bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Association Between Vitamin D Deficiency and Diabetes in Adult African Americans and Whites: An NHANES Study
Authors: Hadgu Alula , Yan Fengxia , Mayberry Robert 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Objective
The primary objective of this cross-sectional study is to investigate the association between vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and diabetes and see if this association is the same for adult (age ≥ 20) African Americans (AAs) and Whites. The secondary objective is to examine the distribution of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D test among AAs and Whites and to evaluate the appropriateness of using the same cut-off point for both groups to diagnose VDD.

Methods
Our analysis is based on the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). We used two common propensity score adjustment methods to analyze the data—propensity score matching (PSM) and the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW).

Results
The prevalence of diabetes for AAs and Whites was 12.27% (95% CI, 10.47–14.07%) and 7.24% (95% CI, 6.35–8.13%), respectively. The prevalence of VDD for AAs and Whites was 65.29% (95% CI, 62.01–68.58%) and 19.49% (95% CI, 16.53–22.45%), respectively. Under PSM, the odds ratios for the diabetes-VDD association for AAs and Whites were 0.94 (95% CI, 0.70–1.27) and 2.16 (95% CI, 1.49–3.13), respectively. Under IPTW, the VDD-diabetes odds ratios for AAs and Whites were 0.83 (95% CI, 0.64–1.10) and 2.35 (95% CI, 1.67–3.30), respectively. Our results further demonstrate that the 25-hydroxyvitamin D measurements are significantly different for AAs and Whites across the general population, as well as the vitamin D–sufficient and vitamin D–deficient populations.

Conclusion
The prevalence of VDD and diabetes was higher for AAs compared to Whites. However, VDD was associated with increased diabetes risk for Whites but not for AAs. Though more research is needed to explain why this is the case, a reason for this may be that the 25-hydroxyvitamin D test or its associated cut-off point for defining VDD may not accurately reflect the vitamin D status among AAs.
Work Happiness of PhD Graduates Across Different Employment Sectors
Authors: Spronken-Smith Rachel , Brown Kim , Cameron Claire 
Published: September 2024

