bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shape-Constrained Regression Using Sum of Squares Polynomials
Authors: Curmei Mihaela , Hall Georgina 
Published: September 2023

Shape-Constrained Regression Using Algebraic Techniques How can one fit a multivariate polynomial to data points in such a way that this polynomial is guaranteed to have certain shape constraints, such as convexity or monotonicity in some of its variables? In “Shape-constrained regression using sum-of-squares polynomials,” M. Curmei and G. Hall propose a hierarchy of semidefinite programs to address this problem. They show that polynomial functions that are optimal to any fixed level of our hierarchy form a consistent estimator of the underlying shape-constrained function, which generates the data points. As a by-product of the proof, they establish that sum-of-squares-convex polynomials are dense in the set of polynomials that are convex over an arbitrary box. They further demonstrate the performance of the regressor for the problem of computing optimal transport maps in a color transfer task and that of estimating the optimal value function of a conic program. A real-time application of the latter problem to inventory management contract negotiation is presented.
Weekly primaquine for radical cure of patients with Plasmodium vivax malaria and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Taylor Walter R. J. , Meagher Niamh , Ley Benedikt , Thriemer Kamala , Bancone Germana , Satyagraha Ari , Assefa Ashenafi , Chand Krisin , Chau Nguyen Hoang , Dhorda Mehul , Degaga Tamiru S. , Ekawati Lenny L. , Hailu Asrat , Hasanzai Mohammad Anwar , Naddim Mohammad Nader , Pasaribu Ayodhia Pitaloka , Rahim Awab Ghulam , Sutanto Inge , Thanh Ngo Viet , Tuyet-Trinh Nguyen Thi , Waithira Naomi , Woyessa Adugna , Dondorp Arjen , von Seidlein Lorenz , Simpson Julie A. , White Nicholas J. , Baird J. Kevin , Day Nicholas P. , Price Ric N. 
Published: September 2023

Background
The World Health Organization recommends that primaquine should be given once weekly for 8-weeks to patients with Plasmodium vivax malaria and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, but data on its antirelapse efficacy and safety are limited.

Methods
Within the context of a multicentre, randomised clinical trial of two primaquine regimens in P. vivax malaria, patients with G6PD deficiency were excluded and enrolled into a separate 12-month observational study. They were treated with a weekly dose of 0.75 mg/kg primaquine for 8 weeks (PQ8W) plus dihydroartemisinin piperaquine (Indonesia) or chloroquine (Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Vietnam). G6PD status was diagnosed using the fluorescent spot test and confirmed by genotyping for locally prevalent G6PD variants. The risk of P. vivax recurrence following PQ8W and the consequent haematological recovery were characterized in all patients and in patients with genotypically confirmed G6PD variants, and compared with the patients enrolled in the main randomised control trial.

Results
Between July 2014 and November 2017, 42 male and 8 female patients were enrolled in Afghanistan (6), Ethiopia (5), Indonesia (19), and Vietnam (20). G6PD deficiency was confirmed by genotyping in 31 patients: Viangchan (14), Mediterranean (4), 357A-G (3), Canton (2), Kaiping (2), and one each for A-, Chatham, Gaohe, Ludhiana, Orissa, and Vanua Lava. Two patients had recurrent P. vivax parasitaemia (days 68 and 207). The overall 12-month cumulative risk of recurrent P. vivax malaria was 5.1% (95% CI: 1.3–18.9) and the incidence rate of recurrence was 46.8 per 1000 person-years (95% CI: 11.7–187.1). The risk of P. vivax recurrence was lower in G6PD deficient patients treated with PQ8W compared to G6PD normal patients in all treatment arms of the randomised controlled trial. Two of the 26 confirmed hemizygous males had a significant fall in haemoglobin (>5g/dl) after the first dose but were able to complete their 8 week regimen.

Conclusions
PQ8W was highly effective in preventing P. vivax recurrences. Whilst PQ8W was well tolerated in most patients across a range of different G6PD variants, significant falls in haemoglobin may occur after the first dose and require clinical monitoring.

