bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kth min Threshold Encryption for Privacy-preserving Data Evaluation
Authors: Chen Zhenhua , Li Ting , Xie Junrui , Li Ni , Nie Jingjing 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The $k$th min threshold is to judge whether the $k$th smallest element of an attribute set along with a confidential file is greater than a predefined threshold, which is a fundamental, primitive operation in data evaluation, such as risk evaluation in business investment. However, it will compromise the privacy of the confidential files when proceeding with such a data evaluation because there is often a large amount of sensitive information involved in them, which the organizations/individuals are reluctant to expose due to the risk of losing a competitive advantage. Motivated by the issue how to preserve the privacy of the confidential files during data evaluation, in this research, we first present a new encryption notion called $k$th min threshold encryption (KTE) for serving privacy-preserving data evaluation. In this notion, the confidential file will be encrypted under an attribute set for its privacy protection prior to being sent to a receiver, and a decryption key is generated from a threshold $d$ and a rank $k$ of element, both selected by the receiver. The decryption will be successful if and only if the $k$th smallest element of the attribute set is greater than $d$. We then describe a concrete construction of KTE in the public-key setting. In particular, our construction features optimally short private keys, which only consists of one group element. By virtue of this advantage, it is quite practical because of only two pairing operations for decryption computation.
Panoptic Segmentation with Convex Object Representation
Authors: Yao Zhicheng , Wang Sa , Zhu Jinbin , Bao Yungang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The accurate representation of objects holds pivotal significance in the realm of panoptic segmentation. Presently, prevalent object representation methodologies, including box-based, keypoint-based and query-based techniques, encounter a challenge known as the ‘representation confusion’ issue in specific scenarios, often resulting in the mislabeling of instances. In response, this paper introduces Convex Object Representation (COR), a straightforward yet highly effective approach to address this problem. COR leverages a CNN-based Euclidean Distance Transform to convert the target instance into a convex heatmap. Simultaneously, it offers a parallel embedding method for encoding the object. Subsequently, COR characterizes objects based on the distinctive embedding vectors of their convex vertices. This paper seamlessly integrates COR into a state-of-the-art query-based panoptic segmentation framework. Experimental findings validate that COR successfully mitigates the representation confusion predicament, enhancing segmentation accuracy. The COR-augmented methods exhibit notable improvements of +1.3 and +0.7 points in PQ on the Cityscapes validation and MS COCO panoptic 2017 validation datasets, respectively.
Detection of E-Commerce Fraud Review via Self-Paced Graph Contrast Learning
Authors: Zhao WeiDong , Liu XiaoTong 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Recently, graph neural networks (GNNs) have been widely used for e-commerce review fraud detection by aggregating the neighborhood information of nodes in various relationships to highlight the suspiciousness of nodes. However, existing GNN-based detection methods are susceptible to sample class imbalance and fraud camouflage problems, resulting in poor quality of constructed graph structures and inability to learn reliable node embeddings. To address the above problems, we propose a novel e-commerce review fraud detection method based on self-paced graph contrast learning (SPCL-GNN). Firstly, the method constructs a subgraph by initially selecting nodes through a labeled balanced extractor. Secondly, the subgraph connections are filtered and complemented by combining self-paced graph contrast learning and an adaptive neighbor sampler to obtain an optimized graph structure. Again, an attention mechanism is introduced in intra- and inter-relationship aggregation to focus on the importance of aggregation under different relationships. Finally, the quality of the node embedding representation is further improved by maximizing the mutual information between the local and global representations. Experimental results on the Amazon and YelpChi datasets show that SPCL-GNN significantly outperforms the baseline.
Gonadotropins for pubertal induction in males with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alexander Emma C , Faruqi Duaa , Farquhar Robert , Unadkat Ayesha , Ng Yin Kyla , Hoskyns Rebecca , Varughese Rachel , Howard Sasha R 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objective
Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is characterized by inadequate secretion of pituitary gonadotropins, leading to absent, partial, or arrested puberty. In males, classical treatment with testosterone promotes virilization but not testicular growth or spermatogenesis. To quantify treatment practices and efficacy, we systematically reviewed all studies investigating gonadotropins for the achievement of pubertal outcomes in males with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.

