bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can the angular scale of cosmic homogeneity be used as a cosmological test?
Authors: Shao Xiaoyun , Gonçalves Rodrigo S. , Bengaly Carlos A. P. , Andrade Uendert , Carvalho Gabriela C. , Alcaniz Jailson 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn standard cosmology, the cosmic homogeneity scale is the transition scale above which the patterns arising from non-uniformities – such as groups and clusters of galaxies, voids, and filaments – become indistinguishable from a random distribution of sources. Recently, different groups have investigated the feasibility of using such a scale as a cosmological test and arrived at different conclusions. In this paper, we complement and extend these studies by exploring the evolution of the spatial ($$R_{\textrm{H}}$$

R
H

) and angular ($$\theta _{\textrm{H}}$$

θ
H

) homogeneity scales with redshift, assuming a spatially flat, $$\varLambda $$
Λ
-Cold Dark Matter universe and linear cosmological perturbation theory. We confirm previous results concerning the non-monotonicity of $$R_{\textrm{H}}$$

R
H

with the matter density parameter $$\varOmega _{\textrm{m0}}$$

Ω
m0

but also show that it exhibits a monotonical behavior with the Hubble constant $$H_{0}$$

H
0

within a large redshift interval. More importantly, we find that, for $$z \gtrsim 0.6$$

z
≳
0.6

, $$\theta _{\textrm{H}}$$

θ
H

presents a monotonical behavior with $$\varOmega _{\textrm{m0}}$$

Ω
m0

, as well as for $$H_0$$

H
0

the entire redshift interval analyzed. We find also that the angular homogeneity scale is sensitive to $$H_{0}$$

H
0

, especially at higher redshifts. Using the currently available $$\theta _{\textrm{H}}$$

θ
H

measurements, we illustrate the constraints on the $$\varOmega _{\textrm{m0}}$$

Ω
m0

–$$H_{0}$$

H
0

plane through a MCMC analysis and show the feasibility of using the angular homogeneity scale as a new, model-independent way to constrain cosmological parameters.
Population-Based Study of Gastric Cancer Survival and Associations in Rural Western Honduras
Authors: Dominguez Ricardo L. , Montalvan-Sanchez Eleazar E. , Norwood Dalton A. , Rodriguez-Murillo Aida , Dominguez Lucia , Estevez Ordoñez Dagoberto , Beasley Timothy , Bravo Luis E. , Morgan Douglas R. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:
Two-thirds of global cancers occur in low/middle income countries (LMIC). Northern Central America is the largest LMIC region in the Western Hemisphere and lack cancer registries to guide cancer control. We conducted a gastric cancer survival study in rural Western Honduras, characterized as having among the highest gastric cancer incidence rates in Latin America.

Methods:
The cohort of incident gastric cancer diagnosed between 2002 and 2015 was studied with active follow-up with household visits. The regional gastric cancer registry was primary for case identification, with completeness examination with hospital data and national death certificates. Cox regression models were used for survival calculations.

Results:
Survival follow-up was achieved in 741/774 patients (95.7%). Household interviews were conducted in 74.1% (n = 549); 65.7% were male, median age at diagnosis was 64 years, 24.5% were &lt;55 years; 43.9% of tumors had pyloric obstruction; 45.2%, 43.2%, and 7.3% of histology was intestinal, diffuse, and mixed, respectively. A total of 24.7% patients received treatment. The 5-year survival rates were 9.9% for both males and females, 7.7% for age &lt;45, and 7.9% for diffuse gastric cancer. Median survival time was 4.8 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 4.2–5.6]. In the final Cox regression model including age, sex, Lauren subtype, and poverty index, only treatment was significantly associated with survival (hazard ratio = 2.43, 95% CI, 1.8–3.2).

Conclusions:
Markedly low gastric cancer 5-year survival rates are observed in rural Central America. The majority of patients present with advanced disease and a minority have access to therapy.

