bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Traffic flow impacts on the environment along urban streets under mixed traffic conditions in Al-Najaf city
Authors: Mansour Ali Imad , Eedan Al-Jameel Hamid Athab 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
With the increase in population and urban mobilization worldwide, the rapid urbanization of Najaf has led to a massive increase in road traffic. Automobile traffic is now regarded as one of the most significant sources of air pollution in Iraq, with a considerable impact on air quality. This study conducted measurements in a selected urban-road network in Al-Najaf city in Iraq that witnessed a high traffic flow index to measure vehicle emissions and study the correlation between the traffic flow and emissions in this network during peak hours. Priority parameters were measured such as: “Carbon dioxide,” “Carbon monoxide,” “Nitrogen dioxide,” “Nitrogen monoxide,” “Sulfur dioxide,” and other parameters also monitored, including temperature, the direction of the wind, the velocity of wind, and the traffic parameters. It shows that the high heterogeneous traffic flow increases pollutants produced by vehicles. At the same time, it decreases substantially with the decrease in flow and speed. The highest level of Carbon dioxide was: 486ppm, 466ppm, and 447 ppm at peak hours when high traffic density. Also, the highest concentration of Co was 8.22, 4.52, and 3.98 ppm in all locations indexed in the moderate zone, No2 and SoD exceeding EPA levels marking the index in the (very unhealthy) zone. The correlation analysis showed a good and very good linear regression model between CO, CO2, and volume with average vehicle speed. According to these results, the pollution in Najaf due to transportation is significant, with potentially serious health repercussions.
Ion microscopy with evolutionary-algorithm-based autofocusing
Authors: Haniel Franz E , Hedewig Lina , Schröder Hartmut , Kling Matthias F , Bergues Boris 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Ion microscopy is an established technique for laser focus diagnostics and the accurate, intensity-resolved measurement of laser ionization processes. In the present feasibility study, we discuss a new ion microscope design, which improves its resolution across a large range of magnifications and simplifies its operation. Instead of the common two einzel lens configuration, which is usually optimized for a fixed magnification, we propose a generic design consisting of an array of equally spaced ring electrodes, whose individually adjustable voltages are controlled by an evolutionary algorithm. In this way, we can realize aberration minimized magnifications between 25 and 100. Moreover, the algorithm can adjust the voltage settings under changing experimental conditions and facilitates autofocusing for user-defined magnification.
Evaluating Personality Assessment Inventory Response Patterns in Active-Duty Personnel With Head Injury Using a Latent Class Approach
Authors: Ingram Paul B , Herring Tristan T , Armistead-Jehle Patrick 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Objective
Previous research has found that among those with brain injury, individuals have a variety of different potential symptom sets, which will be seen on the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). The number of different groups and what they measure have varied depending on the study.

Method
In active-duty personnel with a remote history of mild traumatic brain injury (n = 384) who were evaluated at a neuropsychology clinic, we used a retrospective database to examine if there are different groups of individuals who have distinct sets of symptoms as measured on the PAI. We examined the potential of distinct groups of respondents by conducting a latent class analysis of the clinical scales. Post hoc testing of group structures was conducted on concurrently administered cognitive testing, performance validity tests, and the PAI subscales.

Results
Findings indicate a pattern of broad symptom severity as the most probable reason for multiple groups of respondents, suggesting that there are no distinct symptom sets observed within this population. Pathology levels were the most elevated on internalizing and thought disorder scales across the various class solutions.

Conclusion
Findings indicate that among active-duty service members with remote brain injury, there are no distinct groups of respondents with different sets of symptom types as has been found in prior work with other neuropsychology samples. We conclude that the groups found are likely a function of general psychopathology present in the population/sample rather than bona fide differences.
Inactivation of growth differentiation factor 9 blocks folliculogenesis in pigs
Authors: Chen Paula R , Uh Kyungjun , Monarch Kaylynn , Spate Lee D , Reese Emily D , Prather Randall S , Lee Kiho 
Published: January 2023

