bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Segmented fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) on a commercial laser scanning microscope
Authors: Longo Elisa , Scalisi Silvia , Lanzanò Luca 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPerforming accurate Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) measurements in cells can be challenging due to cellular motion or other intracellular processes. In this respect, it has recently been shown that analysis of FCS data in short temporal segments (segmented FCS) can be very useful to increase the accuracy of FCS measurements inside cells. Here, we demonstrate that segmented FCS can be performed on a commercial laser scanning microscope (LSM), even in the absence of the dedicated FCS module. We show how data can be acquired on a Leica SP8 confocal microscope and then exported and processed with a custom software in MATLAB. The software performs segmentation of the data to extract an average ACF and measure the diffusion coefficient in specific subcellular regions. First of all, we measure the diffusion of fluorophores of different size in solution, to show that good-quality ACFs can be obtained in a commercial LSM. Next, we validate the method by measuring the diffusion coefficient of GFP in the nucleus of HeLa cells, exploiting variations of the intensity to distinguish between nucleoplasm and nucleolus. As expected, the measured diffusion coefficient of GFP is slower in the nucleolus relative to nucleoplasm. Finally, we apply the method to HeLa cells expressing a PARP1 chromobody to measure the diffusion coefficient of PARP1 in different subcellular regions. We find that PARP1 diffusion is slower in the nucleolus compared to the nucleoplasm.
Variations in the use of oxytocin for augmentation of labour in Sweden: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Johnson Karin , Johansson Kari , Elvander Charlotte , Saltvedt Sissel , Edqvist Malin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractNational Swedish data shows substantial variation in the use of oxytocin for augmentation of spontaneous labour between obstetric units. This study aimed to investigate if variations in the use of oxytocin augmentation are associated with maternal and infant characteristics or clinical factors. We used a cohort design including women allocated to Robson group 1 (nulliparous women, gestational week ≥ 37 + 0, with singleton births in cephalic presentation and spontaneous onset of labour) and 3 (parous women, gestational week ≥ 37 + 0, with singleton births in cephalic presentation, spontaneous onset of labour, and no previous caesarean birth). Crude and adjusted logistic regression models with marginal standardisation were used to estimate risk ratios (RR) and risk differences (RD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for oxytocin use by obstetric unit. An interaction analysis was performed to investigate the potential modifying effect of epidural. The use of oxytocin varied between 47 and 73% in Robson group 1, and 10% and 33% in Robson group 3. Compared to the remainder of Sweden, the risk of oxytocin augmentation ranged from 13% lower (RD − 13.0, 95% CI − 15.5 to − 10.6) to 14% higher (RD 14.0, 95% CI 12.3–15.8) in Robson group 1, and from 6% lower (RD − 5.6, 95% CI − 6.8 to − 4.5) to 18% higher (RD 17.9, 95% CI 16.5–19.4) in Robson group 3. The most notable differences in risk estimates were observed among women in Robson group 3 with epidural. In conclusion, variations in oxytocin use remained despite adjusting for risk factors. This indicates unjustified differences in use of oxytocin in clinical practice.
Prognostic patterns in invasion lymph nodes of lung adenocarcinoma reveal distinct tumor microenvironments
Authors: Lao Shen , Chen Zisheng , Wang Wei , Zheng Yongmei , Xiong Shan , He Ping , Yi Huan , Li Jianfu , Li Feng , Li Shuting , He Miao , Liu Xiaoyan , Qi Chuang , He Jianxing , Liang Wenhua 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTumor-draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) are usually the first station of tumor metastasis in lung cancer. TDLNs+ have distinct pathomorphologic and tumor microenvironment (TME)-compositional patterns, which still need to be thoroughly investigated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Here, we enrolled 312 LUAD patients with TDLNs+ from our institution between 2015 and 2019. 3DHISTECH was used to scan all of the TDLNs+. Based on morphologic features, TDLNs+ patterns were classified as polarized-type or scattered-type, and TME-compositional patterns were classified as colloid-type, necrosis-type, specific-type, and common-type. Multivariate analysis revealed an increased risk of early recurrence associated with scattered-type (HR 2.37, 95% CI: 1.06–5.28), colloid-type (HR 1.95, 95% CI: 1.03–3.67), and necrosis-type (HR 2.21, 95% CI: 1.13–4.89). NanoString transcriptional analysis revealed an immunosuppression and vascular invasion hallmark in scattered and necrosis patterns and an immunoactivated hallmark in polarized and common patterns. According to imaging mass cytometry (IMC), the scattered and necrosis patterns revealed that germinal centers (GC) were compromised, GCB cell and T cell proliferation were deficient, tumor cells had the potential for proliferation, and the immune attack may be weaker. In this study, we present evidence that LUAD patients have distinct patterns and immune hallmarks of TDLNs+ related to their prognosis.
