bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First evidence of sex-specific responses to chemical cues in tardigrade mate searching behaviour
Authors: Chartrain Justine , Knott K. Emily , Michalczyk Łukasz , Calhim Sara 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
Chemical cues are widely used in intraspecific and interspecific communication, either as substances deposited in the substrate or as molecules diffused in water or air. In tardigrades, an emerging microscopic study system, chemical communication and its role in reproduction are poorly known. Here, we assessed sex differences in the detection of (a) short-range diffusing signals and (b) deposited cue trails during the mate-searching behaviour of freely moving virgin male and female Macrobiotus polonicus. We tracked individual behaviour (a) in simultaneous double-choice chambers, where live conspecifics of each sex were presented in water and (b) of freely moving pairs on agar without water. We found that males, but not females, preferentially associated with opposite-sex individuals in trials conducted in water. In contrast, neither sex detected nor followed cues deposited on agar. In conclusion, our study suggests that mate discrimination and approach are male-specific traits and are limited to waterborne chemical cues. These results support the existence of Darwinian sex roles in pre-mating behaviour in an animal group with virtually non-existing sex differences in morphology or ecology.
Preparation of Nitrogen-Doped Glucose-Derived Activated Carbon and Its Application for the Efficient Removal of Phosphate Ions from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Wang Jing , Matsuzawa Fumiya , Sato Natsuho , Amano Yoshimasa , Machida Motoi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In this study, aiming to address the issue of phosphate contamination in water, a novel activated carbon adsorbent with excellent adsorption performance for phosphate ions was designed and synthesized through a nitrogen-doped surface modification method. The adsorption experiment results revealed that the sample obtained after the second activation at 600 °C (MeUrGlu-6.0Z0.5-2nd) exhibited a high adsorption capacity of up to 0.42 mmol/g for phosphate ions. The surface modification method using nitrogen-doping significantly enhanced the adsorption capacity of the adsorbent for phosphate anions. The surface characteristics of the sample were analyzed by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method, elemental analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The characterization results indicated that the increase in adsorption capacity primarily attributed to the successful introduction of quaternary nitrogen (N-Q) onto the activated carbon surface. Additionally, the adsorbent demonstrated high adsorption capacity for phosphate ions in acidic solution (pH &lt;4.5), overcoming the limitation of commercial anion exchange resin HP555 which cannot be used effectively in acidic environment. The Langmuir isotherm model was found to accurately describe the adsorption process which is a monolayer adsorption. Finally, the regenerability of MeUrGlu-6.0Z0.5-2nd and the recovery of phosphate ions were investigated in a continuous flow adsorption mode.
The first released available genome of the common ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.) extended the research region on salt tolerance, C3-CAM photosynthetic conversion, and halophilism
Authors: Sato Ryoma , Kondo Yuri , Agarie Sakae 
Published: August 2023

Background: The common ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.) is an annual herb belonging to the genus Mesembryanthemum of the family Aizoaceae, native to Southern Africa. Methods: We performed shotgun genome paired-end sequencing using the Illumina platform to determine the genome sequence of the ice plants. We assembled the whole genome sequences using the genome assembler “ALGA” and “Redundans”, then released them as available genomic information. Finally, we mainly estimated the potential genomic function by the homology search method. Results: A draft genome was generated with a total length of 286 Mb corresponding to 79.2% of the estimated genome size (361 Mb), consisting of 49,782 contigs. It encompassed 93.49% of the genes of terrestrial higher plants, 99.5% of the ice plant transcriptome, and 100% of known DNA sequences. In addition, 110.9 Mb (38.8%) of repetitive sequences and untranslated regions, 971 tRNA, and 100 miRNA loci were identified, and their effects on stress tolerance and photosynthesis were investigated. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on ribosomal DNA among 26 kinds of plant species revealed genetic similarity between the ice plant and poplar, which have salt tolerance. Overall, 35,702 protein-coding regions were identified in the genome, of which 56.05% to 82.59% were annotated and submitted to domain searches and gene ontology (GO) analyses, which found that eighteen GO terms stood out among five plant species. These terms were related to biological defense, growth, reproduction, transcription, post-transcription, and intermembrane transportation, regarded as one of the fundamental results of using the utilized ice plant genome. Conclusions: The information that we characterized is useful for elucidation of the mechanism of growth promotion under salinity and reversible conversion of the photosynthetic type from C3 to Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM).
Can we find the missing men in clinics? Clinic attendance by sex and HIV status in rural South Africa
Authors: Randera-Rees Safiyya , Clarence Safari Wende , Gareta Dickman , Herbst Kobus , Baisley Kathy , Grant Alison D. 
Published: August 2023

