bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flowering time regulator qFT13‐3 involved in soybean adaptation to high latitudes
Authors: Li Yan‐fei , Zhang Liya , Wang Jun , Wang Xing , Guo Shiyu , Xu Ze‐jun , Li Delin , Liu Zhangxiong , Li Ying‐hui , Liu Bin , Qiu Li‐juan 
Published: December 2023

SummarySoybean is a short‐day plant that typically flowers earlier when exposed to short‐day conditions. However, the identification of genes associated with earlier flowering time but without a yield penalty is rare. In this study, we conducted genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) using two re‐sequencing datasets that included 113 wild soybeans (G. soja) and 1192 cultivated soybeans (G. max), respectively, and simultaneously identified a candidate flowering gene, qFT13‐3, which encodes a protein homologous to the pseudo‐response regulator (PRR) transcription factor. We identified four major haplotypes of qFT13‐3 in the natural population, with haplotype H4 (qFT13‐3H4) being lost during domestication, while qFT13‐3H1 underwent natural and artificial selection, increasing in proportion from 4.5% in G. soja to 43.8% in landrace and to 81.9% in improve cultivars. Notably, most cultivars harbouring qFT13‐3H1 were located in high‐latitude regions. Knockout of qFT13‐3 accelerated flowering and maturity time under long‐day conditions, indicating that qFT13‐3 functions as a flowering inhibitor. Our results also showed that qFT13‐3 directly downregulates the expression of GmELF3b‐2 which is a component of the circadian clock evening complex. Field trials revealed that the qft13‐3 mutants shorten the maturity period by 11 days without a concomitant penalty on yield. Collectively, qFT13‐3 can be utilized for the breeding of high‐yield cultivars with a short maturity time suitable for high latitudes.
Dynamic alpha power modulations and slow negative potentials track natural shifts of spatio‐temporal attention
Authors: Peylo Charline , Romberg‐Taylor Carola , Behnke Larissa , Sauseng Paul 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAlpha power modulations and slow negative potentials have previously been associated with anticipatory processes in spatial and temporal top‐down attention. In typical experimental designs, however, neural responses triggered by transient stimulus onsets can interfere with attention‐driven activity patterns and our interpretation of such. Here, we investigated these signatures of spatio‐temporal attention in a dynamic paradigm free from potentially confounding stimulus‐driven activity using electroencephalography. Participants attended the cued side of a bilateral stimulus rotation and mentally counted how often one of two remembered sample orientations (i.e., the target) was displayed while ignoring the uncued side and non‐target orientation. Afterwards, participants performed a delayed match‐to‐sample task, in which they indicated if the orientation of a probe stimulus matched the corresponding sample orientation (previously target or non‐target). We observed dynamic alpha power reductions and slow negative waves around task‐relevant points in space and time (i.e., onset of the target orientation in the cued hemifield) over posterior electrodes contralateral to the locus of attention. In contrast to static alpha power lateralization, these dynamic signatures correlated with subsequent memory performance (primarily detriments for matching probes of the non‐target orientation), suggesting a preferential allocation of attention to task‐relevant locations and time points at the expense of reduced resources and impaired performance for information outside the current focus of attention. Our findings suggest that humans can naturally and dynamically focus their attention at relevant points in space and time and that such spatio‐temporal attention shifts can be reflected by dynamic alpha power modulations and slow negative potentials.
