bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Survey of Indicators for Mesh Quality Assessment
Authors: Sorgente T. , Biasotti S. , Manzini G. , Spagnuolo M. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWe analyze the joint efforts made by the geometry processing and the numerical analysis communities in the last decades to define and measure the concept of “mesh quality”. Researchers have been striving to determine how, and how much, the accuracy of a numerical simulation or a scientific computation (e.g., rendering, printing, modeling operations) depends on the particular mesh adopted to model the problem, and which geometrical features of the mesh most influence the result. The goal was to produce a mesh with good geometrical properties and the lowest possible number of elements, able to produce results in a target range of accuracy. We overview the most common quality indicators, measures, or metrics that are currently used to evaluate the goodness of a discretization and drive mesh generation or mesh coarsening/refinement processes. We analyze a number of local and global indicators, defined over two‐ and three‐dimensional meshes with any type of elements, distinguishing between simplicial, quadrangular/hexahedral, and generic polytopal elements. We also discuss mesh optimization algorithms based on the above indicators and report common libraries for mesh analysis and quality‐driven mesh optimization.
Worldwide organ allocation systems for pediatric lung transplantation
Authors: Avdimiretz Nicholas , Benden Christian 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPediatric lung transplantation (LTX) remains limited by the scarcity of small donor lungs, particularly in less populated parts of the world. Optimal organ allocation, including the prioritization and ranking of pediatric LTX candidates, and the appropriate matching of pediatric donors to recipients have been crucial elements in improving pediatric LTX outcomes. We aimed to elucidate the various pediatric lung allocation practices worldwide. A global survey of current pediatric solid organ transplantation deceased donation allocation practices was conducted by the International Pediatric Transplant Association (IPTA), and these policies were subsequently analyzed if publicly available, with focus on pediatric lung transplantation. Significant variation was found in lung allocation systems worldwide both in terms of prioritization and distribution for children. Definition of pediatrics varied from <12 years of age to <18 years of age. While several countries performing LTX for young children do not have a formal system to prioritize pediatric candidates, many countries that perform LTX at higher rates do offer prioritization methods for children: including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Australia, and countries serviced by Eurotransplant. Certain lung allocation practices for pediatrics are highlighted herein, including the newly instituted Composite Allocation Score (CAS) system in the United States, pediatric matching with Eurotransplant, and pediatric prioritization in Spain. The systems highlighted here explicitly aim to provide judicious and high quality LTX care for children.
Prognostic impact of translocation t(11;14) and of other cytogenetic abnormalities in patients with AL amyloidosis in the era of contemporary therapies
Authors: Fotiou Despina , Theodorakakou Foteini , Gavriatopoulou Maria , Migkou Magdalini , Malandrakis Panagiotis , Ntanasis‐Stathopoulos Ioannis , Kanellias Nikolaos , Eleutherakis Papaiakovou Evangelos , Terpos Evangelos , Papanikolaou Asimina , Gakiopoulou Charikleia , Dimopoulos Meletios Athanasios , Kastritis Efstathios 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectivesTranslocation t(11;14) is the most common cytogenetic abnormality in patients with systemic AL amyloidosis with prognostic and therapeutic relevance, which has not been clearly defined in the most recent therapeutic era.MethodsWe assessed its prognostic role in 146 newly‐diagnosed patients who received novel agent‐based treatment combinations. Event‐free survival (EFS), a composite endpoint defined by hematological progression, start of a new treatment‐line or death, and overall survival (OS) were the primary endpoints.ResultsHalf of the patients had at least one FISH abnormality; 40% had t(11;14) which was inversely associated with other cytogenetic abnormalities. At 1, 3, and 6‐month landmarks, hematologic response rates were numerically but not statistically higher in the non‐t(11;14) group. Patients with t(11;14) were more frequently switched to second‐line treatment within 12 months (p = .015). At median follow‐up of 31.4 months, t(11;14) was associated with shorter EFS [17.1 (95% CI 3.2–10.6) vs. 27.2 months (95% CI 13.8–40.6), p = .021] and retained its prognostic significance in the multivariate model (HR:1.66, p = .029). The effect on OS was neutral, possibly due to the use of effective salvage therapies.ConclusionsOur data support the use of targeted therapies for patients with t(11;14) to avoid delays in the achievement of deep hematologic responses.
