bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optical vortices in brief: introduction for experimentalists
Authors: Stoyanov Lyubomir , Topuzoski Suzana , Paulus Gerhard G. , Dreischuh Alexander 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this review, starting with the essence of phase singularities (Sect. 1) and continuing with the methods for the generation of singular beams of different kind (Sect. 2), we concentrate on optical vortices (OVs), which are the only known purely two-dimensional dark beams carrying point phase singularities. We describe some methods to determine their topological charges (Sect. 3) and how to convert them, e.g., in the linear process of diffraction from a hologram with an encoded OV, as well as after nonlinear processes of cascaded four-wave mixing and of the non-perturbative process of high harmonic generation (Sect. 5). In Sect. 6, we describe a method based on singular optics for the generation of long-range Bessel-Gaussian beams. Particular attention is paid to the suppression of the interaction of pairs of OVs and to the generation of large arrays of hundreds of OVs on a common background beam in square-shaped and hexagonal OV lattices (Sect. 7). The rich possibilities for the controllable generation of ordered focal structures of bright peaks and the possible additional structuring of each peak with other singular beams are illustrated, as well as the mixing of such OV arrays. New experimental results, devoted to novel possibilities for generating rich structures composed by bright peaks in the artificial far field from OV lattices with high TCs, are also presented for the first time in this paper and discussed in detail in (Sect. 8). In the last section, we describe a new method for the generation of arrays of long-range Bessel–Gaussian beams (Sects. 9). Without any claim for completeness or comprehensiveness, we believe that this overview will present to reader at least some of the beauty of experimental singular optics in space and could serve as a valuable initial step in order to dig deeper into the field.
A baseline estimation procedure to improve MDA evaluation in gamma-ray spectrometry
Authors: Tomarchio Elio , Giardina Mariarosa , Buffa Pietro 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe evaluation of minimum detectable activity (MDA) for a radionuclide in a gamma-ray spectrum is generally carried out through the computation of a suitable background count. This task is sometimes difficult for complex spectra for the presence of many photopeaks which make the trend of continuum extremely variable due to multiple dispersion effects and interference factors. It follows that the MDA assessment must be take into account the contributions of all gamma emissions of radionuclides contained in a sample and its value can be significantly higher than that determined by considering only the background of the spectrometric system due to the overlapping of other peaks. A procedure or an algorithm to determine, each time, the count values to be used for the calculation of MDA is interesting and useful. In this work, some of the more recent algorithms proposed for background subtraction in a gamma-ray spectrum have been examined, applying them in an inverse way for the evaluation of baseline trend in the whole energy range. Among the algorithms examined, particular attention was paid to the application of SNIP (statistical sensitive nonlinear iterative peak clipping) algorithms, which are the simplest to adopt and implement in an application procedure. The results obtained in the analysis of test gamma-ray spectra are satisfactory and allow to quickly determine the MDA values with a formulation based on the ISO-11929 standard.
Galectin-3 Mediates Vascular Dysfunction in Obesity by Regulating NADPH Oxidase 1
Authors: Padgett Caleb A. , Bátori Róbert K. , Speese Andrew C. , Rosewater Cody L. , Bush Weston B. , Derella Cassandra C. , Haigh Stephen B. , Sellers Hunter G. , Corley Zachary L. , West Madison A. , Mintz James D. , Ange Brittany B. , Harris Ryan A. , Brands Michael W. , Fulton David J.R. , Stepp David W. 
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:
Obesity is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, but underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Metabolic dysfunction, especially hyperglycemia, is thought to be a major contributor, but how glucose impacts vascular function is unclear. GAL3 (galectin-3) is a sugar-binding lectin upregulated by hyperglycemia, but its role as a causative mechanism of cardiovascular disease remains poorly understood. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the role of GAL3 in regulating microvascular endothelial vasodilation in obesity.

