bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Neuropsychological Outcomes among Survivors of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in Malaysia
Authors: Alias Hamidah , Ranai Norashikin Mohd , de Sonneville Leo M. J. , Chong Doris Lau Sie 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The 5-year survival rate of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in Malaysia is between 80% and 90%. This study intended to explore the neuropsychological ramifications in childhood ALL survivors in Malaysia and to examine treatment-related sequelae. A case-control study was conducted over a 2-year period. Seventy-one survivors of childhood ALL who have completed treatment for a minimum of 1 year and were in remission, and 71 healthy volunteers were enlisted. To assess alertness (processing speed) and essential executive functioning skills such as working memory capacity, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and sustained attention, seven measures from the Amsterdam Neuropsychological Tasks (ANT) programme were chosen. Main outcome measures were speed, stability and accuracy of responses. Mean age at diagnosis was 4.50 years (SD ± 2.40) while mean age at study entry was 12.18 years (SD ± 3.14). Except for alertness, survivors of childhood ALL underperformed on 6 out of 7 ANT tasks, indicating poorer sustained attention, working memory capacity, executive visuomotor control, and cognitive flexibility. None of the treatment parameters like duration of treatment, age at diagnosis, gender, or cumulative doses of chemotherapy were correlated with any of the neuropsychological outcome measures. Childhood ALL survivors in our facility demonstrated significantly poorer neuropsychological status compared to healthy controls.
A new Rhaetian plant assemblage from Zilanba, the northern Sichuan Basin, South China
Authors: Xu Yuanyuan , Popa Mihai Emilian , McLoughlin Stephen , Lu Ning , Li Liqin , Zeng Jianli , Zhang Tingshan , Wang Yongdong 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Triassic-Jurassic strata are extensively developed and widely distributed in the Sichuan Basin, South China. In particular, the continental Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation is well-exposed in this region, yielding rich assemblages of fossil plants. Here, a new fossil assemblage is reported from Zilanba in the Guangyuan area, northern Sichuan Basin. This locality yields 31 species of fossil plants belonging to 18 genera, newly collected from ‘member Ⅲ’ of the Xujiahe Formation. Based on the floral assemblages and previous magnetostratigraphic and palynostratigraphic studies, the host strata are considered lower Rhaetian in age. The early Rhaetian flora in the Guangyuan area is dominated by Cycadales and Bennettitales but also contains abundant ferns and low proportions of various sphenopsids, conifers and other gymnosperms. The occurrence of some climate-diagnostic plants, such as Dipteridaceae, Anthrophyopsis and Ptilozamites, indicate that this area experienced a humid and warm tropical or subtropical climate during the early Rhaetian.
Regional Pre-Heat Treatment System Development and Applications for HAZ in RSW Joining of High-Strength Steels
Authors: AYDIN Kemal , HIDIROĞLU Mehtap , KAHRAMAN Nizamettin 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
STRENX and DP steels are advanced high-strength dual-phase steel types used in the automotive industry for producing lightweight vehicles that have low cost, high fuel efficiency, and can carry more load volume. In this study, STRENX 700 CR and DP 800 steels were joined by resistance spot welding (RSW) using medium frequency direct current (MFDC). Some parts were joined under atmospheric conditions, while others were joined by applying regional pre-heating (RPH) to their heat-affected zones (HAZ) before welding. The design, manufacturing, and adaptation of the RPH system to the RSW machine were carried out as part of this study, considering it as a new system. After the joining process, non-destructive (visual inspection, magnetic particle) and destructive (microhardness, tensile-shear, cross-tension, fatigue) tests were performed on RSW connections between STRENX 700 CR and DP 800 steels. Hardness tests revealed that the RPH applied to the HAZ before welding reduced the hardness of the weld metal by approximately 8%, while the microstructure analysis showed that the RPH increased both the weld metal and the HAZ width. The tensile-shear strength increased by about 7%, and the cross-tension test strength increased by about 5% with the RPH applied to the HAZ before welding. In both the tensile-shear and cross-tension tests, all failures occurred in the form of button shearing from the HAZ. The RPH treated specimens showed the highest fatigue life, with an average of 947,632 cycles.