RNA‐Seq‐based discovery of genetic variants and allele‐specific expression of two layer lines and broiler chicken
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Arsalan , Hadlich Frieder , Reyer Henry , Oster Michael , Trakooljul Nares , Murani Eduard , Perdomo‐Sabogal Alvaro , Wimmers Klaus , Ponsuksili Siriluck 
Published: May 2023

AbstractRecent advances in the selective breeding of broilers and layers have made poultry production one of the fastest‐growing industries. In this study, a transcriptome variant calling approach from RNA‐seq data was used to determine population diversity between broilers and layers. In total, 200 individuals were analyzed from three different chicken populations (Lohmann Brown (LB), n = 90), Lohmann Selected Leghorn (LSL, n = 89), and Broiler (BR, n = 21). The raw RNA‐sequencing reads were pre‐processed, quality control checked, mapped to the reference genome, and made compatible with Genome Analysis ToolKit for variant detection. Subsequently, pairwise fixation index (FST) analysis was performed between broilers and layers. Numerous candidate genes were identified, that were associated with growth, development, metabolism, immunity, and other economically significant traits. Finally, allele‐specific expression (ASE) analysis was performed in the gut mucosa of LB and LSL strains at 10, 16, 24, 30, and 60 weeks of age. At different ages, the two‐layer strains showed significantly different allele‐specific expressions in the gut mucosa, and changes in allelic imbalance were observed across the entire lifespan. Most ASE genes are involved in energy metabolism, including sirtuin signaling pathways, oxidative phosphorylation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. A high number of ASE genes were found during the peak of laying, which were particularly enriched in cholesterol biosynthesis. These findings indicate that genetic architecture as well as biological processes driving particular demands relate to metabolic and nutritional requirements during the laying period shape allelic heterogeneity. These processes are considerably affected by breeding and management, whereby elucidating allele‐specific gene regulation is an essential step towards deciphering the genotype to phenotype map or functional diversity between the chicken populations. Additionally, we observed that several genes showing significant allelic imbalance also colocalized with the top 1% of genes identified by the FST approach, suggesting a fixation of genes in cis‐regulatory elements.
Phosphorylation of glucocorticoid receptor induced by 16‐kauren‐2‐beta‐18, 19‐triol decreases expression of Melanophilin through JNK signalling
Authors: Myung Cheol‐Hwan , Jo Chan‐Song , Hwang Jae‐Sung 
Published: May 2023

Abstract16‐kauren‐2‐beta‐18, 19‐triol (16‐kauren) is a natural diterpenoid substance derived from Asteraceae psiadia punctulata, a small tropical shrub in Africa and Asia, and it can reduce Mlph expression without affecting the expression of Rab27a and MyoVa in melanocytes. Melanophilin (Mlph) is an important linker protein in the melanosome transport process. However, the signal transduction pathway for the regulation of Mlph expression has not been fully established. We examined the mechanism of 16‐kauren on Mlph expression. Murine melan‐a melanocytes were used for in vitro analysis. Western blot analysis, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and luciferase assay were performed. The inhibition of Mlph expression by 16‐kauren‐2β‐18,19‐triol (16‐kauren) occurs through the JNK signal and is reversed following glucocorticoid receptor (GR) activation by dexamethasone (Dex). Especially, 16‐kauren activates JNK and c‐jun signalling, part of the MAPK pathway, with subsequent Mlph repression. When the JNK signal is weakened by siRNA, the inhibition of Mlph expression by 16‐kauren was not seen. JNK activation by 16‐kauren induces GR phosphorylation, which leads to Mlph repression. These results demonstrate that 16‐kauren regulates Mlph expression through the phosphorylation of GR via the JNK signalling pathway.
The impact of resilience on headache disability as measured by the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS)
Authors: Hans Avneet , Stonnington Cynthia M. , Zhang Nan , Butterfield Richard , Friedman Deborah I. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectiveOur objectives were to examine cross‐sectional correlations of headache disability with measures of resilience, anxiety, and depression, and to determine if resilience modified the association between headache severity/frequency and disability.BackgroundResilience is associated with quality of life and functioning among patients with chronic conditions. We investigated whether resilience strongly mitigates headache‐related disability as measured by the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS).MethodsWe prospectively recruited 160 patients with primary headache disorders seen in a tertiary headache medicine program between February 20, 2018 and August 2, 2019. Each participant completed the MIDAS, Conner Davidson Resilience Scale (CDRS‐25), Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD‐7), and WHO‐5 Well‐Being Index.ResultsThe CDRS‐25 score was negatively correlated with the total MIDAS (r = −0.21, p = 0.009), GAD‐7 (r = −0.56, p < 0.001), and PHQ‐9 scores (r = −0.34, p < 0.001). Well‐being inversely correlated with disability (r = −0.37, p < 0.001). Increases in anxiety and depression increased the odds of disability. A 1 point increase in the CDRS‐25 score decreased the odds of being severely disabled by 4% (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94 to 0.99, p = 0.001). However, the CDRS‐25 score did not significantly moderate the association between headache days and disability.ConclusionTraits associated with resilience decreased the odds of severe disability from headaches, whereas anxiety, depression, and headache frequency were strongly associated with higher disability from headache.
