bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Prediction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Associated Cachexia: The Value of a Nomogram Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Serum Characterisitcs
Authors: Li Xinxiang , Liu Bing , Zhao Yufei , Jiang Yang , Mao Hui , Peng Xingui 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background and Objectives:
About 50.1% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients are present with cachexia. Therefore, it remains urgent regarding an early detection of cachexia in HCC patients. This study reported the predictive value of a nomogram based on the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters in diagnosing cachexia in HCC patients.
Materials and Methods
A retrospective two-center study recruited the pretreatment clinical and MRI data of 489 HCC patients undergoing contrast-enhanced abdominal MRI. The data were divided into three cohorts for training and internal and external validation cohorts. Cancer-associated cachexia was initially diagnosed as weight loss > 5% over 6 months without diet control, or body mass index < 20 kg/m2 and weight loss > 2%. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent variables associated with cachexia in the training cohort used to build the nomogram. Area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration curve were used to evaluate nomogram performance.
Results
The independent factors for HCC-associated cachexia included clinical characteristics (serum α-fetoprotein level > 100 ng/mL and serum carbohydrate antigen 19 − 9 level > 37 U/mL) and MRI findings (tumor size > 5 cm, intralesional fat, portal vein tumor thrombus, and intratumoral artery). The nomogram constructed with these variables showed good predictive performance with AUC of 0.83 (training cohort), 0.79 (internal validation cohort), and 0.85 (external validation cohort), and a satisfactory consistency between prediction and observation on the calibration curve in all cohorts.
Conclusion
The proposed multivariable nomogram suggested good performance in predicting the risk of cachexia in HCC patients.
Causal Effect of Physical Activity on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Zhou Jiaqi , Fei Chunyuan , Zhang Yingqing 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: The relationship between physical activity (PA) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has remained unclear. In our study, we aimed to assess the causal effect of PA on COPD through a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study.
Methods: Genetic instruments associated with PA were derived from a meta-analysis of large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) involving 377,234 individuals of European ancestry from the United Kingdom Biobank and the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study. The outcome data were obtained from the FinnGen biobank. To estimate the causal relationship, we employed inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, MR-Egger, and weighted-median method. Additionally, we conducted Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger regression, Mendelian Randomization Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO) and leave-one-out analysis to assess potential pleiotropy effects.
Results: Our analysis revealed that genetically predicted strenuous sports or other exercises (SSOE) reduced the risk of COPD (OR=0.06, 95%CI 0.008 - 0.47, P= 0.007) based on the IVW method. However, we did not observe any causal relationship between other phenotypes of PA and COPD. The assessment of heterogeneity and pleiotropy provided further support for the robustness and validity of these MR results.
Conclusions: Based on our findings, it can be concluded that SSOE is causally associated with a reduced risk of COPD in individuals of European ancestry. However, we did not observe any causal relationship between other phenotypes of PA and COPD.
A new recognition of the binding of cellulose fibrils in papermaking by probing interaction between nanocellulose and cationic hemicellulose
Authors: LAN Xingyu , Fu Shiyu , Kong Yi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The paper industry is constantly seeking innovative ways to improve paper quality, increase process efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The unique properties of cationic modification of hemicellulose provide an opportunity to achieve these goals. Herein, eucalyptus hemicellulose was modified with quaternary ammonium groups to yield cationic hemicellulose (CH), which was used to elaborate structural and functional interactions between CH and cellulose nanofibrils (CNF). These interactions were quantitatively monitored by a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). We empirically studied bonding motifs between CNF and hemicellulose by forming films. The degree of substitution (DS) of CH was made between 0.095 and 0.254 by varying the molar ratio of the reaction, leading to a gamut of positive charges in hemicellulose. The adsorption of CH to a CNF surface was related to electrostatic interactions. The high DS of CH had higher adsorption rate and larger adsorption capacity within the CNF-surface, while CH as a reinforcing agent significantly increased the tensile strength of the film by hydrogen bonding, which was 71% higher than that of unmodified hemicellulose. The strong binding between CH and nanocellulose may highlight a platform to develop paper additives and nanocellulose composites for high-value applications.
WITHDRAWN: An Experiment of Moroccan Dialect speech recognition in noisy environments using PocketSphinx
Authors: OUISAADANE A. , SAFI S. , FRIKEL M. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In this study, we introduce an experimental framework for Moroccan Dialect speech recognition under various additive noise conditions using the open-source tool PocketSphinx. We curated a corpus comprising the ten most commonly used greetings in the Moroccan dialect, extracted from telephone conversations. This corpus was recorded with 60 speakers (30 males and 30 females). Each speaker articulated each expression three times in natural and noisy conditions. Feature extraction utilized Mel Scale Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC), and acoustic modeling, based on monophony, was implemented using Hidden Markov Models (HMM). While automatic speech recognition systems demonstrate commendable performance in noise-free conditions, their efficacy noticeably diminishes in the presence of noise.
