bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automated tilt compensation in acoustic microscopy
Authors: Gupta Shubham Kumar , Habib Anowarul , Kumar Prakhar , Melandsø Frank , Ahmad Azeem 
Published: September 2023

AbstractScanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) is a potent and nondestructive technique capable of producing three‐dimensional topographic and tomographic images of specimens. This is achieved by measuring the differences in time of flight (ToF) of acoustic signals emitted from various regions of the sample. The measurement accuracy of SAM strongly depends on the ToF measurement, which is affected by tilt in either the scanning stage or the sample stage. Hence, compensating for the ToF shift resulting from sample tilt is imperative for obtaining precise topographic and tomographic profiles of the samples in a SAM. In the present work, we propose an automated tilt compensation in ToF of acoustic signal based on proposed curve fitting method. Unlike the conventional method, the proposed approach does not demand manually choosing three separate coordinate points from SAM's time domain data. The effectiveness of the proposed curve fitting method is demonstrated by compensating time shifts in ToF data of a coin due to the presence of tilt. The method is implemented for the correction of different amounts of tilt in the coin corresponding to angles 6.67°, 12.65° and 15.95°. It is observed that the present method can perform time offset correction in the time domain data of SAM with an accuracy of 45 arcsec. The experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the suggested tilt compensation technique in SAM, indicating its potential for future applications.
A tribute to John Edmond: His leadership role in founding the International Conference on Brain Energy Metabolism (ICBEM) meetings and key contributions to substrate metabolism in brain cells
Authors: McKenna Mary C. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis is a tribute to John Edmond, professor emeritus of biological chemistry in the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, a renowned neurochemist who had a leadership role in founding the ICBEM meeting series in 1993. John was known for his very warm and engaging personality and his innovative approaches to studying the developing brain and auditory system. He was a brilliant scientist and a fun and delightful person. Without John Edmond's enthusiasm and contributions, we would not have the biennial ICBEM meetings which as noted by Dienel et al. “have had a high impact on conceptual and experimental advances” … “in the energetics and metabolism underlying neural functions”… and “on promoting collaborative interactions among neuroscientists.” Sadly, John Edmond passed away on February 18, 2022, following a cerebral hemorrhage. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues and friends.image
Effects of Schumann resonance on the proliferation and migration of normal human epidermal keratinocytes and the expression of DEFB1 and SIRT1
Authors: Sugiwaki Hidemi , Kotani Mayumi , Fujita Akihito , Moriwaki Shinichi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundWhen the skin is damaged and its barrier function is disrupted, the proliferation and migration of epidermal keratinocytes are vital for repairing the damaged area. The Schumann resonance at 7.8 Hz has been reported to protect rat cardiomyocytes against oxidative stress and inhibit the proliferation of B16 mouse melanoma cells. However, its effect on the skin is unknown.AimsIn this study, we applied 7.8‐Hz electromagnetic waves to normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) and investigated its effects on cell proliferation and migration, β‐defensin (DEFB1) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression.MethodsWe performed cell proliferation assay, cell migrationassay and gene expression analysis of DEFB1 and SIRT1.ResultsWe found that the application of 7.8‐Hz electromagnetic waves caused a 2.8‐fold increase in NHEK proliferation, enhanced cell migration, and increased the expression of DEFB1 and SIRT1 by 2.4‐fold and 4.9‐fold, respectively.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the application of 7.8‐Hz electromagnetic waves may contribute to improving the skin barrier function and skin ulcer.