AbstractGiven a lack of knowledge about the work happiness of PhD graduates across a range of jobs, we explored which employment sectors graduates were entering, their work happiness and what factors influenced their happiness. We surveyed PhD graduates from two US and one New Zealand university. Analysis of 120 graduate responses revealed that nearly 60% were employed in higher education, mostly in precarious positions. Eighteen percent were employed in government and 18% in the private sector (for-profit), with the remainder in private sector (not-for-profit) and teaching. Approximately 82% were happy with their work, with no significant difference between those inside or outside academia. Qualitative analysis revealed the main factors influencing work happiness were having fulfilling work, a good and supportive work environment, work security, a match between the work, their skillset and career expectation, and a desirable location. The study identifies implications for doctoral training and employers of PhD graduates.
Effect of the addition of Ni and Cu on solidification microstructure evolution of Al-5Si-0.5Mg alloys
Authors: Vončina Maja , Balaško Tilen , Petrič Mitja , Medved Jožef , Modrijan Ožbej , Li Jiehua 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTo develop new high-performance hypoeutectic Al–Si–Mg alloys at elevated temperatures, it is often necessary to add alloying elements of Cu and Ni. The high-temperature strength of the most used Al–Si–Mg–Cu–Ni alloy depends on a load transfer from the α-Al matrix to the intermetallic compounds. However, there is still a lack of detailed investigation on the effects of the combined addition of Ni and Cu on the solidification microstructure evolution of Al–Si–Mg base alloys with a lower Si concentration. This investigation specifically addresses the effects of the addition of Cu or Cu and Ni on the solidification microstructure evolution of the Al–5Si–0.5Mg alloy. It was found that when Al–5Si–0.5Mg is alloyed with Cu or Cu and Ni, the solidus temperature decreases, while the freezing range of the Al–5Si–0.5Mg alloy increases. With the addition of Cu and even small amounts of Ni, the phases Al7Cu4Ni and Al5Cu2Mg8Si6 were predicted by TC simulations and also observed by SEM. With a higher Ni content, Al3Ni and Al3Ni2 also solidify. More importantly, the presence of Cu and Ni can partition into the α-AlSiFeMn phase and change the size and morphology of the α-AlSiFeMn phase. This investigation provides a helpful hint to the development of the high-performance Al–Si–Mg–Cu–Ni alloys with a simultaneous improvement of the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties.
A Surface Determination Technique for Dimensional and Geometrical Analysis in Industrial X-ray Computed Tomography
Authors: Pirillo Federico , Shao Huan , Petrò Stefano , Moroni Giovanni 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIndustrial X-ray computed tomography (XCT) is a nondestructive technique that can measure workpieces with non-accessible internal features or multimaterial components and assess the dimensional properties of assemblies in assembled states. Surface determination is one of its most crucial steps, which consists of determining boundary surfaces between a solid material and the surrounding air or between different solid materials. It allows for extracting surface points and assessing different features of the object from the data acquired through XCT scans. This task is particularly complex because of challenges associated with material properties, artefacts and noise. The main objective of this work is to assess not just the dimensional but also the geometric characteristics of industrial parts, which requires a more accurate definition of surface points. Therefore, we propose a new surface determination technique (SDT) in XCT to achieve subvoxel accuracy in determining surface points. We demonstrated the effectiveness and stability of our method by comparing it with other SDTs documented in the literature or with results from commercial software. The validation involved measuring various attributes, such as diameter, cylindricity and flatness, of a multi-stepped aluminium part calibrated by a coordinate measuring machine.
A narrative overview of undergraduate geriatric medicine education worldwide
Authors: Pearson Grace M. E. , Ben-Shlomo Yoav , Henderson Emily J. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThere is a mismatch between the healthcare needs of the ageing population worldwide and the amount of education medical students receive in geriatric medicine. In 2014, Mateos-Nozal et al. published a systematic review of all undergraduate education surveys in geriatric medicine—a decade on, it is timely for an up-to-date overview of the state of undergraduate geriatric medicine education globally. In this review, we outline the international evidence in the field, exploring the results of national and multi-national teaching surveys, and discussing the relative strengths and weaknesses of nationally recommended curricula. We set these findings in the context of ageing population demographics, concluding with recommendations for the future of education and educational research in geriatric medicine, that aims to build capacity in the healthcare workforce and improve quality of care for older people.
Performance of the SARC-F, SARC-CalF, and calf circumference for sarcopenia case finding in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Kerminen Hanna , Jyväkorpi Satu , Urtamo Annele , Huhtala Heini , Öhman Hanna , Calvani Riccardo , Marzetti Emanuele , Pitkälä Kaisu , Strandberg Timo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Purpose
We compared the performance of SARC-F, SARC-CalF, calf circumference (CC), and body mass index (BMI)-adjusted CC for sarcopenia case-finding in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods
Data of Finnish participants (women/men n = 192/36, mean age (SD) of 76.9 (4.8) years) recruited in the SPRINTT trial (NCT02582138) were used. Sarcopenia was determined as a combination of low muscle function (chair-stand-test) and low appendicular lean mass (ALM) detected by whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Associations of case-finding tools with sarcopenia were analysed using ROC curves and logistic regression.

Results
The rates of probable and confirmed sarcopenia were 95% and 18% in women and 94% and 36% in men, respectively. Performance of CC for sarcopenia (women AUC 0.85 [95% CI 0.78–0.92]/ men 0.85 [95% CI 0.71–1.0]) was superior to that of other tools; (AUC in women/men for SARC-F was 0.57/0.50, for SARC-CalF 0.76/0.79, and for BMI-adjusted CC 0.68/0.66). The best performance was found for a CC cut-off point of ≤ 34 cm in women with sensitivity/specificity 82.4/75.3% and ≤ 36 cm in men with sensitivity/specificity 76.9/87.0%. For each cm decrease in CC, adjusted for age and BMI, there was a 30% increase in the odds of sarcopenia in women (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.09─1.56). Although there was a similar pattern in men, the results did not reach statistical significance (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.84- 2.14).

