bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fabrication, characterization, and antibacterial activity of ferrite, chromite, and aluminate nanoparticles
Authors: El Hajjar Israa , Bitar Maryam Al , Zahr Rayan , Zahr Sarah , Khalil Mahmoud , Awad R 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Zn0.33Co0.33Mg0.33X2O4 nanoparticles (NPs), where X = Fe, Cr, Al and denoted by F, C, and A, were prepared by the co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction patterns validated the formation of NPs with cubic spinel structure with the detection of small amounts of impurities in samples C (Cr2O3) and A (MgO). Transmission electron micrographs showed a nearly spherical shape for samples F and A. However, sample C revealed cubic and nearly spherical shapes. Energy-dispersive x-ray analysis ensured the presence of chemical constituents in all samples. The vibrational modes of NPs were confirmed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The direct bandgap energy values, calculated using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, were in the range of 2.355 and 2.967 eV for F, C, and A samples. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed the compositions as well as the valence states of all elements. Magnetic hysteresis (M–H) loops revealed a soft ferromagnetic behavior. Sample F exhibited a higher saturation magnetization, remanent magnetization, magnetic moment, and magnetic anisotropy compared to those of samples C and A. The antibacterial activity of the tested samples against four bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecium) was determined using the broth microdilution assay, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and time-kill test. The prepared NPs exhibited varying antibacterial activity due to multiple factors. These results highlighted the potential utility of the ternary ferrite, chromite, and aluminate NPs in the treatment of microbial infections, particularly multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Repurposing traditional U-Net predictions for sparse SAM prompting in medical image segmentation
Authors: Morton Colbert Zachery , Arrington Daniel , Foote Matthew , Gårding Jonas , Fay Dominik , Huo Michael , Pinkham Mark , Ramachandran Prabhakar 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objective: Automated medical image segmentation (MIS) using deep learning has traditionally relied on models built and trained from scratch, or at least fine-tuned on a target dataset. The Segment Anything Model (SAM) by Meta challenges this paradigm by providing zero-shot generalisation capabilities. This study aims to develop and compare methods for refining traditional U-Net segmentations by repurposing them for automated SAM prompting. Approach: A 2D U-Net with EfficientNet-B4 encoder was trained using 4-fold cross-validation on an in-house brain metastases dataset. Segmentation predictions from each validation set were used for automatic sparse prompt generation via a bounding box prompting method (BBPM) and novel implementations of the point prompting method (PPM). The PPMs frequently produced poor slice predictions (PSPs) that required identification and substitution. A slice was identified as a PSP if it (1) contained multiple predicted regions per lesion or (2) possessed outlier foreground pixel counts relative to the patient’s other slices. Each PSP was substituted with a corresponding initial U-Net or SAM BBPM prediction. The patients’ mean volumetric dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was used to evaluate and compare the methods’ performances. Main results: Relative to the initial U-Net segmentations, the BBPM improved mean patient DSC by 3.93 ± 1.48% to 0.847 ± 0.008 DSC. PSPs constituted 20.01–21.63% of PPMs’ predictions and without substitution performance dropped by 82.94 ± 3.17% to 0.139 ± 0.023 DSC. Pairing the two PSP identification techniques yielded a sensitivity to PSPs of 92.95 ± 1.20%. By combining this approach with BBPM prediction substitution, the PPMs achieved segmentation accuracies on par with the BBPM, improving mean patient DSC by up to 4.17 ± 1.40% and reaching 0.849 ± 0.007 DSC. Significance: The proposed PSP identification and substitution techniques bridge the gap between PPM and BBPM performance for MIS. Additionally, the uniformity observed in our experiments’ results demonstrates the robustness of SAM to variations in prompting style. These findings can assist in the design of both automatically and manually prompted pipelines.
A Retrospective Analysis of Upper Arm Rejuvenation Surgery in 50 Patients
Authors: Zhu Jinglin , Zhao Fangning , Li Facheng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Upper arm aesthetics often suffer from aging effects such as skin laxity and sagging due to collagen and elastin depletion. Fat loss, obesity, and weight fluctuations further exacerbate these issues. Existing classification systems for upper arm excess are complex and have practical limitations.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to develop a more concise and clearer classification of upper arm excess that can guide surgical interventions effectively and assess clinical outcomes.

