bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
3D ultrasound strain imaging of puborectal muscle with and without unilateral avulsion
Authors: Das Shreya , Hendriks Gijs A. G. M. , van den Noort Frieda , Manzini Claudia , van der Vaart C. H. , de Korte Chris L. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Introduction and hypothesis
The puborectal muscle (PRM), one of the female pelvic floor (PF) muscles, can get damaged during vaginal delivery, leading to disorders such as pelvic organ prolapse. Current diagnosis involves ultrasound (US) imaging of the female PF muscles, but functional information is limited. Previously, we developed a method for strain imaging of the PRM from US images in order to obtain functional information. In this article, we hypothesize that strain in the PRM would differ from intact to the avulsed end.

Methods
We calculated strain in PRMs at maximum contraction, along their muscle fiber direction, from US images of two groups of women, which consisted of women with intact (n1 = 8) and avulsed PRMs (unilateral) (n2 = 10). Normalized strain ratios between both ends of the PRM (avulsed or intact) and the mid region were calculated. Subsequently, the difference in ratio between the avulsed and intact PRMs was determined.

Results
We observe from the obtained results that the contraction/strain pattern of intact and undamaged PRMs is different from PRMs with unilateral avulsion. Normalized strain ratios between avulsed and intact PRMs were statistically significant (p = 0.04).

Conclusion
In this pilot study, we were able to show that US strain imaging of PRMs can show differences between intact PRMs and PRMs with unilateral avulsion.
Foot cues can elicit covert orienting of attention
Authors: Dalmaso Mario 
Published: April 2023

AbstractHumans tend to orient their attentional resources towards the same location indicated by spatial signals coming from the others, such as pointing fingers, head turns, or eye-gaze. Here, two experiments investigated whether an attentional orienting response can be elicited even by foot cues. Participants were asked to localize a peripheral target while a task-irrelevant picture of a naked human foot, oriented leftward or rightward, was presented on the centre of the screen. The foot appeared in a neutral posture (i.e., standing upright) or an action-oriented posture (i.e., walking/running). In Experiment 1, neutral and action-oriented feet were presented in two distinct blocks, while in Experiment 2 they were presented intermixed. The results showed that the action-oriented foot, but not the neutral one, elicited an orienting response, though this only emerged in Experiment 2. This work suggests that attentional shifts can be induced by action-oriented foot cues, as long as these stimuli are made contextually salient.
DFT study of adsorbing SO2, NO2, and NH3 gases based on pristine and carbon-doped Al24N24 nanocages
Authors: Taha R. A. , Shalabi A. S. , Assem M. M. , Soliman K. A. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe adsorption of SO2, NO2, and NH3
toxic gases on Al24N24 and Al24N23C nanocages was investigated by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The adsorption energies, frontier orbitals, charge transfer using natural bonding orbital (NBO) analysis, dipole moment, the partial density of states (PDOS), thermodynamic relationships, non-covalent interaction (NCI), and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) were considered. The results reveal that carbon-doped Al24N24 nanocage increases the adsorption energies for SO2 and NO2 gases while decreasing the adsorption energy of NH3 gas. The ΔG for all configurations were negative except the configurations A1 and G2 confirming the weak adsorption of these two complexes. In conclusion, Al24N24 and Al24N23C nanocages are in general promising adsorbents for the removal of SO2, NO2, and NH3 toxic gases. The Al24N24 and Al24N23C nanocages are ideal electronic materials.
Diameter growth of European beech on carbonate: a regional versus forest type perspective
Authors: Bončina Andrej , Trifković Vasilije , Ficko Andrej , Klopčič Matija 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWe studied the impacts of site, stand and tree variables on the diameter growth of beech trees (Fagussylvatica L.) on carbonate bedrock and examined to what extent the regional diameter growth model can be used at the forest type level. Based on 12,193 permanent sampling plots (500 m2 each) with 94,770 beech trees, we first developed a linear mixed-effect model of the periodic diameter increment at the regional level (Dinaric region, Slovenia, 1.7 thousand km2). Subsequently, we parametrized the model for five forest types within the region (submontane, thermophilous, montane, upper montane and subalpine) and used a homogeneity-of-slopes model to test whether the covariates have different effects in the five forest types. The regional model suggested the positive impact of tree diameter (nonlinear), tree diameter diversity, mean diurnal temperature range and mean annual temperature and the negative impact of basal area, proportion of beech, inclination, rockiness and annual amount of precipitation. Stand basal area and the proportion of beech contributed > 50% of the total explained diameter increment variability, followed by tree diameter (44%), topographic (3%) and climatic variables (< 2%). The regional model was well transferable to forest types; the only variable with a significantly different effect in forest types was tree diameter. However, models at the forest type level differed with respect to the slopes and significance of several predictors, wherein coefficients for some predictors were even of opposite sign. Not all predictors from the regional model were included in the forest type models if predictor selection and model parameterization were performed independently for each forest type. Our study suggests that some growth characteristics of beech can be detected at the regional level only, while analyses at the forest type level can reveal significant differences in beech growth response to tree, stand and environmental variables.
Mechanisms of chromosomal instability (CIN) tolerance in aggressive tumors: surviving the genomic chaos
Authors: Dhital Brittiny , Rodriguez-Bravo Veronica 
Published: April 2023

