bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How are actor dynamics balanced in ecosystems? An in-depth case study of an autonomous maritime transportation ecosystem
Authors: Tsytsyna Evgeniya , Valminen Teemu 
Published: August 2023

AbstractNumerous studies have investigated the formation of network relationships, but few have addressed the actual process of maintaining balance in interorganizational dynamics of networks. Even more, the topic has remained largely unexplored in the context of ecosystems, where simultaneous alignment of multiple actors is needed. This paper advances understanding on ecosystems’ actor alignment from a network dynamics perspective. Through an in-depth single case study, the paper reviews how the case ecosystem was orchestrated to create more safe, sustainable, and intelligent maritime transportation industry and how a balance in the interplay among its members was maintained. Our results reveal a nonlinear evolution process of ecosystems, complementing earlier discussion on ecosystems’ lifecycle through centripetal (constructive) and centrifugal (destructive) forces that influence actor dynamics. With the evidence from our case, we conclude that structural design choices and contextual alignment mechanisms are essential to balance the emergent forces. We find four alignment mechanisms that ecosystem orchestrators can leverage: (i) complementation: driving network effects from idiosyncratic asset providers, (ii) neutral orchestration: stabilizing trust and sharing, (iii) reconfiguration: reshaping of the ecosystem’s targets to maintain a common objective, and (iv) restructuring: coordination activity to shape the required skills to meet the ecosystem’s vision. We further suggest an elaboration to generic ecosystem roles – the role of “leading complementors” or “key complementors”, to distinguish them from generic complementors.
Von Willebrand factor processing in patients with advanced chronic liver disease and its relation to portal hypertension and clinical outcome
Authors: Simbrunner Benedikt , Villesen Ida Falk , Scheiner Bernhard , Paternostro Rafael , Schwabl Philipp , Stättermayer Albert Friedrich , Marculescu Rodrig , Pinter Matthias , Quehenberger Peter , Trauner Michael , Karsdal Morten , Lisman Ton , Reiberger Thomas , Leeming Diana Julie , Mandorfer Mattias 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background and aims
Endothelial dysfunction and portal hypertension (PH) are reflected by increased von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF-Ag) levels in advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). This study investigated VWF release and cleavage and their association with PH and clinical outcomes.

Methods
Levels of VWF-Ag, VWF-N (VWF-propeptide), and VWF-A (VWF processed by the main VWF-cleaving protease ADAMTS13) were assessed in 229 patients with clinically stable ACLD (hepatic venous pressure gradient [HVPG] ≥ 6 mmHg; absence of bacterial infections or acute decompensation) undergoing HVPG-measurement. Liver-healthy individuals served as controls (n = 24).

Results
VWF-Ag and VWF-N were similarly accurate for the identification of clinically significant PH (CSPH; HVPG ≥ 10 mmHg) in compensated ACLD (AUROC: VWF-Ag 0.748; VWF-N 0.728). ADAMTS13 activity was similar between patients with ACLD and controls and did not correlate with PH and disease severity, whereas VWF cleavage decreased in patients with CSPH (i.e., VWF-Ag/-A-ratio increased). In vitro VWF activity strongly reflected VWF-Ag levels (Spearman’s r = 0.874, p < 0.001), but decreased (vs. controls) in patients with CSPH when normalized to VWF-Ag levels (VWF-activity/-Ag-ratio). VWF-Act/-Ag ratio correlated negatively with ADAMTS13 activity (r =– 0.256, p < 0.001). ADAMTS13 activity was independently predictive for (i) portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and (ii) hepatic decompensation or liver-related death.

Conclusions
VWF-Ag levels and its propeptide are similarly suitable surrogates of PH in patients with compensated ACLD. ADAMTS13-Act was not linked to disease and PH severity, however, when normalized to VWF-Ag, both VWF cleavage and VWF activity were decreased in patients with CSPH, as compared to liver-healthy individuals. Low ADAMTS13-Act was associated with presumably more procoagulant VWF and adverse outcomes.

Clinical trial number
NCT03267615
A comparison of the homotopy method with linearisation approaches for a non-linear optimization problem of operations in a reservoir cascade
Authors: Becker Bernhard , Ochterbeck Dietlind , Piovesan Teresa 
Published: August 2023

