bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of different measuring methods in the assessment of the ISNT rule and its variants in a normal population: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Soares Ivo , Gravito‐Soares Marta , Gravito‐Soares Elisa , Vaz Sandra , Almeida Vasco 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to compare five different neuroretinal rim (NRR) measurement methods, based on quadrants and NRR widths, in the assessment of the ISNT (inferior (I) > superior (S) > nasal (N) > temporal (T)) rule, and its variants IST (inferior (I) > superior (S) > temporal (S)) rule, IS (inferior (I) > superior (S)) rule and T (temporal is the thinnest) rule in a normal population. Factors influencing compliance with this rule and its variants were also evaluated.MethodsStereoscopic fundus images were analysed through a dichoptic viewing system. Two graders labelled the optic disc and cup, as well as the fovea. Custom‐made software automatically determined the limits of the optic disc and cup and examined the ISNT rule and its variants using several NRR measurement methods.ResultsSixty‐nine subjects with normal eyes were enrolled. For the various NRR measuring methods, the percentage of eyes following the rules, that is, validity ranges were 0.0%–15.9% for the ISNT rule, 31.9%–59.4% for the IST rule, 46.4%–59.4% for the IS rule and 50.7%–100.0% for the T rule. Significant intra‐measurement agreement ranges were IST (κ = 0.50–0.85), IS (κ = 0.68–1.00) and T (κ = 0.24–0.77). Only the IST and IS rules achieved significant inter‐measurement agreement (κ = 0.47–1.00). After multivariate and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses, the vertical cup position cupy (area under the ROC curve (AUROC) = 0.60–0.96; cut‐off = |0.005|) was the most important predictor for virtually all NRR measurement agreements for the ISNT, IST and IS rules. The horizontal cup position (AUROC = 0.50–0.92; cut‐off = −0.028 to 0.05) was the most important predictive factor for the majority of the NRR measurement agreements for the T rule.ConclusionsOnly the IST and IS rules are valid for the same normal subjects. The most important factor affecting the validity of the ISNT rule and its variants was the anatomical cup position. NRR measurement agreements based on NRR quadrants exhibited larger validity and better agreement. The IST and IS rules can be combined with the alternative SIT (superior (S) > inferior (I) > temporal (T)) and SI (superior (S) > inferior (I)) rules to detect almost all normal subjects.
The comorbidities of recurrent inguinal hernia in children: A systematic review
Authors: Obayashi Juma , Yamoto Masaya , Fukumoto Koji , Furuta Shigeyuki , Kitagawa Hiroaki 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundHigher risk of recurrence has been reported in pediatric inguinal hernia patients with specific comorbidities. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate which comorbidities predispose to recurrent pediatric inguinal hernias (RPIHs).MethodsA comprehensive search of six databases was performed, reviewing the literature to date on RPIHs and the co‐occurrence of comorbidities. English‐language publications were considered for inclusion. The primary surgical technique (e.g., Potts procedure or laparoscopic repair) was not considered.ResultsFourteen articles published between 1967 and 2021 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and did not meet the exclusion criteria. They reported a total of 86 patients diagnosed with RPIHs with 99 comorbidities. Thirty‐six percent of patients had conditions with increased intra‐abdominal pressure, such as ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus, posterior urethral valves, bladder exstrophy, seizure disorder, asthma, using continuous positive airway pressure for respiratory distress syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Twenty‐eight percent of patients had diseases with weakness of the anterior abdominal wall, specifically mucopolysaccharidosis, giant omphalocele, Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, connective‐tissue disorders, and segmental spinal dysgenesis.ConclusionsThe main comorbidities of RPIHs were conditions with increased intra‐abdominal pressure and weakness of the anterior abdominal wall. Although these comorbidities are rare, the risk of recurrence must be noted.
Perceptual learning
Authors: Jenkin Zoe 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPerception provides us with access to the external world, but that access is shaped by our own experiential histories. Through perceptual learning, we can enhance our capacities for perceptual discrimination, categorization, and attention to salient properties. We can also encode harmful biases and stereotypes. This article reviews interdisciplinary research on perceptual learning, with an emphasis on the implications for our rational and normative theorizing. Perceptual learning raises the possibility that our inquiries into topics such as epistemic justification, aesthetic criticism, and moral knowledge should include not only an examination of cognition but also of perception.