Measures of treatment burden in dialysis: A scoping review
Authors: Caton Emma , Sharma Shivani , Vilar Enric , Farrington Ken 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundDialysis is a life‐sustaining treatment for patients with advanced kidney failure, but it is extremely burdensome. Despite this, there are very few tools available to assess treatment burden within the dialysis population.ObjectiveTo conduct a scoping review of generic and disease‐specific measures of treatment burden in chronic kidney disease, and assess their suitability for use within the dialysis population.DesignWe searched CINAHL, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library for kidney disease‐specific measures of treatment burden. Studies were initially included if they described the development, validation or use of a treatment burden measure or associated concept (e.g., measures of treatment satisfaction, quality of life, illness intrusiveness, disease burden etc.) in adult patients with chronic kidney disease. We also updated a previous scoping review exploring measures of treatment burden in chronic disease to identify generic treatment burden measures.ResultsOne‐hundred and two measures of treatment burden or associated concepts were identified. Four direct measures and two indirect measures of treatment burden were assessed, using adapted established criteria, for suitability for use within the dialysis population. The researchers outlined eight key dimensions of treatment burden: medication, financial, administrative, lifestyle, health care, time/travel, dialysis‐specific factors, and health inequality. None of the measures adequately assessed all dimensions of treatment burden.ConclusionCurrent measures of treatment burden in dialysis are inadequate to capture the spectrum of issues that matter to patients. There is a need for dialysis‐specific burdens and health inequality to be assessed when exploring treatment burden to advance patient care.
In ovo feeding of vitamins in broilers: A comprehensive meta‐analysis of hatchability and growth performance
Authors: Ncho Chris Major , Bakhsh Allah , Goel Akshat 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn ovo feeding has been introduced as a cost‐effective method to improve hatchability and broiler performance. Specifically, several studies have focused on the impact of vitamins. However, due to variations in experimental conditions across all trials, drawing general conclusions appears challenging. Therefore, we conducted a meta‐analysis of 17 published papers, including a maximum of 134 sample size to evaluate the potential effects of in ovo feeding of vitamins in broilers. Studies were retrieved by consulting scientific repositories such as Pubmed, Scopus, Scielo, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A binary logistic model was used to determine the parameters influencing hatchability. To assess variations in hatchling weight and growth parameters based on the vitamin category, a mixed model analysis of variance was performed, considering the study as a random effect and the vitamin category as a fixed effect. Finally, a linear mixed model was used to develop equations that explain the evolution of growth parameters based on vitamin concentration, volume, and day of injection. The results revealed that for better hatchability, it is preferable to consider heavier eggs (p = 0.007), lower volumes (p = 0.039), and late injection (p = 0.022). Vitamin E was associated with higher hatchling weight (p = 0.037), while vitamin C exhibited the lowest overall feed conversion ratio (p = 0.042). Interactions were observed between the day of injection and vitamin concentration or volume of injection for all studied growth parameters. In summary, the findings of this study suggest that hatchability during in ovo feeding is influenced by technique‐related parameters, whereas growth parameters can be modulated by the category of vitamin injected. Consequently, this study lays the groundwork for future investigations assessing the effects of in ovo feeding in broilers, as it highlights the relationship between the methodology and potential outcomes.
Pinecone oil supplemented to multiparous sows from 107 days prenatal to 21 days postpartum improves reproductive performance and milk composition and affects serum parameters
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Cho Sungbo , Kim Baeyoung , Kim In Ho 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPinecone oil (PO) of Pinus koraiensis mainly contains α‐pinene, β‐pinene, and limonene that may ameliorate animal well‐being and growth performance. This study evaluated its effects on feed intake, milk composition and yield, serum parameters, and litter growth of sows. Twenty‐seven pregnant sows (parity 2–4) were distributed to three dietary treatments. The trial started on Day 107 of gestation and ended on Day 21 of lactation. Sows were given either a basal diet or the basal diet + 200 or 400 mg/kg PO. Each treatment contained nine sows and each sow was considered an experimental unit. Results showed that the average daily gain and weaned body weight of piglets from the sows fed 400 mg/kg PO supplements were higher (p < 0.05) than the piglets from the control sows. Lactose content in colostrum samples and fat content in milk samples were higher (p < 0.05) in 400 mg/kg PO‐treated sows, respectively, than those from the sows fed basal diet. Additionally, cortisol concentration and aspartate aminotransferase concentration in sow serum was lowered (p < 0.05) by 400 mg/kg PO on Day 21 of lactation. In conclusion, supplementation of 400 mg/kg PO during late gestation and lactation contributed to greater offspring growth performance, possibly by enhanced milk quality and alleviated maternal stress.
