bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexual (Risk) Behavior and Risk-Reduction Strategies of Home-Based Male Sex Workers Who Have Sex with Men (MSW–MSM) in The Netherlands: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Peters Charlotte M. M. , Evers Ymke J. , Dukers-Muijrers Nicole H. T. M. , Hoebe Christian J. P. A. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAn understanding of sexual (risk) behavior is necessary to successfully develop prevention and care strategies for the sexually transmitted infections (STI) high-risk group of male sex workers who have sex with men (MSW–MSM). However, limited scientific knowledge is available on sexual (risk) behavior of (home-based) MSW–MSM. This study aimed to gain an understanding of sexual (risk) behavior, factors influencing sexual (risk) behavior, and applied risk-reduction strategies of home-based MSW–MSM. For this qualitative study, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 20 home-based MSW–MSM in the Netherlands. The interviews’ recordings were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed with Atlas.ti 8. Condom use was reported to be high during anal sex, but low during oral sex and mostly determined by STI risk perception, trust in clients, and sexual pleasure. Many experienced condom failure, while few knew what to do after condom failure and were aware of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Many MSW–MSM had chemsex in the past 6 months in order to loosen up and enhance sexual pleasure. Some were not vaccinated against hepatitis B virus (HBV), mainly due to the lack of information and awareness of HBV vaccination and low risk perception of HBV. The results of this study can be used to tailor future STI/HIV risk-reduction strategies for home-based MSW–MSM and to increase awareness and uptake of available STI/HIV prevention strategies such as P(r)EP and HBV vaccination.
Investigating potential immune mechanisms of trilaciclib administered prior to chemotherapy in patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Tan Antoinette R. , O’Shaughnessy Joyce , Cao Subing , Ahn Sarah , Yi John S. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
In a phase II trial in patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC; NCT02978716), administering trilaciclib prior to gemcitabine plus carboplatin (GCb) enhanced T-cell activation and improved overall survival versus GCb alone. The survival benefit was more pronounced in patients with higher immune-related gene expression. We assessed immune cell subsets and used molecular profiling to further elucidate effects on antitumor immunity.

Methods
Patients with mTNBC and ≤ 2 prior chemotherapy regimens for locally recurrent TNBC or mTNBC were randomized 1:1:1 to GCb on days 1 and 8, trilaciclib prior to GCb on days 1 and 8, or trilaciclib alone on days 1 and 8, and prior to GCb on days 2 and 9. Gene expression, immune cell populations, and Tumor Inflammation Signature (TIS) scores were assessed in baseline tumor samples, with flow cytometric analysis and intracellular and surface cytokine staining used to assess immune cell populations and function.

Results
After two cycles, the trilaciclib plus GCb group (n = 68) had fewer total T cells and significantly fewer CD8+ T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells compared with baseline, with enhanced T-cell effector function versus GCb alone. No significant differences were observed in patients who received GCb alone (n = 34). Of 58 patients in the trilaciclib plus GCb group with antitumor response data, 27 had an objective response. RNA sequencing revealed a trend toward higher baseline TIS scores among responders versus non‑responders.

Conclusion
The results suggest that administering trilaciclib prior to GCb may modulate the composition and response of immune cell subsets to TNBC.
