bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved Area of Origin Estimation for Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Using 3D Scanning
Authors: Esaias Owen , Noonan Grant W. , Everist Shane , Roberts Michell , Thompson Cassie , Krosch Matt N. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAn important component of crime scene reconstruction is bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA). Where BPA concerns impact patterns, estimating the area of origin is critical information for scene reconstruction. Traditionally, this is achieved by measuring individual bloodstains and performing trigonometric calculations; however, 3D scanning has been proposed as a viable alternative for overcoming logistical and practical concerns with the manual method. Therefore, this project aimed to establish whether the FARO Focus 3D scanner and FARO Zone 3D software can improve the accuracy of area of origin estimates relative to the manual method. We created a series of eight bloodstain impact patterns and performed paired analysis using the two methods to estimate areas of origin for each pattern. Our data suggested that FARO‐derived estimates were generally more accurate than using the manual method. FARO‐estimated heights of origin areas were generally closer to the true distance. Both methods underestimated the distance from the wall for most patterns originating 150mm or greater from the wall, but overestimated distances for patterns originating closer to the wall. The degree to which distances were underestimated increased significantly the further the blood source was from the wall and was greater for FARO‐derived estimates. The results of this research contribute to the validation of these instruments for operational implementation for BPA and should be considered alongside the practical benefits of 3D scanning relative to manual methods. Further, 3D scanning can provide reliable BPA reconstruction documentation for technical review and court presentation.
Development of a risk assessment model to differentiate malignant and benign musculoskeletal soft‐tissue masses on magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Obaid Haron , Vassos Nicholas , Adams Scott J , Bryce Rhonda , Donuru Achala , Sinclair Nicolette 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIntroductionThis study aimed to develop a risk stratification model to differentiate benign and malignant MRI‐imaged musculoskeletal soft‐tissue tumours, informing decisions surrounding biopsy and follow‐up imaging.MethodsImaging of patients who underwent MRI and subsequent biopsy to evaluate a soft‐tissue mass was retrospectively reviewed. Features analysed included patient age; tumour size; shape; margins; enhancement pattern; signal intensity pattern; deep fascia, neurovascular bundle, bone and joint involvement; and the presence of necrosis, haemorrhage, oedema and intralesional fat. Univariate comparisons, by final histopathological status, employed t‐tests and chi‐square tests, followed by simple and multiple logistic regressions. Variables included in the final multiple regression model were used to define a three‐level risk stratification strategy.ResultsOne‐hundred and ten patients were included in the analysis. Univariate relationships were identified between malignancy and age, tumour size, deep fascia involvement, neurovascular involvement, necrosis, haemorrhage, oedema and heterogeneous enhancement (all P < 0.01). Final multiple regression modelling included size, enhancement and oedema. Thirty of 40 (75%) tumours >5 cm with surrounding oedema (‘high risk’) were malignant, 13 of 47 (28%) tumours with one or more of tumour size >5 cm, surrounding oedema or heterogeneous enhancement (‘moderate risk’) were malignant, and none of the 16 tumours ≤5 cm with the absence of surrounding oedema and heterogeneous enhancement (‘low risk’) were malignant.ConclusionsA model including tumour size, enhancement and oedema has potential to stratify soft‐tissue tumours into high‐, intermediate‐ and low‐risk categories; this may inform decisions surrounding biopsy and follow‐up imaging.
Quantitative Colour Pattern Analysis (QCPA): A comprehensive framework for the analysis of colour patterns in nature
Authors: van den Berg Cedric P. , Troscianko Jolyon , Endler John A. , Marshall N. Justin , Cheney Karen L. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

To understand the function of colour signals in nature, we require robust quantitative analytical frameworks to enable us to estimate how animal and plant colour patterns appear against their natural background as viewed by ecologically relevant species. Due to the quantitative limitations of existing methods, colour and pattern are rarely analysed in conjunction with one another, despite a large body of literature and decades of research on the importance of spatio‐chromatic colour pattern analyses. Furthermore, key physiological limitations of animal visual systems such as spatial acuity, spectral sensitivities, photoreceptor abundances and receptor noise levels are rarely considered together in colour pattern analyses.