Prospects for Clinical Reports on Selective Mutism Conducted in Japan: A Scoping Review1
Authors: Iimura Daichi , Tsujita Natsuki , Hagihara Hiromichi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis scoping review examined clinical reports for selective mutism (SM) in Japan, the progress of literature, participants' demographic characteristics, and achievements of interventions. Multiple online databases were used to identify articles published before May 2021; a total of 175 articles and 218 participants were selected. The majority of articles followed a single‐case design, and there has been an increase in the number of articles published over the last few decades. The participants' ages and genders were similar across different countries. Only 20.2% of participants were diagnosed with SM; 31.7% had comorbidities, with SM symptoms being the most common complaint. The most common intervention program was a weekly hour‐long treatment session and less than a year of intervention. About half of the participants used assessment tools, with 21.6% reporting a quantitative outcome. The most commonly used intervention methods were behavioral therapy and play therapy. This review systematically maps SM research in Japan and advocates further high‐quality research.
Multicenter study of uterine tears and other reproductive complications in periparturient goats presented to veterinary teaching hospitals
Authors: Coll‐Roman Lisette M. , Cabrera Catalina , VanderBroek Ashley R. , Bauck Anje G. , Kelleman Audrey A. , Pozor Malgorzata A. , Stockler Jenna W. , Wiley Caitlin , Scully Clare , Mackay Evelyn E. , Depenbrock Sarah M. , Fecteau Marie‐Eve , Abraham Michelle , Leduc Laurence , Noll Charlene V. , Hernandez Jorge A. , Luethy Daniela 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundGoats are increasingly popular as both production animals and pets. The frequency of and factors associated with periparturient reproductive complications in goats are largely unreported.Objectives(1) To report the frequency of periparturient reproductive complications in does presented to university veterinary hospitals and (2) to identify factors associated with uterine tears in the study population.AnimalsA total of 198 periparturient does presented to 9 university veterinary hospitals from October 2021 to June 2022.MethodsMulticenter, cross‐sectional study, with data collected from questionnaires completed by attending veterinarians. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with diagnosis of uterine tears.ResultsNinety‐three (47%) does had at least 1 periparturient reproductive complication. Periparturient complications included retained fetal membranes (n = 38, 26%), vaginal or perineal trauma (n = 33, 19%), uterine tears (n = 32, 18%), metritis (n = 22, 13%), uterine or vaginal hemorrhage (n = 8, 5%), Cesarean section complications (n = 8, 8%), and uterine prolapse (n = 1, 0.5%). A positive interaction effect was found between small breeds (Nigerian Dwarf and Pygmy) and manipulation on the farm by a layperson upon diagnosis of uterine tears (odd ratios [OR], 5.48; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41, 21.25;P = .01).Conclusions and Clinical ImportancePeriparturient reproductive complications were common. Small breed combined with manipulation on the farm by layperson was associated with diagnosis of uterine tears. Clients should be educated that in the event of dystocia, small breed does are at greater risk of uterine tears and prompt veterinary intervention is critical.
Stronger evidence for genetic ancestry than environmental conditions in shaping the evolution of a complex signalling trait during biological invasion
Authors: Pita‐Aquino Jessica N. , Bock Dan G. , Baeckens Simon , Losos Jonathan B. , Kolbe Jason J. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroductions of invasive species to new environments often result in rapid rates of trait evolution. While in some cases these evolutionary transitions are adaptive and driven by natural selection, they can also result from patterns of genetic and phenotypic variation associated with the invasion history. Here, we examined the brown anole (Anolis sagrei), a widespread invasive lizard for which genetic data have helped trace the sources of non‐native populations. We focused on the dewlap, a complex signalling trait known to be subject to multiple selective pressures. We measured dewlap reflectance, pattern and size in 30 non‐native populations across the southeastern United States. As well, we quantified environmental variables known to influence dewlap signal effectiveness, such as canopy openness. Further, we used genome‐wide data to estimate genetic ancestry, perform association mapping and test for signatures of selection. We found that among‐population variation in dewlap characteristics was best explained by genetic ancestry. This result was supported by genome‐wide association mapping, which identified several ancestry‐specific loci associated with dewlap traits. Despite the strong imprint of this aspect of the invasion history on dewlap variation, we also detected significant relationships between dewlap traits and local environmental conditions. However, we found limited evidence that dewlap‐associated genetic variants have been subject to selection. Our study emphasizes the importance of genetic ancestry and admixture in shaping phenotypes during biological invasion, while leaving the role of selection unresolved, likely due to the polygenic genetic architecture of dewlaps and selection acting on many genes of small effect.
