bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A retrospective analysis utilizing the SEER database to develop and validate a prognostic nomogram for middle-aged and older patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the mobile tongue
Authors: Qi Junbo , Lun Xiaohan , Li Xin , Liu Weixian 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND:
The overall survival (OS) of squamous cell carcinoma of the mobile tongue remains dismal. This research aimed to develop a predictive nomogram model capable of forecasting the impact of various factors on the OS of mobile tongue squamous cell carcinoma (MTSCC) in middle-aged and older patients.
METHODS:
The study population consisted of patients diagnosed with MTSCC between 2010 and 2015. These individuals were identified through the utilization of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Following this, at random, these people were separated into two sets: a training set and a validation set. Risk factors for OS in the training set were identified using univariate and multivariate COX regression analyses. Prognostic nomograms for middle-aged and older patients with MTSCC were then created using independent risk factors and validated using the area under the ROC curve, calibration curves, and DCA curves. Finally, a comparison was made between the nomogram and TNM staging in order to assess their respective predictive capabilities.
Results:
In total, 2354 eligible patients were enrolled; of these, 707 were designated for validation, and 1647 were assigned to the training set. OS-independent prognostic factors included age, race, gender, tumor pathology grading, T-stage, N-stage, whether the primary site was operated on or not, and radiotherapy (all P < 0.05). The AUC values of the OS prognostic nomograms, which were built utilizing independent prognostic parameters, are as follows: The training set yielded an AUC of 0.793, 0.750, and 0.749 for the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year OS, respectively. The calibration curves of the nomograms exhibited a substantial level of concordance between the projected and observed rates of survival. DCA curve concluded that prognostic net benefit was greater for nomograms featuring broad high-risk thresholds compared to TNM.
CONCLUSION:
This model has better predictive ability than AJCC staging and it can help oral and maxillofacial surgeons to predict the prognosis of tongue squamous carcinoma.
Experimental Investigation and Parametric Optimization of Automated MIG welding Stainless Steel SS316 with Low Alloy Steel AISI 4140 on Mechanical Properties
Authors: Deko Tajudin Ayub , Beri Habtamu , Rajhi Ali A. , Duhduh Alaauldeen A. , Edacherian Abhilash , Khan Sohaib Z. , Ahmed Gulam Mohammed Sayeed 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

In marine, aerospace, automotive, and biomedical engineering, components and structures are made of different materials that have properties in order to meet specific performance requirements. Stainless steel 316 and low alloy steels are the most commonly used materials in the marine industry, where corrosive resistivity and high specific strength are the design requirements. This was the main importance of welding dissimilar metal using automated MIG to increase productivity, improve quality, reliability, and reduce labor costs. This research work aimed to study how different MIG process parameters (welding current, wire feed rate, gas flow rate, and welding speed) affect the mechanical properties of welding two different metals together, namely stainless steel 316 and low alloy steel 4140. To study the significance and contribution of each parameter, analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted using Minitab 21 software. The tensile strength and flexural strength experimental results showed that the welding current parameter has a high significant effect in both cases, followed by welding speed. The hardness result shows that the welding speed followed by the welding current has a significant effect on hardness. Weld metal had higher hardness than stainless steel and low alloy steel base metals.
Prospective benchmarking of an observational analysis against a randomized trial: beta blockers after myocardial infarction with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Matthews Anthony A , Dahabreh Issa J. , MacDonald Conor J. , Lindahl Bertil , Hofmann Robin , Erlinge David , Yndigegn Troels , Berglund Anita , Jernberg Tomas , Hernán Miguel A. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Prospective benchmarking of an observational analysis against a randomized trial increases confidence in the benchmarking process as it relies exclusively on aligning the protocol of the trial and the observational analysis, while the trials findings are unavailable. The Randomized Evaluation of Decreased Usage of Betablockers After Myocardial Infarction (REDUCE-AMI) trial started recruitment in September 2017 and results are expected in 2024. REDUCE-AMI aimed to estimate the effect of long-term beta blockers on the risk of death and myocardial following a myocardial infarction with preserved left ventricular systolic ejection fraction. We specified the protocol of a target trial as similar as possible to that of REDUCE-AMI, and then emulated the target trial using observational data from Swedish healthcare registries. Had everyone followed the protocol, the observational analysis estimated a reduction in the 5-year risk of death or myocardial infarction of 0.8 percentage points for beta blockers compared with no beta blockers; effects ranging from an absolute reduction of 4.5 percentage points to an increase of 2.8 percentage points in the risk of death or myocardial infarction were compatible with our data under conventional statistical criteria. Once results of REDUCE-AMI are published, we will compare results of our observational analysis against those from the trial. If this prospective benchmarking is successful, it provides credibility for additional analyses using these observational data, which can rapidly deliver answers to questions that could not be answered by the initial trial. If it is not, we will conduct a “postmortem” analysis to identify the reasons for the discrepancy. Prospective benchmarking shifts the investigator focus away from an endeavour to use observational data to obtain similar results as a completed randomized trial, to a systematic attempt to align the design and analysis of the trial and the observational analysis.
