bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of Group Method of Data Handling via a Modified Levenberg-Marquardt Algorithm in the Prediction of Compressive Strength of Oilwell Cement with Reinforced Fly Ash Based on Experimental Data
Authors: Nyakilla Edwin E. , Jun Gu , Charles Grant , Ricky Emanuel X. , Hussain Wakeel , Iqbal Sayed Muhammed , Kalibwami Daud C. , Alareqi Ahmed G. , Shaame Mbarouk , Ngata Mbega Ramadhani 
Published: April 2023

SummaryThe experimental design of well cement with durable compressive strength (CS) is challenging and time-consuming. The current research predicts CS using the enhanced group method of data handling via a modified Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm (GMDH-LM) with experimental data. Class F fly ash (CFFA) is used as a supplementary material to cement at various proportions. Experimental tests of CS, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, rheology, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are applied. Experimental findings revealed that the addition of fly ash (FA) enhances CS with curing time as an outcome of pozzolanic action. CS for 20% FA reinforcement after curing for 28 days was 42.95 MPa, compared with 41.53 MPa for 50%. This indicates that a higher addition of FA lowers CS. The rheological findings revealed that FA enhanced the viscosity of the cement slurry. The SEM images demonstrated that the incorporation of CFFA with cement modified the contexture of hardened cement. Cement, water, oilwell cement (OWC), curing time, dispersant, and FA were assigned as input variables for GMDH-LM while CS from the experimental analysis was set as output. Machine learning (ML) findings indicated that GMDH-LM can effectively estimate the CS of OWC. GMDH-LM performed better than backpropagation neural network (BPNN), support vector machine (SVM), and normal GMDH models in predicting CS; it provided higher linearity during training as GMDH-LM gave R2 = 0.958, GMDH = 0.946, SVM = 0.925, BPNN = 0.897, and the least loss functions of mean square error (MSE) = 0.238, MSE = 1.685, MSE = 2.567, and MSE = 4.032, respectively. Similarly, good results were ascertained during testing GMDH-LM provided R2 = 0.928, GMDH = 0.907, SVM = 0.895, BPNN = 0.878, and the lowest loss functions of MSE = 0.304, MSE = 2.650, MSE = 3.494, and MSE = 5.678, respectively. Therefore, the comparative results of all experiments and predictions reveal that GMDH-LM can be deployed as an advanced approach for the estimation of cement hydration in oil and gas wells.
The use of evidence to guide decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic: Divergent perspectives from a qualitative case study in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Brubacher Laura Jane , Lovato Chris Y , Sri Veena , Cheng Michael , Berman Peter 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background: The challenges of evidence-based decision-making in a public health emergency have never been so notable as during the COVID-19 pandemic. Questions about the decision-making process, including what forms of evidence were used, and how evidence informed – or did not inform – policy have been debated.
Methods: We examined decision-makers' observations on evidence-use in early COVID-19 policy-making in British Columbia (BC), Canada through a qualitative case study. From July 2021- January 2022, we conducted 18 semi-structured key informant interviews with BC elected officials, provincial and regional-level health officials, and civil society actors involved in the public health response. The questions focused on: 1) the use of evidence in policy-making; 2) the interface between researchers and policy-makers; and 3) key challenges perceived by respondents as barriers to applying scientific evidence to COVID-19 policy decisions.
Data were analyzed thematically, using a constant comparative method. Framework analysis was also employed to generate analytic insights across stakeholder perspectives.
Results: Overall, while many actors’ impressions were that BC's early COVID-19 policy response was evidence-informed, an overarching theme was a lack of clarity and uncertainty as to what evidence was used and how it flowed into decision-making processes. Perspectives diverged on the relationship between 'government' and public health expertise, and whether or not public health actors had an independent voice in articulating evidence to inform pandemic governance. Respondents perceived a lack of coordination and continuity across data sources, and a lack of explicit guidelines on evidence-use in the decision-making process, which resulted in a sense of fragmentation. The tension between the processes involved in research and the need for rapid decision-making was perceived as a barrier to using evidence to inform policy.