Does energy consumption improve human capital development? Empirical evidence from panel non‐linear autoregressive distributed lag in Africa
Authors: Dramani John Bosco , Tetteh Bright , Sulemana Mahawiya , Aawarr Godfred 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe contributions of human capital to improvement in socio‐economic outcomes have generated significant interest in its determinants. On one hand, there is the orthodox view which states that energy consumption does not promote human capital development. In contrast, the heterodoxies argue that energy consumption is an essential driver of human capital development. Thus, we explore the asymmetric effects of energy consumption on human capital development for 22 African countries from 2000 to 2018 within the framework of panel non‐linear ARDL (NARDL). The long‐run results indicate that energy consumption is vital for human capital development. Specifically, in the long‐run, positive and negative shocks to energy consumption significantly improve human development. In addition, we find that economic growth, government effectiveness and foreign direct investment improve human capital only in the long‐run, while carbon dioxide emission retards it in both the long‐ and short‐runs. We found similar results for oil and non‐oil producing countries, ECOWAS, SADC, CEN‐SAD and COMESA countries.
Long noncoding RNA from Betula platyphylla, BplncSIR1, confers salt tolerance by regulating BpNAC2 to mediate reactive oxygen species scavenging and stomatal movement
Authors: Jia Yaqi , Zhao Huimin , Niu Yani , Wang Yucheng 
Published: September 2023

SummaryLong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in abiotic stress tolerance. However, their function in conferring abiotic stress tolerance is still unclear. Herein, we characterized the function of a salt‐responsive nuclear lncRNA (BplncSIR1) from Betula platyphylla (birch). Birch plants overexpressing and knocking out for BplncSIR1 were generated. BplncSIR1 was found to improve salt tolerance by inducing antioxidant activity and stomatal closure, and also accelerate plant growth. Chromatin isolation by RNA purification (ChIRP) combined with RNA sequencing indicated that BplncSIR1 binds to the promoter of BpNAC2 (encoding NAC domain‐containing protein 2) to activate its expression. Plants overexpressing and knocking out for BpNAC2 were generated. Consistent with that of BplncSIR1, overexpression of BpNAC2 also accelerated plant growth and conferred salt tolerance. In addition, BpNAC2 binds to different cis‐acting elements, such as G‐box and ‘CCAAT’ sequences, to regulate the genes involved in salt tolerance, resulting in reduced ROS accumulation and decreased water loss rate by stomatal closure. Taken together, BplncSIR1 serves as the regulator of BpNAC2 to induce its expression in response to salt stress, and activated BpNAC2 accelerates plant growth and improves salt tolerance. Therefore, BplncSIR1 might be a candidate gene for molecular breeding to cultivate plants with both a high growth rate and improved salt tolerance.
Transplant renal vein stent placement complicated by obstructive hematuria: A case report
Authors: Reis Joseph , Bogart Aaron M. , Healey Patrick J. , Dick Andre A. S. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundRenal vein stenosis is uncommon following transplantation. We report acute renal vein stenosis post‐transplant treated with an endovascular stent and complicated by urinary obstruction from clot formation.MethodsRetrospective case report.ResultsA 16‐year‐old female 3 years post‐transplant suffered anuria post‐stenting with renal ultrasound demonstrating obstructive clot in the collecting system, a previously unreported complication. Subsequent nephroureteral JJ stent placement resulted in high‐volume urine output.ConclusionThis article underscores the high index of suspicion required for renal vein stenosis following transplantation and the need to monitor urine output closely following stent placement.
