydrogen adsorption energy, charge density and hydrogen storage mechanism of the above structures were analyzed, and the key indicators that may affect the hydrogen storage performance of MOFs were summarized: type and quantity of coordination metals, temperature, pressure, adsorption site and specific surface area.
Survival and predictors of mortality among acute leukemia patients on follow‐up in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A 5‐year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Balta Bargude , Gebreyohannis Tigistu , Tachbele Erdaw 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundAlthough Ethiopia has more than 78% of leukemia cases and a significant burden of the disease, the survival of leukemia patients in the country is poorly recognized. The purpose of this study was to assess the survival and predictors of acute leukemia patients.MethodsA 5‐year retrospective cohort study was conducted including all acute Leukemia patients who visited Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital between January 2015 and December 2019. Data were retrieved from patient's medical records between March and April 2020. Using SPSS version 25, the Kaplan–Meier curve and Cox regression models were employed to analyze the data.ResultsA total of 119 patients with acute leukemia were retrospectively evaluated for 60 months, having 196 person‐years of risk. About 46 deaths (38.7%) were recorded over the follow‐up period, giving a mortality incidence rate of 23.5 (95% CL:18–52) per 100 person‐years. The median survival time was 35 months (95% CI, 28.3–41.7). At 60 months of follow‐up, the predicted overall survival rate after diagnosis for acute leukemia was 21%. The adjusted hazard ratio for acute leukemia subtypes (aHR:4.9, 95% CI:2.3–10.4), history of relapse (aHR:3.9, 95% CI:1.0–7.9), participant age (aHR:1.25, 95% CI:1–1.75), hepatomegaly (aHR:2.7, 95% CI:1.36–5.36), and splenomegaly (aHR:2.29, 95% CI:1.2–4.4).ConclusionThe 5‐year overall survival rate was found to be 21%. The finding was remarkably lower than other published reports. Survival among acute leukemia patients was significantly associated with older age, history of relapse, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, as well as certain subtypes. Therefore, improving early detection and initiation of treatment for all acute leukemia patients is necessary in order to improve patient's survival status.
Critical Assessment of pH‐Dependent Lipophilicity Profiles of Small Molecules: Which One Should We Use and In Which Cases?
Authors: Bertsch Esteban , Suñer Sebastián , Pinheiro Silvana , Zamora William J. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractLipophilicity is a physicochemical property with wide relevance in drug design, computational biology, food, environmental and medicinal chemistry. Lipophilicity is commonly expressed as the partition coefficient for neutral molecules, whereas for molecules with ionizable groups, the distribution coefficient (D) at a given pH is used. The logDpH is usually predicted using a pH correction over the logPN using the pKa of ionizable molecules, while often ignoring the apparent ion pair partitioning
. In this work, we studied the impact of
on the prediction of both the experimental lipophilicity of small molecules and experimental lipophilicity‐based applications and metrics such as lipophilic efficiency (LipE), distribution of spiked drugs in milk products, and pH‐dependent partition of water contaminants in synthetic passive samples such as silicones. Our findings show that better predictions are obtained by considering the apparent ion pair partitioning. In this context, we developed machine learning algorithms to determine the cases that
should be considered. The results indicate that small, rigid, and unsaturated molecules with logPN close to zero, which present a significant proportion of ionic species in the aqueous phase, were better modeled using the apparent ion pair partitioning
. Finally, our findings can serve as guidance to the scientific community working in early‐stage drug design, food, and environmental chemistry.
