bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth and reproductive performance of broiler breeders reared to puberty under the open-sided housing in a tropical environment
Authors: Adebayo M. O. , Abiona J. A. , Uyanga V. A. , Onagbesan O. M. , Oke O. E. 
Published: October 2023

Context The paradox of broiler breeders combined with harsh environments is of significant concern, particularly to broiler breeder farmers in tropical environments. Despite this, there is a paucity of information on the comparison of the performance of broiler breeders in tropical climates. Aims The trial aimed to evaluate the comparative growth and reproductive performance of three common broiler breeders (Marshall (MS), Arbor Acres (AA) and Ross (RS)) raised in the tropical environment in Nigeria. Methods In total, 240 day-old female broiler breeder chicks were used, 80 each strain, in four replicates of 20 birds each. According to the breeders’ guides, the rearing of the chickens was conducted in an open-sided poultry house until puberty. Weekly determination of percentage mortality (%MORT), feed intake (FI), liveweight (LW), weight gain (WG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was performed. Weekly hen-day egg production was monitored in each strain from oviposition. Key results The liveweights of chickens were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by strain. Ross and Marshall had higher (P < 0.05) weight gain than did Arbor Acre at the first 8 weeks of age. The feed intake of Arbor Acres was higher than that of Marshall, which was higher than the values recorded in Ross between the 8th and 16th weeks of age. The FCR of Arbor Acres and Ross was similar but lower (P < 0.05) than that of Marshall breeders between Weeks 17 and 25. The rudimentary ovarian weights were higher in Ross than in Arbor Acres at the sixth week of age. However, at Week 20, the ovary weight was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in Ross than in Marshall and Arbor Acres. Hen-day egg production of Marshall breeder was higher (P < 0.05) than Ross at Weeks 24 and 25. Conclusions The three broiler breeder strains had the potential for better reproductive performance under Nigerian tropical conditions, especially the MS if the liveweight could be harnessed. Implications The findings in this study may support farmers to make the right decision on the choice of broiler breeder strains so as to maximise productivity under conventional open-sided housing in tropical environments.
Dynamic mechanical properties of ferronickel slag powder-modified soil-cement using split-hopkinson pressure bar testing
Authors: Chen Sanshan , Chen Feng , Zheng Chengjie , Wu Zhengyu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Ferronickel slag is an industrial waste, ranking as the fourth largest smelting slag in China, with an annual discharge of about 30 million tons. However, only 8% to 10% of this slag is utilized, leaving a substantial amount of ferronickel slag unutilized. This not only pollutes the environment, but also results in a significant waste of resources. Recycling ferronickel slag wastes allows for the optimum use of resources, which benefits initiatives in ferronickel slag powder production and environmental protection. In light of this, ferronickel slag powder (FSP) and mineral powder (MP) are mixed here to achieve the optimal proportion when incorporated into soil-cement (the mixture is simplified as FSMP) for application in subgrade reinforcement. In the subgrade soil of airport runways, in fact, it often endures the impact of loads, therefore, to study the influence of added ferronickel slag powder on the mechanical behavior of soil-cement after impact compression, the Split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) testing was conducted on a series of soil-cement samples with varying FSMP replacement ratios (0, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60%). The failure mode, compression after impact (CAI) strength, and dynamic stress–strain relationship of the soil-cement samples were studied. The results indicate that, as the FSMP replacement ratio increases from 0 to 60%, the rate of peak stress growth at 60-day age are 11.39%, 12.08%, 12.57%, 16.11%, −16.83%, and −13.20% respectively. This implies that the dynamic stress first increases as FSMP increases and then decreases after the peak is reached at 40% FSMP replacement. Moreover, as the curing ages, the peak dynamic stress gradually increases. The rate of this increase is significantly higher between the curing age of 7d and 28d than between 28d and M60d. The addition of a suitable amount of ferronickel slag powder can enhance the impact resistance of soil-cement. These findings can serve as a foundation for understanding the application of soil-cement in engineering under impact.
Effective thermal conductivity of lightweight porous concrete:theoretical models and application
Authors: Zeng Zhi , Li Xiaohua , Liu Xianglong 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Lightweight porous concrete blocks have become one of the preferred energy-saving envelope materials for modern buildings due to their good thermal insulation performance. This paper reviews the extensive literature on different theoretical models for the effective thermal conductivity of porous concrete blocks. The advantages and limitations of different models, including the pore structure, fractal theory, and thermal conductivity models, are summarized. The applicability and challenges of each lightweight porous concrete model are discussed in detail. It can be concluded that more research on lightweight porous concrete blocks is necessary to improve the theoretical thermal conductivity model by incorporating parameters related to indoor thermal and humid environments.
Extracellular vesicles from 3D cultured dermal papilla cells improve wound healing via Krüppel-like factor 4/vascular endothelial growth factor A -driven angiogenesis
Authors: Wang Yunwei , Shen Kuo , Sun Yulin , Cao Peng , Zhang Jia , Zhang Wanfu , Liu Yang , Zhang Hao , Chen Yang , Li Shaohui , Xu Chaolei , Han Chao , Qiao Yating , Zhang Qingyi , Wang Bin , Luo Liang , Yang Yunshu , Guan Hao 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Non-healing wounds are an intractable problem of major clinical relevance. Evidence has shown that dermal papilla cells (DPCs) may regulate the wound-healing process by secreting extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, low isolation efficiency and restricted cell viability hinder the applications of DPC-EVs in wound healing. In this study, we aimed to develop novel 3D-DPC spheroids (tdDPCs) based on self-feeder 3D culture and to evaluate the roles of tdDPC-EVs in stimulating angiogenesis and skin wound healing.

