bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A privacy-preserving publicly verifiable quantum random number generator
Authors: Islam Tanvirul , Banerji Anindya , Boon Chin Jia , Rui Wang , Reezwana Ayesha , Grieve James A. , Piera Rodrigo , Ling Alexander 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Verifying the quality of a random number generator involves performing computationally intensive statistical tests on large data sets commonly in the range of gigabytes. Limitations on computing power can restrict an end-user's ability to perform such verification. There are also random number-based applications where the user needs to publicly demonstrate that the random bits they are using pass the statistical tests without the bits being revealed. Here, we report the implementation of an entanglement-based protocol that allows a third party to publicly perform statistical tests without compromising the privacy of the random bits.
Causal association between erectile dysfunction with urate levels and gout: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Gao Qingqiang , Zhu Leilei , Pan Chunyan , Wang Yunrui , Zhang Zhijian , Zhang Jian 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
A plethora of studies have demonstrated that the level of uric acid (UA) and gout are the risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the causal effect of UA level and gout on ED is still unclear.
Objectives
This Mendelian randomization (MR) study aims to examine the bidirectional causality between ED and UA levels as well as gout.
Materials and methods
We performed a bidirectional MR analysis using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to investigate the causal association between ED and UA levels as well as gout. We meticulously selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) based on rigorous criteria as instrumental variables. Four two-sample MR analysis methods, including inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode, were applied in our study. Furthermore, several sensitivity analyses including Cochrane's Q-test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO global test, and leave-one-out analysis were performed to assess heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, and stability.
Results
The study included one dataset related to UA levels (GWAS meta-analysis conducted by Tin et al.), two datasets related to gout (ukb-b-12765 and finn-R9-M13_GOUT), and one dataset related to ED (GWAS meta-analysis conducted by Bovijn et al.). MR results of the IVW method indicated that UA levels and gout were not causally associated with ED in three UA levels/gout-related datasets (IVW, odds ratio [OR]: 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.92 − 1.07, P = 0.834; 3.20, 0.17–61.69, 0.441; 1.03, 0.97–1.09, 0.372, respectively). The reverse MR revealed no evidence of a causal effect of ED on UA levels or gout according to the IVW method (OR: 0.99, 95%CI: 0.96–1.02, P: 0,568; 1.00, 1.00–1.00, 0.555; 0.97, 0.89–1.05, 0.425, respectively). The results of other MR analysis methods were consistent with IVW. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis suggested that the results were robust, with no pleiotropy or heterogeneity detected.
Conclusion
Our MR study supports no bidirectional causal effect of UA level or gout on ED.
Improved coloration efficiency and stability of WO3 electrochromic devices by the addition of silver nanowires
Authors: An Dong-Kun , Jeon Seog-Jin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
WO3 is one of the most studied electrochromic materials due to its high coloration efficiency, strong cycling stability, and low price. Those advantages make WO3 ECD attractive to applications needing optical modulation, including smart windows and smart glasses. However, due to market demands for reduced manufacturing and operating costs, demands for improved coloration efficiency and long-term stability have been continuously raised. In this study, we attempted to improve the contact between WO3 nanoparticles and Li ions and electrons by forming a nanocomposite electrochromic layer of WO3 nanoparticles and silver nanowires. It was confirmed that this not only improves optical modulation and coloration efficiency but also improves long-term stability. WO3 electrochromic devices with improved coloration efficiency and long-term stability are expected to improve the performance of existing smart windows and smart glasses and be applicable to new applications such as virtual reality glasses.
