bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single MCMC chain parallelisation on decision trees
Authors: Drousiotis Efthyvoulos , Spirakis Paul 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDecision trees (DT) are highly famous in machine learning and usually acquire state-of-the-art performance. Despite that, well-known variants like CART, ID3, random forest, and boosted trees miss a probabilistic version that encodes prior assumptions about tree structures and shares statistical strength between node parameters. Existing work on Bayesian DT depends on Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC), which can be computationally slow, especially on high dimensional data and expensive proposals. In this study, we propose a method to parallelise a single MCMC DT chain on an average laptop or personal computer that enables us to reduce its run-time through multi-core processing while the results are statistically identical to conventional sequential implementation. We also calculate the theoretical and practical reduction in run time, which can be obtained utilising our method on multi-processor architectures. Experiments showed that we could achieve 18 times faster running time provided that the serial and the parallel implementation are statistically identical.
Harvesting distance effect on tree species diversity in traditional agroforestry landscape: a case of Vhembe Biosphere Reserve in South Africa
Authors: Makhubele Lucky , Araia Mulugheta G. , Chirwa Paxie W. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractTraditional agroforestry has been recognised to contribute to biodiversity conservation; however, biodiversity strategies often lack information about drivers of tree species diversity loss, which is crucial for decision-making. Anthropogenic disturbance has positive and negative effects on tree species richness and diversity. This study was conducted in Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, Limpopo Province, and used distance from the nucleus of the community to the forest as a parameter to assess tree species richness and diversity. Vegetation data were collected using three transects of 150 m in each distance level and sampled a total area of 1000 m2by sampling five rectangular plots of 20 m2 × 10 m2(200 m2). Data analysis was conducted using Chao1, PERMANOVA,nMDS, PERMDISP, DISTLIM,dbRDA and SIMPER. The findings are in consonant with distance decay of community similarity hypotheses, with estimated tree species richness of 76, 93 and 95 species in an immediate distance, intermediate distance and far distance, respectively. Moreover, the highest species variation was observed at an intermediate distance, which indicates that there is greater species composition at an intermediate distance compared to immediate and far distances. The results confirm that the distance and associated factors have major detrimental effects on tree species richness and biodiversity in traditional agroforestry landscapes. Harvesting of provisioning ecosystem services is found and known to be extremely high in the study area. Effective interventions such as planting indigenous trees and conserving the existing vegetation must be implemented to reduce and halt overexploitation.
Online and offline determinants of drug trafficking across countries via cryptomarkets
Authors: Giommoni Luca , Décary-Hétu David , Berlusconi Giulia , Bergeron Andréanne 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDrug cryptomarkets are a significant development in the recent history of illicit drug markets. Dealers and buyers can now finalize transactions with people they have never met, who could be located anywhere across the globe. What factors shape the geography of international drug trafficking via these cryptomarkets? In our current study, we test the determinants of drug trafficking through cryptomarkets by using a mix of social network analysis and a new dataset composed of self-reported transactions. Our findings contribute to existing research by demonstrating that a country’s level of technological advancement increases the probability of forming trafficking connections on cryptomarkets. Additionally, we found that a country’s capacity to police cryptomarkets reduces the number of trafficking connections with other countries. We also observed that trafficking on cryptomarkets is more likely to occur between countries that are geographically close. In summary, our study highlights the need to consider both online and offline factors in research on cryptomarkets.
Algorithmic legitimacy in clinical decision-making
Authors: Holm Sune 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMachine learning algorithms are expected to improve referral decisions. In this article I discuss the legitimacy of deferring referral decisions in primary care to recommendations from such algorithms. The standard justification for introducing algorithmic decision procedures to make referral decisions is that they are more accurate than the available practitioners. The improvement in accuracy will ensure more efficient use of scarce health resources and improve patient care. In this article I introduce a proceduralist framework for discussing the legitimacy of algorithmic referral decisions and I argue that in the context of referral decisions the legitimacy of an algorithmic decision procedure can be fully accounted for in terms of the instrumental values of accuracy and fairness. I end by considering how my discussion of procedural algorithmic legitimacy relates to the debate on algorithmic fairness.
G6PDi-1 is a Potent Inhibitor of G6PDH and of Pentose Phosphate pathway-dependent Metabolic Processes in Cultured Primary Astrocytes
Authors: Watermann Patrick , Arend Christian , Dringen Ralf 
Published: July 2023

AbstractGlucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) catalyses the rate limiting first step of the oxidative part of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), which has a crucial function in providing NADPH for antioxidative defence and reductive biosyntheses. To explore the potential of the new G6PDH inhibitor G6PDi-1 to affect astrocytic metabolism, we investigated the consequences of an application of G6PDi-1 to cultured primary rat astrocytes. G6PDi-1 efficiently inhibited G6PDH activity in lysates of astrocyte cultures. Half-maximal inhibition was observed for 100 nM G6PDi-1, while presence of almost 10 µM of the frequently used G6PDH inhibitor dehydroepiandrosterone was needed to inhibit G6PDH in cell lysates by 50%. Application of G6PDi-1 in concentrations of up to 100 µM to astrocytes in culture for up to 6 h did not affect cell viability nor cellular glucose consumption, lactate production, basal glutathione (GSH) export or the high basal cellular ratio of GSH to glutathione disulfide (GSSG). In contrast, G6PDi-1 drastically affected astrocytic pathways that depend on the PPP-mediated supply of NADPH, such as the NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1)-mediated WST1 reduction and the glutathione reductase-mediated regeneration of GSH from GSSG. These metabolic pathways were lowered by G6PDi-1 in a concentration-dependent manner in viable astrocytes with half-maximal effects observed for concentrations between 3 and 6 µM. The data presented demonstrate that G6PDi-1 efficiently inhibits the activity of astrocytic G6PDH and impairs specifically those metabolic processes that depend on the PPP-mediated regeneration of NADPH in cultured astrocytes.
An Exploratory Study of Dental Students’ Use of Whiteboard Animated Videos as Supplementary Learning Resources in Basic Sciences
Authors: Zheng Meixun , Cuenin Kyle , Lyon Cindy , Bender Daniel 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAnimated videos are being increasingly incorporated into health professions education, but evidence is limited and mixed regarding their educational impact. We have been providing dental students with complimentary access to whiteboard animated videos on a web-based and mobile learning platform. This exploratory study evaluated first-year predoctoral dental students’ (n = 143) adoption, perceived value, and impact of the videos as supplementary learning resources in basic sciences. Students were surveyed about their perceived value of the videos, while the host website platform analytics captured video watching patterns. Regression analyses examined the correlation between video watching and students’ exam performance. Results showed that the mean score of students’ perceived value of the videos was 3.2 on a 4-point scale. The class watched a total of 10, 919 videos throughout the academic year. The number of videos watched by individual students ranged from 0 to 627. Video watching was positively correlated with students’ exam performance in biochemistry and nutrition. These findings suggested that students had a favorable attitude towards the animated videos. They frequently used the videos to supplement their learning in basic sciences, but usage varied among individual students. Factors impacting the effectiveness of animated videos such as the complexity of cognitive processing, students’ personal differences, and video watching strategies were discussed and future directions were proposed. The study contributed to the literature of whiteboard animated videos in the understudied context of dental education. Experience from our school could help other institutions identify and implement animated videos to augment student learning.
First-in-Human Side-to-Side Magnetic Compression Duodeno-ileostomy with the Magnet Anastomosis System
Authors: Gagner Michel , Abuladze David , Koiava Levan , Buchwald J. N. , Van Sante Nathalie , Krinke Todd 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purposes
Classical gastrointestinal anastomoses are formed with sutures and/or metal staples, resulting in significant bleeding and leak rates. This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of the novel magnet anastomosis system (MS) to create a side-to-side duodeno-ileal (DI) diversion for weight loss and type 2 diabetes (T2D) resolution.

