bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combining polyp diameter and polyp‐to‐bile ratio by dynamic contrast‐enhanced CT scanning can improve the diagnostic specificity of gallbladder neoplastic polyps
Authors: Li Qiwei , Xu Sunwang , Yuan Zhiqing , Zhang Yunhe , Lu Qing , Qian Lijun , Xu Jianrong , Song Yanyan , Zhao Ling , Chen Tao 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to distinguish between cholesterol and neoplastic gallbladder polyps using dynamic contrast‐enhanced CT.MethodsThe dataset retrospectively comprised 222 cases, including 106 cases of cholesterol polyps and 116 cases of neoplastic polyps (59 adenoma and 57 adenocarcinoma). The perception and Hounsfield units of the polyps and gallbladder bile were assessed by contrast‐enhanced CT, and the polyp‐to‐bile ratio (PBR) was calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve analyses were used to assess the diagnostic value of the diameter and PBR for neoplastic polyps.ResultsThe diameter of cholesterol polyps was significantly smaller than that of neoplastic polyps. The proportion of perceived cholesterol polyps in the plain and arterial phases of CT were significantly lower than those of neoplastic polyps (p < .001). On the contrary, the CT values of gallbladder bile of cholesterol polyps were always significantly higher than those of neoplastic polyps (p < .001). The median PBR values of cholesterol polyps were significantly lower than those of neoplastic polyps (p ≤ .001). ROC analysis showed that diameter and a plain phase PRB had better diagnostic value for neoplastic polyps. Polyp diameter ≥ 11.95 mm and the plain phase PBR ≥1.48 were the optimal cut‐off values for diagnosis of neoplastic polyps. Combining a diameter ≥ 12 mm and a PBR in the plain phase ≥1.48 further improved neoplastic polyp diagnostic specificity and positive likelihood ratio (10.453).ConclusionsPolyp‐to‐bile ratio in contrast‐enhanced CT scanning is a new and convenient index for identifying cholesterol and neoplastic gallbladder polyps.
Leadership in developing countries: The untold story of seth leadership
Authors: Zaidi Syed Yasir Abbas , Jamshed Samia 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIn the South Asian context, characteristics of corporate culture relate to owners (seths). A scarcity of accountability instruments, transparency measures, and meritocracy is witnessed in the Pakistani corporate sector. Pakistan's textile industry is struggling to meet global standards of social and regulatory compliance majorly because of seth leadership. “Seth leadership”, a concept idiosyncratic to Pakistani organizations as a “socially constructed phenomenon” has been underrepresented in the academic literature. Particularly, little is known about the characteristics of seth leadership. Correspondingly, this study aims to explore the characteristics of seth‐leadership through the insider views and nuanced perspectives of social actors (i.e., employees) in seth‐culture textile organizations of Pakistan. Rooted in the social‐constructionism worldview and qualitative methodology 50 exploratory in‐depth interviews with senior managers and young professionals were conducted. The study explored 12 dominant characteristics of seth‐leadership, namely, informational politics, unwritten leadership, Informality, paternalism, favoritism, prioritizing seniority, resistance to change, control over information, quasi delegation of authorities, micromanagement, inefficient bureaucracy, and blame gaming. Results imply that the prevailing seth‐leadership requires special attention from state regulators, moreover legal and democratic norms must be introduced for employees associated with seth‐culture organizations. This study extends the extant literature merely discovering two attributes, and hence strives to contribute to the limited understanding of seth‐leadership characteristics in the leadership literature. Directions for future research and theoretical development are suggested.
Sharp estimates for conditionally centered moments and for compact operators on Lp$L^p$ spaces
Authors: Shargorodsky Eugene , Sharia Teo 
Published: December 2022

AbstractLet be a probability space, ξ be a random variable on , be a sub‐σ‐algebra of , and let be the corresponding conditional expectation operator. We obtain sharp estimates for the moments of in terms of the moments of ξ. This allows us to find the optimal constant in the bounded compact approximation property of , .
