bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A singular Yamabe problem on manifolds with solid cones
Authors: Apaza Juan Alcon , Almaraz Sérgio 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
We study the existence of conformal metrics on noncompact Riemannian manifolds with noncompact boundary,
which are complete as metric spaces and have negative constant scalar curvature in the interior and negative constant mean curvature on the boundary.
These metrics are constructed on smooth manifolds obtained by removing d-dimensional submanifolds from certain n-dimensional
compact spaces locally modelled on generalized solid cones. We prove the existence of such metrics if and only if

d
>

n
-
2

2

{d>\frac{n-2}{2}}

.
Our main theorem is inspired by the classical results by Aviles–McOwen and Loewner–Nirenberg, known in the literature as the “singular Yamabe problem”.
Virtual tumor mapping and margin control with 3-D planning and navigation
Authors: Steybe David , Voss Pit J. , Metzger Marc C. , Schmelzeisen Rainer , Poxleitner Philipp 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Computer technology–based treatment approaches like intraoperative navigation and intensity-modulated radiation therapy have become important components of state of the art head and neck cancer treatment. Multidirectional exchange of virtual three-dimensional patient data via an interdisciplinary platform allows all medical specialists involved in the patients treatment to take full advantage of these technologies. This review article gives an overview of current technologies and future directions regarding treatment approaches that are based on a virtual, three-dimensional patient specific dataset: storage and exchange of spatial information acquired via intraoperative navigation allow for a highly precise frozen section procedure. In the postoperative setting, virtual reconstruction of the tumor resection surface provides the basis for improved radiation therapy planning and virtual reconstruction of the tumor with integration of molecular findings creates a valuable tool for postoperative treatment and follow-up. These refinements of established treatment components and novel approaches have the potential to make a major contribution to improving the outcome in head and neck cancer patients.
Exploring ionospheric dynamics: a comprehensive analysis of GNSS TEC estimations during the solar phases using linear function model
Authors: Yarrakula Mallika , Narayanaswamy Prabakaran 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The modeling and forecasting of Total Electron Content (TEC) play a major role in influencing signals from satellite-based navigation systems and impact the performance of diverse satellite-dependent technologies. The intensity of solar ionizing radiation and the state of geomagnetic field activity influence the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-TEC. This paper uses a Linear TEC Function (LTF) climatology model to understand ionospheric behavior under solar and geomagnetic activities that cause variations in the electron distribution of the ionosphere medium. The LTF model integrates representations of solar EUV photon (MgII) and geomagnetic (SYMH) activities, incorporating solar-modulated oscillations (periodic variations) at four seasonal cycles and a linear trend. The LTF model examined the time series of GPS-TEC at a location (geographic 34.95° N, 134.05° E) with a time resolution of 1 h, from 1997 to 2016, covering solar cycles 23 and 24. The Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) and correlation coefficient between the GNSS-TEC and model TEC (LTF) was 5.30 TECU and 95 %. The results indicate that solar components, as well as annual and semi-annual variations, have a significant impact on the daily average TEC. Solar activity appears to be the predominant determining factor of TEC during the solar phases of cycles 23 and 24. In contrast, periodic influences primarily outline TEC during periods characterized by minimal solar activity. The geomagnetic component presents an increased influence, particularly during storm periods. The model demonstrates superior performance in Total TEC modeling compared to other state-of-the-art approaches.
Energy balancing of covariate distributions
Authors: Huling Jared D. , Mak Simon 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBias in causal comparisons has a correspondence with distributional imbalance of covariates between treatment groups. Weighting strategies such as inverse propensity score weighting attempt to mitigate bias by either modeling the treatment assignment mechanism or balancing specified covariate moments. This article introduces a new weighting method, called energy balancing, which instead aims to balance weighted covariate distributions. By directly targeting distributional imbalance, the proposed weighting strategy can be flexibly utilized in a wide variety of causal analyses without the need for careful model or moment specification. Our energy balancing weights (EBW) approach has several advantages over existing weighting techniques. First, it offers a model-free and robust approach for obtaining covariate balance that does not require tuning parameters, obviating the need for modeling decisions of secondary nature to the scientific question at hand. Second, since this approach is based on a genuine measure of distributional balance, it provides a means for assessing the balance induced by a given set of weights for a given dataset. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this EBW approach in a suite of simulation experiments, and in studies on the safety of right heart catheterization and on three additional studies using electronic health record data.
Activity of protein C, protein S and antithrombin 3 in COVID-19 patients treated with different modalities of oxygen supplementation
Authors: Ana Šavuk , Danijela Grizelj , Tomo Svaguša , Melanie-Ivana Čulo , Nikola Zagorec , Sara Šakota , Biserka Orehovec , Tomislav Kelava , Ana Livun , Ivan Marković , Josip Baković , Tatjana Kereš 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives
COVID-19 in it is more severe form is characterized by a hyperinflammatory condition, hypercoagulation state and the appearance of pulmonary microembolism. In this study we wanted to correlate levels of D-Dimer, protein C, protein S and antithrombin 3 with severity of disease and clinical outcome.