AbstractReservoir systems are often operated for multiple purposes. This can result conflicting operational goals. To efficiently control these systems and to satisfy the different interests as good as possible, mathematical optimization models can be used to support operational decisions. Common approaches for reservoir optimization apply linear optimization techniques. However, real-world systems often require non-linear functions to describe the relation between water level and volume in a reservoir or to account for the hydropower equation. When the non-linear equations form a non-convex optimization problem, the problem is not necessarily solved to a global optimum. Piecewise-linear or linear formulations of the non-linear equations are a common way to address non-linear non-convex optimization problems. In this paper, the novel homotopy method is compared with two established approaches—the piecewise-linear and the linear approximation—to account for non-linear components in the optimization problem. The analysis is carried out for a cascade of three reservoirs under two scenarios—a flood scenario and a load balance scenario. The optimization software is the open source package RTC-Tools 2.4. Compared to the piecewise-linear and the linear approach the homotopy method shows a better accuracy for the analysed cases, because the method solves the flow equations within the optimization in a non-simplified form. Different to the piecewise-linear and the linear approach, however, the homotopy method does not guarantee a global optimum. The solution is still path-stable, which is a basic pre-requisite for its application in an operational context of hydropwer scheduling. Compared to the piecewise-linear approach, the homotopy method is easier to implement under the condition that the software supports the method.
Acetylation increases expression, interaction with TRAPPC4 and surface localization of PD-L1
Authors: Romeo Maria Anele , Gilardini Montani Maria Saveria , Santarelli Roberta , Benedetti Rossella , Arena Andrea , Cirone Mara 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPD-L1 is an immune checkpoint inhibitor, whose surface expression may be exploited by cancer cells to escape T cell-mediated immune recognition. PD-L1 expression and nuclear localization can be affected by epigenetic modifications, such as acetylation. In this study, we showed that VPA, a class I/IIa HDAC inhibitor, upregulated PD-L1 expression on the surface of pancreatic cancer cells. To this effect contributed the increased transcription, in correlation with histone acetylation of the PD-L1 gene and the acetylation of PD-L1 protein, which led to an increased interaction with TRAPPC4, molecule involved in PD-L1 recycling to the cell membrane. Interestingly, the BRD4 inhibitor JQ-1, counteracted PD-L1 transcription and reduced its surface expression, suggesting that such a combination could improve the outcome of VPA treatment, also because it increased the cytotoxic effect of VPA. Also considering that this HDACi did not upregulate PD-L2 and that the supernatant of VPA-treated cancer cells did not increase PD-L1 expression on the surface of macrophages exposed to it.
Skill heterogeneity and market labour income inequality
Authors: Medrano-Adán Luis , Salas-Fumás Vicente , Sanchez-Asin Javier 
Published: August 2023

AbstractOccupational choice models predict that, ceteris paribus, countries with higher dispersion of skill will have higher market labour income inequality. However, an extended conclusion from empirical research is that cross-country variations in dispersion of skill explain little of the variation in income inequality. This paper identifies factors related to production and organization technologies that moderate the relationship between dispersion of skill and dispersion of income in occupational choice equilibrium outcomes and that, if not properly accounted for, can bias the results of the empirical studies that explain dispersion of income as a function of dispersion of skill. In particular, comparing equilibrium outcomes from occupational choices in economies that differ in the distribution of skill and in the efficiency of supervision hierarchies, the paper can explain why the US and Sweden have similar labour productivity, but income inequality is higher in the US than in Sweden, and why productivity is lower and income inequality is higher in Spain than in Sweden.
Chemically induced bacterial ghosts: a novel approach for advancing biomedical applications
Authors: Park Shin-Young 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Bacterial ghosts (BGs) are empty cell envelopes derived from bacteria, making them safe and non-replicative, and BGs have shown great potential as a vaccine platform. Specifically, chemically induced BGs are generated by selectively removing the cytoplasmic content of bacterial cells while preserving the structural integrity of the cell envelope.

Objective
Generally, BGs are genetically engineered, but this is limited to Gram-negative bacteria. However, the utilization of chemically induced BGs can be extended to Gram-positive bacteria, resulting in empty bacterial envelopes that hold potential as a platform for drug delivery.

Results
Chemically induced BGs offer several advantages, including improved safety profile and immunogenicity, and efficient antigen presentation. Preclinical studies have yielded promising results, exhibiting enhanced immune responses and protection against diverse pathogens.

Conclusion
Chemically induced BGs represent a novel and promising approach for vaccine development, holding the potential for advancing disease prevention and public health.