Impact:
The findings have implications for cancer control in the Central America LMICs and for US Latino populations.
See related commentary by Riquelme and Abnet, p. 1550
Admixture Mapping of Chronic Kidney Disease and Risk Factors in Hispanic/Latino Individuals From Central America Country of Origin
Authors: Horimoto Andrea R.V.R. , Sun Quan , Lash James P. , Daviglus Martha L. , Cai Jianwen , Haack Karin , Cole Shelley A. , Thornton Timothy A. , Browning Sharon R. , Franceschini Nora 
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is highly prevalent in Central America, and genetic factors may contribute to CKD risk. To understand the influences of genetic admixture on CKD susceptibility, we conducted an admixture mapping screening of CKD traits and risk factors in US Hispanic and Latino individuals from Central America country of origin.

METHODS:
We analyzed 1023 participants of HCHS/SOL (Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos) who reported 4 grandparents originating from the same Central America country. Ancestry admixture findings were validated on 8191 African Americans from WHI (Women’s Health Initiative), 3141 American Indians from SHS (Strong Heart Study), and over 1.1 million European individuals from a multistudy meta-analysis.

RESULTS:

We identified 3 novel genomic regions for albuminuria (chromosome 14q24.2), CKD (chromosome 6q25.3), and type 2 diabetes (chromosome 3q22.2). The 14q24.2 locus driven by a Native American ancestry had a protective effect on albuminuria and consisted of 2 nearby regions spanning the
RGS6
gene. Variants at this locus were validated in American Indians. The 6q25.3 African ancestry–derived locus, encompassing the
ARID1B
gene, was associated with increased risk for CKD and replicated in African Americans through admixture mapping. The European ancestry type 2 diabetes locus at 3q22.2, encompassing the
EPHB1
and
KY
genes, was validated in European individuals through variant association.

