bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bile acid sequestrant use and gastric cancer: A national retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Canakis Andrew , Lee Amy , Halvorson Alese E. , Noto Jennifer M. , Peek Richard M. , Wilson Otis , Hung Adriana , Roumie Christianne L. , Greevy Robert , Shah Shailja C. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Introduction:
Bile acids have been implicated in gastric carcinogenesis. We hypothesized that bile acid sequestrant medication (BAM) use is associated with a lower gastric cancer (GC) incidence.

Methods:
We assembled a cohort of Veterans receiving longitudinal care within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) between 2000-2020 who completed testing for H. pylori. The index date was the date of completed H. pylori testing. The primary exposure was the number of filled BAM prescription(s) in the 5 years prior to the index date. The primary outcome was incident GC, stratified by anatomic subsite. Follow-up began at the index date and ended at the earliest of GC, death, after 2 years of follow-up, or the study end (May 31, 2020). We used Kaplan-Meier curves to visualize differences in GC incidence by exposure group and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the association between BAM exposure and anatomic site-specific GC.

Results:
Among 417,239 individuals (89% male, mean 54 years-old, 63% non-Hispanic White), 4,916 (1.2%) filled at least one BAM prescription, 2,623 of whom filled >4. Compared to unexposed individuals, those with >4 BAM fills prior to entry had a lower incidence (aHR 0.71, 95% CI, 0.37-1.36) of GC but confidence intervals were wide. Results were consistent irrespective of GC anatomic site.

