bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockin of IRES-tdTomato at Ins2 locus reveals no RFP-positive cells in mouse islets
Authors: Zhou Xueling , Fu Qi , Yang Tao , Sun Min 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Using the CRISPR/Cas9 genomic editing technology, we constructed a transgenic mouse model to express specific fluorescent protein in pancreatic β cells, which harbor tdTomato exogenous gene downstream of the Ins2 promoter in C57BL/6 J mice. The Ins2-specific single-guide RNA-targeted exon2 was designed for the CRISPR/Cas9 system and Donor vector was constructed at the same time. Then Cas9, sgRNA, and Donor vector were microinjected in vitro into the mouse zygotes that were implanted into pseudo-pregnant mice. We obtained homozygotes through mating heterozygotes, and verified the knockin effect through genotype identification, in vivo imaging, and frozen section. Six F0 mice and stable inherited Ins2-IRES-tdTomato F1 were obtained. Genome sequencing results showed that the knockin group had no change in the Ins2 exon compared with the control group, while only the base sequence of tdTomato was added and no base mutation occurred. However, in vivo imaging and frozen section did not observe the expression of red fluorescent protein (RFP), and the protein expression of knockin gene tdTomato was negative. As a result, the expressions of tdTomato protein and fluorescence intensity were low and the detection threshold was not reached. In the CRISP/Cas9 technique, the exogenous fragment of IRES connection would affect the transcription level of the preceding gene, which in turn would lead to low-level expression of the downstream gene and affect the effect of gene insertion.
Selection tools and student diversity in health professions education: a multi-site study
Authors: Fikrat-Wevers S. , Stegers-Jager K. M. , Afonso P. M. , Koster A. S. , Van Gestel R. A. , Groenier M. , Ravesloot J. H. , Wouters A. , Van Den Broek W. W. , Woltman A. M. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractStudent diversity in health professions education (HPE) can be affected by selection procedures. Little is known about how different selection tools impact student diversity across programs using different combinations of traditional and broadened selection criteria. The present multi-site study examined the chances in selection of subgroups of applicants to HPE undergraduate programs with distinctive selection procedures, and their performance on corresponding selection tools. Probability of selection of subgroups (based on gender, migration background, prior education, parental education) of applicants (N = 1935) to five selection procedures of corresponding Dutch HPE undergraduate programs was estimated using multilevel logistic regression. Multilevel linear regression was used to analyze performance on four tools: prior-education grade point average (pe-GPA), biomedical knowledge test, curriculum-sampling test, and curriculum vitae (CV). First-generation Western immigrants and applicants with a foreign education background were significantly less likely to be selected than applicants without a migration background and with pre-university education. These effects did not vary across programs. More variability in effects was found between different selection tools. Compared to women, men performed significantly poorer on CVs, while they had higher scores on biomedical knowledge tests. Applicants with a non-Western migration background scored lower on curriculum-sampling tests. First-generation Western immigrants had lower CV-scores. First-generation university applicants had significantly lower pe-GPAs. There was a variety in effects for applicants with different alternative forms of prior education. For curriculum-sampling tests and CVs, effects varied across programs. Our findings highlight the need for continuous evaluation, identifying best practices within existing tools, and applying alternative tools.
Cardiovascular Mechano-Epigenetics: Force-Dependent Regulation of Histone Modifications and Gene Regulation
Authors: Swiatlowska Pamela , Iskratsch Thomas 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe local mechanical microenvironment impacts on the cell behavior. In the cardiovascular system, cells in both the heart and the vessels are exposed to continuous blood flow, blood pressure, stretching forces, and changing extracellular matrix stiffness. The force-induced signals travel all the way to the nucleus regulating epigenetic changes such as chromatin dynamics and gene expression. Mechanical cues are needed at the very early stage for a faultless embryological development, while later in life, aberrant mechanical signaling can lead to a range of pathologies, including diverse cardiovascular diseases. Hence, an investigation of force-generated epigenetic alteration at different time scales is needed to understand fully the phenotypic changes in disease onset and progression. That being so, cardiovascular mechano-epigenetics emerges as an attractive field of study. Given the rapid advances in this emergent field of research, this short review aims to provide an analysis of the state of knowledge of force-induced epigenetic changes in the cardiovascular field.
Contemporary Hermits: A Developmental Psychopathology Account of Extreme Social Withdrawal (Hikikomori) in Young People
Authors: Muris Peter , Ollendick Thomas H. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAlthough it is widely accepted that human beings have an ingrained ‘need to belong,’ there seem to be a substantial subset of young people who seclude themselves for most of the time at home and no longer engage in education or work, ultimately withdrawing from participation in society. In Japan, this phenomenon has been labeled as ‘hikikomori,’ but given its global presence it may be preferable to use the term ‘extreme social withdrawal’ (ESW). In this qualitative review, we provide a description and definition of ESW, provide figures on its prevalence, and discuss a number of associated concepts, including loneliness and “aloneliness,” school absenteeism and dropout, the ‘new’ developmental stage of adultolescence, and the labor force categories of freeter (‘freelance arbeiter’) and NEET (a young person not in employment, education, or training). The core of the paper is focused on the origins of ESW in young people and provides a narrative overview of relevant etiological factors, such as aberrant brain processes, unfavorable temperament, psychiatric conditions, adverse family processes including detrimental parenting, negative peer experiences, societal pressures, and excessive internet and digital media use, which are all placed within a comprehensive developmental psychopathology framework. We will close with a discussion of possible interventions for young people with ESW and formulate a guideline that describes (the temporal order of) various components that need to be included in such a treatment.
Climatic controls on the survival and loss of ancient types of barley on North Atlantic Islands
Authors: Martin Peter , Brown Terence A. , George Timothy S. , Gunnarson Björn , Loader Neil J. , Ross Paul , Wishart John , Wilson Rob 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
For ancient types of barley at sites in the Scottish Isles, Faroes, and Iceland, we calculated minimum temperature requirements for grain production (grain production threshold, GPT) as accumulated degree days over the cropping season. Site suitability for barley from AD 1200 to 2000 was investigated by comparing these thresholds with reconstructions of annual cropping season degree days (CSDD) using temperature and tree-ring data. In Iceland, between AD 1200 and 1500, reconstructed CSDD were more favorable in the southwest (Reykjavik), with fewer years below the GPT, than in the North, East and West, but there were two periods (1340–1389 and 1426–1475) with low average CSDD and several years below the GPT which possibly influenced the abandonment of barley cultivation around this time. Reconstructed CSDD for the Faroes (Tórshavn) had only one year below the GPT, but 15 periods of four or more consecutive years with low CSDD which would have challenged barley cultivation, especially in the thirteenth century. Reconstructed CSDD were highest for the Scottish Isles, allowing a more prominent role of barley in the farming system and economy. Nevertheless, years with poor harvests or famines were common and about half were associated with low CSDD, resulting in a significant temperature link but also demonstrating the important contribution of other factors. Despite frequent unfavorable years in both the Faroes and Scottish Isles, resilient production systems, well-adapted barley strains and socio-economic factors allowed barley cultivation to continue, and some ancient types to survive to the present day.
Cutting through the value chain: the long-run effects of decoupling the East from the West
Authors: Felbermayr Gabriel , Mahlkow Hendrik , Sandkamp Alexander 
Published: January 2023

