bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Data-driven modeling of noise time series with convolutional generative adversarial networks
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Authors: Wunderlich Adam , Sklar Jack 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Random noise arising from physical processes is an inherent characteristic of measurements and a limiting factor for most signal processing and data analysis tasks. Given the recent interest in generative adversarial networks (GANs) for data-driven modeling, it is important to determine to what extent GANs can faithfully reproduce noise in target data sets. In this paper, we present an empirical investigation that aims to shed light on this issue for time series. Namely, we assess two general-purpose GANs for time series that are based on the popular deep convolutional GAN architecture, a direct time-series model and an image-based model that uses a short-time Fourier transform data representation. The GAN models are trained and quantitatively evaluated using distributions of simulated noise time series with known ground-truth parameters. Target time series distributions include a broad range of noise types commonly encountered in physical measurements, electronics, and communication systems: band-limited thermal noise, power law noise, shot noise, and impulsive noise. We find that GANs are capable of learning many noise types, although they predictably struggle when the GAN architecture is not well suited to some aspects of the noise, e.g. impulsive time-series with extreme outliers. Our findings provide insights into the capabilities and potential limitations of current approaches to time-series GANs and highlight areas for further research. In addition, our battery of tests provides a useful benchmark to aid the development of deep generative models for time series.
An Algorithm for Correction of Mild Tuberous Breast Deformity in Augmentation Mammaplasty: Camouflage or Correct?
Authors: Lonie Sarah , Tavakoli Kourosh 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Tuberous breast deformity (TBD) is a common abnormality, particularly in patients presenting for breast augmentation. Failure to correct each regional abnormality, including the inframammary fold, lower pole deficiency, nipple-areola complex widening or herniation, or any degree of ptosis, will result in exaggeration of the deformity and a poor aesthetic outcome.

Objectives
To describe an algorithm, including novel techniques, to address each region of mild TBD in patients undergoing breast augmentation.

Methods
This is a retrospective review and description of the senior author's (K.T.) techniques for correction of early-stage TBD from 2016 to 2021.

Results
One hundred forty-two patients underwent a stepwise approach to correct milder TBD features when undergoing breast augmentation.

Conclusions
The authors propose a regional algorithm for management of TBD, to allow mostly single-stage correction, except in cases with marked ptosis, severe asymmetry, or marked macroareola.

Level of Evidence: 4
Hypoxia activation attenuates progesterone synthesis in goat trophoblast cells via NR1D1 inhibition of StAR expression
Authors: Li Chao , Yang Dan , Yang Wanghao , Wang Yiqun , Li Dan , Li Yating , Xiao Bonan , Zhang Haisen , Zhao Hongcong , Dong Hao , Zhang Jing , Chu Guiyan , Wang Aihua , Jin Yaping , Liu Yingqiu , Chen Huatao 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Trophoblast plays a crucial role in gestation maintenance and embryo implantation, partly due to the synthesis of progesterone. It has been demonstrated that hypoxia regulates invasion, proliferation, and differentiation of trophoblast cells. Additionally, human trophoblasts display rhythmic expression of circadian clock genes. However, it remains unclear if the circadian clock system is present in goat trophoblast cells (GTCs), and its involvement in hypoxia regulation of steroid hormone synthesis remains elusive. In this study, immunofluorescence staining revealed that both BMAL1 and NR1D1 (two circadian clock components) were highly expressed in GTCs. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that several circadian clock genes were rhythmically expressed in forskolin-synchronized GTCs. To mimic hypoxia, GTCs were treated with hypoxia-inducing reagents (CoCl2 or DMOG). Quantitative real-time PCR results demonstrated that hypoxia perturbed the mRNA expression of circadian clock genes and StAR. Notably, the increased expression of NR1D1 and the reduction of StAR expression in hypoxic GTCs were also detected by western blotting. In addition, progesterone secretion exhibited a notable decline in hypoxic GTCs. SR9009, an NR1D1 agonist, significantly decreased StAR expression at both the mRNA and protein levels and markedly inhibited progesterone secretion in GTCs. Moreover, SR8278, an NR1D1 antagonist, partially reversed the inhibitory effect of CoCl2 on mRNA and protein expression levels of StAR and progesterone synthesis in GTCs. Our results demonstrate that hypoxia reduces StAR expression via the activation of NR1D1 signaling in GTCs, thus inhibiting progesterone synthesis. These findings provide new insights into the NR1D1 regulation of progesterone synthesis in GTCs under hypoxic conditions.
Addressing knowledge gaps in Surgical Safety Checklist use: statistical process control analysis of a surgical quality improvement programme in Ethiopia
Authors: Nofal Maia R , Starr Nichole , Negussie Mammo Tihitena , Trickey Amber W , Gebeyehu Natnael , Koritsanszky Luca , Alemu Mechale , Tara Mansi , Alemu Senait Bitew , Evans Faye , Kahsay Selam , Weiser Thomas G 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
The WHO Surgical Safety Checklist reduces morbidity and mortality after surgery, but uptake remains challenging. In particular, low-income countries have been found to have lower rates of checklist use compared with high-income countries. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of educational workshops on Surgical Safety Checklist use implemented as part of a quality improvement initiative in five hospitals in Ethiopia that had variable experience with the Surgical Safety Checklist.

