bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antler size decreases with increasing age: evidence of reproductive senescence in male Fallow Deer (Dama dama)
Authors: Cambreling Solène , Gaillard Jean-Michel , Lemaître Jean-François , Smith Adam F , David Anna , Ciuti Simone 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Reproductive senescence, the decline in reproductive performance with increasing age, is extensively documented in females but much less investigated in males. However, senescence of secondary sexual traits in males, such as horns or antlers, has been reported across various vertebrate species. Our study investigates reproductive senescence in antler size, a conspicuous precopulatory trait in male deer, by taking advantage of detailed monitoring of a free-ranging population of Fallow Deer (Dama dama) living in a peri-urban area. We focused on 2 metrics utilizing noninvasive photogrammetry to measure antler length and palm width in 127 free-living males. Our results demonstrate clear evidence of reproductive senescence, with both antler length and palm width declining synchronously from approximately 7 years of age onwards. This decline matches previously reported decreases in male mating success from ages 6 to 7, suggesting that antler size may impact sexual competition and mating success. Males older than 7 years of age may experience reduced competitive abilities and diminished attractiveness to females. This study provides new evidence of senescence of antler size in cervids, enhancing our understanding of the eco-evolutionary factors driving male senescence and emphasizing the importance that antler size may have in the reproductive success of Fallow Deer.
The method of gain parameterizing measurement data and parameter estimation for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell model
Authors: Fitriani Raydha Z , Kuan Yean-Der 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are a technology that produces clean energy, with promising prospects in wide applications because of their high power density and low operating temperature. Experiments conducted to develop the PEMFC are both time-consuming and costly. Through modeling and simulation, performance development and analysis can be done more efficiently. This paper presents a simulation model for PEMFC based on mathematical equations developed using MATLAB/Simulink. To fully grasp and reproduce PEMFC characteristics, empirical parameter estimation using the genetic algorithm (GA) is implemented. The parameters estimated from the loss equations have not been previously utilized. A script connecting Simulink and the GA was developed to estimate these parameters. Validation is conducted by comparing the polarization curve simulation results with experimental data for both single-cell and stack-type PEMFCs. Comparisons with various other estimation methods were conducted to assess the reliability of the employed method. The model that utilizes estimated parameters exhibits agreement with experimental data showcasing an error value &lt;3%. Furthermore, the method's superiority is evident from the polarization curve as well as the objective value. Observing the reaction conditions in each PEMFC loss region with the obtained parameter values becomes easier and more accessible.
Default Antibiotic Order Durations for Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in Outpatient Pediatrics: A Cluster Randomized Trial
Authors: Broussard Kali A , Chaparro Juan D , Erdem Guliz , Abdel-Rasoul Mahmoud , Stevens Jack , Watson Joshua R 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Antibiotic durations for uncomplicated skin/soft tissue infections (SSTI) often exceed the guideline-recommended 5–7 days. We assessed the effectiveness of a default duration order panel in the Electronic Health Record to reduce long prescriptions.

Methods
Cluster randomized trial of an SSTI order panel with default antibiotic durations (implemented 12/2021), compared to a control panel (no decision support) in 14 pediatric primary care clinics. We assessed long prescription rates from 23 months before to 12 months after order panel implementation (1/2020–12/2022). Antibiotic duration was considered long if &gt;5 days for cellulitis or drained abscess, or &gt;7 days for undrained abscess, impetigo, or other SSTI.

Results
We included 1123 and 511 encounters in intervention and control clinics, respectively. In a piecewise generalized linear model, the long prescription rate decreased from 63.8% to 54.6% (absolute difference, −9.2%) in the intervention group and from 70.0% to 54.9% (absolute difference, −15.1%) in the control group. The relative change in trajectories from pre-panel to post-panel periods did not differ significantly between intervention and control groups (P = .488). Although used in only 29.4% of eligible encounters, intervention panel use had lower odds of long prescription compared to all other prescriptions (odds ratio 0.18).