AbstractWith ever-increasing political tensions between China and Russia on one side and the EU and the US on the other, it only seems a matter of time until protectionist policies cause a decoupling of global value chains. This paper uses a computable general equilibrium trade model calibrated with the latest version of the GTAP database to simulate the effect of such a decoupling–implemented by doubling non-tariff barriers–between the two blocks on trade and welfare. Imposing import barriers almost completely eliminates bilateral imports. In addition, changes in price levels lead to higher imports and lower exports of the imposing country group from and to the rest of the world. The targeted country group increases exports to the rest of the world and reduces imports. Welfare falls in all countries involved, suggesting that governments should strive to cooperate rather than turn away from each other. By imposing a trade war on Russia, the political West could inflict severe damage on the Russian economy because of the latter’s smaller relative economic size.
Modelling of the Torsional Simple Shear Test with Randomized Tresca Model Properties in Midas GTS NX
Authors: Ahmad Majd , Ray Richard 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe dynamic properties of soil obtained from the torsional simple shear test (TOSS) are assumed to be uniform throughout the specimen. For some exceptional soils, this may hold true, but for the most majority of soils that we examine, it is obviously not the case, and this level of non-uniformity depends on the conditions in which the soil was formed. In this paper, we discuss a method of modelling inherently non-uniform soil specimens by representing them with elements that have an elasto-plastic simple Tresca material model with different properties (Elastic young modulus and yield stresses). The combination of properties that can simulate the nonlinear behaviour of the soil is found and calibrated using a model of the TOSS test built in the finite element software Midas GTS NX. Furthermore, the influence of rigid inclusions in the soil is studied and the results show an increase in stiffness with the increasing percentage of inclusion in the soil.
Non-connected Lie groups, twisted equivariant bundles and coverings
Authors: Barajas G. , García-Prada O. , Gothen P. B. , Riera I. Mundet i 
Published: January 2023

AbstractLet $$\Gamma $$
Γ
be a finite group acting on a Lie group G. We consider a class of group extensions $$1 \rightarrow G \rightarrow \hat{G} \rightarrow \Gamma \rightarrow 1$$