The Impact of Different Combinations of Organic Fertilizers on Residual Soil and Potted Plants in Alpine Mining Areas, West China
Authors: Jin Liqun , Li Xilai , Sun Huafang , Zhang Jing , Wu Jinrong , Jay Gao 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study addresses how to overcome the challenges facing ecological restoration and vegetation recovery in alpine mining areas via indoor controlled pot experiments. The soil layer was recon-structed using a mixture of granular organic fertilizer, sheep manure, and mining slag, and manually sowed with a mixture of five types of grass seeds after potting to assess the impact of dosage of granular organic fertilizer and ratios of sheep manure to mining slag. Results indicate that the dosage of granular organic fertilizer significantly impacted plant characteristics, soil available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and pH (P < 0.01), and show significantly positive correlation with the number of dead seedlings. Sheep manure significantly affects soil available phosphorus and bulk density (P < 0.01). The highest grass density and biomass occurred with zero organic fertilizer dosage and a volume ratio of 1:3 between sheep manure and soil (M1S4), indicating that sheep manure effectively enhances seedling emergence. The dosage in the potted experiments is approximately six times higher than that in the alpine mining field. A dosage of granular organic fertilizer exceeding 1.5 kg/m²results in seedling mortality. Therefore, the dosage of granular organic fertilizer in restoration in alpine mining areas should not exceed 9 kg/m².
Open Communication between Patients and Relatives about Illness &amp; Death in Advanced Cancer – Results of the eQuiPe Study
Authors: Haaksman Michelle , Ham Laurien , Brom Linda , Baars Arnold , Basten Jean-Paul van , Borne Ben E. E. M. van den , Hendriks Mathijs P. , de Jong Wouter K. , Laarhoven Hanneke W. M. van , Lindert Anne S. R. van , Mandigers Caroline M. P. W. , Padt-Pruijsten Annemieke van der , Smilde Tineke J. , Zuylen Lia C. van , Vliet Liesbeth M. van , Raijmakers Natasja 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objective
To assess the degree of openness of communication about illness and death between patients with advanced cancer and their relatives during the last three months of the patient’s life, and its association with relatives’ characteristics and bereavement distress.
Methods
We used data from bereaved relatives of patients with advanced cancer from the prospective, longitudinal, multicenter, observational eQuipe study. Univariate and multivariable linear regression analyses were used to assess the association between the degree of openness of communication (measured using the validated Caregivers’ Communication with patients about Illness and Death scale), the a priori defined characteristics of the relatives, and the degree of bereavement distress (measured using the Impact of Event Scale).
Results
A total of 160 bereaved relatives were included in the analysis. The average degree of open communication about illness and death between patients with advanced cancer and their relatives was 3.86 on a scale of 1 to 5 (SE = 0.08), A higher degree of open communication was associated with a lower degree of bereavement distress (p = 0.003). No associations were found between the degree of open communication and the relatives’ age (p = 0.745), gender (p = 0.196), level of education (p > 0.773), (religious) worldview (p = 0.435), type of relationship with the patient (p > 0.548), or level of emotional functioning before the patient’s death (p = 0.075).
Conclusions
Open communication about illness and death between patients and relatives seems to be important, as it is associated with a lower degree of bereavement distress. Healthcare professionals can play an important role in encouraging the dialogue. However, it is important to keep in mind that some people not feel comfortable talking about illness and death.
Time to Positivity of Blood Cultures in a Level IV NICU Varies Based on Organism Category and Population Subgroups: Is a 36-hour rule out safe?
Authors: Nishihara Yo , MacBrayne Christine , Prinzi Andrea , Pearce Kelly , Melara Diane , Weikel Blair , Zenge Jeanne , Grover Theresa , Parker Sarah 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background:
Antibiotics are frequently prescribed in the NICU, with increasing concern for antimicrobial resistance. Time to positivity (TTP) of positive cultures can support earlier antimicrobial cessation.
Methods:
Retrospective cohort study all positive blood cultures at a Level IV NICU. TTP calculated from date/time collection to when first growth was reported.
Results:
Of 309 positive cultures from 268 infants, median TTP [IQR] was 21.1 [14.3, 25.2] hours, with 91.2% positive at 36 hours, and 96.1% positive at 48 hours. 77 gram positive pathogens (24.9%), 60 gram negative pathogens (19.4%), and 169 gram positive commensals identified, with 124 (40.1%) considered a contaminant. Sub-group analysis identified different organism characteristics. Death within 4 weeks of positivity recorded in 9.5%.