AbstractGrowth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) is a secreted protein belonging to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily and has been well characterized for its role during folliculogenesis in the ovary. Although previous studies in mice and sheep have shown that mutations in GDF9 disrupt follicular progression, the exact role of GDF9 in pigs has yet to be elucidated. The objective of this study was to understand the role of GDF9 in ovarian function by rapidly generating GDF9 knockout (GDF9−/−) pigs by using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Three single-guide RNAs designed to disrupt porcine GDF9 were injected with Cas9 mRNA into zygotes, and blastocyst-stage embryos were transferred into surrogates. One pregnancy was sacrificed on day 100 of gestation to investigate the role of GDF9 during oogenesis. Four female fetuses were recovered with one predicted to be GDF9−/− and the others with in-frame mutations. All four had fully formed oocytes within primordial follicles, confirming that knockout of GDF9 does not disrupt oogenesis. Four GDF9 mutant gilts were generated and were grown past puberty. One gilt was predicted to completely lack functional GDF9 (GDF9−/−), and the gilt never demonstrated standing estrus and had a severely underdeveloped reproductive tract with large ovarian cysts. Further examination revealed that the follicles from the GDF9−/− gilt did not progress past preantral stages, and the uterine vasculature was less extensive than the control pigs. By using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, we demonstrated that GDF9 is a critical growth factor for proper ovarian development and function in pigs.
Global Guidelines in Dermatology Mapping Project (GUIDEMAP): a systematic review of alopecia areata clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Asfour Leila , De Brito Marianne , Al-Janabi Ali , Haw William W Y , Johnson Amy , Flohr Carsten , Yiu Zenas Zee Ngai 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Alopecia areata (AA) is a nonscarring alopecia with an estimated global prevalence of 2% and limited data on the efficacy of current treatment. Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) provide recommendations based on best available evidence. It is unclear how many AA CPGs are available globally.

Aim
To systematically search for and identify CPGs on AA and to critically appraise their quality using validated tools.

Methods
We performed a literature search to identify CPGs published between October 2014 and April 2021, using the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Guidelines International Network, Emergency Care Research Institute guidelines trust, Australian CPGs, Turning Research Into Practice database and DynaMed. The systematic review was conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses framework. Three critical appraisal tools were used: Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument, Lenzer’s red flags and United States Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) criteria of trustworthiness.

Results
In total, six AA CPGs from seven manuscripts (one CPG was in two parts published in separate papers) were included. The majority (four of six) of the CPGs focused on treatment. Four CPGs (total of five papers) were in English and two CPGs were only available in the original language (one Russian and one Japanese). All AA CPGs demonstrated low quality in several domains in the AGREE II appraisal, including stakeholder involvement and applicability, with the latter being deemed the worst domain for all CPGs, with an average of 29%. The mean (SD) number of Lenzer’s red flags for the included CPGs was 3.4 (1.5) out of a total of 8 possible red flags, while the IOM criteria showed 1.6 (0.8) ‘fully met’ criteria and 3.1 (1.2) ‘not met’ out of a total of 9 criteria.

Conclusion
We found a limited number of AA CPGs, all of which had significant methodological deficiencies. We encourage guideline development groups to use validated checklists/tools to develop reliable and trustworthy CPGs.
Language-related motor facilitation in Italian Sign Language signers
Authors: Giovannelli Fabio , Borgheresi Alessandra , Lucidi Giulia , Squitieri Martina , Gavazzi Gioele , Suppa Antonio , Berardelli Alfredo , Viggiano Maria Pia , Cincotta Massimo 
Published: January 2023

AbstractLinguistic tasks facilitate corticospinal excitability as revealed by increased motor evoked potential (MEP) induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in the dominant hand. This modulation of the primary motor cortex (M1) excitability may reflect the relationship between speech and gestures. It is conceivable that in healthy individuals who use a sign language this cortical excitability modulation could be rearranged. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of spoken language tasks on M1 excitability in a group of hearing signers. Ten hearing Italian Sign Language (LIS) signers and 16 non-signer healthy controls participated. Single-pulse TMS was applied to either M1 hand area at the baseline and during different tasks: (i) reading aloud, (ii) silent reading, (iii) oral movements, (iv) syllabic phonation and (v) looking at meaningless non-letter strings. Overall, M1 excitability during the linguistic and non-linguistic tasks was higher in LIS group compared to the control group. In LIS group, MEPs were significantly larger during reading aloud, silent reading and non-verbal oral movements, regardless the hemisphere. These results suggest that in hearing signers there is a different modulation of the functional connectivity between the speech-related brain network and the motor system.
The mitigation of the executive vigilance decrement via HD-tDCS over the right posterior parietal cortex and its association with neural oscillations
Authors: Hemmerich Klara , Lupiáñez Juan , Luna Fernando G , Martín-Arévalo Elisa 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Vigilance—maintaining a prolonged state of preparation to detect and respond to specific yet unpredictable environmental changes—usually decreases across prolonged tasks, causing potentially severe real-life consequences, which could be mitigated through transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The present study aimed at replicating previous mitigatory effects observed with anodal high-definition tDCS (HD-tDCS) over the right posterior parietal cortex (rPPC) while extending the analyses on electrophysiological measures associated with vigilance. In sum, 60 participants completed the ANTI-Vea task while receiving anodal (1.5 mA, n = 30) or sham (0 mA, n = 30) HD-tDCS over the rPPC for ~ 28 min. EEG recordings were completed before and after stimulation. Anodal HD-tDCS specifically mitigated executive vigilance (EV) and reduced the alpha power increment across time-on-task while increasing the gamma power increment. To further account for the observed behavioral and physiological outcomes, a new index of Alphaparietal/Gammafrontal is proposed. Interestingly, the increment of this Alphaparietal/Gammafrontal Index with time-on-task is associated with a steeper EV decrement in the sham group, which was mitigated by anodal HD-tDCS. We highlight the relevance of replicating mitigatory effects of tDCS and the need to integrate conventional and novel physiological measures to account for how anodal HD-tDCS can be used to modulate cognitive performance.
Cardiac muscle patches containing four types of cardiac cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells improve recovery from cardiac injury in mice
Authors: Lou Xi , Tang Yawen , Ye Lei , Pretorius Danielle , Fast Vladimir G , Kahn-Krell Asher M , Zhang Jue , Zhang Jianhua , Qiao Aijun , Qin Gangjian , Kamp Timothy , Thomson James A , Zhang Jianyi 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Aims
We have shown that human cardiac muscle patches (hCMPs) containing three different types of cardiac cells—cardiomyocytes (CMs), smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and endothelial cells (ECs), all of which were differentiated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs)—significantly improved cardiac function, infarct size, and hypertrophy in a pig model of myocardial infarction (MI). However, hPSC-derived CMs (hPSC-CMs) are phenotypically immature, which may lead to arrhythmogenic concerns; thus, since hPSC-derived cardiac fibroblasts (hPSC-CFs) appear to enhance the maturity of hPSC-CMs, we compared hCMPs containing hPSC-CMs, -SMCs, -ECs, and -CFs (4TCC-hCMPs) with a second hCMP construct that lacked hPSC-CFs but was otherwise identical [hCMP containing hPSC-CMs, -AECs, and -SMCs (3TCC-hCMPs)].