Design
Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods
A systematic review of Medline, Embase, Global Health, and PsycINFO databases in December 2022. Risk of Bias 2.0/Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute tools for quality appraisal. Protocol registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022381713).

Results
After screening 3925 abstracts, 103 studies were identified including 5328 patients from 21 countries. The average age of participants was &lt;25 years in 45.6% (n = 47) of studies. Studies utilized human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (n = 93, 90.3% of studies), human menopausal gonadotropin (n = 42, 40.8%), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (n = 37, 35.9%), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (28.2% n = 29). The median reported duration of treatment/follow-up was 18 months (interquartile range 10.5-24 months). Gonadotropins induced significant increases in testicular volume, penile size, and testosterone in over 98% of analyses. Spermatogenesis rates were higher with hCG + FSH (86%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 82%-91%) as compared with hCG alone (40%, 95% CI 25%-56%). However, study heterogeneity and treatment variability were high.

Conclusions
This systematic review provides convincing evidence of the efficacy of gonadotropins for pubertal induction. However, there remains substantial heterogeneity in treatment choice, dose, duration, and outcomes assessed. Formal guidelines and randomized studies are needed.
Digest: The importance of genetic background in bacterial evolution
Authors: Dionisi Sara , Huisman Jana S 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
How does genetic background influence a population’s evolutionary response to an environmental change? Which traits are selected for and how quickly does the population adapt? Filipow et al. (2024) address these questions by exploiting the natural genetic variation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium often found in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. They find that while genetic background influences the rate of phenotypic evolution, it does not alter the evolutionary outcome. Their findings contribute to a growing body of work that connects genetic background to future evolvability.
Recombination hotspots in Neurospora crassa controlled by idiomorphic sequences and meiotic silencing
Authors: Yeadon Patricia Jane , Bowring Frederick J , Catcheside David Edward Arnold 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Genes regulating recombination in specific chromosomal intervals of Neurospora crassa were described in the 1960s, but the mechanism is still unknown. For each of the rec-1, rec-2, and rec-3 genes, a single copy of the putative dominant allele, for example, rec-2SL found in St Lawrence OR74 A wild type, reduces recombination in chromosomal regions specific to that gene. However, when we sequenced the recessive allele, rec­2LG (derived from the Lindegren 1A wild type), we found that a 10 kb region in rec-2SL strains was replaced by a 2.7 kb unrelated sequence, making the “alleles” idiomorphs. When we introduced sad­1, a mutant lacking the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase that silences unpaired coding regions during meiosis into crosses heterozygous rec-2SL/rec-2LG, it increased recombination, indicating that meiotic silencing of a gene promoting recombination is responsible for dominant suppression of recombination. Consistent with this, mutation of rec-2LG by Repeat-Induced Point mutation generated an allele with multiple stop codons in the predicted rec-2 gene, which does not promote recombination and is recessive to rec-2LG. Sad-1 also relieves suppression of recombination in relevant target regions, in crosses heterozygous for rec-1 alleles and in crosses heterozygous for rec-3 alleles. We conclude that for all 3 known rec genes, 1 allele appears dominant only because meiotic silencing prevents the product of the active, “recessive,” allele from stimulating recombination during meiosis. In addition, the proposed amino acid sequence of REC­2 suggests that regulation of recombination in Neurospora differs from any currently known mechanism.