A MYCN-driven de-differentiation profile identifies a subgroup of aggressive retinoblastoma
Authors: Ryl Tatsiana , Afanasyeva Elena , Hartmann Till , Schwermer Melanie , Schneider Markus , Schröder Christopher , Wagemanns Maren , Bister Arthur , Kanber Deniz , Steenpass Laura , Schramm Kathrin , Jones Barbara , Jones David T. W. , Biewald Eva , Astrahantseff Kathy , Hanenberg Helmut , Rahmann Sven , Lohmann Dietmar R. , Schramm Alexander , Ketteler Petra 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRetinoblastoma are childhood eye tumors arising from retinal precursor cells. Two distinct retinoblastoma subtypes with different clinical behavior have been described based on gene expression and methylation profiling. Using consensus clustering of DNA methylation analysis from 61 retinoblastomas, we identify a MYCN-driven cluster of subtype 2 retinoblastomas characterized by DNA hypomethylation and high expression of genes involved in protein synthesis. Subtype 2 retinoblastomas outside the MYCN-driven cluster are characterized by high expression of genes from mesodermal development, including NKX2-5. Knockdown of MYCN expression in retinoblastoma cell models causes growth arrest and reactivates a subtype 1-specific photoreceptor signature. These molecular changes suggest that removing the driving force of MYCN oncogenic activity rescues molecular circuitry driving subtype 1 biology. The MYCN-RB gene signature generated from the cell models better identifies MYCN-driven retinoblastoma than MYCN amplification and can identify cases that may benefit from MYCN-targeted therapy. MYCN drives tumor progression in a molecularly defined retinoblastoma subgroup, and inhibiting MYCN activity could restore a more differentiated and less aggressive tumor biology.
High-resolution yeast actin structures indicate the molecular mechanism of actin filament stiffening by cations
Authors: Xu Xiao-Ping , Cao Wenxiang , Swift Mark F. , Pandit Nandan G. , Huehn Andrew E. , Sindelar Charles V. , De La Cruz Enrique M. , Hanein Dorit , Volkmann Niels 
Published: July 2024

AbstractActin filament assembly and the regulation of its mechanical properties are fundamental processes essential for eukaryotic cell function. Residue E167 in vertebrate actins forms an inter-subunit salt bridge with residue K61 of the adjacent subunit. Saccharomyces cerevisiae actin filaments are more flexible than vertebrate filaments and have an alanine at this position (A167). Substitution of this alanine for a glutamic acid (A167E) confers Saccharomyces cerevisiae actin filaments with salt-dependent stiffness similar to vertebrate actins. We developed an optimized cryogenic electron microscopy workflow refining sample preparation and vitrification to obtain near-atomic resolution structures of wild-type and A167E mutant Saccharomyces cerevisiae actin filaments. The difference between these structures allowed us to pinpoint the potential binding site of a filament-associated cation that controls the stiffness of the filaments in vertebrate and A167E Saccharomyces cerevisiae actins. Through an analysis of previously published high-resolution reconstructions of vertebrate actin filaments, along with a newly determined high-resolution vertebrate actin structure in the absence of potassium, we identified a unique peak near residue 167 consistent with the binding of a magnesium ion. Our findings show how magnesium can contribute to filament stiffening by directly bridging actin subunits and allosterically affecting the orientation of the DNase-I binding loop of actin, which plays a regulatory role in modulating actin filament stiffness and interactions with regulatory proteins.
Contributions of Speaking, Listening, and Semantic Depth to Word Learning in Typical 3- and 4-Year-Olds
Authors: Richtsmeier Peter T. , Gladfelter Allison , Moore Michelle W. 
Published: July 2024

Purpose:
This study examined learning via perception, learning via production, and semantic depth as contributors to word learning in preschool-aged children. There is broad evidence that semantic depth is an important contributor to word learning, especially when semantic cues are repeated and spaced out over time. Perceptual learning and production learning each support word learning sometimes, but not in all cases. The purpose of this study was to examine all three learning mechanisms within a single experimental paradigm.