Background: HIV-negative men are over-represented in tuberculosis (TB) prevalence surveys including the first South African national TB prevalence survey in 2018. Traditionally, TB screening is focused in clinics. We aimed to determine the frequency of primary healthcare clinic (PHC) attendance among HIV-negative men in a TB-prevalent setting. Methods: Since January 2017, PHC attendees in a rural South African demographic surveillance area (DSA) were asked their reason for attendance. HIV status was defined as positive if tested positive in a DSA sero-survey or attended clinic for HIV care; negative if tested negative between January 2014—December 2017 and no HIV-related visits; and HIV-unknown otherwise. Results: Among 67124 DSA residents (≥15 years), 27038 (40.3%) were men; 14196 (21.2%) were classified HIV-positive, 18892 (28.1%) HIV-negative and 34036 (50.7%) HIV-unknown. Between April 2017 and March 2018, 24382/67124 (36.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 36.0–36.7) adults made ≥1 PHC visit, comprising 9805/40086 (24.5%, 95%CI 23.6–25.3) of HIV-negative or unknown women and 3440/27038 (12.7%, 95%CI 11.6–13.8) of HIV-negative or unknown men. Overall, HIV care accounted for 37556/88109 (42.6%) of adult PHC visits. Conclusion: In this rural population, HIV-negative and -unknown men rarely attend PHCs. Improving TB screening in clinics may not reach a key population with respect to undiagnosed TB. Additional strategies are needed to diagnose and treat TB earlier.
Development of a System for Semi-Automatic Modeling of Three-Dimensional Images
Authors: Slavin R. , Kargin N. , Slavin Boris 
Published: August 2023

Descriptive geometry is one of the main disciplines of the general engineering cycle. It presents methods of accurate representation of spatial objects on a plane, as well as the identification of geometric shapes of figures from given images. That is, this discipline is designed to give future engineers the knowledge and skills to build and read drawings.
By causing the intensive work of students' spatial thinking, descriptive geometry contributes to the development of spatial representation. In descriptive geometry, a flat image of a spatial object is called a plot (drawing).
Students studying descriptive geometry get acquainted with examples of practical use of the theoretical provisions of descriptive geometry in course and diploma design.
However, it is much easier to perceive drawings in volume if they can be rotated and viewed from different sides. For these purposes, you can not do without third-party software. Visualization of objects in the presence of a three-dimensional model is provided by Unity. But to create a three–dimensional model according to the drawing, other software is required - for example, Blender. Therefore, the authors set a goal: to create a semi-automatic visualization system for two-dimensional drawings in space based on Blender software and to develop comprehensive and simple documentation that will allow even people far from programming to use the program.
It is known that Blender is a powerful program for creating three-dimensional graphics that allows you to create various objects, scenes, animations, as well as edit them. Blender is a free and open source program available to anyone interested in three-dimensional modeling and computer graphics creation.
Among the Blender tools for creating three-dimensional models are powerful tools for modeling, sculpting, animation and visualization of objects and scenes. In Blender, you can also draw textures and create 3D animations using animation tools such as key frames.
Assessing the risk of re-fracture related to the percentage of partial union in scaphoid waist fractures
Authors: Martin James , Johnson Nick A. , Shepherd Jenny , Dias Joseph 
Published: August 2023