1
→
G
→

G
^

→
Γ
→
1

defined by this action and a 2-cocycle of $$\Gamma $$
Γ
with values in the centre of G. We establish and study a correspondence between $$\hat{G}$$

G
^

-bundles on a manifold and twisted $$\Gamma $$
Γ
-equivariant bundles with structure group G on a suitable Galois $$\Gamma $$
Γ
-covering of the manifold. We also describe this correspondence in terms of non-abelian cohomology. Our results apply, in particular, to the case of a compact or reductive complex Lie group $$\hat{G}$$

G
^

, since such a group is always isomorphic to an extension as above, where G is the connected component of the identity and $$\Gamma $$
Γ
is the group of connected components of $$\hat{G}$$

G
^

.
Strengths and weaknesses of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines
Authors: Micoli Francesca , Romano Maria Rosaria , Carboni Filippo , Adamo Roberto , Berti Francesco 
Published: January 2023

AbstractMultivalent vaccines addressing an increasing number of Streptococcus pneumoniae types (7-, 10-, 13-, 15-, 20-valent) have been licensed over the last 22 years. The use of polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines has been pivotal in reducing the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease despite the emergence of non-vaccine serotypes. Notwithstanding its undoubtable success, some weaknesses have called for continuous improvement of pneumococcal vaccination. For instance, despite their inclusion in pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, there are challenges associated with some serotypes. In particular, Streptococcus pneumoniae type 3 remains a major cause of invasive pneumococcal disease in several countries.Here a deep revision of the strengths and weaknesses of the licensed pneumococcal conjugate vaccines and other vaccine candidates currently in clinical development is reported.
Characterization of a sex-determining locus and development of early molecular assays in Telfairia occidentalisHook. F., a dioecious cucurbit
Authors: Metry Adrian , Adeyemo Oyenike Arike , Grünig Sandra , Parisod Christian 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAlthough there exist over 7000 crop species, only a few are commercially valuable and grown on a large scale in monocultures worldwide. However, underutilised crops (also called orphan crops) have significant potential for food security and Telfairia occidentalis Hook. F. (Cucurbitaceae) is one such orphan crop grown in West Africa for its nutritious leaves, oil and protein-rich seeds. In this dioecious crop, farmers like to eliminate male plants and keep mostly females to increase their yield. However, they face the challenge of determining sex due to limited morphological differences between females and males before flowering. This study used double digested restriction site-associated DNA sequencing data (ddRADseq) to examine the genetic diversity within and among landraces of T. occidentalis, identify common sex-determining loci, and establish reliable assays to characterize the sex of immature plants in the vegetative state. To differentiate males from females of T. occidentalis, two molecular assays were thereupon developed based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to genotype sex-specific sequence variation either through restriction by Mfe1 or the direct use of sex-specific primers. Both assays require standard laboratory conditions to reach a certainty of 94.3% for females and 95.7% for males from the studied samples. With the inclusion of additional landraces, medium to largescale farms growing T. occidentalis as a crop can readily benefit from an early determination of the sex of plants.
Incidence of premature battery depletion in subcutaneous cardioverter-defibrillator patients: insights from a multicenter registry
Authors: Lüker Jakob , Strik Marc , Andrade Jason G. , Raymond-Paquin Alexandre , Elrefai Mohamed Hassan , Roberts Paul R. , Pérez Óscar Cano , Kron Jordana , Koneru Jayanthi , Franqui-Rivera Hilton , Sultan Arian , Ernst Angela , Schmitt Jörn , Pott Alexander , Veltmann Christian , Srinivasan Neil T , Collinson Jason , van Stipdonk Antonius M. W. , Linz Dominik , Fluschnik Nina , Tönnis Tobias , Haeberlin Andreas , Ploux Sylvain , Steven Daniel 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
The subcutaneous ICD established its role in the prevention of sudden cardiac death in recent years. The occurrence of premature battery depletion in a large subset of potentially affected devices has been a cause of concern. The incidence of premature battery depletion has not been studied systematically beyond manufacturer-reported data.

Methods
Retrospective data and the most recent follow-up data on S-ICD devices from fourteen centers in Europe, the US, and Canada was studied. The incidence of generator removal or failure was reported to investigate the incidence of premature S-ICD battery depletion, defined as battery failure within 60 months or less.

Results
Data from 1054 devices was analyzed. Premature battery depletion occurred in 3.5% of potentially affected devices over an observation period of 49 months.