Conclusions: Areas to be considered in planning for future emergencies include: information flow between policy-makers and researchers, coordination of data collection and use, and transparency as to how decisions are made—all of which reflect a need to improve communication. Based on our findings, clear mechanisms and processes for channeling scientific evidence into decision-making need to be identified, and doing so will strengthen preparedness for future public health crises.
Quantifying Preferences for Urea Cycle Disorder Treatments Using a Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Edelblut Josiah , Skaar Jeffrey R , Hilton John , Seibt Matthew , Martin Kyle , Hadker Nandini , Quartel Adrian , Steiner Robert 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background Urea cycle disorders (UCDs) are rare, inherited metabolic disorders that can lead to central nervous system toxicity due to ammonia accumulation. Nitrogen-binding medications can be efficacious in the treatment of UCDs but may be associated with attributes that negatively impact adherence. This study sought to quantify the attributes of these medications influencing overall prescription and patient adherence. Results A web-based, quantitative survey including discrete choice experiment (DCE) methodology captured responses from health care providers for patients with UCDs. In the DCE, respondents were presented with a series of hypothetical treatment profile sets that described treatment attributes such as route of administration, taste/odor, preparation instructions, packaging, dose measurement, and weight use restrictions. From 16 choice sets, with 3 hypothetical product profiles, respondents evaluated the product attributes most preferred for overall treatment selection or for patient adherence. A total of 51 respondents completed the survey. Respondents reported dissatisfaction with current treatments [mean rating (SD) = 5.4 (1.7); Likert scale with 1 = not at all satisfied through 9 = extremely satisfied]. Using DCE methodology, four attributes achieved relative importance (RI) scores > 16.67% [i.e., 100/6 (number of attributes), the value if all attributes were considered of equal importance] indicating higher overall preference: taste/odor (24%), weight restrictions (21%), preparation instructions (18%), and route of administration (17%). When considering adherence, three attributes achieved RI scores > 16.67%: taste/odor (28%), preparation instructions (21%), and route of administration (17%). Within the taste/odor attribute, preference weights for “taste/odor masked” were higher than “not taste/odor masked” for overall preference for prescribing [mean (SD); 1.52 (1.10) vs -1.52 (1.10)] and preference for treatment adherence [mean (SD); 73.8 (55.2) vs -73.8 (55.2)]. Conclusions Taste/odor was the most important attribute influencing overall preference for both prescribing and for patient adherence and compliance, with taste/odor masking preferred. Optimizing nitrogen-binding medications to encourage increased patient adherence through masking taste/odor may support improved outcomes in UCDs.
The Design and Implementation of a Novel Pharmacogenomic Assay to Genotype the CYP3A53 (rs776746) and CYP3A51E (rs4646453) Genetic Variants
Authors: Sameem Reema , Noordeen Nafeesa , Praveenan Somasundaram , Wetthasinghe Tithila Kalum , Dissanayake Vajira Harshadeva Weerabaddana 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background The cytochrome P450 3A5 CYP3A5 enzymes are important for metabolizing the drug tacrilomus, an immunosuppressive agent used in solid organ transplantation. Genetic variants in the CYP3A5 gene are significant determinants of tacrolimus efficacy. The present study was undertaken to design a novel pharmacogenetic assay (Single step-Tetra Arms Polymerase Chain Reaction) to study the distribution of the CYP3A5*3 (rs776746) and CYP3A5*1E (rs4646453) variants by genotyping a cohort of healthy individuals.Results The CYP3A5*3 variant was the most frequent allele detected at 82% and the CYP3A5*1E C allele was found in 66.5% of the samples. The allele frequencies of CYP3A5*3 (rs776746) and CYP3A5*1E (rs4646453) were statistically significant (p < 0.05) when compared with the Asian ethnic group. The observed CYP3A5 genotype frequency distributions for the CYP3A5*3 (rs776746) and CYP3A5*1E (rs4646453) variants in the study population were consistent with the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05). For the CYP3A5*3 variant the frequency of the T/T [extensive metabolizer], C/T [intermediate metabolizer] and C/C [poor metabolizer] variants were 4%, 28% and 68% respectively. Furthermore, a significant linkage disequilibrium among rs4646453 and rs776746 was identified (p < 0.05).Conclusions A novel tetra-primer ARMS PCR assay was successfully designed and implemented for genotyping of the CYP3A5 variants CYP3A5*3 (rs776746) and CYP3A5*1E (rs4646453). These pharmacogenomic assays could be offered to patients to predict their response to tacrolimus.
