bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Machine learning-based models for predicting permeability impairment due to scale deposition
Authors: Ahmadi Mohammadali , Chen Zhangxin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWater injection is one of the robust techniques to maintain the reservoir pressure and produce trapped oil from oil reservoirs and improve an oil recovery factor. However, incompatibility between injected water and reservoir water causes an unflavored issue named “scale deposition.” Owing to the deposited scales, effective permeability of a reservoir reduced, and pore throats might be plugged. To determine formation damage owing to scale deposition during a water injection process, two well-known machine learning methods, least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) and artificial neural network (ANN), are employed in the present paper. To improve the performance of the LSSVM method, a metaheuristic optimization algorithm, genetic algorithm (GA), is used. The constructed LSSVM model is examined using real formation damage data samples experimentally measured, which was reported in the literature. According to the obtained outputs of the above models, LSSVM has a high performance based on the correlation coefficient, and infinitesimal uncertainty based on a relative error between the model predictions and the corresponding actual data samples was less than 15%. Outcomes from this study indicate the useful application of the LSSVM approach in the prediction of permeability reduction due to scale deposition, and it can lead to a better and more reliable understanding of formation damage effects through water flooding without expensive laboratory measurements.
Winter severity and anthropogenic factors affect spatial behaviour of red deer in the Carpathians
Authors: Bojarska Katarzyna , Kurek Katarzyna , Śnieżko Stanisław , Wierzbowska Izabela , Król Wiesław , Zyśk-Gorczyńska Ewa , Baś Grzegorz , Widera Elżbieta , Okarma Henryk 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSpatial ecology of red deer Cervus elaphus is shaped by both natural and anthropogenic factors. We used radio telemetry to investigate factors affecting habitat selection on two spatial scales, home range sizes and migratory behaviour of red deer (N = 8 individuals) in two mountain ranges of the western Carpathians in 2004–2007. The two study areas differed in terms of environmental conditions: Beskid Sądecki had higher altitudes, higher human population and road density and milder winters than Beskid Niski. Red deer in both areas selected forests and avoided agricultural habitats on both spatial scales. Elevation affected site selection only in Beskid Sądecki: deer selected higher altitudes for their home ranges, but lower altitudes within them. Deer avoided major roads when selecting their home ranges in both sites, but only in Beskid Sądecki, they also avoided roads within their home ranges. Deer in both study sites selected locations closer to supplementary feeding sites in winter. In years with more severe winters, deer in Beskid Niski displayed seasonal migration to south-facing slopes. Deer in Beskid Sadecki showed short-distance altitudinal movements from low elevations in winter to high elevations in summer, and a short-term descent to low elevations in August–September. Our results fit the general concept that climatic conditions and human-related factors shape spatial behaviour in ungulates, and that snow conditions are particularly important for migration. Climate change will likely contribute to diminishing migration in red deer in the Carpathians.
A consistently oriented basis for eigenanalysis
Authors: Damask Jay 
Published: July 2020

AbstractRepeated application of eigen-centric methods to an evolving dataset reveals that eigenvectors calculated by well-established computer implementations are not stable along an evolving sequence. This is because the sign of any one eigenvector may point along either the positive or negative direction of its associated eigenaxis, and for any one eigenfunction call, the sign does not matter when calculating a solution. This work reports a model-free algorithm that creates a consistently oriented basis of eigenvectors. The algorithm postprocesses any well-established eigen call and is therefore agnostic to the particular implementation of the latter. Once consistently oriented, directional statistics can be applied to the eigenvectors in order to track their motion and summarize their dispersion. When a consistently oriented eigensystem is applied to methods of machine learning, the time series of training weights becomes interpretable in the context of the machine-learning model. Ordinary linear regression is used to demonstrate such interpretability. A reference implementation of the algorithm reported herein has been written in Python and is freely available, both as source code and through the Python package.
High Salt Intake Impairs Erectile Function in Salt-Sensitive Rats Through Mineralocorticoid Receptor Pathway Beyond Its Effect on Blood Pressure
Authors: Kishimoto Tomoteru , Kataoka Tomoya , Yamamoto Yuka , Asano Gakuto , Fukamoto Ayako , Hotta Yuji , Maeda Yasuhiro , Takahashi Masayuki , Kanayama Hiro-omi , Kimura Kazunori 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background
High salt intake is a risk factor for hypertension, which can potentially lead to erectile dysfunction (ED); however, the underlying pathological mechanisms remain unclear.