Methods
Patients undergoing upper arm rejuvenation surgery from January 2020 to January 2023 were categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Mild cases underwent suction-assisted liposuction (SAL), moderate cases underwent radiofrequency-assisted liposuction combined with SAL, and severe cases underwent brachioplasty combined with SAL. Arm circumferences and BODY-Q questionnaires were collected pre- and postoperatively.

Results
The study included 50 female patients, aged 21 to 49 years. The average follow-up time was 7.5 [2.2] months. Arm circumference reduction rates were 6.8% in mild cases, 15.1% in moderate cases, and 17.3% in severe cases. Regarding the BODY-Q questionnaire for upper arms, the average score increased by 0.9 for mild, 2.1 for moderate, and 2.9 for severe cases. Complications were minimal, including 1 seroma and 2 cases of scar widening.

Conclusions
The revised classification system for upper arm excess proved effective in guiding surgical decisions. Selecting the surgical approach based on severity resulted in satisfactory outcomes based on BODY-Q scores. This system offers a concise, objective, and practical tool for plastic surgeons.

Level of Evidence: 3
Main Factors Influencing Patient Satisfaction After Primary Breast Augmentation: A Prospective Study Based on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures
Authors: Marangi Giovanni Francesco , Savani Luca , Gratteri Marco , Arcari Lucrezia , Segreto Francesco , Cagli Barbara , Cogliandro Annalisa , Vega Raffaella , Mirra Carlo , Persichetti Paolo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Primary breast augmentation is one of the most sought-after procedures in cosmetic surgery. It is generally related to a high degree of patient satisfaction, but it is not always obvious which factors have greater influence on patient satisfaction.

Objectives
The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate how anthropometric, psychological, and social parameters, in association with the main surgical variables, influenced patients’ satisfaction with their breasts after surgery.

Methods
Patients undergoing primary breast augmentation between October 2018 and February 2022, who completed a 12-month follow-up without complications, were enrolled in the study. For each patient we recorded: BMI, pinch test (upper pole of the breast), surgical access, implant pocket, implant volume, bra size increase, age, smoking habit, civil status, education level, pregnancies, and psychiatric disorders. Each variable was statistically correlated with patient’s satisfaction, assessed by BREAST-Q questionnaire preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively.

Results
Analyzing the data of the 131 patients, we found 3 factors affecting their satisfaction (P&lt;.05); BMI: underweight patients were less satisfied than normal and overweight patients; pinch test: patients with a pinch test &gt;2 cm were more satisfied; volume of the implant and bra size increase: patients with implant volume &lt;300 cc and a less than 2 bra size increase were less satisfied than patients with larger augmentation.

Conclusions
BMI, pinch test, implant volume, and extent of volumetric enhancement should be taken into careful consideration by the surgeon during preoperative consultation and surgical planning, because they can be critical to patient satisfaction.