Optimizing Breathlessness Management in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Insights from a Comprehensive Systematic Review
Authors: Filipe Catarina Bico , Carreira Nuno Reis , Reis-Pina Paulo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background:
Breathlessness is a prevalent symptom affecting the quality of life (QOL) of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients.
This systematic review explored the interventions for controlling breathlessness in ALS patients, emphasizing palliative care (PALC), non-invasive ventilation (NIV), opioids, and non-pharmacological strategies.
Methods:
A comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases was conducted. Eligibility criteria encompassed adults with ALS or motor neuron disease experiencing breathlessness. Outcomes included QOL and symptom control. Study designs comprised qualitative studies, cohort studies, and randomized controlled trials.
Results:
Eight studies were included, most exhibiting low bias risk, comprising one randomized controlled trial, three cohort studies, two comparative retrospective studies, and two qualitative studies (interviews). Most studies originated from Europe, with one from the United States of America. The participants totaled 3423, with ALS patients constituting 95.6%. PALC consultations significantly improved symptom assessment, advanced care planning, and discussions about goals of care. NIV demonstrated efficacy in managing breathlessness, with considerations for device limitations. Opioids were effective, though predominantly studied in non-ALS patients. Non-pharmacological strategies varied in efficacy among patients.
Conclusion:
The findings underscore the need for individualized approaches in managing breathlessness in ALS. PALC, NIV, opioids, and non-pharmacological strategies play crucial roles, each with their unique considerations. Further research, especially ALS-specific self-management studies, is warranted.
TCF19 promotes cell proliferation and tumor formation in lung cancer by activating the Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Tian Yahui , Xin Shaowei , Wan Zitong , Liu Lu , Fan Zhenzhen , Li Tian , Peng Fujun , Xiong Yanlu , Han Yong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to investigate the role of TCF19 in lung cancer, focusing on its impact on the development and progression of tumors. Specifically, the objective was to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying TCF19-mediated effects, with a particular emphasis on its involvement in the RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway.
Methods
The research involved the analysis of lung cancer tissues to assess the expression levels of TCF19. In vitro experiments were conducted using lung cancer cells (A549 and Hop62) with TCF19 overexpression. Transgenic mouse models were employed to study the in vivo effects of TCF19 on the development of primary tumors. Transcriptome sequencing was performed to identify alterations in gene expression profiles, and further experiments were carried out to investigate the activation status of the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway. Functional assays, including cell cycle progression and the levels of cell cycle-associated proteins, were conducted to understand the underlying mechanisms.
Results
The research findings demonstrated significant overexpression of TCF19 in lung cancer tissues. In vitro experiments revealed that TCF19 overexpression stimulated the growth of lung cancer cells and facilitated the development of primary tumors in transgenic mice. Mechanistically, TCF19 overexpression was associated with an elevation in the Ras and MAPK signaling pathways, as indicated by increased phosphorylation of Raf1, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2 in A549 and Hop62 cells. However, the inhibition of RAF1 or ERK, either through shRaf1 or ERK inhibitor, led to a reduction in cell cycle-related proteins and inhibited cell growth in TCF19-overexpressing cells.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study identified TCF19 as an oncogene in lung carcinoma. The research highlighted its specific impact on the RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway, offering insights into a novel aspect of the molecular cascade involved in lung cancer development. Targeting TCF19 or its associated signaling pathways may present a promising avenue for the management of lung cancer characterized by elevated TCF19 levels.
