bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel Nomogram for Predicting Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Hepatitis C virus-associated Cirrhosis Patients after eliminating virus with Direct-acting Antivirals
Authors: tao xuemei , Zhao Youfei , Wang Zeyu , lu wei , Zhang Jing , Mi Yuqiang , Xu Liang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background and aims:Hepatitis C virus (HCV) associated cirrhosis are in high risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and this study aimed to explore the risk factors, and establish and validate a novel nomogram.
Methods: A total of 309 inpatients with HCV- associated cirrhosis from Tianjin Second People's Hospital were selected as the training cohort, and 363 patients from Beijing You’an Hospital were selected as the validation cohort. Both cohorts received Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents (DAAs) treatment and achieved sustained virological response (SVR). Laboratory parameters were collected at baseline and duration of follow-up. Cox regression analysis was used to explore risk factors of HCC, and a nomogram for prediction was developed and validated.
Results: HCC incidence was 5.45 100PY (95% CI, 3.91-7.40) in patients of the training cohort. Age, nonspecific liver nodules, the albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI) score and end of treatment (EOT)-AFP are independent risk factors for HCC by Cox regression analysis. A nomogram was used to predict the 1-year, 3-year and 5-year incidence of HCC, with the areas under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) of 0.866, 0.813 and 0.764, respectively. The AUROCs in validation cohort at 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.884, 0.783 and 0.692 in this nomogram, respectively.
Conclusion: This novel nomogram had a good predictive ability for HCC in patients with HCV-associated cirrhosis after eliminating virus with direct-acting antiviral agents, especially in 3 years.
Synthesis of metal-organic framework functionalized macroscopic flow-through precipitate tubes
Authors: Balog Edina , Bene Kinga , Schuszter Gábor 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The guided growth and the composition control of the well-known chemical garden tubular structures has been widely studied in the literature. However, the applicability of these macroscopic hollow precipitate tubes (e.g., catalysis, sensorics, etc.) is limited, since these pipes do not have a flow-through character originally, thus the functionalization of these tubes is difficult to implement. In this work, our goal was to design a novel reactor that enables the production of these flow-through precipitate pipes with robust junctions, and thus their functionalization for further applications. We successfully built the reactor and synthesized such pipes. Their flow-through character was proven in case of various template tubes which were produced by injecting one of the reactant solutions into another in three dimensions. After the production of the template tubes, we attempted to decorate the surface with ZIF-8 crystals, which have a great interest in the literature thanks to the beneficial properties (porous structure, huge specific surface, etc.). The surface functionalization was carried out by properly exchanging the reactant solutions inside and outside the template precipitate tubes. Due to the semi-permeable nature of the tube wall, the reactants could diffuse through the membrane and react with each other. This way we successfully produced ZIF-8 crystals on the inner tube surface and thus gave a useful feature to it.
Field-testing multiple-choice questions with AI examinees
Authors: Maeda Hotaka 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Field-testing is a necessary but resource-intensive step in the development of high-quality educational assessments. I present an innovative method for field-testing newly written exam items by replacing human examinees with AI examinees. The proposed approach is demonstrated using 512 four-option multiple-choice English grammar questions. One thousand pre-trained transformer language models are fine-tuned based on the 2-parameter logistic (2PL) item response model to respond like human test-takers. Each AI examinee is associated with a latent ability θ, and the item text is used to predict response selection probabilities for each of the four response options. The overall correlation between the true and predicted 2PL correct response probabilities was .68 (bias = 0.03, root-mean-squared-error = 0.19). The simulation study results were promising, showing that item response data generated from AI can be used to calculate item proportion correct, item discrimination, conduct item calibration with anchors, distractor analysis, dimensionality analysis, and latent trait scoring. However, the proposed approach still fell short of the accuracy of analyses that can be achieved with human examinee response data. If further refined, potential resource savings in transition from human to AI field-testing could be enormous. AI could shorten the field-testing timeline, prevent examinees from seeing low quality field-test items in real exams, shorten test lengths, eliminate item exposure and sample size concerns, reduce overall cost, and help expand the item bank.
Risk Factors for Infection after Percutaneous Vertebroplasty Augmentation for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture
Authors: Chen Rongbin , Chen Jianquan , Chen Wenchuang , Pan Yizhi , Li Shunpin , Chen Maoshui , Li Yong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background: Percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) is a widely implemented treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). Although rare, surgical site infection (SSI) is a serious complication of PVA. Even though it is of great medical significance to minimize SSIs after PVA, there have been few reports on systematic risk factor analysis and prevention strategies.The goal of this study was to analyze the incidence and risk factors of postoperative SSI in PVA at a single center and formulate prevention strategies.