Conclusion:
Majority of gram positive and negative pathogens were identified within 36h of blood culture collection. When antimicrobials are started for concern for bacteremia, 36 hours may be sufficient in a Level IV NICU population.
Comparison of statistical low-frequency earthquake activity models
Authors: Nishikawa Tomoaki 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Slow earthquakes are slow fault slip events. Quantifying and monitoring slow earthquake activity characteristics are important because they may change before large earthquakes occur. Statistical seismicity models are useful for quantifying seismicity characteristics. However, no standard statistical model exists for slow earthquake activity. This study used a high-quality catalog of low-frequency earthquakes (LFEs), a type of slow earthquake, in the Nankai subduction zone from April 2004 to August 2015 and conducted the first comparison of existing statistical LFE activity models to determine which model better describes LFE activity. Based on this comparison, this study proposes a new hybrid model that incorporates existing model features. The new model considers the LFE activity history in a manner similar to the epidemic-type aftershock sequence (ETAS) model and represents the LFE aftershock rate (subsequent LFE occurrence rate) with a small number of model parameters, as in the Omori–Utsu aftershock law for fast earthquakes. The results show that the proposed model outperforms other existing models. However, the new model cannot reproduce a feature of LFE activity: the sudden cessation of intense LFE bursts. This is because the new model superimposes multiple aftershock activities and predicts extremely high seismicity rates during and after the LFE bursts. I suggest that reproducing and successfully predicting the sudden cessation of intense LFE bursts is critical for the further improvement of statistical LFE activity models. In addition, the empirical equations formulated in this study for the LFE aftershock rates may be useful for future statistical and physical modeling of LFE activity.
Effects of Long-term Microgravity Exposure on Liver Activity and the Gut Microbiota as well as on Gut-liver Axis Homeostasis in the Hindlimb Suspension Rat Model
Authors: Chen Pu , Chen Junli , Xu Nan , Wang Weiran , Hou Lingwei , Sun Bowen , Lan Haiyun , Liu Wei , Shen Qibing , Yu Yanbo , Zang Peng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background:Recent advances in understanding gut‒liver axis homeostasis have been made because of its promising beneficial effects on health maintenance and performance promotion. However, we still have little knowledge about the effects of long-term microgravity exposure on the gut-liver axis or about effective countermeasures to prevent disruptions in gut-liver axis homeostasis. Hence, we conducted a well-controlled study to determine the effects of long-term microgravity exposure on liver activity and the gut microbiota and on gut-liver axis homeostasis via a hindlimb suspension rat model.
Results: Interestingly, long-term microgravity exposure increased lipid deposition, oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver; increased proportions of enteric opportunistic pathogens; and disrupted intestinal barrier integrity, paralleling the dysregulation of gut-liver axis homeostasis, which especially underlined portal influx of secondary bile acid (mainly ursodeoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid). Notably, metabolites derived from the liver were strongly correlated with those from the colon, and the gut microbiota played a vital role in the cometabolism pathways of aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, vitamin B6 metabolism, alanine, and aspartate and glutamate metabolism, which may emphasize the critical role of microbial homeostasis in maintaining hepatic synthesis and metabolism of amino acids upon microgravity.
Conclusions: Taken together, our findings suggest that gut-liver axis disturbances resulting fromlong-term microgravity exposure should receive additional attention in further studies of manned space.