Aim
To investigate whether erectile function is directly impaired by high salt intake and whether selective inhibition of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) could provide protection from ED.

Methods
6-week-old male Dahl salt-sensitive rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: normal diet (0.3% NaCl; control, n = 8), high-salt diet (8% NaCl; HS, n = 8), and high-salt diet plus eplerenone (HS + EPL, n = 11). HS + EPL rats were orally administered daily doses of EPL (75 mg/kg) for 6 weeks; control and HS rats received purified water on the same schedule.

Outcomes
At the end of the study period, erectile function was evaluated by measuring intracavernosal pressure and mean arterial pressure after cavernous nerve stimulation. Serum levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine and L-arginine were determined using ultraperformance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Quantitative PCR was used to assess the expression of MR, inflammation, and oxidative stress markers (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase-1/4, p22phox, interleukin-6, and superoxide dismutase-1), and protein arginine N-methyltransferase-1.

Results
The intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure ratio was significantly lower, whereas systolic blood pressure, MR expression, serum asymmetric dimethylarginine levels, oxidative stress, and levels of inflammatory biomarkers were significantly higher in HS rats than in control rats (P &lt; .05). EPL administration significantly improved each of these parameters except systolic blood pressure and MR expression. No significant intergroup differences were observed for L-arginine and superoxide dismutase-1 levels.

Clinical Translation
Our results provide a rationale for the need of salt restriction and the use of selective MR inhibitors in prophylaxis or treatment of ED in men consuming a high-salt diet.

Strengths & Limitations
We are the first to report that the adverse impact of high salt intake on erectile function is mediated via MR activation, independent of its effect on blood pressure. A major limitation of this study is that responses of salt-resistant rats were not studied.

Conclusions
High salt intake directly impaired erectile function in Dahl salt-sensitive rats, whereas selective MR inhibition ameliorated this effect.
Inequitable Experiences Between Black and White Women Discussing Sexual Health with Healthcare Providers: Findings from a U.S. Probability Sample
Authors: Townes Ashley , Rosenberg Molly , Guerra-Reyes Lucia , Murray Maresa , Herbenick Debby 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background
In the United States, efforts to achieve health equity and reduce sexual health disparities remain a national priority; however, limited research has focused on understanding racial differences in patient/provider discussions about sexual health.

Aim
To quantify racial differences between black and white women (aged 18–49 years) in the United States discussing sexual health with a healthcare provider in the past year.

Methods
Data were analyzed from a subset of 1,654 women aged 18–49 years who participated in the 2018 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior. Measures of interest included visiting a healthcare provider and discussing sexual health with the provider in the past year. Log binomial models were developed to estimate risk ratios for the likelihood of sexual health topics encountered by black women; models were adjusted for age, marital status, education level, and annual income.

Main Outcome
Black women were significantly more likely to report having a healthcare visit in the past year compared to white women and were more likely to have discussed their sexual health activities.

Results
The adjusted risk ratio (ARR) for black women who reported discussing sex or sexual health with a healthcare provider was 1.16 (95% CI: 1.06–1.26). The ARR for black women who were asked if they were sexually active was 1.16 (95% CI: 1.06–1.26) and about their condom use was 1.49 (95% CI: 1.27–1.74). Black women were nearly 2 times more likely to be offered sexually transmitted disease testing (ARR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.46–2.02) and to report that they were provided condoms for future use (ARR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.12–3.36).