Conclusions
We did not detect an overall impact of an order panel with default durations in reducing long antibiotic prescriptions for SSTIs. When ordered from the intervention panel, prescriptions were usually guideline-concordant. Effective strategies to make choosing a default duration more automatic are necessary to further reduce long prescriptions.
Computing most general unifiers in Euclidean modal logics
Authors: Gougeon Quentin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
We prove that all extensions of $\textbf{K5}$ have unitary unification, even with parameters. Our proof is constructive in the sense that we can effectively compute, in 4-exponential space, a most general unifier for any unifiable formula. In particular, this proves that unification and admissibility are decidable. We also investigate special unification types: we show that $\textbf{K5}$ and $\textbf{KD5}$ are transparent, and we characterize the projective extensions of $\textbf{K5}$.
Refractory skin ulcers and afebrile bacteraemia with Staphylococcus aureus in antimelanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis: A case report
Authors: Katakura Tokio , Shirai Tsuyoshi , Ishii Yusho , Sato Hiroko , Fujii Hiroshi 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
Skin ulcers sometimes appear in patients with antimelanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody-positive dermatomyositis (DM) and are usually associated with disease activity. Here, we report a case of a 41-year-old woman with anti-MDA5 antibody-positive DM, who developed refractory skin ulcers during the remission induction therapy, which were proven to be associated with clinically silent Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia with septic thrombi in her lung. The patient was referred to our hospital for the treatment of amyopathic DM with interstitial lung disease. Anti-MDA5-positive DM was diagnosed, and she was treated with triple therapy combined with tofacitinib because poor prognostic factors existed. Although the remission induction therapy improved most of the symptoms, she developed erythematous rashes with ulcers on her left auricle and forearm, which were refractory to topical immunosuppressive medications. Despite the absence of systemic symptoms or elevated inflammatory markers, blood and wound cultures revealed S. aureus, and a new cavitary lesion was detected in her left lung. Subsequent antibiotic therapy resolved both the cutaneous and pulmonary lesions. This case highlights the importance of considering bacteraemia and performing blood cultures when DM-related skin ulcers resist conventional treatments, even without fever during immunosuppressive therapy.
Pervasive RNA-binding protein enrichment on TAD boundaries regulates TAD organization
Authors: Sun Qiang , Zhou Qin , Qiao Yulong , Chen Xiaona , Sun Hao , Wang Huating 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Mammalian genome is hierarchically organized by CTCF and cohesin through loop extrusion mechanism to facilitate the organization of topologically associating domains (TADs). Mounting evidence suggests additional factors/mechanisms exist to orchestrate TAD formation and maintenance. In this study, we investigate the potential role of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in TAD organization. By integrated analyses of global RBP binding and 3D genome mapping profiles from both K562 and HepG2 cells, our study unveils the prevalent enrichment of RBPs on TAD boundaries and define boundary-associated RBPs (baRBPs). We found that baRBP binding is correlated with enhanced TAD insulation strength and in a CTCF-independent manner. Moreover, baRBP binding is associated with nascent promoter transcription. Additional experimental testing was performed using RBFox2 as a paradigm. Knockdown of RBFox2 in K562 cells causes mild TAD reorganization. Moreover, RBFox2 enrichment on TAD boundaries is a conserved phenomenon in C2C12 myoblast (MB) cells. RBFox2 is downregulated and its bound boundaries are remodeled during MB differentiation into myotubes. Finally, transcriptional inhibition indeed decreases RBFox2 binding and disrupts TAD boundary insulation. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that RBPs can play an active role in modulating TAD organization through co-transcriptional association and synergistic actions with nascent promoter transcripts.
Exploring adult glioma through MRI: A review of publicly available datasets to guide efficient image analysis
Authors: Abbad Andaloussi Meryem , Maser Raphael , Hertel Frank , Lamoline François , Husch Andreas Dominik 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Publicly available data are essential for the progress of medical image analysis, in particular for crafting machine learning models. Glioma is the most common group of primary brain tumors, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a widely used modality in their diagnosis and treatment. However, the availability and quality of public datasets for glioma MRI are not well known.

