bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A polarized nuclear position specifies the correct division plane during maize stomatal development
Authors: Ashraf M Arif , Liu Le , Facette Michelle R 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Asymmetric cell division generates different cell types and is a feature of development in multicellular organisms. Prior to asymmetric cell division, cell polarity is established. Maize (Zea mays) stomatal development serves as an excellent plant model system for asymmetric cell division, especially the asymmetric division of the subsidiary mother cell (SMC). In SMCs, the nucleus migrates to a polar location after the accumulation of polarly localized proteins but before the appearance of the preprophase band. We examined a mutant of an outer nuclear membrane protein that is part of the LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex that localizes to the nuclear envelope in interphase cells. Previously, maize linc kash sine-like2 (mlks2) was observed to have abnormal stomata. We confirmed and identified the precise defects that lead to abnormal asymmetric divisions. Proteins that are polarly localized in SMCs prior to division polarized normally in mlks2. However, polar localization of the nucleus was sometimes impaired, even in cells that have otherwise normal polarity. This led to a misplaced preprophase band and atypical division planes. MLKS2 localized to mitotic structures; however, the structure of the preprophase band, spindle, and phragmoplast appeared normal in mlks2. Time-lapse imaging revealed that mlks2 has defects in premitotic nuclear migration toward the polarized site and unstable position at the division site after formation of the preprophase band. Overall, our results show that nuclear envelope proteins promote premitotic nuclear migration and stable nuclear position and that the position of the nucleus influences division plane establishment in asymmetrically dividing cells.
Cystathionine γ-synthase expression in seeds alters metabolic and DNA methylation profiles in Arabidopsis
Authors: Girija Aiswarya , Hacham Yael , Dvir Shachar , Panda Sayantan , Lieberman-Lazarovich Michal , Amir Rachel 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seeds expressing the feedback-insensitive form of cystathionine γ-synthase (AtD-CGS), the key gene of methionine (Met) synthesis, under the control of a seed-specific phaseolin promoter (SSE plants) show a significant increase in Met content. This elevation is accompanied by increased levels of other amino acids (AAs), sugars, total protein, and starch, which are important from a nutritional aspect. Here, we investigated the mechanism behind this phenomenon. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of SSE leaves, siliques, and seeds collected at 3 different developmental stages showed high levels of Met, AAs, and sugars compared to the control plants. A feeding experiment with isotope-labeled AAs showed an increased flux of AAs from nonseed tissues toward the developing seeds of SSE. Transcriptome analysis of leaves and seeds displayed changes in the status of methylation-related genes in SSE plants that were further validated by methylation-sensitive enzymes and colorimetric assay. These results suggest that SSE leaves have higher DNA methylation rates than control plants. This occurrence apparently led to accelerated senescence, together with enhanced monomer synthesis, which further resulted in increased transport of monomers from the leaves toward the seeds. The developing seeds of SSE plants, however, show reduced Met levels and methylation rates. The results provide insights into the role of Met in DNA methylation and gene expression and how Met affects the metabolic profile of the plant.
Two splice forms of OsbZIP1, a homolog of AtHY5, function to regulate skotomorphogenesis and photomorphogenesis in rice