Passive and low-energy strategies to improve sleep thermal comfort and energy resiliency during heat waves and cold snaps
Authors: Aijazi Arfa , Parkinson Thomas , Zhang Hui , Schiavon Stefano 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Sleep is a pillar of human health and wellbeing. In high- and middle-income countries, there is a great reliance on heating ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC) to control the interior thermal environment in the bedroom. However, these systems are problematic as they are expensive to buy and operate while being energy and environmentally intensive - problems that may increase due to climate change. Passive and low-energy strategies, such as fans and electrical blankets, may address these challenges but their comparative effectiveness for providing comfort in sleep environments has not been studied. We used a thermal manikin to experimentally show that many passive and low-energy strategies are highly effective in supplementing or replacing HVAC systems during sleep. Using passive strategies in combination with low-energy strategies that elevate air movement like ceiling or pedestal fans can enhance the cooling effect by three times compared to only passive options. We applied our experimentally measured heating and cooling effects to two historical case studies: the 2015 Pakistan heat wave and the 2021 Texas power crisis. Passive and low-energy strategies can reduce the sleep time heat or cold exposure by as much as 90%. The low-energy strategies we tested require one to two orders of magnitude less energy than HVAC systems, and the passive strategies require no energy input. Our results demonstrate that these strategies can also help reduce peak load surges in extreme temperature events. This reduces the need for utility loadshedding, which can put individuals at risk of hazardous heat or cold exposure. Our results may serve as a starting point for evidence-based public health guidelines on how individuals can sleep better during heat waves and cold snaps without HVAC.
Axis Path Planning of Five-axis Surface Machining by optimizing Differential Vector of the axis movement considering tool posture limits
Authors: Li Jiajing , Lu Lei , Wang Sicong , Dai Sijie , Sun Lining , Wang Zhenyu 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Two rotating axes of the five-axis machine tools complicate the kinematics, which increases the difficulty of trajectory planning of five-axis CNC machining. In the process of machining a free-form surface with a ball-head cutter, the tool is required to follow the tool tip path of the surface and the restriction of tool orientation is only constrained within a certain range. This paper proposes a planning algorithm based on differential vector optimization for generating a smooth trajectory of each axis for five-axis machining. Firstly, the kinematic model of the five-axis CNC machine tool and the Jacobian matrix are built. Secondly, the optimization objectives combined with the smoothness optimization requirements and the limits of the tool axis vector are established. Then, the trajectory of the moving axis by integrating the optimized differential vector is generated. At last, a waveform surface is machined based on VERICUT software and a five-axis machine with the trajectory generated by the proposed method. To prove the feasibility and superiority of the method, a simulation based on VERICUT and no-load experiments are conducted in an A-C type five-axis CNC machine. The simulation and experiments verify the smoothness and optimal of the proposed path planning method.
Residential variation in diabetes mellitus among Bangladesh's middle-aged and older population: findings from two cross sectional survey
Authors: Ireen Shahjadi , Akter Salma , Parvin Shahanaj , Hossain Md. Ismail , Soni Most Sifat Muntaha 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Diabetes mellitus is a rising global health issue that causes a number of health complications and is becoming increasingly prevalent in countries with low and medium incomes. The objective of the study is to assess the changes of the prevalence and associated risk factors of diabetes mellitus in the middle-aged and elderly population in urban and rural areas of Bangladesh between the years 2011 and 2018.
Methods
The relationship between the outcome variables and the covariates was evaluated using a chi-square test. In order to identify the risk factors strongly linked to diabetes mellitus, two distinct multivariate binary logistic regression models were utilized (one for urban and the other for rural areas).