Methods
In this review, we searched for public datasets of glioma MRI using Google Dataset Search, The Cancer Imaging Archive, and Synapse.

Results
A total of 28 datasets published between 2005 and May 2024 were found, containing 62 019 images from 5515 patients. We analyzed the characteristics of these datasets, such as the origin, size, format, annotation, and accessibility. Additionally, we examined the distribution of tumor types, grades, and stages among the datasets. The implications of the evolution of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification on tumors of the brain are discussed, in particular the 2021 update that significantly changed the definition of glioblastoma.

Conclusions
Potential research questions that could be explored using these datasets were highlighted, such as tumor evolution through malignant transformation, MRI normalization, and tumor segmentation. Interestingly, only 2 datasets among the 28 studied reﬂect the current WHO classification. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the publicly available datasets for glioma MRI currently at our disposal, providing aid to medical image analysis researchers in their decision-making on eﬃcient dataset choice.
The rice microRNA159–SPOROCYTELESS EAR2 module regulates starch biosynthesis during pollen development and maintains male fertility
Authors: Tao Jinyuan , Kong Wenwen , Luo Weigui , Wang Li , Dai Xing , Lin Xiaojing , Dong Haijiao , Yang Xiaoyu , Mo Beixin , Chen Xuemei , Yu Yu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Starch is an indispensable energy reserve for pollen and failure of starch biosynthesis in pollen leads to male sterility in flowering crops. Nonetheless, the regulatory mechanisms underlying starch biosynthesis in rice (Oryza sativa) pollen remain unclear. Here, we identified a target of the microRNA OsmiR159, SPOROCYTELESS ETHYLENE-RESPONSIVE ELEMENT BINDING FACTOR-ASSOCIATED AMPHIPHILIC-REPRESSION 2 (OsSPEAR2). OsSPEAR2 is predominantly expressed in mature pollen and OsSPEAR2 possesses transcriptional repressor activity and localizes in the nucleus. Disruption of OsSPEAR2 results in severely shrunken pollen grains and male sterility. OsSPEAR2 interacts with multiple OsTCPs, including OsTCP14. OsTCP14 is a target of OsmiR319 and a knockout mutation in OsTCP14 partially rescues the defective pollen phenotype of Osspear2. In addition, transcriptome analyses revealed significant downregulation of numerous genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism, specifically in Osspear2 anthers, including several genes critical for starch biosynthesis. Moreover, OsTCP14 directly represses the expression of the essential starch biosynthesis gene OsUGP2; however, this repression could be alleviated by OsSPEAR2. Noteworthily, embryophyte-specific SPEAR2 and SPOROCYTELESS were also identified as miR159 targets involved in regulating plant growth and development in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), indicating that the miR159-SPEAR regulatory module may be conserved among embryophytes. Collectively, our findings reveal OsmiR159-OsSPEAR2-OsTCP14-OsUGP2 as a regulatory cascade that modulates starch biosynthesis during pollen development in rice.
The efficacy of an interdisciplinary pain management program for complex regional pain syndrome compared to low back pain and chronic widespread pain: an observational study
Authors: Bean Debbie J , Tuck Natalie L , Magni Nico , Aamir Tipu , Pollard Catherine , Lewis Gwyn N 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Little research has assessed the efficacy of interdisciplinary pain management programs (IPMPs) for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), whereas evidence shows that IPMPs are effective for low back pain (LBP) and chronic widespread pain (CWP). This study aimed to determine whether outcomes following an IPMP differ for people with CRPS compared to LBP and CWP. In addition, we determined whether it is possible to predict IPMP outcomes using baseline characteristics.

Methods
People with CRPS (N = 66) who had completed a 3-week IPMP were compared with age- and gender- matched controls with LBP (N = 66) and CWP (N = 66). Measures of pain intensity, pain interference and psychological factors were extracted for pre- and post-program, and at 1, 6, and 12 months. Latent class analysis identified recovery trajectories for pain intensity and pain interference, and χ2 analyses assessed differences between diagnostic groups in recovery trajectories. Machine learning models were implemented to predict recovery trajectories from baseline scores.