On penance
Authors: Capes Justin A. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractPenance is often said to be a part of the process of making amends for wrongdoing. Here I clarify the nature of penance as a remedial action, highlighting the differences between it and more familiar corrective actions such as reparation and apology, and I offer an account of how penance contributes to the expiation of wrongdoing. In doing so, I reject a popular view according to which one does penance primarily by either punishing oneself or voluntarily submitting to punishment at the hands of others. I contend that non‐punitive actions such gifts or acts of service are typically more conducive to achieving the reparative aims of penance.
Activation of caspase‐3/7, an apoptotic‐related marker, during incubation and cryopreservation of alpaca (Vicugna pacos) spermatozoa
Authors: Segura Carlos , La Rosa José , Báez Luis , Gómez‐Quispe Oscar E. , Evangelista‐Vargas Shirley , Morrell Jane M. , Santiani Alexei 
Published: May 2023

AbstractCaspases are crucial mediators of programmed cell death (apoptosis). Apoptosis can occur in spermatozoa during spermatogenesis or epididymal transit, as well as in ejaculated spermatozoa. A high proportion of apoptotic sperm would be a poor indicator of the freezability of a raw seminal sample. Alpaca spermatozoa are notoriously difficult to freeze successfully. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to study caspase activation during incubation (37°C) of fresh alpaca spermatozoa, as well as before and after cryopreservation, to gain some insight into the mechanisms behind the vulnerability of alpaca spermatozoa. Eleven sperm samples were incubated for 4 h at 37°C (Study 1), and 23 samples were frozen using an automated system (Study 2). Caspase‐3/7 activation was assessed at 0,1,2,3, and 4 h in samples incubated at 37°C (Study 1); and before/after cryopreservation (Study 2) using CellEvent™ Caspase 3/7 Green Detection Reagent and flow cytometry. The proportions of alpaca spermatozoa with caspase‐3/7 activated increased (p < 0.05) after 3–4 h of incubation at 37°C; however, caspase activation was similar before and after cryopreservation (36.2 ± 11.2% vs. 36.6 ± 33.7%, p > 0.05). The high standard deviation found after freezing could be explained by the existence of two subpopulations: one subpopulation where caspase‐3/7 activation decreased during cryopreservation (from 36.6 ± 9.1% to 1.5 ± 2.2%), and the other subpopulation where caspase‐3/7 activation increased after cryopreservation (from 37.7 ± 13.0% to 64.3 ± 16.7%). In conclusion, after 3–4 h of incubation, caspase‐3/7 activation increased in fresh alpaca sperm, whereas cryopreservation affects alpaca sperm samples in different ways.
Oral manifestations of nine individuals with Williams syndrome. A case series
Authors: Vavetsi Konstantina , Panagopoulou Olga , Koromantzos Panagiotis , Fryssira Ηelen , Bobetsis Spyridon A. , Emmanouil Dimitris , Bobetsis Yiorgos A. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAimsWilliams syndrome (WS) is a congenital developmental disorder characterized, mainly, by distinctive facial features, cardiovascular anomalies, growth delay and a typical neurobehavioral profile. The oral manifestations have not been sufficiently described and, therefore, the aim of the current study was to present the clinical, radiographic and microbiological findings of individuals with WS.Methods and resultsA series of nine WS individuals (seven females) with mean age 21 years‐old were evaluated. A complete intraoral clinical examination, a radiographic analysis using panoramic and cephalometric x‐ray and a supra‐ and sub‐gingival microbiological profiling were performed. We observed abnormal tooth morphology, excessive interdental spacing, congenitally missing permanent teeth and malocclusion. High levels of DMFT were observed and gingivitis was present in all subjects. Bacteria related to periodontal disease were detected in dental plaque. Three patients were classified with a gingival phenotype type I according to the Maynard and Wilson classification. The sella turcica bridging was a novel finding for this group of patients.ConclusionDue to the elevated prevalence of gingivitis, caries and malocclusion, a multidisciplinary approach including dental follow‐ups should be the standard of care in WS patients.