Heterozygosity alters Msh5 binding to meiotic chromosomes in the baker's yeast
Authors: Dash Suman , Joshi Sameer , Pankajam Ajith V , Shinohara Akira , Nishant Koodali T 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Meiotic crossovers are initiated from programmed DNA double-strand breaks. The Msh4–Msh5 heterodimer is an evolutionarily conserved mismatch repair–related protein complex that promotes meiotic crossovers by stabilizing strand invasion intermediates and joint molecule structures such as Holliday junctions. In vivo studies using homozygous strains of the baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SK1) show that the Msh4–Msh5 complex associates with double-strand break hotspots, chromosome axes, and centromeres. Many organisms have heterozygous genomes that can affect the stability of strand invasion intermediates through heteroduplex rejection of mismatch-containing sequences. To examine Msh4–Msh5 function in a heterozygous context, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation and sequencing (ChIP-seq) analysis in a rapidly sporulating hybrid S. cerevisiae strain (S288c-sp/YJM789, containing sporulation-enhancing QTLs from SK1), using SNP information to distinguish reads from homologous chromosomes. Overall, Msh5 localization in this hybrid strain was similar to that determined in the homozygous strain (SK1). However, relative Msh5 levels were reduced in regions of high heterozygosity, suggesting that high mismatch densities reduce levels of recombination intermediates to which Msh4–Msh5 binds. Msh5 peaks were also wider in the hybrid background compared to the homozygous strain (SK1). We determined regions containing heteroduplex DNA by detecting chimeric sequence reads with SNPs from both parents. Msh5-bound double-strand break hotspots overlap with regions that have chimeric DNA, consistent with Msh5 binding to heteroduplex-containing recombination intermediates.
The Imperial Court and the Localities during the Reign of Holy Roman Emperor Friedrich III
Authors: Schlag Richard C 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The centrality of the territorial principalities and imperial diet is a defining feature of the historiography of the late medieval Holy Roman Empire. This tendency risks restricting discussions of the Reich’s political life to the arena of high politics and obscuring important links and relationships between the imperial monarchy and its non-princely subjects. This article sets out to examine interactions between the late medieval imperial government and its subjects in the localities. The analysis focuses on the court and government of Emperor Friedrich III of Habsburg (r. 1440–1493), whose ‘peripheral kingship’ has been interpreted by historians as the moment of the crown’s definitive alienation from the Empire’s core lands. The article presents two case studies of protracted legal disputes in which communities of different size, importance and location came into the orbit of the emperor’s court seeking to protect their rights and interests. These case studies provide illustrative examples of how routine matters and local conflicts could be inextricably bound up in the structures of the emperor’s government. This evidence suggests that a complete account of the political and governmental history of the late medieval Holy Roman Empire needs to incorporate both new insights about the effectiveness of the imperial monarchy and the complex, multi-layered and interdependent nature of local politics.
VETERAN DIRECTED CARE: A MIXED METHODS STUDY TO INFORM SELF DIRECTED CARE PROGRAM EXPANSION FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA)
Authors: Dang Stuti , Bouldin Erin , Hathaway Wendy , Tyagi Pranjal , Penney Lauren , Intrator Orna , Nasr Samer 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is shifting from institutional to Home and Community Based Services, such as the Veteran-Directed Care (VDC) program, a self-directed program in which Veterans choose services and employ their providers to avoid or delay long-term institutionalization. The VA plans to expand VDC to all VA facilities by FY2026, but factors affecting VDC expansion are poorly understood. We focused on facilitators and barriers in the seven Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 8 VDC programs between May 2022 and January 2023 to inform program expansion. We used a mixed-methods approach, with surveys followed by semi-structured interviews with VA VDC staff, their partners at Aging and Disability Network Agencies (ADNAs) and VISN 8 leadership, such as lead program coordinators, using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to guide the project rapid analysis techniques. We found substantial variability in the structure, size, and operations of the VDC programs reflecting challenges noted by respondents. VA staff were consistently enthusiastic about VDC’s quality benefits for Veterans, however, they recommended additional staff, a dedicated VDC coordinator, and a national guidebook or standard operating procedures to streamline processes. Respondents also noted the need for more program education targeting referring providers. Unique local challenges, like the lack of available caregivers or no local ADNA, and limited local leadership support were other factors noted that could limit expansion. Importantly, Veterans were often overwhelmed by the employer responsibilities they needed to fulfill. Addressing these concerns remains a challenge to VISN 8 and national leadership.