Results
Two recovery trajectories for each dependent variable (pain interference and for pain intensity) were identified: Good responders and poorer responders. Following IPMPs, 37% of people belonged to a good responder recovery trajectory for pain interference, and 11% belonged to a good responder recovery trajectory for pain intensity. Recovery trajectories were similar across the three diagnostic groups (CRPS, LBP, CWP) for pain interference (χ2 = 1.8, P = .4) and intensity (χ = 0.2, P = .9). Modeling to predict outcomes correctly classified 69% of cases for pain interference and 88% of cases for pain intensity recovery trajectories using baseline scores.

Conclusion
People with CRPS, LBP, and CWP experience similar benefits following an IPMP. This supports the use of IPMPs for people with CRPS.
Measurement Properties of the BESTest Scale in People With Neurological Conditions: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis
Authors: Arcolin Ilaria , Giardini Marica , Tagliabue Federica , Belluscio Valeria , Horak Fay , Godi Marco 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
People with neurological conditions (PwNC) frequently fall, mainly due to balance impairments. Among the scales assessing balance, the Balance Evaluation System Test (BESTest) is one of the most comprehensive in evaluating all components of postural control. This study aimed to systematically review and summarize the measurement properties of the BESTest in PwNC.

Methods
Embase, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and PEDro were searched up to December 2023. Studies assessing at least 1 BESTest measurement property in PwNC were included. Methodological quality of studies was assessed with the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist. Overall rating and level of evidence for each property were given according to COSMIN criteria. Where possible, meta-analysis was performed.

Results
Thirty-six studies (1749 PwNC) were included. The BESTest demonstrated a high quality of evidence supporting good reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.96–0.98 for total score, and 0.70–0.98 for subsections), internal consistency, and measurement error. High quality levels of responsiveness, and content and construct validity were also found. However, evidence for structural validity was insufficient to be sure the BESTest actually tests several, or 1, balance constructs. Criterion validity cannot be evaluated. While translated into different languages, cross-cultural validity has never been assessed in PwNC. Evidence to support use of the BESTest for specific neurological conditions is limited to Parkinson disease and stroke, due to the small sample sizes and number of studies in other populations.

Conclusion
This systematic review provided high quality evidence supporting the reliability, content and construct validity, and responsiveness of the BESTest to intervention, being able to detect balance changes and to differentiate heterogeneous PwNC based on fall history, falling risk, and physical performance. However, low-quality evidence was found when considering each neurological condition alone. To comprehensively understand the BESTest measurement properties, future studies are needed with larger samples for each neurological condition, especially assessing cross-cultural and structural validity.