METHODS:

GAL3 was measured and found to be markedly increased in the plasma of overweight and obese patients, as well as in the microvascular endothelium of diabetic patients. To investigate causative mechanisms in cardiovascular disease, mice deficient in GAL3 were bred with obese
db/db
mice to generate lean, lean GAL3 knockout, obese, and obese GAL3 knockout genotypes. Endothelial cell–specific GAL3 knockout mice with novel AAV-induced obesity recapitulated whole-body knockout studies to confirm cell specificity.

RESULTS:
Deletion of GAL3 did not alter body mass, adiposity, or plasma indices of glycemia and lipidemia, but levels of plasma reactive oxygen species as assessed by plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were normalized in obese GAL3 knockout mice. Obese mice exhibited profound endothelial dysfunction and hypertension, both of which were rescued by GAL3 deletion. Isolated microvascular endothelial cells from obese mice had increased expression of NOX1 (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 1), which we have previously shown to contribute to increased oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction, which was normalized in microvascular endothelium from mice lacking GAL3. Cell-specific deletion confirmed that endothelial GAL3 regulates obesity-induced NOX1 overexpression and subsequent microvascular function. Furthermore, improvement of metabolic syndrome by increasing muscle mass, improving insulin signaling, or treating with metformin decreased microvascular GAL3, and thereby NOX1, expression levels.

CONCLUSIONS:

Deletion of GAL3 normalizes microvascular endothelial function in obese
db/db
mice, likely through a NOX1-mediated mechanism. Pathological levels of GAL3, and in turn NOX1, are amenable to improvements in metabolic status, presenting a potential therapeutic target to ameliorate pathological cardiovascular consequences of obesity.
Interplay Between Zero CAC, Quantitative Plaque Analysis, and Adverse Events in a Diverse Patient Cohort
Authors: Fattouh Michael , Kuno Toshiki , Pina Pamela , Skendelas John P. , Lorenzatti Daniel , Arce Javier , Daich Jonathan , Duarte Gustavo , Fernandez-Hazim Carol , Rodriguez-Guerra Miguel , Neshiwat Patrick , Schenone Aldo L. , Zhang Lili , Rodriguez Carlos J. , Arbab-Zadeh Armin , Slomka Piotr J. , Virani Salim S. , Blaha Michael J. , Berman Daniel S. , Dey Damini , Garcia Mario J. , Slipczuk Leandro 
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:
Coronary artery calcium scoring (CAC) has garnered attention in the diagnostic approach to chest pain patients. However, little is known about the interplay between zero CAC, sex, race, ethnicity, and quantitative coronary plaque analysis.

METHODS:
We conducted a retrospective analysis from our computed tomography registry of patients with stable angina without prior myocardial infarction or revascularization undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography at Montefiore Healthcare System. Follow-up end points collected included invasive angiography, type-1 myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, cardiovascular and all-cause death.

RESULTS:
A total of 2249 patients were included (66% female). The median follow-up was 5.5 years. The median age of those without CAC was 52 years (interquartile range, 44–59) and 60 years (interquartile range, 53–68) in those with CAC. Most patients were Hispanic (58%), and the rest were non-Hispanic Black (28%), non-Hispanic White (10%), and non-Hispanic Asian (5%). The majority had CAC=0 (55%). The negative predictive value of CAC=0 was 92.8%, 99.9%, and 99.9% for any plaque, obstructive coronary artery stenosis, and the composite outcome of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, or coronary revascularization, respectively. Among patients without CAC (n=1237), 89 patients (7%) had evidence of plaque on their coronary computed tomography angiography with a median low-attenuation noncalcified plaque burden of 4% (2–7). There were no significant differences in the negative predictive value for CAC=0 by sex, race, or ethnicity. Patients with ≥2 risk factors had higher odds of having plaque with zero CAC.