WITHDRAWN: The Difference in Fine Motor Performance Between Saudi Boys and Girls in Preschool Age: A Pilot Study
Authors: Alsakhawi Reham , Aleidi Jasmine , Almutairi Renad , Alrifaei Sara , Alnutifi Abeer , Almutiri Rawan 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background
Fine motor skills in form of grasping and visual motor integration are essential to social and emotional adaptation in preschool age, it may different in age and gender which affect the performance of the child in school.
Methods
Three hundred children aged three to six years old were recruited at public and private preschools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The 150 boys and 150 girls were divided into three groups each by age: (1) three to four years, (2) four to five years and (3) five to six years. Fine motor skills were assessed one time using the grasping and visual-motor integration subtests of the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, Second Edition (PDMS-2). The raw scores and age equivalences of the subtests were evaluated.
Results
There were no significant gender differences in the mean raw scores or age equivalence results on either set of subtests. The youngest group had significantly lower mean visual-motor integration, grasping and age equivalence scores than either of the other age groups (separately for boys and girls).
Conclusion
In a sample of Saudi preschool children, there were no significant gender differences in grasping or visual-motor integration fine motor skills, and age differences seemed to be developmentally appropriate
Loss of PINK1 promotes the expansion of hematopoietic cells via upregulating autophagy
Authors: Yi Zhen-Ni , Chen Xiang-Ke , Ma Alvin Chun-Hang 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) is a well-characterized regulator of mitochondrial quality control through mitophagy and its mutations are associated with recessive Parkinson’s disease. However, little is known about its functions in normal and malignant hematopoiesis in vertebrates. Here we aim to unravel the roles of PINK1 in definitive hematopoiesis and its underlying mechanisms using zebrafish (Danio rerio). In this study, we utilized CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate pink1 knockout zebrafish model and PINK1-deficient leukemia cell line. We found that pink1 deficiency activated autophagy in hematopoietic cells and promoted definitive hematopoiesis in zebrafish embryos, which can be alleviated by canonical autophagy inhibition. Further, the proteomic and metabolic analysis revealed an elevated expression of cell proliferation markers and enhanced respiration in pink1-deficient zebrafish embryos. On the other hand, PINK1 deficiency also induced autophagy and cell proliferation in human leukemic cells. Therefore, our findings demonstrated that PINK1 functions as a negative regulator of normal and malignant hematopoiesis through the autophagy-mediated pathway.
Distribution and Frequency of Parotid Gland Tumors in the Anhui Province: A Retrospective Multicenter Study of 758 Cases
Authors: Yin Xinghong , Liu Yehai , Duan Maoli 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background: Parotid gland tumors are rare with complex histopathology and no early clinical symptoms. There are no reports of epidemiological and pathological features of parotid gland tumors in the Anhui province of China. We aimed to retrospectively analyze the distribution and histopathological characteristics of parotid gland tumors in the Anhui province.
Methods: We analyzed clinical data of 758 patients with parotid gland tumors who were admitted to three hospital centers between January 2018 and January 2022.
Results: The most frequent neoplasms were pleomorphic adenoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. There were 641 patients with benign tumors and 117 with malignant tumors. The most common benign tumors were pleomorphic adenoma, and the most frequent malignant tumor was mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Warthin tumor was the second most common benign tumor. In Hefei, squamous cell carcinoma was the second most common malignant tumor, which is inconsistent with other literature.
Conclusions: The distribution and frequency of most parotid gland neoplasms in the Anhui province were similar to those described worldwide. The historically significant male predilection of the Warthin tumor was confirmed. Future multicenter studies can serve as an epidemiological baseline to better characterize these tumors.