Histological study of Bactrian camel cryptorchidism and expression of immunoglobulin λ light chain in the testicular and epididymis of cryptorchid Bactrian camel
Authors: Yang Dapeng , Yuan Ligang , Ma Xiaojie , Qi Yumei , Cheng Shaoyu , Zhang Yong 
Published: December 2023

AbstractLambda light chains (λ‐LCs) are frequently responsible for triggering the activation of inflammatory factors in autoimmune disorders, and an increase in their levels will cause various pathological changes in serum. The aim of this study was to determine the histological differences between the epididymis and testis of normal and cryptorchid Bactrian camels and the differences in λ‐LC expression in the epididymis and testis of normal and cryptorchid Bactrian camels. Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to examine the pathological changes in cryptorchidism. The gene and protein levels of λ‐LC were determined using RT‐qPCR and western blot. The distribution of λ‐LCs was assessed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Compared with that in normal Bactrian camels, the diameter of the epididymal lumen and the thickness of the epithelium were decreased in the epididymis of cryptorchidic animals. Additionally, no sperm was detected in the cavity of the cryptorchidic epididymis. Meanwhile, the expression of λ‐LC was significantly increased in the cryptorchidic epididymis at both the mRNA and protein levels (p < .05). The highest protein expression of λ‐LC was found in epididymal epithelial halo cells and testicular Sertoli cells. These findings suggested that the structural changes observed in the epididymal epithelium of cryptorchidic camels affect its secretory and absorptive functions. Additionally, the high level of λ‐LC expression recorded in halo cells suggested that these cells play an important role in epithelial immunity in cryptorchidic Bactrian camels. Furthermore, the high λ‐LC expression levels detected in normal testicular Sertoli cells indicated that λ‐LCs may be involved in spermatogenesis. The results of this study provide clues for an in‐depth study of immunological sterility in cryptorchidic Bactrian camels.
Brandeis in Brussels? Bureaucratic discretion, social learning, and the development of regulated competition in the European Union
Authors: Foster Chase , Thelen Kathleen 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNeo‐Brandeisian legal scholars have recently revived the ideas of Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, who championed state regulation that preserved market competition and economic liberty in the face of concentrated private power. Yet ultimately and perhaps paradoxically, it has been Europe and not the United States that has proved more hospitable to accommodating key features of the Brandeisian approach. We explain this outcome by tracing the evolution of EU competition law to gain insight into the social learning processes through which such regimes change over time. We argue that the EU's administrative system, which provides the European Commission with significant bureaucratic discretion, has facilitated processes of ongoing deliberative adjustment to policy and practice, which over time has resulted in a system of “regulated competition” with striking similarities to the Brandeisian vision. The analysis highlights how administrative law institutions condition how regulatory regimes evolve in response to acquired experience and knowledge.
Implementation of 3D spatial planning through the integration of the standards
Authors: Guler Dogus 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTo plan future land use, zoning plans (i.e., spatial plans) are prepared to get the most out of land for both the public and the government. These plans manifest which facilities can be built and where they can be built on land based on defined requirements such as building height and road length. The Land Administration Domain Model (LADM) is well‐known and widely used standard for describing Rights, Restrictions, and Responsibilities (RRRs) with respect to land and buildings. The next version of the standard will contain the Spatial Plan Information (SPI) part to enable better land‐use planning. Three‐dimensional (3D) land‐use planning has gained attention to delineate detailed requirements inclusively and allow different spatial analysis that provides a basis for decisions in the planning. Data standards pertaining to 3D geoinformation are vital to put into practice 3D spatial planning. To this extent, CityJSON is proposed for the effortless and efficient use of 3D city models. This article thus first aims to extend the CityJSON schema based on the proposed SPI part of the LADM such that it allows modeling, storing, visualizing, and utilizing the features and attributes required for the implementation of 3D spatial planning. Then, the usability of the proposed extension schema is demonstrated by the real‐world use cases that benefit from the exemplary CityJSON files that are created based on approved zoning plans in the country. The results of this study show that there is an important opportunity coming from the integration of international standards that enables semantic information along with their spatial counterparts within 3D spatial planning.