Trial registration
This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01814683).
Exploring the prevalence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in PAP smear samples of women in northern region of United Arab Emirates (UAE): HPV Direct Flow CHIP system-based pilot study
Authors: Odeh Heba Issa , Al-badi Sara Rashid , Karima Basma , Saeed Takrim Abdulwali , Rahamathullah Nazeerullah , Ibrahim Eman Hassan , Ismail May Khalil , Arshad Khan Zahra 
Published: September 2023

Objective
The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of low and high-risk HPV genotypes in PAP smear samples of women in northern region of the UAE using HPV direct flow CHIP method.

Methods
A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted between September 2021 to April 2022. A total of 104 liquid-based cervical cytology samples were obtained from women aged 20–59 years attending the Gynaecology out-patient department of Thumbay University Hospital and other hospitals of Northern Emirates of UAE, processed for the routine cytological examination to identify and differentiate morphological changes of the PAP smear samples. HPV genotyping was performed using HPV direct flow CHIP method.

Results
In total, 112 HPV genotypes were detected in 63 women (60.57%) included 18 abnormal cytological and 45 normal epithelial samples. 63 LR and 49 HR HPV genotypes were identified in all the 63 positive samples. Highest rate of infection with multiple LR and HR HPV genotypes were detected in women aged 40–49 years (25.9%) and 20–29 years (23.5%). Infection by HPV6 (13.46%), HPV11 (9.61%), HPV16 (9.61%), HPV62/81 (7.69%) and HPV45 (7.69%) were the most common genotypes. A moderate increase than expected incidence of HPV45 and 62/81 (7.69%) were detected. Co-infection with multiple low and high-risk genotypes is present in 20.2% cases; in that, HPV6 (15.9%) was the most common followed by HPV62/81 (12.7%) and HPV16 (11.11%). The prevalence of HPV18 was found to be 1.6%.

Conclusion
The genotypes 6, 45, 16, 11, 67, 62/81 were the most common HPV infections in the women between the age group of 21 and 59-years-old. A moderate increase of HPV45, 62/81 and much less prevalence of HPV18 were detected in the study population. 43.27% of the normal epithelia were positive to different low and high-risk HPV genotypes. This finding highlights the importance of molecular genotyping of HPV to emphasize the cervical screening triage.
The ∆Pv-aCO2/∆Ca-vO2 ratio as a predictor of mortality in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome related to COVID-19
Authors: Sánchez Díaz Jesús Salvador , Peniche Moguel Karla Gabriela , Reyes-Ruiz José Manuel , Pérez Nieto Orlando Rubén , Escarramán Martínez Diego , Zamarrón López Eder Iván , Calyeca Sánchez María Verónica 
Published: September 2023

Objective
To evaluate the central venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide difference combined with arterial-to-venous oxygen content difference (∆Pv-aCO2/∆Ca-vO2 ratio) as a predictor of mortality in patients with COVID-19-related severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Methods
Patients admitted to the intensive care unit with severe ARDS secondary to SARS-CoV-2, and invasive mechanical ventilation were included in this single-center and retrospective cohort study performed between April 18, 2020, and January 18, 2022. The tissue perfusion indexes (lactate, central venous oxygen saturation [ScvO2], and venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide pressure difference [∆Pv-aCO2]), anaerobic metabolism index (∆Pv-aCO2/∆Ca-vO2 ratio), and severity index (Simplified Acute Physiology Score II [SAPSII]) were evaluated to determine its association with the mortality through Cox regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results
One hundred fifteen patients were included in the study and classified into two groups, the survivor group (n = 54) and the non-survivor group (n = 61). The lactate, ScvO2, ∆Pv-aCO2, and ∆Pv-aCO2/∆Ca-vO2 ratio medians were 1.6 mEq/L, 75%, 5 mmHg, and 1.56 mmHg/mL, respectively. The ∆Pv-aCO2/∆Ca-vO2 ratio (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06–1.29, p = 0.001) was identified as a mortality biomarker for patients with COVID-19-related severe ARDS. The area under the curve for ∆Pv-aCO2/∆Ca-vO2 ratio was 0.691 (95% CI 0.598–0.774, p = 0.0001). The best cut-off point for ∆Pv-aCO2/∆Ca-vO2 ratio was >2.14 mmHg/mL, with a sensitivity of 49.18%, specificity of 85.19%, a positive likelihood of 3.32, and a negative likelihood of 0.6. The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that survival rates were significantly worse in patients with values greater than this cut-off point.