Continuous allocation: The problem with EPTS and pediatric kidney candidates
Authors: Engen Rachel M. , Weiss Samantha , Peterson Caitlin G. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe 2014 Kidney Allocation System (KAS) introduced longevity matching for adult candidates using the Estimated Post‐Transplant Survival (EPTS) score, which includes candidate age, time on dialysis, diabetes status, and number of previous solid organ transplants. The proposed continuous distribution framework may expand the use of this attribute to pediatric candidates, but there is no data on its performance among pediatric kidney transplant recipients.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study of 6800 pediatric kidney transplant recipients from 2001 to 2011 using Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) data. EPTS score was calculated for each patient and compared to reported patient survival to estimate the validity of the score in children.ResultsThe median age of patients was 14.01 years (IQR 9.29–16.37 years), and dialysis vintage was 0.67 years (IQR 0–1.82 years). 18.2% of the cohort had a prior transplant and 1% had diabetes. Median EPTS score was 2 (IQR 1–2). Seven percent of patients died during the study period and 54.7% of the cohort was censored prior to 10 years. The c‐statistic was 0.505 (95% CI: 0.49–0.53).ConclusionOverall, EPTS is not a valid predictor of patient survival among pediatric kidney transplant recipients.
Shades of phototoxicity in fluorescent imaging agents (that are not supposed to be phototoxic)
Authors: Essang Serah , Greer Alexander 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis article is a highlight of the paper by Huang et al. in this issue of Photochemistry and Photobiology. It describes shades of phototoxicity in fluorescent imaging agents that are not intended to be phototoxic. Phototoxicity was assessed using a modified neutral red uptake (NRU) in vitro assay with mean photo‐effects (MPE) for the fluorescent agents IRdye800, indocyanine green (ICG), proflavine, and methylene blue (MB), with comparisons to known phototoxic agents benzoporphyrin derivative (BPD) and rose bengal (RB). The experimental conditions were aimed to mimic clinical settings, using not only visible light, but also near‐infrared light for insight to photosafety and deep tissue damage. Molecular mechanisms underlying the phototoxicities were not sought, but IRdye800 and ICG were mainly deemed to be safe, whereas proflavine and MB would require precautions since phototoxicity can overshadow their utility as fluorescent imaging agents.
Auxin and abscisic acid play important roles in promoting glucose metabolism of reactivated young kernels of maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Du Kang , Zhao Wenqing , Lv Zhiwei , Liu Lin , Ali Saif , Chen Binglin , Hu Wei , Zhou Zhiguo , Wang Youhua 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn maize, young kernels that are less competitive and have poor sink activity often abort. Studies have indicated that such poor competitiveness depends, in part, on the regulation by auxin (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA). However, the mechanisms for such effects remain unclear. We used pollination‐blocking and hand‐pollination treatments accompanied by multi‐omics and physiological tests, to identify underlying mechanism by which IAA and ABA, along with sugar signaling affect kernel development. Results showed that preventing pollination of the primary ears reactivated kernels in the secondary ears and altered both sugar metabolism and hormone signaling pathways. This was accompanied by increased enzyme activities in carbon metabolism and concentrations of glucose and starch, as well as increased levels of IAA and decreased levels of ABA in the reactivated kernels. Positive and negative correlations were observed between IAA, ABA contents and cell wall invertase (CWIN) activity, and glucose contents, respectively. In vitro culture revealed that the expression of genes involved in glucose utilization was upregulated by IAA, but downregulated by ABA. IAA could promote the expression of ABA signaling genes ZmPP2C9 and ZmPP2C13 but downregulated the expression of Zmnced5, an ABA biosynthesis gene, and ZmSnRK2.10, which is involved in ABA signal transduction. However, these genes showed opposite trends when IAA transport was inhibited. To summarize, we suggest a regulatory model for how IAA inhibits ABA metabolism by promoting the smooth utilization of glucose in reactivated young kernels. Our findings highlight the importance of IAA in ABA signaling by regulating glucose production and transport in maize.