Conclusions
CC was superior to other tools for sarcopenia case-finding. The best performance was found for a CC cut-off point of ≤ 34 cm in women and ≤ 36 cm in men.
Novel findings on the mitochondria in ciliates, with description of mitochondrial genomes of six representatives
Authors: Zhang Tengteng , Fu Jinyu , Li Chao , Gong Ruitao , Al-Rasheid Khaled A. S. , Stover Naomi A. , Shao Chen , Cheng Ting 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Determining and comparing mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) are essential for assessing the diversity and evolution of mitochondria. Ciliates are ancient and diverse unicellular eukaryotes, and thus are ideal models for elucidating the early evolution of mitochondria. Here, we report on six new mitogenomes of spirotrichs, a dominant ciliate group, and perform comparative analyses on 12 representative species. We show that: (1) the mitogenomes of spirotrichs are linear structures with high A+T contents (61.12–81.16%), bidirectional transcription, and extensive synteny (except for the nad5, ccmf and cob genes in Euplotia); (2) the non-split of NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 gene (nad2) is a plesiomorphy of ciliates, whereas it has evolved into a split gene in Spirotrichea (apart from Euplotes taxa), Oligohymenophorea, and Armophorea; (3) the number of small subunit ribosomal proteins (rps) encoded in mitogenomes increases in the later branching classes of ciliates, whereas rps8 shows a loss trend during the evolution of Euplotes taxa; (4) the mitogenomes of spirotrichs exhibit A/T codon bias at the third position, and the codon bias is mainly due to DNA mutation in oligotrichs, hypotrichs and Diophrys appendiculata; (5) the phylogenetic position of D. appendiculata is unstable and controversial based on both phylogenetic analyses and mitogenome evidence. In summary, we investigated the mitogenome diversity of spirotrichs and broadened our understanding of the evolution of mitochondria in ciliates.
Shear behavior of RC beams with openings under impact loads: unveiling the effects of HSC and RECC
Authors: Saad Ahmad G. , Sakr Mohammed A. , Khalifa Tarek M. , Darwish Esam A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIncorporating transverse openings in reinforced concrete (RC) beams reduces their load-bearing capacity and stiffness, making them prone to premature failure. This highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of their behavior to ensure structural integrity, particularly under impact loads. This research delves into a relatively unexplored area, investigating the impact performance of RC beams containing openings through numerical analysis. By comparing different concrete types, the study seeks to identify optimal materials for such applications. The concrete damage plasticity model, accounting for strain rate effects, will be employed to simulate the material behavior of normal-strength concrete (NSC), high-strength concrete (HSC), and a novel eco-friendly alternative: rubberized engineered cementitious composite (RECC). RECC incorporates recycled tire rubber as a partial substitute for traditional concrete aggregates, offering a sustainable solution while mitigating environmental hazards associated with waste tire incineration. The finite element models are validated with experimental results, accurately predicting ultimate capacities, failure modes, and post-cracking response in RC beams (with/without openings) under static/impact loads. A comprehensive parametric analysis investigates the effects of concrete strength, impact energy, impactor mass, drop height, and opening location, providing valuable insights into how these factors influence the impact behavior under drop-weight testing. The results reveal that openings in RC beams under impact loads significantly reduce strength and stiffness, with detrimental effects observed for dual shear-zone openings. Surprisingly, a small mid-span opening can enhance impact response. HSC beams exhibit lower initial displacements but higher residual values, while RECC improves overall behavior in beams with openings, reducing maximum displacement and promoting energy dissipation for improved post-impact recovery.
Deciphering the roles of bacterial and fungal communities in the formation and quality of agarwood
Authors: Fu Chen-Chen , Huang Bao-Xing , Wang Shan-Shan , Song Yu-Chen , Metok Dolkar , Tan Yu-Xiang , Fan Tai-Ping , Fernie Alisdair R. , Zargar Meisam , Wang Yan , Chen Mo-Xian , Yu Liang-Wen , Zhu Fu-Yuan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAquilaria sinensis is a significant resin-producing plant worldwide that is crucial for agarwood production. Agarwood has different qualities depending on the method with which it is formed, and the microbial community structures that are present during these methods are also diverse. Furthermore, the microbial communities of plants play crucial roles in determining their health and productivity. While previous studies have investigated the impact of microorganisms on agarwood formation, they lack comprehensiveness, particularly regarding the properties of the microbial community throughout the entire process from seedling to adult to incense formation. We collected roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits and other tissues from seedlings, healthy plants and agarwood-producing plants to address this gap and assess the dominant bacterial species in the microbial community structures of A. sinensis at different growth stages and their impacts on growth and agarwood formation. The bacteria and fungi in these tissues were classified and counted from different perspectives. The samples were sequenced using the Illumina sequencing platform, and sequence analyses and species annotations were performed using a range of bioinformatics tools to assess the plant community compositions. An additional comparison of the samples was conducted using diversity analyses to assess their differences. This research revealed that Listeria, Kurtzmanomyces, Ascotaiwania, Acinetobacter, Sphingobium, Fonsecaea, Acrocalymma, Allorhizobium, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Peethambara, and Debaryomyces are potentially associated with the formation of agarwood. Overall, the data provided in this article help us understand the important roles played by bacteria and fungi in the growth and agarwood formation process of A. sinensis, will support the theoretical basis for the large-scale cultivation of A. sinensis, and provide a basis for further research on microbial community applications in agarwood production and beyond.
The cost of virtual interviews; more than just the money
Authors: Quinn Kristen M. , Runge Louis T. , Streck Christian J. , Donahue Colleen A. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in travel restrictions to limit virus transmission, altering the residency interview process across the country. While the transition to virtual interviews has the potential benefit of convenience and cost savings, concerns remain about the impact on applicants’ ability to distinguish programs. We sought to understand individual applicant motivations when presented with the opportunity to interview in-person or virtually and the associated costs.