AimsThere is ambiguity surrounding the degree of scaphoid union required to safely allow mobilization following scaphoid waist fracture. Premature mobilization could lead to refracture, but late mobilization may cause stiffness and delay return to normal function. This study aims to explore the risk of refracture at different stages of scaphoid waist fracture union in three common fracture patterns, using a novel finite element method.MethodsThe most common anatomical variant of the scaphoid was modelled from a CT scan of a healthy hand and wrist using 3D Slicer freeware. This model was uploaded into COMSOL Multiphysics software to enable the application of physiological enhancements. Three common waist fracture patterns were produced following the Russe classification. Each fracture had differing stages of healing, ranging from 10% to 90% partial union, with increments of 10% union assessed. A physiological force of 100 N acting on the distal pole was applied, with the risk of refracture assessed using the Von Mises stress.ResultsOverall, 90% to 30% fracture unions demonstrated a small, gradual increase in the Von Mises stress of all fracture patterns (16.0 MPa to 240.5 MPa). All fracture patterns showed a greater increase in Von Mises stress from 30% to 10% partial union (680.8 MPa to 6,288.6 MPa).ConclusionPrevious studies have suggested 25%, 50%, and 75% partial union as sufficient for resuming hand and wrist mobilization. This study shows that 30% union is sufficient to return to normal hand and wrist function in all three fracture patterns. Both 50% and 75% union are unnecessary and increase the risk of post-fracture stiffness. This study has also demonstrated the feasibility of finite element analysis (FEA) in scaphoid waist fracture research. FEA is a sustainable method which does not require the use of finite scaphoid cadavers, hence increasing accessibility into future scaphoid waist fracture-related research.Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(8):612–620.
Wood Vinegars: Production Processes, Properties, and Valorization
Authors: Ouattara Hakim Abdel Aziz , Niamké Florence Bobelé , Yao Jean Claude , Amusant Nadine , Garnier Benjamin 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass is widely used for the production of charcoal, pyroligneous liquid, and noncondensable gases. All three are value-added products that are exploited in several fields. However, this review focuses on three main areas: wood vinegar production methods, its physicochemical properties, and the use of wood vinegar or pyroligneous acid in agriculture and the environment. Wood vinegar is a liquid derived from wood by the condensation of gases and vapors released during the carbonization process, which is the transformation of wood into charcoal. It is mainly composed of aliphatic, aromatic, and naphthenic hydrocarbons and other oxygenated compounds such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, furans, acids, phenols, and ethers. Wood vinegar has antioxidant and free-radical-scavenging properties and is used in agriculture as an antimicrobial, antifungal, insecticide, and plant germination and growth agent. It is also used in food preservation, in medicine, and in the ecological preservation of wood. This review also examines the state of the art in pyroligneous liquid production techniques and factors that could potentially affect its quality.
Explaining sex discrepancies in sterilization rates in the United States: An evidence‐informed commentary
Authors: Mock K. Olivia , Moyer Anne , Lobel Marci 
Published: August 2023

AbstractContextWith abortion no longer deemed a constitutional right in the United States (US), the importance of effective contraceptive methods cannot be overstated. Both male sterilization (vasectomy) and female sterilization (tubal ligation) have the lowest failure rates of available means of contraception. Despite the less invasive and reversible nature of vasectomy compared to tubal ligation procedures and even though some healthcare professionals dissuade certain women, especially those who are white and/or economically advantaged, from undergoing a sterilization procedure, female sterilization is approximately three times more prevalent than male sterilization in the US.PurposeWe suggest that the discrepancy in sterilization rates is attributable to the burdens of pregnancy and birth experienced by women, beliefs that pregnancy prevention is a woman's responsibility, a dearth of sex education that results in lack of knowledge and poor understanding of contraception, perceptions of masculinity in which contraception is viewed as feminizing, and the increase in long‐term singlehood that shapes the desire of individuals to avoid unwanted pregnancy that may result in single parenting.ImplicationsRecent reports suggest that court rulings restricting abortion access and looming threats to contraceptive legality and accessibility may be prompting a national increase in male sterilization.
Single-channel system for joint unambiguous measurement of DFS and AOA based on serrodyne modulation
Authors: Li Yan , Guo Yuxiao , Yin Bin , Wang Zixiao , He Qinglong , Wang Muguang 
Published: August 2023