Results
In 2011 there were 8.3% of respondents who had diabetes, and 11% in 2017–18. Multivariate analysis of the determinants of diabetes status in relation to place of residence revealed a significant impact on age, education, wealth status, region, and survey year. Diabetes risk was lower in rural Bangladesh (OR = 0.87) and higher in 2017-18, according to the odds ratio. In terms of fixed effects, the risk of diabetes was significantly 2.34 times higher for rich households compared to poor urban households, whereas the risk was 1.98 times higher for rural households. Unemployed respondents had a higher risk of diabetes (OR = 1.33 for urban and OR = 1.31 for rural residences) than employed respondents. Both urban and rural respondents without hypertension were at less risk of diabetes than those with hypertension (OR = 0.73 for urban and OR = 0.77 for rural).
Conclusion
The prevalence was significantly higher among older respondents, wealthy families, and more educated respondents. The likelihood of having diabetes mellitus was positively related to one's age, education, wealth status, and geographic location. A large proportion of the adult population in Bangladesh suffers from diabetes. Different health education programs are required to develop appropriate strategies, including proper weight control, physical activity, and healthier eating habits to prevent the prevalence of diabetes in Bangladesh.
Identification of HOMER2 as a novel biomarker of endometrial receptivity by Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: qin ti , Peng Cai’e , He Jiayi , Wang Zhengguang 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Endometrial receptivity is a critical factor for successful embryo implantation. Poor receptivity of the endometrium is a significant contributor to recurrent implantation failure (RIF) in assisted reproduction. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing endometrial receptivity is essential for enhancing the success rate of embryo implantation and developing new therapeutic approaches for RIF. In this study, we conducted tissue-wide differential gene expression analysis on three microarray datasets (GSE111974, GSE26787, and GSE188409) comparing RIF and control groups. we also performed differential gene expression analysis of epithelial cells and high-dimensional weighted gene co-expression network analysis on the single-cell dataset GSE183807. By integrating these three gene sets, we identified key genes for RIF. Finally, we used gene score and correlation analyses to explore the relationship between the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and key genes in the menstrual cycle. We employed functional pathway enrichment of genes that were highly correlated with key genes to speculate on the mechanism of action of receptivity of the key genes in the endometrium. The results showed that we obtained 298 differentially expressed genes in whole tissues, 816 differentially expressed genes in epithelial tissues and a key module EC-M7. Additionally, we identified HOMER2 as the key gene through intersection. The expression of HOMER2 was negatively correlated with the activity of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and the genes strongly positively correlated with HOMER2 were mainly involved in the nucleotide metabolism pathway. We hypothesize that HOMER2 may be involved in the regulation of proliferation, migration and EMT of endometrial epithelial cells, and its low expression in mid-secretory phase may serve as a marker of the establishment of endometrial receptivity. This study provides novel insights into the establishment of endometrial receptivity and provides a scientific basis for potential therapeutic agents for RIF.
Exercise improves the treatment of peripheral arterial disease in extremely old patients
Authors: Liu Xinwen , Zhou Jianmei , Wang Bozhong , Zhou Liyue , Zhou Rongfang , Yang Cuicui 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to investigate the effect of supervised exercise on the walking abilities of patients with peripheral arterial disease(PAD) who are extremely old and in no condition to undergo surgical treatment.
Methods
Forty-four patients aged 78–92 years were recruited and randomly assigned to the control group or the exercise training group. After a 6-minite walking testing(6 MWT), cardiopulmonary exercise test(CPET), and ankle-brachial index(ABI )measurements were performed, personalized exercise training plans were established for the exercise intervention group according to the CPET results. After three months of exercise training, the 6 MWT, CPET, and ABI measurements were repeated.
Results
Compared to the control group, the walking distance in the exercise group significantly increased by 78.27ms (p<0.05), and the claudication distance increased by 72.5ms. Similar results were also observed for other indicators, including the consumption of VO2peak, anaerobic threshold(AT), and metabolic equivalents(METs), which increased by 159.00 ml/min, 2.17 ml/kg. min-1 and 0.55, respectively. All results were statistically significant.
Conclusion
Personalized aerobic exercise training effectively improved walking ability and physical stamina in patients aged ≥ 75 years.