CONCLUSIONS:
US Hispanic/Latino populations are culturally and genetically diverse. This study focusing on Central America grandparent country of origin provides new loci discovery and insights into the ancestry-of-origin influences on CKD and risk factors in US Hispanic and Latino individuals.
GABA levels decline with age: A longitudinal study
Authors: Zuppichini Mark D. , Hamlin Abbey M. , Zhou Quan , Kim Esther , Rajagopal Shreya , Beltz Adriene M. , Polk Thad A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
One factor that might contribute to functional deterioration in healthy older adults is a decline in the brain’s major inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Previous studies have reported mixed results regarding whether GABA declines in healthy aging. These previous studies were cross-sectional and therefore cannot provide insight into GABA changes over time within aging individuals. Furthermore, aging is associated with gray and white matter atrophy that may confound age-related differences in GABA. In the present study, we utilized a repeated-measures, longitudinal design and MR spectroscopy to measure GABA levels in bilateral auditory, sensorimotor, and ventrovisual voxels of interest (VOI) in 30 healthy older adults at two time points a few years apart. Furthermore, we applied two of the most common tissue correction strategies to control for the effects of tissue composition on GABA estimates. Results from mixed-effects models showed that longitudinal change in age is a significant predictor of tissue-corrected longitudinal change in GABA levels: as age increases, GABA declines. In contrast, there was no cross-sectional effect of age on GABA in our sample (e.g., the oldest old did not have lower GABA levels than the youngest old). In conclusion, results from this study provide support for within-person, age-related declines in GABA over time, even after controlling for tissue composition.
The impact of functional correlations on task information coding
Authors: Ito Takuya , Murray John D. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
State-dependent neural correlations can be understood from a neural coding framework. Noise correlations—trial-to-trial or moment-to-moment covariability—can be interpreted only if the underlying signal correlation—similarity of task selectivity between pairs of neural units—is known. Despite many investigations in local spiking circuits, it remains unclear how this coding framework applies to large-scale brain networks. Here, we investigated relationships between large-scale noise correlations and signal correlations in a multitask human fMRI dataset. We found that task-state noise correlation changes (e.g., functional connectivity) did not typically change in the same direction as their underlying signal correlation (e.g., tuning similarity of two regions). Crucially, noise correlations that changed in the opposite direction as their signal correlation (i.e., anti-aligned correlations) improved information coding of these brain regions. In contrast, noise correlations that changed in the same direction (aligned noise correlations) as their signal correlation did not. Interestingly, these aligned noise correlations were primarily correlation increases, suggesting that most functional correlation increases across fMRI networks actually degrade information coding. These findings illustrate that state-dependent noise correlations shape information coding of functional brain networks, with interpretation of correlation changes requiring knowledge of underlying signal correlations.
Northern hemisphere land-atmosphere feedback from prescribed plant phenology in CESM
Authors: Li Xiaolu , Ault Toby , Richardson Andrew D. , Frolking Steve , Herrera Dimitris A. , Friedl Mark A. , Carrillo Carlos M. , Evans Colin P. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Plant phenology influences both the terrestrial carbon cycle and land-atmosphere interactions, and therefore can potentially modify large-scale circulations in the atmosphere. However, considerable discrepancies are present among models and between model simulations and observations of plant phenology, adding large uncertainties to future climate projections. Here we modified plant phenology in the Northern Hemisphere in the Community Earth System Model and conducted simulations to characterize how differences in plant phenology influence land-atmosphere coupling. Plant phenology changes the land surface and land-atmosphere interactions by directly modulating absorbed solar radiation and evapotranspiration and indirectly modifying cloud feedback and snow-albedo feedback. Over the Northern Hemisphere, the largest effects occur from March to June when seasonal deciduous phenology is modified from satellite-derived values to model simulations, which results in a >3K increase in surface temperature that propagates to 500hPa (~5km height). Phenology-induced changes in canopy evapotranspiration and surface temperature depend on soil moisture availability during the growing season. Surface temperature decreases significantly due to increasing latent heat flux and cloud reflection where soil moisture is abundant, while soil moisture control over evapotranspiration increases and surface temperature remains little-changed or even increases in more arid regions. Characterizing the influence of phenology on biogeophysical processes is critical, as significant impacts are present both at the land surface and in the atmospheric layers above.
Changes of Intense Extratropical Cyclone Deepening Mechanisms in a Warmer Climate in Idealized Simulations
Authors: Chen Ting-Chen , Braun Christoph , Voigt Aiko , Pinto Joaquim G. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
To understand how extratropical cyclones (ETCs) may change in a warmer climate, we conduct idealized baroclinic life cycle simulations using the Icosahedral Nonhydrostatic (ICON)–NWP model with varied initial conditions. With respect to a present-day climate, two experiments are highlighted: a 4-K uniform warming and a more realistic late twenty-first-century warming pattern projected by a Coupled Model Intercomparison Project, version 6 (CMIP6), model. Different ETC deepening mechanisms, especially by diabatic processes, are quantified via the pressure tendency equation analysis, and the horizontal model resolution dependency is examined by contrasting coarse-grid (80 km) and convection-permitting (2.5 km) simulations. While our simulated ETCs are primarily baroclinically driven, dominated by the horizontal warm-air advection in the air column above the surface low, such an effect only strengthens by 10% in both warming experiments. However, the direct contribution of diabatic heating to surface pressure drop almost doubles, which likely feeds back positively to horizontal warm-air advection. Although their combined response to warming is pronounced, it is largely offset by the strengthened adiabatic cooling (17%) due to enhanced upward motions in warmer and moister ETCs, leading to a marginal ETC deepening at maturity (lowers by ∼1.5–4 hPa). Nevertheless, the near-surface impacts strongly increase, particularly the local extreme precipitation (up to 56%). The convection-permitting and the coarse-grid simulations show qualitatively consistent ETC responses to global warming. We suggest that the systematically weaker ETCs (with higher central pressure) in 2.5-km compared to 80-km simulations might be primarily caused by model uncertainty in representing the convective-diabatic heating over the warm front near the cyclone core.
Unexpected regulatory functions of cyprinid Viperin on inflammation and metabolism
Authors: Chaumont Lise , Jouneau Luc , Huetz François , van Muilekom Doret R. , Peruzzi Mathilde , Raffy Claudine , Le Hir Jérôme , Minke Jules , Boudinot Pierre , Collet Bertrand 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Viperin, also known as radical S-adenosyl-methionine domain containing protein 2 (RSAD2), is an interferon-inducible protein that is involved in the innate immune response against a wide array of viruses. In mammals, Viperin exerts its antiviral function through enzymatic conversion of cytidine triphosphate (CTP) into its antiviral analog ddhCTP as well as through interactions with host proteins involved in innate immune signaling and in metabolic pathways exploited by viruses during their life cycle. However, how Viperin modulates the antiviral response in fish remains largely unknown.