Conclusions
The incidence of premature battery depletion of S-ICD potentially affected by a battery advisory was around 3.5% after 4 years in this study. Premature depletion occurred exclusively in devices under advisory. This is in line with the most recently published reports from the manufacturer.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04767516.
The impact of a stress management intervention including cultural components on stress biomarker levels and mental health indicators among indigenous women
Authors: Aker Amira , Serghides Lena , Cotnam Jasmine , Jackson Randy , Robinson Margaret , Gauvin Holly , Mushquash Christopher , Gesink Dionne , Amirault Marni , Benoit Anita C. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractWe examined the effectiveness of a 26-week culture-inclusive intervention on reducing salivary stress biomarker levels, and perceived stress, depressive, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms measured using scales in 53 Indigenous women in Ontario, Canada. Statistical analyses compared the average biomarker levels, and the area under the curve (AUC) of biomarkers. Differences in biomarkers and mental health scale scores pre- and post-intervention were compared using mixed models with a random intercept. Interaction terms were included between the intervention and age, education, disability, and HIV status, individually, to test for sub-group differences. Cortisol AUC post-intervention was decreased compared to pre-intervention (β -1.29 µg/dL; 95%CI -2.35, -0.23). There was a slight decrease in perceived stress levels (aOR: -2.80; 95%CI -5.09, -0.50). The associations were stronger among women of younger age, higher education, and no disabilities. These interventions can be effective, but future interventions should target Indigenous population sub-groups to address individual needs.
A fault detection method based on partition of unity and kernel approximation
Authors: Mirzaei Davoud , Soodbakhsh Navid 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we present a scattered data approximation method for detecting and approximating the discontinuities of a bivariate function and its gradient. The new algorithm is based on partition of unity, polyharmonic kernel interpolation, and principal component analysis. Localized polyharmonic interpolation in partition of unity setting is applied for detecting a set of fault points on or close to discontinuity curves. Then a combination of partition of unity and principal component regression is used to thinning the detected points by moving them approximately on the fault curves. Finally, an ordered subset of these narrowed points is extracted and a parametric spline interpolation is applied to reconstruct the fault curves. A selection of numerical examples with different behaviors and an application for solving scalar conservation law equations illustrate the performance of the algorithm.
Pituitary enlargement in patients with cerebrospinal fluid drainage due to ventricular shunt insertion: know the condition and do not mistake for adenoma
Authors: Grzywotz Agnieszka , Li Yan , Unger Nicole , Kiewert Cordula , Chmielewski Witold X. , Sure Ulrich , Uerschels Anne , Wrede Karsten , Kreitschmann-Andermahr Ilonka 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Objective
Childhood hydrocephalus patients treated by ventriculo-peritoneal (v.-p.) shunting are sometimes referred years after this therapy for evaluation of suspicious pituitary enlargement. Since pituitary size has been shown to depend on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure, we assume this phenomenon to be caused by shunt overdrainage. Therefore, we studied pituitary size and morphology in shunted hydrocephalus patients with radiological signs of high CSF drainage.

Patients and methods
Retrospective study of pituitary size and morphology in 15 shunted patients with non-tumoral hydrocephalus and 7 shunted hydrocephalus patients due to childhood brain tumor compared to a population mean. In five brain tumor patients also pre- and postsurgical comparisons were performed.

Results
Pituitary mid-sagittal size and pituitary volume were significantly higher in both hydrocephalus groups, compared to the population mean (midsagittal size t = 5.91; p < 0.001; pituitary volume, t = 3.03; p = 0.006). In patients available for pre- and postoperative comparison, there was also a significant increase in pituitary size and volume postoperatively (mean preoperative midsagittal height 2.54 ± 1.0 mm vs. 6.6 ± 0.7 mm post-surgery; mean pre-operative pituitary volume 120.5 ± 69.2 mm3 vs. 368.9 ± 57.9 mm3 post-surgery).

Conclusion
Our results confirmed a significant increase in pituitary size and volume, mimicking pituitary pathology, after v.-p. shunt insertion. This phenomenon can be explained by the Monro–Kellie doctrine, stating that intracranial depletion of CSF—as caused by v.p. shunting—leads to compensatory intracranial hyperemia, especially in the venous system, with the consequence of engorged venous sinuses, most likely responsible for enlargement of the pituitary gland.
Democracy Does Improve Health
Authors: Oyèkọ́lá Ọláyínká 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIn this paper, we study the extent to which the spread of democracy affects country-level health outcomes in 115 countries, between 1960 and 2015. To do this, we use both the level and change measures of democracy in our regressions, concentrating on within-country variations. Our finding is that a one standard deviation increase of 0.35 in the level of democracy is associated with a 0.11 standard deviation increase in life expectancy, even after accounting for various country and time features. This corresponds to an increase in life expectancy of around 5 years for a country initially, with a mean life expectancy of 54 years. However, we do not find the change measure of democracy to be consistently influential. These results are robust to employing alternative model specifications, to using different subsamples of the data, and to alternative estimation techniques. We also find that these critical effects are retained when using other measures of health status. In particular, we observe that as the level of democracy rises, each of infant mortality, child mortality, and crude death decreases. We, therefore, conclude that the material role of democratic institutions in fostering population health is of first-order relevance.