Conclusions
The ∆Pv-aCO2/∆Ca-vO2 ratio could be used as a predictor of mortality in patients with severe ARDS secondary to SARS-CoV-2.
Prognostic value of neoadjuvant therapy for resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Liu Shangtong , Li Hui , Xue Yuhui , Yang Liang 
Published: September 2023

Objective
To investigate the prognostic value of preoperative neoadjuvant therapy (NT) compared to upfront surgery (US) in patients with resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.

Methods
PubMed, Embase, Web of Science were searched to collect randomized controlled trials on preoperative neoadjuvant therapy versus upfront surgery for resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer before April 7, 2023, and data were extracted after screening according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, and HRs were obtained indirectly using enguage software; Stata 12.0 software was used for data analysis.

Results
A total of 8 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this study, comprising a total of 1058 cases, including 503 cases in the NT group and 555 cases in the US group. Using an intention-to-treat population (ITT) analysis, the results showed that neoadjuvant treatment improved the R0 resection rate (RR 2.71, 95% CI 1.59–4.62; P = 0.000; I2 = 46.20%) and overall survival (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.54–0.82; P = 0.000; I2 = 0.00%). In the subgroup of patients with resectable pancreatic cancer, the R0 resection rate in the NT group versus the US group (RR 1.14, 95% CI 0.93–1.39; P = 0.196; I2 = 0.00%) and overall survival (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.64–1.24; P = 0.489; I2 = 0.00%) were not statistically significant.

Conclusions
Preoperative neoadjuvant treatment is of prognostic value in patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer, as it increases the R0 resection rate and improves overall survival compared to upfront surgery.
Before the Anti-Homosexuality Bill
Authors: Barker Caitlin , Carty Ryan , Dillahunt-Holloway Ajamu Amiri , Lazar Mircea , Ntombela Nomzamo Portia 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Existing scholarship on the causes of homophobia in contemporary Nigeria and on the relationship between religion and homophobia in Africa tend to dismiss LGBT activism in Nigeria as a movement so small as to be almost nonexistent. We argue, however, that LGBT activism in Nigeria does exist, and that it has a history. And although religion has often been harnessed to serve homophobic policies, LGBT activists have also worked together with religious organizations to offer support to LGBT communities. Drawing on sources from Nigeria and the United States, this article traces the rough outlines of LGBT activism in Nigeria from the 1970s to the present. We explore Nigerian LGBT activists’ experiences over five decades in order to elucidate LGBT organizing in a West African context, paying special attention to the themes of invisibility and visibility, transnational organizing, and religion. The picture that emerges is one of interwoven activist networks that connect Nigerian activists not only to the West but also to activists in other African countries, including Ghana and South Africa. We see this article as a small contribution to the much larger project of writing the history of LGBT activism in Nigeria, a project that can and should be led by those better positioned to access and analyze the documents and memories necessary for this task.
The Moderating Role of Decisiveness in the Attraction Effect
Authors: Barokas Guy , Gamliel Eyal 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This study examines decisiveness as a potential moderator of the attraction effect. In an online experiment, we find that even though decisiveness moderates the attraction effect, it also moderates the preference reversal in the absence of a decoy. This suggests that the moderating role of decisiveness in the attraction effect lies, at least partially, in moderating choice reversals unrelated to the decoy. In addition, our findings show that about one-third of the most decisive participants exhibit an attraction effect. These findings are inconsistent with a conceptualization of a moderate attraction effect, arguing that only indecisive agents exhibit the effect. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings.
Improving regional medical laboratory center report quality through a report recall management system
Authors: Zhang Chuang , Ji Xiang , Wei Jiehong , Dou Xiaowen , Chen Dayang , Zhang Xiuming 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Currently, most medical laboratories do not have a dedicated software for managing report recalls, and relying on traditional manual methods or laboratory information system (LIS) to record recall data is no longer sufficient to meet the quality management requirements in the large regional laboratory center. The purpose of this article was to describe the research process and preliminary evaluation results of integrating the Medical Laboratory Electronic Record System (electronic record system) laboratory report recall function into the iLab intelligent management system for quality indicators (iLab system), and to introduce the workflow and methods of laboratory report recall management in our laboratory.