INTERACTION BETWEEN NATIVITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD ON DEMENTIA RISK: FINDINGS FROM TEN YEARS OF NATIONAL US DATA
Authors: Wong Roger , Soong Daniel 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Prior research indicates neighborhood disadvantage increases dementia risk. There is, however, inconclusive evidence on the relationship between nativity and cognitive impairment. To our knowledge, our study is the first to analyze how nativity and neighborhood interact to influence dementia risk. Ten years of prospective cohort data (2011-2020) were retrieved from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, a nationally representative sample of 5,362 U.S. older adults aged 65+. Cox regression analyzed time to dementia diagnosis using nativity status (foreign or native-born) and composite scores for neighborhood physical disorder (litter, graffiti, vacancies) and social cohesion (know, help, trust each other), after applying sampling weights and imputing missing data. Average baseline neighborhood physical disorder was significantly higher among foreign-born (0.28) compared to native-born (0.18) older adults [t=-2.4, p=.02]. Average baseline neighborhood social cohesion was significantly lower for foreign-born (3.57) compared to native-born (4.33) older adults [t=5.5, p&lt;.001]. After adjusting for sociodemographic, health, and neighborhood variables, foreign-born older adults had a 51% significantly higher dementia risk (aHR=1.51, 95% CI=1.19-1.90, p&lt;.01). There were no statistically significant interactions for nativity with neighborhood physical disorder or social cohesion. Our findings suggest foreign-born older adults have higher neighborhood physical disorder and lower social cohesion compared to native-born older adults. Despite the higher dementia risk we observed for foreign-born older adults, this relationship was not moderated by either neighborhood physical disorder or social cohesion. Further research is needed to understand what factors are contributing to elevated dementia risk among foreign-born older adults.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN NEIGHBORHOOD ENVIRONMENT AND FEAR OF FALLING AND FALLS AMONG COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Dunlap Pamela , Zhu Xiaonan , Brach Jennifer , Moored Kyle , Harding Alyson , Rosso Andrea 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Neighborhood built environment may influence both objective and perceived risk of falling. We examined the association between neighborhood built environmental characteristics and falls, fear of falling (FOF), and gait efficacy among older adults. We used baseline data from a randomized trial that measured falls over the past 12 months, FOF, and Modified Gait Efficacy Scale (mGES). Walkability audits were conducted for participant home addresses using Google StreetView and summarized by two factors: urbanicity and neighborhood quality. Logistic and linear regression were adjusted for age, gender, race, comorbidity index, and body mass index. Analyses were also stratified by past falls and gait speed (&lt; or ≥1.0m/s). We included 249 participants (mean age: 77.4 years; 65% female) with 29.7% reporting a fall over the past year and 40.6% reporting FOF. Mean mGES (0-100) was 85.2±13.7 and 32% participants had gait speed &lt;1.0m/s. In unstratified analysis, greater urbanicity was associated with lower gait efficacy (β=-1.88, p=.039). Among those who had not fallen, greater urbanicity was associated with FOF (β=0.47, p=.012) and greater urbanicity and higher neighborhood quality were associated with lower gait efficacy (β=-2.8, p=.006; β=-2.1, p=.047). Among those with better mobility, urbanicity was associated with lower gait efficacy and FOF (β=-2.4, p=.009; β=0.5, p=.01). There were no significant associations among those who had fallen or with poorer mobility. Neighborhood environmental characteristics may play a larger role in FOF among those who have better mobility and have not yet fallen, as they may have more opportunities to interact with varied environmental conditions.
DO NEARBY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY DESTINATIONS ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO BE F.I.T.T.?
