bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
More than 100 years of a mistake: on the anatomy of the atlas of the enigmatic Macrauchenia patachonica
Authors: Püschel Hans P. , Martinelli Agustín G. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractEver since the discovery of the first remains of Macrauchenia patachonica by Charles Darwin in 1834, this taxon has puzzled researchers with its peculiar anatomy. Being the best-known member of the family Macraucheniidae and with fossil records in extensive areas of South America between the Middle to Late Pleistocene/earliest Holocene, M. patachonica has been extensively studied over decades, and recently even included in molecular studies. However, there are some elements of its skeleton that have been inadvertently unstudied. One of these elements is the atlas of M. patachonica that due to a misidentification made 159 years ago by the prominent zoologist Hermann Burmeister, was not examined or illustrated by later researchers even with access to excellent specimens. Here, we describe and illustrate the atlas of M. patachonica for the first time, correcting Burmeister’s mistake. Overall, the anatomy of the atlas of M. patachonica is consistent with the anatomy of older macraucheniids. The atlas described by Burmeister as being M. patachonica probably corresponds to that of a bovid. It is noteworthy that most mounted skeletons of M. patachonica present today in museum exhibitions, display a correct atlas derived from a more complete specimen discovered ca. 1904 by the prominent palaeontologist Santiago Roth.
The relationship between different levels of facial attractiveness and malocclusion perception: an eye tracking and survey study
Authors: Zorlu Merve , Camcı Hasan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between levels of facial attractiveness and the perception of different types of malocclusion.

Methods
A preliminary questionnaire was used to assign photographs of three female patients to low, moderate, and high facial attractiveness designations. Seven modified photographs for each smile photograph of each of these three patients were created. The evaluated photographs were as follows: P0: at rest position, P1: ideal smile, P2: − 2-mm (low) smile line, P3: + 4-mm gummy smile, P4: + 6-mm gummy smile, P5: maxillary anterior crowding, P6: median diastema, P7: polydiastema. An eye tracking device and a questionnaire were used to collect data from orthodontists, dentists, orthodontic patients, and laypeople.

Results
Total fixation duration varied depending on the type of malocclusion, the level of facial attraction, and the participants’ occupations. In general, orthodontists and dentists had higher total fixation duration scores than orthodontic patients and laypersons. The maxillary anterior crowding photograph had the lowest visual analysis scale score at each attractiveness level (low, medium, and high). Visual analysis scale scores became similar at each attractiveness level only in the P4 photographs, and thus the difference in facial attractiveness disappeared.

Conclusion
While a worsening of the ideal smile had a smaller impact on aesthetic perceptions in an individual with low facial attractiveness, it had a significant negative impact on a person with high facial attractiveness. Anterior crowding and diastema had a more negative impact on facial attractiveness than low or high smile lines.
Variations of precipitable water vapor in sandstorm season determined from GNSS data: the case of China’s Wuhai
Authors: Han Shihao , Liu Xin , Jin Xin , Zhang Fangzhao , Zhou Maosheng , Guo Jinyun 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn recent years, the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) has witnessed rapid development. However, during the sandstorm season, the precipitable water vapor (PWVGNSS) determined from the GNSS data produces large fluctuations due to the influence of particulate matter, which can indirectly reflect the change in particulate matter concentration. To study the variations of PWVGNSS during the sandstorm season, daily data of PWVGNSS, particulate matter (PM10), and precipitation in Wuhai from 2017 to 2021 were used in this study. The principal components of PWV residual (PWVRPC) were obtained by using the least-squares linear fitting, singular spectrum analysis, and least-squares spectral analysis on PWVGNSS. The principal components of PM10 (PM10PC) were obtained by using least squares linear fitting and singular spectrum analysis for PM10. This study performed a correlation analysis of PWVRPC with PM10PC and precipitation data. The results showed a strong correlation between PWVRPC and PM10PC, with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.6. However, it was found that the correlation between PWVRPC and precipitation was not significant. This indicates that during the sandstorm season, PM10 affects PWV determined from GNSS data.
Graphical Abstract
Anatomical ablation for small hepatocellular carcinomas using multiple applicators: a preliminary study
Authors: Kim Jae Hyun , Kim Hee Soo , Yoon Jeong Hee , Joo Ijin , Yoon Jung-Hwan , Kim Yoon Jun , Yu Su Jong , Lee Jeong Min 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Anatomical ablation, defined as thermal ablation of tumor-bearing small portal territories, may provide excellent local tumor control in peripherally-located small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), which has been a major concern with percutaneous ablation alone.