Tropical savanna conversion to exotic pastures negatively affects taxonomic and functional diversity of dung beetle assemblages, but not dung removal
Authors: Maciel Rafaella , Braga Rodrigo Fagundes , Carvalho Raquel L. , Louzada Júlio , Slade Eleanor M. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract1. The replacement of natural systems with agricultural lands is the main factor resulting in land use change in tropical regions. Tropical savannas cover more than 20% of the global land surface, and one‐fifth of the world's population depends directly on these systems.2. Here, we aim to understand how the conversion of tropical savanna into exotic pastures affects the taxonomic and functional metrics of communities and dung removal, using dung beetles as a focal group in a biodiversity hotspot—the Brazilian Cerrado biome. We used species richness, abundance, total biomass, and species composition as assemblage metrics, and functional richness, equitability and dispersion indices, and functional composition as functional diversity metrics.3. The replacement of native savanna with exotic pastures negatively affected taxonomic and functional metrics, suggesting a simplified system where some disturbance‐tolerant species become dominant. However, the relationship between dung removal and functional richness was higher in pastures compared to savanna.4. Our results demonstrated that responses of dung beetle assemblages and dung removal to land use changes are decoupled, idiosyncratic and context‐dependent, presenting challenges for making predictions and generalisations about the effects of land use change on ecological processes mediated by animals.
Wet vacuum impregnation assisted in malting; its implication on steeping degree, germination energy and malt properties
Authors: Gonu Hellie , Zarnkow Martin , Withayagiat Ulaiwan 
Published: May 2023

SummaryThe wet vacuum impregnation (WVI) was used in malting process to reduce soaking period. To implement WVI during steeping, vacuum pressure of 500 mmHg for 300 s, was applied twice on five Thai barley cultivars. The effect of WVI on germination energy, moisture content, phenolic acids, antioxidant activity (AOA) and malt quality were examined relative to Central European Commission for Brewing Analysis (MEBAK) malting condition. Moisture content in barley soaked by WVI and MEBAK steeping method were in the range of 36.1–39.9% and 39.9–47.8%, respectively with germination energy of 96–97%. The physicochemical properties of malt from steeping via WVI and MEBAK showed the malts were protein‐rich cultivars, adequate β enzyme and low α amylase activities, hence, low‐malt extract. Total fermentable sugars were relative higher in MEBAK malts than WVI malts. Nevertheless, steeping by WVI had higher free and bound phenolic acids, which led to higher AOA via ABSTS and DPPH assays in some barley cultivars than MEBAK. This research highlights the WVI did not limit barley gemination and the potential of this technology in malting process by limiting steeping time. Further study is required to reduce air‐rest period and optimise condition to achieve moisture content of 40–45% in soaked barley.
Cutting and packing problems under uncertainty: literature review and classification framework
Authors: Hadj Salem Khadija , Silva Elsa , Oliveira José Fernando 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCutting and packing problems are hard combinatorial optimization problems that arise in several manufacturing and process industries or in their supply chains. The solution of these problems is not only a scientific challenge but also has a large economic impact, as it contributes to the reduction of one of the major cost factors for many production sectors, namely raw materials, together with a positive environmental impact. The explicit consideration of uncertainty when solving cutting and packing problems with optimization techniques is crucial for a wider adoption of research results by companies. However, current research has paid little attention to the role of uncertainty in these problems. In this paper, we review the existing literature on uncertainty in cutting and packing problems, propose a classification framework, and highlight the many research gaps and opportunities for scientific contributions.
Data envelopment analysis of two‐stage processes: an alternative (non‐conventional) approach
Authors: Despotis Dimitris K. , Sotiros Dimitris , Koronakos Gregory 
Published: May 2023

AbstractNetwork data envelopment analysis (NDEA) is an extension of standard DEA that models the efficiency assessment of decision‐making units (DMUs) by considering their internal structure. While in standard DEA, the DMU is regarded as a single process, in NDEA, the DMU is viewed as a network of interconnected sub‐processes (stages, divisions), where the flow of the intermediate products (measures) is essential in the efficiency assessment. In the prevalent conventional methodological approach to NDEA, the sub‐processes are assumed as distinct entities with distinct inputs and outputs. Thus, each sub‐process has its own production possibility set (PPS), which can be derived axiomatically from a set of assumptions using the minimum extrapolation principle. The PPS of the overall system is defined as the composition of the individual PPSs. The conventional approach comprises all the methods, in which the system and the divisional efficiencies are computed jointly in a single mathematical program. A fundamental property connecting the system with the divisional efficiencies is that a system is overall efficient if and only if its divisions are all efficient. In NDEA, regardless of the method used, there are cases where none of the observed DMUs is rendered overall efficient as corroborated by real‐world case studies. This is the main issue we discuss in this paper and the motivation to propose an alternative, non‐conventional, approach to address it in the frame of two‐stage processes. We consider the two‐stage process as a system that can be viewed from two perspectives depending on the role of the intermediate measures: the system as producer and as consumer of the intermediates. As our approach is based on standard DEA, it satisfies the basic desirable properties. The fundamental NDEA property, that the overall system is efficient if and only if both perspectives are efficient, is met. The efficient frontier of the system is explicitly defined by the overall efficient observed DMUs, and the inefficient DMUs are projected on the efficient frontier of the system. A convergent procedure is presented for this purpose. The proposed models are equivalently expressed in both the multiplier and the envelopment forms due to strict primal‐dual correspondence and can operate under both constant and variable returns‐to‐scale assumptions. We use the case of 22 automotive manufacturers for the fiscal year 2019 as an example to illustrate our approach. Comparison with other NDEA methods is also provided.