Case-control study on IL-1RAcP rs16865597 gene polymorphism and susceptibility to essential hypertension in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Wu Fangqin , Liu Dongchen , Xia Xin , Yang Xinlei , Huang Suli , Jiang Xinghua , Li Lu 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Essential hypertension (EH) is a complex cardiovascular disorder involving multiple genetic and environmental factors. The IL-33/ST2 pathway was originally identified as a key player in type 2 immunity, which is involved in EH development. The current study was established to explore the relationship between EH and genetic variants within the IL-33/ST2 pathway in the Chinese Han population.
Methods
1151 EH patients and 1135 controls were enrolled in this study. Sixteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in IL-33 and IL-1RAcP genes were genotyped using the Sequenom MassArray and TaqMan assay. Genotype and allele frequencies were compared between the patients and controls using logistic regression analysis.
Results
Our results demonstrated that the SNP rs16865597 in IL-1RAcP gene was associated with EH risk, where the number of C alleles of rs16865597 negatively correlated with EH susceptibility in both the additive model (P = 0.014, OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.59–0.94) and the recessive model (P = 0.011, OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.56–0.93). In addition, rs16865597 was associated with decreased EH risk in males (OR add = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.56–0.94, P = 0.015), nonsmokers (OR add = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.54–0.96, P = 0.023), nondrinkers (ORadd = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.53–0.93, P = 0.013), and those with low BMI (OR add = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.51–0.92, P = 0.013).
Conclusion
We identified an EH associated genetic polymorphism rs16865597. Our study might provide a clue to identify potential causal factors in the development of EH.
Tropical and Subtropical South American Intraseasonal Variability: A Normal-Mode Approach
Authors: Mayta Victor C , Teruya Andre , Raphaldini Breno , Dias Pedro Silva , Sapucci Camila 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Instead of using the traditional space-time Fourier analysis of filtered specific atmospheric fields, a normal-mode decomposition method is used to analyze the South American intraseasonal variability (ISV). Intraseasonal variability is examined separately in the 30-90-day band, 20-30-day band, and 10-20-day band. The most characteristic structure in the intraseasonal time-scale, in the three bands, is the dipole-like of convection between the South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ) and the central-east South America (CESA) region. In the 30-90-day band, the convective and circulation patterns are modulated by the large-scale Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO). In the 20-30-days and 10-20-day bands, the convection structures are primarily controlled by extratropical Rossby wave trains. The normal-mode decomposition of reanalysis data based on 30-90-day, 20-30-day, and 10-20-day ISV show that the tropospheric circulation and CESA--SACZ convective structure observed over South America are dominated by rotational modes (i.e., Rossby waves, mixed Rossby-gravity waves). A considerable portion of the 30-90-day ISV has also been associated with the inertio-gravity (IGW) modes (e.g., Kelvin waves), prevailing mainly during the austral rainy season.The proposed decomposition methodology demonstrated that a realistic circulation can be reproduced, giving a powerful tool for diagnosing and studying the dynamics of waves and the interactions between them in terms of their ability to provide causal accounts of the features seen in observations.
The Sense of Coherence scale (SOC-13): Psychometric properties in the Czech adult population and general recommendations for the advancement of the scale
Authors: Tušl Martin , Šípová Ivana , Máčel Martin , Cetkovská Kristýna , Bauer Georg Friedrich 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Our study examines the psychometric properties of the short version of the Sense of Coherence scale (SOC-13) in a representative sample of the Czech adults (N = 498). In the introduction, we describe the general characteristics of the scale summarizing existing evidence about its psychometric properties in other populations and provide a brief overview of SOC-related research in the Czech Republic. We then examine the factorial structure of the SOC-13 and SOC-12 scales using confirmatory factor analysis. Further, we examine the differences in SOC-13 based on sociodemographic characteristics, and we test the convergent validity of the scale using the short form of the mental health continuum scale as a positive mental health outcome and the general anxiety disorder scale as a negative mental health outcome. SOC-13 showed an acceptable fit for a second order three-dimensional model with a specified residual covariance between items 2 and 3. SOC-12 showed an acceptable fit for a one-dimensional model and a second order three-dimensional model. SOC-12 models were superior to SOC-13. Based on our results and on the existing evidence, we make general recommendations for future advancement of the SOC addressing the heterogeneity in the formulation of the SOC items. Specifically, we recommend transforming the SOC scale into an inventory so that all items are formulated as statements rather than a mix of questions and statements. Further, we recommend using a single Likert-type scale response anchor with ascending format rather than multiple response anchors with altering regular and reverse-coded format. We apply our recommendations to the full SOC-29 scale and we provide its English and Czech versions to the researchers for further use and testing.