Methods
From April 2019 to September 2020, each hospital implemented a 6-month surgical quality improvement programme, which included a Surgical Safety Checklist workshop. Statistical process control methodology was used to understand the variation in Surgical Safety Checklist compliance before and after workshops and a time-series analysis was performed using population-averaged generalized estimating equation Poisson regression. Checklist compliance was defined as correctly completing a sign in, timeout, and sign out. Incidence rate ratios of correct checklist use pre- and post-intervention were calculated and the change in mean weekly compliance was predicted.

Results
Checklist compliance data were obtained from 2767 operations (1940 (70 per cent) pre-intervention and 827 (30 per cent) post-intervention). Mean weekly checklist compliance improved from 27.3 to 41.2 per cent (mean difference 13.9 per cent, P = 0.001; incidence rate ratio 1.51, P = 0.001). Hospitals with higher checklist compliance at baseline had the greatest overall improvements in compliance, more than 50 per cent over pre-intervention, while low-performing hospitals showed no improvement.

Conclusion
Surgical Safety Checklist workshops improved checklist compliance in hospitals with some experience with its use. Workshops had little effect in hospitals unfamiliar with the Surgical Safety Checklist, emphasizing the importance of multifactorial interventions and culture-change approaches. In receptive facilities, short workshops can accelerate behaviour change.
A novel inertia emulator to reduce the rate of change of frequency for power systems with solar PV and battery energy storage
Authors: Nivedha R Raja , Singh Jai Govind , Ongsakul Weerakorn 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Energy access, climate change and public health issues are some major drivers for the need for renewable sources. However, most renewable sources, excluding large hydro, have zero or negligible rotational inertia, which is critical to stabilizing the power system after contingency. Therefore, this paper proposes a droop-based inertia emulator to reduce the rate of change of frequency and frequency deviations. The robustness of the controller is analysed by applying various uncertainties and disturbances of power system components that were carried out using DIgSILENT PowerFactory simulations. The obtained results are compared with existing literature and the desired performance shows an improvement in the rate of change of frequency of 34.78% for an IEEE 6-bus system, 24.32% for a 12-bus system and 18% for a 39-bus system.
Isoprenaline induced myocardial infarction in a patient with high-grade atrioventricular block: a case report
Authors: Radhakrishnan Ashwin , Ensam Bode , Moody William E , Ludman Peter F 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Isoprenaline is widely used in the treatment of symptomatic bradycardia. Myocardial infarction precipitated by the therapeutic use of isoprenaline has not been reported in the literature.