Intervention Effect of Probiotics on the Early Onset of Puberty Induced by Daidzein in Female Mice
Authors: Yuan Xin , Shangguan Huakun , Zhang Ying , Lin Xiangquan , Chen Ruimin 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundThe relationship between soy isoflavones (SI)‐induced gut dysbiosis and puberty onset has not been explored, and the protective effect of probiotic is still controversial. This study investigates the action of daidzein (the main components of SI) and probiotic on the age of puberty onset in female mice.Methods and resultsChanges in the gut microbiota and production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) metabolism are highlighted to analyze a possible causative relationship to puberty onset in female c57/bl mice. The results demonstrate that daidzein promotes earlier onset of puberty, and can significantly alter the composition of the fecal bacterial community. Furthermore, daidzein alters the gut microbiota such that levels of butyrate, isovalerate, and hexanoate are reduced. Moreover, a probiotic treatment normalizes the timing of puberty onset, likely due to alteration in the gut microbiota to enhance SCFAs production.ConclusionThese findings provide evidence that 95% daidzein has the potential to advance the timing of puberty onset in female mice, and the gut microbiome can be a therapeutic target to regulate the timing of puberty onset.
Early embryonic lethality of mice lacking POLD2
Authors: Wu Xiaoqing , Liu Yong , Wang Wenying , Crimmings Kate , Williams Andrea , Mager Jesse , Cui Wei 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAs a highly conserved DNA polymerase (Pol), Pol δ plays crucial roles in chromosomal DNA synthesis and various DNA repair pathways. However, the function of POLD2, the second small subunit of DNA Pol δ (p50 subunit), has not been characterized in vivo during mammalian development. Here, we report for the first time, the essential role of subunit POLD2 during early murine embryogenesis. Although Pold2 mutant mouse embryos exhibit normal morphology at E3.5 blastocyst stage, they cannot be recovered at gastrulation stages. Outgrowth assays reveal that mutant blastocysts cannot hatch from the zona pellucida, indicating impaired blastocyst function. Notably, these phenotypes can be recapitulated by small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐mediated knockdown, which also exhibit slowed cellular proliferation together with skewed primitive endoderm and epiblast allocation during the second cell lineage specification. In summary, our study demonstrates that POLD2 is essential for the earliest steps of mammalian development, and the retarded proliferation and embryogenesis may also alter the following cell lineage specifications in the mouse blastocyst embryos.
An economic and robust TMT labeling approach for high throughput proteomic and metaproteomic analysis
Authors: Creskey Marybeth , Li Leyuan , Ning Zhibin , Fekete Emily EF , Mayne Janice , Walker Krystal , Ampaw Anna , Ben Robert , Zhang Xu , Figeys Daniel 
Published: December 2022

AbstractMultiplexed quantitative proteomics using tandem mass tag (TMT) is increasingly used in –omic study of complex samples. While TMT‐based proteomics has the advantages of the higher quantitative accuracy, fewer missing values, and reduced instrument analysis time, it is limited by the additional reagent cost. In addition, current TMT labeling workflows involve repeated small volume pipetting of reagents in volatile solvents, which may increase the sample‐to‐sample variations and is not readily suitable for high throughput applications. In this study, we demonstrated that the TMT labeling procedures could be streamlined by using pre‐aliquoted dry TMT reagents in a 96 well plate or 12‐tube strip. As little as 50 μg dry TMT per channel was used to label 6–12 μg peptides, yielding high TMT labeling efficiency (∼99%) in both microbiome and mammalian cell line samples. We applied this workflow to analyze 97 samples in a study to evaluate whether ice recrystallization inhibitors improve the cultivability and activity of frozen microbiota. The results demonstrated tight sample clustering corresponding to groups and consistent microbiome responses to prebiotic treatments. This study supports the use of TMT reagents that are pre‐aliquoted, dried, and stored for robust quantitative proteomics and metaproteomics in high throughput applications.
