bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ampliación del límite noroeste de distribución de Phyllostomus hastatus y descripción de sus pulsos de ecolocalización
Authors: Kraker-Castañeda Cristian , Nuñez Lourdes , Guzmán Gerber , Arévalo Ana Lucía , Pernillo Lesly , Pérez-Consuegra Sergio G. 
Published: July 2024

Phyllostomus hastatus es la segunda especie de murciélago de mayor tamaño en el continente americano. Su límite de distribución norte se encuentra entre Belice y Guatemala. En noviembre de 2022, capturamos un individuo con una trampa de arpa en la cueva Senahí, municipio de Lanquín, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. Determinamos su sexo, edad, condición reproductiva, longitud de antebrazo, peso, y obtuvimos grabaciones acústicas. Caracterizamos los pulsos de ecolocalización y proveemos una contextualización geográfica. Se trató de una hembra adulta, no reproductiva, con longitud de antebrazo de 92.74 mm y peso de 140 g. Los pulsos de ecolocalización son de frecuencia modulada descendente con armónicos múltiples. El segundo armónico presentó la mayor energía, sin alternancia, con frecuencias por debajo de los 50 kHz y duración entre 2.3 y 4.8 ms. El sitio de captura se encuentra a una distancia aproximada de 119 km de la recolecta más cercana en el país, y ampliamos el límite noroeste de distribución de la especie. La estructura de los pulsos de ecolocalización coincidió con lo reportado en la literatura, y para las diferencias encontradas de los parámetros acústicos explicamos las posibles fuentes de variación. Por la ubicación de la captura, las recolectas previas y los tipos de vegetación donde se ha registrado esta especie, esperamos su presencia en sitios intermedios entre Alta Verapaz e Izabal, y la porción sureste de Petén, en Guatemala. Finalmente, resaltamos la importancia de la investigación y acciones de conservación del ecosistema subterráneo en el país.
Comments on reproduction of Myotis dinellii in San Juan, Argentina
Authors: Rivero-Castro Gustavo A. , Ruiz-Estebes Elias G. , Sánchez-Castro Lilen , Maya Nicolás J. , Amoni-Sacchi Héctor J. , Pastrán-López Orlando G. A. 
Published: July 2024

Myotis dinellii forma grupos de 3 a 80 individuos y habita en ambientes naturales y antrópicos. A pesar de tener una amplia distribución en Argentina, la información disponible sobre su reproducción es escasa, por lo que el objetivo de este trabajo es proporcionar información referida a su actividad reproductiva y llenar algunos vacíos en el conocimiento de su biología. Se registró la actividad reproductiva de una colonia de M. dinellii que habita en un puente (2.26 m de alto, 9.60 m de largo, 14 m de ancho) en el departamento de Ullum, San Juan, Argentina. Se colocaron 2 redes de niebla en ambos lados del puente desde las 20:00 hr a 06:00 hr. De cada ejemplar se registró el sexo, edad y condición reproductiva. Desde marzo de 2018 a enero de 2020, con un esfuerzo de muestreo de 1,350 hr/red se capturaron 49 individuos, consistentes en 41 hembras (29 lactantes y 12 no lactantes) y 8 machos (4 con testículos escrotales y 4 con testículos abdominales). Se registraron 29 nacimientos en los primeros días del mes de diciembre y lactancia hasta los primeros días de enero. La colonia ocupó el puente desde noviembre hasta principios de marzo. Estos resultados constituyen los primeros datos reproductivos para M. dinellii basados en un seguimiento sistemático de una colonia. Estos estudios son necesarios para incrementar el conocimiento general de los patrones reproductivos de las especies en Argentina.
New records of small mammals in American barn owl, Tyto furcata pellets from southeastern Ecuador
Authors: Cadena-Ortiz Héctor , Ríos María Cristina , Vargas Rocío , Castillo Fabián , Brito Jorge 
Published: July 2024

