bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global evolution of breast cancer incidence in childbearing-age women aged 15–49 years: a 30-year analysis
Authors: Xia Chengwei , Liu Yini , Yong Wei , Qing Xin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Breast cancer (BC) poses an increasing threat to women’s health, yet its characteristics in women of childbearing age (WCBA) are infrequently reported. This study aims to investigate the patterns and trends in BC incidence among WCBA over the past decades.

Materials and methods
This study focuses on BC incidence in women aged 15–49 years, consistent with the WHO definition of WCBA. Estimates and 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) for BC incidence in WCBA were obtained from the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2021. We utilized an age-period-cohort (APC) model to estimate the overall annual percentage change in incidence (net drift, % per year) and the annual percentage change within each age group (local drift, % per year). This model also provided fitted longitudinal age-specific rates adjusted for period deviations (age effects) and period/cohort relative risks (period/cohort effects) from 1992 to 2021.

Results
In 2021, the global incidence of BC among WCBA was 561.44 thousand (95% UI 519.76 to 606.99). Between 1992 and 2021, the estimated annual change in BC incidence among WCBA was 0.47 (95% CI 0.41–0.52) worldwide, ranging from −0.43 (95% CI −0.54–−0.31) in High sociodemographic index (SDI) region to 2.03 (95% CI 1.97–2.1) in Low-middle SDI region. Local drift analysis showed that higher SDI regions had higher age-standardized incidence rates among WCBA, with age effects demonstrating similar patterns across different SDI regions and increasing risk with age. Notably, the rising trend in BC incidence among WCBA occurs at progressively younger ages. Globally, unfavorable period and cohort effects were observed. All SDI regions exhibited increased period and cohort risks, except for the High SDI region, which saw a reduction in incidence rates influenced by period and cohort effects, particularly among those born after 1996.

Conclusion
The increasing incidence of BC among WCBA highlights the urgent need for effective intervention and preventive policies to alleviate this growing global burden.
Acoustic and Perceptual Profiles of Swallowing Sounds in Preterm Neonates: A Cross-Sectional Study Cohort
Authors: Frakking Thuy T. , Humphries Seiji , Chang Anne B. , Schwerin Belinda , Palmer Majorie M. , David Michael , Kyriakou Annelise , So Stephen ,   SUPERB collaborative, Bautista Manuel , Blake Alicia , Dunsmuir Julie , Hong Timothy , Weir Kelly , Carty Christopher , Colditz Paul , Lai Melissa 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Cervical auscultation, commonly used by speech-language pathologists in some countries as an adjuvant to the clinical feeding evaluation, requires data on acoustic and perceptual profiles of swallowing sounds. Whilst these exists in adults and children, none currently exist for preterm neonates. Our study aims to establish the acoustic and perceptual parameters of swallowing sounds in preterm neonates. Swallowing sounds were recorded on a digital microphone during oral feeding observations. Acoustic parameters of duration, peak frequency, peak power and peak intensity were determined. Perceptual parameters heard pre, during and post-swallows were rated as ‘present’, ‘absent’, or ‘cannot be determined’. Eighty preterm neonates (43 males; mean age = 33.4 weeks [SD 2.6]) from three Australian special care nurseries demonstrated mean swallow durations of < 1 s. The peak amplitude correlated with the number of medical co-morbidities (r = 0.24; 95%CI 0.03–0.45). Most preterm neonates have coordinated swallows that are loud, quick and completed in < 1 s. The perceptual parameters of a bolus transit sound was consistently present in all preterm neonates. One in five pre-term neonates have an uncoordinated swallow where wheeze, stridor or wet breath sounds were present post-swallow. Our study provides clinicians with acoustic and perceptual parameters to guide use of cervical auscultation in special care nurseries. Future studies should consider simultaneous instrumental assessment to ensure validity when using cervical auscultation to support diagnostic decision-making on swallowing coordination.
Artificial neural networks for random fields to predict the buckling load of geometrically imperfect structures
Authors: Schweizer Maximilian , Fina Marc , Wagner Werner , Freitag Steffen 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The prediction of buckling loads for slender and thin-walled structures under compression loading is important for the structural reliability assessment. The presence of random geometrical imperfections reduces the buckling load and is uncertain. In the framework of a probabilistic buckling analysis, the geometrical imperfections are modeled as correlated random fields and applied on the Finite-Element (FE) model. The buckling analysis is then computed by a Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS). The probabilistic approach in structural engineering demands the assurance of a low probability of failure and thus, high accuracy in the calculation of the probability distribution. The resulting high computational cost of the Monte Carlo Simulation can be reduced with a surrogate model of the FE simulation. The development of an effective surrogate model for random fields is challenging, because of the high dimensional input. In this work, an artificial neural network (ANN) surrogate model is presented, to predict the buckling load of structures considering random fields of geometrical imperfections as input. The training procedure is based on random field and the corresponding buckling load samples obtained from FE simulations. The trained ANN surrogate model is finally applied within a MCS-loop, yielding the probability distribution of the buckling load. Three numerical examples (column, plate and cylindrical shell segment) demonstrate that the ANN is able to learn the input-output relationship for structures with different buckling behaviors. The results are compared with a reference FE solution and the computation time shows, that the presented method is an efficient way to speedup the MCS. It is shown that the ANNs learning ability depends on the correlation length of the random field realizations.
Development of optimisation methods to identify sources of pollution and assess potential health risks in the vicinity of antimony mines
Authors: Čakmak Dragan , Perović Veljko , Pavlović Dragana , Matić Marija , Jakšić Darko , Tanirbergenov Samat , Pavlović Pavle 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
After elevated levels of lead (Pb) were found in the blood of children living near the antimony (Sb) mine and battery smelter in Zajača, Republic Serbia, studies were carried out to determine the health risk assessment (HRA) effects of the soil. In this study, for the first time a combination of Network Analysis, CoDA (Compositional Data Analysis) and receptor modelling was used to determine the geopedological and atmospheric origin of PTEs in soil and their historical significance. It was found that arsenic (As) and Pb are the main pollutants in the area. The largest contribution to the environmental risk (Er) was made by Pb. In addition to perception methods Network Analysis (NA) was used to determine the source of pollution and, for the first time, the strength of the positive and negative connections of the network nodes of the mutual influence of PTE. Lead pollution was found to originate from two sources: historical and present, and As was found to originate from a wider area. For the child population, an unacceptable risk for the occurrence of chronic diseases with a probability of 95% was found, with As and Pb accounting for the highest percentage. Similarly, As has the greatest impact on occurrence of cancer at the unacceptable risk level, while Pb is at the notable risk level. The historical exposure to Pb is slightly lower and the difference is slightly more pronounced for total pollution for HRA.
Genetic insights into non-obstructive azoospermia: Implications for diagnosis and TESE outcomes
Authors: Sharifi Shahrashoub , Dursun Murat , Şahin Ayla , Turan Serdar , Altun Ayşe , Özcan Özden , Kalkanlı Arif , Çefle Kıvanç , Öztürk Şükrü , Palanduz Şükrü , Kadıoğlu Ateş 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is considered one of the most severe forms of male infertility. Despite the limited range of testicular phenotypes, NOA exhibits considerable genetic heterogeneity. The aim of this study was to uncover the etiopathogenesis of NOA and provide insights into the outcomes of testicular sperm extraction (TESE).