Impact
Assessing balance is crucial for fall risk prevention. The BESTest has been demonstrated to be a reliable, responsive, and valid scale usable in clinical setting for assessing balance in PwNC.
Stationary neutron star envelopes at high accretion rates
Authors: Nava-Callejas Martín , Cavecchi Yuri , Page Dany 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT
In this work we model stationary neutron star envelopes accreting under various conditions and describe our new code for such studies, which we plan to couple to a full thermal evolution code. We put special emphasis on the rp-process, resulting in the synthesis of heavy elements, and study its dependence on the mass accretion rate and the chemical composition of the accreted matter. We show that at $\dot{M} \sim 0.01 \dot{M}_{\text{Edd}}$, mostly low mass ($A\le$ 24) elements are synthesized with a few heavier ones below the $^{40}$Ca bottleneck. Once $\dot{M}$ is above ${\buildrel\sim \over \gt } 0.1 \dot{M}_{\text{Edd}}$ this bottleneck is surpassed and nuclei in the iron peak region ($A\sim$ 56) are abundantly produced. This synthesis of heavy elements reaches $A \sim 70$ at $\dot{M}_{\text{Edd}}$ and $A \sim 90$ at $5 \dot{M}_{\text{Edd}}$. Their density profiles of the energy generation rate are discussed, particularly at high density beyond the hydrogen exhaustion point. We explored the efficiency of the rp-process under variations of the relative abundances of H and He. We find that when the rp-process is efficient, the nucleosynthesis it generates is independent of the accreted abundance of CNO elements as these are directly and copiously generated once the $3\alpha$-reaction is operating. Our results are of importance for the study of neutron stars mostly in systems in which X-ray bursts are absent, but they are also relevant for describing the low density region of other systems, mostly below $10^6$ g cm$^{-3}$, in-between bursts.
Major change in swine influenza virus diversity in France owing to emergence and widespread dissemination of a newly introduced H1N2 1C genotype in 2020
Authors: Richard Gautier , Hervé Séverine , Chastagner Amélie , Quéguiner Stéphane , Beven Véronique , Hirchaud Edouard , Barbier Nicolas , Gorin Stéphane , Blanchard Yannick , Simon Gaëlle 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Swine influenza A viruses (swIAVs) are a major cause of respiratory disease in pigs worldwide, presenting significant economic and health risks. These viruses can reassort, creating new strains with varying pathogenicity and cross-species transmissibility. This study aimed to monitor the genetic and antigenic evolution of swIAV in France from 2019 to 2022. Molecular subtyping revealed a marked increase in H1avN2 cases from 2020 onwards, altering the previously stable subtypes’ distribution. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of H1av (1C) strains identified 10 circulating genotypes, including 5 new genotypes. The most predominant genotype from 2020 onwards, denominated H1avN2#E, was characterized by an HA-1C.2.4, an N2-Gent/84, and internal protein-encoding genes belonging to a newly defined subclade within the Eurasian avian–like (EA) lineage termed EA-DK. H1avN2#E emerged in Brittany, the country’s most pig-dense region, and rapidly became the most frequently detected swIAV genotype across France. This drastic change in the swIAV lineage proportions at a national scale was unprecedented, making H1avN2#E a unique case for understanding swIAV evolution and spreading patterns. Phylogenetic analyses suggested an introduction of the H1avN2#E genotype from a restricted source, likely originating from Denmark. It spread rapidly with low genetic diversity at the start of the epizootic in 2020, showing increasing diversification in 2021 and 2022 as the inferred population size grew and stabilized, and exhibited reassortments with other enzootic genotypes. Amino acid sequence alignments of H1avN2#E antigenic sites revealed major mutations and deletions compared to commercial vaccine 1C strain (HA-1C.2.2) and previously predominant H1avN1 strains (HA-1C.2.1). Antigenic cartography confirmed significant antigenic distances between H1avN2#E and other 1C strains, suggesting that the new genotype has escaped the pre-existing immunity of the swine population. Epidemiologically, the H1avN2#E virus exhibited epizootic hallmarks with more severe clinical outcomes compared to H1avN1 viruses. These factors likely contributed to the spread of H1avN2#E within the pig population. The rapid rise of H1avN2#E highlighted the dynamic nature of swIAV genetic and antigenic diversity, underscoring the importance of tailored surveillance programs to support risk assessment during potential new outbreaks. It also demonstrates the need to strengthen biosecurity measures when introducing pigs into a herd, including swIAV positivity assessment followed by quarantine, and restrict the trade of swIAV-excreting live swine between European countries.
Trade Networks in Latin America: Spatial Inefficiencies and Optimal Expansions
Authors: Gorton Nicole , Ianchovichina Elena 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Using a spatial general equilibrium framework and a new discretization procedure to address the large spatial scale of countries such as Brazil, this study identifies optimal domestic and transnational transport networks and expansions to existing ones in Latin America. Most countries have underinvested in domestic road networks connecting their more populous and productive urban areas. The average annual welfare losses due to such inefficiencies are largest in Argentina and Brazil, averaging respectively 2.4 percent and 2.1 percent of consumption. The estimated welfare losses due to spatial misallocation of transnational transport networks are 1.8 percent in MERCOSUR and 1.5 percent in the Andean Community, but the losses of landlocked members of the bloc are more than double these averages. Optimal expansions of existing networks can correct existing inefficiencies and reduce spatial inequality within and across countries. World Bank transportation infrastructure projects correlate relatively well with the optimal investments in most countries.