Purpose
To evaluate the technical feasibility and therapeutic outcomes of anatomical ablation using multiple radiofrequency (RF) applicators for the ablation of tumor-bearing small portal territories of peripherally-located small (≤ 4 cm) HCCs.

Materials and methods
Patients with peripherally-located single HCCs (≤ 4 cm) to be treated with anatomical ablation using multiple RF applicators between January 2020 and March 2022 were enrolled in this prospective study. Anatomical ablation was performed for the index tumor under real-time US-CT/MR fusion imaging guidance, with one or two clustered electrode needles placed across the tumor-bearing portal vein branches. Technical success and complications of anatomical ablations were assessed. Cumulative incidence of local tumor progression (LTP) and recurrence-free survival were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results
Fifty-five HCCs (mean size, 1.77 ± 0.59 cm) in 55 participants (mean age, 66.4 ± 7.7 years; 39 men, 16 women) were treated with anatomical ablation; 98.2% (54/55) technical success was achieved. No major complications were noted. Among the 55 participants, LTP occurred in only one patient who had experienced technical failure of anatomical ablation. Estimated 1- and 2-year cumulative incidences of LTP were 0% and 3.7%, respectively. Five patients developed intrahepatic remote recurrence during the median follow-up period of 19.2 months (range, 3.7–28.8 months); therefore, estimated 1- and 2-year recurrence-free survival was 91.7% and 85.0%, respectively.

Conclusion
Anatomical ablation using multiple RF applicators provided the excellent results of local tumor control in patients with peripherally-located small (≤ 4 cm) HCCs.

Trial registration
clinicaltrial.gov identifier: NCT05397860.
Local digital lending development and the incidence of deprivation in Kenya
Authors: Tetteh Godsway Korku 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn the developing world, vulnerable communities often lack access to regular income sources to cope with unforeseen events. Recent advancements in financial technology have enabled microcredit to be delivered via digital platforms. Although digital credit may quicken remote access to consumer credit without the need for collateral, little is known about its contribution to the welfare of underserved communities. This study examines the effects of local digital lending development on deprivation and explores the implications of these effects on rural inhabitants. The results show a negative association between local digital lending development and food deprivation on one hand and health deprivation on the other. The evidence suggests that local digital lending development can reduce the probability of food and health deprivation. Furthermore, the evidence reveals that inhabitants of rural communities benefit more from digital lending development. This study recommends the decentralization of financial inclusion policies as a pathway to promote digital lending at the local level.
Machine learning-assisted optimal schedule of underground water pipe inspection
Authors: Fan Xudong , Yu Xiong 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThere are over 2.2 million miles of underground water pipes serving the cities in the United States. Many are in poor conditions and deteriorate rapidly. Failures of these pipes could cause enormous financial losses to the customers and communities. Inspection provides crucial information for pipe condition assessment and maintenance plan; it, however, is very expensive for underground pipes due to accessibility issues. Therefore, water agencies commonly face the challenge to 1) decide whether it is worthwhile to schedule expensive water pipe inspections under financial constraints, and 2) if so, how to optimize the inspection schedule to maximize its value. This study leverages the physical model and data-based ML (ML) models for underground water pipe failure prediction to shed light on these two important questions for decision making. Analyses are firstly conducted to assess the value of water pipe inspection. Results by use of a physical-based failure model and Monte Carlo simulations indicate that by inspecting pipe’s condition, i.e., assessment of pipe’s erosion depth, the uncertainty of water pipe failure prediction can be narrowed down by 51%. For optimal inspection schedule, an artificial neural network (ANN) model, trained with historical inspection data, is evaluated for its performance in forecasting the future pipe failure probability. The results showed that a biased pipe failure prediction can occur under limited rounds of inspection. However, incorporating more rounds of inspection allows to predict the pipe failure conditions over its life cycle. From this, an optimal inspection plan can be proposed to achieve the maximum benefits of inspection in uncertainty reduction. A few salient results from the analyses include 1) the optimal schedule for inspection is not necessarily equal in the time interval, 2) by setting the goal of uncertainty reduction, an optimal inspection schedule can be obtained, where ML (ML) model augmented by continuously training with inspection data allows to reliably predict water pipe failure conditions over its life cycle. While this study focuses on underground pipe inspection, the general observations and methodology are applicable to optimize the inspection of other types of infrastructure as well.
Phase II Trial of Atezolizumab Combined With Carboplatin and Pemetrexed for Patients With Advanced Nonsquamous Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer With Untreated Brain Metastases (Atezo-Brain, GECP17/05)
Authors: Nadal Ernest , Rodríguez-Abreu Delvys , Simó Marta , Massutí Bartomeu , Juan Oscar , Huidobro Gerardo , López Rafael , De Castro Javier , Estival Anna , Mosquera Joaquín , Sullivan Ivana , Felip Enriqueta , Blasco Ana , Guirado Maria , Pereira Eva , Vilariño Noelia , Navarro Valentín , Bruna Jordi 
Published: August 2023