Level of Evidence: 3
Utility and Evaluation of Applied Project Management Processes Within a Large Multicountry Health Systems Development Project Conducted During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic
Authors: Kwon Soo Young , Gautam Sanjay , Poudel Kritika , Banneheke Hasini , Ferreira Delfim , Gautam Manish , Hau'ofa Michelle , Mahmood Nashmia , Phommalad Bouahome , Sujan Mohammad Julhas , Yangzom Pema , Joh Hea Sun , Shaw Alina , Dolabella Brooke , Seo Hye Jin , Kim Jong-Hoon , Gallagher Partick , MacWright William R , Poudyal Nimesh , Marks Florian , Holm Marianne 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The increasing trends in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continue to pose a significant threat to human health, with grave consequences in low- and middle-income countries. In collaboration with local governments and microbiology laboratories in South Asian and Southeast Asian countries, the Capturing Data on Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns and Trends in Use in Regions of Asia (CAPTURA) project worked to identify gaps and expand the volume of existing AMR data to inform decision-makers on how to best strengthen their national AMR surveillance capacity. This article describes overall project management processes and the strategies implemented to address the disruptive impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the project activities across diverse contexts in different countries. Also, it assesses in-country team's feedback on the conduct of activities and their overall impact on project completion. The strategies employed were tailored to the specific context of each country and included increased communication and collaboration among consortium partners and in-country teams, as well as hiring of additional in-country team members. This paper highlights the importance of local representation and capacities as well as real-time (virtual) engagement with stakeholders, ensuring close monitoring of the local situation and ability to tailor context-specific mitigation strategies to continue project implementation during disruptive external circumstances.
A chromosome-level genome assembly of Agave hybrid NO.11648 provides insights into the CAM photosynthesis
Authors: Yang Ziping , Yang Qian , Liu Qi , Li Xiaolong , Wang Luli , Zhang Yanmei , Ke Zhi , Lu Zhiwei , Shen Huibang , Li Junfeng , Zhou Wenzhao 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The subfamily Agavoideae comprises crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM), C3, and C4 plants with a young age of speciation and slower mutation accumulation, making it a model crop for studying CAM evolution. However, the genetic mechanism underlying CAM evolution remains unclear because of lacking genomic information. This study assembled the genome of Agave hybrid NO.11648, a constitutive CAM plant belonging to subfamily Agavoideae, at the chromosome level using data generated from high-throughput chromosome conformation capture, Nanopore, and Illumina techniques, resulting in 30 pseudo-chromosomes with a size of 4.87 Gb and scaffold N50 of 186.42 Mb. The genome annotation revealed 58 841 protein-coding genes and 76.91% repetitive sequences, with the dominant repetitive sequences being the I-type repeats (Copia and Gypsy accounting for 18.34% and 13.5% of the genome, respectively). Our findings also provide support for a whole genome duplication event in the lineage leading to A. hybrid, which occurred after its divergence from subfamily Asparagoideae. Moreover, we identified a gene duplication event in the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase kinase (PEPCK) gene family and revealed that three PEPCK genes (PEPCK3, PEPCK5, and PEPCK12) were involved in the CAM pathway. More importantly, we identified transcription factors enriched in the circadian rhythm, MAPK signaling, and plant hormone signal pathway that regulate the PEPCK3 expression by analysing the transcriptome and using yeast one-hybrid assays. Our results shed light on CAM evolution and offer an essential resource for the molecular breeding program of Agave spp.
Genomic analysis of fruit size and shape traits in apple: unveiling candidate genes through GWAS analysis
Authors: Dujak Christian , Coleto-Alcudia Veredas , Aranzana Maria José 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Genomic tools facilitate the efficient selection of improved genetic materials within a breeding program. Here, we focus on two apple fruit quality traits: shape and size. We utilized data from 11 fruit morphology parameters gathered across three years of harvest from 355 genotypes of the apple REFPOP collection, which serves as a representative sample of the genetic variability present in European-cultivated apples. The data were then employed for genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using the FarmCPU and the BLINK models. The analysis identified 59 SNPs associated with fruit size and shape traits (35 with FarmCPU and 45 with BLINK) responsible for 71 QTNs. These QTNs were distributed across all chromosomes except for chromosomes 10 and 15. Thirty-four QTNs, identified by 27 SNPs, were related for size traits, and 37 QTNs, identified by 26 SNPs, were related to shape attributes. The definition of the haploblocks containing the most relevant SNPs served to propose candidate genes, among them the genes of the ovate family protein MdOFP17 and MdOFP4 that were in a 9.7kb haploblock on Chromosome 11. RNA-seq data revealed low or null expression of these genes in the oblong cultivar “Skovfoged” and higher expression in the flat “Grand’mere.” The Gene Ontology enrichment analysis support a role of OFPs and hormones in shape regulation. In conclusion, this comprehensive GWAS analysis of the apple REFPOP collection has revealed promising genetic markers and candidate genes associated with apple fruit shape and size attributes, providing valuable insights that could enhance the efficiency of future breeding programs.