Deep Learning for Automated Measurement of Total Cardiac Volume for Heart Transplantation Size Matching
Authors: Szugye Nicholas A. , Mahalingam Neeraja , Somasundaram Elanchezhian , Villa Chet , Segala Jim , Segala Michael , Zafar Farhan , Morales David L.S. , Moore Ryan A. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Total Cardiac Volume (TCV) based size matching using Computed Tomography (CT) is a novel technique to compare donor and recipient heart size in pediatric heart transplant that may increase overall utilization of available grafts. TCV requires manual segmentation, which limits its widespread use due to time and specialized software and training needed for segmentation.
Objective
This study aims to determine the accuracy of a Deep Learning (DL) approach using 3-dimensional Convolutional Neural Networks (3D-CNN) to calculate TCV, with the clinical aim of enabling fast and accurate TCV use at all transplant centers.
Materials and Methods
Ground truth TCV was segmented on CT scans of subjects aged 0–30 years, identified retrospectively. Ground truth segmentation masks were used to train and test a custom 3D-CNN model consisting of a Dense-Net architecture in combination with residual blocks of ResNet architecture.
Results
The model was trained on a cohort of 270 subjects and a validation cohort of 44 subjects (36 normal, 8 heart disease retained for model testing). The average Dice similarity coefficient of the validation cohort was 0.94 ± 0.03 (range 0.84–0.97). The mean absolute percent error of TCV estimation was 5.5%. There is no significant association between model accuracy and subject age, weight, or height. DL-TCV was on average more accurate for normal hearts than those listed for transplant (mean absolute percent error 4.5 ± 3.9 vs. 10.5 ± 8.5, p = 0.08).
Conclusion
A deep learning based 3D-CNN model can provide accurate automatic measurement of TCV from CT images.
Numerical Investigations of Trailing Edge Morphing at Low to Moderate Reynolds Number
Authors: Kumawat Ankit , Ghosh Santanu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study compares the effects of continuous trailing edge camber morphing and a hinged flap, on the aerodynamic performance of two symmetric airfoils: NACA0012 airfoil and the relatively thin NACA0003 airfoil, for a chord-based Reynolds number range of 104 to 106 , which represents the flight regime of micro aerial vehicles (MAVs). As a low-to-moderate Reynolds number regime has been considered in this study, the numerical simulations were performed using a Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes solver with a local correlation-based one-equation transition model. Results showed that use of camber morphing in lieu of hinged flap resulted in higher lift for both the NACA airfoils in almost all cases considered. Investigations of surface pressure coefficient revealed that delayed pressure recovery on both the suction and pressure surfaces near the trailing edge is primarily responsible for the production of higher lift for the airfoil with the continuous morphed trailing edge. Further, although use of continuous camber morphing of the trailing edge increases drag compared to the use of hinged flap, the aerodynamic efficiency is very similar for both the configurations. It was also observed that for a moderate angle of attack, the use of camber morphing in lieu of a hinged flap delayed trailing-edge flow separation in NACA0012 airfoil.
TM- and TE-polarization-selective narrowband perfect absorber for near-ultraviolet light using Fano resonance in an aluminum nanohole array structure
Authors: Akatsuka Karen , Hiramatsu Kazumasa , Motogaito Atsushi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
A wavelength- and polarization-selective absorber for near-ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 375 nm was theoretically designed and experimentally verified. Furthermore, the absorption mechanism was elucidated using electromagnetic field analysis. The absorber developed in this study employs an Al nanohole array structure, which has a double-layer, two-dimensional metal nano-periodic structure. This absorber selectively absorbs near-ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 375 nm and achieves a maximum absorption rate of over 90% for TM polarization at the angle of incidence 10.8o. This absorption was confirmed to be due to Fano resonance originating from the coupling between localized surface plasmon generated at the nanohole edges and propagating surface plasmon resonance along the z-axis direction. Furthermore, this absorber can selectively and completely absorb not only TM- but also TE-polarized light under conditions such as varying angle of incidence and azimuth. The perfect absorption of TE polarization was found at the angle of incidence 14.5o and that of azimuth 45o due to the combined surface plasmon resonance of the two kinds of TM polarization. This method is expected to be applied as an intermediate optical element in near-ultraviolet light, such as optical switching, and in ultraviolet optical communications.