PURPOSE The Atezo-Brain study evaluated atezolizumab combined with chemotherapy in patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with untreated brain metastases, a population traditionally excluded from trials. METHODS This single-arm phase II clinical trial enrolled patients with advanced nonsquamous NSCLC with untreated brain metastases without neurologic symptoms or asymptomatic with medical treatment. Dexamethasone was allowed up to 4 mg once daily. Atezolizumab plus carboplatin and pemetrexed was given for four to six cycles followed by atezolizumab plus pemetrexed until progression for a maximum of 2 years. The primary end points were to determine the progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 12 weeks and the incidence of grade ≥3 adverse events during the first 9 weeks. Intracranial outcomes were assessed using response assessment in neuro-oncology brain metastases criteria. RESULTS Forty patients were enrolled and 22 (55%) were receiving corticosteroids at baseline. The overall 12-week PFS rate was 62.2% (95% credibility interval [CrI], 47.1 to 76.2). The rate of grade 3/4 adverse events during the first 9 weeks was 27.5%. Most neurologic events were grade 1 and 2 but five patients (12.5%) experienced grade 3-4 neurologic events. With a median follow-up of 31 months, intracranial median PFS was 6.9 months and response rate was 42.7% (95% CrI, 28.1 to 57.9). Systemic median PFS was 8.9 months and response rate was 45% (95% CrI, 28.1 to 57.9). The median overall survival (OS) was 11.8 months (95% CI, 7.6 to 16.9) and the 2-year OS rate was 27.5% (95% CI, 16.6 to 45.5). CONCLUSION Atezolizumab plus carboplatin and pemetrexed demonstrates activity in patients with advanced nonsquamous NSCLC with untreated brain metastases with an acceptable safety profile.
Metformin, Cognitive Function, and Changes in the Gut Microbiome
Authors: Rosell-Díaz Marisel , Fernández-Real José Manuel 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The decline in cognitive function and the prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders are among the most serious threats to health in old age. The prevalence of dementia has reached 50 million people worldwide and has become a major public health problem. The causes of age-related cognitive impairment are multiple, complex, and difficult to determine. However, type 2 diabetes (T2D) is linked to an enhanced risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Human studies have shown that patients with T2D exhibit dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. This dysbiosis may contribute to the development of insulin resistance and increased plasma lipopolysaccharide concentrations. Metformin medication mimics some of the benefits of calorie restriction and physical activity, such as greater insulin sensitivity and decreased cholesterol levels, and hence may also have a positive impact on aging in humans. According to recent human investigations, metformin might partially restore gut dysbiosis related to T2D. Likewise, some studies showed that metformin reduced the risk of dementia and improved cognition, although not all studies are concordant. Therefore, this review focused on those human studies describing the effects of metformin on the gut microbiome (specifically the changes in taxonomy, function, and circulating metabolomics), the changes in cognitive function, and their possible bidirectional implications.
Frizzled2 receives WntA signaling during butterfly wing pattern formation