Clinical Translation
Healthcare providers are encouraged to have routine sexual health discussions with all patients; however, we found that there are differences among black and white women in discussing their sexual health activities.

Strengths & Limitations
The present study utilized a nationally representative probability survey, including an oversample of black women. The study focused on sexual health discussions of black and white women with a healthcare provider, and therefore, women who did not have a healthcare visit in the past year were excluded from the analysis.

Conclusion
Black women reported having conversations about their sexual activities (eg, condom use) and were offered sexually transmitted disease testing more often than white women. These data provide insights that will impact patient/provider communication and aid in improving the delivery of sexual healthcare for all women.
Male and Female Sexual Dysfunction in Pediatric Cancer Survivors
Authors: Greenberg Daniel R. , Khandwala Yash S. , Bhambhvani Hriday P. , Simon Pamela J. , Eisenberg Michael L. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background
Pediatric cancer survivors suffer indirect long-term effects of their disease; however, there is a paucity of data regarding the effect of pediatric cancer survivorship on sexual function.

Aim
To assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with sexual dysfunction among pediatric cancer survivors.

Methods
Pediatric cancer survivors were recruited to complete an online survey using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) or the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), both validated questionnaires to assess female sexual dysfunction (FSD) and erectile dysfunction (ED). Patient demographics, oncologic history, prior treatment, and sexual habits were also queried. Logistic regression was used to evaluate risk factors for sexual dysfunction, and Mann-Whitney U test was used to identify factors associated with individual domains of the FSFI.

Outcomes
The main outcome measures were FSFI and IIEF-5 score, which are used to diagnose FSD (FSFI&lt;26.55) and ED (IIEF-5&lt;22).

Results
A total of 21 (72.4%) female respondents and 20 (71.4%) male respondents were sexually active and completed the survey and FSFI or IIEF-5 questionnaire, respectively. Mean (±SD) age was 23.7 (4.1) years, and average age at diagnosis was 9.1 (5.0), with no difference between genders. Overall, 25.0% (5/20) of male and 52.4% (11/21) of female pediatric cancer survivors reported sexual dysfunction (P = .11). Oncologic history and prior treatment were not associated with sexual function. Females who reported difficulty relaxing during intercourse in the last 6 months had higher odds of reporting sexual dysfunction (odds ratio: 13.6, 95% confidence interval: 1.2–151.2, P = .03). Subgroup analysis of FSFI domains found that previous radiation therapy was correlated with decreased lubrication and satisfaction during intercourse, whereas previous treatment to the pelvic region significantly reduced satisfaction and increased pain during intercourse.

Clinical Implications
Female pediatric cancer survivors have higher odds of reporting sexual dysfunction after treatment and should be screened appropriately to provide early intervention and to mitigate risk.

Strength & Limitations
Our study includes validated questionnaires to assess FSD and ED and queries specific characteristics to assess their association with sexual dysfunction. However, the study is limited by sample size and its cross-sectional survey design.