AbstractChromosomal instability (CIN) is a pervasive feature of human cancers involved in tumor initiation and progression and which is found elevated in metastatic stages. CIN can provide survival and adaptation advantages to human cancers. However, too much of a good thing may come at a high cost for tumor cells as excessive degree of CIN-induced chromosomal aberrations can be detrimental for cancer cell survival and proliferation. Thus, aggressive tumors adapt to cope with ongoing CIN and most likely develop unique susceptibilities that can be their Achilles’ heel. Determining the differences between the tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing effects of CIN at the molecular level has become one of the most exciting and challenging aspects in cancer biology. In this review, we summarized the state of knowledge regarding the mechanisms reported to contribute to the adaptation and perpetuation of aggressive tumor cells carrying CIN. The use of genomics, molecular biology, and imaging techniques is significantly enhancing the understanding of the intricate mechanisms involved in the generation of and adaptation to CIN in experimental models and patients, which were not possible to observe decades ago. The current and future research opportunities provided by these advanced techniques will facilitate the repositioning of CIN exploitation as a feasible therapeutic opportunity and valuable biomarker for several types of human cancers.
A gender affinity effect: the role of gender in teaching evaluations at a Danish university
Authors: Binderkrantz Anne Skorkjær , Bisgaard Mette 
Published: April 2023

Abstract A series of studies have identified gender bias in teaching evaluations in higher education—with women being evaluated lower than men. However, other recent studies indicate that gender bias is not present across all contexts. Our study adds to the understanding of the role of gender in teaching evaluations by focusing on a Danish university—a national context with relatively high educational gender equality and support for egalitarian gender norms. Crucially, the study pays systematic attention to the role of students’ gender in explaining evaluation outcomes. In a quantitative analysis of 125,000 evaluations in the social sciences at a Danish university, we identify a same-gender affinity. While there is no overall gender bias in the evaluations, students evaluate a teacher of their own gender best. To understand the mechanisms behind this pattern, we analyze comments provided by students in teaching evaluations and 20 interviews with students. Students are generally more positive in their descriptions of a teacher of their own gender. Moreover, we identify gendered patterns in the perceptions of teachers as well as in the aspects of teachers’ behavior and characteristics appreciated by students.
The correlation between morphological parameters and the incidence of de novo chromosomal abnormalities in 3238 biopsied blastocysts
Authors: Gao Jiangman , Wei Nan , Zhu Xiaohui , Li Rong , Yan Liying , Qiao Jie 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between morphological parameters and the incidence of de novo chromosomal abnormalities.

Methods
This was a retrospective cohort study of 652 patients who underwent 921 cycles with 3238 blastocysts biopsied. The embryo grades were evaluated according to Gardner and Schoolcraft’s system. The incidence of euploidy, whole chromosomal aneuploidy (W-aneuploidy), segmental chromosomal aneuploidy (S-aneuploidy), and mosaicism in trophectoderm (TE) cell biopsies was analyzed.

Results
The euploidy decreased significantly with maternal age and was positively correlated biopsy day and morphological parameters. The W-aneuploidy increased significantly with maternal age and was negatively correlated biopsy day and morphological parameters. Parental age, TE biopsy day, and morphological parameters were not associated with S-aneuploidy and mosaicism, except that TE grade C blastocysts had significantly higher mosaicism than TE grade A blastocysts. Subanalysis in different female age groups showed that euploidy and W-aneuploidy had a significant correlation with TE biopsy day among women aged ≤ 30 y and 31–35 y, with expansion degree among women aged ≥ 36 y, with ICM grade among women aged ≥ 31 y, and with TE grade among all female age ranges.

Conclusion
Female age, embryo developmental speed and blastocyst morphological parameters are associated with euploidy and whole chromosomal aneuploidy. The predictive value of these factors varies across female age groups. Parental age, embryo developmental speed, expansion degree, and ICM grade are not associated with the incidence of segmental aneuploidy or mosaicism, but TE grade seemingly has a weak correlation with segmental aneuploidy and mosaicism in embryos.
SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Commercial Immunoglobulin Products Show Markedly Reduced Cross-reactivities Against Omicron Variants
Authors: Lindahl Hannes , Chen Puran , Åberg Mikael , Ljunggren Hans-Gustaf , Buggert Marcus , Aleman Soo , Smith C. I. Edvard , Bergman Peter 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Patients with antibody deficiencies often receive maintenance treatment with donor plasma-derived immunoglobulin (Ig) preparations to decrease the incidence and severity of infections. We have previously shown that IgG antibodies to the original SARS-CoV-2 strain were not consistently present in off-the-shelf Ig batches produced up to approximately 18 months after the first identified case of COVID-19 in the USA and that Ig batches with anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG primarily contained vaccine-induced spike specific antibodies. This study aimed to investigate the degree of cross-reactivity between vaccine-induced anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies against Wuhan strain and subsequent viral variants.