Methods: The study involved 2624 patients who underwent PVA for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) at our hospital between 2015 and 2021. The case-control study method was utilized. The case group consisted of patients who developed postoperative infections, while the control group was composed of uninfected patients selected at a ratio of 1:3.We collected data on risk factors for SSIs from patients' electronic medical records, imaging findings, and laboratory test results. We then analyzed the independent risk factors for postoperative SSIs using Cox univariate and multivariate regression analyses.
Results: In our study, 17/2624 patients (0.65%) developed postoperative vertebral infections.Use of steroid drugs, NEUT%, C-type bone cement leakage after the operation were identified as risk factors in univariate analysis but not in multivariate analysis. Finally, multivariate analysis revealed the following risk factors for infectious spondylitis: age ≥ 80 years, type 2 diabetes, pulmonary infection, Alb ≤ 35 g/L, preoperative MRI indicating signs of fluid accumulation in the fractured vertebral body, and D-type bone cement leakage after the operation.
Conclusions: Multivariate analyses identified the abovementioned independent risk factors for postoperative SSIs after PVA. These data may help guide clinicians take preoperative preventive measures to reduce the incidence of postoperative SSIs after PVA.
Trial registration: This study was approved by Guangdong Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This article is a retrospective study. Therefore, the institution waived the requirement to obtain distinct written informed consent from the patients (approval number: ZE2023-176-01).
A randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of bilateral posterior tibial nerve stimulation versus biofeedback pelvic floor muscle training in the management of obstructed defecation
Authors: Ashoush Fouad , Abdelrahim Ahmed , Reddy Anil , Elshazly Walid , Sultan Mohamed , Saafan Tamer , Ali Omer , Rezkallah Emad , Harrison Sanjay , Ahmed Mooyad 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Introduction: The intricate process of normal defecation relies on the coordinated function of the somatic and autonomic innervation coupled with pelvic muscle activity. Obstructive defecation (OD) is a common disorder in the developed countries with a prevalence reported in literature between 3-18% of the adult population.
Aim: This study aims to compare the efficacy of Bilateral posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation (Bi-PTNS) compared to Pelvic Floor Muscle training with Biofeedback therapy (BFT) in treatment of adult patients with OD.
Methods: Prospective randomised control study was conducted on adult patients aged ≥18 years, diagnosed with OD, who were referred to the Colorectal Surgery Department at Alexandria Main university Hospitals between 2018 and 2020. Computerized 1:1 block randomization allocated patients into two groups: Bi-PTNS group and BFT group. Wexner constipation score and Patient assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Score (PAC-QoL) were used to assess the severity of patient’s symptoms prior to and after treatment. The primary outcome was the Wexner constipation score. The secondary outcome was the PAC-QoL score.
Results: Statistically significant differences were achieved in patients who underwent Bi-PTNS as compared to BFT group with 66% Versus 50% on the Wexner score and 60% Versus 42% on the PAC-QoL score.
Conclusion: Bi-PTNS intervention was more effective than BFT in alleviating symptoms of OD compared to BFT evidenced by improvements in both Wexner and PAC-QoL scores.
Discretization of fractional fully nonlinear equations by powers of discrete Laplacians
Authors: Chowdhury Indranil , Jakobsen Espen Robstad , Lien Robin Østern 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We study discretizations by powers of discrete Laplacians of fully nonlinear equations. Our problems are parabolic and of order σ є (0,2) since they involve fractional Laplace operators (-Δ)σ/2. They arise e.g. in control and game theory as dynamic programming equations, and solutions are non-smooth in general and should be interpreted as viscosity solutions. Our approximations are realized as finite-difference quadrature approximations which are 2nd order accurate for all values of σ. The accuracy of previous approximations depend on σ and are worse when σ is close to 2. We show that the schemes are monotone, consistent, L∞-stable, and convergent using a priori estimates, viscosity solutions theory, and the method of half-relaxed limits. We present several numerical examples.
2020 Mathematics Subject Classification. 49L25, 35J60, 34K37, 35R11, 35J70, 45K05, 49L25, 49M25, 93E20, 65N06, 65R20, 65N12.