Purpose of review
In this review, we discuss key aspects of chemically induced BGs, including their production principles, mechanisms of formation, characterization techniques, immunogenicity, and medical applications. We also discuss the challenges and direction of future research for optimizing production methods for chemically induced BGs, evaluating long-term safety, and undertaking clinical trials to assess their efficacy.
Design, optimization, and in vivo evaluation of invasome-mediated candesartan for the control of diabetes-associated atherosclerosis
Authors: Fouad Amr Gamal , Ali Mohammed R. A. , Naguib Demiana M. , Farouk Hanan O. , Zanaty Mohamed I. , El-Ela Fatma I. Abo 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAtherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the accumulation of arterial plaque. Diabetes mellitus stands out as a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. Candesartan is a potent angiotensin II receptor antagonist that enhances arterial blood flow and reduces insulin resistance. However, oral candesartan has limited activity because of its low bioavailability, water solubility, hepatic first-pass degradation, and efficacy. The current study aims to develop nasal candesartan-loaded invasome (CLI) drops to improve candesartan’s permeation, release, and bioavailability as a potential treatment for diabetes-associated atherosclerosis. Design expert software was used to prepare various CLI formulations to determine the impact of the concentrations of ethanol, cineole, and phospholipid. The desirability index was used to estimate the optimized formulation composition to maximize entrapment efficiency and minimize vesicle size. The optimized formulation had a 1% ethanol concentration, a 1.5% cineole concentration, and a 2.32% phospholipid concentration. The selected optimized formulation was then tested in a rat model of diabetes and atherosclerosis to evaluate its activity. The results showed that nasal CLI drops significantly raised serum HDL levels by a ratio of 1.42 and lowered serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL levels by 69.70%, 72.22%, 36.52%, 58.0%, and 65.31%, respectively, compared with diabetic atherosclerotic rats, throwing an insight on the potential for promising anti-diabetic and anti-atherosclerotic activities. Additionally, atherosclerotic lesions were improved in rats treated with CLI, as shown in histopathology. In conclusion, the results of this investigation showed that treatment with nasal CSN-loaded invasome formulation drops prevented the initiation and progression of diabetes-associated atherosclerosis.
Graphical Abstract
The adjoint of an operator on a Banach space
Authors: García-Pacheco Francisco Javier 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSelf-adjoint operators in smooth Banach spaces have been already defined in recent works. Here, we extend the concept of adjoint of an operator to the scope of (non-necessarily Hilbert) Banach spaces, obtaining in particular the notion of self-adjoint operator in the non-smooth case. As a consequence, we define the probability density operator on Banach spaces and verify most of its well-known properties.
Congenital coenzyme Q5-linked pathology: causal genetic association, core phenotype, and molecular mechanism
Authors: Dawidziuk Mateusz , Podwysocka Aleksandra , Jurek Marta , Obersztyn Ewa , Bekiesinska-Figatowska Monika , Goszczanska-Ciuchta Alicja , Bukowska-Olech Ewelina , Rygiel Agnieszka Magdalena , Guilbride Dorothy Lys , Wiszniewski Wojciech , Gawlinski Pawel 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCoenzyme Q5 (COQ5), a C-methyltransferase, modifies coenzyme Q10 (COQ10) during biosynthesis and interacts with polyA-tail regulating zinc-finger protein ZC3H14 in neural development. Here, we present a fifth patient (a third family) worldwide with neurodevelopmental and physiological symptoms including COQ10 deficiency. Our patient harbors one novel c.681+1G>A and one recurrent p.Gly118Ser variant within COQ5. The patient’s mRNA profile reveals multiple COQ5 splice-variants. Subsequently, we comprehensively described patient’s clinical features as compared to phenotype and symptoms of other known congenital coenzyme Q5-linked cases. A core spectrum of COQ5-associated symptoms includes reduced COQ10 levels, intellectual disability, encephalopathy, cerebellar ataxia, cerebellar atrophy speech regression/dysarthria, short stature, and developmental delays. Our patient additionally displays dysmorphia, microcephaly, and regressive social faculties. These results formally establish causal association of biallelic COQ5 mutation with pathology, outline a core COQ5-linked phenotype, and identify mRNA mis-splicing as the molecular mechanism underlying all COQ5 variant-linked pathology to date.
Home ranges and movement patterns of wild boars (Sus scrofa) at the northern edge of the species’ distribution range
Authors: Miettinen E. , Melin M. , Holmala K. , Meller A. , Väänänen V.-M. , Huitu O. , Kunnasranta M. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn Finland, the wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) lives on the northernmost edge of the species’ distribution range, and the population mainly originates from individuals immigrating from Russia. Most of the current population lives in the southeastern part of the country, and the wild boar is steadily expanding further. To develop effective risk and population management in novel northern wild boar regions, detailed information about the species’ local ecology is required. To estimate wild boar movement patterns, 17 adult wild boars were monitored using GPS collars from May 2020 to September 2022 in the core region of the current distribution. The average total home ranges of wild boars (87.1 ± 17 km2 MCP, 33 ± 5.5 SE km2 95% KDE) were larger compared with studies from southern latitudes. The length of nocturnal activity times varied seasonally. All studied individuals at the border zone (N = 15) showed continuous transboundary movements, with home range core areas located mainly on the Russian side. Wild boar locations were predominantly in the Russia border zone, especially resting sites during the daytime. Most locations in Finland were from night-time feeding excursions. Our study shows that, although home ranges are large, adult wild boars are relatively sedentary also in northern latitudes. However, the movement capacity of the species enables the transboundary spread of diseases such as African swine fever. Our results provide information for risk management and emphasize the importance of transboundary collaboration in the monitoring and management of common wild boar populations.
The effectiveness of selected temporary testing protocols for gestational diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kania Michał , Wilk Magdalena , Cyganek Katarzyna , Szopa Magdalena 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objective
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the screening approach to the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was subject to emergency simplifications. We aimed at assessing the effectiveness of two of these temporary pandemic protocols—namely the Australian and UK, and to examine the insights they gave into the effectiveness of the more standard WHO-outlined GDM diagnosis protocol.