Case summary
We describe the case of a 67-year-old male patient who presented to our institution with symptomatic Mobitz type II 2:1 atrioventricular block. He had a several-month history of unexplained syncope. He had several cardiovascular risk factors but did not have a diagnosis of coronary artery disease. On admission, he was symptomatic with dizziness but had no chest pain. High-sensitivity troponin I was normal. After initiation of an isoprenaline infusion, he developed cardiac-sounding chest pain and an ischaemic electrocardiogram. Emergency coronary angiography was performed that demonstrated a severe mid-vessel stenosis in his right coronary artery that was treated with percutaneous coronary intervention and the deployment of one drug-eluting stent. He remained in Mobitz type II 2:1 atrioventricular block 48 hours after the procedure, and a dual-chamber permanent pacemaker was implanted. He was discharged in a stable condition with no further chest pain or bradyarrhythmia.

Discussion
To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of myocardial infarction precipitated by the therapeutic use of isoprenaline. Our hypothesis is that isoprenaline increased myocardial oxygen demand and induced a type 2 myocardial infarction in this patient with occult coronary artery disease. Isoprenaline should be used with caution in patients with confirmed or suspected coronary artery disease.
Torrential mitral regurgitation following right ventricular apical pacing in rheumatic mitral valve disease: a case report
Authors: Okafor Joseph , Vazir Ali , Haldar Shouvik , Khattar Rajdeep 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Mitral regurgitation may develop or worsen following right ventricular apical pacing due to dyssynchronous left ventricular contraction. Pre-existing secondary mitral annular dilation is a well-recognized and important contributing factor. This description of pacing-induced torrential mitral regurgitation in the setting of rheumatic mitral valve disease is a rare case in which a primary mitral valve lesion was the antecedent mechanism.

Case summary
A 60-year-old man was admitted with dizziness and pre-syncope. Twelve-lead electrocardiogram showed complete heart block. A dual-chamber pacemaker was implanted and programmed in DDD mode. Transthoracic echocardiography performed a day later demonstrated a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 63% and moderate mitral regurgitation. The patient presented 4 months later with breathlessness and orthopnoea. Pacemaker interrogation demonstrated a 98% right ventricular pacing burden. Echocardiography revealed torrential mitral regurgitation secondary to left ventricular dyssynchrony and complete loss of leaflet coaptation with preserved systolic function. Post-capillary pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed following right heart catheterization. The patient underwent metallic mitral valve replacement, tricuspid annuloplasty, and left internal mammary artery grafting to the left anterior descending artery for a severe proximal stenosis. On inspection, the native mitral valve was notably rheumatic in appearance, and this was confirmed histologically.