Methods
We included 134 of patients who were divided in 3 groups regarding oxygen support (high flow oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation and oxygen supplementation with nasal cannula or mask).

Results
Concentration of D-Dimer, and activity of protein C and antithrombin 3 are presented as mean±SD and differed significantly between patients on mechanical ventilation (3.26 ± 1.15 mg/L, 86 ± 22.55 %, 81.21 ± 17.61 %)/HFNO (2.35 ± 1.68 mg/L, 109.6 ± 26.96 %, 94.67 ± 17.49 %)/BNC (1.37 ± 1.17 mg/L, 116.92 ± 28.16 %, 103.29 ± 15.63 %) with p<0.001 for all parameters. Mortality in oxygen group was 10.9 %, in HFNC group 40.7 % and in mechanical ventilated group 80 %.

Conclusions
determination of anticoagulant factors in COVID-19 patients may indicate which of them are at increased risk of developing severe disease, venous thromboembolism and fatal clinical outcome.
Thyroid cancer and endocrine disruptive chemicals: a case–control study on per-fluoroalkyl substances and other persistent organic pollutants
Authors: Cirello Valentina , Lugaresi Marina , Moneta Claudia , Dufour Patrice , Manzo Alessandro , Carbone Erika , Colombo Carla , Fugazzola Laura , Charlier Corinne , Pirard Catherine 
Published: April 2024

Objective
The aim was to evaluate the possible association between some endocrine disruptive chemicals and thyroid cancer (TC) in an Italian case–control cohort.

Methods
We enrolled 112 TC patients and 112 sex- and age-matched controls without known thyroid diseases. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), poly-chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (4,4′-DDT and 4,4′-DDE) were measured in the serum by liquid or gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Unconditional logistic regression, Bayesan kernel machine regression and weighted quantile sum models were used to estimate the association between TC and pollutants’ levels, considered individually or as mixture. BRAFV600E mutation was assessed by standard methods.

Results
The detection of perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) was positively correlated to TC (OR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.10–3.75, P = 0.02), while a negative association was found with perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) levels (OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.41–0.98, P = 0.04). Moreover, perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) was positively associated with the presence of thyroiditis, while PFHxS and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) with higher levels of presurgical thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). PFHxS, PFOS, PFNA, and PFDA were correlated with less aggressive TC, while poly-chlorinated biphenyls (PCB-105 and PCB-118) with larger and more aggressive tumors. Statistical models showed a negative association between pollutants’ mixture and TC. BRAF
V600E mutations were associated with PCB-153, PCB-138, and PCB-180.