Research on Anti-interference Management of Cold Fresh Food Distribution Based on Prospect Theory and Adaptive PSO Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Yanhu , Yan Lijuan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper addresses the challenges faced by fresh frozen product supply enterprises, where the original distribution plans become infeasible due to disturbances such as refrigeration equipment failures during the product delivery process. These disturbances may lead to potential damage to the enterprise's brand reputation, a decrease in customer satisfaction, and economic losses. The research delves into these issues and proposes solutions. Firstly, concerning the supplier delivery mode, a mathematical model is proposed based on the Prospective Theory, suitable for evaluating multiple factors such as supplier brand, customer satisfaction, and supplier economic benefits. Secondly, building upon this model, a combined function model is generated by integrating supplier brand reputation and supplier economic benefits. This model simultaneously considers the relationships between supplier brand reputation, customer satisfaction, and supplier economic benefits in order of priority. Thirdly, to find the optimal solution for this model, a corresponding PSO (Particle Swarm Optimization) particle model is designed, aligning the delivery plan with the particle's position coordinates. Fourthly, by enhancing the PSO algorithm, the iteration count of the algorithm is significantly optimized, enabling intelligent termination of the iterative loop exploring the optimal solution, thereby improving the efficiency of solving the problem. Validation on multiple Solomon instance datasets demonstrates the superior performance of the proposed algorithm. The solutions it provides in the event of frozen equipment failures are more conducive to maintaining the supplier's corporate brand image, enhancing customer satisfaction, and boosting economic profits for the enterprise.
Collaboration Cognizance: Development of a self-assessment instrument to measure Intra-Professional Collaborative Practices (IPCP) in postgraduate medical residents at tertiary care hospitals
Authors: Anwar Ayesha , Yasmeen Rahila , Khan Rehan Ahmed 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
The ever-evolving healthcare system of today demands physicians who steer their roles as treatment providers, managers and collaborators. Professionals are highly interdependent due to increased complexity of health problems and risk of errors increases with transitions in care. In hospitals, the main workforce is postgraduate residents; therefore, intraprofessional collaboration amongst residents is essential. Several instruments are available to evaluate interprofessional collaboration amongst physicians, nurses and hospital teams but none specifically assessed intra-professional collaborative practices amongst residents working in tertiary care hospitals in multi-disciplinary teams. This study intends to develop and validate an instrument to self-assess intraprofessional collaborative practices in postgraduate residents undergoing residency in multiple specialties at tertiary care hospitals.
Approach:
This study on Instrument Development employed mixed method study design executed in two phases. In phase 1, six domains of intraprofessional collaborative practices were identified from literature and 35 items were developed. Fifteen experts participated in qualitative content validation and provided comments. To establish content validity in phase 2, content validity index (CVI) and content clarity average (CCA) were assessed by seventeen experts. Response process validity was established by cognitive interviewing of 5 postgraduate residents. Pilot testing was done on a sample of 407 residents. Cronbach’s alpha was determined, and confirmatory factor analysis established construct validity.
Results
During phase 1, items were modified based on qualitative feedback from 15 experts. In round 2, CVI and CCA were determined based on responses of 17 experts. The items having an I-CVI greater than 0.90 were accepted and six items underwent modifications as their I-CVI fell between 0.78–0.90. Similarly, four items with a CCA of less than 2.4 were modified to increase clarity. Cognitive interviews of participants on 30 items resulted in the deletion of 1 item and changes in 5 items. The final instrument had 29 items categorized under six constructs. All items had good factor loadings during CFA, so none was deleted. Cronbach’s Alpha α was 0.937.
Conclusion
Intraprofessional collaborative practices in residents is a valid and reliable self-assessment instrument comprising 29 items measuring six constructs. It may be used by residents to assess their collaborative practices and incorporated in curricula to help develop collaborative practices and their assessment during training of postgraduate residents.
An inside out journey: Biogenesis, ultrastructure and proteomic characterisation of the monogenean Sparicotyle chrysophrii extracellular vesicles
Authors: Riera-Ferrer Enrique , Mazanec Hynek , Mladineo Ivona , Konik Peter , Piazzon M. Carla , Kuchta Roman , Palenzuela Oswaldo , Estensoro Itziar , Sotillo Javier , Sitjà-Bobadilla Ariadna 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: Helminth extracellular vesicles (EVs) are known to have a three-way communication role among parasitic helminths, their host and host-associated microbiota. They are considered biological containers carrying virulence factors, being therefore appealing as therapeutic and prophylactic target candidates. This study aims to describe and characterise EVs secreted by the monogenean Sparicotyle chrysophrii (Microcotylidae), a blood-feeding gill parasite of the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) inflicting significant economic losses in Mediterranean aquaculture.