Clinical impact of preservation fluid contamination on kidney transplant patients
Authors: Picola Brau Natalia , Fiol Riera Maria , Etcheverry Giadrosich Begoña , Riera Canals Lluis , Melilli Edoardo , Sabé Fernández Núria , Castells Esteve Manel , Vigués Julià Francesc 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundKidney transplantation is associated with a high risk of infectious complications due to immunosuppressive therapy. Although infections may be transmitted from donor to transplant recipient through contaminated preservation solution (PS), the clinical impact of this is not well‐understood.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated PS contamination rates in a series of 339 patients who underwent cadaveric renal transplant at our centre. All patients with a positive culture received targeted preemptive therapy (PET).ResultsOf the 339 PS samples, 136 (40.1%) were positive for a microorganism, mainly coagulase‐negative staphylococci (CoNS; n = 89;60.5%), gram‐negative bacilli (n = 31;21.1%), non‐CoNS gram‐positive cocci (n = 18;12.2%), and Candida spp (n = 2;1.4%). Of the 136 positive cases, 42 (30.9%) received PET (12.4% of the cohort). No cases of urinary tract infection, surgical site infection, or graft loss were observed. Overall, our findings indicate that PS contamination, mainly by saprophytic skin flora (CoNS) is common. Only 8% of patients required antibiotic or antifungal therapy.ConclusionThe infection transmission rate from donors to recipients was negligible (0%), perhaps due to the early initiation of a targeted PET after isolation of a recognized pathogen. More data from large, prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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The burden of travelling for cervical cancer treatment in Uganda: A mixed‐method study
Authors: Dau Hallie , Zhou Chuanlin , Nankya Esther , Naguti Priscilla , Basemera Miriam , Payne Beth A. , Vidler Marianne , Singer Joel , McNair Avery , AboMoslim Maryam , Mithani Nadia , Smith Laurie , Orem Jackson , Nakisige Carolyn , Ogilvie Gina 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundUganda has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer in the world. Many women are diagnosed and treated with advanced stages of the disease. With only one facility offering comprehensive cervical cancer care in Uganda, many women are required to travel significant distances and spend time away from their homes to receive cervical cancer care. It is important to understand the burden of time away from home while attending treatment because it can inform the expansion of cervical cancer treatment programmes. The aim of this mixed‐methods paper is to describe how the distance to cervical cancer treatment locations impacts women in Uganda.MethodsWomen were recruited from 19 September, 2022, to 17 January, 2023, at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) and the cancer clinic at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital (JRRF). Women were eligible for the study if they were (i) aged ≥18 years with a histopathologic diagnosis of cervical cancer; (ii) being treated at the UCI or JRRF for cervical cancer; and (iii) able to provide consent to participate in the study in English, Luganda, Lusoga, Luo, or Runyankole. All participants completed a quantitative survey and a selected group was sampled for semi‐structured interviews. Data were analysed using the convergent parallel mixed‐methods approach. Descriptive statistics were reported for the quantitative data and qualitative data using an inductive‐deductive thematic analysis approach.ResultsIn all, 351 women participated in the quantitative section of the study and 24 in the qualitative. The quantitative and qualitative findings largely aligned and supported one another. Women reported travelling up to 14 h to receive treatment and 20% noted that they would spend three or more nights away from home during their current visit. Major themes of the qualitative include means of transportation, spending the night away from home, and financial factors.ConclusionOur findings show that travelling to obtain cervical cancer care can be a significant burden for women in Uganda. Approaches should be considered to reduce this burden such as additional satellite cervical cancer clinics or subsidised transportation options.
Euvolemic automated transfusion to treat severe anemia in sickle cell disease patients at risk of circulatory overload
Authors: Mercure‐Corriveau Nicolas , Crowe Elizabeth P. , Vozniak Sonja , Feng Xinyi , Rai Herleen , Van Denakker Tayler , Zakieh Abdulhafiz , Grabowski M. Kate , Lanzkron Sophie , Tobian Aaron A. R. , Bloch Evan M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundRed blood cell (RBC) transfusion remains a major treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD). Patients with SCD have a high prevalence of renal impairment and cardiorespiratory disease, conferring risk of transfusion‐associated circulatory overload (TACO).Study Design and MethodsWe describe an approach, titled euvolemic automated transfusion (EAT), to transfuse SCD patients with severe anemia who are at risk of TACO. In EAT, plasmapheresis is performed using donor RBCs, rather than albumin or plasma, as replacement fluid. Euvolemia is maintained. A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients with SCD who underwent EAT at our institution over a 10‐year period, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EAT.ResultsEleven SCD patients underwent 109 EAT procedures (1–59 procedures per patient). The median age was 42 years (IQR = [30–49]) and 82% (n = 9) were female. Most (82%; n = 9) patients had severe chronic kidney disease and 55% (n = 6) had heart failure. One (9%) patient had a history of life‐threatening TACO. Mean pre‐ and post‐procedure Hct values were 19.8% (SD ± 1.6%) and 29.1% (SD ± 1.4%), respectively. The average Hct increment was 3.2% per RBC unit. Only two EAT‐related complications were recorded during the 109 procedures: central line‐associated infection and citrate toxicity (muscle cramping). EAT used an average of two RBC units less than that projected for standard automated RBC exchange.ConclusionOur findings suggest that EAT is safe and effective to treat patients with SCD and severe anemia, who are at risk for TACO. EAT requires fewer RBC units compared to automated RBC exchange.