Conclusion
Our study suggests, for the first time in a case–control population, that exposure to some PFAS and PCBs associates with TC and some clinical and molecular features. On the contrary, an inverse correlation was found with both PFHxS and pollutants’ mixture, likely due to a potential reverse causality.
To the question of construction of welding inverter sources with a high power factor
Authors: Savenko O.S. 
Published: April 2024

Purpose. Design a power-factor-corrected, energy- and cost-efficient switchmode power supply for welding.
Methodology. It is proposed to use the principle of direct conversion and to develop the "hybrid" power circuit consisting of a main power path using direct conversion and an auxiliary power path having a converter with an intermediate DC link with relatively low stored energy. Since a load to the welding power supply is the welding arc, its instantaneous power fluctuations during the mains voltage period essentially do not influence the welding process due to the thermal constant of the weld pool molten metal. Effective use of this features of the welding arc allows to optimize the power processing, reduce the amount of energy stored in the reactive elements of the circuit and improve the economical, mass and dimensional parameters of the supplies.
Findings. A new power factor corrected switchmode power supply topology is proposed utilizing beforementioned principles of power processing. The algorithm for calculating the switching frequency of supply power switches is given. To confirm the adequacy of the developed provisions, an experimental sample of the power supply was created. Oscillograms of mains voltage and source current consumption and oscillograms in output current limitation mode are obtained. The results of experiments showed that the supply has a power factor > 0.94 in a wide range of powers.
Originality. A distinctive feature of the supply is the absence of additional inductive components in the power path, a lower capacitance of the DC-link bulk capacitor and a simplified scheme for limiting its inrush current during initial charging. The supply has an increased open circuit voltage, independent of the mains voltage, which allows for easy arc ignition during manual arc welding.
Practical value. Due to the increased power factor, the current drawn from the mains is 30 % to 45 % lower than that of widespread inverter supplies without a power factor corrector. These features allow to simultaneously use more power supply units with the same mains current load, and/or to provide stable welding in conditions of a "weak" mains.
Chloride binding by layered double hydroxides (LDH/AFm phases) and alkali-activated slag pastes: an experimental study by RILEM TC 283-CAM
Authors: Gluth Gregor J. G. , Mundra Shishir , Henning Ricky 
Published: April 2024

AbstractChloride binding by the hydrate phases of cementitious materials influences the rate of chloride ingress into these materials and, thus, the time at which chloride reaches the steel reinforcement in concrete structures. Chloride binding isotherms of individual hydrate phases would be required to model chloride ingress but are only scarcely available and partly conflicting. The present study by RILEM TC 283-CAM ‘Chloride transport in alkali-activated materials’ significantly extends the available database and resolves some of the apparent contradictions by determining the chloride binding isotherms of layered double hydroxides (LDH), including AFm phases (monosulfate, strätlingite, hydrotalcite, and meixnerite), and of alkali-activated slags (AAS) produced with four different activators (Na2SiO3, Na2O·1.87SiO2, Na2CO3, and Na2SO4), in NaOH/NaCl solutions at various liquid/solid ratios. Selected solids after chloride binding were analysed by X-ray diffraction, and thermodynamic modelling was applied to simulate the phase changes occurring during chloride binding by the AFm phases. The results of the present study show that the chloride binding isotherms of LDH/AFm phases depend strongly on the liquid/solid ratio during the experiments. This is attributed to kinetic restrictions, which are, however, currently poorly understood. Chloride binding by AAS pastes is only moderately influenced by the employed activator. A steep increase of the chloride binding by AAS occurs at free chloride concentrations above approx. 1.0 M, which is possibly related to chloride binding by the C–(N–)A–S–H gel in the AAS.
Resistance of consolidated lime mortars to freeze–thaw and salt crystallization cycles by different accelerated durability tests
Authors: Gabrielli Alessio , Ugolotti Greta , Masi Giulia , Sassoni Enrico 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe present study aimed at evaluating the performance of untreated and consolidated lime mortars, in terms of durability and possible “delayed incompatibility” of the consolidants. Lime mortars samples were treated by an aqueous solution of diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAP treatment) and a dispersion of nanolimes (NL treatment). The samples were then subjected to accelerated ageing by different methods: (1) freeze–thaw cycles; (2) salt crystallization cycles based on the European standard EN 12370 (often considered as highly aggressive); (3) salt crystallization cycles according to a new recommendation proposed by the RILEM TC 271-ASC (designed to provide less aggressive and more reliable ageing). The results of the study showed that the DAP-based treatment was able to significantly reduce damage caused by freeze–thaw cycles and salt weathering cycles by the RILEM procedure. In the case of salt weathering by the EN procedure, some risk of “delayed incompatibility” was highlighted for DAP, which can be considered an outcome of the combination between the salt weathering procedure itself and the consolidating treatment. For both freeze–thaw and salt weathering by either procedure, the residual mechanical properties of DAP samples at the end of the cycles were significantly higher than those of the untreated references and of the NL samples, for which the effects of the NL treatment were very modest.
Grainyhead-like 2 Deficiency and Kidney Cyst Growth in a Mouse Model
Authors: Yurtdas Zeliha Yesim , Kilic Ergin , Boor Peter , Wyler Emanuel , Landthaler Markus , Jung Klaus , Schmidt-Ott Kai M. 
Published: April 2024