Identification of Neolithic diet by the morphology of the starch grains of dental calculus found in the Dehesilla Cave (Cadiz – South of the Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: Coutinho António Pereira , Moreira Margarida , Silva Eduarda , García-Rivero Daniel , Umbelino Cláudia 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The starch grains present in the dental calculus of four Neolithic individuals of the Dehesilla Cave (Cadiz, South of Spain) were extracted and observed with light microscopy. The variant of the extraction technique used proved to be very effective. A number of Poaceae-Triticeae taxa [wheat (Triticum sp., the main crop, including Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum sp.)], Fabaceae-Fabeae-Cicereae and Fagaceae (oaks = Quercus sp., which constitute new data for the area in question.) were identified. Some pollen grains and fungal spores were also identified, which helped to provide information on the ecological framework of the crops associated with the archaeological site.
Oomycete compositon in Proteaceae orchards and natural stands on three continents
Authors: Migliorini Duccio , Vivas Maria , Wingfield Michael J , Shaw Christopher , Burgess Treena I. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

The Proteaceae is an important southern hemisphere family with many species known to be susceptible to Phytopthora cinnamomi, both in the natural environment and in cut-flower orchards. Very little in known about the prelevence of P. cinnamomi and other oomycetes across these landscapes. To address this lack of knowledge we a used double ITS1 and RSP10 gene metabarcoding approach and traditional isolation protocols to investigate oomycetes in orchards and natural stands of Proteaceae across four countries on different continents. Results revealed a consistent oomycetes richness within native and planted Proteaceae. Species richness and community composition were significantly influenced by the country of collection, while they did not show any variation between orchards and natural vegetation. RSP10 barcoding detected, the largest number of species and, provided a greater statistical confidence than ITS1 when considering oomycete species composition. Metabarcoding also showed that orchards had a higher abundance of P cinnamomi compared to native stands, but this outcome was not confirmed using isolation protocols.. These results and those of other recent studies show that metabarcoding provides an effective tool to describe the ecological dynamics of soil oomycetes in different ecosystems.
The Effects of a Biofeedback Breathing Device on Stress and Burnout in Oncology Healthcare Providers
Authors: Manor Adi , Kitchuk Lee Lavi , Raphael Ari , Shpigel Shulim , Pelles-Avraham Sharon , Schaffer Tali , Barilier Shir , Geva Ravit 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Unaided breathing techniques are often used to reduce stress and burnout levels. However, lack of time, access, or feedback can make these techniques impractical for many individuals. We aimed to investigate the effect of a drug-free biofeedback-breathing device in reducing stress and burnout levels in oncology physicians, nurses and healthcare workers. In this single-arm, self-controlled survey study, 42 oncology personnel used the biofeedback device for a period of 10 weeks, 3 times a day for 3 minutes at a time. The primary and secondary endpoints of the study were improvement over baseline in the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) validated questionnaire scores, respectively, assessed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of device use. The questionnaire response rate was 100%. The PSS scores improved from 17.31 (standard deviation [SD] 5.74) at baseline to 14.12 (SD 6.50) and 13.48 (SD 6.04) at 6 and 8 weeks of device use, respectively, with a significant improvement achieved at 8 weeks (p = .026). All MBI scale scores significantly improved after 6 weeks of device use (occupational exhaustion, p = .010, depersonalization, p = .031, and personal accomplishment assessment, p = .044), with sustained significant improvements in occupational exhaustion (p = .0083) and depersonalization (p = .049) at 8 weeks. This study demonstrated that the biofeedback-breathing device may offer a drug-free and highly accessible intervention to alleviate stress and burnout in oncology staff members.
Endogenous endophthalmitis misdiagnosed as non-infectious uveitis among patients with a history of injection drug use
Authors: Batra Nikhil N , Rees Christiaan A , Luong Preston M , Phan Cong T , Abazari Azin , Zegans Michael E 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Objective
Uveitis is an inflammatory process of the eye that can lead to severe vision loss. Non-infectious forms of uveitis constitute the majority of cases and chronic disease is typically treated with immunosuppressive drugs. A minority of uveitis cases are of an infectious cause, and in these cases, the use of immunosuppressive agents may aggravate the underlying infection.
Design:
Retrospective case series.
Result.