Here, we present a novel analytical framework, called the Quantitative Colour Pattern Analysis (QCPA). We have overcome many quantitative and qualitative limitations of existing colour pattern analyses by combining calibrated digital photography and visual modelling. We have integrated and updated existing spatio‐chromatic colour pattern analyses, including adjacency, visual contrast and boundary strength analysis, to be implemented using calibrated digital photography through the Multispectral Image Analysis and Calibration (MICA) Toolbox.

This combination of calibrated photography and spatio‐chromatic colour pattern analyses is enabled by the inclusion of psychophysical colour and luminance discrimination thresholds for image segmentation, which we call ‘Receptor Noise Limited Clustering’, used here for the first time. Furthermore, QCPA provides a novel psycho‐physiological approach to the modelling of spatial acuity using convolution in the spatial or frequency domains, followed by ‘Receptor Noise Limited Ranked Filtering’ to eliminate intermediate edge artefacts and recover sharp boundaries following smoothing. We also present a new type of colour pattern analysis, the ‘local edge intensity analysis’ as well as a range of novel psycho‐physiological approaches to the visualization of spatio‐chromatic data.

QCPA combines novel and existing pattern analysis frameworks into what we hope is a unified, free and open source toolbox and introduces a range of novel analytical and data‐visualization approaches. These analyses and tools have been seamlessly integrated into the MICA toolbox providing a dynamic and user‐friendly workflow.
Genome‐wide analyses reveal the regions involved in the phenotypic diversity in Sicilian pigs
Authors: D’Alessandro E. , Sottile G. , Sardina M.T. , Criscione A. , Bordonaro S. , Sutera A.M. , Zumbo A. , Portolano B. , Mastrangelo S. 
Published: December 2019

SummaryNero Siciliano (Sicilian Black, SB) is a local pig breed generally of uniform black color. In addition to this officially recognized breed, there are animals showing morphological characteristics resembling the SB but with gray hair (Sicilian Grey, SG). The SG, compared with the SB, also shows a more compact structure with greater transverse diameters, higher average daily gains and lower thickness of the back fat. In this study, using the Illumina PorcineSNP60 BeadChip, we run genome‐wide analyses to identify regions that may explain the phenotypic differences between SB (n = 21) and SG (n = 27) individuals. Combining the results of the two case–control approaches (GWAS and FST), we identified two significant regions, one on SSC5 (95 401 083 bp) and one on SSC15 (55 051 435 bp), which contains several candidate genes related to growth traits in pig. The results of the Bayesian population differentiation approach identified a marker near the MGAT4C, a gene associated with average daily gain in pigs. Finally, scanning the genome for runs of homozygosity islands, we found that the two groups have different runs of homozygosity islands, with several candidate genes involved in coat color (in SG) or related to different pig performance traits (in SB). In summary, the two analyzed groups differed for several phenotypic traits, and genes involved in these traits (growth, meat traits and coat color) were detected. This study provided another contribution to the identification of genomic regions involved in phenotypic variability in local pig populations
The effect of a low‐dose naloxone infusion on the incidence of respiratory depression after intrathecal morphine administration for major open hepatobiliary surgery: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Cosgrave D. , Vencken S. , Galligan M. , McGuinness S. , Soukhin E. , McMullan V. , Nair S. , Puttappa A. , Boylan J. , Hussain R. , Conlon N. , Doran P. , Nichol A. 
Published: December 2019