El análisis de egagrópilas de búhos es una alternativa eficiente para evaluar la composición de la comunidad de pequeños mamíferos. En Ecuador, existen análisis previos de egagrópilas de la lechuza de campanario americana, Tyto furcata en las tierras bajas del Pacífico y en los valles interandinos, resaltando un alto consumo de roedores. Describimos por primera vez la dieta de T. furcata en la región amazónica, sureste del Ecuador, resaltando la abundancia y distribución de los mamíferos presa. Colectamos egagrópilas de un individuo de T. furcata en Paquisha, cuenca del río Nangaritza, ladera oeste de la Cordillera del Cóndor. Disgregamos las egagrópilas, separamos huesos y otros restos de presas. Usamos las estructuras únicas como los cráneos y pares de mandíbulas para identificar y estimar el número mínimo de individuos de presa. Identificamos las presas usando claves taxonómicas y por comparación con material de referencia museológico. Encontramos principalmente pequeños mamíferos como presas: 2 didelphidos y 5 cricétidos. El ratón colilargo delicado, Oligoryzomys delicatus, es el registro más austral de su distribución; la marmosa esbelta de Bishop, Marmosops bishopi, es el primer registro en la provincia de Zamora Chinchipe. El ratón campestre de las Yungas, Akodon aerosus y O. delicatus fueron las presas más abundantes, por lo que podemos sugerir como comunes en la localidad. El análisis de las egagrópilas de T. furcata fue eficiente para registrar la diversidad de pequeños mamíferos en esta área previamente poco estudiada. Los cráneos encontrados aumentaron el material museológico, antes poco representado para algunas especies y también en la provincia. Finalmente destacamos a T. furcata como depredador de estos pequeños mamíferos, un aspecto importante de la historia natural del ave y de las presas.
Acoustics records of three Pteronotus species from Vichada, Colombia
Authors: Yantén Angélica V. , Hernández-Leal Orlando Fabián , Restrepo-Giraldo Carlos , Sánchez-Castrillon Jefferson , Martínez-Medina Daniela 
Published: July 2024

Los murciélagos insectívoros del género Pteronotus son considerados raros o poco comunes por su difícil captura con métodos tradicionales (i.e., redes de niebla y trampas arpa). Sin embargo, estos murciélagos emiten señales de ecolocalización distinguibles que facilitan su detección y reconocimiento mediante métodos acústicos. En esta nota, reportamos la presencia de 3 especies de murciélagos del género Pteronotus a partir de registros acústicos en el departamento de Vichada, en Colombia y presentamos una breve caracterización de las señales de ecolocalización para cada una de las especies. Realizamos un monitoreo acústico pasivo en 3 localidades y analizamos las secuencias de los pulsos de ecolocalización. Adicionalmente, realizamos una búsqueda de registros de capturas en colecciones biológicas y artículos científicos para conocer la distribución actual de Pteronotus en Colombia. Registramos acústicamente 3 especies de murciélagos del género Pteronotus: P. personatus, P. gymnonotus y P. cf. rubiginosus. En cuanto a la búsqueda de registros en colecciones y artículos encontramos 59 registros a partir de capturas de especies de Pteronotus en Colombia, de los cuales 8 pertenecen al departamento de Vichada. Este trabajo aporta evidencia a la noción de que los estudios con el uso de métodos acústicos en murciélagos son eficientes para el registro de especies insectívoras difíciles de capturar, como las del género Pteronotus.
Use of SPY angiography in tissue assessment for wound healing outcomes after breast reconstruction
Authors: Wilson Anna C , Pisansky Andrew JB , Tessier Katelyn M , Hui Jane , Choudry Umar , Lassig Amy Anne D 
Published: July 2024

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether a systematic image assessment protocol using SPY Elite images (LifeCell Corp., US) of viable tissue at the periphery of the surgical field was associated with positive wound healing outcomes following mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Method: Patients undergoing mastectomy and subsequent breast reconstruction surgery at a single tertiary medical centre were included. SPY images were prospectively analysed using a systematic image assessment protocol, and an absolute value of mean fluorescence was calculated by measuring peripheral, in-situ tissue from each image. Patient medical records were retrospectively reviewed for demographics, surgical characteristics and postoperative outcomes. These variables were statistically tested for associations with mean fluorescence. Results: A total of 63 patients were included in the final analysis. We found that objectively determined mean fluorescence values were not statistically significantly associated with postoperative complications. Conclusion: In this study, objectively measured mean fluorescence values representing breast tissue remaining after dissection showed little utility in the assessment of postoperative wound healing outcomes as they did not identify patients who would later have complications of wound healing. Declaration of interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Respiratory Follow-up in a Cohort of Children with Congenital Malformations Affecting Lung Development: A Cohort Study
Authors: Mussi Nicole , Maugeri Erika , Deolmi Michela , Scarpa Alberto , Casolari Emilio , Pisi Giovanna , Fainardi Valentina , Esposito Susanna 
Published: July 2024