Discussion
It is important to closely monitor the progression of mitral regurgitation in those with primary mitral valve disease undergoing right ventricular pacing. Early follow-up may prevent the adverse haemodynamic consequences of worsening mitral regurgitation, with a greater chance of recovery of left ventricular function following surgery.
The Dynamics of Domestic Violence: Learning about the Match
Authors: Anderberg Dan , Mantovan Noemi , Sauer Robert M 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
We present a dynamic lifecycle model of women’s choices with respect to partnership status, labour supply and fertility when they cannot directly observe whether a given male partner is of a violent type or not. The model is estimated by the method of simulated moments using longitudinal data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. The results indicate that uncertainty about a partner’s abusive type creates incentives for women to delay fertility, reduce fertility overall, divorce more often and increase labour supply. We also study the impact of higher female wages, income support to single mothers and subsidised childcare when the mother is working. While higher wages reduce women’s overall exposure to abuse, both income support and subsidised childcare largely fail to do so by encouraging early fertility. The latter two policies instead increase the incidence of abuse towards mothers and hence the abuse exposure for children.
The Usual Suspects: Offender Origin, Media Reporting and Natives’ Attitudes Towards Immigration
Authors: Keita Sekou , Renault Thomas , Valette Jérôme 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This paper analyses whether the systematic disclosure of criminals’ origins in the press affects natives’ attitudes towards immigration. It takes advantage of the unilateral change in reporting policy announced by the German newspaper Sächsische Zeitung in July 2016. Combining individual-level panel data from the German Socio-Economic Panel from 2014 to 2018 with 402,819 crime-related articles in German newspapers and those newspapers’ market shares, we find that systematically mentioning the origins of criminals increases the relative salience of natives’ criminality and reduces natives’ concerns about immigration, breaking the implicit link between immigration and crime.
Association between nasal airway minimal cross-sectional areas and obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Makkonen Jessi , Tertti Olli , Rautiainen Markus , Markkanen Saara , Valtonen Olli , Ormiskangas Jaakko , Kivekäs Ilkka , Peltomäki Timo 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background/Objectives
Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) frequently present with some form of upper airway anatomical impairment. Considerable research has been conducted on the role of the structures of the jaw and pharynx in the pathogenesis of OSA; however, the significance of the nose is somewhat unclear. Computed tomography is a widely used imaging modality for assessing the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, but only a small amount of the acquired data is used. Our aim was to ascertain whether the size of the cross-sectional areas of the nasal airway, measured from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, is associated with OSA severity.

Materials/Methods
A total of 58 patients with OSA, without any major paranasal sinus inflammatory pathology, were included in this register-based study. Patients had previously undergone ambulatory polysomnography and CBCT. The cross-sectional areas of the nasal cavity were measured in CBCT coronal sections. Statistical analyses were performed to determine any correlation between the cross-sectional area measurements and apnoea–hypopnoea index (AHI) or any significant difference in cross-sectional areas between AHI severity groups.

Results
No correlation was found between AHI and the smallest, total, or sum of the anterior cross-sectional areas of the nasal airway. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference in the cross-sectional areas between patients with the highest and lowest AHI.

Conclusions/Implications
The small cross-sectional area of the anterior nasal cavity in patients without any major nasal pathology does not appear to be associated with OSA severity.
Exploring imitative learning in a blended EFL writing class
Authors: Chen Jun 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Since 2020, I have been teaching writing to college English major students. I have adopted an imitative learning approach, engaging my students in a transformative imitation of model texts both offline in the classroom and online using various internet tools. Imitative learning means students learn to write by modelling texts written by expert writers or more capable peers and by consciously understanding the communicative goal and strategies employed in the model text. This imitative learning approach, which enables scaffolding, is effective in providing students with model texts to learn from, and can be followed by guided and independent construction of their own texts.
Demographic and epidemiological characteristics of Ukrainian refugees in an Italian Local Health Authority
Authors: Parente Paolo , Melnyk Andriy , Lombardo Paolo , Villani Leonardo , Grossi Adriano , Goletti Mauro , Barbara Andrea , Santone Giancarlo 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
The Russian invasion of Ukraine caused millions of Ukrainian refugees to flee to other nations. To provide the most appropriate assistance, host nations necessitate up-to-date information regarding Ukrainian refugee’s demographic and epidemiological conditions. We aim to investigate the demographic composition, the COVID-19 vaccinations performed, specialist care provided and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in refugees assisted by an Italian Local Health Authority (LHA).

Methods
We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis from March to June 2022, analyzing the demographic and epidemiological status of Ukrainians. Statistical analyses were carried out to assess possible associations between NCDs distribution, age and gender.

Results
LHA Roma 1 assisted 9349 Ukrainian refugees. Of these, 2784 (29.8%) were males and 6565 (70.2%) were females, with a median age of 25 years. Two thousand four hundred and eighty-five Ukrainian refugees were vaccinated against COVID-19. Among them, 401 (16.1%) had at least one NCD. The most frequent groups of diseases were related to the circulatory system (50.6%), the endocrine system (24.9%), and mental and behavioral disorders (6.5%).