In this paper, a photonic-assisted system for simultaneous and unambiguous measurement of the Doppler frequency shift (DFS) and angle-of-arrival (AOA) using a dual-parallel dual-drive Mach–Zehnder modulator (DP-DDMZM) is proposed and investigated. The echo signals received by two receiving antennas are applied to the radio frequency ports of one sub-DDMZM of the DP-DDMZM. The bias port of the sub-DDMZM is fed by a binary electrical signal that is used to construct two different mapping curves on the relationship between the phase difference and the power of the output intermediate frequency (IF) signal. Therefore, unambiguous AOA measurement with extended range can be realized. The transmitted signal is input into the other sub-DDMZM to implement single-sideband modulation, which is then frequency shifted based on serrodyne modulation. Both the value and direction of DFS can be derived intuitively from the frequency of the output IF signal. Simulation results show that the measurement error of unambiguous DFS measurement is no more than ±0.008Hz in the range of −100kHz to 100 kHz, and the measurement error of unambiguous AOA is less than ±0.2∘ in the range of −70.8∘ to 70.8°. Moreover, since the scheme does not involve the construction of multi-channels or use of any filter or polarization dependent device, the system has concise structure, high accuracy, large operating bandwidth, and strong robustness, and can be considered as a very promising solution for actual applications.
Nonlinear gain models in a quantum cascade laser
Authors: Kolek Andrzej , Sobaszek Mirosław 
Published: August 2023

Density matrix analysis of a three-state model of quantum cascade laser (QCL) reveals that in this device, the optical gain is composed of the linear part (proportional to population inversion Δn) and the remaining nonlinear part. The nonlinear component non-negligibly contributes even to the small-signal response of the medium. In many attempts to modeling QCLs, the common practice to account for nonlinear gain components is to complement the equation for the gain, g = g
c
Δn, g
c
is the gain cross-section, by a compression factor f. In this paper, improved (but still simple) models of the optical gain in QCL are proposed, which preserve the two-component gain structure. With these models, there is no need to solve the Hamiltonian with time-dependent potentials, so that extraordinary numerical loads can be avoided, but simultaneously the essential physics of the phenomena is kept. The improved gain models defined by Eqs. (12), (15) and (16) enable accounting for its nonlinear components while preserving the load-saving, scattering-like approach to light-matter interaction. It is also shown that as long as the populations and dc coherences are determined such that they account for the interaction with the optical field, the small-signal formulation of the gain gives its realistic estimate also for a large optical signal. This conjecture validates the use of non-equilibrium Green’s function-based approaches, in which the interaction with the optical field is included through electron-photon selfenergies. The small-signal formulation of the gain can be used in this approach to monitor the saturation process, estimate the clamping flux and the light-current characteristic.
Local injection therapy in the complex treatment of musculoskeletal disorders: principles of application, evidence base, safety
Authors: Lila A. M. , Zagorodniy N. V. , Karateev A. E. , Alekseeva L. I. , Chichasova N. V. , Lazishvili G. D. , Akhtyamov I. F. , Bialik E. I. , Makarov M. A. , Taskina E. A. , Schmidt E. I. , Krylov V. V. , Bialik V. E. , Nesterenko V. A. 
Published: August 2023

Local injection therapy (LIT) is an important component of the complex treatment of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), which is widely used in real clinical practice. Glucocorticoids, hyaluronic acid drugs (HA), autologous cell drugs, botulinum toxin type A, radioactive isotopes, etc. are used for LIT. LIT makes it possible to achieve a pronounced symptomatic effect, while in some cases, for example, repeated HA treatments in patients with osteoarthritis, the possibility of slowing the progression of the disease and reducing the need for surgical treatment is discussed.The performance of LIT requires special skills and abilities of the physician, careful compliance with the rules of asepsis and antisepsis, and instrumental visualization. LIT can be associated with serious complications and therefore must be performed according to strict indications.The Expert Council was devoted to defining the basic principles of LIT. The indications for the use of certain types of this therapies, the evidence base for its efficacy and safety, the order of application of different drugs, and the need to combine LIT with other drug and non-drug treatments of MSD were reviewed.
Evaluation of the influence of polymorphisms of the transporter genes (<i>RFC1</i>, <i>MDR1</i>) and <i>GGH</i> on the efficacy of methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Devald I. V. , Hodus E. A. , Nokhrin D. Yu. , Khromova E. B. , Ignatova G. L. , Stashkevich D. S. , Lila A. M. , Burmistrova A. L. 
Published: August 2023