Conclusions
The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction in this cohort is higher than that in the general population of equivalent-aged individuals, and clinicians should be aware of these potential long-term sequelae.
Can Private Forecasters Beat the USDA? Analysis of Relative Accuracy of Crop Acreage and Production Forecasts
Authors: Isengildina-Massa Olga , Karali Berna , Irwin Scott H. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis study examines the accuracy of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) crop Acreage and Production forecasts for corn, soybeans, and winter wheat relative to their private counterparts over 1970–2019. Our main findings suggest that USDA forecasts often had significantly smaller errors than their private counterparts. The accuracy of both USDA and private forecasts has improved over time, but the accuracy of USDA forecasts has improved more than that of private forecasts, maintaining the USDA’s relative accuracy advantage. The accuracy advantage of Prospective Plantings and Acreage reports highlights the importance of survey-based approaches used for these forecasts.
The Intermingling of State and Private Companies: Analysing Censorship of the 19th National Communist Party Congress on WeChat
Authors: Ruan Lotus , Crete-Nishihata Masashi , Knockel Jeffrey , Xiong Ruohan , Dalek Jakub 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis paper examines the relationship between political events and information control on WeChat through a longitudinal analysis of keyword censorship related to China's 19th National Communist Party Congress (NCPC19). We use a novel method to track censorship on WeChat before, during and after the NCPC19 to probe the following questions. Does censorship change after an event is over? What roles do the government and private companies play in information control in China? Our findings show that the system of information control in China can trigger blunt reactions to political events. In addition to critical content around the Congress and leaders, WeChat also censored neutral and potentially positive references to government policies and ideological concepts. The decision making behind this censorship is a product of the interaction between the government, which influences actions through directives, and the companies, which ultimately implement controls on their platforms. While this system is effective in compelling companies to implement censorship, the intermingling of the state and private companies can lead to outcomes that may not align with government strategies. We call for a deeper understanding of the role of private companies in censorship and a more nuanced assessment of the government's capacity to control social media.
Premalignant Changes Identified by Enzyme-Histochemistry with Methacrylate Sections
Authors: Pretlow Theresa P , Pretlow Thomas G 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The development of cancer is characterized by a long latency between the initial exposure to a carcinogenic substance and the final appearance of a macroscopic tumor. Histochemistry has provided the means to identify specific cells involved in this process and many of the changes that take place during the transformation of normal cells to malignant ones. Putative premalignant lesions have been studied extensively in liver carcinogenesis. Histological sections of grossly normal appearing liver a few weeks after treating animals with carcinogen contain discrete areas or “islands” of aberrant enzyme activity that can be detected with enzyme histochemistry and are commonly called “enzyme-altered foci.” These foci display altered activity of one or more enzymes; one of the most common is increased γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activity. Since the activities of most enzymes are destroyed by the heat and solvents used for paraffin-embedding, most of this work was done with frozen sections that are often 10 μm in thickness
Immunogold Labelling of Large Cell Lymphoma with Monoclonal TIA-1 Antibody
Authors: Bailey GW , Dimlich RVW , Alexander KB , McCarthy JJ , Pretlow TP , Minda J M , Felgar RE , Salhany KE , Pietra GG 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Large cell (T - cell) lymphoma is a malignant neoplasm derived from activated lymphoid cells, involving lymph nodes, spleen, subcutaneous lesions. Ultrastructural examination facilitates the determination of this particular type of lymphoma, specifically by the presence of lytic granules in the cytoplasm containing proteins involved in the target cell destruction. One of these, expressed specifically is TIA-1, a cytotoxic granule-associated protein with RNA binding domains initially identified using a monoclonal antibody reactive with a 15KD protein present in the granules of cytotoxic lymphocytes.
Tissue from seven cases of large cell lymphoma from the archives of our department were fixed for electron microscopy studies with a mixture of4% paraformaldehyde and 1% glutaraldehyde in 0.1M sodium cacodylate buffer and embedded either in Poly/Bed 812 with osmium tetroxide postfixation, or in LR White without osmication. For immunogold labelling, ultrathin sections placed on Nickel grids were incubated with a murine monoclonal TIA-1 antibody (1:50) (Coulter Co) overnight at 4°C.