CONCLUSIONS:
In summary, no sex, race, or ethnicity differences were demonstrated in the negative predictive value of a zero CAC; however, patients with ≥2 risk factors had a higher prevalence of plaque. A small percentage (7%) of symptomatic patients undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography with zero CAC had noncalcified coronary plaque, with the implication that caution is needed for downscaling of preventive treatment in patients with zero CAC, chest pain, and multiple risk factors.
Doctrinal Experimenting with the Constitution in Lithuania: On the Structure of the Constitution, the Non-Amendability of Constitutional Provisions, and the Legal Force of ‘Pre-Constitutional’ Acts
Authors: Kūris Egidijus 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Lithuania’s 1992 Constitution has undergone a series of amendments, including certain structural changes. Besides formal amendments, constitutional regulation is subject to reinterpretation in the Constitutional Court’s case law. As a result, not only the content of specific provisions of the Constitution, but also the very perception of constitutional law has been reshaped by, inter alia, reducing the system of sources of constitutional law to only the Constitution and official constitutional doctrine. Recently the Constitutional Court, in an activist move, undertook modification of the settled new paradigm by introducing the notion of ‘supra-constitutionality’ and by postulating which constitutional provisions, until then deemed amendable, were non-amendable. The article deals with the doctrine in both the historical and the theoretical context and with its effect on the perception of constitutional law, in particular its structure.
The Trans in Transformative Constitutionalism
Authors: Scott Lwando 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This paper operationalises the prefix trans in transformative constitutionalism to think expansively about post-apartheid freedoms. It uses the prefix to challenge limited conceptions of how freedom and transformation are read into the post-apartheid moment. In South Africa, often, debates about transformation are debates about race, and its linkages to class. This has created what looks like “first” and “secondary” struggles, with race being first and struggles like gender and gender equality regarded as secondary. This paper argues for a more complicated articulation of post-apartheid freedoms that does not neglect other forms of struggle like gender. Using trans – both as in transgender, the lived realities, and as in trans as metaphor – this paper challenges simplistic ways of reading freedom in post-apartheid South Africa. Furthermore, understanding the concept of the human has had a troubled history in that the foundations of the human have meant white, male and Western. Therefore, this paper uses the prefix trans to grapple with the meaning of the human in the human rights that are part of the South African Constitution.
Variability of Eddy Formation off the West Greenland Coast from a 1/60° Model
Authors: Gou Ruijian , Li Pusheng , Wiegand Kevin N. , Pennelly Clark , Kieke Dagmar , Myers Paul G. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Eddies generated off the west Greenland coast modulate the deep convection in the Labrador Sea, while there are still open questions related to their formation mechanisms. Using 11 years (2008–18) of output from a NEMO model configured with a 1/60° nest in the Labrador Sea, we present the patterns of baroclinic and barotropic instability off the west Greenland coast. We highlight the generation of Irminger Rings at Cape Desolation and boundary current eddies at the location of the Overturning in the Subpolar North Atlantic Program (OSNAP) West section. In between these formation sites, eddy energy attenuation occurs along the West Greenland Current (WGC). Overall, baroclinic instability dominates in the upper 1000 m and is twice as strong as the barotropic instability. Seasonally, the instabilities are generally twice as strong in winter compared to summer. Interannually from 2008 to 2018, the instabilities generally show a strengthening trend, with values in 2018 two to three times as strong as those in 2008. We found that on an interannual time scale, the strengthening of WGC and the steepening of its velocity contours enhance the barotropic instability, and the intrusion of the upper Irminger Sea Intermediate Water (uISIW) on the Irminger Water enhances the baroclinic instability by increasing the horizontal density gradient. On a seasonal time scale, variability of the eddy momentum and density fluxes modulate the barotropic and baroclinic instability, respectively. From observation-based datasets, we also found that the downstream eddy kinetic energy is highly correlated with the uISIW transports, suggesting that the amount of uISIW affects the eddy formation. Using a very high-resolution numerical model, our study provides new insight into the variability and mechanisms of eddy formation along the west Greenland coast.