Regulating Morphological Features of Nickel Single‐Atom Catalysts for Selective and Enhanced Electroreduction of CO2
Authors: Li Lei , Jiang Zhan , Li Yanyan , Li Fayan , Pan Yingying , Zhang Xinyu , Liang Yongye , Zheng Zhiping 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSingle‐atom catalysts (SACs) are of interest for chemical transformations of significant energy and environmental relevance because of the envisioned efficient use of active sites and the flexibility in tuning their coordination environment. Future advancement in this vein hinges upon the ability to further increase the number and accessibility of active sites in addition to fine‐tuning their chemical environment. In this work, a Ni SAC is reported with a unique hierarchical hollow structure (Ni/HH) that allows increased accessibility of the active sites. The successful obtainment of such a uniquely structured catalyst was enabled by the judiciously chosen solvent mixtures for the preparation of the precursor whose hierarchical feature is maintained during the subsequent pyrolysis and etching of the pyrolysis product. Comparative catalytic and mechanistic studies with reference to three closely related but more compact Ni SACs established the superior performance of Ni/HH for selective electroreduction of CO2 to CO. Experimental analyses by in situ attenuated total reflection surface‐enhanced infrared spectroscopy reveal that it is the facilitated formation of the *COOH intermediate in the rate‐determining step that leads to the enhanced reaction kinetics and the overall catalytic performance.
Toward a theory of multifunctional liberalism: Systems‐theoretical reflections on the nature of statehood
Authors: Roth Steffen , Valentinov Vladislav 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAs neoliberalism is sinking into disrepute, states are responding to current crises by inroads on basic rights. This constellation adds urgency to the timeworn subject of statehood and its relationship to law and liberty. The paper addresses this subject by enhancing the neoliberal concept of an encased economy with James Coleman's concept of law as indicator of social change and Niklas Luhmann's functional differentiation. The resulting multifunctional liberalism associates liberties and rights with the autonomy of function systems—such as politics, economy or law—and envisions an ecosystem of multifunctional organizations able to navigate the full spectrum of functional differentiation.
Biodegradable Poly (Butylene Adipate‐Co‐Terephthalate) and Thermoplastic Starch Sustainable Blends Modified by Epoxy‐Terminated Hyperbranched Polyester with Excellent Mechanical Properties and High Transparency
Authors: Guo Maolin , Jin Yujuan , Han Xiaolong , Sun Jianjian , Yuan Jinglan , Tian Huafeng 
Published: December 2022

AbstractA kind of fully biodegradable poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT)/thermoplastic starch (TPS) blend is prepared by melt processing with epoxy‐terminated hyperbranched polymer (EHBP) as a modifier. The effect of EHBP on the performance of PBAT/TPS blends is investigated. The terminal epoxy group of EHBP can react with the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups of PBAT and TPS, which increases the compatibility of PBAT and TPS. Meanwhile, the formation of hydrogen bonds and chain entanglement increases the adhesion between PBAT and TPS, which improves the mechanical properties of the blends. When the content of EHBP is 3 phr, the elongation at break of TPS/PBAT/EHBP blends increases by 28.99% (from 260.32% to 335.79%) and the impact strength increases by 215.78% (from 9.38 to 29.62 kJ m−2). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that the compatibility of PBAT/TPS/EHBP blends gradually improves with the addition of EHBP. UV results show that the transparency of PBAT/TPS blends is greatly improved by the addition of EHBP, which also indicates the compatibility of PBAT and TPS is improved by the addition of EHBP. It provides an effective way to prepare PBAT blends with excellent properties through, an environmentally friendly and low‐cost processing method.
Coloured Petri nets for abstract test generation in software engineering
Authors: Sobrinho Álvaro , Almeida Ially , da Silva Leandro Dias , Chaves e Silva Lenardo , Araújo Adriano , Costa Tássio Fernandes , Perkusich Angelo 
Published: December 2022

SummaryModel‐based testing (MBT) relies on models of the system's behaviour to generate abstract tests. Testers can reuse formal models using MBT to increase confidence in critical systems (e.g., medical and avionic systems). In this article, we investigate the current abstract test generation approaches for CPN to provide insights for testers who need to select a suitable one when applying the MBT using CPN. We conduct a systematic literature review to investigate the existing abstract test generation approaches designed for CPN. Subsequently, focusing on specific implementations and advantages/disadvantages, we experiment with formal models of medical systems during our empirical analysis to improve the discussion on existing abstract test generation approaches for CPN. Our study shows that CPN provides reliable tests quickly, depending on the abstract test generation approach applied.