Method:
Thirty-six typically developing preschool children completed the experiment. They were familiarized with 16 novel words that were contextualized as alien names. These aliens came in four sets, each set comprising one base alien and three modified aliens marked by suffixes. Children completed four familiarizations: two in which they simply listened to the alien names (perceptual learning) and two where they repeated the alien names (production learning). Those conditions were crossed with a semantic depth manipulation (aliens with and without verbal semantic cues). Following each familiarization, referent identification and confrontation naming tasks were completed to assess learning.

Results:
Children were able to identify more alien referents following familiarizations with semantic depth. There were no significant effects of either perceptual learning or production learning.

Conclusions:
This study confirms and expands on the benefits of semantic depth, but the results are unclear about the relative importance of perception and production to word learning. Nevertheless, the study suggests benefits to simultaneously studying multiple factors related to word learning.
An offset‐enhanced active rectifier with delay compensated active diodes for wirelessly powered biomedical implants
Authors: Karimi Mohammad Javad , Dehollain Catherine , Schmid Alexandre 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis letter presents the design of a 13.56 MHz offset‐enhanced full‐wave active rectifier, tailored for wirelessly powered biomedical implants. The design incorporates digitally assisted, delay‐compensated active diodes and symmetrical bulk biasing in the rectifier core to enhance conduction time, thus improving the voltage conversion ratio (VCR) and power conversion efficiency (PCE). A delay improvement is achieved both in no‐load and high‐load conditions through an additional comparison path with an offset voltage that is higher than zero. The proposed rectifier is implemented and fabricated in a 180 nm CMOS technology with an area of 0.024 . The rectifier, tested and measured with inductive links, offers a maximum VCR of 96.4% and a maximum PCE of 89%.
Multi‐stage image inpainting using improved partial convolutions
Authors: Li Cheng , Xu Dan , Zhang Hao 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn recent years, deep learning models have dramatically influenced image inpainting. However, many existing studies still suffer from over‐smoothed or blurred textures when missing regions are large or contain rich visual details. To restore textures at a fine‐grained level, a multi‐stage inpainting approach is proposed, which applies a series of partial inpainting modules as well as a progressive inpainting module to inpaint missing areas from their boundaries to the centre successively. Some improvements are made on the partial convolutions to reduce artifacts like blurriness, which require a convolution kernel to contain known pixels more than a certain proportion. Towards photorealistic inpainting results, the intermediate outputs from each stage are used to compute the loss. Finally, to facilitate the training process, a multi‐step training is designed that progressively adds inpainting modules to optimize the model. Experiments show that this method outperforms the current excellent techniques on the publicly available datasets: CelebA, Places2 and Paris StreetView.
Developing a cooperative approach under normal and contingency conditions for generation expansion planning of microgrids
Authors: Shahbazian Saeed , Kharrati Saeed , Rastgou Abdollah 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe issue of generation expansion planning in microgrids has become a challenging issue in electricity industry for two reasons: load growth and uncertainties in renewables' generation. Therefore, this issue is considered here. Here, the modelling of generation expansion planning problem has been developed in a network of microgrids in a decentralized manner, considering normal and contingency conditions. On the other hand, in order to further develop the study considered, decentralized generation expansion planning model of microgrids by considering contingency conditions has been addressed in a cooperative approach to minimize total costs. In developed model, investment decisions are made at the higher level and operational constraints has been considered at lower one. Also, case studies are defined in three different scenarios: islanding operation of microgrids as first scenario and peer‐to‐peer trading of microgrids in non‐cooperative and cooperative approaches as second and third scenarios, respectively. The results of simulations have shown that by facilitating the transactions between microgrids, their total costs are reduced. The costs of the whole set of microgrids in the non‐cooperative scenario are reduced by 9.4% compared to the islanding scenario; and the costs are reduced by 7.5% in the cooperative scenario compared to the non‐cooperative scenario.