Methods
To address the current limitations of DPC-EVs, we previously developed a self-feeder 3D culture method to construct tdDPCs. DPCs and tdDPCs were identified using immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. Subsequently, we extracted EVs from the cells and compared the effects of DPC-EVs and tdDPC-EVs on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro using immunofluorescence staining, a scratch-wound assay and a Transwell assay. We simultaneously established a murine model of full-thickness skin injury and evaluated the effects of DPC-EVs and tdDPC-EVs on wound-healing efficiency in vivo using laser Doppler, as well as hematoxylin and eosin, Masson, CD31 and α-SMA staining. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, we conducted RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of tdDPC-EV- and phosphate-buffered saline-treated HUVECs. To validate the RNA-seq data, we constructed knockdown and overexpression vectors of Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4). Western blotting, a scratch-wound assay, a Transwell assay and a tubule-formation test were performed to detect the protein expression, cell migration and lumen-formation ability of KLF4 and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in HUVECs incubated with tdDPC-EVs after KLF4 knockdown or overexpression. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assays were conducted to verify the activation effect of KLF4 on VEGFA.

Results
We successfully cultured tdDPCs and extracted EVs from DPCs and tdDPCs. The tdDPC-EVs significantly promoted the proliferation, lumen formation and migration of HUVECs. Unlike DPC-EVs, tdDPC-EVs exhibited significant advantages in terms of promoting angiogenesis, accelerating wound healing and enhancing wound-healing efficiency both in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis and further functional experiments verified that the tdDPC-EV-regulated KLF4/VEGFA axis is pivotal in accelerating wound healing.