Discussion:
BAMs may have a protective effect against both cardia and noncardia GC. Further research and external validation are needed to confirm these findings.
The effects of betaine supplementation on fluid balance and heat tolerance during passive heat stress in men
Authors: Willingham Brandon D. , Rentería Liliana I. , Ragland Tristan J. , Ormsbee Michael J. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroductionConsuming intracellular osmolytes, like betaine (BET), may attenuate symptoms of heat stress. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of BET supplementation on fluid balance and heat tolerance after a 7‐day loading period and during passive heat exposure.MethodsA double‐blind, placebo controlled, crossover study compared BET or placebo consumption (50 mg·kg−1, twice daily) for 7 days in young, recreationally active men (N = 11).ResultsDuring the loading period, no significant interactions were found for any marker of fluid balance between or within conditions. During heat exposure, significant time effects but no condition x time interactions, were found for plasma characteristics (i.e., volume, osmolality, sodium, albumin, and total protein). Plasma volume was significantly increased by min 30 in both conditions (PLA: +6.9. ± 5.0%, BET: +10.2 ± 7.4%) and remained elevated for the remainder of the experimental trial, but was not significantly different between conditions. After 60 min of passive heat exposure, both conditions experienced a similar increase in core temperature (PLA: +0.32 ± 0.22°C, BET: +0.31 ± 0.21°C; p = 0.912).ConclusionsSupplemental BET did not improve markers of fluid balance or heat tolerance during 7 days of loading or during passive heat exposure.
The effects of age on dyspnea and respiratory mechanical and neural responses to exercise in healthy men
Authors: MacAskill William , Hoffman Ben , Johnson Michael A. , Sharpe Graham R. , Rands Joshua , Wotherspoon Shoena E. , Gevorkov Yaroslav , Kolbe‐Alexander Tracy L. , Mills Dean E. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe respiratory muscle pressure generation and inspiratory and expiratory neuromuscular recruitment patterns in younger and older men were compared during exercise, alongside descriptors of dyspnea. Healthy younger (n = 8, 28 ± 5 years) and older (n = 8, 68 ± 4 years) men completed a maximal incremental cycling test. Esophageal, gastric (Pga) and transdiaphragmatic pressures, and electromyography (EMG) of the crural diaphragm were measured using a micro‐transducer and EMG catheter. EMG of the parasternal intercostals, sternocleidomastoids, and rectus abdominis were measured using skin surface electrodes. After the exercise test, participants completed a questionnaire to evaluate descriptors of dyspnea. Pga at end‐expiration, Pga expiratory tidal swings, and the gastric pressure–time product (PTPga) at absolute and relative minute ventilation were higher (p < 0.05) for older compared to younger men. There were no differences in EMG responses between older and younger men. Younger men were more likely to report shallow breathing (p = 0.005) than older men. Our findings showed younger and older men had similar respiratory neuromuscular activation patterns and reported different dyspnea descriptors, and that older men had greater expiratory muscle pressure generation during exercise. Greater expiratory muscle pressures in older men may be due to compensatory mechanisms designed to offset increasing airway resistance due to aging. These results may have implications for exercise‐induced expiratory muscle fatigue in older men.
Alveolate species of Mastogloia (Bacillariophyceae, Mastogloiales), including M. frickei Hustedt 1933 from Guam and two renamed species from Florida
Authors: Lobban Christopher S. , Frankovich Thomas A. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Mastogloia frickei Hustedt was found in Guam and studied with scanning electron microscopy. A species known by that name in Florida/Bahamas is shown to be a different species and is described as Mastogloia floridensis sp. nov. Both have alveolate striae, which is unusual in the genus. A third alveolate species was present in Florida samples and had been misidentified previously. It is described as Mastogloia lucayensis sp. nov. Ultrastructure observations of these species expand the diversity of alveolate stria morphology.
An interactive platform for formative assessment and immediate feedback in laboratory courses
Authors: Sfez Ruthy 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The aim of this work is to use the laboratory platform as a unique tool for engaging and encouraging the students to develop critical thinking and guided self-evaluation abilities. Moreover, the fact that the teaching process in the lab is held in small groups enables the detection of difficulties in an early stage, thus allowing an immediate feedback and relevant assistance. Taking advantage of this unique environment we have developed a rubric score based interface for students and teaching assistants (TAs) aimed to encourage student’s reflection and engagement while enabling a rational and valid grading of students’ performance by the TAs. The rubric consists of eight parameters which are evaluated in each lab session, both by the student and the TA. Following the lab session, a comparison of both evaluations is performed by the lab manager thus enabling real time intervention and formative assessment, along with important insights on the learning process of the student. Our preliminary studies, performed in Chemistry laboratories, indicated that this methodology enabled an efficient formative assessment of the learning process during the course. This tool might help students to rapidly improve their performance in laboratory courses, by stimulation of a continuous reflection process.
The Modern Transformation of Hong Kong Cantonese Films with Realistic Themes in the 1950s and 1960s
Authors: Zhao Weifang 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
From the late 1950s, the creation of Hong Kong Cantonese films with realistic themes entered a new stage. In terms of themes, these Cantonese films continued the indoctrination and enlightenment of Hong Kong’s traditional Cantonese films and the tradition of focusing on the grass-roots class. They also opened up new characters and new themes for Cantonese films, creating a modern scene in Hong Kong’s Cantonese film world from the late 1950s. At the same time, Hong Kong Cantonese films with realistic themes during this period were also trying to explore the commercial genres dominated by comedy and striving to create a new world of entertainment. Through these innovations and changes, Hong Kong Cantonese film production realized the transformation from tradition to modernity.
The predictive value of the C-reactive protein/albumin ratio in adult patients with complicated appendicitis
Authors: Zhao Xin , Yang Jian , Li Jun 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Objectives
The purpose of this study was to analyze the role of C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CRP/ALB) in the diagnosis of complicated appendicitis in adults.

Methods
A retrospective analysis of 202 patients with acute appendicitis admitted to the Emergency Department of Weifang People’s Hospital between January 2021 and December 2022 was conducted. Patients were classified into complicated appendicitis group (CA) and non-complicated appendicitis group (NCA) based on postoperative pathological diagnosis, and the two groups were compared in terms of preoperative age, gender, white blood cell count (WBCC), C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CRP/ALB), serum sodium (Na), and fibrinogen (FIB).