Application of Friction Riveting technique for the assembly of electronic components on printed circuit boards (PCB)
Authors: Rodrigues Camila F. , Boas Maria C. Vilas , Blaga Lucian , Bartz Olaf , Klusemann Benjamin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The Friction Riveting process has shown promising feasibility for a variety of material combinations and applications in the transportation industry. Recent research has explored the potential application of this technique in electronics, specifically for the assembly of printed circuit boards (PCBs), using AA-2024-T3 rivets on thin glass-fiber-reinforced epoxy substrates. Considering these promising results, this study focuses on the effects of reducing the diameter of the rivets used in Friction Riveting because of the need for downscaling when joining assemblies on a smaller scale. Therefore, the joint formation of joints produced with PCBs was investigated in terms of process temperature evolution, microstructural changes, and mechanical properties. Joints were obtained at process temperatures ranging from 285 ºC to 368 ºC. Notably, the use of 4 mm rivets resulted in extensive delamination, weak joint mechanisms, and cracking. These issues were impaired by the different coefficients of thermal expansion of the materials involved. However, reducing the rivet diameter to 3 mm significantly improved the joint quality. Although a further reduction to 2.5 mm rivet diameter minimized delamination, it led to insufficient anchorage and cracking. Overall, joints produced with a 3 mm rivet diameter achieved the highest ultimate tensile force (UTF) of 276 N. This study lays the foundation for applying the Friction Riveting process to practical PCB assemblies. It demonstrates that it is possible to achieve a balance between sufficient rivet anchoring, minimized delamination, and reduced cracking by optimizing the process parameters to the diameter-to-thickness ratio. Further joint optimization can be deduced from this study by potentially using rivets with lower plasticizing temperatures and selecting PCBs with improved heat resistance. In summary, this research highlights the prospect of Friction Riveting as an innovative method for PCB assembly, demonstrating the critical role of temperature control and rivet diameter in ensuring robust joint formation and performance.
Size optimization of CNOT circuits on NISQ
Authors: Zhang anpeng , Feng xiutao , Xu shengyuan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Quantum computers in practice today require strict memory constraints, where 2-qubit operations can only be performed between the qubits closest to each other in a graph structure. So a quantum circuit must undergo a transformation to the graph before it can be implemented. In this paper, we study the optimization of the CNOT circuits on some noisy intermediate-scale quantum(NISQ) devices. Compared with previous works, we decompose it into two sub-problems: optimization with a given initial qubit distribution and optimization without limitations of initial qubit distribution. We find that most of the previous researches focused on the first sub-problem, and ignored the influence of different distribution of qubits in the same topology structure on the optimization results. In this paper, we take both sub-problems into account and give some new optimization algorithms. In short, our method is divided into two steps: matrix optimization and routing optimization. We implement matrix optimization with the algorithm in [1 ] and put forward a new heuristic algorithm with MILP method which can solve the second step. We implement our algorithm on IBM20 and some other NISQ devices, the results are better than most other methods in our experiment.
Analysis of miRNA and mRNA transcription profiles changes in the hippocampus of fluorosis rats
Authors: Huang Wei , Wu Liaowei , Qin Ming , Gao Yue , Guo Ning , Gao Yanhui 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Fluoride exposure can impair learning and memory functions in rats. miRNAs participate in the regulation of learning and memory functions in the hippocampus of rats. In this study, a sub-chronic fluoride poisoning rat model with drinking water containing 0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/L sodium fluoride was constructed. Morris water maze and Nissl staining were used to confirm the impairment of learning and memory functions and the reduction of neuronal numbers in fluoride-poisoned rats. High-throughput sequencing technology was used to analyze the miRNA and mRNA transcription profiles in the hippocampus of rats exposed to 100 mg/L sodium fluoride and the control group. Four differentially transcribed miRNAs were selected to verify the reliability of the sequencing results using qRT-PCR. The study found that 13 differentially transcribed miRNAs, including miR-10b-5p, miR-23b-5p, miR-3585-5p, and miR-96-5p, regulate 51 target genes. These target genes may participate in hippocampal damage of fluoride-exposed rats through various processes.
Research on the accessibility of the entire travel process using public transportation in mountainous cities: Taking the central urban area of Chongqing as an example, China
Authors: Sun Ao , Huang Yong , Feng Gaoqian , Xiang Hengling , Huang Chen 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The accessibility of the entire travel process using public transportation refers to the convenience of the entire travel process from the starting point to the destination when residents choose public transport as the travel tool. However, there is currently a lack of research on the full process of public transportation travel for residents, especially in mountainous cities with complex terrain and high manual intervention intensity. Taking the central urban area of Chongqing, China as the study area, this research uses geographic information spatial analysis and complex network analysis technology to build a full process accessibility evaluation model for public transport and excavates the distribution law of accessibility in the full process of public transport travel in mountainous cities and its correlation with terrain, walking road density, population density and other influencing factors. The research shows that: (1) The coverage rate of transfer between rail transit and conventional public transportation within 400 meters of the research area reaches 100%; (2) The average proportion of the actual walking area of stations within the study area is only 40.36% of the ideal walking area, with 16.69% of walking routes having a high degree of detour and 11.39% of walking routes having a very serious degree of detour, almost unreachable; (3) The convenience of inter station transfer in the public transportation system within the research area is poor, with a current probability of direct arrival of only 0.84%. The cumulative probability of direct arrival or single transfer arrival is only 9.64%, and the average number of transfers is 2.9. The main transfer stations and core hub stations are few and unevenly distributed, with almost no gradient configuration used for stations with transfer functions, greatly affecting the convenience of the entire process of public transportation travel; (4) There is varying degrees of correlation between the full process accessibility of regional public transportation stations and the four main influencing factors of station location, including altitude, slope, pedestrian density, and population density. Among them, the density of pedestrian roads has the most significant correlation with the full process accessibility of stations, becoming the main factor restricting the convenience of public transportation in mountainous cities, The density of pedestrian roads is mainly constrained by mountain terrain factors such as altitude differences and slopes at the micro scale. The research conclusion can provide scientific basis for the integrated construction and development of public transportation in mountainous cities at both macro and micro scales, guide the adaptation of population and public transportation, and improve the travel sharing rate of public transportation.