Methods
Samples were collected from 74 Ig batches supplied by three different commercial manufacturers. All batches were used at the Immunodeficiency Unit at the Karolinska University Hospital from the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic until September 2022. Antibody quantity and potential to neutralize virus entry into host cells were assessed against the original SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain and the following nine variants: Alpha, Beta, Delta, IHU, and the Omicron BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.1 with spike mutation L452R, BA.2, and BA.3.

Results
Ig batches produced approximately 18 months after the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak (from around July 2021) and later consistently contained high quantities of antibodies that bind the Wuhan strain. The Ig batches had overall low reactivity to the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid, which implies that plasma donor spike IgG essentially is the result of vaccination. We assessed the degree of cross-reactivity towards each virus variant by plotting the variant/Wuhan strain ratio, which was consistent regardless of production date, suggesting cross-reactivity with vaccine-induced antibodies rather than virus exposure in the plasma donor population. Viral variants that emerged later during the pandemic systematically had a lower reactivity ratio, except for the Delta and IHU variants. The Ig batches displayed markedly low neutralizing potential towards the Beta variant and all tested Omicron variants.

Conclusion
Commercial Ig batches currently contain large quantities of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced antibodies. Cross-reactivity with variant strains is evident but varies, with markedly low neutralizing potential observed against Omicron variants.
Exploring the Perspectives of Parents of Individuals with Autism from Low-Resourced Communities to Inform Family Navigator Programs
Authors: Burke Meghan M. , Johnston Amanda N. , Cheung W. Catherine , Li Chak , Monárrez Edwin , Aleman-Tovar Janeth 
Published: April 2023