Significance Statement
Vigorous eddy activity exists off the west Greenland coast. The eddies flux buoyancy to the interior Labrador Sea and thus weaken the convection, which feeds the lower limb of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. Given uncertainties in the eddy formation mechanisms, by using an ocean model with very high resolution that resolves those eddies, we show the factors that control the production and variability of the eddy formation off the western coast of Greenland. The eddy formation generally strengthens over the years 2008–18, which is a result of the intrusion of intermediate water on the continental slope and a stronger boundary current. The eddy formation shows a seasonal cycle—it is generally the strongest in winter and weakest in summer, which is modulated by the seasonal variability of eddy momentum and density fluxes.
The relationship between inspiratory muscle strength, venous refilling time, disease severity, and functional capacity in patients with chronic venous insufficiency
Authors: Aydin Gamze , Yeldan Ipek , Akgul Ahmet 
Published: August 2023

Background Our aim is to evaluate the relationship between inspiratory muscle strength and venous refilling time, disease severity, and functional capacity in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Methods Sixty-one patients (49 female, aged 20–65 ) were enrolled in the study. The demographic characteristics of the patients were questioned. All patients were assessed with maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure (MIP/MEP) for inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength, photoplethysmography for venous refilling time (VRT), venous clinical severity score (VCSS) for disease severity, and 6-min walk test (6-MWT) for functional capacity. Results The mean age of the patients was 49.48 ± 13.19 years, and the mean duration of disease was 9.18 ± 6.57 years. There was statistically significant positive association between MIP and VRT(r: 0.331, p: 0.009), 6-MWT (r: 0.616, p < 0.001) values, and there was negative association between MIP and VCSS(r: -0.439 p < 0.001) scores. Conclusion Evaluation of inspiratory muscle strength and elimination of its deficiency, providing interventions to approach normative values have the potential to contribute positively to the treatment of the patient.
Comparison of the effect of two commercialized vitrification carriers on pregnancy outcomes in freeze–thaw cycles
Authors: Zhu Haibo , Li Linlin , Zhang Hongguo , Jiang Yuting , Liu Ruizhi , Xi Qi 
Published: August 2023

Objective This study aimed to compare the effects of two brands of commercial vitrification carriers on pregnancy outcomes in freeze–thaw cycles. Methods We included 4871 patients who underwent a “freeze all” strategy using the commercial carriers J.Y. straw and OYASHIPS straw in the Reproductive Center of the First Hospital of Jilin University. The pregnancy outcomes of cleavage-stage embryos and blastocysts were studied separately. Detailed data and the safety of children born from mothers with the two types of carriers were also compared. Results Patients who used J.Y. straw had similar clinical pregnancy and live birth rates with one and two cleavage-stage embryo transplantation to those who used OYASHIPS straw. In patients who had blastocyst transplantation, the clinical pregnancy rate of one blastocyst transplanted in those who used OYASHIPS straw was significantly higher than that in those who used J.Y. straw (57.85% vs 47.09%). Among children born from mothers who used J.Y. straw, the congenital disability rate was significantly higher than that in those with OYASHIPS straw. Conclusion The OYASHIPS straw carrier is cheap and can achieve clinical pregnancy and live birth outcomes comparable to those of J.Y. straw. Therefore, OYASHIPS straw is a good alternative option.
Evaluation of splenic infarction ratio and platelet increase ratio after partial splenic artery embolization
Authors: Ueda Junji , Mamada Yasuhiro , Taniai Nobuhiko , Yoshioka Masato , Matsushita Akira , Mizutani Satoshi , Kawano Youichi , Shimizu Tetsuya , Kanda Tomohiro , Takata Hideyuki , Furuki Hiroyasu , Aoki Yuto , Kawashima Manpei , Irie Toshiyuki , Ohno Takashi , Haruna Takahiro , Yoshida Hiroshi 
Published: August 2023