Key Points

Our study reveals segment-specific mechanisms in cystic kidney disease and suggests Grhl2 as a modifier of collecting duct–derived cyst progression.Our data demonstrate that genetic deletion of Grhl2 accelerates disease progression in a cystic mouse model.

Background
The transcription factor grainyhead-like 2 (GRHL2) plays a crucial role in maintaining the epithelial barrier properties of the kidney collecting duct and is important to osmoregulation. We noticed a reduction in GRHL2 expression in cysts derived from the collecting ducts in kidneys affected by autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). However, the specific role of GRHL2 in cystic kidney disease remains unknown.

Methods
The functional role of the transcription factor Grhl2 in the context of cystic kidney disease was examined through analysis of its expression pattern in patient samples with ADPKD and generating a transgenic cystic kidney disease (TCKD) mouse model by overexpressing the human proto-oncogene c-MYC in kidney collecting ducts. Next, TCKD mice bred with collecting duct–specific Grhl2 knockout mice (Grhl2KO). The resulting TCKD-Grhl2KO mice and their littermates were examined by various types of histological and biochemical assays and gene profiling analysis through RNA sequencing.

Results
A comprehensive examination of kidney samples from patients with ADPKD revealed GRHL2 downregulation in collecting duct–derived cyst epithelia. Comparative analysis of TCKD and TCKD-Grhl2KO mice exhibited that the collecting duct–specific deletion of Grhl2 resulted in markedly aggravated cyst growth, worsened kidney dysfunction, and shortened life span. Furthermore, transcriptomic analyses indicated sequential downregulation of kidney epithelial cyst development regulators (Frem2, Muc1, Cdkn2c, Pkd2, and Tsc1) during cyst progression in kidneys of TCKD-Grhl2KO mice, which included presumed direct Grhl2 target genes.

Conclusions
These results suggest Grhl2 as a potential progression modifier, especially for cysts originating from collecting ducts.
The Relationship of Child Agency and Subjective Well-Being
Authors: Fedina Ludmila V. , Bruk Zhanna Yu. , Volosnikova Ludmila M. 
Published: April 2024

The multidimensionality and complexity of the child agency` phenomenon determines the presence of different approaches and grounds for its study, which are in diametrically opposite positions. The aim of the study is to analyze agency and its indicators in the structure of subjective well-being of senior schoolchildren. The empirical base was made up of data obtained from a survey of 3,282 students in grades 7-11 of the Tyumen region. The questionnaire of the international survey of children's subjective well-being - Children's World is taken as a basis. The questionnaire was supplemented with indicators showing the level of agency, as well as the impact on the subjective well-being of security, health and romantic relationships. Factor analysis in the space of 47 SWB indicators allowed us to identify 8 factors reflecting the contribution to the SWB of family, school, health, agency, status, social loyalty, security and romantic relationships. In addition, students were asked to evaluate the SWB indicators from two angles: how important this or that SWB indicator is for them (the desired level) and how much they assess the presence of this indicator in relation to their lives (the real level). At the actual and real levels, the greatest contribution to subjective well-being is made by such factors as: family satisfaction, agency, security and safety (psychological, physical). There are direct significant moderate correlations between the relevance of factors and their real level. Agency is a significant factor in the subjective well-being of schoolchildren and ranks second in importance after safety. The relevance of agency increases with age. The gap between the desired and real levels of agency is most pronounced in older students with disabilities. A comparison of the SWB structure in groups with different levels of agency showed that high school students with an average level of agency demonstrate a higher level of SWB, and students with a high level of agency have the lowest level of SWB. The results obtained are discussed in the critical field of research.
Influence of Different Glucose Concentrations on the Expression of miR-29c-3p microRNA in Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Mansournejad Somayeh , Mehrabi Mohammadreza , Yari Reza , Saleh Mahshid 
Published: April 2024