Conclusions
3D cultivation can be utilized as an innovative optimization strategy to effectively develop DPC-derived EVs for the treatment of skin wounds. tdDPC-EVs significantly enhance wound healing via KLF4/VEGFA-driven angiogenesis.
Extreme work, professionalism, and the construction of mental health in correctional work
Authors: Brandhorst Jaclyn K , Meisenbach Rebecca 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
As an employee population, correctional officers (COs) perform a stressful, dangerous, and extreme job that has significant consequences for their health and well-being. Yet, COs are often reluctant to focus on their own mental health concerns. In this study, we explore how US COs communicatively engage and avoid discussing mental health in relation to their work. Using a phronetic iterative approach, we analyze how a discourse of professionalism promotes COs (1) practicing emotion suppression and impersonalization to protect themselves from inmates and mental health challenges and (2) constructing mental health as an inmate problem in ways that may limit COs’ abilities to address their own mental health concerns. We assess how professional ideals thus serve as both a protective resource and a constraint, with dehumanizing consequences for COs and those they serve. We then consider theoretical implications for studying professionalism in working class occupations and stigma management communication. We also outline possibilities for disrupting and reconstructing mental health in correctional work.
Understanding mathematics anxiety: loss aversion and student engagement
Authors: Shabab C Rashaad 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This paper applies the well-known cognitive bias of loss aversion from behavioural economics to student decisions over engagement with mathematically demanding coursework. This bias is shown to predict behaviour that is consistent with mathematics anxiety in a dynamic model of student engagement. It is shown that these forces can imply polarization in student outcomes with some students chronically disengaged in a low-attainment equilibrium, in the absence of any countervailing pedagogic interventions. However, the model illustrates that chronic disengagement is not necessarily equivalent to chronic apathy. Rather, students for whom the short-term cost of failure looms large are shown to be at heightened risk of disengagement. The model is used to understand and evaluate various elements of the mathematics anxiety literature including the role of formative assessment, the fixed and growth mindset models, the efficacy of task-oriented achievement goals, the cognitive interference and motivation enhancement models of test anxiety, the provision of remedial classes and technology-enhanced solutions to learning and assessment.
The Reliability of the Modified Fels Knee Skeletal Maturity System
Authors: Furdock Ryan J. , Sun Kristie J. , Ren Bryan , Folkman Matthew , Glotzbecker Michael P. , Son-Hing Jochen P. , Gilmore Allison , Hardesty Christina K. , Mistovich R. Justin , Liu Raymond W. 
Published: October 2023

Background:
The recently described Modified Fels knee skeletal maturity system (mFels) has proven utility in prediction of ultimate lower extremity length in modern pediatric patients. mFels users evaluate chronological age, sex, and 7 anteroposterior knee radiographic parameters to produce a skeletal age estimate. We developed a free mobile application to minimize the learning curve of mFels radiographic parameter evaluation. We sought to identify the reliability of mFels for new users.

Methods:
Five pediatric orthopaedic surgeons, 5 orthopaedic surgery residents, 3 pediatric orthopaedic nurse practitioners, and 5 medical students completely naïve to mFels each evaluated a set of 20 pediatric anteroposterior knee radiographs with the assistance of the (What’s the Skeletal Maturity?) mobile application. They were not provided any guidance beyond the instructions and examples embedded in the app. The results of their radiographic evaluations and skeletal age estimates were compared with those of the mFels app developers.

Results:
Averaging across participant groups, inter-rater reliability for each mFels parameter ranged from 0.73 to 0.91. Inter-rater reliability of skeletal age estimates was 0.98. Regardless of group, steady proficiency was reached by the seventh radiograph measured.

Conclusions:
mFels is a reliable means of skeletal maturity evaluation. No special instruction is necessary for first time users at any level to utilize the (What’s the Skeletal Maturity?) mobile application, and proficiency in skeletal age estimation is obtained by the seventh radiograph.