Antibacterial properties of functionalized cellulose extracted from deproteinized soybean hulls
Authors: Tummino Maria Laura , Laurenti Enzo , Bracco Pierangiola , Cecone Claudio , Parola Valeria La , Vineis Claudia , Testa Maria Luisa 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSoybean hulls (SBHs) are one of the main by-products of soybean crushing, usually destined for animal feeding or to become a putrescible waste. In this work, we upgraded the SBHs to materials with antimicrobial properties. After the extraction of soybean peroxidase from SBHs, an enzyme applicable in different technological sectors and naturally present in soybean hulls, the exhausted biomass was subjected to an acid–base treatment to isolate cellulose. The obtained material was, in turn, functionalized with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES) to achieve new hybrids with antimicrobial properties. The synthetic procedure was optimized by varying the solvent type (ethanol or toluene) and APTES amount. Overall, the amino-functionalization process was effective and the activity was outstanding against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, reaching complete disinfection practically in all cases. The samples were studied by means of several characterization techniques, demonstrating that the solvent and cellulose types had a significant influence on the physical–chemical features, together with the eco-sustainability of the process. In particular, the use of greener ethanol and waste cellulose (with respect to a commercial one) resulted in a higher APTES immobilization efficiency and superior thermal stability of the final materials. Interestingly, the presence of various unremoved compounds from the lignocellulosic SBH matrix, although in small quantities, emerged as a crucial factor, also in terms of antibacterial activity, hypothesizing a role of residual phytochemicals.
A branch-and-prune algorithm for discrete Nash equilibrium problems
Authors: Schwarze Stefan , Stein Oliver 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe present a branch-and-prune procedure for discrete Nash equilibrium problems with a convex description of each player’s strategy set. The derived pruning criterion does not require player convexity, but only strict convexity of some player’s objective function in a single variable. If satisfied, it prunes choices for this variable by stating activity of certain constraints. This results in a synchronous branching and pruning method. An algorithmic implementation and numerical tests are presented for randomly generated instances with convex polyhedral strategy sets and convex quadratic as well as non-convex quadratic objective functions.
Genetic insights into pepper-bark tree (Warburgia salutaris) reproduction in South Africa
Authors: Glennon K. L. , Le Roux J. J. , Thompson D. I. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractGenetic diversity in over-exploited and threatened species has important, but often neglected, implications for conservation. In South Africa, the bark of the regionally endangered pepper-bark tree, Warburgia salutaris, is extensively harvested for subsistence medicine. We developed 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers to examine the genetic diversity and structure among 227 W. salutaris individuals sampled from across much of its range in South Africa’s Kruger National Park (KNP) and 31 trees growing in local nurseries. We also tested the cross-amplification success of these markers in two closely related species, Warburgia elongata (IUCN listed as Endangered) and W. stuhlmannii (IUCN listed as Vulnerable). Contrary to our expectations, we found evidence of clonality and for high genetic diversity in all wild KNP sub-populations of W. salutaris. We identified between 114 and 149 unique multi-locus genotypes in the 258 individuals included in our analyses. Bayesian assignment tests identified three distinct genetic clusters that are represented by the sampled KNP sub-population of W. salutaris, with minimal geographic structure and some admixture. Three genetic clusters were also identified among all sampled individuals, i.e., KNP and nursery trees. Nursery W. salutaris germplasm comprised unique genotypes with similar levels of observed heterozygosity to the wild population. High levels of clonality and reported self-incompatibility, along with short distance pollination, likely explain the lack of recent sexual recruitment (i.e., reduced fruit set and lack of seedlings) in the wild population. These findings will be useful to identify sub-populations where genets may be sampled to maximize genetic diversity within subpopulations for restoration throughout KNP.
Round- and context-bounded control of dynamic pushdown systems
Authors: Bollig Benedikt , Lehaut Mathieu , Sznajder Nathalie 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe consider systems with unboundedly many processes that communicate through shared memory. In that context, simple verification questions have a high complexity or, in the case of pushdown processes, are even undecidable. Good algorithmic properties are recovered under round-bounded verification, which restricts the system behavior to a bounded number of round-robin schedules. In this paper, we extend this approach to a game-based setting. This allows one to solve synthesis and control problems and constitutes a further step towards a theory of languages over infinite alphabets.