Global change in cloud radiative effect revealed in CERES observations
Authors: Song Hyebin , Choi Yong-Sang , Kang Hyoji 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study uses data from the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) to examine global changes in cloud radiative effect (CRE) for 2001–2022. Results show that the 22-year changes in shortwave (SW) CRE are generally opposite to those of longwave (LW) CRE, which shows that the change in net CRE is relatively weakened due to the offset of these two variables. However, significant changes in net CRE are found in some regions. Over the Arctic, the net CRE decreased by –0.8 W m⁻²/decade due to surface darkening caused by loss of snow and ice that outweighed the increase in cloud fraction (SW cooling effect of clouds intensified). Over the northeastern Pacific and northwestern Atlantic Oceans, strong increases in SW CRE occurred with decreasing cloud fraction. However, this did not lead to a significant change in the entire northern hemispheric mid-latitudes because it was offset by the decreased SW and LW CREs over China. Over the Tropics, the net CRE decreased slightly, by –0.1 W m⁻²/decade, due to the dominant decrease in LW CRE at 0–10° N in association with the decreasing cloud fraction and increasing water vapor (decreased LW warming effect of clouds). Over the southwestern Indian Ocean and southern Atlantic Ocean, the net CRE increased due to the decreasing cloud fraction (weakened SW cooling effect of clouds). These multi-decadal changes in CREs are not well-simulated in the current climate models, which may limit the accuracy of regional climate predictions.
« Figure it out on your own »: a mixed-method study on pelvic health survivorship care after gynecologic cancer treatments
Authors: Bernard Stéphanie , Wiebe Ericka , Waters Alexandra , Selmani Sabrina , Turner Jill , Dufour Sinéad , Tandon Puneeta , Pepin Donna , McNeely Margaret L. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose. Pelvic health issues after treatment for gynecological cancer are common. Due to challenges in accessing physiotherapy services, exploring virtual pelvic healthcare is essential. This study aims to understand needs, preferences, barriers, and facilitators for a virtual pelvic healthcare program for gynecological cancer survivors.
Methods. A multi-center, sequential mixed-methods study was conducted. An anonymous online survey (N=50) gathered quantitative data on pelvic health knowledge, opportunities, and motivation. Focus groups (N=14) explored patient experiences and consensus on pelvic health interventions and virtual delivery. Quantitative data used descriptive statistics and focus group analyses employed inductive thematic analysis. Findings were mapped to the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation (COM-B) behavior change model.
Results. Participants reported lacking knowledge about pelvic health interventions and capability related to the use of vaginal dilators and continence care. Barriers to opportunity included lack of healthcare provider initiated pelvic health discussions, limited time in clinic with healthcare providers, finding reliable information, and cost of physical therapy pelvic health services. Virtual delivery was seen favorably and may help to address motivational barriers related to embarrassment and frustration with care.
Conclusion. Awareness of pelvic healthcare is lacking among people treated for gynecological cancer. Virtual delivery of pelvic health interventions is perceived as a solution to enhance access while minimizing travel, cost, embarrassment, and exposure risks.
Implications for cancer survivors. A better understanding of the pelvic health needs of individuals following gynecological cancer treatments enables the development of tailored virtual pelvic floor rehabilitation interventions which may improve access to pelvic health survivorship care.
Implementation of a Population Mental Health and Wellness Text-Message Service: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Risling Tracie , Kassam Iman , Shin Hwayeon Danielle , Carlberg Courtney , Moss Tyler , Chen Sheng , Ma Clement , Strudwick Gillian 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background: Despite the growing adoption of digital health tools as a means to support mental health, many individuals remain unaware of the variety of mental health resources available to them through this format. In an effort to address this knowledge gap and better support population mental health, this study advanced the design, development, and implementation of a text-based service, SaskWell, to raise awareness of evidence based mental health resources and create more immediate connections to these tools. The purpose of this research was to assess, understand, and describe the adoption of text-based support in this mental health context, focusing on acceptability, satisfaction, and potential benefits for users of the intervention. The two primary objectives of the study were to assess and evaluate the adoption of SaskWell by focusing on user acceptance, satisfaction, and perceived benefit, and to identify factors which contributed to user engagement with the SaskWell text-based service. Both quantitative and qualitative data contributed to the final study results.Results: This study utilized a co-designed text-messaging service to provide residents of Saskatchewan an important connection to digital mental health and wellness resources during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the RE-AIM framework as an implementation guide, four distinct cycles of SaskWell were delivered with modifications to the service in each subsequent cycle based on user engagement, feedback, and the direction of a community advisory group.Conclusions: Both the user engagement survey and the qualitative data supported the worth of ongoing efforts to refine and extend the use of text messaging as a means to engage citizens around the awareness and use of digital mental health and wellness resources. As the pandemic has receded into the background for many as a feature of their daily lives, for healthcare providers, and others who continue to be impacted more heavily by the persistent challenges of this event, this type of service may continue to be timely.