Authors: Bhatnagar Akanksha , Burman Naini , Sharma Eshan , Tyagi Akhilesh , Khurana Paramjit , Khurana Jitendra P 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Plants possess well-developed light sensing mechanisms and signal transduction systems for regulating photomorphogenesis. ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 (HY5), a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor, has been extensively characterized in dicots. In this study, we show that OsbZIP1 is a functional homolog of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) HY5 (AtHY5) and is important for light-mediated regulation of seedling and mature plant development in rice (Oryza sativa). Ectopic expression of OsbZIP1 in rice reduced plant height and leaf length without affecting plant fertility, which contrasts with OsbZIP48, a previously characterized HY5 homolog. OsbZIP1 is alternatively spliced, and the OsbZIP1.2 isoform lacking the CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 (COP1)-binding domain regulated seedling development in the dark. Rice seedlings overexpressing OsbZIP1 were shorter than the vector control under white and monochromatic light conditions, whereas RNAi knockdown seedlings displayed the opposite phenotype. While OsbZIP1.1 was light-regulated, OsbZIP1.2 showed a similar expression profile in both light and dark conditions. Due to its interaction with OsCOP1, OsbZIP1.1 undergoes 26S proteasome-mediated degradation under dark conditions. Also, OsbZIP1.1 interacted with and was phosphorylated by CASEIN KINASE2 (OsCK2α3). In contrast, OsbZIP1.2 did not show any interaction with OsCOP1 or OsCK2α3. We propose that OsbZIP1.1 likely regulates seedling development in the light, while OsbZIP1.2 is the dominant player under dark conditions. The data presented in this study reveal that AtHY5 homologs in rice have undergone neofunctionalization, and alternative splicing of OsbZIP1 has increased the repertoire of its functions.
Comparisons between fast algorithms for the continuous wavelet transform and applications in cosmology: the 1D case
Authors: Wang Yun , He Ping 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The continuous wavelet transform (CWT) is very useful for processing signals with intricate and irregular structures in astrophysics and cosmology. It is crucial to propose precise and fast algorithms for the CWT. In this work, we review and compare four different fast CWT algorithms for the 1D signals, including the FFTCWT, the V97CWT, the M02CWT, and the A19CWT. The FFTCWT algorithm implements the CWT using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) with a computational complexity of $\mathcal {O}(N\log _2N)$ per scale. The rest algorithms achieve the complexity of $\mathcal {O}(N)$ per scale by simplifying the CWT into some smaller convolutions. We illustrate explicitly how to set the parameters as well as the boundary conditions for them. To examine the actual performance of these algorithms, we use them to perform the CWT of signals with different wavelets. From the aspect of accuracy, we find that the FFTCWT is the most accurate algorithm, though its accuracy degrades a lot when processing the non-periodic signal with zero boundaries. The accuracy of $\mathcal {O}(N)$ algorithms is robust to signals with different boundaries, and the M02CWT is more accurate than the V97CWT and A19CWT. From the aspect of speed, the $\mathcal {O}(N)$ algorithms do not show an overall speed superiority over the FFTCWT at sampling numbers of N ≲ 106, which is due to their large leading constants. Only the speed of the V97CWT with real wavelets is comparable to that of the FFTCWT. However, both the FFTCWT and V97CWT are substantially less efficient in processing the non-periodic signal because of zero padding. Finally, we conduct wavelet analysis of the 1D density fields, which demonstrate the convenience and power of techniques based on the CWT. We publicly release our CWT codes as resources for the community.
Solid validity evidence for two tools assessing competences in musculoskeletal ultrasound: a validity study
Authors: Carstensen Stine Maya Dreier , Just Søren Andreas , Pfeiffer-Jensen Mogens , Østergaard Mikkel , Konge Lars , Terslev Lene 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) is increasingly used by rheumatologists in daily clinical practice. However, MSUS is only valuable in trained hands, and assessment of trainee competences is therefore essential before independent practice. Thus, this study aimed to establish validity evidence for the EULAR and the Objective Structured Assessment of Ultrasound Skills (OSAUS) tools used for assessing MSUS competences.