Material method
To elucidate the potential causes of testicular pathogenesis, a cohort of 61 patients was analyzed. The genetic etiology was assessed using our developed gene panel, based on genes with prior functional studies conducted specifically in the context of testicular characterization.

Results
Our analytical approach, built upon these findings, enabled us to explore the potential genetic causes of NOA and assess their relevance to TESE outcomes. A potential causal defect was identified in 14 genes across a total of 26 individuals (42%). Of these, three genes—MEIOB, TERB1, and USP26—had been previously described in men, while eight genes—SPO11, RBBP7, STS, RBMXL3, ZCCHC13, HUWE1, ESR1, and ABCD1—had been reported in prior studies. Additionally, three genes—CEP85, NAP1L3, and CENPI—had been previously described only in knockout (KO) phenotype studies, and this study represents the first identification of these genes in men.

Conclusion
Interestingly, the histological findings of meiotic arrest were strongly linked to genes involved in meiosis, reinforcing the clinical diagnosis of patients in this cohort. Additionally, our study underscores the importance of refining diagnostic strategies that focus on genes associated with testicular phenotypes, which could enhance the accuracy of TESE success predictions.
Sperm oxidative damage acquired during seminal plasma removal for assisted reproductive technology is reduced by BGP-15
Authors: Gonzalez Macarena B. , Rose Ryan D. , Connaughton Haley S. , Mackintosh Gracie , Bugeja Caitlyn , Barry Michael , McPherson Nicole O. , Robker Rebecca L. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
Semen manipulation for assisted reproductive technology (ART) causes spermatozoa damage; thus, we investigated the potential of the novel therapeutic BGP-15 to preserve sperm quality during semen washing prior to insemination.

Methods
Donated human ejaculates (N = 40), with or without 10 µM BGP-15, were analyzed for sperm motility, DNA fragmentation, and oxidation. Seminal plasma was removed using different clinical sperm selection methods: simple wash, swim-up, or density gradient centrifugation (DGC), followed by assessment for sperm motility, mitochondrial ROS (mtROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and DNA fragmentation and oxidation.