Results
The 202 cases of acute appendicitis in this study, 36.6 % (n=74) were CA. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that CPR/ALB (p≤0.001), FIB (p<0.001), and Na (p=0.011) were risk factors for complicated appendicitis. The results of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, conducted to evaluate the role of CRP/ALB, Na, and FIB in detecting CA, showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of CRP/ALB was 0.871, which was higher than that of FIB and Na. CRP/ALB ratio ≥1.04 was an important indicator for predicting complicated appendicitis, with a sensitivity of 78.2 % and specificity of 84.7 %.

Conclusions
CRP/ALB ratio can serve as a good indicator for predicting complicated appendicitis.
Finite element analysis of bending and torsional loading of two different endodontic rotary files with different off-center geometric sections
Authors: Eskibağlar Mehmet , Erdem Serkan , Kaman Mete Onur , Ocak Mevlüt Sinan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of two endodontic rotary files with different off-center geometries in bending and torsional tests using finite element analysis (FEA). Trunatomy Prime (TRN-P) and WaveOne Gold Primary (WOG-P) files were used in the study. Geometric models for finite element analysis were obtained by micro-computed tomography scanning. FEA analyses were performed according to ISO 3630-1 specifications to evaluate the bending and torsional tests of the files. Trunatomy Prime showed higher flexibility than WOG-P when subjected to bending. In terms of torsional strength, WOG-P showed higher torsional strength than TRN-P. The geometry of a rotary instrument file influences the mechanical behavior (bending and torsion) of rotary files. The clinician should be aware of the behavioral differences in rotary files and use the appropriate file according to the clinical situation in addition to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Design and fabrication of a fish feed mixing cum pelleting machine for small-medium scale aquaculture industry
Authors: Okonkwo Clinton E. , Isaac Moses O. , Alhassan Elijah A. , Ogbevire Marvel , Alake Adewumi S. , Ajao Faith O. , Olayanju Adeniyi T. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The study developed a compact, single unit of fish feed mixing and pelleting machine. In this work, a compact fish feed mixing and pelleting machine was designed, fabricated, and evaluated for its performance efficiency. The basic units of the machine are the processing unit, structural support, and the prime mover. The major component of the feed substrates used were maize, fish meal, soya bean cake, blood, and bone meal in their varied proportions blended with wet cassava starch to establish the machine performance and efficiency. The results showed that the varied proportions of starch inclusion in the blended substrate have influence on the investigated machine performance parameters. The performance outputs from the machine revealed the highest pelleting efficiency of 80.36%, pellet durability of 98.74%, throughput capacity of 4.16 kg/h, and the least labour requirement of 0.23 man-hour per kg at a starch inclusion of 0.125 kg, while the highest pellet bulk density of 0.302 g/cm3 was recorded at 0.20 and 0.125 kg starch addition. Machine economic analysis revealed that it can be of benefit for small- to medium-scale fish feed farmers.
Exploring the occurrence, relationship and in vitro culturing behaviors of bacterial populations associated with dental caries in adult patients
Authors: Farva Khushbu , Majeed Hammad , Iftikhar Tehreema , Altaf Faizah , Sattar Huma , Danish Mahmood Muhammad , Zohra Quratulaain , Batool Razia 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Dental caries, a widespread oral infection affecting people worldwide, has significant societal impact due to its high prevalence. The issue of antibiotic resistance in the oral environment was investigated in rural areas in the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and biofilm development in the bacteria causing dental caries. Cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2021 and October 2022. Standardized questionnaires were used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, behavioral habits, and clinical issues. The study included 900 individuals suspected of having dental caries, who were categorized into three groups based on their initial symptoms at the time of diagnosis. Among the patients, 61 % reported tooth discomfort only, 12 % experienced gum bleeding in addition to tooth discomfort, and 27 % had both problems. To assess the effectiveness of antibiotics and extracts against the identified pathogens, the collected samples were transferred to a microbiological laboratory. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22. A statistically significant difference was concluded when the P-value was less than 0.05. Each strain possessed unique molecular and biochemical properties, allowing for their independent utilization without reliance on other strains.