Hyperproliferation of Elschnig pearl‐type posterior capsule opacification and spontaneous regression in two pseudophakic canine eyes
Authors: Lee Eunji , Kim Hyun‐ah , Seo Kangmoon , Kang Seonmi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the hyperproliferation of Elschnig pearl‐type posterior capsule opacification and concurrent uveitis in two canine eyes after phacoemulsification, followed by spontaneous resolution of the Elschnig pearls.Animal StudiedA 10‐year‐old castrated male Spitz (Case 1) and a 4‐year‐old spayed female Bichon Frise (Case 2).ProcedureElschnig pearls proliferating beyond the anterior capsulotomy site were observed in the right eye 10 months after bilateral diabetic cataract surgery (Case 1) and 7 months after unilateral cataract surgery (Case 2). In both cases, hyperproliferation occurred where the anterior capsule did not overlap with the intraocular lens (IOL), and was accompanied by aqueous flare. In Case 1, the pearls extended from the anterior capsule and adhered to the iris, causing focal posterior synechia. No other possible causes of uveitis were apparent.ResultsInitially, uveitis severity improved after the administration of topical and systemic anti‐inflammatory drugs. However, uveitis recurred when the dosage of anti‐inflammatory treatment was reduced. The Elschnig pearls underwent morphological changes throughout the follow‐up period. In both cases, the pearls beyond the anterior capsulotomy resolved spontaneously after 5 months. Only a few pearls remained between the IOL and posterior capsule, and no recurrence of pearl proliferation was observed at the last follow‐up.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of spontaneous Elschnig pearl regression in dogs. Lens‐induced uveitis (LIU) may have been caused by anterior chamber hyperproliferative pearls. LIU associated with hyperproliferative pearls may be managed with appropriate anti‐inflammatory treatment and monitoring.
Configuration of Organic Rankine Cycles for Geothermal Applications: An Industrial Perspective
Authors: Pettinari Matteo , Dago Gnandjuet Gaston Brice , Frate Guido Francesco , Baccioli Andrea , Ferrari Lorenzo , Desideri Umberto , Amidei Simone , Cosi Lorenzo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Geothermal resources represent a valuable option to reduce fossil fuel-based power production because they feature an unmatched capacity factor among other renewable energy sources (RES). Geothermal resource availability reduces with the temperature. Therefore, developing cost-effective solutions to exploit low-temperature geothermal energy is mandatory to expand technology utilization. The standard solution for converting low-temperature thermal sources into power is organic rankine cycles (ORCs). ORC basic layout (subcritical) is well-known, but the more advanced alternatives, such as transcritical and two-pressure level cycles, are much less widespread, and it is unclear whether the higher efficiency justifies the higher capital cost. The paper focuses on the exploitation with ORC of geothermal resources (hot water) with a temperature lower than 200 °C and mass flow rates between 200 and 1400 m3/h for a target power production ranging from 3 to 30 MW. The paper compares three ORC layouts, subcritical, transcritical, and two pressure-level, from thermodynamic and economic points of view to map the most cost-effective solutions in the investigated size ranges. The techno-economic comparison considers the impact of the operating conditions and fluid on the machine's expected performance and the heat exchangers' size. As expected, more complicated layouts yield higher conversion efficiencies, with the two pressure-level cycles achieving the highest power output for the same geothermal source conditions. However, the economic analysis showed that the most efficient solutions are not always preferable when considering the cost-efficiency tradeoff.