Impact of dietary supplementation of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids on bone strength, fatty acids profile of thigh muscle and immune responses in broiler chickens under heat stress
Authors: Vakili Reza , Ebrahimnezhad Yahya 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundThere have been some reports that supplementation of fat could alleviate the negative effects of heat stress on performance in broilers. However, information regarding compensation for the adverse effects of heat stress with diets differing in fatty acids source on immune system, bone strength and carcass quality of heat‐distressed broilers is limited.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate the effects of diets differing in fat source on performance, immune system, bone strength, and carcass quality of heat‐distressed broilers.MethodsIn a completely randomized design with 4 × 2 factorial arrangement of the treatments, 320 24‐day‐old Ross 308 chickens, with average initial weight of 1220 ± 10 g were divided into eight treatments included sesame oil, tallow, sunflower oil and palm oil in either 22 or 32 degree of centigrade temperature. The broiler performance of each fat source‐treated group was not different in this experiment and decreased significantly in heat stress condition.ResultsHeat stress showed a significant increase on fat, energy and ash content of thigh muscle. Tibia absolute length, width, ash and bone breaking strength were affected by fat source and increased when sesame and sunflower oil were used. Data analysis revealed that hot temperature decreased tibia weight, length, width, ash and bone breaking strength. Heat stress led to decrease of immune system parameters.ConclusionResults suggest that there is no beneficial effect of broiler performance due to adding different sources of fat in broiler chicken diet under hot condition. Furthermore, the unsaturated fatty acids could improve the profile of fatty acids in thigh and enhance immune responses in broiler chickens.
The ecosystem implications of road salt as a pollutant of freshwaters
Authors: Dugan Hilary A. , Arnott Shelley E. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSalt pollution is a threat to freshwater ecosystems. Anthropogenic salt inputs increase lake and stream salinity, and consequently change aquatic ecosystem structure and function. Elevated salt concentrations impact species directly not only through osmoregulatory stress, but also through community‐level feedbacks that change the flow of energy and materials through food webs. Here, we discuss the implications of road salt pollution on freshwater rivers and lakes and how “one size fits all” ecotoxicity thresholds may not adequately protect aquatic organisms.This article is categorized under:
Science of Water > Water Quality
Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems
Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems
Forensic glass examinations—A review focused on elemental spectrochemical analysis
Authors: Trejos Tatiana 
Published: December 2022

AbstractGlass is a trace material commonly found at crime scenes that can provide valuable information at early investigative stages and during a trial. The forensic analysis of glass has steadily evolved since the 1970s with numerous technological advances in spectroscopy and spectrometry. This article presents an advanced review of the recent literature concerning the forensic examination of glass evidence and discusses the current state and future opportunities of the discipline. The review focuses on established elemental spectrochemical techniques, including Inductively Coupled Plasma methods (ICP), laser‐ablation, and x‐ray Fluorescence (XRF) methods, and newer applications using Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), Raman Spectroscopy, and accelerator and reactor nuclear techniques. A brief overview of the transfer, persistence, interpretation, and analytical schemes implemented in the field is revised to provide context to the discussion of the capabilities and limitations of the current and emerging technology.This article is categorized under:
Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Trace Evidence
Exploration of radiative heat energy on KKL model micropolar nanofluid past a permeable moving surface
Authors: Baag Sushama , Mishra Satyaranjan , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Jamshed Wasim 
Published: December 2022

AbstractNanofluid comprises nanoparticles that have varied applications in several industries as well as science and engineering due to their heavier thermal conductivity in comparison to conventional fluids. In such applications the role of transportation is vital. However, biomedical applications such as the flow of blood in the human body, peristaltic pumping, processes, etc. the use of nanofluid are important. Therefore, the present investigation aims at the enhancement of thermophysical properties on the radiative micropolar nanofluid flow past a permeable moving surface. These physical properties are studied incorporating the concept of Koo–Kleinsteuer–Li (KKL) model. The crux of the study is the approximate analytical technique, that is, the Homotopy Perturbation Method (HPM). The illustration of the contributing parameters on the flow phenomena is obtained via graphical as well as tabular form. A comparative study is carried out for the good agreement of the present result with an earlier established result in a particular case. Some important findings of this work are a retardation in the linear velocity profile is observed due to increase in the volume fraction of the particle. Suction slows down the linear velocity profile whereas the impact is counter productive in case of injection. A hike in the angular velocity profile is seen in case of greater suction whereas the opposite effect is observed for injection. An increase in the thermal radiation boosts up the fluid temperature and as a result of this an increase in thermal layer thickness is observed.