Determination of the Mode I Stress Intensity Factor Based on Symplectic Geometry
Authors: Xiao Yuxuan , Dai Shuhong , Wu Yao 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
A method for determining the mode I stress intensity factor based on the symplectic geometry method is proposed. A fan-shaped region is constructed at the crack tip, and the full state vector of the crack tip is determined with the symplectic geometry method. By combining the full state vector with the displacement field at the crack tip, the stress intensity factor is calculated. Based on the theoretical solution of the displacement field around the mode I crack tip, the effects of the number of data points, the size of the central angle, and the radius on the accuracy of the stress intensity factor are studied. The results show that the number of data points has a great influence on the accuracy of mode I stress intensity factor determined with this method. As the number of data points exceeds 37, the relative error tends to zero stably; the sector central angle has little effect on the accuracy of the stress intensity factor, but under the same accuracy requirements, different sector central angles need different numbers of data points. If the sector radius is too small, the solution of stress intensity factor will be unstable, and the relative error will be large because of the influence of the plastic region at crack tip during the fracture process. By comparing the relative errors under different conditions, it is found that the mode I stress intensity factor calculated by the proposed method is highly accurate and that the stress intensity factor can be accurately obtained by obtaining just the displacement field around the crack tip, which is verified by a digital image correlation experiment. The proposed method solves the problem that the previous solution system has complex steps in the case of complex stress, resulting in the inability to accurately obtain mode I stress intensity factor.
Determination of Electric Energy Production from Solar Chimney with Tree-Based Machine Learning Methods and Interpretation with SHAP Method
Authors: Ateş Fatmanur , Aksoy Bekir , Şenol Ramazan , Üçgül İbrahim , Koyun Arif 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Electricity generation from solar chimneys is one of the renewable energy production methods that have become widespread in recent years. The correct determination of the location before the installation of solar chimneys is important for the efficiency of the energy to be produced. This study has attempted to produce a solution to this issue by using artificial intelligence that can be explained with tree-based regression methods. For this purpose, the chimney inlet temperature and chimney flow rate produced by the chimney according to the meteorological data taken from around a solar chimney established in Isparta were used. With the inlet temperature and flow rate of the solar chimney, the estimated power to be produced in the solar chimney can be calculated, and it can be determined whether the solar chimney installation area will be efficient or not. Tree-based adaptive boosting (Adaboost), gradient boosting, random forest, extreme gradient boosting (XGB), and bagging methods were used for solar chimney, chimney inlet temperature, and chimney flow rate estimation. The performances of the models were determined using the model evaluation methods mean absolute error, mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and root mean square error. In the study, XGB with 0.0076 MAPE value for chimney inlet temperature and 0.047 MAPE value for chimney flow rate was proposed, and SHapley Additive exPlanations method, one of the explainable artificial intelligence methods, was applied on the proposed model.
Les processus d’écriture du point de vue de deux adolescents autistes
Authors: Boisvert Marie-Eve , Andréa Lavigne  
Published: August 2023