Objective The spleen is part of the lymphatic system and is one of the least understood organs of the human body. It is involved in the production of blood cells and helps filter the blood, remove old blood cells, and fight infection. Partial splenic artery embolization (PSE) is widely used to treat pancytopenia and portal hypertension. The efficacy of PSE for improving thrombocytopenia has been well demonstrated. In this study, we evaluated the splenic infarction ratio and platelet increase ratio after PSE. Methods Forty-five consecutive patients underwent PSE from January 2014 to August 2022. We retrospectively evaluated the splenic infarction volume and ratio after PSE and analyzed the relationship between the splenic infarction ratio and platelet increase ratio after PSE. Results The platelet increase ratio was correlated with the splenic infarction ratio after PSE. The cutoff value for the splenic infarction ratio with a two-fold platelet increase was 63.0%. Conclusion We suggest performance of PSE in patients with a splenic infarction ratio of 63% to double the expected platelet count.
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors in the treatment landscape of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)
Authors: El Gazzar Walaa Bayoumie , Albakri Khaled Anwer , Hasan Hanan , Badr Amira M , Farag Amina A , Saleh Othman Mohammad 
Published: August 2023

Objective Chemotherapy is the mainstay for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. Over the years, the use of chemotherapy for these patients has demonstrated many adversities, including toxicity and resistance, which suggested the need to develop novel alternative therapeutic options, such as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi). Herein, we provide an overview on PARPi, mechanisms of action and the role of biomarkers in PARPi sensitivity trials, clinical advances in PARPi therapy for TNBC patients based on the most recent studies and findings of clinical trials, and challenges that prevent PARP inhibitors from achieving high efficacy such as resistance and overlapping toxicities with other chemotherapies. Data sources Searching for relevant articles was done using PubMed and Cochrane Library databases by using the keywords including TNBC; chemotherapy; PARPi; BRCA; homologous recombination repair (HRR). Studies had to be published in full-text in English in order to be considered. Data summary Although PARPi have been used in the treatment of local/metastatic breast malignancies that are HER2 negative and has a germline BRCA mutation, several questions are still to be answered in order to maximize the clinical benefit of PARP inhibitors in TNBC treatment, such as questions related to the optimal use in the neoadjuvant and metastatic settings as well as the best combinations with various chemotherapies. Conclusions PARPi are emerging treatment options for patients with gBRCA1/2 mutations. Determining patients that are most likely to benefit from PARPi and identifying the optimal treatment combinations with high efficacy and fewer side effects are currently ongoing.
DPD deficiency in an Irish oncology centre: Prevalence and clinical implications
Authors: Kieran Ruth , Mitchell Taylor , Fazari Afrah Al , Chinoy Aleena , Moloney Carolyn , McCaffrey John 
Published: August 2023

Introduction Fluorouracil (5FU) and capecitabine are metabolised by dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD). Up to 9% of people have low levels of a working DPD enzyme and are at risk of severe toxicity from 5FU/capecitabine. In April 2020, the EMEA recommended patients undergo prospective screening for DPD deficiency before starting treatment, and this was introduced in our hospital. Methods We retrospectively reviewed records of all patients receiving 5FU/capecitabine in a tertiary Irish cancer centre from May 2020 to April 2021 ( n = 197), and those starting first-line treatment in May 2019–April 2020 ( n = 97). Our primary outcome was to estimate the prevalence of DPYD variant genes by prospective genotypic screening, with secondary outcomes including variant prevalence by prospective and reactive screening in patients receiving first-line treatment, and 5FU toxicity/tolerability in those with detected variants. Results In those treated 2020–2021, cancer subtypes included colorectal ( n = 120, 61%), breast ( n = 34, 17%), and biliary/pancreatic cancers ( n = 21, 11%). Median patient age was 62 (range 25–86 years); 40% ( n = 79) of patients were screened overall, with a prospective-screening deficiency prevalence of 6.8% ( n = 3 of 44). Three patients had pathogenic DPYD-variants detected by prospective screening and tolerated treatment with 50% up-front dose reduction of 5FU, two had variants of uncertain significance detected by reactive screening. Discussion Other Irish studies estimated prevalence at 11–12%. As the number of variants detected was small, and screening rates were incomplete, our study may have underestimated prevalence. Conclusions Approximately 6.8% of Irish patients may carry DPD deficiencies, prospective screening is essential to reduce the risk of life-threatening toxicity in these patients.