Fluid flow past a rotating sphere in the presence of a toroidal magnetic field
Authors: Sharma Bharti , Srivastava Neetu 
Published: December 2022

AbstractA study on the conducting viscous fluid flow past a rotating sphere in the presence of a toroidal magnetic field is being studied. Exploration has been carried out by many researchers on the flow past a sphere. The governing equations related to the model are solved by a method of asymptotic expansion approach using boundary conditions. Several expressions for various approximations of fluid velocity and stream function have been obtained along with the separation parameters. The results for the first approximation were with the full agreement with the existing literature. The second approximation for the fluid properties has seen the impact of the magnetic parameter. The graph has been plotted for the obtained expressions. It has been observed that with the increase of magnetic Taylor number, there is an increase in the tangential velocity of fluid flow.
Impact of Betamethasone Pretreatment on Engrafment of Cord Blood-Derived Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Perna-Barrull David , Gomez-Muñoz Laia , Rodriguez-Fernandez Silvia , Gieras Anna , Ampudia-Carrasco Rosa M. , Almenara-Fuentes Lidia , Risueño Ruth M. , Querol Sergi , Tolosa Eva , Vives-Pi Marta 
Published: December 2022

AbstractHematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation is crucial to cure hematologic malignancies. Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a source of stem cells, but 90% of UCB units are discarded due to low cellularity. Improving the engraftment capacities of CD34+ stem cells would allow the use of UCB that were so far rejected. Betamethasone induces long-term transcriptomic and epigenomic changes in immune cells through glucocorticoid receptor. We hypothesize that discarded UCB could be used owing to improvements induced by betamethasone. Isolated CD34+ HSC from UCB were exposed to the synthetic glucocorticoids betamethasone and fluticasone for 20 h, and cell phenotype was determined before transplantation. NSG mice were sub-lethally irradiated (1 Gy or 2 Gy) 6 h before intravenously transferring 2–5 × 105 CD34+ HSC. The peripheral blood engraftment levels and the leukocyte subsets were followed up for 20 weeks using flow cytometry. At end point, the engraftment and leukocyte subsets were determined in the spleen and bone marrow. We demonstrated that betamethasone has surprising effects in recovering immune system homeostasis. Betamethasone and fluticasone increase CXCR4 and decrease HLA class II and CD54 expression in CD34+ HSCs. Both glucocorticoids-exposed cells showed a similar engraftment in 2 Gy-irradiated NSG mice. Interestingly, betamethasone-exposed cells showed enhanced engraftment in 1 Gy-irradiated NSG mice, with a trend to increase regulatory T cell percentage when compared to control. Betamethasone induces alterations in CD34+ HSCs and improve the engraftment, leading to a faster immune system recovery, which will contribute to engrafted cells survival.
Osteoarthritis of the hip: is radiography still needed?
Authors: Mourad Charbel , Vande Berg Bruno 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Diagnosis of hip osteoarthritis (OA) is based on clinical arguments, and medical imaging is obtained to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other possible sources of pain. Conventional radiographs are recommended as the first line imaging modality to investigate chronic hip pain. They should be obtained in a rigorous technique that includes an antero-posterior (AP) radiograph of the pelvis. The choice of the appropriate lateral view depends on the clinical indication, Lequesne’s false profile being valuable in the assessment of OA. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is more sensitive to detect joint effusion/synovitis, cartilage, labral, and bone marrow lesions. However, structural joint changes are frequent in asymptomatic population and neither radiographs nor MRI have shown a good correlation with pain and functional impairment. MRI seems to be more suitable than radiographs as a biomarker for clinical trials addressing early OA. The absence of a validated MR biomarker of early OA, together with issues related to machine availability and MRI protocol repeatability, prevent the widespread use of MRI in clinical trials.