SummaryIntrathecal morphine is an analgesic option for major hepatopancreaticobiliary procedures but is associated with a risk of respiratory depression. We hypothesised that a postoperative low‐dose naloxone infusion would reduce the incidence of respiratory depression without an increase in pain scores. Patients scheduled for major open hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery and who were receiving 10 μg.kg−1 intrathecal morphine were eligible for inclusion. Patients were allocated randomly to receive a postoperative infusion of naloxone 5 μg.kg−1.h−1 (naloxone group) or saline at an identical infusion rate (control group) until the morning after surgery. Clinicians, nursing staff and patients were blinded to group allocation. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of respiratory depression (respiratory rate < 10 breaths.min−1 and/or oxygen saturation < 90%). Secondary outcome measures included: arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide; pain score; requirement for supplemental analgesic; and incidence of nausea and vomiting, pruritus and sedation. In total, data from 95 patients (48 in the naloxone group and 47 in the control group) were analysed. The incidence of respiratory depression was lower in the naloxone group compared with the control group (10/48 vs. 21/47 patients, respectively; p = 0.037, relative risk 0.47 (95%CI 0.25–0.87). Maximum pain scores were greater for patients allocated to the naloxone group compared with control (median 5 (95%CI 4–6) vs. 4 (95%CI 2–4), respectively; p < 0.001). A low‐dose naloxone infusion decreases the incidence of respiratory depression following intrathecal morphine administration in patients having major hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery at the expense of a small increase in postoperative pain.
Effects of continuous‐flow left ventricular assist devices on cerebral hemodynamics
Authors: Karahan Mehmet , Kocabeyoglu Sinan Sabit , Kervan Umit , Sert Dogan Emre , Aygun Emre , Tola Muharrem , Demirkan Burcu , Mungan Semra , Kursun Oguzhan , Catav Zeki , Pac Mustafa 
Published: December 2019

AbstractContinuous‐flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) reduce peak systolic flow, increase diastolic flow, and eliminate pulsatility of circulation. Altered blood flow may lead to a change in end‐organ perfusion. Analysis of the flow dynamics of the arteries of end organs, such as the brain, may indicate whether an organ is perfused sufficiently. The aim of this study is to evaluate and identify the flow pattern changes of carotid (CA) and middle cerebral arteries (MCA) in LVAD patients and to compare with heart failure patients and healthy volunteers. Eighty‐nine individuals were included in this cross‐sectional study. Participants were divided into three groups: LVAD patients (n = 31), heart failure patients (n = 26), and healthy volunteers (n = 27). Carotid and transcranial Doppler ultrasonography were performed for all study groups for peak systolic velocity (PSV), end‐diastolic velocity (EDV), pulsatility (PI), and resistive (RI) indices of CA and MCA. Flow dynamics were compared between the groups. Doppler ultrasonographic data were analyzed at a median 12 (3‐47) months after LVAD implantation. CA‐PSV was lower in LVAD group compared with the other two groups (P < .001), MCA‐PSV of LVAD and heart failure groups were similar and lower than healthy volunteers (P < .05). The highest values for CA‐EDV were found in the LVAD group (P < .05). MCA‐EDV values were found to be lowest in heart failure group (P < .05). For PI and RI, in all CA and MCA, the LVAD group had lower indices compared with the other two groups (P < .001). In addition, MCA flow analysis in patients with LVADs was identified for the first time with this study.
The effect of information system utilization and education and training on organizational innovation in public social welfare officers: Focused on the moderating effect of organizational trust
Authors: Jeon Sun Young 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of information system utilization and education and training on organizational innovation for public social welfare officers in Seoul and verify whether organizational trust plays a role as a moderator variable in these relationships. First, information system utilization and education and training have positive effects on organizational innovation. Second, as a result of investigating the moderating effects of organizational trust, organizational trust has a positive effect on the relationship between information system utilization and organizational innovation, as well as education and training and organizational innovation. Therefore, it is found that information system utilization and education and training are important for innovation of public welfare service. The stronger relationship we have, the higher organizational trust we acquire. Therefore, in order to innovate the organization, it is necessary to strengthen the education training that can utilize the network and the expertise to share information and communicate. It is also necessary to focus on enhancing organizational trust such as mutual consideration, information sharing, and assistance within an organization.
Pathologic fracture healing after femoral limb salvage in a dog
Authors: Hayes MA , Jemilo S , Muir P , Sullivan R , Bleedorn JA 
Published: December 2019