Aberrant Salience Inventory: A meta‐analysis to investigate its psychometric properties and identify screening cutoff scores
Authors: Merola Giuseppe Pierpaolo , Boy Ottone Baccaredda , Fascina Isotta , Pecoraro Vincenzo , Falone Andrea , Patti Andrea , Santarelli Gabriele , Cicero David Colin , Ballerini Andrea , Ricca Valdo 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionThe Aberrant Salience Inventory (ASI) is a useful tool to measure salience abnormalities among the general population. There is strong clinical and scientific evidence that salience alteration is linked to psychosis. To the present day, no meta‐analysis evaluating ASI's psychometric properties and screening potential has been published.Materials and MethodsPubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Embase were searched using terms including “psychosis,” “schizophrenia,” and “Aberrant Salience Inventory.” Observational and experimental studies employing ASI on populations of non‐psychotic controls and patients with psychosis were included. ASI scores and other demographic measures (age, gender, ethnicity) were extracted as outcomes. Individual patients' data (IPD) were collected. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed on the IPD.ResultsEight articles were finally included in the meta‐analysis. ASI scores differ significantly between psychotic and non‐psychotic populations; a novel three‐factor model is proposed regarding subscales structure. Theoretical positive predictive values (PPVs) and negative predictive values (NPVs) were calculated and presented together with different cutoff points depending on preselected specific populations of interest.DiscussionPPV and NPV values reached levels adequate for ASI to be considered a viable screening tool for psychosis. The factor analysis highlights the presence of a novel subscale that was named “Unveiling experiences.” Implications regarding the meaning of the new factor structure are discussed, as well as ASI's potential as a screening tool.
How mask gap impacts discrimination and anxiety during COVID‐19: A study on overseas Chinese during the first outbreak in 2020
Authors: Zhang Xinyi , English Alexander S. , Kulich Steve J. , Chen Yuxian 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe outbreak of the COVID‐19 pandemic brought unrelenting waves of xenophobia against people representing vulnerable populations, among them those identified as Asians or more specifically as Chinese. Although previous studies have found that some discriminatory actions against overseas Chinese were closely related to mask use during the pandemic, there is not much evidence that explicates what might be the social‐cultural triggers or impact of self‐other mask discrepancy. The current study aims to examine how a mask use gap impacts perceived discrimination and anxiety during the first outbreak of COVID‐19, and how perceived discrimination mediates the mask gap–anxiety relationship. This was operationalized by developing a new “mask gap” variable to capture the incongruent mask use norms between Chines and others around them in the host country. Data were collected from a cross‐sectional sample of Chinese (n = 745) residing in 21 countries from March to May 2020 during the first wave of the pandemic. Results showed the newly explicated “mask gap” variable was associated with a higher level of anxiety. In addition, perceived discrimination mediated the mask gap‐anxiety relationship. These findings advance both theoretical and practical understandings of how incongruent social norms impact discrimination and mental health during health threat events like the COVID‐19 pandemic. The results also suggest important implications for both societal responses and the mental health of sojourners or immigrants during pandemics.