Methods
Thirty physicians with different levels of MSUS experience (novices, intermediates, and experienced) performed four MSUS examinations of different joint areas on the same rheumatoid arthritis patient. All examinations were video recorded (n = 120), anonymized, and subsequently assessed in random order by two blinded raters using first the OSAUS assessment tool followed by the EULAR tool 1 month after.

Results
The inter-rater reliability between the two raters was high for both the OSAUS and EULAR tools, with a Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) of 0.807 and 0.848, respectively. Both tools demonstrated excellent inter-case reliability, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.970 for OSAUS and 0.964 for EULAR. Furthermore, there was a strong linear correlation between the OSAUS and the EULAR performance scores and the participants’ experience levels (R2 = 0.897 and R2 = 0.868, respectively) and a significant discrimination between different MSUS experience levels (P &lt; 0.001 for both).

Conclusions
MSUS operator competences can be assessed reliably and valid using either the OSAUS or the EULAR assessment tool, thereby allowing a uniform competency-based MSUS education in the future. Although both tools demonstrated high inter-rater reliability, the EULAR tool was superior to OSAUS.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, http://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05256355
Experimental and computational study of the beta shielding properties of polycarbonate filled with lead nitrate
Authors: Chandrappa Koramar Manjappa , Lobo Blaise 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The mass attenuation coefficient of lead nitrate (Pb(NO3)2)-filled polycarbonate (PC) composite films were determined both computationally (using Baltakmen’s and Thummel empirical formulae) and experimentally using 204Tl and 90Sr-90Y radio-isotopes for films at different filler levels 0, 5, 15, 25, 35 and 50 weight percent (Wt.%). In comparison with Thummel empirical formula, the values obtained from Baltakmen’s empirical formula is in good agreement with the experiment. The percentage decrease of half value layer values were (52 ± 8) and (60 ± 10)% for 204Tl and 90Sr-90Y, on comparing the values for 0 and 50 Wt.% films, and so the prepared composite films shield the beta particles effectively. The PC that used to shield the low-energy beta particles of 90Sr-90Y can also moderate the higher energy beta particles; the plot of end point energy of 90Sr-90Y versus thickness of PC exhibits a decreasing trend, which confirms that PC acts as an electron moderator.
Ethnopharmacological survey on medicinal plants utilization in Freetown, Sierra Leone
Authors: Olufemi Adepoju Adeyinka , Oyedeji Amusa Mariam , Oluwasegun Samson Awotunde , Okechukwu Paul-Chima Ugwu 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal plants utilized in Freetown Sierra Leone in the management and treatment of diseases.

Methods
The study utilized a cross-sectional descriptive study and face-to-face interviews with a pre-checklist of 20 Traditional Herbal Medicine Practitioners in Freetown. The survey included socio-segment information, data on the kinds of herbal medication, their constituents, wellsprings of the plants, diseases managed and details on preparation. Twenty traditional medicine practitioners consented to this study.

Key findings
The results showed that 15 (75%) were men and 5 (25%) were women, while all of them are above the age of 30 years. Some of the respondents have some level of formal education, ranging from twelve (12) with primary/secondary education to three (3) with tertiary education while five (5) do not have any formal education at all. Thirty percent practice herbal medicine as a family trade (inherited), 10% got involved in it through training, or both, while 10% claimed the knowledge as a natural gift. Traditional Herbal Medicine Practitioners (THMPs) in the study area updated their knowledge of medical practice through a wide range of choices such as by intuition (70%), participation at health talks or meetings (20%), while 10% of them adopted various forms of a combination of these and other choices. However, there was the problem of plant misidentification with some practitioners. According to our data, Freetown, Sierra Leone has a rich wellspring of restorative plants and an enormous part of the populace actually depends on customary plant drugs which are plentifully and promptly accessible.