Identifying the circularization opportunities for organic wastes generated in a Mediterranean region
Authors: García-Rández A. , Marks E. A. N. , Martínez-Sabater E. , Sáez-Tovar J. A. , Andreu-Rodríguez J. , Orden L. , Bustamante M. A. , Pérez-Murcia M. D. , Moral R. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractUnderstanding the extent and characteristics of biomass resources is important for managing it effectively within the bioeconomy and leveraging biomass towards the highest value uses or those which are most appropriate. To this end, a large regional study was conducted to characterize the main physicochemical characteristics of common biomasses and identify potential limitations to use or opportunities for. Valencia is fourth most populous autonomous region of Spain, having a large importance for the European vegetable and citrus product markets, among others. Across 164 municipalities, 625 samples were characterized for contents of organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, pH, electrical conductivity, and polyphenol contents, and 224 samples were characterized for metal and metalloid contents. The different biomass types included in the study were expert-classified into a total of 54 biomass subcategories. Overall, nutrient contents were the parameter most associated with waste type, while electrical conductivity had the highest variability within groups. Considering all the samples, nutrient contents were sufficient to reach established minimums for marking as an EU-labelled fertilizing product in 479/625 cases, and pertinent limits on heavy metal contents were exceeded in 20/224 cases. The highest polyphenol contents were found in the pomegranate and citric wastes, which were substantially higher than in the organic wastes from olive oil and wine production. Machine learning techniques (k-means and hierarchical clustering analysis) applied to the datasets showed that biomasses were best classified into two groups based on pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, and N, P, and Na contents, and three groups based on metal and metalloid contents. The summary data are presented in appendices for regional and European nutrient budgeting and modelling use. Based on the analyzed properties, the most appropriate uses can be identified, whether for transformation in biological processes, energy generation, recovery of critical elements, or extraction of high value compounds.
Nanosecond time-resolved infrared spectroscopy for the study of electron transfer in photosystem I
Authors: Mäusle Sarah M. , Agarwala Neva , Eichmann Viktor G. , Dau Holger , Nürnberg Dennis J. , Hastings Gary 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMicrosecond time-resolved step-scan FTIR difference spectroscopy was used to study photosystem I (PSI) from Thermosynechococcus vestitus BP-1 (T. vestitus, formerly known as T. elongatus) at 77 K. In addition, photoaccumulated (P700+–P700) FTIR difference spectra were obtained at both 77 and 293 K. The FTIR difference spectra are presented here for the first time. To extend upon these FTIR studies nanosecond time-resolved infrared difference spectroscopy was also used to study PSI from T. vestitus at 296 K. Nanosecond infrared spectroscopy has never been used to study PSI samples at physiological temperatures, and here it is shown that such an approach has great value as it allows a direct probe of electron transfer down both branches in PSI. In PSI at 296 K, the infrared flash-induced absorption changes indicate electron transfer down the B- and A-branches is characterized by time constants of 33 and 364 ns, respectively, in good agreement with visible spectroscopy studies. These time constants are associated with forward electron transfer from A1– to FX on the B- and A-branches, respectively. At several infrared wavelengths flash-induced absorption changes at 296 K recover in tens to hundreds of milliseconds. The dominant decay phase is characterized by a lifetime of 128 ms. These millisecond changes are assigned to radical pair recombination reactions, with the changes being associated primarily with P700+ rereduction. This conclusion follows from the observation that the millisecond infrared spectrum is very similar to the photoaccumulated (P700+–P700) FTIR difference spectrum.
Detection of Endometriosis Lesions Using Gd-Based Collagen I Targeting Probe in Murine Models of Endometriosis
Authors: Talebloo Nazanin , Bernal Maria Ariadna Ochoa , Kenyon Elizabeth , Mallett Christiane L. , Fazleabas Asgerally , Moore Anna 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Endometriosis is a chronic condition characterized by high fibrotic content and affecting about 10% of women during their reproductive years. Yet, no clinically approved agents are available for non-invasive endometriosis detection. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of a gadolinium-based collagen type I targeting probe (EP-3533) to non-invasively detect endometriotic lesions using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Previously, this probe has been used for detection and staging of fibrotic lesions in the liver, lung, heart, and cancer. In this study we evaluate the potential of EP-3533 for detecting endometriosis in two murine models and compare it with a non-binding isomer (EP-3612).