Methods: To identify proteins involved in extracellular vesicle biogenesis, genomic datasets from S. chrysophrii were mined in silico using known protein sequences from Clonorchis spp., Echinococcus spp., Fasciola spp., Fasciolopsis spp., Opisthorchis spp., Paragonimus spp., and Schistosoma spp. The EV location and ultrastructure was studied using transmission electron microscopy in high-pressure frozen adult S. chrysophrii specimens. Moreover, EVs were isolated and purified from adult S. chrysophrii (N=200) using a newly developed ultracentrifugation-size-exclusion chromatography protocol for Monogenea, and EVs were characterised via nanoparticle tracking analysis and tandem mass spectrometry.
Results: Fifty-nine proteins involved in EV biogenesis were identified in S. chrysophrii and EVs compatible with microvesicles were observed in the parasite’s haptoral region syncytial layer lining the clamps. Moreover, isolated and purified nanoparticles presented a mean size of 251.8 ± 2.2 nm (± SD), and yielded 1.71×108 ± 4.55×107 particles·mL-1 (mean ± SD).
The protein composition analysis identified proteins related to peptide hydrolases, GTPases, EF-hand domain proteins, aerobic energy metabolism, anticoagulant/ lipid-binding, haem detoxification, iron transport, EV biogenesis-related, vesicle-trafficking and other cytoskeletal-related proteins. From the identified proteins, leucyl and alanyl aminopeptidases, calpain, ferritin, dynein light chain, 14-3-3, heat shock protein 70, annexin, tubulin, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, enolase and fructose-bisphosphate aldolase have already been proposed as target candidates for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes in helminths.
Conclusions: We have unambiguously demonstrated the secretion of EVs by S. chrysophrii inferring their biogenesis machinery at a genomic and transcriptomic level, ultrastructural location in the parasite, and analysing their protein composition. The identification of several candidate therapeutic targets among EV’s protein repertoire, offers opportunities for target-based drug discovery and vaccine development approaches, for the first time in Monogenea and a fish-ectoparasite model.
Conceptualization and teaching health advocacy in undergraduate medical education: a document analysis
Authors: de Bok Femke E. , Hermans Jessie , Duvivier Robbert J. , Wolff Djoeke , Reijneveld Sijmen. A. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background and aim: Health advocacy is considered to be a core competence for physicians, but it remains unclear how the health advocacy role, despite being described in overarching competency frameworks, is operationalized in undergraduate medical education (UME). This study aimed to identify how health advocacy is conceptualized and taught in undergraduate medical curricula.
Methods: We performed a qualitative analysis of curriculum documents from all eight medical schools in the Netherlands, all of which offered competency-based UME. Thematic analysis was used to code all the documents and generate themes on health advocacy conceptualization and teaching. To categorize the emerging themes, we used the framework of Van Melle et al for evaluating the implementation of competency-based medical educational programs.
Results: Health advocacy was mostly conceptualized in mission statements about social responsibility of future physicians, related to prevention and promoting health. We found key concepts of health advocacy to be taught mainly in public health and social medicine courses in the bachelor stage and in community-based clerkships in the master stage. Specific knowledge, skills and attitudes related to health advocacy were taught mostly in distinct longitudinal learning pathways in three curricula.
Conclusion: Health advocacy is conceptualized mostly as related to social responsibility for future physicians. Its teaching is mostly embedded in public health and social medicine courses and community-based settings. A wider implementation is warranted, extending its teaching to the full width of medical teaching, with longitudinal learning pathways providing a promising route for more integrative health advocacy teaching.
Edge modes in 1D microwave photonic crystal
Authors: Ivzhenko Liubov , Girich Aleksey , Kharchenko Ganna , Polevoy Sergey , Tarapov Sergey , Krawczyk Maciej , Kłos Jarosław W. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The microstrip of modulated width is a realization of a one-dimensional photonic crystal operating in the microwave regime. Like any photonic crystal, the periodic microstrip is characterised by the presence of frequency bands and band gaps that enable and prohibit wave propagation, respectively. The frequency bands for microstrip of symmetric unit cell can be distinguished by 0 or pi Zak phase. The sum of these topological parameters for all bands below a given frequency gap determines the value of the surface impedance and whether or not edge modes are present at the end of the microstrip. We demonstrate that edge modes are absent in a finite microstrip terminated at both ends in the centres of unit cells, but they can be induced by adding the defected cells. Edge modes present at both ends of the microstrip enable microwave tunneling with high transitivity in the frequency gap with or without a change in phase. This has been demonstrated experimentally and developed in detail using numerical simulations and model calculations. The investigated system, with a doublet of edge modes in the frequency gap, can be considered as a narrow passband filter of high selectivity.