Designing an early selection morphological traits index for reproductive efficiency in Pura Raza Española mares
Authors: Perdomo-González Davinia I , Sánchez-Guerrero María J , Bartolomé Ester , Guedes dos Santos Rute , Molina Antonio , Valera Mercedes 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The low rate of reproductive efficiency in horses may be linked to the equine industry’s practice of maintaining breeding stock that stands out for its athletic or morphological performance but exhibits poor reproductive efficiency. In this study, the age at first foaling, age at last foaling, interval between first and second foaling, average interval between foaling, foaling number and reproductive efficiency, and their relationship with the morphological records in 19,758 Pura Raza Española (PRE) mares were analyzed. After a partial least squares analysis height at withers, lateral hock angle, dorsal-sternal diameter, perimeter of anterior cannon bone, angle of shoulder, thoracic perimeter, hip-stifle distance, and angle of croup were the most important traits related with reproductive traits in PRE mares. A multivariate animal model with both morphological and reproductive traits was applied, including age, geographical area, coat color, and average stud size in the decade of the mare’s first foaling. The results indicate that reproductive selection is feasible, and is enhanced by the use of morphological traits, given the moderate to high magnitudes of heritability values in both types of traits, which oscillated between 0.1 (interval between first and second foaling) and 0.95 (height at withers). The resulting genetic parameters were used to develop a series of selection indexes based on morphological or morphological and reproductive combination traits to improve reproductive efficiency traits in PRE mares and thus compute the expected genetic response (EGR) for the different strategies. The increase in EGR, when comparing EGR using only reproductive traits as selection criteria vs. using a combined index of both morphological and reproductive traits, oscillated between 4.0% for the age at first foaling to 46.8% for the interval between first and second foaling. In addition, two precocity indexes showed positive EGR when the age at last foaling and the interval between first and second foaling, both with and without morphological traits, were used as selection criteria. Therefore, this analysis reveals that the preselection of reproductive traits based on morphological traits is possible in PRE mares. Ultimately, this knowledge will help breeders achieve genetic progress in reproductive traits, leading to healthier and more successful breeding outcomes in horses.
Depletion of Gsdma1/2/3 alleviates PMA-induced epidermal hyperplasia by inhibiting the EGFR–Stat3/Akt pathway
Authors: Liu Qiyao , Li Manyun , Sun Minli , Xin Ruyue , Wang Yushu , Chen Qin , Gao Xiang , Lin Zhaoyu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Homeostasis of the skin barrier is essential for maintaining normal skin function. Gasdermin A (GSDMA) is highly expressed in the skin and associated with many skin diseases, such as melanoma and psoriasis. In mice, GSDMA is encoded by three gene homologues, namely Gsdma1, Gsdma2, and Gsdma3. Although Gsdma3 gain-of-function mutations cause hair loss and skin inflammation, Gsdma3-deficient mice do not show any visible phenotypes in skin and hair structures. To explore the physiological function of GSDMA, we generated conventional Gsdma1/2/3 knockout (KO) mice. These mice showed significantly alleviated epidermal hyperplasia and inflammation induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Furthermore, the alleviation of epidermal hyperplasia depended on the expression of Gsdma1/2/3 specifically in keratinocytes. Mechanistically, Gsdma1/2/3 depletion downregulated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligands, leading to the decreased EGFR–Stat3/Akt signalling. These results demonstrate that depletion of Gsdma1/2/3 alleviates PMA-induced epidermal hyperplasia partially by inhibiting the EGFR–Stat3/Akt pathway.
Characterization of cerebellar amyloid-β deposits in Alzheimer disease