Materials and Methods
Patients with severe obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2 with/without T2D (HbA1C ≥ 6.5%)) underwent the study procedure, a side-to-side MS DI diversion, with a standard sleeve gastrectomy (SG). A linear magnet was delivered by flexible endoscopy to a point 250 cm proximal to the ileocecal valve; a second magnet was positioned in the first part of the duodenum; the bowel segments containing magnets were apposed, initiating gradual anastomosis formation. Laparoscopic assistance was used to obtain bowel measurements, obviate tissue interposition, and close mesenteric defects.

Results
Between November 22 and 26, 2021, 5 female patients (mean weight 117.6 ± 7.1 kg, BMI (kg/m2) 44.4 ± 2.2) underwent side-to-side MS DI + SG. All magnets were successfully placed, expelled without re-intervention, and formed patent durable anastomoses. Total weight loss at 12 months was 34.0 ± 1.4% (SEM); excess weight loss, 80.2 ± 6.6%; and BMI reduction, 15.1. Mean HbA1C (%) dropped from 6.8 ± 0.8 to 4.8 ± 0.2; and glucose (mg/dL), from 134.3 ± 17.9 to 87.3 ± 6.3 (mean reduction, 47.0 mg/dL). There was no anastomotic bleeding, leakage, obstruction, or infection and no mortality.

Conclusions
Creation of a side-to-side magnetic compression anastomosis to achieve duodeno-ileostomy diversion in adults with severe obesity was feasible and safe, achieved excellent weight loss, and resolved type 2 diabetes at 1-year follow-up.

Trial Registration
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT05322122.

Graphical Abstract
Introduction: Approaches to Vulnerability in Times of Crisis
Authors: Heikkilä Mikaela , Mustaniemi-Laakso Maija 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWith a view to contributing to a more nuanced view on the use of the vulnerability rhetoric in times of crisis, the article addresses the relationship between the “crisification” and “vulnerabilization” of human rights protection. In so doing, it discusses the concepts of crisis and vulnerability, as well as the related human rights obligations incumbent on states. By contemplating upon some of the processes through which the rhetoric of vulnerability both opens doors to protection and closes them, the article deconstructs vulnerabilization as an active legal and societal process in addressing different situations seen as crises. In so doing, it challenges the on-face neutrality of the concept of vulnerability as a tool to target protection in exceptional times and calls for an approach to vulnerability in times of crisis that is more firmly anchored in the normative baseline of international human rights law.
Water Releases From Dams Improve Ecological Health and Societal Benefits in Downstream Estuaries
Authors: Adams Janine B. , Taljaard Susan , Van Niekerk Lara 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This review study investigated the response of low-inflow estuaries (LIEs) to dam releases as this type of estuary is particularly sensitive to freshwater inflow modification. LIEs occur in arid and semi-arid regions and are subject to periods of little to no freshwater inflow. Case studies were used to identify ecological health and societal benefits associated with flow releases. Successful releases have been made to keep the estuary mouth open, ensure mixing, facilitate a salinity gradient and provide recruitment pulses to the marine environment for fish and invertebrates. Baseflow inputs ensured ecosystem connectivity and maintained estuary water quality gradients. Flow pulse releases in certain seasons stimulated spawning migrations of fish between freshwater and estuarine habitats. Holistic and adaptive restoration approaches were successful in terms of providing ecosystem services and societal benefits such as improved fisheries and livelihoods. Ongoing engagement, inclusion of communities, support from river users, and cooperation between multiple agencies were also important. However, this management solution for LIEs is threatened by increasing abstraction of water, competing water uses, over allocation, and frequent droughts. Moving forward, freshwater releases from dams should be considered an important restoration action that can improve ecological health, estuary function, ecosystem services, and societal benefits. This should take place within a socio-ecological system framework using an adaptive management and monitoring approach. Other key considerations for planning and implementation of future dam releases to LIEs were recommended.
Fusobacterium nucleatum-triggered purine metabolic reprogramming drives tumorigenesis in head and neck carcinoma
Authors: Li Feiran , Huang Huiying , Xu Jing , Tao Lei , Zhou Liang , Hsueh Chiyao , Gong Hongli , Zhang Ming 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) is a vital pro-oncogenic bacterium. Our previous study revealed that a high abundance of F. nucleatum in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is correlated with poor patient prognosis. However, the impact of F. nucleatum on metabolic reprogramming and tumor progression in HNSCC awaits more exploration.