Methods and results
hCMPs were generated in a fibrin scaffold. MI was induced in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice through permanent coronary artery (left anterior descending) ligation, followed by treatment with cardiac muscle patches. Animal groups included: MI heart treated with 3TCC-hCMP; with 4TCC-hCMP; MI heart treated with no patch (MI group) and sham group. Cardiac function was evaluated using echocardiography, and cell engraftment rate and infarct size were evaluated histologically at 4 weeks after patch transplantation. The results from experiments in cultured hCMPs demonstrate that the inclusion of cardiac fibroblast in 4TCC-hCMPs had (i) better organized sarcomeres; (ii) abundant structural, metabolic, and ion-channel markers of CM maturation; and (iii) greater conduction velocities (31 ± 3.23 cm/s, P &lt; 0.005) and action-potential durations (APD50 = 365 ms ± 2.649, P &lt; 0.0001; APD = 408 ms ± 2.757, P &lt; 0.0001) than those (velocity and APD time) in 3TCC-hCMPs. Furthermore, 4TCC-hCMPs transplantation resulted in better cardiac function [ejection fraction (EF) = 49.18% ± 0.86, P &lt; 0.05], reduced infarct size (22.72% ± 0.98, P &lt; 0.05), and better engraftment (15.99% ± 1.56, P &lt; 0.05) when compared with 3TCC-hCMPs (EF = 41.55 ± 0.92%, infarct size = 39.23 ± 4.28%, and engraftment = 8.56 ± 1.79%, respectively).

Conclusion
Collectively, these observations suggest that the inclusion of hPSC-CFs during hCMP manufacture promotes hPSC-CM maturation and increases the potency of implanted hCMPs for improving cardiac recovery in mice model of MI.
Deaf Identity Under Pressure: Experiences of Deaf Persons in Iceland
Authors: Diego Kristinn Arnar , Hardonk Stefan C 
Published: January 2023

AbstractOver the past decades, changes in technology and policy have made developing and maintaining identity and community increasingly challenging for Deaf individuals. This is particularly obvious in Iceland, where the Deaf community is threatened in its existence. This paper reports on an empirical study that explores how Deaf individuals experience developing and maintaining a positive identity in various areas, including family life, working life, and social life. The study approaches deaf identities as multifaceted and dynamic, and particular emphasis is placed on the role of social interactions in identity-related processes. Qualitative interviews were conducted among members of the Icelandic Deaf community and analyzed using a phenomenological approach. The results indicate that social interactions within the Deaf community are a key factor in developing and maintaining Deaf identity. However, decreasing numbers in the Deaf community make its members explore other opportunities, and they experience being Deaf in Iceland as an insecure identity.
Sexual selection and the evolution of condition-dependence: an experimental test at two resource levels
Authors: Bath Eleanor , Rostant Wayne , Ostridge Harrison J , Smith Sophie , Mason Janet S , Rafaluk-Mohr Timm , Mank Judith E , Chapman Tracey , Perry Jennifer C 
Published: January 2023