Comparison of geomagnetic storm and non-storm periods mid-latitude Pc1 pulsations characteristics
Authors: Kwak Jaeyoung , Hwang Junga , Park Jaehueng , Kim Jiwoo , Kim Hyangpyo 
Published: July 2024

Pc1 pulsations are infrequently observed at mid-latitude ground stations. Previous studies have shown that these pulsations near the ground are commonly observed during dawn and geomagnetic storms, particularly in the storm recovery phase. However, few studies have directly compared the characteristics of Pc1 pulsations during storm and non-storm times using long-term ground-based data. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of storm-related and non-storm-related Pc1 pulsations detected at a mid-latitude ground station located at Bohyun mountain in Korea (BOH, L~1.34). Our findings reveal notable distinctions between the two groups. Pc1 pulsations during the non-storm period exhibit a sharper peak in the local time distribution of the occurrence, relatively well indicating daytime wave power attenuation during propagation. Additionally, during the non-storm period, Pc1 pulsations show relatively lower frequencies (0.6~1 Hz) with predominantly linear polarization. In contrast, storm-related Pc1 pulsations exhibit higher and broader frequencies (up to 3 Hz) with more frequent left-handed polarization. These results suggest that storm-related Pc1 pulsations might originate from a more diverse range of spatial sources.
Soziokulturelle und berufliche Integration von migrierten Ärzt*innen
in der ambulanten Versorgung in Deutschland – Ergebnisse einer Interviewstudie
in Baden-Württemberg und Hessen
Authors: Gresser Angelina , Joos Stefanie , Sturm Heidrun 
Published: July 2024

ZusammenfassungEinleitung In den letzten Jahren sieht sich Deutschland mit der zunehmenden
Schwierigkeit, Praxen nachzubesetzen, konfrontiert. Im hausärztlichen Bereich
ist diese Entwicklung ganz besonders zu beobachten. Gleichzeitig steigen die
Zahlen von im Ausland ausgebildeten und migrierten Ärzt*innen an, die jedoch
bisher vornehmlich im stationären Setting und weniger im ambulanten bzw.
hausärztlichen Bereich tätig werden. Die vorliegende Studie hatte zum Ziel,
Erfahrungen, Unterstützungsbedarfe und mögliche Lösungsansätze aus der
Perspektive migrierter Ärzt*innen im ambulanten Bereich mit Fokus auf die
hausärztliche Versorgung zu explorieren.Methode In dieser qualitativen Studie
wurden leitfadengestützte Interviews mit migrierten (nicht in Deutschland
aufgewachsenen und ausgebildeten), im ambulanten Setting in Deutschland tätigen
Ärzt*innen geführt. Die Auswertung erfolgte mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse
mit Bildung deduktiver und induktiver Kategorien.Ergebnisse Es wurden 13
ambulant tätige Ärzt*innen interviewt (davon 9 hausärztlich tätig). Innerhalb
der deduktiven Hauptkategorien Aufbruch, Des/-orientierung und Adaptation wurden
vier Unterkategorien als übergreifende Problemfelder abgeleitet: Administrative
Aufgaben, Verständigung, sowie berufliche und soziale Adaptation / Integration
in Deutschland. Als Lösungsansätze wurden die Hauptthemen strukturierende
Maßnahmen (z. B. leicht zugänglicher Leitfaden, bezahlte Vorbereitungszeit),
individuelle Vorbereitungskurse für den ambulanten Bereich und persönliche
Unterstützung wie Mentoring und Vernetzung von (migrierten) ambulanten
Ärzt*innen in Weiterbildung exploriert.Schlussfolgerungen Ein Teil der von den
ambulant tätigen Ärzt*innen genannten Problembereiche überlappt mit bekannten
Herausforderungen aus dem stationären Setting. Spezifisch angepasste
Vorbereitungskurse und die Förderung der Vernetzung der Ärzt*innen untereinander
erscheinen als sinnvolle ergänzende und gut umsetzbare Maßnahmen, um die
Rekrutierung und Integration von Ärzt*innen aus dem Ausland für den ambulanten
Sektor zu optimieren.
Deskeletonizing the Sigmoid Sinus Is Noncompulsory in Skull Base Surgery: 3D Modeling of the Translabyrinthine Approach
Authors: Samlal Djenghiz P. S. , Voormolen Eduard H. J. , Thomeer Hans G. X. M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Objectives Sigmoid sinus (SS) compression and injury is associated with postoperative SS occlusion and corresponding morbidity. Leaving the SS skeletonized with a thin boney protection during surgery might be favorable. This study quantifies the effect of the SS position on the operative exposure in the translabyrinthine approach and assesses the feasibility of retracting a skeletonized SS.