Conclusions
Traditional Herbal Medicine Practitioners (THMPs) in this research updated their knowledge of medical practice through intuition, participation at health talks or meetings and also via various forms of a combination of these and other choices. The involvement of certified Plant Taxonomists is important, in order to avoid the consequences which may arise through misidentification.
Investigating Specific Associations Between Childhood Victimization Profiles and Positive Psychosis Symptoms: The Mediating Roles of Anxiety, Depression, and Schema
Authors: Barnes Georgina L , Emsley Richard , Garety Philippa , Hardy Amy 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundChildhood trauma is a risk factor for psychosis. It is proposed this is due to traumatic events giving rise to psychological mechanisms that are implicated in the development and maintenance of symptoms. Investigation of the psychological mechanisms accounting for relationships between trauma and psychosis will be assisted by focusing on specific trauma profiles, hallucination modalities, and delusion subtypes.Study DesignIn 171 adults with schizophrenia-spectrum diagnoses and high-conviction delusions, associations between childhood trauma classes, and hallucination and delusion factors, were tested using structural equation models (SEMs). Anxiety, depression, and negative schema were examined as potential mediators of trauma class-psychosis symptom factor links.Study ResultsSignificant associations were found between the emotional abuse/neglect and poly-victimization classes with persecutory delusions and delusions of influence, that were all mediated through anxiety (β = 1.24–0.23, P = &lt; .05). There was an association between the physical abuse class and grandiose/religious delusions that was not explained by the mediators (β = 1.86, P = &lt; .05). Trauma class was not significantly associated with any hallucination modality (β = 0.004–1.46, P = &gt; .05).ConclusionsIn a sample of people with strongly held delusions, this study demonstrates that childhood victimization is associated with delusions of influence and grandiose beliefs, as well as with persecutory delusions in psychosis. Consistent with previous findings, the potent, mediating role of anxiety supports affective pathway theories and the utility of targeting threat-related processes when treating trauma effects in psychosis.
Geriatric Distal Femur Fractures Treated With Distal Femoral Replacement Are Associated With Higher Rates of Readmissions and Complications
Authors: Dekeyser Graham J. , Martin Brook I. , Marchand Lucas S. , Rothberg David L. , Higgins Thomas F. , Haller Justin M. 
Published: June 2023

Objective:
Compare mortality and complications of distal femur fracture repair among elderly patients who receive operative fixation versus distal femur replacement (DFR).

Design:
Retrospective comparison.

Setting:
Medicare beneficiaries.

Patients/Participants:
Patients 65 years of age and older with distal femur fracture identified using Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services data from 2016 to 2019.

Intervention:
Operative fixation (open reduction with plating or intramedullary nail) or DFR.

Main Outcome Measurements:
Mortality, readmissions, perioperative complications, and 90-day cost were compared between groups using Mahalanobis nearest-neighbor matching to account for differences in age, sex, race, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index.

Results:
Most patients (90%, 28,251/31,380) received operative fixation. Patients in the fixation group were significantly older (81.1 vs. 80.4 years, P < 0.001), and there were more an open fractures (1.6% vs. 0.5%, P < 0.001). There were no differences in 90-day (difference: 1.2% [−0.5% to 3%], P = 0.16), 6-month (difference: 0.6% [−1.5% to 2.7%], P = 0.59), and 1-year mortality (difference: −3.3% [−2.9 to 2.3], P = 0.80). DFR had greater 90-day (difference: 5.4% [2.8%–8.1%], P < 0.001), 6-month (difference: 6.5% [3.1%–9.9%], P < 0.001), and 1-year readmission (difference: 5.5% [2.2–8.7], P = 0.001). DFR had significantly greater rates of infection, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and device-related complication within 1 year from surgery. DFR ($57,894) was significantly more expensive than operative fixation ($46,016; P < 0.001) during the total 90-day episode.

Conclusions:
Elderly patients with distal femur fracture have a 22.5% 1-year mortality rate. DFR was associated with significantly greater infection, device-related complication, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, cost, and readmission within 90 days, 6 months, and 1 year of surgery.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Acute Fixation Protocol for High-Energy Tibial Pilon Fractures Decreases Time to Fixation and Lowers Operative Costs Without Affecting Wound Complications and Reoperations
Authors: Kim Ye Joon , Richard Raveesh D. , Scott Bryan L. , Parry Joshua A. 
Published: June 2023

Objectives:
To determine whether an acute fixation protocol for high-energy tibial pilon fractures increases the rate of wound complications.

Design:
Retrospective comparative study.

Setting:
Urban level 1 trauma center.

Patients/Participants:
One hundred forty-seven patients with OTA/AO 43B and 43C high-energy tibial pilon fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

Intervention:
Acute (<48 hours) versus delayed ORIF protocols.

Main Outcome Measurement:
Wound complications, reoperations, time to fixation, operative costs, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Patients were compared by protocol, regardless of ORIF timing, for an intention-to-treat analysis.