C-Ret Proto-Oncogene Expression in Human Prostate: An Immunohistochemical Evaluation
Authors: Bailey GW , Dimlich RVW , Alexander KB , McCarthy JJ , Pretlow TP , Dawson DM , Lawrence E G , MacLennan G , Pretlow TG 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
C-ret proto-oncogene encodes a protein in the tyrosine kinase (TK) family of transmembrane receptors for growth factors. C-ret expression has been identified in normal tissues and tumors of neural crest origin such as inherited MEN (multiple endocrine neoplasia) syndromes, particularly medullary thyroid cancers where there are confirmed germ-line mutations. Gene rearrangement has been observed in papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) and has been shown to have cytoplasmic localization of the altered gene product. C-ret proto-oncogene product is also necessary for the normal development of the peripheral nervous system, enteric nervous system and the kidney. A recent profile of the TK receptors in prostate cancer (PCA) identified c-ret protein in prostate cancer tissue and xenograft derived from human PCA. This study is the first to report the immunohistochemical (IH) evaluation of c-ret in human prostatic tissue.
Thirty radical prostatectomy specimens for PCA were formalin-fixed, sectioned at 5mm and paraffin-embedded.
Vitamin C and K3-Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Prostate Tumor Cells: Mitochondrial Ultrastructural Alterations.
Authors: Bailey GW , Dimlich RVW , Alexander KB , McCarthy JJ , Pretlow TP , Jamison JM , Gilloteaux J , Koch J A , Nicastro E , Docherty JJ , Jasso J , Summers JL 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Vitamins C (VC) and K3 (VK3) and a VC: VK3 combination with a VC: VK3 ratio of 100:1 were assayed for their antitumor activity against a DU 145 human prostate cancer cell line. Co-administration of the vitamins enhanced the antitumor activity 20-25 fold even with a lh exposure time. While exogenous catalase destroyed the antitumor activity, hydrogen peroxide-induced lipid peroxidation was negligible. The results of additional assays revealed: a transient increase in ATP production, a decrease in DNA synthesis, and increase in protein synthesis and a decrease in thiol levels. Subsequently the DU145 cells were treated with each vitamin alone or with the vitamin combination at their 50% cytotoxic doses and then examined using transmission electron microscopy. Treatment of DU145 cells with the vitamin combination exacerbated the cytotoxic effects induced by individual vitamin treatment.
Untreated DU145 cells show numerous mitochondria whose pale matrices are in sharp contrast to the cytoplasmic background (Fig. 1).
Earliest Steps in Primary Tumor Formation and Micrometastasis Resolved with Histochemical Marker Gene-Tagged Tumor Cells
Authors: Culp L A , Lin W-c , Kleinman N , O'Connor K , Lechner R 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
To facilitate detection of tumor cells at the highest resolution in an athymic nude mouse model system, Balb/c 3T3 cells transformed with the Harvey ras oncogene were transfected with the histochemical marker gene, bacterial lacZ (LZEJ cells). Alternatively, 3T3 cells transformed with the human sis oncogene were transfected with human placental alkaline phosphatase marker gene (APSI cells). Within minutes of subcutaneous injection, these tumor cells could be detected histochemically and the fate of cells followed with time. APSI or LZEJ cells gave very different single-cell morphologies at this site but yielded similar aggregation patterns of cells. Clearance of some cells could readily be detected by diffusion of histochemical product as “curly-haired” organizations of cells condensed into ovoid collections. Expansion of the population occurred with division of many cells in the population, not just one or a few cells. Cell number was quantitated by the development of ultrasensitive luminometry assays for the two histochemical marker enzymes; different kinetics were observed for establishment of LZEJ or APSI cells.
Molecular Mechanisms of Tumor Cell Survival, Growth, and Apoptosis During Organ-Specific Metastasis
Authors: Radinsky R , Bucana C D , Cho C H 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Metastasis is a highly selective nonrandom process favoring the survival of minor subpopulations of metatastatic cells that preexist within the primary tumor. The cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate the metastasis of tumor cells to specific organs are diverse and both tumor and organ-specific (1). Many examples exist in which malignant tumors metastasize to specific organs. As Paget proposed in 1889 (2), and as our recent biological and molecular evidence demonstrates, the organ microenvironment influences the invasion, survival, growth, and apoptosis of particular tumor cells. This hypothesis explains metastatic colonization patterns that cannot be due to solely mechanical lodgement/anatomical considerations (1). Successful metastasis therefore involves the interaction of tumor cells with a compatible milieu provided by a particular organ environment.
Recent experimental evidence suggests that paracrine stimulation of tumor cells by organ-derived growth factors and cytokines is one mechanism which determines the target organ preference of disseminated cancer cells.