Interest of seroprevalence surveys for the epidemiological surveillance of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic in African populations: Insights from the ARIACOV project in Benin
Authors: Houngbégnon Parfait , Nouatin Odilon , Yadouléton Anges , Hounkpatin Benjamin , Fievet Nadine , Atindégla Eloïc , Dechavanne Sébastien , Guichet Emilande , Ayouba Ahidjo , Pelloquin Raphaël , Maman David , Thaurignac Guillaume , Peeters Martine , Aviansou Annonciat , Sourakafou Salifou , Delaporte Eric , Massougbodji Achille , Cottrell Gilles 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackgroundMany SARS‐CoV‐2 seroprevalence surveys since the end of 2020 have disqualified the first misconception that Africa had been spared by the pandemic. Through the analysis of three SARS‐CoV‐2 seroprevalence surveys carried out in Benin as part of the ARIACOV project, we argue that the integration of epidemiological serosurveillance of the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in the national surveillance packages would be of great use to refine the understanding of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Africa.MethodsWe carried out three repeated cross‐sectional surveys in Benin: two in Cotonou, the economic capital in March and May 2021, and one in Natitingou, a semi‐rural city in the north of the country in August 2021. Total and weighted‐by‐age‐group seroprevalences were estimated and the risk factors for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were assessed by multivariate logistic regression.ResultsIn Cotonou, a slight increase in overall age‐standardised SARS‐CoV‐2 seroprevalence from 29.77% (95% CI: 23.12%–37.41%) at the first survey to 34.86% (95% CI: 31.57%–38.30%) at the second survey was observed. In Natitingou, the globally adjusted seroprevalence was 33.34% (95% CI: 27.75%–39.44%). A trend of high risk for SARS‐CoV 2 seropositivity was observed in adults over 40 versus the young (less than 18 years old) during the first survey in Cotonou but no longer in the second survey.ConclusionsOur results show that, however, rapid organisation of preventive measures aimed at breaking the chains of transmission, they were ultimately unable to prevent a wide spread of the virus in the population. Routine serological surveillance on strategic sentinel sites and/or populations could constitute a cost‐effective compromise to better anticipate the onset of new waves and define public health strategies.
Temporal trend, high‐risk spatial and spatiotemporal clustering of leprosy indicators in Brazil: A 20‐year ecological and population‐based study
Authors: Paz Wandklebson Silva , Ramos Rosália Elen Santos , Bezerra Letícia Pereira , Matos Dalton Ferreira , Tavares Débora Santos , Souza Carlos Dornels Freire , Bezerra‐Santos Márcio , Ximenes Ricardo Arraes Alencar 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjectivesLeprosy still represents a public health concern in Brazil. The country is the only one in America not to reach the global goal of leprosy disease control. Hence, this study aimed to assess the temporal, spatial and space–time patterns of leprosy cases in Brazil of the 20‐year time series 2001–2020.MethodsAn ecological and population‐based analysis was carried out, applying temporal and spatial techniques, and using the detection coefficient of sociodemographic and clinical–epidemiological variables of leprosy new cases in the 5570 municipalities of Brazil. Temporal trends were assessed using a segmented linear regression model. For spatial analysis, global and local Moran indexes were applied, and space–time scan statistics was used to identify risk clusters.ResultsThe mean detection coefficient was 19.36/100,000 inhabitants, with a higher occurrence among men (21.29/100,000 inhabitants) and in the 60–69 age group (36.31/100,000). A decreasing temporal trend was observed in the country (annual percentage change: −5.20% per year). The North and Midwest regions were the most affected, exhibiting municipalities with a high/high standard, and with the highest annual percentage increase of multibacillary (MB) cases. Leprosy has a heterogeneous distribution throughout Brazil, but with high‐risk spatiotemporal clusters, mainly located in the North and Midwest regions.ConclusionAlthough Brazil has shown a decreasing temporal trend during the past 20 years, the country is still classified as highly endemic for leprosy, showing an increase in the proportion of new MB cases over the years.
Arabidopsis callus grafts: a system to study symplasmic intercellular macromolecular transport and gene silencing spread
Authors: Hasbioğlu Yağmur , Weber Stephanie , Kragler Friedrich , Machin Frank Qasim 
Published: May 2023

SUMMARYIn the present study, we present callus grafting, comprising a method for reproducibly generating tissue chimeras from callus cultures of Arabidopsis thaliana. In this way, callus cultures of different genetic backgrounds may be co‐cultivated such that cell‐to‐cell connectivity is achieved as a chimeric tissue is formed. To track intercellular connectivity and transport between non‐clonal callus cells, we used transgenic lines expressing fluorescently tagged mobile and non‐mobile fusion constructs. Using fluorescently‐labelled reporter lines that label plasmodesmata, we show that secondary complex plasmodesmata are present at the cell walls of connected cells. We use this system to investigate cell‐to‐cell transport across the callus graft junction and show that different proteins and RNAs are mobile between non‐clonal callus cells. Finally, we take advantage of the callus culture system to probe intercellular connectivity of grafted leaf and root calli and the effect of different light regimes of cell‐to‐cell transport. Taking advantage of the ability of callus to be cultivated in the complete absence of light, we show that the rate of silencing spread is significantly decreased in chimeric calli cultivated in total darkness. We propose that callus grafting is a fast and reliable method for analysing the capacity of a macromolecule to be exchanged between cells independent of the vasculature.