The efficacy of methotrexate (MT) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be determined by genetic factors.Objective: to evaluate the isolated and combined effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of membrane transporter proteins (RFC1 80G>A and MDR1 3435C>T) and the GGH -401C>T gamma-glutamyl hydrolase enzyme genes on the efficacy of MT in patients with RA.Material and methods. The study group consisted of 85 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of RA, who received therapy with MT starting at 10 mg/week and increasing in dose to a maximum of 25 mg/week. Efficacy was assessed after six months of treatment using the dynamics of the DAS28 index, identifying patients who responded and those who did not respond to MT therapy.Genotyping of RFC1, MDR1 and GGH gene polymorphisms was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Three different approaches were used to analyze the results: 1) analysis for each of the genes; 2) logistic regression; and 3) multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR).Results and discussion. Single gene analysis was used to determine the most likely predictors of non-response to therapy: 1) for GGH-401C>T, TT genotype (odds ratio, OR 5.09; 95% confidence interval, C11.11—23.3); 2) forMDR13435C>T, the TT genotype (OR 2.38; 95% CI0.89-6.37); 3) for RFC180G>A, not - AA genotype (OR 1.87; 95% CI 0.93-3.76).The logistic regression model showed a significant effect of homozygous genotype GGH -401TT on the efficacy of MT with low sensitivity of the method. The multifactorial dimensionality reduction results show a significant synergistic effect of the MT transport genes (MDR1, RFC1) and the GGH enzyme encoding the conversion of MT to the elimination form.Conclusion. Using various statistical methods, the following results were obtained: Single gene analysis revealed the most likely predictors of nonresponse to MT therapy: GGH -401C>T - TT genotype, MDR1 3435C>T - TT genotype, RFC1 80G>A - not-AA genotype; the method of multiple logistic regression allowed to determine the significant effect of GGH -401ТТ genotype on the effect of the drug with a low sensitivity of the method; the isolated effect of polymorphisms is probably less pronounced than their combined effect on the effectiveness of MT. SNP synergism is a major contributor to the development of treatment resistance. MDR is a promising method that can be used in the future to assess the impact of SNPs.
Efficacy of tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors in the treatment of various immunoinflammatory diseases: focus on immunogenicity
Authors: Nuriahmetova T. Yu. , Valeeva I. Kh. , Shevnina Y. O. , Petrov A. V. , Cheremina N. A. , Sukhorukova E. V. , Vasiliev A. G. , Abdulganieva D. I. 
Published: August 2023

In clinical practice, differences in the efficacy of tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors (iTNF-α) have been observed in different diseases.Objective: to evaluate the efficacy of iTNF-α in patients with immune-mediated diseases and its relation to the immunogenicity of these drugs.Material and methods. The study included 70 patients with rheumatic diseases (RD) and 53 with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treated with infliximab (IFN), adalimumab, or certolizumab pegol (CZP). Disease activity and response to therapy were evaluated, as well as measurement of the minimal residual concentration of iTNF-α and the level of anti-drug antibodies.Results and discussion. Therapy efficacy was maintained in 60 (85.7%) patients with RD and 35 (66.0%) with IBD (odds ratio, OR 1.3; p=0.01). Event-free survival of therapy was observed more frequently in RD and was longer than in IBD (p<0.01). The incidence of treatment failure was 3.13 times higher in IBD than in RD (p<0.01). In contrast to IBD, low TNF-α levels were more common in RD patients who did not respond to treatment than in those who did (80% and 40%, respectively; OR 6.0; p<0.05). Anti-TNF-α antibodies were detected in 75% of patients with ineffective treatment with INF and CZP in the RD group and in 14.3% in the IBD group (OR 0.06; p<0.05).Conclusion. In patients with RD, the effect of iTNF-α lasted more frequently and longer than in patients with IBD. In ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis, the ineffectiveness of iTNF-α was associated with the formation of anti-drug antibodies or their low concentration in most cases, but in IBD only in half of the cases.