Exercise Therapy for Low Back Pain in the last Decade: A Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis using CiteSpace
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhang Hongli , Chen Borui , Zhu Haoming , Yang Zhengyu , Jin Jing , Liu Haichao , Lin Jianping , Wang Shizhong , Chen Shaoqing 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objective: To undertake a bibliometric analysis of research on exercise therapy for low-back pain (LBP) from 2012 to 2022.
Methods: The literature related to exercise therapy for LBP published in 2012–2022 was obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection database. CiteSpace 5.8.R3 was used to draw visual knowledge maps and analyze: publications, countries, and institutions; cited journals, authors, and cited authors; references; keywords; keywords with strongest citation bursts.
Results: A total of 1557 publications were included in the analysis. During the study period, the overall trend of the number of publications in this field was increasing. The USA and University of Sydney was the most productive and influential country and institution, respectively. BMC Musculoskeletal Disease, with the most articles published, was the major journal for research on using exercise therapy for LBP in the past decade. Spine was the most cited journal. Rehabilitation was the most popular subject. Costa et al, Hayden and colleagues, and Hides and collaborators were active in this field. Keywords with the strongest citation bursts were “chronic musculoskeletal pain”, “patient education”, “muscle activity”, and “individual”.
Conclusions: Research on exercise therapy for LBP has continued to increase in the last decade. This analysis of the research in this field can promote research into exercise therapy; help to find a better exercise program; aid exploration of the therapeutic mechanism of exercise therapy; help researchers find better partners, master the latest and hottest topics, and track the development trends in this field.
Sterol-targeted laboratory evolution allows the isolation of thermotolerant and respiratory-competent clones of the industrial yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Sánchez-Adriá Isabel-Elena , Prieto Jose A. , Sanmartín Gemma , Morard Miguel , Estruch Francisco , Randez-Gil Francisca 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Evidence suggests that sterol content and composition play an important role in the ability of yeast cells to face high temperatures. Nevertheless, our knowledge of the exact mechanisms operating is still scarce, which makes the rational engineering of this industrial-relevant trait difficult. Here, we have used a fluconazole (FCNZ)-driven experimental evolution approach with the idea of inducing changes in the sterol biosynthesis pathway linked to high temperature tolerance.
Results
The evolution experiment rendered a FCNZ-resistant population of a previously selected baker’s yeast strain, from which six isolates with increased thermotolerance were rescued. Initial characterization of evolved clones grouped them into two sets, based on their respiratory competence or deficiency. This late was connected to mtDNA loss, an event that appears to induce FCNZ and heat tolerance. Genome sequencing and ploidy-level analysis of all strains revealed aneuploidies, CNVs, and SNPs, which could contribute to phenotypic heterogeneity. In particular, all evolved clones showed a specific point mutation in MPM1 and PDR1, this late, a well-known gene involved in FCNZ-tolerance. In addition, fragment amplifications of Chr IV and XIV, which harbour dosage-sensitive genes, and specific SNPs in thermotolerance genes (AVT3, SFP1 and RNT1), could be on the basis of the phenotype of respiratory-competent evolved clones. Finally, all the evolved clones showed changes in their profiles of ergosterol biosynthesis intermediates, which again were different in respiratory-competent and –defective strains.
Conclusions
Our experimental evolution allowed us to generate fully competent industrial strains with better performance at high temperatures, and identify new determinants of fluconazole and heat tolerance.