EMBODIED EXPERIENCE IN SOCIALLY PARTICIPATORY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Authors: Graves Mark 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAs artificial intelligence (AI) becomes progressively more engaged with society, its shift from technical tool to participating in society raises questions about AI personhood. Drawing upon developmental psychology and systems theory, a mediating structure for AI proto‐personhood is defined analogous to an early stage of human development. The proposed AI bridges technical, psychological, and theological perspectives on near‐future AI and is structured by its hardware, software, computational, and sociotechnical systems through which it experiences its world as embodied (even for putatively disembodied AI). Further social and moral construction can occur building upon a simple “self” for AI synthesized from symbolic and statistical approaches to AI.
Strong A1${\mathbb {A}}^1$‐invariance of A1${\mathbb {A}}^1$‐connected components of reductive algebraic groups
Authors: Balwe Chetan , Hogadi Amit , Sawant Anand 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWe show that the sheaf of ‐connected components of a reductive algebraic group over a perfect field is strongly ‐invariant. As a consequence, torsors under such groups give rise to ‐fiber sequences. We also show that sections of ‐connected components of anisotropic, semisimple, simply connected algebraic groups over an arbitrary field agree with their ‐equivalence classes, thereby removing the perfectness assumption in the previously known results about the characterization of isotropy in terms of affine homotopy invariance of Nisnevich locally trivial torsors.
Floquet Theory for Linear Time-Periodic Delay Differential Equations Using Orthonormal History Functions
Authors: Shaik Junaidvali , Tiwari Sankalp , Vyasarayani C. P. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
In the usual approach to determining the stability of a time-periodic delay differential equation (DDE), the DDE is converted into an approximate system of time-periodic ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using Galerkin approximations. Later, Floquet theory is applied to these ODEs. Alternatively, semidiscretization-like approaches can be used to construct an approximate Floquet transition matrix (FTM) for a DDE. In this paper, we develop a method to obtain the FTM directly. Our approach is analogous to the Floquet theory for ODEs: we consider one polynomial basis function at a time as the history function and stack the coefficients of the corresponding DDE solutions to construct the FTM. The largest magnitude eigenvalue of the FTM determines the stability of the DDE. Since the obtained FTM is an approximation of the actual infinite-dimensional FTM, the criterion developed for stability is approximate. We demonstrate the correctness, efficacy and convergence of our method by studying several candidate DDEs with time-periodic parameters and/or delays, and comparing the results with those obtained from the Galerkin approximations.
The Effect of Biot Number on a Generalized Heat Conduction Solution
Authors: McMasters Robert L. , Monte Filippo de , D'Alessandro Giampaolo , Beck James V. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Analytical solutions for thermal conduction problems are extremely important, particularly for verification of numerical codes. Temperatures and heat fluxes can be calculated very precisely, normally to eight or ten significant figures, even in situations involving large temperature gradients. It can be convenient to have a general analytical solution for a transient conduction problem in rectangular coordinates. The general solution is based on the principle that the three primary types of boundary conditions (prescribed temperature, prescribed heat flux, and convective) can all be handled using convective boundary conditions. A large convection coefficient closely approximates a prescribed temperature boundary condition and a very low convection coefficient closely approximates an insulated boundary condition. Since a dimensionless solution is used in this research, the effect of various values of dimensionless convection coefficients, or Biot number values, are explored. An understandable concern with a general analytical solution is the effect of the choice of convection coefficients on the precision of the solution, since the primary motivation for using analytical solutions is the precision offered. An investigation is made in this study to determine the effects of the choices of large and small convection coefficients on the precision of the analytical solutions generated by the general convective formulation. Results are provided, in tabular and graphical form, to illustrate the effects of the choices of convection coefficients on the precision of the general analytical solution.