Methods
Liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry (LC‒MS) was applied to analyze the altered metabolites in a head and neck carcinoma cell line (AMC-HN-8) after coculture with F. nucleatum for 24 hrs and 48 hrs. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were used to screen for differential metabolites. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathway enrichment analysis was further used to explore the metabolic changes.

Results
We observed a significantly altered metabolic profile in AMC-HN-8 cells over time after coculture with F. nucleatum. Among the several enriched pathways, the purine metabolic pathway was the most significantly enriched (P = 0.0005), with downregulation of purine degradation. Furthermore, uric acid, the end product of purine metabolism, significantly reversed F. nucleatum-triggered tumor progression and altered the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Moreover, the negative correlation between the serum uric acid level and the abundance of F. nucleatum was verified in 113 HNSCC patients (P = 0.0412, R = − 0.1924).

Conclusions
Our study revealed obviously aberrant purine metabolism driven by F. nucleatum in HNSCC, which was closely related to tumor progression and patient prognosis. These findings indicate the possibility of targeting F. nucleatum-induced purine metabolism reprogramming in the future treatment of HNSCC.
Opportunity cost neglect: a meta-analysis
Authors: Maguire Allegra , Persson Emil , Tinghög Gustav 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn a seminal paper, Frederick et al. (J Consum Res 36:553–561, 2009) showed that people’s willingness to purchase a consumer good declined dramatically when opportunity costs were made more salient (Cohen’s d = 0.45–0.85). This finding suggests that people normally do not pay sufficient attention to opportunity costs and as a result make poorer and less efficient decisions, both in private and public domains. To critically assess the strength of opportunity cost neglect, we carried out a systematic review and a meta-analysis including published and non-published experimental work. In total, 39 experimental studies were included in the meta-analysis (N = 14,005). The analysis shows a robust significant effect (Cohen’s d = 0.22; p < 0.001) of opportunity cost neglect across different domains, albeit the effect is considerably smaller than what was originally estimated by Frederick et al. (2009). Our findings highlight the importance of meta-analyses and replications of initial findings.
Knockout of a gene encoding a Gγ protein boosts alkaline tolerance in cereal crops
Authors: Wang Peitong , Ma Jian Feng 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSorghum is highly tolerant to alkaline stress, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here, based on genotypic difference in alkaline tolerance of sorghum, it was found that AT1 (Alkaline tolerance 1) encoding a G protein is involved in alkaline tolerance through negatively modulating the phosphorylation level of PIP2, an aquaporin with transport activity for H2O2. Knockout of AT1 releases its inhibition of PIP2, thereby resulting in an increased transport of H2O2 from the cytosol into the apoplast, subsequently boosting alkaline tolerance.
Global Consequences of Regional Connectivity Along the Antarctic Margin
Authors: Beadling Rebecca L. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObservations and modeling studies indicate that ocean and cryosphere dynamics at the Antarctic margin are rapidly evolving and will continue to do so in the face of unabated climate warming. Despite occupying a minute fraction of the world ocean's volume, local dynamics in this region may play an outsized role in the evolving global climate system. Water masses transported along and across the continental shelf influence Antarctic Ice Sheet (AIS) stability, Dense Shelf Water (DSW) production, oceanic heat and carbon uptake, nutrient distributions, and ecosystems. Changes in these processes may feedback onto the global climate system with significant remote consequences, including accelerated global sea level rise. Recently, Dawson et al. (2023, https://doi.org/10.1029/2022JC018962) combined results from a high‐resolution ocean‐sea ice model with offline Lagrangian particle tracking to constrain pathways and timescales of connectivity along the Antarctic margin. Their findings revealed widespread circumpolar connectivity, with waters able to circumnavigate Antarctica within two decades and reach neighboring shelf regions within 1–5 years. The results provide important context of timescales that anomalies from AIS mass loss or Circumpolar Deep Water intrusions may propagate downstream and feedback onto AIS stability or DSW formation. The authors highlight the importance of along‐slope and along‐shelf currents in setting connectivity timescales and pathways. Combined with other recent studies suggesting significant changes in Antarctic regional ocean circulation in response to warming, the findings of Dawson et al. (2023, https://doi.org/10.1029/2022JC018962) suggest the Antarctic margin is likely to significantly evolve over the 21st century in ways we are just starting to unravel.