Conclusion
Refugees need healthcare services targeted mainly towards minors and females. It is essential to analyze and monitor the demographic and epidemiological conditions to provide evidence about patient management and the best care integrated into the health service of host countries.
Digest: Multivariate genetic variation constrains adaptation to environmental changes during range expansion
Authors: Cai Haoran , Des Marais David 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
How do selection and standing genetic variation shape population divergence across landscapes? Henry and Stinchcombe estimated selection gradients on traits in the ivy-leaved morning glory (Ipomoea hederacea) in the field and compared them with the G-matrix and population divergence for four populations in North America. The authors show that population divergence and genetic covariances are largely unaligned with the selection gradient at the species’ range edge. These findings raise the question of whether limited evolvability or multivariate genetic variation of populations at range edges prevent species from range expansion, which is important for understanding the role of genetic constraint in population divergence and predicting local adaptation in the face of climate change.
Rapid sperm length divergence in a polygynandrous passerine: a mechanism of cryptic speciation?
Authors: Lifjeld Jan T , de Gabriel Hernando Miguel , Fuertes Marcos Benito , Grønstøl Gaute , Anmarkrud Jarl A , Matschiner Michael , Leder Erica H 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
When populations become geographically isolated, they begin to diverge in various traits and at variable rates. The dynamics of such trait divergences are relevant for understanding evolutionary processes such as local adaptation and speciation. Here we examine divergences in sperm and body structures in a polygynandrous songbird, the alpine accentor (Prunella collaris) between two allopatric high-altitude populations, in Morocco and Spain. The populations diverged around 82,000 years ago, as estimated with a coalescence-based phylogenetic analysis of genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms. We found that birds in the two areas had nonoverlapping sperm lengths, which suggests adaptation to divergent female reproductive tract environments. Sperm length also showed an exceptionally low coefficient of among-male variation, a signal of strong stabilizing selection imposed by sperm competition. The evolutionary rate of sperm length was almost twice the rates for the most divergent morphological traits and more than three times higher than expected from literature data over a similar generational timescale. This rapid evolution of a key reproductive trait has implications for reproductive isolation and ultimately for speciation. Strong selection for different sperm length optima in allopatry predicts conspecific sperm precedence and disruptive selection in sympatry, hence a possible postcopulatory prezygotic barrier to gene flow.
Effectiveness of school-based nutrition interventions promoted in the League of Arab States: a systematic review
Authors: Abu Shihab Katia Hazim N , Dodge Elizabeth , Benajiba Nada , Chavarria Enmanuel A , Aboul-Enein Basil H , Faris Moez Al-Islam E 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Arab countries are doubly burdened with undernutrition as well as overweight and obesity. To provide guidance to those looking to address concerns of obesity and overweight among children in this region, the current review bridges an existing knowledge gap and systematically characterizes and evaluates the available scientific evidence pertaining to school-based nutrition interventions completed to date across the Arab world. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and relevant keywords, terms and phrases, a search of the literature across 14 databases for school-based nutrition interventions implemented in this region was conducted. Out of 1568 articles from 14 databases, 38 full-text articles meeting the inclusion criteria were retrieved. Further assessment for eligibility excluded 23 articles and included one article from hand-searching references, leaving 16 articles in the final analysis. Most articles (n = 7) with the implementation of 5 months or longer found strong positive and significant impacts on limiting sweets consumption, increased dietary knowledge, self-efficacy, breakfast and fruit and vegetable consumption, among others. We also found evidence (n = 5) that teachers trained by experts such as dietitians and pediatricians can effectively implement nutrition interventions that achieve the intended outcomes. Training teachers to implement theory-based nutrition and health promotion curricula serves as a potential solution to improving nutrition knowledge, health behaviors and dietary practices among children living in Arab countries. Appropriately designed and implemented nutrition interventions can positively impact nutrition knowledge, health and diet-related behaviors in children and adolescents in this region.