Atomistic simulation of α‐Al2O3 nanoparticle plastic anisotropy under compression
Authors: Xu Qinqin , Chevalier Jérome , Amodeo Jonathan 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAlumina (α‐Al2O3) is one of the major ceramic oxides commonly used for its advanced mechanical properties. Since recently, nanoscale α‐Al2O3 requires more in‐depth characterization related to ceramic powder compaction and sintering as well as for applications in the field of biomedical engineering. In this study, we use classical molecular dynamics simulations with a 2/3‐body interatomic potential to investigate the mechanical response and the elementary deformation processes of α‐Al2O3 nanoparticles under compression. Results show that α‐Al2O3 nanoparticles resist up to particularly elevated critical force before yielding due to a surface nucleation process including various kinds of dislocations and nanotwins strongly sensitive to orientation and temperature. Results are rationalized in terms of stacking‐fault energy and shear stress analysis and are discussed in the light of recent micromechanical tests as well as more fundamental observations performed in the bulk material.
Rapid and controllable synthesis of LiCoO2 cathode materials by reactive flash sintering
Authors: Gou Yunjie , Li Guangdong , Sun Wang , Qiao Jinshuo , Sun Kening , Wang Zhenhua 
Published: May 2023

AbstractLiCoO2 (LCO) has been widely adopted as the electrode for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) which provide a solution for settling problems referring to energy and environment. The demand for rapid and controllable synthesis of LCO increases dramatically. In this work, reactive flash sintering (RFS), for the first time, was introduced to synthesize LCO rapidly and controllably based on simple oxide precursors. The as‐prepared LCO, investigated by physicochemical property characterization, showed well‐constructed and high crystallinity and controllable morphologies, in which the grain size varied with the magnitude of the applied limited current value, allowing for grain size modulation. Furthermore, the as‐prepared LCO exhibited excellent performance in cyclic stability and rate capacity by contrast with that synthesized by the conventional solid‐phase sintering method. This is admittedly attributed to better crystallinity and less lithium loss. Therefore, RFS provides a new approach for the manufacture of LCO electrode and has the potential to be applied to other electrode materials for LIBs.
Comparative diets and prey resource competition between early‐juvenile common snookCentropomus undecimalisand non‐native pike killifishBelonesox belizanus
Authors: Smith Geoffrey H. , Murie Debra J. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPike killifishBelonesox belizanus is an established non‐native fish species in Florida, USA, that was first documented in south Florida in 1957 and then in Tampa Bay tributaries in 1994. Decreases in small‐bodied fish abundances have been linked to the introduction of B. belizanus in both of these regions. Increases in the range and abundance ofB. belizanus in the Tampa Bay area and overlap in habitat usage have led to concerns about potential competition with, and predation on, early‐juvenile common snookCentropomus undecimalis[≤100 mm standard length (SL)]. Stomach contents of B. belizanus (N = 422; 14–127 mm SL) and early‐juvenileC. undecimalis(N = 1132; 5–119 mm SL) were collected to examine the dietary overlap of these two species and potential differences in the diet of early‐juvenileC. undecimalisfrom locations with and without B. belizanus co‐occurring. Prey resources were collected by seine to assess prey resource limitation and prey selectivity. Stomach content analysis indicated that there was low overlap in the diet of early‐juvenileC. undecimalisand B. belizanus (C ≤ 0.40). Early‐juvenileC. undecimalishad a wider diet breadth, consuming many organisms that are not consumed by B. belizanus and which make up a large portion of the early‐juvenileC. undecimalisdiet. Analysis of prey resources indicated that some prey groups may have lower abundances in locations where B. belizanus are present, with some of these differences reflected in the diet of early‐juvenileC. undecimalis. Despite these differences, there was minimal difference in the diet overlap of early‐juvenileC. undecimalisfrom locations with and without B. belizanus co‐occurring. Currently B. belizanus appear to be competing minimally with early‐juvenileC. undecimalisfor prey resources, with no substantial impacts being detected.