BackgroundBone sarcomas are a significant cause of pain, disability, and mortality in dogs. A variety of surgical limb salvage options are available to preserve limb function with comparable prognosis to amputation.Case ReportThis report describes successful healing after plate fixation of an undifferentiated sarcoma pathologic femoral fracture in a dog. The fracture was treated surgically with curettage of the tumour site, placement of autogenous bone graft, and then stabilized using a locking plate rod construct. The patient regained excellent mobility after surgery and was managed with monthly pamidronate therapy. Serial radiographs demonstrate progressive healing of the pathologic fracture. Ultimately, the patient developed a maxillary fibrosarcoma and was euthanased 1 year after treatment of the femoral fracture. Postmortem histopathological evaluation of the pathologic fracture site demonstrated complete bone healing.ConclusionThis case highlights the possibilities of limb salvage by fracture stabilization and bone healing as a viable option in select patients.
Birds, Birds, Birds: Co‐Worker Similarity, Workplace Diversity and Job Switches
Authors: Hirsch Boris , Jahn Elke J. , Zwick Thomas 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWe investigate how the demographic composition of the workforce along the sex, nationality, education, age and tenure dimensions affects job switches. Fitting duration models for workers’ job‐to‐job turnover rate that control for workplace fixed effects in a representative sample of large manufacturing plants in Germany during 1975–2016, we find that larger co‐worker similarity in all five dimensions substantially depresses job‐to‐job moves, whereas workplace diversity is of limited importance. In line with conventional wisdom, which has that birds of a feather flock together, our interpretation of the results is that workers prefer having co‐workers of their kind and place less value on diverse workplaces.
What drives the (un)empathic bystander to intervene? Insights from eye tracking
Authors: Hu Yang , Fiedler Susann , Weber Bernd 
Published: December 2019

Norm violations (e.g., unfair transgressions) are often met with punishment even by people who are not directly affected. However, punishing a transgressor is not the only option for a bystander to restore justice. Empathic concerns may dictate instead to give a helping hand to a victim. Using a pre‐registered, fully incentivized eye‐tracking study (N = 47), we investigated the cognitive mechanism linking bystanders’ empathic concern and justice‐restoring intervention behaviour. The results show that not only the decision to intervene (i.e., either costly compensating the victim or punishing the transgressor) but also the attention directed towards a victim’s payoffs (i.e., measured by the proportion of fixations) during the decision‐making period systematically varied with the individual level of empathic concern. Exploring this link further, we additionally instructed participants to focus on specific components of the norm violation, namely the (un)fair conduct of the offender or the victim's feelings. Surprisingly, highly empathic bystanders were more likely to punish the offender when the norm violation was highlighted. However, we did not observe the modulation of the instructed focus on the link between gaze‐based measures and empathic concern. Overall, these results provide initial evidence about the interacting impact of empathic concern as well as the focus on specific components of the norm violation when bystanders respond to unfair transgressions.
Use of peripheral plasma aldosterone concentration and response to ACTH during simultaneous bilateral adrenal veins sampling to predict the source of aldosterone secretion in primary aldosteronism
Authors: St‐Jean Matthieu , Bourdeau Isabelle , Therasse Éric , Lacroix André 
Published: December 2019