Non-volatile reconfigurable magnetic domain logic gates in a two-channel hall bar by spin-orbit torque current and read current direction
Authors: Hong JinPyo , Shin Jeonghun , Seo JeongWoo , Song SaeGyoung 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
A long-standing goal of CMOS-based logic devices is to meet the needs of key markets, including ultralow-power operation, suitable scalability, and extremely high operation speed, along with the continuing miniaturization of the architecture. However, despite significant progress in their development, conventional CMOS-based devices still suffer from drawbacks such as introducing large unintended leakage currents and volatile behavior. Thus, reconfigurable logic gates based on magnetic domains (MD) have emerged as a highly promising option because they offer fast operation speeds, nonvolatility, and diverse logic functions in a single-device configuration. Here, we address multiple reconfigurable MD logic gates in a single two-channel Hall bar device by varying the voltage-driven read-current directions in W/CoFeB/MgO/Ta stacks. The nonvolatile MD switching behavior induced by spin–orbit torque (SOT)-driven spin currents significantly affects our logic gate functions, which are not necessarily synchronized to a single clock. By adapting diverse circuit connections and anomalous Hall voltage outputs, we identified eight reconfigurable logic gates, including AND, NAND, NOR, OR, INH, Converse INH, Converse IMP, and IMP, in a single device. Thus, these experimental findings represent a significant step forward in a wide range of spin-logic applications in the near future.
Reproductive behaviors, socioeconomic status and risk for postpartum depression: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Han xinyu , wu tianqiang , Feng xiaoling 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
There is a growing body of evidence showing an association between women's reproductive behavior (RB) and socio-economic status (SES) with the incidence of postpartum depression (PPD). However, the causal relationship between these factors and PPD remains unclear. To facilitate timely screening and effective prevention of maternal emotional disorders, we conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study to assess causality between RB/SES and PPD. This study aims to provide new insights into the etiology of PPD and inform public health strategies for its prevention and management.
Methods
A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted to investigate the causal effects of reproductive behavior (RB) and socio-economic status (SES) on postpartum depression (PPD). Strongly associated genetic variants for each phenotype were selected as instrumental variables using a predetermined threshold. The primary analysis was conducted using inverse variance weighted method, with additional MR methods including MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode estimate. Potential pleiotropy of instrumental variables (IVs) was evaluated using the MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) test and MR-Egger regression methods, and outliers were identified by MR-PRESSO. Heterogeneity among IVs was assessed using Cochran's Q statistic. Leave-one-out sensitivity analysis was performed to identify SNPs that significantly impacted the results. This study aims to provide a better understanding of the causal relationship between RB/SES and PPD and inform future prevention and intervention strategies.
Result
We found a statistically significant association between age of first sexual intercourse , age at first birth, lifetime number of sexual partners, age completed full-time education, Townsend deprivation index at recruitment, and PPD. However, after Bonferroni correction, only earlier age of first sexual intercourse and age completed full-time education remained significantly associated with an increased risk of PPD. These results were reliable and stable and sensitivity analysis showed no violation of the MR assumptions. This study provides important insights into the causal relationship between RB and SES on PPD and highlights the need for targeted interventions to address risk factors for PPD.
Conclusions.
MR study provides robust evidence that SES/RB play broad impacts on PPD.