Methods
We performed a retrospective analysis of 432 GDM patients attending the outpatient clinic at the University Hospital of Cracow, Poland throughout 2020.

Results
When applying the UK criteria, 272 (63.0%) of 432 GDM cases would be missed. Women with missed-GDM by UK criteria were slightly older, had lower BMI, and had lower use of insulin. The frequency of child perinatal complications was lower in the missed GDM group (7.6% vs. 18.9%, p = 0.042) when compared to the non-missed cases group. When applying the Australian criteria, 86 of 432 (19.9%) GDM cases would be missed. Women with missed-GDM by the Australian criteria had lower BMI and less commonly used insulin than the women not missed. There were no differences in the frequency of child and maternal complications.

Conclusions
Modifications proposed from the UK and Australia resulted in varying decreases and delays in GDM diagnoses, but with no apparent harm to mothers and offspring. More studies are required to investigate the impact of the simplification of GDM diagnosis on pregnancy outcomes.
Video Interventions for Reducing Health Inequity in Cancer Screening Programmes: a Systematic Review
Authors: Richardson-Parry Afua , Silva Mitchell , Valderas Jose Maria , Donde Shaantanu , Woodruff Seth , van Vugt Joris 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Health equity can lead to disparities in cancer screening, treatment, and mortality. This systematic review aims to identify and describe interventions that used video or DVD formats to reduce health inequity in cancer screening and review the effectiveness of such interventions in increasing screening rates compared to usual care conditions.

Methods
We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases for randomized control trials (RCTs) published until 18/01/2023 that compared intervention versus usual care control groups, with the percentage of cancer screening uptake during follow-up as an outcome. The risk of Bias was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration tool.

Results
After screening 4201 abstracts, 192 full texts were assessed for eligibility and 18 were included that focused on colorectal (n = 9), cervical (n = 5), breast (n = 5), and prostate (n = 1) cancer screening. All were based in the USA except one and most focused on ethnicity/race, while some included low-income populations. Most of the video interventions used to increase cervical cancer screening reported positive results. Studies aimed at increasing mammography uptake were mostly effective only in specific groups of participants, such as low-income or less-educated African American women. Results for colorectal cancer screening were conflicting. Videos that were culturally tailored or used emotive format were generally more effective than information-only videos.

Conclusions
Video interventions to increase cancer screening among populations with low screening uptake show some positive effects, though results are mixed. Interventions that use individual and cultural tailoring of the educational material should be further developed and investigated outside of the USA.
Effect of zirconium oxide nanofiber on the strength and chloride ion penetration coefficient of concrete
Authors: Zarea Yaser , Parhoodeh Saeed , Shahryari Leila , Karbakhsh Ali 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this study, zirconium oxide nanofiber with a mean diameter of 100 nm was added to concrete at various concentrations as a cement replacement. Various tests, including compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, and electrical resistance tests, as well as a rapid chloride penetration test, were performed on specimens containing zirconium oxide nanofibers for the concrete assessment, and the results were compared to those obtained from control specimens that did not contain nanofibers. The results showed that adding zirconium oxide nanofibers at 135 gr/m3 of concrete yielded a 28-day compressive strength equal to 44.62 MPa, which exhibits a 20.40% increase in strength with respect to the specimen that lacked nanofibers. The flexural strength and splitting tensile strength tests at 28 days of age and in the presence of 135 gr/m3 mentioned nanofibers were increased by 22.28 and 33.47%, respectively, in comparison to the control specimens. Moreover, revealed that at 28 days of age, in the specimens containing 270 gr/m3 zirconium oxide nanofibers, the migration coefficient of chloride ion was reduced by 29.86%, and its electrical resistance was increased by 68.33%. These findings highlight the potential of nanofibers as a promising solution for enhancing the strength and performance of concrete structures.
Sepsis-Associated Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Wang Dong , Sun Tongwen , Liu Zhangsuo 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host immune response to infection. The kidneys are one of the first organs to be injured in sepsis. About two-thirds of patients with septic shock develop acute kidney injury, with a six- to eightfold increase in mortality. Growing evidences elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms, biomarkers, and response to therapy of sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (S-AKI). However, there is still a lack of effective and specific interventions for the treatment of S-AKI. This review summarizes the relevant evidence and provides an overview of the current understanding of S-AKI, focusing on pathophysiology, diagnosis, biomarkers, and therapeutic approaches.