Methods
An anonymous, voluntary, mixed-methods survey was distributed to all US allopathic medical school general surgery applicants who applied to our program in the 2023 cycle. The primary outcome was identifying factors that impacted the decision to interview either in-person or virtually. Secondary outcomes included costs associated with the entire interview process, including travel for away rotations, in-person interviews, and program second looks.

Results
155 (21.3%) applicants completed the survey. The average number of interviews completed was 14.2 ± 6.25. Females completed more interviews than males (14.9, 12.6, p = 0.047). Respondents accepted a mean of 89% of virtual interviews offered. 73% of applicants selected to complete at least one interview in-person. Top reasons for electing in-person interviews were to gain a stronger impression of the program (64%), make a greater impression of the program (50%), and strength of interest in the program (64%). Top factors for choosing virtual interviews were decreased costs (64%), less travel time (53%), and the ability to complete more interviews (53%). 58% of applicants planned to visit at least one program in-person post-interview. The mean total cost of interviews was $122 for virtual and $358 for in-person. Travel for a “second look” visit cost $279. 53% of respondents completed an away rotation, spending an average of $1688 per away rotation.

Conclusion
When presented with the option, applicants chose to interview in-person because of a mutual feeling of portraying and receiving a stronger impression. Candidates chose virtual due to cost reduction and the ability to complete more interviews. The financial savings of virtual interviews should be examined in the context of increased applications, increased interviews, post-interview travel or "second look" experiences, and costs associated with away rotations. Future work is needed to elucidate the role of in-person contact or away rotations on the likelihood of an applicant to interview and match in a largely virtual interview era.
Stability of step size control based on a posteriori error estimates
Authors: Ranocha Hendrik , Giesselmann Jan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractA posteriori error estimates based on residuals can be used for reliable error control of numerical methods. Here, we consider them in the context of ordinary differential equations and Runge-Kutta methods. In particular, we take the approach of Dedner & Giesselmann (2016) and investigate it when used to select the time step size. We focus on step size control stability when combined with explicit Runge-Kutta methods and demonstrate that a standard I controller is unstable while more advanced PI and PID controllers can be designed to be stable. We compare the stability properties of residual-based estimators and classical error estimators based on an embedded Runge-Kutta method both analytically and in numerical experiments.
Machine learning and domain decomposition methods - a survey
Authors: Klawonn Axel , Lanser Martin , Weber Janine 
Published: September 2024