Authors: Lopez Gianluca , Magaki Shino D , Williams Christopher Kazu , Paganini-Hill Annlia , Vinters Harry V 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Cerebellar amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques are a component of the diagnostic criteria used in Thal staging and ABC scoring for Alzheimer disease (AD) neuropathologic change. However, Aβ deposits in this anatomic compartment are unique and under-characterized; and their relationship with other pathological findings are largely undefined. In 73 cases of pure or mixed AD with an A3 score in the ABC criteria, parenchymal (plaques) and vascular (cerebral amyloid angiopathy [CAA]) cerebellar Aβ-42 deposits were characterized with respect to localization, morphology, density, and intensity. Over 85% of cases demonstrated cerebellar Aβ-42 parenchymal staining that correlated with a Braak stage V-VI/B3 score (p &lt; 0.01). Among the 63 with cerebellar Aβ-42 deposits, a diffuse morphology was observed in 75% of cases, compact without a central dense core in 32%, and compact with a central dense core in 16% (all corresponding to plaques evident on hematoxylin and eosin staining). Cases with Purkinje cell (PC) loss showed higher proportions of PC layer Aβ-42 staining than cases without PC loss (88% vs 44%, p = 0.02), suggesting a link between Aβ-42 deposition and PC damage. Among all 73 cases, CAA was observed in the parenchymal vessels of 19% of cases and in leptomeningeal vessels in 44% of cases.
Data-driven numerical simulation with extended Kalman filtering and long short-term memory networks for highway traffic flow prediction
Authors: Shih Chung-Yu , Chang Chia-Ming , Wu Bo-Fan , Chang Chia-Hui , Hwang Feng-Nan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Developing an accurate and reliable computational tool for traffic flow prediction has always been an active research topic in transportation engineering and planning. The available predictive tools generally fall into parametric, nonparametric and PDE-based approaches. In particular, the machine learning methods, such as the long short-term memory (LSTM) networks, belong to the nonparametric methods. This study proposes the data assimilation technique with LSTM for predicting highway traffic flows. The proposed method is developed under the framework of the extended Kalman filter (EKF) algorithm, which consists of two key components: the analysis and prediction steps. As the numerical simulator, a kernel component of the predictive tool, we use an explicit (EX) Godunov’s scheme to discretize the Lighthill–Whitham–Richards model, where the MacNicholas formulation is used as the fundamental relation between the velocity and density. EKF combines LSTM prediction from two perspectives. In practical scenarios, future data at the upstream or downstream boundary points are unavailable. Therefore, the predicted values generated by LSTM are employed to set boundary conditions. Furthermore, two stages in EKF assimilate the LSTM predicted values, known as pseudo-observations, and the observed data in order with background values obtained through numerical simulation and observed data whenever available. This assimilation process aims to obtain a better initial condition for subsequent predictions, resulting in improved accuracy. Based on historical traffic data of the Hsuehshan Tunnel highway in Taiwan, the numerical results demonstrate that our method can effectively reduce the observation error and outperforms three baselines: EX, EKF and LSTM.
Not just a Fairy Tale: Parody, Late Fascism, and Ghedini’s ‘La pulce d’oro’ (1940)
Authors: Campisi Maria Grazia Aurora 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
At first glance, La pulce d’oro (1940), a one-act comic opera by Giorgio Federico Ghedini, might seem at odds with the turmoil of late-fascist Italy on the brink of war. A new opera in 1940 was itself anachronistic: a genre mired in unending crisis, resurfacing now at one of the darkest moments in the nation’s history. However, on closer inspection, La pulce d’oro demonstrates a peculiar timeliness and—in the tradition of Verdi’s Falstaff—offers pertinent insight into its contemporary and much overlooked moment. This article proposes a reading of the relevance of Ghedini’s opera through its twofold use of parody: as a musical technique and as an allegorical means, connecting past and present, fiction and reality, fairy tale and history. Encompassing some of the key cultural currents of the time—neoclassicism, magic realism, and social satire—La pulce d’oro’s parody unexpectedly brings together comic opera and fascism at a moment of cultural and political apotheosis.
La détection et la prise en charge d’une croissance atypique
Authors: Casey Linda , Fenton Tanis R 
Published: December 2023

Résumé
En pédiatrie, il est fondamental d’évaluer la croissance de l’enfant, mais un tableau clinique de plus en plus complexe peut compliquer l’évaluation des profils de croissance. Le présent point de pratique s’appuie sur des études de cas représentatives pour décrire les principaux éléments de l’interprétation des profils de croissance courants et la réponse à privilégier. Le clinicien qui connaît ces profils courants et leur étiologie sera mieux en mesure d’y répondre de manière appropriée et de limiter le risque de sous-diagnostiquer ou de surdiagnostiquer les retards de croissance.
Trustees’ powers—challenging exercises of discretion
Authors: Wilson KC Richard 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Challenges to exercises of trustees’ fiduciary powers have become a common feature of trust litigation. The recent decision of the Privy Council in Grand View v Wong has provided a framework for these challenges and clarified the law on improper purposes. This article considers the extent to which there is now a coherent set of principles governing the exercise of fiduciary powers and which important questions remain to be answered.