Methods Twelve translabyrinthine approaches were performed on cadaveric heads with varying SS retraction: skeletonized stationary (TL-S), skeletonized posterior retraction (TL-R), and deskeletonized collapsing of the sinus (TL-C). High-definition three-dimensional reconstruction of the resection cavity was obtained. The primary outcome, “surgical freedom” (mm2), was the area at the level of the craniotomy from which the internal acoustic porus could be reached in an unobstructed straight line. Secondary outcomes include the “exposure angle,” “angle of attack,” and presigmoid depth.
Results During TL-R, surgical freedom increased by a mean of 41% (range: 9–92%, standard deviation [SD]: 28) when compared to no retraction (TL-S). Collapsing the SS in TL-C provided a mean increase of 52% (range: 19–95%, SD: 22) compared to TL-S. In most cases, the exposure is the greatest when the SS is collapsed. In 40% of the specimens, the provided exposure while retracting (TL-R) instead of collapsing (TL-S) the sinus is equal or greater than 50% of other specimens in which the sinus is collapsed.
Conclusion In cases with favorable anatomy, a translabyrinthine resection in which the skeletonized SS is retracted provides comparably sufficient exposure for adequate and safe tumor resection.
Assessment of Sleep Stages in Unconscious Patients with Acute Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Singh Priya , Venkatesan Latha , Agrawal Deepak , Tirwa Milan , Agrawal Rati 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background The existence of a sleep cycle in deeply unconscious patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains unknown. Evaluating the sleep patterns of these patients may provide insights into their consciousness and help predict functional recovery.
Aims and Objectives This prospective observational study aimed to assess the usefulness of monitoring the sleep cycle in the prognostication of unconscious TBI patients.
Materials and Methods A purposive sampling technique was employed to include 39 patients with severe TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] ≤ 8). The average GCS score at admission was (5.76 ± 1.65). Sleep was monitored using an actigraphy smartwatch for 4 consecutive days, (3.15 ± 2.49) days postbrain injury. Sleep cycle monitoring tool and unconscious patient outcome monitoring tool were employed. An outcome assessment was done based on the GCS score.
Results Severe TBI patients exhibit intact sleep cycle (i.e., deep sleep, light sleep, and rapid eye movement sleep) despite being deeply unconscious, even in the acute stage. Total sleep duration was found to be significantly higher at a mean of 19.97 hours as compared to the mean of 8 hours as per the smartwatch reference value for normal individuals. Patients with improved sleep cycles had a higher likelihood of GCS improvement (p < 0.05).
Conclusion This study is the first of its kind to demonstrate that the sleep cycle is a reliable prognostic factor for the recovery of consciousness in the acute phase of severe TBI among unconscious patients, with improvement in the sleep cycle mirroring neurological improvement.
Ultrahigh reflectivity photonic crystal membranes with optimal geometry
Authors: Zhou F. , Bao Y. , Gorman J. J. , Lawall J. R. 
Published: July 2024

Photonic crystal (PhC) structures with subwavelength periods are widely used for diffractive optics, including high reflectivity membranes with nanoscale thickness. Here, we report on a design procedure for 2D PhC silicon nitride membrane mirrors providing optimal crystal geometry using simulation results obtained with rigorous coupled-wave analysis. The Downhill Simplex algorithm, a robust numerical approach to finding local extrema of a function of multiple variables, is used to optimize the period and hole radius of PhCs with both hexagonal and square lattices, as the membrane thickness is varied. Following these design principles, nanofabricated PhC membranes made from silicon nitride have been used as input couplers for an optical cavity, resulting in a maximum cavity finesse of 33 000, corresponding to a reflectivity of 0.999 82. The role played by the spot size of the cavity mode on the PhC was investigated, demonstrating the existence of an optimal spot size that agrees well with predictions. We find that, compared to the square lattice, the hexagonal lattice exhibits a spectrally wider reflective range, less sensitivity to fabrication tolerances, and higher reflectivity for membranes thinner than 200 nm, which may be advantageous in cavity optomechanical experiments. Finally, we find that all of the cavities that we have constructed exhibit well-resolved polarization mode splitting, which we expect is due primarily to a small amount of anisotropic stress in the silicon nitride and PhC asymmetry arising during fabrication.