Five patients who initially presented with ocular findings suspicious for non-infectious uveitis and who were treated with corticosteroids. After failing to respond to corticosteroid therapy, and with a history of injection drug use (IDU) eventually reported by all five patients, there was a high degree of clinical suspicion for an underlying infectious process. All five were later classified as having endogenous endophthalmitis related to IDU, and experienced clinical improvement after antibiotic therapy and pars plana vitrectomy.
Conclusions and Importance.
Given the ongoing opioid crisis, this study demonstrates the importance of considering IDU-associated endogenous endophthalmitis in any individual with intraocular inflammation and history of IDU presenting with new-onset vision loss, irrespective of time since last reported use.
Mechanical, Physical and Thermal Properties of Waste Polypropylene/Polystyrene/Natural Rubber (wPP/PS/NR) Blends
Authors: Adamu Yusuf , Bello Tajudeen Kolawole , Shehu Umar , Bello Abdullahi , Adamu Sagir , Isa Muhammed Tijani 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Combining two or more polymers as a blend is necessary rather than synthesizing new ones for the balance of polymer properties for end-use applications. This work introduces a sustainable polymer blend (matrix) for high-impact applications, as the accessibility and cost of production of these high-impact polymers keep souring. This was achieved by designing an experiment using design expert v10.0 to account for the number of experimental runs and optimise the polymer blend. Mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and temperature effects were considered on the blended polymer. Sixteen (16) experimental runs were generated with blend ratio as the independent variable and Impact Strength (IS) and Tensile Strength (TS) as the responses. The optimal blend ratio was obtained for wPP, PP and NR as 23, 30 and 47 % respectively. While, the optimum conditions for maximum impact and tensile strengths from the D.E was 241.62 J/m and 118.04 MPa respectively, with a desirability of 0.973. While the validated values obtained were 248.9 J/m; with errors of 2.93 % and 120.14 MPa; with an error of 1.75 % respectively. Thermogravimetry analysis revealed a single peak degradation for sp17, sp18, and sp19 (control samples) while multiple degradation peaks were observed for the blends. It was believed to be a result of different times for degradation of the individual components forming the polymer blend. Also, the Td onset started around 300 oC and the Td offset was around 500 oC for all tested samples. While, the Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) showed that there was an improvement in the Tg and damping factor for sp5 (109 oC, 0.171) as compared to sp17 and sp18 (81.1 oC, 0.089 and 104.3 oC, 0.061), but no improvement was recorded for storage and loss moduli. SEM micrographs showed a good surface morphology for the blend with optimal mechanical and thermal properties. The blend can be utilized for engineering applications, including matrices for body armour, helmets, car bumper, etc.
Survival Machine Learning Methods for Mortality Prediction After Heart Transplantation
Authors: Liou Lathan , Mostofsky Elizabeth , Lehman Laura , Salia Soziema , Barrera Francisco J. , Wei Ying , Cheema Amal , Beam Andrew , Mittleman Murray A. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Although prognostic models for heart transplantation (HTx) have been developed, a comprehensive benchmarking of survival machine learning methods for mortality prognosis has not been performed. Futhermore, assessing mortality in the most contemporary era of heart transplants following the 2018 donor heart allocation policy change is warranted. This study included 7,160 adult heart-only transplant recipients in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database who received their first transplant on or after October 18, 2018, with at least one recorded follow-up visit until June 3, 2021. Each model was trained using a nested 5-repeat, 5-fold cross-validation. Seven statistical and machine learning algorithms – Lasso, Ridge, Elastic Net, Gradient Boost, Extreme Gradient Boost Linear, Extreme Gradient Boost Tree, and Random Survival Forests were benchmarked against Cox PH in both post-policy and pre-policy eras. In the post-policy era, there was higher discriminatory power of machine learning models for one-year all-cause mortality compared to Cox. Bilirubin, age, BMI, total ischemic time, donor age, and history of ischemic cardiomyopathy were some of the most predictive selected variables. ECMO was highly predictive in the pre-policy cohort, but less so in the post-policy cohort. Machine learning (particularly tree-based ensemble) survival models can be used to capture complex short-term posttransplant mortality outcomes.