Background; Congenital malformations like oesophageal atresia (OA) and tracheo-esophageal fistula (TOF), congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAMs), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and vascular rings (VRs) can influence lung development and respiratory function with significant impact on individuals, families, and health care system. This observational study outlines our multidisciplinary approach and respiratory follow-up for children with these congenital malformations.
Methods; We collected clinical data of children followed at the Pediatric Respiratory Unit of Parma University Hospital (Italy) between January 2015 and May 2023.
Results; Thirty-five patients have been included. The most common anomalies were AE (n = 12) and CHD (n = 9), followed by CPAMs (n = 9) and VRs (n = 5). In 50% of patients, the diagnosis was made through prenatal ultrasound, particularly in almost all patients with CPAMs (88.8%) and CDH (77.7%), contrary to OE, diagnosed postnatally in the majority of patients (83%). Children underwent their first respiratory visit at an average age of 2.5 years, follow-up was conducted on average every 6 months. More than half of patients (54%) was hospitalized for lower respiratory tract infections, particularly those with OA and those aged <3 years. Eight out of the 16 children capable of performing spirometry showed abnormalities in lung function.
Conclusions; Children with congenital malformations are at risk of short and long-term respiratory complications. A personalized follow-up with close collaboration between pediatric pulmonologist, surgeon, neonatologist, physiotherapist is essential to optimize their management and improve their respiratory function.
Foreign Language Teacher's Attitudes Towards a Pre-designed Language Learning System
Authors: Rebolledo Roxana , Veas Candy 
Published: July 2024

Once the pandemic concluded, the Foreign Languages Department of a Chilean state university hired a Canadian company to implement a pre-designed language learning system (PLLS). This platform was to be used by all teachers and students, as it contained various activities to develop all four language skills, including pronunciation practice through AI-based voice recognition. This study explores the attitudes of 17 university teachers towards using these pre-elaborated resources, activities, and assessments in their communicative English and German courses. A mixed-method approach was used, involving a survey based on the Technology Adoption Model (TAM) and individual interviews. Descriptive statistics were obtained from the survey responses, and qualitative data were analysed using content analysis techniques.

The results indicate that teachers' attitudes towards the PLLS were generally neutral to negative. Instructors expressed their concerns about the system's pre-designed content and perceived functionality. Perceived ease of use and usefulness were rated low, reporting difficulties in navigation and alignment with their teaching styles. Perceived enjoyment received the lowest rating, mentioning issues such as disconnected content and lack of progressive structure. Qualitative data revealed technical problems, increased workload, and concerns about the system's impact on student motivation and learning outcomes. While some positive aspects were noted, the overall attitude towards the PLLS was predominantly negative, highlighting the need for better alignment with pedagogical goals and improved implementation strategies.
DNN distributed inference offloading scheme based on transfer reinforcement learning in metro optical networks
Authors: Yin Shan , Liu Lihao , Cai Mengru , Chai Yutong , Jiao Yurong , Duan Zheng , Li Yian , Huang Shanguo 
Published: July 2024