Procedures
For imaging, we utilized two GFP-expressing murine models of endometriosis (suture model and injection model) injected intravenously with EP3533 or EP-33612. Mice were imaged before and after bolus injection of the probes. The dynamic signal enhancement of MR T1 FLASH images was analyzed, normalized, and quantified, and the relative location of lesions was validated through ex vivo fluorescence imaging. Subsequently, the harvested lesions were stained for collagen, and their gadolinium content was quantified by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES).

Results
We showed that EP-3533 probe increased the signal intensity in T1-weighted images of endometriotic lesions in both models of endometriosis. Such enhancement was not detected in the muscles of the same groups or in endometriotic lesions of mice injected with EP-3612 probe. Consequentially, control tissues had significantly lower gadolinium content, compared to the lesions in experimental groups. Probe accumulation was similar in endometriotic lesions of either model.

Conclusions
This study provides evidence for feasibility of targeting collagen type I in the endometriotic lesions using EP3533 probe. Our future work includes investigation of the utility of this probe for therapeutic delivery in endometriosis to inhibit signaling pathways that cause the disease.
The changes in the maize root cell walls after exogenous application of auxin in the presence of cadmium
Authors: Šípošová Kristína , Labancová Eva , Hačkuličová Diana , Kollárová Karin , Vivodová Zuzana 
Published: July 2023

AbstractCadmium (Cd) is a transition metal and hazardous pollutant that has many toxic effects on plants. This heavy metal poses a health risk for both humans and animals. The cell wall is the first structure of a plant cell that is in contact with Cd; therefore, it can change its composition and/or ratio of wall components accordingly. This paper investigates the changes in the anatomy and cell wall architecture of maize (Zea mays L.) roots grown for 10 days in the presence of auxin indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and Cd. The application of IBA in the concentration 10−9 M delayed the development of apoplastic barriers, decreased the content of lignin in the cell wall, increased the content of Ca2+ and phenols, and influenced the composition of monosaccharides in polysaccharide fractions when compared to the Cd treatment. Application of IBA improved the Cd2+ fixation to the cell wall and increased the endogenous concentration of auxin depleted by Cd treatment. The proposed scheme from obtained results may explain the possible mechanisms of the exogenously applied IBA and its effects on the changes in the binding of Cd2+ within the cell wall, and on the stimulation of growth that resulted in the amelioration of Cd stress.
Potential side effects of climate change mitigation on poverty and countermeasures
Authors: Fujimori Shinichiro , Hasegawa Tomoko , Oshiro Ken , Zhao Shiya , Sasaki Katsuya , Takakura Junya , Takahashi Kiyoshi 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMany countries have set ambitious long-term emissions reduction targets for reaching the goal in alignment with the Paris Agreement. However, large-scale emission reduction efforts may influence poverty by various economic channels. Here, we show the extent to which climate change mitigation, excluding climate change impacts, has the potential to increase poverty, and have identified its factors such as income, price changes, and direct and indirect carbon pricing impacts. We found that the global poverty headcount could increase by 69 million (19%) in 2030 relative to the baseline for climate change mitigation with global uniform carbon prices. Moreover, our decomposition analysis revealed that both price and income change effects were major factors that could increase the poverty headcount, which are 55% and 40%, respectively. This adverse side effect could be mitigated by various measures, such as emission regulations and an enhancement of energy efficiency standards beyond the typical simple carbon tax. Our results imply that global climate change mitigation policy should place more attention on economic development in poor countries.