Level of Evidence:
Level II.
The use of simulation in medical ultrasound: Current perspectives on applications and practical implementation (WFUMB state-of-the-art paper)
Authors: Lucius Claudia , Nielsen Michael Bachmann , Blaivas Michael , Burmester Eike , Westerway Susan Campbell , Chu Chit Yan , Condous George , Cui Xin-Wu , Dong Yi , Harrison Gill , Koch Jonas , Kraus Barbara , Nolsøe Christian Pállson , Nayahangan Leizl Joy , Pedersen Malene Roland V. , Saftoiu Adrian , Savitsky Eric , Dietrich Christoph F. 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT
Simulation has been shown to improve clinical learning outcomes, speed up the learning process, and improve trainee confidence, while taking the pressure off initial face-to-face patient clinical areas. The second part of The World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology state-of-the-art paper on the use of simulators provides a general approach on the practical implementation. The importance of needs assessment before developing a simulation-based training program is outlined. We describe the current practical implementation and critically analyze how simulators can be integrated into complex task scenarios to train small or large groups. A wide range of simulation equipment is available especially for those seeking interventional ultrasound training, ranging from animal tissue models, simple synthetic phantoms, to sophisticated high-fidelity simulation platforms using virtual reality. Virtual reality simulators provide feedback and thereby allow trainees to not only to practice their motor skills and hand eye coordination but also to interact with the simulator. Future developments will integrate more elements of automated assessment and artificial intelligence, thereby enabling enhanced realistic training experience and improving skill transfer into clinical practice.
Case Studies of Fraud Associated with the Use of Radiation Sources: Practical Avoidance Strategies Based on Lessons Learned
Authors: Emery R. J. , Howell D. C. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Periodically the radiation protection profession has experienced purposeful deception practices that remained undetected for some time. Upon discovery, the cases of fraud revealed gaps in confirmation or validation practices that the radiation protection community should note. Summarized here is a convenience sample of actual cases of fraud involving radiation sources along with the exploited process vulnerabilities. Recommended process improvements that the radiation safety community may consider are presented to improve the collective fidelity of radiation protection processes.
RELAY INTRASCLERAL 6-0 POLYPROPYLENE-ASSISTED INTRAOCULAR LENS FIXATION: A RETROSPECTIVE COMPARISON WITH MODIFIED YAMANE’S TECHNIQUE.
Authors: Chantarasorn Yodpong , Pokawattana Issara , Silpa-archa Sukhum , Rattanaprasatpon Nitee , Saovaprut Chairat 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE:
To describe a new surgical technique that uses a relay suture to optimize sutureless scleral fixation of intraocular lens (SF-IOL) in eyes with capsular insufficiency, and to evaluate the outcomes of this technique vs. flanged double needle-guided SF-IOL with haptic trimming (modified Yamane’s approach).

METHODS:
Relay intrascleral 6-0 polypropylene sutures with flanges generated at the intraocular ends were used to fixate, and securely hold a rigid IOL with haptic eyelets against the inner scleral wall. The results were analyzed at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up.

RESULTS:
This retrospective cohort study found that compared with the control group (n = 27), the relay-sutured group (n = 26) had greater mean changes in corneal astigmatism (0.44 vs. −0.52 D) and fewer mean degrees of IOL astigmatism (0.62 vs. 1.1 diopters). The mean IOL decentration was comparable between both groups; however, in the control group, there was a significant increase in IOL tilt degrees from 3 to 12 months. Moreover, significantly higher proportions of patients with persistent macular edema and iris-optic capture were seen in the control group.

CONCLUSION:
The relay-sutured technique may be an alternative to flapless SF-IOL and provides a stable IOL position with acceptable complication rates.
Tent-pole technique for alveolar ridge width preservation with a compromised buccal plate: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Abdullrahman Firas , Assad Mounzer , Albash Ziad 
Published: October 2023

Objectives:
The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the tent-pole technique for alveolar ridge preservation of compromised alveolar socket following the surgical extraction of incurable single root premolars.

Materials and methods:
This study was conducted on 12 patients who presented to the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery and had alveolar ridge preservation using tent-pole technique between August 2021 and February 2022. The alveolar ridge width was analyzed using cone beam computed tomography scans taken preoperative and 6 months postoperative. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the alveolar ridge width at different levels. The alveolar ridge width differences between periods were assessed with paired t-test. The comparison of alveolar ridge width loss according to jaw, sex, and different levels were done with unpaired t-test. The level of significance considered was 5% (α=0.05).