AbstractStronger condition-dependence in sexually selected traits is well-documented, but how this relationship is established remains unknown. Moreover, resource availability can shape responses to sexual selection, but resource effects on the relationship between sexual selection and condition-dependence are also unknown. In this study, we directly test the hypotheses that sexual selection drives the evolution of stronger-condition-dependence and that resource availability affects the outcome, by evolving fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) under relatively strong or weak sexual selection (through varied sex ratios) and at resource-poor or resource-rich adult diets. We then experimentally manipulated condition via developmental diet and assessed condition-dependence in adult morphology, behavior, and reproduction. We observed stronger condition-dependence in female size in male-biased populations and in female ovariole production in resource-limited populations. However, we found no evidence that male condition-dependence increased in response to sexual selection, or that responses depended on resource levels. These results offer no support for the hypotheses that sexual selection increases male condition-dependence or that sexual selection’s influence on condition-dependence is influenced by resource availability. Our study is, to our knowledge, the first experimental test of these hypotheses. If the results we report are general, then sexual selection’s influence on the evolution of condition-dependence may be less important than predicted.
Growth and drought resilience of four native tree species suitable for reforestation of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest
Authors: Yaakobi Assaf , Livne-Luzon Stav , Marques Felipe , Mariani Bruno , Stern Rafael , Klein Tamir 
Published: January 2023

AbstractDeforestation of tropical forests has been a critical issue affecting climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation. Reforestation strives to remedy this situation, yet it is futile as long as deforestation of primary forests continues. Since deforestation is partly motivated by the demand for valuable tropical wood, reforestation should focus not only on planting native tree species, but specifically on a high diversity of native tree species with high-quality wood. However, the eco-physiological information required for growing such species is limited, and their resilience to drought events is unknown.Here, we focused on four native tropical wood tree species identified as suitable for Brazil’s Atlantic Forest reforestation. Growth, carbon assimilation, water-use and xylem hydraulics were studied in seedlings of the two legume species Dalbergia nigra and Plathymenia foliolosa and the two non-legume species Cariniana legalis and Zeyheria tuberculosa. Seedlings were monitored weekly for 9 consecutive weeks, three to five weeks of which under induced drought.Growth and carbon assimilation were 25–65 per cent higher in the legume vs. non-legume species. In turn, non-legume species mostly avoided the drought by stomatal closure, producing a 50 per cent higher water-use efficiency (WUE) compared with the legume species. The average water potential at 50 per cent stomatal conductivity (Ψgs50) for legume species was −2.6 MPa, whereas for non-legume species it was −0.85 MPa. Still, each species showed a unique set of responses, indicating different growth strategies under mesic and xeric conditions.Our results indicate a divergence among legume and non-legume species, driven by a trade-off between plant productivity (carbon assimilation and growth) and plant safety (stomatal regulation and WUE). All in all, the four species of juvenile potted plants demonstrated a high capacity for recovery from drought, which supports their potential role in future reforestation under climate change.
Influence of dosing pattern of antipsychotics on treatment outcome of delirium in patients with advanced cancer
Authors: Abe Akiko , Fujisawa Daisuke , Miyajima Kaya , Takeuchi Emi , Takeuchi Mari , Mimura Masaru , Imai Kengo , Uemura Keiichi , Watanabe Hiroaki , Matsuo Naoki , Matsuda Yoshinobu , Maeda Isseki , Ogawa Asao , Yoshiuchi Kazuhiro , Iwase Satoru 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundClinical guidelines recommend antipsychotics for the treatment of delirium; however, there has been no confirmed recommendation regarding their administrating patterns. This study aims to investigate whether different dosing patterns of antipsychotics (single or multiple administrations) influence the outcomes of delirium treatment.MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of a prospective observational study involving patients with advanced cancer and delirium receiving antipsychotics. The Delirium Rating Scale Revised-98 was administered at baseline and after 72 h of starting pharmacotherapy. Patients were classified into single administration group (received a single dosage within 24 h before the assessment) and multiple administration group (received more than one dosage).ResultsA total of 555 patients (single administration 492 (88.6%); multiple administration 63 (11.4%)) were subjected to analyses. The patients in the multiple administration group were more likely to be male, in psycho-oncology consulting settings, with lower performance status, with hyperactive delirium and with severer delirium symptoms. In the multivariate analysis, single administration was significantly associated with better improvement of delirium (p &lt; 0.01, 95% confidence interval: 1.83–5.87) even after controlling covariates. There were no significant differences in the mean dosages of antipsychotics per day in chlorpromazine equivalent (single administration 116.8 mg/day, multiple administration 123.5 mg/day) and the incidence of adverse events between the two groups.ConclusionsIn this observational study sample, Delirium Rating Scale severity score improvement in single administration was higher than that seen in multiple administration. There was no difference in adverse events between the two groups.