AbstractFamily navigator programs are becoming increasingly common among families of children with autism. Yet, it is unclear how family navigators are developed; by exploring the input of families of children with autism, such programs can be responsive to family needs. In this study, 12 parents of autistic children from low-resourced communities were interviewed to inform the development of a family navigator program. Findings demonstrated that programs need to prepare navigators to address barriers such as limited knowledge and difficulty accepting an autism diagnosis. Programs should teach navigators to use strategies with families including educating families about services and connecting families with peer support. Program content should reflect direct services, government services, and advocacy strategies. Implications are discussed.
Are cities venturing green? A global analysis of the impact of green entrepreneurship on city air pollution
Authors: Cojoianu Theodor F. , Hoepner Andreas G. F. , Hu Xi , Ramadan Moustafa , Veneri Paolo , Wójcik Dariusz 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Situated at the intersection between environmental entrepreneurship and urban sustainability, our paper seeks to investigate the links between city-level green venture ecosystems and the ability of urban centres to reduce air pollution. Using a large dataset of 12,834 urban centres from around the world and their associated yearly average particulate matter (PM2.5), we show that an increase in the cumulative number of green start-ups drives the lowering of PM2.5 levels. Looking closely at the subsectors that drive the results, we observe that the urban centres which hosted increased numbers of innovators in smart grid technologies, energy efficiency and wind energy generation (the low carbon energy sector overall) also experienced a decrease in air pollution over the 2010–2019 period. Thus, our study is a global analysis of the environmental impact of green entrepreneurship on local air pollution.
Ginsenosides enhance P2X7-dependent cytokine secretion from LPS-primed rodent macrophages
Authors: Dhuna Kshitija , Helliwell Ray , De Luca Simone N. , Spencer Sarah J. , Stokes Leanne 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The activation of P2X7 is a well-known stimulus for the NLRP3-caspase 1 inflammasome and subsequent rapid IL-1β secretion from monocytes and macrophages. Here we show that positive allosteric modulators of P2X7, ginsenosides, can enhance the release of three important cytokines, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α from LPS-primed rodent macrophages using the J774 mouse macrophage cell line and primary rat peritoneal macrophages. We compared the immediate P2X7 responses in un-primed and LPS-primed macrophages and found no difference in calcium response amplitude or kinetics. These results suggest that under inflammatory conditions positive allosteric modulators are capable of increasing cytokine secretion at lower concentrations of ATP, thus boosting the initial pro-inflammatory signal. This may be important in the control of intracellular infections.
Exhaust emissions of gaseous and particle size-segregated water-soluble organic compounds from diesel-biodiesel blends
Authors: Evtyugina Margarita G. , Gonçalves Cátia , Alves Célia , Corrêa Sérgio M. , Daemme Luiz Carlos , de Arruda Penteado Neto Renato 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis study assessed the emissions of gaseous pollutants and particle size distributed water-soluble organics (WSO) from a diesel vehicle fuelled with ultralow sulphur diesel (B0) and 10 (B10), 20 (B20), and 30% (B30) biodiesel blends in a chassis dynamometer tested under transient mode. Particulate emission sampling was carried out in an ultraviolet (UV) test chamber using a 10-stage impactor. Samples were grouped into three size fractions and analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Increasing the biofuel ratio up to 30% in the fuel reduced WSO emissions by 20.9% in comparison with conventional diesel. Organic acids accounted for 82–89% of WSO in all tested fuels. Dicarboxylic acids were the most abundant compound class, followed by hydroxy, aromatic, and linear alkanoic acids. Correlations between compounds demonstrated that adding biodiesel to diesel fuel reduces the emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX), methane (CH4), total and nonmethane hydrocarbons (THC and NMHC), and dicarboxylic and hydroxy acids, but increases emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and alkanoic and aromatic acids. Emissions of dicarboxylic and hydroxy acids were strongly correlated with the biodiesel content. WSO emissions of coarse and fine (1.0–10 μm) particles decreased with the increasing biofuel content in fuel blend. The total share of ultrafine (0.18–1.0 μm) and nanoparticles (< 0.18 μm) increased in WSOs emissions from B20 and B30 blends, when compared with petrodiesel. The biodiesel content also affected the chemical profile of WSO size fractions.
Novel specification tests for synchronous additive concurrent model formulation based on martingale difference divergence
Authors: Freijeiro-González Laura , Febrero-Bande Manuel , González-Manteiga Wenceslao 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis paper presents new specification tests for a general synchronous additive concurrent model formulation. As a novelty, our proposal does not require a preliminary model or error structure estimation. No tuning parameters are involved either. We develop a suitable test statistic using the martingale difference divergence coefficient. As a result, this statistic measures the departure from the conditional mean independence in the concurrent model framework, considering the information of all observed time instants. In particular, global as well as partial dependence tests are introduced. Then, we allow one to quantify the effect of a group of covariates or to apply covariates selection one by one. We obtain its asymptotic distribution under the null and propose a bootstrap algorithm to compute the p-values in practice. Through simulations, we illustrate our method, and its performance is compared to existing competitors. In addition, we use this in the analysis of three real datasets related to gait data, flu activity, and casual bike rentals.
Innovations in the Treatment of Gastric Outlet Obstruction: Is This the Era of Endoscopic Ultrasonography-Guided Gastroenterostomy?
Authors: van de Pavert Yorick L. , Moons Leon M. G. , Bogte Auke , Vleggaar Frank P. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose of review

Gastric outlet obstruction is a syndrome that is caused by several benign and malignant diseases. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE) is a novel treatment that seems to combine the advantages of the two traditional treatments: enteral stent placement (ES) and surgical gastrojejunostomy (SGJ). This review aims to determine the current position of EUS-GE amidst the two traditional treatment options.

Recent findings
Different approaches can be adopted to facilitate EUS-GE. Direct gastroenterostomy seems to have the shortest procedure time. All methods possess high technical success rates. Several retrospective analyses have compared EUS-GE to ES and SGJ. EUS-GE seems to have better stent patency compared to ES and a lower adverse event rate compared to SGJ. Recently, randomized trials have been initiated which compare EUS-GE with ES or SGJ.

Summary
Although the currently published literature unequivocally shows the great promises of EUS-GE, properly powered and controlled studies are warranted to ascertain the definitive position of EUS-GE within the treatment repertoire of GOO. Until reliable data has been collected, EUS-GE can be considered a safe and effective alternative to ES and SGJ.
Cannibalism—overview and medicolegal issues
Authors: Byard Roger W. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractCannibalism, the consumption of another by an individual of the same species, is a widespread practice amongst many animal groups. Human cannibalism or anthropophagy, however, is less common but has been found in many diverse groups ranging from hominids to Crusaders and soldiers in World War II. Although the existence of human cannibalism has been vigorously debated in recent times, it seems clear that well-described cases have occurred. The motivation for consuming human tissues may be (1) nutritional, (2) ritual and (3) pathological. A case of alleged cannibalism involving one of the victims of the so-called Snowtown serial killings in South Australia, Australia, is reported with an analysis of the history and features of cannibalism. Forensic problems may occur in accurately identifying remains that have been cannibalized; however, if ritualistic, serial and/or sadistic homicides are encountered, cannibalism should be considered, particularly if body parts are missing.