Prevalence of C‐shaped canals and three‐rooted mandibular molars in the Iranian population by using cone‐beam computed tomography
Authors: Shekarian Mina , Majlesi Masih , Zare Jahromi Maryam 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of C‐shaped canals and three‐rooted mandibular molars in the Iranian population using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT).Materials and MethodsThis study evaluated mandibular teeth on 292 CBCT scans of patients referred to the Department of Radiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran. All CBCT scans were obtained with the same three‐dimensional CBCT scanner, and sections were reconstructed in all three planes (sagittal, axial, and coronal) with 1 mm slice thickness. A total of 291,402, and 200 first, second, and third molars, respectively, were evaluated. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 26.0).ResultsOf 291 mandibular first molars, 0.7% were single‐rooted, 96.6% were two‐rooted, and 2.7% were three‐rooted. The prevalence of C‐shaped canals was 1.7% in mandibular first molars. Of 402 mandibular second molars, 8.5% were single‐rooted, 90.5% were two‐rooted, and 1% were three‐rooted. The prevalence of C‐shaped canals was 2% in mandibular second molars. Of 200 mandibular third molars, 21.5% were single‐rooted, 77.5% were two‐rooted, and 1% were three‐rooted. The prevalence of C‐shaped canals was 2% in mandibular third molars.ConclusionIn the present study, the majority of mandibular molars were two‐rooted, and three‐rooted mandibular molars were less common. The third and second mandibular molars both had an increased prevalence of C‐shaped canals. Mandibular first molars had the highest prevalence of three‐rooted molars.
Gendered sweetpotato trait preferences and implications for improved variety acceptance in Uganda
Authors: Mulwa Chalmers K. , Campos Hugo , Bayiyana Irene , Rajendran Srinivasulu , Ssali Reuben , McEwan Margaret , Heck Simon 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe principal selection objective in crop breeding has for a long time been driven by agronomic gains like yield maximization and climate resilience. Nevertheless, the continued low adoption of new varieties and documented gender technology adoption gap has triggered re‐thinking of this strategy, with end‐user acceptability of released varieties a key strategy in breeding objectives. Using a mixed‐methods approach with a survey of 122 producers and focus group discussions with 200 male and female producers in two major sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] producing districts in Uganda, this study set out to understand gender‐disaggregated traits that drive acceptance for improved sweetpotato varieties as a guide to development of new varieties in the region. A generalized structural equation model approach is used to analyze how interrelated trait preferences shape acceptance for improved varieties, while in‐depth insights from a qualitative approach are used to further ground observed results. Traits such as high root yields, drought tolerance, and vitamin A are shown to be key drivers to acceptance of improved varieties, while good taste and dry matter content dampen acceptance of improved varieties in favor of landraces. Male farmers are also shown to mainly prefer agronomic traits such as high yields and stress tolerance, while women mostly prefer quality traits such as good taste, vitamin A, and high dry matter content. To achieve higher acceptability and adoption of improved varieties across the gender divide, new varieties need to not only consider agronomic gains, but also quality‐related traits such as taste and dry matter content.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor may contribute to the occurrence of multiple primary lung adenocarcinomas
Authors: Liu Wei , Yang Hao‐Shuai , Zhi Fei‐Hang , Feng Yan‐Fen , Luo Hong‐He , Zhu Ying , Lei Yi‐Yan 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to identify the key genes involved in the development of multiple primary lung cancers.MethodsDifferential expression analysis was performed, followed by comparing the infiltration levels of 22 immune cell types between multiple and single primary lung adenocarcinomas. Marker genes for epithelial cells with different proportions between the two types of lung adenocarcinomas were identified. The common genes between the marker genes and differentially expressed genes were identified. Finally, the effects of the key genes were tested on the in vitro proliferation, migration and morphology.Results:The infiltration levels of helper follicular T cells, resting NK cells, activated NK cells, M2 macrophages and resting mast cells were higher in the patients with multiple than in those with single primary lung adenocarcinomas. A total of 1553 differentially expressed genes and 4414 marker genes of epithelial cells were identified. Logistic regression analysis was performed on the 164 resulting genes. The macrophage migration inhibitory factor expression was positively associated with the occurrence of multiple primary lung adenocarcinomas. Moreover, its signalling pathway was the key pathway among the epithelial cells and multiple and single primary lung adenocarcinoma cells, and it was upregulated in lung adenocarcinoma cells. It also increased the expression of lung cancer markers, including NES and CA125, induced morphological changes in alveolar epithelial type II cells, and promoted their proliferation, migration and invasion.ConclusionsMultiple and single primary lung adenocarcinomas have different tumour immune microenvironments, and migration inhibitory factor may be a key factor in the occurrence of multiple primary lung adenocarcinomas.