Results
Donated semen samples incubated with BGP-15 had increased sperm motility (+ 15%, p = 0.002) and reduced oxidative DNA damage levels (− 57%, p = 0.03).
Samples processed by simple wash had the highest sperm count compared with DGC (+ 55%, p < 0.005) and swim-up (+ 21%, p < 0.0005). Swim-up showed increased vitality compared with DGC (+ 18%, p < 0.001) and simple wash (+ 27%, p < 0.0001), as well as the lowest DNA oxidation levels compared with simple wash − 40%, (p = 0.01) and DGC (− 76%, p < 0.0001). Swim-up also had the lowest mitochondrial membrane potential compared with simple wash and DGC (− 28%, p < 0.03).
Comparison between untreated and BGP-15-treated groups for each sperm washing method showed that BGP-15 increased MMP in DGC sperm (+ 11%, p = 0.0006), and reduced DNA fragmentation in washed samples (− 22%, p = 0.03). Moreover, BGP-15 lowered DNA oxidation in all preparation methods: washed (− 48%, p = 0.002), swim-up (− 42%, p = 0.04), and DGC (− 29%, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions
The inclusion of BGP-15 during semen preparation can protect sperm quality and, in the future, may be used clinically to improve sperm selection methods.
Meeting the Challenges of Flexible Work Designs: Effects of an Intervention Based on Self-Regulation on Detachment, Well-being, and Work–Family Conflict
Authors: Althammer Sarah Elena , Wöhrmann Anne Marit , Michel Alexandra 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Self-regulation is important for coping with demands of flexible work designs (FWD) such as telework, remote work, or flextime. This article evaluates a web-based intervention based on self-regulation models to enable workers meet challenges of FWD and thus improve recovery, work-life balance, and well-being. Over six weeks, participants learnt self-regulation strategies to detach from work, segment work and private life, and organize their workday. In a randomized controlled trial, participants were assigned to an intervention group or a waitlist control group. Study participants rated their levels of self-regulation, psychological detachment, strain-based work–family conflict (WFC), and affective, cognitive and work-related well-being (indicated by positive affect, stress, and work engagement) before and after the intervention, and at a four-week and six-month follow-up. The final sample after the training included 358 participants (intervention group: n = 147; control group: n = 211). As expected, covariance analyses revealed that the intervention improved positive affect and work engagement, and that it reduced stress and strain-based WFC. Moreover, we found positive effects on psychological detachment for participants with low baseline levels of psychological detachment. Self-regulation mediated intervention effects on positive affect and work engagement. Effects hold at four-week and six-month follow-ups, except for work engagement. Overall, findings indicate that the intervention is an effective tool for promoting self-regulation and enabling workers to achieve their goals regarding recovery, work-life balance, and well-being.
Structural and gas sensing properties of NiO thin films deposited by a novel spin coating technique
Authors: Nayman Enes , Gozukizil Mehmet Fatih , Armutci Bayram , Temel Sinan , Gokmen Fatma Ozge 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study presents the development and application of a novel sol-gel spin coating technique for the deposition of nickel oxide (NiO) thin films on glass substrates. The newly designed spin coating device operates without the need for a vacuum, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. NiO thin films were prepared using a sol-gel process, with various thicknesses and rotation speeds tested to idealize film quality. Structural and morphological analyses were conducted using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), revealing that the 6-layer sample coated at 3000 rpm exhibited the best crystallization and surface homogeneity. Gas sensor tests were performed to evaluate the sensitivity of the NiO thin films to ethanol, NO2, and H2 gases. The results showed that the sensor responded stably and reproducibly over multiple gas exposure cycles. It also demonstrated the potential for reliable gas detection applications.