Investigation of fretting wear characteristics in Zr-4 alloy tube under dual- motion conditions
Authors: Peng Jin-fang , Yang Tao , He Zhi-yi , Li Bo , Liu Jian-hua , Liu Xin-long , Zhu Min-hao 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
It is important to understand that the fuel cladding tube is a critical component in the primary circuit loops of a pressurized water reactor (PWR).In the PWR, the flow-induced vibration of circulating water could cause complex alternating loads between the elastic support mechanism and the cladding tube, eventually leading to complex fretting wear. However, most studies have focused on single tangential fretting wear, with limited research on dual-motion fretting wear. In this work, Zr-4 alloy tubes were subjected to tangential, radial, and dual-motion fretting wear with tube/tube point contact under different loads of three fretting wear modes are studied. The results indicate that the Ft-Dt of dual-motion fretting wear can be classified as trapezoidal (Gross Slip Region GSR), elliptical (elastoplastic coordinated Partial Slip Region PSR), and linear (elastic coordinated Partial Slip Region PSR); the peak friction coefficients of the tangential and dual-motion fretting wear are close to each other, but the latter requires more cycles to reach the peak in the PSR. Comparing the wear region characterization results from the three sets of fretting wear, it was found that the wear degree of dual-motion fretting wear was the most serious, followed by tangential fretting wear, and the wear degree of radial fretting wear was lightest. For dual-motion fretting wear, wear mechanisms change from oxidative wear and spalling to adhesive wear with the GSR to PSR.
Development and validation of a risk prediction model for incident frailty in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Luo Yu-Feng , Jiang Xi-Yuan , Wang Yue-ju , Ren Wen-yan , Wu Long-fei 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and frailty frequently coexist in older populations, resulting in a synergistic impact on health outcomes. This study aims to develop a prediction model for the risk of frailty among patients with cardiovascular disease.
Methods
Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a total of 2,457 patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in 2011 (n = 1,470) and 2015 (n = 987) were randomly divided into training set (n = 1,719) and validation set (n = 738) at a ratio of 7:3. LASSO regression analysis was used conducted to determine identify the predictor variables with the most significant influence on the model. Stepwise regression analysis and logistic regression model were used to analyze the risk factors of frailty in patients with cardiovascular disease. The prediction model was established by constructing a nomogram. The predictive accuracy and discriminative ability of the nomogram were determined by the concordance index (C-index) and calibration curve. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and decision curve analysis were conducted to assess predictive performance.
Results
A total of 360 patients (17.2%) had frailty symptoms. Among the 29 independent variables, it was found that gender, age, pain, grip strength, vision, activities of daily living (ADL), and depression were significantly associated with the risk of frailty in CVD patients. Using these factors to construct a nomogram model, the model has good consistency and accuracy. The AUC values of the prediction model and the internal validation set were 0.859 (95%CI 0.836–0.882) and 0.860 (95%CI 0.827–0.894), respectively. The C-index of the prediction model and the internal validation set were 0.859 (95%CI 0.836–0.882) and 0.887 (95%CI 0.855–0.919), respectively. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that the model's predicted probabilities were in reasonably good agreement with the actual observations. The calibration curve showed that the Nomogram model was consistent with the observed values. The robust predictive performance of the nomogram was confirmed by Decision Curve analysis (DCA).
Conclusions
This study established and validated a nomogram model, combining gender, age, pain, grip strength, ADL, visual acuity, and depression for predicting physical frailty in patients with cardiovascular disease. Developing this predictive model would be valuable for screening cardiovascular disease patients with a high risk of frailty.
Lifehistory Trade-Offs Influence Women’s Reproductive Strategies
Authors: Grainger Sara , Dunbar Robin Ian MacDonald 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
We use a modeling approach parameterized with current UK lifehistory data to show that, if they are to match the reproductive performance of women in the higher socio-economic classes, women in lower socio-economic classes must opt for a significantly earlier onset of reproduction in order to offset the higher class-specific mortality and infertility rates that they face. Women from low socio-economic classes cannot afford to postpone reproduction in order to enter a career unless that career pathway facilitates upward mobility into a higher socioeconomic class.
Effect of Cell Therapy With Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in the Treatment of Acute Rupture of the Achilles Tendon in Humans
Authors: Vieira Maria Helena Costa , Schweich-Adami Laynna de Carvalho , Oliveira Rodrigo Juliano , Antoniolli-Silva Andréia Conceição Milan Brochado 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in the treatment of acute rupture of the Achilles tendon. It was a cross-sectional study involving 15 patients. Patients were randomly divided: group 1 - rupture; group 2 – suture; group 3 – rupture + ADSCs. In the AOFAS score, the score was higher in group 3 with a significant difference. In the ATRS score, the score was higher in groups 2 and 3, also with a significant difference. As for the ultrasound score, there was a significant difference between the experimental groups in relation to this score, however, in the multiple comparisons test, comparing two groups at a time, it was possible to observe a significant difference of the experimental groups. It can be concluded that cell therapy in this condition may be a treatment option due to tissue regeneration and significant recovery of function.