Methods
This study employed cluster analysis to extract commonly used recall reasons from laboratory report recall records in the electronic record system. The identified recall reasons were validated for their applicability through a survey questionnaire and then incorporated into the LIS for selecting recall reasons during report recall. The statistical functionality of the iLab system was utilized to investigate the proportion of reports using the selected recall reasons among the total number of reports, and to perform visual analysis of the recall data. Additionally, we employed P-Chart to establish quality targets and developed a “continuous improvement process” electronic flow form.

Results
The reasons for the recall of laboratory reports recorded in the electronic recording system were analyzed. After considering the opinions of medical laboratory personnel, a total of 12 recall reasons were identified, covering 73.05 % (1854/2538) of the recalled laboratory reports. After removing data of mass spectra lab with significant anomalies, the coverage rate increased to 82.66 % (1849/2237). The iLab system can generate six types of statistical graphs based on user needs, including statistical time, specialty labs (or divisions), test items, reviewers, reasons for report recalls, and distribution of the recall frequency of 0–24 h reports. The control upper limit of the recall rate of P-Chart based on laboratory reports can provide quality targets suitable for each professional group at the current stage. Setting the five stages of continuous process improvement reasonably and rigorously can effectively achieve the goal of quality enhancement.

Conclusions
The enhanced iLab system enhances the intelligence and sustainable improvement capability of the recall management of laboratory reports, thus improving the efficiency of the recall management process and reducing the workload of laboratory personnel.
Design of the Wilkinson power divider with multi harmonic suppression
Authors: Wang Chuan-Min , Du Junbao , Li Lin , Cao Rui-Feng , Pang Chao , Cui Yu-Xin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
A Wilkinson power divider (PD), which can suppress the second, third, and fourth harmonics is proposed. The PD is implemented based on an asymmetric meta-structure. The meta-structure is constructed be combing defect ground structure (DGS) and spoof surface plasmon polariton (SSPP). It can not only realize the impedance conversion function in the operating frequency band, but also realize the suppression of the second, third, and fourth harmonics. The simulation and measurement results show that this structure can achieve −32 dB suppression for the second harmonic, −31 dB suppression for the third harmonic, and −28 dB suppression for the fourth harmonic respectively.
Vulnerability analysis of Haitian adolescent girls before pregnancy: a qualitative study
Authors: Philibert Léonel , Ngangue Patrice , Lapierre Judith , Bernardino Elizabeth , Kiki Gbètogo Maxime , Ntanda Gisèle Mandiangu 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Objectives
This article aims to analyze the vulnerabilities experienced by Haitian adolescent girls before their pregnancy.

Methods
A qualitative research design was developed from Dewey’s social survey. From October 2020 to January 2021, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 pregnant adolescents living in Haiti’s North and North-East departments. Thematic data analysis was performed using the qualitative data analysis software QDA miner, 6.0.5.

Results
The adolescent girls interviewed were between 14 and 19. The study showed that adolescent girls experienced economic and social hardship, gender issues, and barriers to contraceptive use before pregnancy. These girls have experienced restrictive conditions that make them vulnerable to risky sexual practices and unwanted pregnancy.