Results:
Thirty-five and 112 high-energy pilon fractures were treated under the acute and delayed ORIF protocols, respectively. In the acute ORIF protocol group, 82.9% of patients received acute ORIF versus 15.2% of patients in the standard delayed protocol group. The 2 groups had no observed difference (OD) in the rate of wound complications (OD −5.7%, confidence interval (95% CI) −16.1% to 7.8%; P = 0.56) or reoperations (OD −3.9%, 95% CI, −14.1% to 9.4%; P = 0.76). The acute ORIF protocol group had a shorter LOS (OD −2.0, 95% CI, −4.0 to 0.0; P = 0.02) and lower operative costs (OD $−2709.27, 95% CI, −3582.02 to −1601.16; P < 0.01). On multivariate analysis, wound complications were associated with open fractures (odds ratio 3.36, 95% CI, 1.06–10.69; P = 0.04) and an American Society of Anesthesiologists score >2 (odds ratio 3.68, 95% CI, 1.07–12.67; P = 0.04).

Conclusion:
This study suggests that an acute fixation protocol for high-energy pilon fractures decreases time to definitive fixation, lowers operative costs, and shortens hospital LOS without affecting wound complications or reoperations.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Post Post-Mobilization Films for LC1 Pelvic Ring Injuries: Follow up Stress Imaging Demonstrates Minimal Utility
Authors: Lawson Michelle M. , Rodgers Frank L. , Ramsey Duncan C. , Friess Darin M. , Working Zachary M. 
Published: June 2023

Objective:
To assess the utility of outpatient postmobilization radiographs in the nonoperative treatment of lateral compression type I (LC1) (OTA/AO 61-B1) pelvic ring injuries.

Design:
Retrospective series.

Setting:
Academic, Level 1 trauma center, 2008–2018.

Patients/Participants:
A series of 173 patients with nonoperatively treated LC1 pelvic ring injuries was identified. Of these, 139 received a complete set of outpatient pelvic radiographs with which to assess displacement.

Intervention:
Outpatient pelvic radiographs to assess additional fracture displacement and potential need for surgical intervention.

Main Outcome Measurements:
Rate of conversion to late operative intervention based on radiographic displacement.

Results:
No patient in this cohort received late operative intervention. A majority of the patients sustained incomplete sacral fractures (82.6%) and unilateral rami fractures (75.1%), and 92.8% demonstrated less than 10 mm of displacement on their final radiographs.

Conclusions:
There is a low utility of repeat outpatient radiographs of stable, nonoperative LC1 pelvic ring injuries as they do not undergo late displacement.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Dual-Plate Fixation for Proximal Humerus Fractures With Unstable Medial Column in Patients With Osteoporosis
Authors: Seok Hyun-Gyu , Park Sam-Guk 
Published: June 2023

Objectives:
To compare radiological and clinical outcomes between lateral locking plate (LLP) and dual-plate fixation (LLP and additional medial buttress plate) for proximal humerus fractures with medial column comminution and varus deformity in patients with osteoporosis.

Design:
Retrospective.

Setting:
Academic medical center.

Patients/Participants:
Overall, 52 patients were enrolled. Of these, 26 patients underwent dual-plate fixation. The control group (LLP) was matched to the dual-plate group for age, sex, injured side, and fracture type.

Intervention:
Patients in the dual-plate group were treated with LLP and medial buttress plate, whereas patients in the LLP group were treated with only an LLP.

Main Outcome Measurements:
Demographic factors, operative time, and level of hemoglobin of the 2 groups obtained from medical records. Changes in the neck-shaft angle and the development of postoperative complications were recorded. Clinical outcomes were measured based on the visual analog scale; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; and Constant–Murley scores.

Results:
The operation time and hemoglobin loss did not differ significantly between the groups. Radiographic evaluation showed a significantly lower change in neck-shaft angle in the dual-=plate group than in the LLP group. The dual-plate group also showed better Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons; and Constant–Murley scores than the LLP group.

Conclusion:
Fixation using additional medial buttress plate with LLP may be considered for treating proximal humerus fractures in patients with an unstable medial column, varus deformity, and osteoporosis.

Level of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.