On the use of aspect-based sentiment analysis of Twitter data to explore the experiences of African Americans during COVID-19
Authors: Chaudhary Meghna , Kosyluk Kristin , Thomas Sylvia , Neal Tempestt 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAccording to data from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as of June 2020, a significant number of African Americans had been infected with the coronavirus disease, experiencing disproportionately higher death rates compared to other demographic groups. These disparities highlight the urgent need to examine the experiences, behaviors, and opinions of the African American population in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. By understanding their unique challenges in navigating matters of health and well-being, we can work towards promoting health equity, eliminating disparities, and addressing persistent barriers to care. Since Twitter data has shown significant promise as a representation of human behavior and for opinion mining, this study leverages Twitter data published in 2020 to characterize the pandemic-related experiences of the United States’ African American population using aspect-based sentiment analysis. Sentiment analysis is a common task in natural language processing that identifies the emotional tone (i.e., positive, negative, or neutral) of a text sample. Aspect-based sentiment analysis increases the granularity of sentiment analysis by also extracting the aspect for which sentiment is expressed. We developed a machine learning pipeline consisting of image and language-based classification models to filter out tweets not related to COVID-19 and those unlikely published by African American Twitter subscribers, leading to an analysis of nearly 4 million tweets. Overall, our results show that the majority of tweets had a negative tone, and that the days with larger numbers of published tweets often coincided with major U.S. events related to the pandemic as suggested by major news headlines (e.g., vaccine rollout). We also show how word usage evolved throughout the year (e.g.,outbreaktopandemicandcoronavirustocovid). This work also points to important issues like food insecurity and vaccine hesitation, along with exposing semantic relationships between words, such ascovidandexhausted. As such, this work furthers understanding of how the nationwide progression of the pandemic may have impacted the narratives of African American Twitter users.
Radiomics characterization of tissues in an animal brain tumor model imaged using dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI
Authors: Bagher-Ebadian Hassan , Brown Stephen L. , Ghassemi Mohammad M. , Nagaraja Tavarekere N. , Movsas Benjamin , Ewing James R. , Chetty Indrin J. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractHere, we investigate radiomics-based characterization of tumor vascular and microenvironmental properties in an orthotopic rat brain tumor model measured using dynamic-contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI. Thirty-two immune compromised-RNU rats implanted with human U-251N cancer cells were imaged using DCE-MRI (7Tesla, Dual-Gradient-Echo). The aim was to perform pharmacokinetic analysis using a nested model (NM) selection technique to classify brain regions according to vasculature properties considered as the source of truth. A two-dimensional convolutional-based radiomics analysis was performed on the raw-DCE-MRI of the rat brains to generate dynamic radiomics maps. The raw-DCE-MRI and respective radiomics maps were used to build 28 unsupervised Kohonen self-organizing-maps (K-SOMs). A Silhouette-Coefficient (SC), k-fold Nested-Cross-Validation (k-fold-NCV), and feature engineering analyses were performed on the K-SOMs’ feature spaces to quantify the distinction power of radiomics features compared to raw-DCE-MRI for classification of different Nested Models. Results showed that eight radiomics features outperformed respective raw-DCE-MRI in prediction of the three nested models. The average percent difference in SCs between radiomics features and raw-DCE-MRI was: 29.875% ± 12.922%, p < 0.001. This work establishes an important first step toward spatiotemporal characterization of brain regions using radiomics signatures, which is fundamental toward staging of tumors and evaluation of tumor response to different treatments.