Background: miR-29c-3p manages a set of genes involved in regenerative medicine, and It seems that hyperglycemia in diabetic patients influences the power of stem cells to tissue regeneration the difficulties of diabetes by affecting the expression miR-29c-3p in mesenchymal stem cells. The study aims to analyze the effect of various glucose concentrations on the miR-29c-3p expression in mesenchymal stem cells.
Materials and Methods: After receiving donated mesenchymal stem cells from Tarbiat Modares University, these cells were cultivated in a DMEM culture medium, including three different concentrations of glucose 250, 140, and 100 mg/dl. RNA was extracted from these cells after 72 hours, the Real-Time PCR technique assessed the expression of miR-29c-3p, and the results were analyzed by REST software.
Results: miR-29c-3p expression in cells at concentrations of 140 and 250 mg/dL compared to typical situations (100 mg/dl) was significantly decreased (P˂0.05), which declined at a concentration of 250 mg/dl was more.
Conclusion: Reduced miR-29c-3p expression in mesenchymal stem cells in chronic and mild diabetic situations demonstrated that diabetes might be one of the significant reasons for mesenchymal stem cells' reduced ability to repair tissue damage.
Potential Diagnostic Value of Abnormal Pyroptosis Genes Expression in Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): A Primary Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Soltani Mohammad , Sharifi Mohammad Jafar , Khalilian Parvin , Sharifi Mehran , Nematollahi Pardis , Shapourian Hooriyeh , Hakemi Mazdak Ganjalikhani 
Published: April 2024

Background: Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are determined by ineffective hematopoiesis and bone marrow cytological dysplasia with somatic gene mutations and chromosomal abnormalities. Accumulating evidence has revealed the pivotal role of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptotic cell death in the pathogenesis of MDS. Although MDS can be diagnosed with a variety of morphologic and cytogenetic tests, most of these tests have limitations or problems in practice.
Materials and Methods: In the present study, we evaluated the expression of genes that form the inflammasome (NLRP3, ASC, and CASP1) in bone marrow specimens of MDS patients and compared the results with those of other leukemias to evaluate their diagnostic value for MDS.
Primary samples of this observational cohort study were collected from aspiration samples of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (27 cases) and patients with non-myelodysplastic syndrome hematological cancers (45 cases). After RNA extraction and c.DNA synthesis, candidate transcripts and housekeeping transcripts were measured by real-time PCR method (SYBER Green assay). Using Kruskal-Wallis the relative gene expressions were compared and differences with p value less than 0.05 were considered as significant. Discrimination capability, cut-off, and area under curve (AUC) of all markers were analyzed with recessive operation curve (ROC) analysis.
Results: We found that Caspase-1 and ASC genes expressed at more levels in MDS specimens compared to non-MDS hematological malignancies. A relative average expression of 10.22 with a p-value of 0.001 and 1.86 with p=0.019 was detected for Caspase-1 and ASC, respectively. ROC curve analysis shows an AUC of 0.739 with p=0.0001 for Caspase-1 and an AUC of 0.665 with p=0.0139 for ASC to MDS discrimination.
Conclusion: Our results show that Caspase-1 and ASC gene expression levels can be used as potential biomarkers for MDS diagnosis. Prospective studies with large sample numbers are suggested.