With the development of 5G and mobile edge computing, deep neural network (DNN) inference can be distributed at the edge to reduce communication overhead and inference time, namely, DNN distributed inference. DNN distributed inference will pose challenges to the resource allocation problem in metro optical networks (MONs). Efficient cooperative allocation of optical communication and computational resources can facilitate high-bandwidth and low-latency applications. However, it also introduces greater complexity to the resource allocation problem. In this study, we propose a joint resource allocation method using high-performance transfer deep reinforcement learning (T-DRL) to maximize network throughput. When the topologies or characteristics of MONs change, T-DRL requires only a small amount of transfer training to re-converge. Considering that the generalizability of conventional methods is inversely related to optimization performance, we develop two deployment schemes (i.e., single-agent and multi-agent) based on the T-DRL method to explore the performance of T-DRL. Simulation results demonstrate that T-DRL greatly reduces the blocking probability and average inference time of DNN inference requests. Besides, the multi-agent scheme can maintain a lower blocking probability of requests in MONs, while the single-agent has a shorter convergence time after network changes.
scBoolSeq: Linking scRNA-seq statistics and Boolean dynamics
Authors: Magaña-López Gustavo , Calzone Laurence , Zinovyev Andrei , Paulevé Loïc 
Published: July 2024

Boolean networks are largely employed to model the qualitative dynamics of cell fate processes by describing the change of binary activation states of genes and transcription factors with time. Being able to bridge such qualitative states with quantitative measurements of gene expression in cells, as scRNA-seq, is a cornerstone for data-driven model construction and validation. On one hand, scRNA-seq binarisation is a key step for inferring and validating Boolean models. On the other hand, the generation of synthetic scRNA-seq data from baseline Boolean models provides an important asset to benchmark inference methods. However, linking characteristics of scRNA-seq datasets, including dropout events, with Boolean states is a challenging task.
We present scBoolSeq, a method for the bidirectional linking of scRNA-seq data and Boolean activation state of genes. Given a reference scRNA-seq dataset, scBoolSeq computes statistical criteria to classify the empirical gene pseudocount distributions as either unimodal, bimodal, or zero-inflated, and fit a probabilistic model of dropouts, with gene-dependent parameters. From these learnt distributions, scBoolSeq can perform both binarisation of scRNA-seq datasets, and generate synthetic scRNA-seq datasets from Boolean traces, as issued from Boolean networks, using biased sampling and dropout simulation. We present a case study demonstrating the application of scBoolSeq’s binarisation scheme in data-driven model inference. Furthermore, we compare synthetic scRNA-seq data generated by scBoolSeq with BoolODE’s, data for the same Boolean Network model. The comparison shows that our method better reproduces the statistics of real scRNA-seq datasets, such as the mean-variance and mean-dropout relationships while exhibiting clearly defined trajectories in two-dimensional projections of the data.
Comparative evaluation of selected concentrations of sodium hypochlorite on the outcome of endodontic therapy among Ghanaians
Authors: Konadu Akua B. , Ampofo Patrick C. , Akyeh Moses L. , Hewlett Sandra A. , Osei-Tutu Kofi , Nyako Ebenezer A. 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundEndodontic treatment is one of the main dental treatments to manage inflamed or infected root canal systems of teeth. The success of endodontic treatment principally depends on eradicating microorganisms in the root canal by chemo-mechanical debridement with irrigation solutions like sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). NaOCl has been used in concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 5.25%. This study determined the antimicrobial effectiveness of selected concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, 2.6%, and 5.2%) of NaOCl in endodontic treatment.MethodsThe study sites were the University of Ghana Dental School (UGDS) and Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR). Sixty infected single-rooted single-canal teeth were used. Before (S1) and after (S2), root canal samples during the endodontic treatment with the selected concentrations of NaOCl were examined via anaerobic and aerobic cultures. The isolates were identified using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time Of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS).ResultsAll S1samples were positive for cultivable bacteria. Fifty-three (53) different microbial species belonging to 20 different microbial genera were isolated.Streptococcus viridanswas the most frequently isolated microbe. There were zero isolates in the root canals irrigated with 2.6% and 5.2% NaOCl. Two teeth had isolates in the groups irrigated with the lower concentrations (0.5% and 1.0%) of NaOCl. The persistent bacteria were one species each ofStreptococcus mitisandStreptococcus oralis, respectively.ConclusionRoot canal treatments using chemo-mechanical preparation with the selected concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, 2.6%, and 5.2%) of NaOCl were effective in significantly reducing the microbial load, and for the 5.2% and 2.6% concentrations, in eliminating all the microorganisms.
Patients With Cirrhosis Rapidly Review Potentially Abnormal Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance Results Through the Patient Portal
Authors: Louissaint Jeremy , Kyalwazi Beverly , Deng John , Melendez-Torres Jonathan , Turer Robert W. , Hogan Timothy P. , Tapper Elliot B. , Yekkaluri Sruthi , Xie Donglu , Rich Nicole E. , Singal Amit G. 
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Test results are immediately released to patients through patient portals. We characterized patient and provider time-to-review of liver imaging results.