Indigenous-led designation and management of Culturally Significant Species
Authors: Goolmeer Teagan , Costello Oliver , Skroblin Anja , Rumpff Libby , Wintle Brendan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Globally, Indigenous peoples are actively seeking better recognition of plants and animals that are of cultural significance, also known as Cultural Keystone Species, or Culturally Significant Entities (CSE), which encompass both species and ecological communities. The acknowledgement and collaborative management of CSE in biodiversity conservation improves environmental outcomes as well as the health and wellbeing of Indigenous people. The global diversity and complexity of Indigenous knowledge, values, and obligations make achieving a universal approach to designating CSE highly unlikely. Instead, empowering local Indigenous-led governance structures with methods to identify place-based CSE will yield more culturally supported results. In this study we used a structured decision-making framework with objectives and biocultural measures developed by Indigenous experts, with the aim of prioritizing place-based CSE for collaborative management approaches on Bunjalung Country in coastal eastern Australia. Our findings support the strategic alignment of Indigenous-led objectives and biocultural measures for the place-based designation and management of CSE, by placing the decision-making authority within the local cultural governance structures. We found some congruence and some important differences between CSE priorities and management compared with the colonial focus of threatened species management underpinned by current laws and policies. We provide a reproduceable methods and demonstration of successful local CSE designation and prioritization in an Australian context that highlights opportunities for Indigenous leadership, supported by governments in designation and management of CSE.
An Unification of Type-3 Grid Connected Wecs in Open Modules Encapsulated by Boost Converter
Authors: MaryAntony A.Santhi , Karthikeyan N , Tran Tien Anh 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

In past three decades, consumption of energy requirements had escalated desperately. Sources were required to meet the power needs as fossil fuels were not able to balance the energy demands. The RES enacts the power needs as it was inexhaustible in nature. Henceforth, the growth rate of Renewable-Energy had been increased intensively to meet the electrical energy demand. RES were expedient and extensively available in nature. An overview of grid-connected WECS manifests type-3 variable speed WT with DFIG was expedient. The accomplishment of DC-DC converter on DFIG based grid connected system epitomize Re-Boost converter (RBC) to be superior in its performance. The Re-boost converter had effectuated in open-loop and closed-loop operation for unification of DFIG based grid connected systems. The DC link voltage of grid connected Inverter had been stabilized by shunting DC-Link Capacitors. The DC-link capacitor had been embraced between the GCS and RSC. It was shunted primarily to provide smooth input to the inverter connected to the grid. AC–DC Converters have diminished conduction & switching losses but empathizes low PF and HD to be more. DC–AC Converters have less switching-stress and harmonics but embraces higher conversion loss. AC–AC Converter achieves higher efficiency but have prevailed the drawbacks due to large size and high harmonics. DC-DC converters embraces the power boosting stage. A Boost Converter (BC) was best suited and reliable due to its better performance and lower power losses. This converter encompasses a topology with continuous input-current which invokes reduced voltage stress. The PI-Controller provides zero control error and it was insensitive to interference of the measurement control. The FOPID-Controller exhibits more adjustable time and frequency responses.
High-Dimensional Single-Cell Analysis of Natural Killer Cell Heterogeneity in Human Blood
Authors: Vivier Eric , REBUFFET Lucas , Melsen Janine , Basurto-Lozada Daniela , Bhandoola Avinash , Björkström Niklas , Bryceson Yenan , Castriconi Roberta , Cichocki Frank , Colonna Marco , Davis Daniel , Diefenbach Andreas , Escaliere Bertrand , Haniffa Muzlifah , Horowitz Amir , Lanier Lewis , Malmberg Karl-Johan , Miller Jeffrey , Moretta Lorenzo , Narni-Mancinelli Emilie , O'Neill Luke , Romagnani Chiara , Ryan Dylan , Simona Sivori , Sun Dan , Vagne Constance , Ding Yi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) that serve as a first line of defense against pathogens and tumors. Historically, their classification hinged on a limited array of surface protein markers. However, recent advancements in single-cell technologies, such as single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes by sequencing (CITE-seq), have unveiled a more complex and nuanced understanding of NK cells. This has led to variations in nomenclature and inconsistencies across scientific literature. In our study, we utilized these technologies to dissect the heterogeneity of NK cells in healthy human blood. We identified three prominent NK cell subsets: NK1, NK2 and NK3, further differentiated into six distinct subgroups. All subsets were present in all donors, irrespective of their human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) status. Our findings delineate the unique molecular characteristics, key transcription factors, principal biological functions, significant metabolic traits, and cytokine responses of each subgroup. These data also suggest two separate
ontogenetic origins for NK cells, leading to divergent transcriptional trajectories. We explore these pathways in depth and propose a comprehensive, standardized nomenclature for NK cells. This standardized terminology aims at fostering clarity and consistency in future research, thereby improving cross-study comparisons.