Authors: Hanly Joseph J. , Loh Ling S. , Mazo-Vargas Anyi , Rivera-Miranda Teomie S. , Livraghi Luca , Tendolkar Amruta , Day Christopher R. , Liutikaite Neringa , Earls Emily A. , Corning Olaf B. W. H. , D'Souza Natalie , Hermina-Perez José J. , Mehta Caroline , Ainsworth Julia A. , Rossi Matteo , Papa Riccardo , McMillan W. Owen , Perry Michael W. , Martin Arnaud 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
Butterfly color patterns provide visible and biodiverse phenotypic readouts of the patterning processes. Although the secreted ligand WntA has been shown to instruct the color pattern formation in butterflies, its mode of reception remains elusive. Butterfly genomes encode four homologs of the Frizzled-family of Wnt receptors. Here, we show that CRISPR mosaic knockouts of frizzled2 (fz2) phenocopy the color pattern effects of WntA loss of function in multiple nymphalids. Whereas WntA mosaic clones result in intermediate patterns of reduced size, fz2 clones are cell-autonomous, consistent with a morphogen function. Shifts in expression of WntA and fz2 in WntA crispant pupae show that they are under positive and negative feedback, respectively. Fz1 is required for Wnt-independent planar cell polarity in the wing epithelium. Fz3 and Fz4 show phenotypes consistent with Wnt competitive-antagonist functions in vein formation (Fz3 and Fz4), wing margin specification (Fz3), and color patterning in the Discalis and Marginal Band Systems (Fz4). Overall, these data show that the WntA/Frizzled2 morphogen-receptor pair forms a signaling axis that instructs butterfly color patterning and shed light on the functional diversity of insect Frizzled receptors.
Disability and developmental biology
Authors: Morgan Jack Darius 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
Disabled scientists face tremendous barriers to entry into, and progression within, a scientific career, remaining immensely under-represented at every career stage. Disability inclusivity drives in science are increasingly prevalent, but few data are available from the developmental biology community specifically. The Young Embryologist Network sought to draw attention to this by platforming disability inclusivity as a key theme at the 2022 conference. Here, I review literature exploring disabled scientists' experiences in academia, report findings from the conference attendee survey and spotlight a new disability support grant from the British Society for Developmental Biology. I also highlight specific unmet needs and suggest educational resources and actionable measures in the hope of improving the experiences of disabled scientists in our community.
A Novel Injection Protocol Using Voluven®-Assisted Indocyanine Green with Improved Near-Infrared Fluorescence Guidance in Breast Cancer Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping—A Translational Study
Authors: Hsieh Yung-Chun , Guo Kai-Wei , Wang Man-Wen , Su Shih-Po , Syu Yu-Han , Huang Chiun-Sheng , Chan Yang-Hsiang 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence-guided surgery with indocyanine green (ICG) has been demonstrated to provide high sensitivity in sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for breast cancer but has several limitations, such as unstable pharmacokinetics, limited fluorescence brightness, and undesired diffusion to neighboring tissues. This paper investigates the use of Voluven® as the solvent for ICG fluorescence-guided SLNB (ICG-SLNB).