A flow cytometry method for safe detection of bacterial viability
Authors: Servain‐Viel S. , Aknin M.‐L. , Domenichini S. , Perlemuter G. , Cassard A.‐M. , Schlecht‐Louf G. , Moal V. Lievin‐Le 
Published: October 2023

AbstractFlow cytometry is a relevant tool to meet the requirements of academic and industrial research projects aimed at estimating the features of a bacterial population (e.g., quantity, viability, activity). One of the remaining challenges is now the safe assessment of bacterial viability while minimizing the risks inherent to existing protocols. In our core facility at the Paris‐Saclay University, we have addressed this issue with two objectives: measuring bacterial viability in biological samples and preventing bacterial contamination and chemical exposure of the staff and cytometers used on the platform. Here, we report the development of a protocol achieving these two objectives, including a viability labeling step before bacteria fixation, which removes the risk of biological exposure, and the decrease of the use of reagents such as propidium iodide (PI), which are dangerous for health (CMR: carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic). For this purpose, we looked for a non‐CMR viability dye that can irreversibly label dead bacteria before fixation procedures and maintain intense fluorescence after further staining. We decided to test on the bacteria, eFluor Fixable Viability dyes, which are usually used on eukaryotic cells. Since the bacteria had size and granularity characteristics very similar to those associated with flow cytometry background signals, a step of bacterial DNA labeling with SYTO or DRAQ5 was necessarily added to differentiate them from the background. Three marker combinations (viability‐DNA) were tested on LSR Fortessa and validated on pure bacterial populations (Gram+, Gram−) and polybacterial cultures. Any of the three methods can be used and adapted to the needs of each project and allow users to adapt the combination according to the configuration of their cytometer. Having been tested on six bacterial populations, validated on two cytometers, and repeated at least two times in each evaluated condition, we consider this method reliable in the context of these conditions. The reliability of the results obtained in flow cytometry was successfully validated by applying this protocol to confocal microscopy, permeabilization, and also to follow cultures over time. This flow cytometry protocol for measuring bacterial viability under safer conditions also opens the prospect of its use for further bacterial characterization.
(E)‐SIS3 suppressed osteosarcoma progression via promoting cell apoptosis, arresting cell cycle, and regulating the tumor immune microenvironment
Authors: Huang Zhen , Zhang Chunlin , Zhu Kunpeng , Hu Jianping , Xu Enjie , Ma Xiaolong , Wang Yongjie , Zhu Yurun , Zhu Jiazhuang 
Published: October 2023

AbstractOsteosarcoma is a prevalent malignant bone tumor with a poor prognosis. Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (Smad3) present as a therapeutic target in antitumor treatment, whereas its functions in the osteosarcoma have not been well explored. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Smad3 in the progression of osteosarcoma. The tumor immune single‐cell hub 2 website was used for graph‐based visualization of Smad3 status in osteosarcoma single‐cell database. Western Blot was applied to detect the expression of Smad3 protein in cell lines. Colony formation and cell counting kit‐8 assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Transwell and wound healing assays were used to detect the migration and invasion abilities of cells. Cell apoptosis rates and cell cycle changes were explored by using flow cytometry analysis. The xenograft tumor growth model was applied to explore the effect in tumor growth after Smad3 blockage in vivo. Moreover, to confirm the potential mechanism of Smad3's effects on osteosarcoma, bioinformatics analysis was performed in TARGET‐Osteosarcoma and GSE19276 databases. Our study found that the Smad3 protein is overexpressed in 143B and U2OS cells, suppressing the expression of Smad3 protein in osteosarcoma cells by Smad3 target inhibitor (E)‐SIS3 or lentivirus can inhibit the proliferation, migration, invasion, promote cell apoptosis, arrest cell G1 cycle in osteosarcoma cells in vitro, and suppress tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, the bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that high expression of Smad3 is closely associated with low immune status in TARGET‐Osteosarcoma and GSE19276 databases. Our study suggested that Smad3 could contribute positively to osteosarcoma progression via the regulation of tumor immune microenvironment, and Smad3 may represent as an valuable potential therapeutic target in osteosarcoma therapy.