Results:
The mean alveolar ridge width before surgery was 10.03 mm. After 6 months, the mean alveolar ridge width was 8.4 mm. The range of alveolar ridge width loss was between 0.6 and 3.22 mm with a mean of 1.63 (16.25%). There was no statistically significant difference in width loss between the maxilla and mandibular whether in males or females. Alveolar bone width loss was the greatest at W1 level (26.8%).

Conclusion:
According to the results of this study, the authors conclude that the tent-pole technique could preserve the alveolar bone ridge width without bone graft materials.
Replacement of tibialis cranialis tendon with polyester, silicone-coated artificial tendon preserves biomechanical function in rabbits
Authors: Easton Katrina L. , Hatch Carter , Stephens Kaitlyn , Marler Dylan , Fidelis Obinna , Sun Xiaocun , Bowers Kristin M. , Billings Caroline , Greenacre Cheryl B. , Anderson David E. , Crouch Dustin L. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractArtificial tendons may be an effective alternative to autologous and allogenic tendon grafts for repairing critically sized tendon defects. The goal of this study was to quantify the in vivo hindlimb biomechanics (ground contact pressure and sagittal-plane motion) during hopping gait of rabbits having a critically sized tendon defect of the tibialis cranialis and either with or without repair using an artificial tendon. In five rabbits, the tibialis cranialis tendon of the left hindlimb was surgically replaced with a polyester, silicone-coated artificial tendon (PET-SI); five operated control rabbits underwent complete surgical excision of the biological tibialis cranialis tendon in the left hindlimb with no replacement (TE). At 8 weeks post-surgery, peak vertical ground contact force in the left hindlimb was statistically significantly less compared to baseline for the TE group (p=0.0215). Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analysis showed that, compared to baseline, the knee was significantly more extended during stance at 2 weeks post-surgery and during the swing phase of stride at 2 and 8 weeks post-surgery for the TE group (p<0.05). Also, the ankle was significantly more plantarflexed during swing at 2 and 8 weeks postoperative for the TE group (p<0.05). In contrast, there were no significant differences in the SPM analysis among timepoints in the PET-SI group for the knee or ankle. These findings suggest that the artificial tibialis cranialis tendon effectively replaced the biomechanical function of the native tendon.
Not seeing the forest for the trees: Combination of path integration and landmark cues in human virtual navigation
Authors: Scherer Jonas , Müller Martin M. , Unterbrink Patrick , Meier Sina , Egelhaaf Martin , Bertrand Olivier J. N. , Boeddeker Norbert 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACTIntroductionIn order to successfully move from place to place, our brain often combines sensory inputs from various sources by dynamically weighting spatial cues according to their reliability and relevance for a given task. Two of the most important cues in navigation are the spatial arrangement of landmarks in the environment, and the continuous path integration of travelled distances and changes in direction. Several studies have shown that Bayesian integration of cues provides a good explanation for navigation in environments dominated by small numbers of easily identifiable landmarks. However, it remains largely unclear how cues are combined in more complex environments.MethodsTo investigate how humans process and combine landmarks and path integration in complex environments, we conducted a series of triangle completion experiments in virtual reality, in which we varied the number of landmarks from an open steppe to a dense forest, thus going beyond the spatially simple environments that have been studied in the past. We analysed spatial behaviour at both the population and individual level with linear regression models and developed a computational model, based on maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), to infer the underlying combination of cues.ResultsOverall homing performance was optimal in an environment containing three landmarks arranged around the goal location. With more than three landmarks, individual differences between participants in the use of cues are striking. For some, the addition of landmarks does not worsen their performance, whereas for others it seems to impair their use of landmark information.DiscussionIt appears that navigation success in complex environments depends on the ability to identify the correct clearing around the goal location, suggesting that some participants may not be able to see the forest for the trees.