AbstractContextPrevious studies suggested that plasma aldosterone (PAC) response to ACTH stimulation could predict the subtypes of primary aldosteronism (PA) and avoid adrenal venous sampling (AVS).ObjectiveAssess the usefulness of peripheral (P) PAC response to ACTH stimulation during AVS to identify the source of aldosterone in patients with PA.MethodsTwo hundred and fifteen patients were assigned to four different lateralization ratio (LR) groups based on different combinations of basal (≥ or <2) and post‐ACTH LR (≥ or <4). The P vein parameters analysed included as follows: mean basal PAC, maximal PAC (PACmax), and PAC/C ratio (PACmax/C), PAC absolute increase, PAC relative increase following ACTH bolus (250 mcg IV) and maximal variation of PAC/C ratio between post‐ACTH and basal measures.ResultsMean basal PAC was significantly higher in group 1 (basal LR > 2 and post‐ACTH > 4) than in group 2 (basal LR > 2, post‐ACTH < 4) or group 4 (basal LR < 2 post‐ACTH < 4) (P < .001). PACmax, PACmax/C and PAC absolute increase following ACTH were higher in group 1 than the others (P < .017). Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis of groups 1 and 4, best AUC were obtained with mean basal PAC (AUC: 0.757 95% IC: 0.653‐0.861), PACmax (AUC: 0.753 95% IC: 0.646‐0.860) and PACmax/C (AUC: 0.750 95% IC: 0.646‐0.853).ConclusionP mean basal PAC and PACmax and PACmax/C are higher in basal and ACTH lateralized PA than in other groups. Peripheral PAC cut‐off values fail to adequately distinguish all groups and cannot replace the requirement to conduct AVS.
Rbm14 maintains the integrity of genomic DNA during early mouse embryogenesis via mediating alternative splicing
Authors: Li Jing , Wang Chenxin , Feng Guihai , Zhang Linlin , Chen Guilai , Sun Hao , Wang Jiaqiang , Zhang Ying , Zhou Qi , Li Wei 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveIn this study, we generated an Rbm14 knockout mouse model to explore its functions during early mouse embryogenesis.Materials and methodsThe Rbm14 knockout mouse model was generated by a combination of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 and microinjection techniques. The developmental defects of the knockout embryos were characterized by histological analyses. The accumulation of DNA damage in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) was detected by γH2AX staining and comet assay. The altered mRNA splicing of DNA damage response (DDR)‐related genes was detected by RNA‐Seq analysis and confirmed by semi‐quantitative PCR. The interaction of RBM14 with alternative splicing‐related genes was detected by immunoprecipitation‐mass spectra (IP‐MS) and confirmed by co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP).ResultsRbm14 knockout in mice results in apoptosis and cell proliferation defects in early post‐implantation epiblast cells, leading to gastrulation disruption and embryonic lethality. FACS and immunostaining demonstrate accumulation of DNA damage in Rbm14 knockout ES cells. We also identified altered splicing of DDR‐related genes in the knockout mouse ESCs by RNA‐Seq, indicating that RBM14‐mediated alternative splicing is required for the maintenance of genome integrity during early mouse embryogenesis.ConclusionsOur work reveals that Rbm14 plays an essential role in the maintenance of genome integrity during early mouse embryonic development by regulating alternative splicing of DDR‐related genes.
Vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) is recruited into dendritic spines via G‐actin‐dependent mechanism and contributes to spine enlargement and stabilization
Authors: Iwasaki Kanako , Obashi Kazuki , Okabe Shigeo 
Published: December 2019

AbstractActin organization and dynamics are modulated by diverse actin regulators during dendritic spine development. To understand the molecular network that regulates actin organization and spine morphology, it is important to investigate dynamic redistribution of actin regulators during spine development. One of the actin regulators, vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), has multiple functions in actin regulation and is known to regulate spine morphology. However, dynamics and temporal regulation of VASP during spine development have not been clarified. In this study, we performed time‐lapse imaging of mouse hippocampal dissociated neurons to analyse the change in localization of VASP during spine development. We found that accumulation of VASP within spines precedes the start of persistent F‐actin increase, which are temporally coupled with spine enlargement. Using domain deletion or mutation constructs of VASP, we revealed that the interaction with G‐actin is important for the preceding accumulation of VASP. Furthermore, we showed that accumulation of VASP contributes to actin enrichment within spines and stabilization of spine morphology by dominant negative experiments. These data suggest that G‐actin‐dependent VASP recruitment has dual functions in spine development, enlargement and stabilization, through the interaction with actin and other cytoskeletal regulators.