Ultrasound guided injection with Collagen-based Medical Device: real-life evaluation of efficacy and safety in hip osteoarthritis
Authors: Damjanov Nemanja , Micu Mihaela C 
Published: December 2023

Aims: Data regarding the treatment of hip osteoarthritis (OA) with collagen-based extracellular bio-scaffolds are lacking. We evaluated the treatment of hip OA with ultrasound guided intraarticular injections of Collagen-based Medical Device (CMD).Material and methods: Forty-four patients with Kellgren-Lawrence grade (KLG) I or II were selected, and 20/44 randomly selected patients (CMD group), were treated with 2 weekly consecutive ultrasound guided intraarticular injections of CMD (MD-HIP, Guna S.p.a. Milan, Italy). An additional 24/44 patients were treated with oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) daily (NSAIDs group). Clinical assessment, X-rays and ultrasound evaluation were performed at baseline, and after 1 month in both groups, and after 3 months in the CMD group. Outcome measures were general pain VAS (0-10), the whole WOMAC score, and the WOMAC specific subscores.Results: CMD and NSAIDs group were homogenous for age, gender, VAS pain and WOMAC scores. The CMD group had significant improvement of the VAS pain (p<0.0001), global WOMAC score (p<0.0001) and WOMAC function (p<0.0001) from baseline to the 1st month, with further improvement from the 1st to the 3rd month (p<0,001; p<0.01; p<0.03, respectively). Significant improvement in WOMAC pain (p<0.0001) and WOMAC stiffness (p<0.0001) was detected at 1st month, with no significant change at 3rd month. In the NSAIDs group significant improvement in WOMAC function was detected after 1 month (p=0.021) only. No adverse events were recorded in the CMD and NSAIDs group.Conclusion: The ultrasound guided intraarticular hip injections of CMD resulted in significant improvement in VAS pain and WOMAC scores compared to treatment with oral NSAIDs
Cranial ultrasound performance assessment tool: development and validation
Authors: Tanaanantarak Pattama , Kritsaneepaiboon Supika , Charoonratana Vorawan , Chittchang Chomanad , Chutiwongthanaphat Kanokporn , Pacharn Preeyacha , Iemsawatdikul Kriengkrai , Amornsitthiwat Ramida , Ruangwattanapaisarn Nichanan , Eng-Chuan Suwadee , Junhasavasdikul Thitiporn , Mahayosnond Atchara , Tewattanarat Nipaporn , Kitpraphasiri Piyaporn , Phewplung Teerasak , Tangsiwong Thipsumon , Sangsupawanich Pasuree 
Published: December 2023

Aim: A standard assessment tool for direct evaluation of procedural skills to ensure proficiency of trainees is necessary for cranial ultrasound (US) in clinical practice. This study created and validated an assessment tool for cranial US performance by radiologists.Material and methods: An initial evaluation tool for cranial US using criteria was developed based on existing literature. The assessment form was modified using a three-round Delphi process by an expert panel, conducted between January 2021 and April 2021. Rubric scales for grading were added once consensus regarding generated items was reached. Experts confirmed the final assessment tool using a rubric scale. Two raters evaluated cranial US performance of 27 residents in video clips using the tool. Reliability and percent agreement were assessed.Results: Seventeen pediatric radiologists working in different settings participated in the expert panel. The content validation of the proposed evaluation tool was enabled by expert pediatric radiologists. Following three rounds of the Delphi process, the initial 14-item assessment form became a final 15-item form. A three-part rubric scale was used in the final form (preparation, US machine operation, and cranial US performance). Interrater reliability was evaluated with Cohen’s Kappa. The Kappa value and percent interrater agreement for most items was moderate to almost perfect (0.42–0.93 and 77.8–100%, respectively). The Cronbach’s alpha values for both raters were 0.856 and 0.891.Conclusions: This study produced the first validated cranial US assessment tool using a modified Delphi method. The final assessment form is a simple and reliable tool.