Results
For this purpose, we developed a fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) clonal cell line in which the unique viperin gene has been knocked out by CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing. In order to decipher the contribution of fish Viperin to the antiviral response and its regulatory role beyond the scope of the innate immune response, we performed a comparative RNA-seq analysis of viperin−/− and wildtype cell lines upon stimulation with recombinant fathead minnow type I interferon.

Conclusions
Our results revealed that Viperin does not exert positive feedback on the canonical type I IFN but acts as a negative regulator of the inflammatory response by downregulating specific pro-inflammatory genes and upregulating repressors of the NF-κB pathway. It also appeared to play a role in regulating metabolic processes, including one carbon metabolism, bone formation, extracellular matrix organization and cell adhesion.
Unmasking vaccine hesitancy and refusal: a deep dive into Anti-vaxxer perspectives on COVID-19 in Spain
Authors: Prieto-Campo Ángela , Vázquez-Cancela Olalla , Roque Fátima , Herdeiro Maria Teresa , Figueiras Adolfo , Zapata-Cachafeiro Maruxa 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
At the time of the emergence of COVID-19, denialist and anti-vaccine groups have also emerged and are shaking public confidence in vaccination.

Methods
A qualitative study was conducted using online focus groups. Participants had not received any doses of vaccination against the disease. A total of five focus group sessions were conducted with 28 participants. They were recruited by snowball sampling and by convenience sampling.

Results
The two major topics mentioned by the participants were adverse effects and information. The adverse effects described were severe and included sudden death. In the case of information, participants reported: (1) consultation of websites on which scientists posted anti-vaccination content; and (2) distrust.

Conclusions
At a time when anti-vaccine groups pose a major challenge to public health in general, and to COVID-19 vaccination campaigns in particular, this study is a first step towards gaining deeper insight into the factors that lead to COVID-19 vaccine refusal.
Prevalence of hysterectomy and associated factors in Brazilian women aged 50 and older: findings from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSI-Brazil)
Authors: Afonso Letícia Oliveira , Beirith Victória Wollf , de Andrade Claudia Rosa , Traebert Eliane , de Oliveira Cesar , Traebert Jefferson 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Hysterectomy is a gynaecological surgical procedure in which the uterus is removed as a treatment for both malignant and benign gynaecological diseases. A hysterectomy is also performed to minimise risks in women with problems related to the uterus. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of reported hysterectomy and associated risk factors in Brazilian women aged 50 and older.

Methods
A cross-sectional study using data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSI-Brazil) was conducted. A total of 5,293 women aged 50 and over who participated in the ELSI-Brazil study in 2015 and 2016 were included. The prevalence rate of hysterectomy was estimated and the main reasons for performing the surgery were identified. The bivariate analyses utilised the chi-square test, while multivariate analyses employed Poisson regression with a robust estimator.

Results
The reported prevalence of hysterectomy was 17.8%. The most prevalent reason for the surgery was the presence of uterine myoma. Significant and independent associations were observed in women aged 63 and older, married, having undergone preventive exams, hormonal treatment, had up to three deliveries and having a private health plan.

Conclusion
The main objective of the study was achieved. The prevalence of hysterectomy in Brazilian women aged 50 and older was 17.8%. Significant associations were observed with participants’ sociodemographic and clinical characteristics reinforcing the importance of considering the reproductive characteristics of women as indicators of health status.
Experienced and internalized weight stigma among Spanish adolescents
Authors: Anastasiadou Dimitra , Tárrega Salomé , Fornieles-Deu Albert , Moncada-Ribera Albert , Bach-Faig Anna , Sánchez-Carracedo David 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background and objective
Weight stigma has negative consequences for both physiological and psychological health. Studies on weight stigma in adolescence, particularly from general populations, are scarce in the Mediterranean area. The main aim of this study is to describe the prevalence of experienced and internalized weight stigma among a representative sample of adolescents from the Spanish city of Terrassa, and to determine its association with sociodemographic variables and weight status.