Methods
The photophysical properties of ICG in water and Voluven® were evaluated in laboratory experiments and in a mouse model. Nine patients with early breast cancer underwent subareolar injection of diluted ICG (0.25 mg/ml) for ICG-SLNB. Six of the nine patients received ICG dissolved in Voluven® (ICG:Voluven®), while three were administered ICG dissolved in water (ICG:water); a repetitive injection-observation protocol was followed for all patients. The mapping image quality was evaluated.

Results
Laboratory experiments and in vivo mouse study showed improved fluorescence and better targeting using Voluven® as the solvent. ICG-SLNB with a repetitive injection-observation protocol was successfully performed in all nine patients. ICG:Voluven® administration had an overall better signal-to-background ratio (SBR) in sequential sentinel lymph nodes. The rates of transportation within the lymphatics were also improved using ICG:Voluven® compared with ICG:water.

Conclusions
From basic research to animal models to in-human trial, our study proposes a repetitive injection-observation technique with ICG:Voluven®, which is characterized by better transportation and more stable mapping quality for ICG-SLNB in breast cancer patients.
Efficacy and potential use of vitamin D in the prevention and treatment of uterine fibroids
Authors: Kozłowska Martyna , Woźniak Aleksander , Sydor Patryk , Wartacz Marcel , Góra Mateusz , Kreft Rafał , Hunek Adrian Krzysztof , Bigdoń Anna Maria , Ćwiek Maciej , Gorczyca Przemysław 
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common benign gynecological tumors. Pharmacological and/or surgical treatments are frequently required, depending on the woman's desire to preserve fertility. Due to side effects caused by pharmacological and surgical treatments, there is a growing interest in a safe approach for UFs. In recent years, hypovitaminosis D is believed to be a major risk factor in the development of a tumor. Studies proved vitamin D efficacy in inhibiting UFs growth by targeting pathways involved in the regulation of various biological processes, resulting in inhibition of tumor cell division and a significant reduction in its size. Vitamin D seems to be promising, effective, and low-cost method in the management of UFs and their clinical symptoms.
Aim of the study: This article reviews the state of knowledge based on available studies. The aim of the study is to present the most important informations about effectiveness and potential usage of vitamin D in prevention and treatment of uterine fibroids.
Material and methods: The authors created a paper summarizing review of currently available publications based on databases such as PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar.
Assessment of motivation for using aesthetic medicine procedures and post-treatment satisfaction
Authors: Małolepsza Aleksandra , Kister Klaudia , Laskowski Jakub , Szabrańska Anna , Bronst Paulina , Czechowska Julia , Rosa Lidka , Zach-Źródlak Monika , Rektor Natalia , Mazur Magdalena 
Published: August 2023

Introduction and purpose: Aesthetic medicine is a branch of medicine that focuses on improving the appearance through non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures. Over the years, many methods used to improving beauty and prevent aging were developed. People want not only to improve their physical appearance, but also their well-being and self-esteem. The aim of the study was to assess the motivation to use aesthetic medicine and satisfaction with the performed procedures.
State of knowledge: Getting rid of wrinkles, sagging skin or unwanted fat deposits people feel more comfortable and satisfied with their bodies. Additionally, societal and cultural influences play a role in the popularity of aesthetic medicine. These interventions can also help with congenital deformities or experienced trauma. Motivation for using aesthetic medicine procedures can vary from person to person. It includes desire for youthful appearance, societal influences and beauty standards or career advancement. What is more, patient satisfaction is an important factor for successful therapy.
Summary: In conclusion, the motivations for using aesthetic medicine procedures are multifaceted and vary from person to person. People seek these procedures for reasons such as enhancing self-confidence, desiring a more youthful appearance or improving emotional well-being. Aesthetic medicine can provide the opportunity to enhance self-image, boost confidence and improve overall quality of life.
Attention-assisted autoencoder neural network for end-to-end optimization of multi-access fiber-terahertz communication systems
Authors: Li Zhongya , Dong Boyu , Li Guoqiang , Jia Junlian , Sun Aolong , Shen Wangwei , Xing Sizhe , Shi Jianyang , Chi Nan , Zhang Junwen 
Published: August 2023

We propose an end-to-end (E2E) fiber-terahertz (THz) integrated communication system based on an attention-assisted multi-access autoencoder (AMAE) neural network. The AMAE neural network comprises artificial neural networks (ANNs) that function as transmitters (T-ANNs), channel models, and receivers (R-ANNs) for multiple users. By connecting the computational graph of multiple T-ANNs and R-ANNs, we jointly optimize the AMAE to facilitate E2E multi-access communication. Attention mechanisms guide the optimization process to achieve fair and efficient power allocation and orthogonality among different users. We experimentally evaluated the performance of our proposed E2E framework in a 60 Gbit/s multi-channel (1, 5, and 10 km) fiber-THz hybrid system. The results indicate that our AMAE approach outperforms the conventional single-carrier quadrature amplitude modulation scheme by over 3 dB in receiver sensitivity and 11 Gbit/s in capacity under the 20% soft-decision forward error correction threshold in the same-channel back-to-back condition. Additionally, under the performance balance constraint, our approach achieves a transmission speed of 60 Gbit/s within a 10 GHz bandwidth in the multi-channel setting.