Authors: Donahue Patrick , Moored Kyle , Crane Breanna , Richards Emily , Desjardins Michael , Rosso Andrea , Carlson Michelle 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Neighborhood amenities may reduce barriers to engaging in physical activity (PA). However, it is unclear whether proximity to these amenities will indeed promote increased PA. This study examined whether living near PA destinations was associated with greater self-reported PA. The sample included Cardiovascular Health Study participants (N=3,922; mean age=75.3 years) from visit 5 (1992-1993). Quantity of PA destinations (e.g., gyms) within a one-kilometer Euclidean buffer of each participant’s home address was provided by the National Establishment Time-Series database. PA over the previous two weeks was self-reported via the Minnesota Leisure Time Activity Questionnaire. The exposure was dichotomized into having at least one PA destination (vs. none) within one kilometer of participants’ homes. Outcomes were based on the FITT components of PA outlined by the American College of Sports Medicine: Frequency (activities per week), Intensity (MET-minutes per week), Time (minutes per day), and Type (number of different activities, i.e., variety). Outcomes were modeled separately as five-level ordinal variables considering PA guidelines. Using ordinal logistic regression models adjusting for age, sex, health status, smoking, and body mass index, we found that living within one kilometer of at least one PA destination was associated with significantly increased odds of engaging in higher levels of all four PA components (odds ratios: 1.17-1.20, all Ps &lt; 0.01). After adjusting for social factors (race, education, income), associations were attenuated and no longer significant. When evaluating barriers to PA, social determinants of health should be considered, in addition to proximity of PA destinations.
PRIMARY OUTCOMES FROM CAREGIVER-REPORTED SURVEYS IN THE SHARE TRIAL
Authors: Wolff Jennifer , Giovannetti Erin , Boyd Cynthia , Roth David , Zhang Talan , Echavarria Diane , Hanna Valecia , Scerpella Daniel 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This presentation will introduce SHARE, a randomized-controlled trial to proactively engage family caregivers and normalize advance care planning in primary care. The objective of the study is to engage family caregivers in longitudinal interactions with primary care clinicians and stimulate and support ACP discussions in primary care. We focus on persons with mild, moderate, and severe cognitive impairment regardless of clinical diagnosis because of the importance of addressing advance care planning early in the disease trajectory, the under-diagnosis of ADRD, and because of the greater implementation potential of a protocol with broader applicability. We will describe the study design and present on 6-month outcomes to test our hypothesis that as compared with the minimally enhanced control care group, caregivers in the intervention group will report better quality of communication about end-of-life care with primary care clinicians at 6 months (primary outcome).
EXPLORATION OF PREPAREDNESS FOR MEDICAL DECISION MAKING FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Zhang Peiyuan , Cagle John 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
As dementia progresses, many family caregivers of people with dementia (PWD) often experience increasing demands of making medical decisions for their loved ones and feel unprepared, causing severe psychological distress. This presentation explores what factors influence preparedness level of family caregivers in medical decision-making for PWD. As part of a larger two-group randomized trial in which 273 PWD-family caregiver dyads received either a control protocol or a multi-component communication intervention including advance care planning (ACP) facilitation, this qualitative study used thematic analysis methods to analyze 10 transcripts resulting from audio-recorded and transcribed ACP conversations with an ACP facilitator, PWD, and family caregivers. Interview duration was over 30 minutes. The major themes identified were: (1) knowledge about PWD’s treatment preferences, (2) experience with death and dying, (3) previous decision-making involvement, and (4) spiritual beliefs. Many family caregivers found ACP conversations with PWD about their goals of care to be beneficial in improving their confidence in making medical decisions. A few participants also reported witnessing a loved one’s suffering at the end of life or having made care decisions for family before helped them to initiate conversations with PWD about medical wishes, thus enhanced readiness for decision making. Lastly, few caregivers reported belief in God would help them make the “right decisions”. Preliminary results highlight that caregivers’ understanding of PWD’s treatment preferences helps to prepare family caregivers for decision-making, underlining the need for early and culturally appropriate ACP conversations among residents, caregivers, and clinicians.