Methods
Drawing on data from the initial assessment of a longitudinally funded project on weight stigma in adolescents, a cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted using random multistage cluster sampling. Weight stigma experiences, their frequency and sources, and weight bias internalization with the Modified Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBISM) were assessed in a sample of 1016 adolescents. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) between sociodemographic variables, weight status and having experienced weight stigma, and having reported high scores of WBISM (WBISM ≥ 4) were estimated by multiple logistic regression models.

Results
The prevalence of weight-related stigma experiences was 43.2% in the sample (81.8 in adolescents with obesity) and the prevalence of high levels of weight bias internalization was 19.4% (50.7 in adolescents with obesity). Other kids and school were the most prevalent sources of weight stigma, with society and family being other significant sources of stigma reported by girls. A significantly higher risk of having experienced weight stigma was observed in girls (AOR = 2.6) and in older adolescents (AOR = 1.9). Compared to normal weight adolescents, all weight statuses showed higher risk, being 3.4 times higher in adolescents with underweight and reaching 11.4 times higher risk in those with obesity. Regarding high levels of weight bias internalization, girls had a risk 6.6 times higher than boys. Once again, a “J-shaped” pattern was observed, with a higher risk at the lowest and highest weight statuses. The risk was 6.3 times higher in adolescents with underweight, and 13.1 times higher in adolescents with obesity compared to those with normal weight.

Conclusions
Considering the high prevalence of experienced and internalized weight stigma among adolescents in Spain, especially in adolescents with obesity and girls, it seems important to implement preventive strategies in different settings and address all sources of stigma.
Real-time non-invasive hemoglobin prediction using deep learning-enabled smartphone imaging
Authors: Chen Yuwen , Hu Xiaoyan , Zhu Yiziting , Liu Xiang , Yi Bin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Accurate measurement of hemoglobin concentration is essential for various medical scenarios, including preoperative evaluations and determining blood loss. Traditional invasive methods are inconvenient and not suitable for rapid, point-of-care testing. Moreover, current models, due to their complex parameters, are not well-suited for mobile medical settings, which limits the ability to conduct frequent and rapid testing. This study aims to introduce a novel, compact, and efficient system that leverages deep learning and smartphone technology to accurately estimate hemoglobin levels, thereby facilitating rapid and accessible medical assessments.

Methods
The study employed a smartphone application to capture images of the eye, which were subsequently analyzed by a deep neural network trained on data from invasive blood test data. Specifically, the EGE-Unet model was utilized for eyelid segmentation, while the DHA(C3AE) model was employed for hemoglobin level prediction. The performance of the EGE-Unet was evaluated using statistical metrics including mean intersection over union (MIOU), F1 Score, accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity. The DHA(C3AE) model’s performance was assessed using mean absolute error (MAE), mean-square error (MSE), root mean square error (RMSE), and R^2.

Results
The EGE-Unet model demonstrated robust performance in eyelid segmentation, achieving an MIOU of 0.78, an F1 Score of 0.87, an accuracy of 0.97, a specificity of 0.98, and a sensitivity of 0.86. The DHA(C3AE) model for hemoglobin level prediction yielded promising outcomes with an MAE of 1.34, an MSE of 2.85, an RMSE of 1.69, and an R^2 of 0.34. The overall size of the model is modest at 1.08 M, with a computational complexity of 0.12 FLOPs (G).

Conclusions
This system presents a groundbreaking approach that eliminates the need for supplementary devices, providing a cost-effective, swift, and accurate method for healthcare professionals to enhance treatment planning and improve patient care in perioperative environments. The proposed system has the potential to enable frequent and rapid testing of hemoglobin levels, which can be particularly beneficial in mobile medical settings.

Trial Registration
The clinical trial was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR2100044138) on 20/02/2021.