Conclusions
The results have indicated that Haitian adolescent girls’ vulnerabilities before their pregnancy result from economic, social, and cultural injustices to which they are exposed from early childhood. These adolescent girls are also highly vulnerable to sexual exploitation and rape, as well as pregnancy. It is essential to address these issues when implementing programs aimed at improving the living conditions of adolescents in Haiti, including the prevention of early and unwanted pregnancy.
Theme in spoken language: when a tone group is not a clause
Authors: O’Grady Gerard 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
While there is a clear tendency for a Theme not to occur within its own tone group, it is equally clear that clauses are frequently formed out of more than a single tone group. Hence it is precipitous to assume an a priori relationship between clause and tone group/information unit. Speakers in pursuit of their individual communicative choices manage their interactional and informational needs by producing prosodic and thematic choices appropriate to their goals. Such choices as we have seen are frequently mutually re-enforcing, but speakers may employ prosodic choices which foreground their interactional needs. Specifically, this entails that there is no direct relationship between lexico-grammatical and prosodic meanings; both redound with semantic meanings. Yet, these meanings may be constrained by the interactional demands of the communicative situation in which a speaker operates. In this paper, I examine the spoken realisation of Interpersonal Theme and find that Interpersonal Themes realized by Mood adjuncts and metaphors of modality tended to be realized with different key. Similarly, the expectation that marked Theme was likely to attract high key was found to be subject to the speaker’s need to manage the interaction.
Bilirubin is a superior biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and for differential diagnosis of benign liver disease
Authors: Lei Yan , Lu Xiaolan , Duan Xiuping , Tang Wei , Wang Qiang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Objectives
To develop a novel diagnostic model combining bilirubin, protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II), and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) to improve hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis.

Methods
The serum levels of PIVKA-Ⅱ, AFP, and bilirubin in 718 HCC patients and 2,763 benign liver disease (BLD) patients were measured. A mathematical model was used as the combined diagnostic model (PIVKA-Ⅱ, AFP, and bilirubin: PAB combination) for improving HCC diagnosis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyse the diagnostic value of the individual markers, the PIVKA-II and AFP (PA) combination, and the PAB combination for HCC diagnosis.

Results
With the increase in bilirubin, the positive predictive value (PPV) of bilirubin in HCC diagnosis decreased (p<0.001) while the negative predictive value (NPV) increased (p<0.001). The areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) of the PAB combination were 0.935 and 0.862 for the diagnosis of HCC and HCC<3.0 cm, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of PIVKA-Ⅱ, AFP, and the PA combination (p<0.001). The AUC values for PIVKA-Ⅱ, AFP, and the PA combination were significantly decreased for the diagnosis of HCC and HCC<3.0 cm when serum levels of PIVKA-Ⅱ≥40 mAU/mL and/or AFP≥20 ng/mL were used for diagnosis, while the AUC value of the PAB combination increased.

Conclusions
Bilirubin is a superior biomarker for diagnosing HCC and distinguishing HCC from BLD. The combination of bilirubin with PIVKA-Ⅱ and AFP has superior diagnostic value for HCC and early-stage HCC.
Responses of broiler chickens to incremental levels of water deprivation: Growth performance, carcass characteristics, and relative organ weights
Authors: Mhmoud Amirah , Mkwanazi Mbusiseni Vusumuzi , Ndlela Sithembile Zenith , Moyo Mehluli , Chimonyo Michael 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The objective of the study was to assess the effect of varying levels of water deprivation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and internal organ weight of broiler chickens. Ninety unsexed Ross 308 chicks 2 weeks old were randomly assigned to five water deprivation periods of 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h. Each treatment was replicated three times with six birds per replicate. Broiler chickens were given water ad libitum (0 h) or for 30 min at 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-h intervals. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined on a weekly basis. A negative linear relationship (P < 0.05) existed between water deprivation and ADFI. The increase in water deprivation level resulted in ADFI decreasing at an increasing rate. The R
2 value was 0.94. There was no relationship between water deprivation on ADG and FCR (P > 0.05). There was a quadratic relationship between water deprivation and cold dress mass (CDM) and warm dress mass. As the level of water deprivation increased, there were linear increases in relative weight of gizzard, spleen, heart, lungs, liver, and gastrointestinal tract (P < 0.001). The organ weights of the broiler chickens revealed the ability of birds to withstand of up to 24 h. Using differential of quadratic equations, the maximum time of water deprivation that did not negatively affect CDM was estimated to be 4 h.