Graphical Abstract
Availability without common ground
Authors: Simons Mandy 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The dominant model of linguistic communication in current philosophy of language, semantics and formal pragmatics is centered around the idea that communication involves interlocutors coordinating with respect to a single body of information, the common ground. This body of information is understood to serve two central roles: it is the target of speech acts, and constitutes the information available to interlocutors for planning and interpreting utterances. In this paper, I provide a series of examples which show that, contra the dominant model, the information available to interlocutors cannot be modeled as common ground information. The examples involve interpreters making use of background information which cannot become common ground either because the interpreter refuses to accept it, or because the communicative situation is what Harris (2020) calls publicity averse. I consider and disarm a variety of responses that might be offered on behalf of the common ground view, including alternative construals of acceptance and of publicity. I demonstrate that a model of communication in which interlocutors maintain separate representations of their own and their interlocutors' information states easily accommodates these cases, taking as an example the model due to Heller and Brown-Schmidt (2023). I end the paper with the observation that my conclusions do not pose any threat to formal models of dynamic semantics/pragmatics, as these can be, and in some cases already are, interpreted as modelling the evolution of individual information states
Multivariate functional linear discriminant analysis for partially-observed time series
Authors: Bordoloi Rahul , Réda Clémence , Trautmann Orell , Bej Saptarshi , Wolkenhauer Olaf 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The more extensive access to time-series data, especially for biomedical purposes, raises new methodological challenges, particularly regarding missing values. Functional linear discriminant analysis (FLDA) extends Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA)-mediated multiclass classification and dimension reduction to data in the form of fragmented observations of a univariate function. For large multivariate and partially-observed data, there are two challenges: (i) statistical dependencies between different components of a multivariate function and (ii) heterogeneous sampling times with missing features. We here develop a multivariate version of FLDA, called MUDRA, to tackle these challenges and describe a computationally efficient expectation/conditional-maximisation (ECM) algorithm to infer its parameters without any tensor inversions. We assess its predictive power on the “Articulary Words” dataset and show its improvement over the state-of-the-art, especially in the case of missing data. This advancement in dimension reduction of multivariate functional data holds promise for enhancing classification accuracy in scenarios like partially observed short multivariate time series analysis.
Morphing shape metastructures using the hybrid position feedback control and bistable structural elements
Authors: Simsek Mehmet , Alberts Thomas E. , Bilgen Onur 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This research introduces a new multi-degree-of-freedom metastructure concept utilizing a hybrid position feedback controller. An arbitrary number of bistable segments, or structural elements, are connected serially or in parallel to form a distributed bistable structure, or a so-called metastructure. The hybrid controller, an unstable-then-stable second-order single-degree-of-freedom system, leverages the resonant mode of a bistable system to destabilize it and dynamically induce snap-through between equilibria. The metastructure inherits multiple bistable positions, maintaining equilibrium shapes without consuming power and enabling many equilibrium configurations. Two geometric configurations are proposed and analyzed using a modified hybrid feedback control approach, which rejects forces from neighboring degrees of freedom and linearizes the system around a user-specified target equilibrium. Despite the added complexity compared to the previous approach by the authors, the modified controller facilitates robust control. Parametric analyses identify controller parameters for successful shape adaptation. The simplicity of the baseline hybrid controller enables physical implementation with simple circuit elements integrated into the structure.
Defining the quality of sediment in the context of the WFD monitoring plans: metal enrichment in two catchments from the north of Portugal
Authors: Reis Anabela R. , Vieira B. , Roboredo Marta 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
Riverbed sediment geochemistry provides useful information regarding metal contamination. To integrate sediment quality in river monitoring, within the WFD, the report of sediment quality to water quality managers must be expeditious. This study revisits the metal enrichment concept, applied to sediments from two mountain catchments, as a useful technique in river monitoring.

Methods
Riverbed sediment samples, collected at the end of the Dry and Wet Periods (DP, WP) were analysed for Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Fe in fractions < 2 mm and < 63 µm. The metal enrichment factors (EFs) were referenced to distinct background values: average shale (AS), world rivers suspended sediments (WRSS) and Geochemical Atlas of Portugal (GAP).

Results
Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn contents are higher in the fraction < 63 µm, and at DP. The ranges of variation in fraction < 63 µm are (mg kg−1): a) River Vilariça, Cd (5–18 DP; 0.3 WP); Cu (103–341 DP; 22–218 WP); Pb —(24–55 DP; 11–42 WP); Zn (107–241 DP; 54–103 WP); b) River Vizela, —Cd (13–44 DP; 8–41 WP); Cu (267–444 DP; 18–168 WP); Pb —(44–132 DP; 20–42 WP); Zn (141–801 DP; 36–181 WP). Variations in metal contents are influenced by lithological, geomorphological, and microclimatic features, and anthropogenic pressures. EFs are higher when referenced to AS. In the River Vizela, the EFs reveal an enrichment of Cu, Pb and Zn relative to WRSS; Cd registers an enrichment relative to GAP.

Conclusion
Local/regional background, and EFs, are relevant when assessing environmental risks in freshwater systems: low EFs, when associated to natural enrichments, originate values of concern in terms of quality guidelines; high EFs may not imply risk to the fluvial environment. Using the fraction < 63 µm in river monitoring is considered adequate. In dynamic mountain streams, recent sediments and associated contaminants are retained, providing information on possible pollution sources. Identifying metals contamination (or natural enrichment) can help decision-makers to provide solutions for pollution sources.