Surveillance and Biorational Management of Rugose Spiraling Whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Infesting Coconut to Reduce the Invasion Threat in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. Mahbubur , Dutta Nirmal Kumar , Sarkar Md Akhtaruzzaman , Nuruzzaman Md , Islam Md Rashedul 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The Rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin, is a new invasive pest in Bangladesh that was first reported in May 2019 infesting coconut trees. In this context, the present study was carried out to respond to this pest immediately by evaluating the seasonal incidence of this pest and establishing a suitable management procedure to control it. Seasonal abundance of RSW populations was observed at weekly intervals from January 2021 to December 2022. Seasonal variations have been observed in RSW infestation of coconuts. The RSW populations prevailed throughout the year, peaking in April-May and September-October in both 2021 and 2022. Among different climatic factors, temperature played a significant role in the growth of these pest populations. Of six treatments tested, the chemical insecticide Acetamiprid (Tundra® 50 SP) was most effective, reducing pest numbers by over 80% after initial and follow-up applications. Initial application of bio-pesticides yielded a more modest 44.83-65.98% control, with D-Lemonine (Bio clean® 5% SL) performing best. A second spray of D-Lemonine lowered nymph, puparium, and adult populations by 82.11%, 82.12%, and 83.53% respectively compared to untreated trees. Furthermore, when Acetamiprid and D-Lemonine were used in combination, they demonstrated a high level of efficacy in controlling the RSW. Therefore, implementing a rotation spraying strategy that involves the use of Acetamiprid followed by D-Lemonine can be considered a sustainable management option to combat RSW infestation in coconut trees. This rotation utilizes chemical and organic options while avoiding the overuse of any single method.
Comparison of the efficacy of different models in predicting the progression of Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Qian Jun , Han Anchen , Shi Xinwei , Chen Yuanfang , Gao Yue , Wu Liting , Ji Xinyu , Sun Liu , Shi Yangyang , Yang Yizhou , Xu Ming , Zhu Baoli , Han Lei , Sun Kai 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective
To identify the risk factors associated with the progression of pulmonary hypertension (PH), develop two distinct risk prediction models, and provide valuable insights for clinical management.
Methods
This study employed a retrospective analysis to examine the clinical data of 346 individuals diagnosed with PH by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). The participants were allocated randomly to either a training set (n = 243) or a validation set (n = 103) at a 7:3 ratio. Subsequently, the individuals were further categorized into the control and case groups according to PH progression. The training set was utilized to perform single- and multifactor logistic regression analysis, as well as random forest feature priority ranking, to determine the most effective predictive variables. Subsequently, logistic regression and random forest models were developed. The performance of both models was evaluated and compared based on the validation set, using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value.
Results
Logistic regression analysis revealed that World Health Organization Function Class (WHO FC), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)/pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), right atrial diameter (RAD)/left atrial diameter (LAD), right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (RVDd)/left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVDd), main pulmonary artery (MPA), MPA/ascending aorta (AA), MPA/descending aorta (DA), red blood cell distribution width (RDW)-coefficient of variation (RDW-CV), Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) and D-dimer were risk factors for PH progression. Among these, WHO FC, TAPSE/PASP, RVDd/LVDd, MPA/AA, and NT-proBNP were independent risk factors for PH progression. The random forest model identified the top five predictors of PH progression as TAPSE/PASP, MPA/AA, RVDd/LVDd, NT-proBNP, and NLR. The area under the ROC curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the logistic regression and random forest model were 0.958 (95% CI: 0.919–0.997) and 0.959 (95% CI: 0.921–0.997), 93.2% and 92.23%, 90.91% and 90.91%, 94.92% and 93.22%, 93.02% and 90.91%, 93.33% and 93.22% respectively.
Conclusions
Both the logistic regression and the random forest model demonstrated significant predictive power for PH progression, providing clinical utility in identifying high-risk patients and implementing effective interventions to prevent PH progression in clinical practice.