Plusieurs recherches soulignent des difficultés dans l’apprentissage et l’utilisation de l’écriture chez des personnes autistes. Toutefois, peu d’entre elles permettent de les comprendre. Cette étude ethnographique vise à décrire, du point de vue de deux adolescents : 1) leurs capacités et leurs difficultés dans leurs processus d’écriture et 2) les facteurs contextuels qui peuvent influencer ces processus. Les résultats mettent en lumière des capacités sur le plan du processus d’idéation des participants en lien avec l’écrit, mais une difficulté à saisir les attentes et à mettre en mots certaines idées, notamment en fonction des consignes données.
Theta Signal Transfer from Parietal to Prefrontal Cortex Ignites Conscious Awareness of Implicit Knowledge during Sequence Learning
Authors: Lu Yang , Guo Xiuyan , Weng Xue , Jiang Haoran , Yan Huidan , Shen Xianting , Feng Zhengning , Zhao Xinyue , Li Lin , Zheng Li , Liu Zhiyuan , Men Weiwei , Gao Jia-Hong 
Published: August 2023

Unconscious acquisition of sequence structure from experienced events can lead to explicit awareness of the pattern through extended practice. Although the implicit-to-explicit transition has been extensively studied in humans using the serial reaction time (SRT) task, the subtle neural activity supporting this transition remains unclear. Here, we investigated whether frequency-specific neural signal transfer contributes to this transition. A total of 208 participants (107 females) learned a sequence pattern through a multisession SRT task, allowing us to observe the transitions. Session-by-session measures of participants’ awareness for sequence knowledge were conducted during the SRT task to identify the session when the transition occurred. By analyzing time course RT data using switchpoint modeling, we identified an increase in learning benefit specifically at the transition session. Electroencephalogram (EEG)/magnetoencephalogram (MEG) recordings revealed increased theta power in parietal (precuneus) regions one session before the transition (pretransition) and a prefrontal (superior frontal gyrus; SFG) one at the transition session. Phase transfer entropy (PTE) analysis confirmed that directional theta transfer from precuneus → SFG occurred at the pretransition session and its strength positively predicted learning improvement at the subsequent transition session. Furthermore, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) modulated precuneus theta power and altered transfer strength from precuneus to SFG, resulting in changes in both transition rate and learning benefit at that specific point of transition. Our brain-stimulation evidence supports a role for parietal → prefrontal theta signal transfer in igniting conscious awareness of implicitly acquired knowledge.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThere exists a pervasive phenomenon wherein individuals unconsciously acquire sequence patterns from their environment, gradually becoming aware of the underlying regularities through repeated practice. While previous studies have established the robustness of this implicit-to-explicit transition in humans, the refined neural mechanisms facilitating conscious access to implicit knowledge remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that prefrontal activity, known to be crucial for conscious awareness, is triggered by neural signal transfer originating from the posterior brain region, specifically the precuneus. By employing brain stimulation techniques, we establish a causal link between neural signal transfer and the occurrence of awareness. Our findings unveil a mechanism by which implicit knowledge becomes consciously accessible in human cognition.
Yoni dip también tiene hambre o el silencio de las tripas
Authors: Garzón Vélez Julián 
Published: August 2023

Este texto dramático aborda el tema de la habitancia en calle desde la sensibilidad humana. Indaga en la injusticia social, la hambruna, el desamparo, la falta de oportunidades y el amor como fuerza motora de la familia. Coloca en cuestión la meritocracia como única visión del progreso y aporta, desde la metáfora, la esperanza de cambio a partir de la transformación personal. Abre una ventana a la vida de las personas que terminan habitando en la calle por diversas circunstancias y genera preguntas sobre la responsabilidad social y humana que todos tenemos con el otro. Esta obra es fruto de una investigación sobre la injusticia social y la desigualdad. Recoge casos reales, documentos, fragmentos e historias de vida de situaciones de pobreza, que se enmarcan en el tema del hambre y la relación analógica del humano y la vida del perro. Es así que, aunque para muchos el perro significa fidelidad y compañía, también es sinónimo de estar a la deriva, de ser un perro callejero, que lo tratan mal y que vive como los dichos populares lo manifiestan, una vida de perros.
Atomic cluster expansion for Pt–Rh catalysts: From ab initio to the simulation of nanoclusters in few steps
Authors: Liang Yanyan , Mrovec Matous , Lysogorskiy Yury , Vega-Paredes Miquel , Scheu Christina , Drautz Ralf 
Published: August 2023

AbstractInsight into structural and thermodynamic properties of nanoparticles is crucial for designing optimal catalysts with enhanced activity and stability. In this work, we present a semi-automated workflow for parameterizing the atomic cluster expansion (ACE) from ab initio data. The main steps of the workflow are the generation of training data from accurate electronic structure calculations, an efficient fitting procedure supported by active learning and uncertainty indication, and a thorough validation. We apply the workflow to the simulation of binary Pt–Rh nanoparticles that are important for catalytic applications. We demonstrate that the Pt–Rh ACE is able to reproduce accurately a broad range of fundamental properties of the elemental metals as well as their compounds while retaining an outstanding computational efficiency. This enables a direct comparison of atomistic simulations to high-resolution experiments.Graphical abstract