METHODS:
We identified 401 patients with cirrhosis enrolled in the portal with ≥1 liver imaging. We compared result review times for patients and providers and identified factors associated with rapid review.

RESULTS:
The median time-to-review for patients was shorter than providers (3.7 vs 17.6 hours, P < 0.001), with more than half of results reviewed by patients first. Rapid patient review was inversely associated with older age and Hispanic ethnicity.

DISCUSSION:
Patients rapidly review imaging results through the portal, often before providers.
Risk of Pancreatitis After Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration of Pancreatic Cystic Lesions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Magahis Patrick T. , Chhoda Ankit , Berzin Tyler M. , Farrell James J. , Wright Drew N. , Rizvi Anam , Hanscom Mark , Carr-Locke David L. , Sampath Kartik , Sharaiha Reem Z. , Mahadev SriHari 
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is frequently used to risk-stratify pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs). Rising PCL incidence and developments in tissue acquisition and specimen analysis necessitate updated appraisal of EUS-FNA safety, particularly the risk of postprocedure pancreatitis, the most common EUS-FNA-related adverse event. Our systematic review aims to accurately quantify the risk of EUS-FNA-related pancreatitis to best inform decisions regarding EUS-FNA's optimal role in PCL workup.

METHODS:
We performed systematic searches in 4 databases from inception to April 2024 for original English-language studies investigating EUS-FNA-related pancreatitis. We extracted data on demographics and EUS-FNA-related pancreatitis risk, severity, and risk factors. These were meta-analyzed through the DerSimonian Laird Method using a random-effects model. Meta-regression of pancreatitis risk was performed to delineate associations with clinical and procedural characteristics.

RESULTS:
Sixty-four studies comprised 8,086 patients and reported 110 EUS-FNA-related pancreatitis events. Pooled risk of EUS-FNA-related pancreatitis was 1.4% (95% confidence intervals, −0.8% to 3.5%; I
2 = 0.00), which was predominantly of mild severity (67%) and uniformly nonfatal. Pancreatitis risk lacked significant association with sample size, age, sex, cyst size, needle caliber, or passes, although we noted trends toward higher risk in studies published after 2015, those using higher gauge needles (19 G vs 22 G/25 G), and those performing EUS-guided through-the-needle biopsy.

DISCUSSION:
We note with high certainty that pancreatitis after EUS-FNA of PCLs is infrequent and mild in severity with no mortality in the included cohort. EUS-guided through-the-needle biopsy may serve as a significant risk factor for EUS-FNA-related pancreatitis risk; however, further studies are needed to delineate other predisposing characteristics.
The paradox of progress: How ‘disruptive,’ ‘dual-use,’ ‘democratized,’ and ‘diffused’ technologies shape terrorist innovation
Authors: Rassler Don , Veilleux-Lepage Yannick 
Published: July 2024

Building upon the existing literature on terror innovation, this research article introduces a new analytical framework that highlights four key elements of emerging technologies which facilitate their adoption by terrorist groups. We posit that technologies that are inherently ‘disruptive,’ ‘dual-use,’ ‘democratized,’ and ‘diffused’ are particularly susceptible to misuse by terrorists, and that it is the interplay between these factors that helps to drive future directions of tech-enabled terror. We draw on terror and extremist interest in and use of two key technology areas – unmanned aerial systems and additive manufacturing, specifically 3‑D‑printed firearms – as examples to highlight how the factors in the framework interact and how they help to drive innovative terror behavior. We conclude with a series of concise recommendations to mitigate harmful terrorist use of these and other disruptive technologies and limit the impact of future tech-enabled terrorist innovations.