AbstractHybrid algorithms, which combine black-box machine learning methods with experience from traditional numerical methods and domain expertise from diverse application areas, are progressively gaining importance in scientific machine learning and various industrial domains, especially in computational science and engineering. In the present survey, several promising avenues of research will be examined which focus on the combination of machine learning (ML) and domain decomposition methods (DDMs). The aim of this survey is to provide an overview of existing work within this field and to structure it into domain decomposition for machine learning and machine learning-enhanced domain decomposition, including: domain decomposition for classical machine learning, domain decomposition to accelerate the training of physics-aware neural networks, machine learning to enhance the convergence properties or computational efficiency of DDMs, and machine learning as a discretization method in a DDM for the solution of PDEs. In each of these fields, we summarize existing work and key advances within a common framework and, finally, discuss ongoing challenges and opportunities for future research.
Primary cutaneous scrotal angiosarcoma; a case report and literature review
Authors: Hamdy Omar , Ragab Dina , Farouk Bassante , Allam Mennatalla Mahmoud , Asy Rawan Abo , Saleh Gehad Ahmad , Mohamed Mie A. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Cutaneous angiosarcoma is a malignant, aggressive, vascular tumor that usually arises in association with prior radiation and chronic lymphedema. A primary cutaneous angiosarcoma originating in the scrotum is extremely rare, with few previous cases reported in the literature.

Case presentation
We report a 43-year-old man who presented with a unilateral scrotal lesion. The diagnosis of cutaneous angiosarcoma was confirmed by microscopic examination which revealed multiple vascular spaces lined by atypical cells, wide areas of necrosis were also seen. Immunohistochemistry showed strong positivity for ERG, focal positivity for CD31, and negative staining for CK, CD34, desmin, S100, SMA, and HHV8. Excision of the right hemiscrotum was performed with no evidence of local recurrence or metastasis in the following eleven months.

Conclusion
This is the first reported case of primary scrotal cutaneous angiosarcoma without identifiable risk factors. Despite its rarity, cutaneous symptoms on the scrotum should be investigated for the potential of a scrotal angiosarcoma.
Breast cancer: agreement between residual tumor size after neoadjuvant chemotherapy measurement with different imaging methods and the histological data
Authors: Fattacciu Liala M. , Pinna Claudia , Fancellu Alessandro , Piscopo Leandra , Conti Ilaria , Solinas Maria Giuliana , Assenza Andrea , Scaglione Mariano , Masala Salvatore 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
The evaluation of residual tumor size post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) could have an impact on surgical planning. Accurate measurement may avoid overly radical surgery or reduce the need for repeat surgery. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the size of residual tumor after NAC using mammography and ultrasound or MRI and thereby establish which imaging method shows most agreement with histological result.

Methods
Data from 125 patients, from 40 to 86 years old, with primary breast cancer and indication for neoadjuvant chemotherapy were analyzed in a retrospective study. All patients underwent conventional imaging (mammography and ultrasound) or MRI in addition to conventional imaging, after NAC and before surgery. Intra-class correlation (ICC) was calculated, and a Bland–Altman plot was used to determine the agreement between imaging residual tumor size (from US/mammography and MRI) and histological residual tumor size. The results were divided into the groups: invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) + ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) and “other tumors” (i.e., mucinous carcinoma).

Results
Of 125 analyzed patients, 44 (34.65%) underwent MRI and 81 (65.35%) had conventional imaging only. Agreement between residual tumor size founded on MRI and histological size is stronger than the data from conventional imaging.

Conclusions
MRI performance was generally superior to conventional imaging, and it may be considered the most appropriate test to evaluate the residual tumor size post-NAC before surgery.