Bithiophene-naphthalene chalcone as a fluorescent pigment in eco-friendly security ink formulation
Authors: Jain Rakshitha K. , Muthamma Kashmitha , Sunil Dhanya , Kulkarni Suresh D. , Anand P. J. , Dey Nilanjan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractApproaches to prevent document/product forgery using eco-friendly printing inks and security printing techniques on flexible substrates are two vital areas of research that demand coherent advancements. In this context, a new bithiophene-naphthalene chalcone (BTNP) was synthesized and characterized as a fluorescent pigment for use in security ink. BTNP exhibited good solid-state and solution phase fluorescence with intramolecular charge transfer confirmed using theoretical studies and emission spectra collected in THF/THF–hexane mixtures. The aggregation-induced emission of BTNP was established using solution phase studies in THF/THF–water mixtures. The strong solid-state yellow emission of BTNP prompted its use as a pigment in the preparation of an environment-friendly UV fluorescent formulation, devoid of any volatile organic compounds or hazardous air pollutants. The screen prints obtained on a UV dull paper substrate utilizing BTNP ink revealed good fluorescence, photostability, colorimetric, densitometric, and rub resistance characteristics, which showcase the potential applicability of the BTNP formulation in security printing. The low cytotoxic nature of the chalcone as observed in the MTT assay could also be exploited for the use of formulation in inkpads.
Graphical abstract
Extension of value stream mapping 4.0 for comprehensive identification of data and information flows within the manufacturing domain
Authors: Bega Maximilian , Sapel Patrick , Ercan Furkan , Schramm Thomas , Spitz Martin , Kuhlenkötter Bernd , Hopmann Christian 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe main driver of industry 4.0 is data and information for realizing resilient manufacturing systems through data-based decision-making. This requires the data flow from different machinery and its processing. Therefore, a methodical survey on the logical and technical requirements for enabling an efficient data flow can be beneficial since it fastens the process of establishing the data flow and gives production and software engineers a common understanding of the data’s meaning. Hence, data, related metadata like the unit or the frequency of recordings, and technical information, e.g., the machine’s interface or the communication protocol, are necessary. Based on the classical value stream mapping (VSM) as a lean management tool, the first approach for a methodical gathering of data, value stream mapping 4.0, was established in 2016. Since VSM 4.0 provides technical properties for specifying the data flow, some shortcomings were identified, particularly related to technical information. This contribution introduces the VSM 4.0 plus that solved the identified shortcomings by adding new properties. Compared to VSM 4.0, VSM 4.0 plus offers detailed specifications of data points, includes technical information, e.g., used communication protocols, adds information regarding data processing, and enhances the storage and usage dimension by providing more details. Through the added properties, VSM 4.0 plus allows domain and software engineers more efficient collaboration since all required information for establishing the data flow and its processing are united in one methodology. To verify the practicability, the VSM 4.0 plus was applied within several manufacturing-related use cases.
Transformational leadership and emotional intelligence: allies in the development of organizational affective commitment from a multilevel perspective and time-lagged data
Authors: Pulido-Martos Manuel , Gartzia Leire , Augusto-Landa José María , Lopez-Zafra Esther 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn the business context, models are needed to facilitate our understanding on the emergence of processes that transcend the individual level. In the case of affective organizational commitment, such models are even more necessary, due to the benefits associated with affective organizational commitment at the organizational level. From a time-lagged multilevel perspective, a model to explain the emergence of affective organizational commitment was tested by integrating the contribution of group processes. In this study, at two time points, 63 work teams from different organizations and sectors in Spain (n = 233 employees) were evaluated for transformational leadership, workgroup emotional intelligence and affective organizational commitment. The data were analyzed by a multilevel structural equation modelling (MSEM). The results showed that supervisors’ transformational leadership style to both directly and indirectly (through workgroup emotional intelligence levels) mediates the development of affective organizational commitment at the individual level. The results are replicated at the team level but a direct relationship between transformational leadership and affective organizational commitment was not found. In conclusion, the results of this multilevel analysis of the relationships between transformational leadership, workgroup emotional intelligence, and affective organizational commitment contribute to the development of so-called “hybrid theories of homology” in the search for the generalization of relationships between variables across levels.