bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a microfluidic SNP assay for lineage discrimination in the endangered hazel dormouse
Authors: Beez Tobias , Leyhausen Johanna , Mueller Sarah , von Thaden Alina , Bertolino Sandro , Büchner Sven , Fietz Joanna , Lang Johannes , Michaux Johan , Verbeylen Goedele , Nowak Carsten , Cocchiararo Berardino 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

The application of Genotyping-by-Sequencing (GBS) approaches is often restricted in wildlife monitoring and conservation genetics, as those fields often rely on noninvasively collected samples with low DNA content. Here we selected a subset of informative single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from genome-wide data for lineage discrimination of a locally endangered Eurasian rodent, the hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius), and designed a microfluidic 96 SNP genotyping assay suitable for noninvasively collected samples. Analyses of 43 samples from different European countries confirmed successful discrimination of the Eastern and Western lineage and local substructure within those lineages, proving the suitability of the developed panel for identifying evolutionary significant units and conservation units. Application with 94 hair and scat samples collected in a recent monitoring study on the hazel dormouse in Southern Germany resulted in >99.5% amplification success showing the applicability of the new tool in genetic wildlife monitoring and conservation studies.
Exergy efficiency and energy analysis of silicon production using coffee husks as a carbon material
Authors: Wang Xiaoyue , Chen Zhengjie , Ma Wenhui , Wen Jianhua 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
We used coffee husks as an additive during the smelting of industrial silicon. The influence of different carbon material mixtures on the efficiency of a silicon furnace was evaluated using the cover fires index, excess carbon index, and exergy efficiency index. The results showed that after adding coffee husks, the number of cover fires(Gh) was stable, the average number of cover fires time(Tg) ranged from 6 to 11 min, and the average interval of the cover fires(TG) increased. When semi-coke was used without coffee husks, the excess carbon index was 1.29, the non-recovery exergy efficiency was 0.342, and the recovery exergy efficiency was 0.435. After adding coffee husks, the excess carbon index decreased to 1.28, and the exergy efficiency increased to 0.343 and 0.437. When coffee husks were used without semi-coke, the excess carbon index was 1.25, the non-recovery exergy efficiency was 0.348, and the recovery exergy efficiency was 0.441. The results indicate that using coffee husks as a reducing agent stabilizes the furnace conditions, reduces carbon emissions, protects the environment, and improves the exergy efficiency of the silicon furnace. This study provides new insights into using biomass raw materials as reducing agents for silicon smelting.
Whole Brain Network effects of subcallosal cingulate deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression
Authors: Cha Jungho , Rajendra Justin Justin , McGrath Callie , Riva-Posse Patricio , Holtzheimer Paul , Mayberg Helen , Choi Ki Sueng 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Ongoing experimental studies of subcallosal cingulate deep brain stimulation (SCC DBS) for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) show a differential timeline of behavioral effects with rapid changes after initial stimulation, and both early and delayed changes over the course of ongoing chronic stimulation. This study examined the longitudinal resting-state regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) changes in intrinsic connectivity networks (ICNs) with SCC DBS for TRD over 6 months and repeated the same analysis by glucose metabolite changes in a new cohort. A total of twenty-two patients with TRD, 17 [15O]-water and 5 [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) patients, received SCC DBS and were followed weekly for 7 months. PET scans were collected at 4-time points: baseline, 1-month after surgery, and 1 and 6 months of chronic stimulation. A linear mixed model was conducted to examine the differential trajectory of rCBF changes over time. Post-hoc tests were also examined to assess postoperative, early, and late ICN changes and response-specific effects. SCC DBS had significant time-specific effects in the salience network (SN) and the default mode network (DMN). The rCBF in SN and DMN was decreased after surgery, but responder and non-responders diverged thereafter, with a net increase in DMN activity in responders with chronic stimulation. Additionally, the rCBF in the DMN uniquely correlated with depression severity. The glucose metabolic changes in a second cohort show the same DMN changes. The trajectory of PET changes with SCC DBS is not linear, consistent with the chronology of therapeutic effects. These data provide novel evidence of both an acute reset and ongoing plastic effects in the DMN that may provide future biomarkers to track clinical improvement with ongoing treatment.
EGQCY: A Smart Contract-Based Scientific Big Data System Approach for Incentive Sharing and Transaction on the Cost of Data Quality
Authors: Yang Shuyi , Li Lusu , Feng Libo 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Currently, scientific big data management is generally faced with the problems of scattered data resources, inconsistent data standards, and the inability to share and circulate data safely. Research personnel attaches great importance to whether sharing the first-hand property is secure under clear ownership and whether it can contribute to the large society. The isolation of the data management system is the obvious obstacle to collecting and managing across-disciplinary data. To a large extent, sharing and trading scientific big data is the primary purpose to realize the clarity of property rights, secure data sharing, and the value of the data assets step by step. We propose to construct a public platform for scientific big data management. The system is managed to unify and authorize the on-chain data, on which data sharing and trading is tracked throughout the process. Smart contracts are executed with vital functions and guarantee price matching in data transactions. We design the incentive mechanism which measures the incentive yield of data cost quality based on evolutionary game theory and data quality control theory (EGQCY), considering how the cost of data quality performs in controlling and impacting the rational release of the incentive yields in the sharing and trading process. The experiments found that the design of incentive yield and incentive coefficients only significantly affected the transition from low-quality data to medium-quality data. Both parameters converged to fixed values as the cost of data quality increased.
Effects of physical exercise during adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer on long-term tested and perceived cognition: Results of a pragmatic follow-up study
Authors: Naaktgeboren Willeke , Koevoets Emmie , Stuiver Martijn , Harten Wim van , Aaronson Neil , Wall Elsken Van der , Velthuis Miranda , Sonke Gabe , Schagen Sanne , Groen Wim , May Anne 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) following chemotherapy is commonly reported in breast cancer survivors, even years after treatment. Data from preclinical studies suggest that exercise during chemotherapy may prevent or diminish cognitive problems; however, clinical data are scarce.
Methods
This is a pragmatic follow-up study of two original randomized trials, which compares breast cancer patients randomized to exercise during chemotherapy to non-exercise controls 8.5 years post-treatment. Cognitive outcomes include an online neuropsychological test battery and self-reported cognitive complaints. Cognitive performance was compared to normative data and expressed as age-adjusted z-scores.
Results
A total of 143 patients participated in the online cognitive testing. Overall, cognitive performance was mildly impaired on some, but not all, cognitive domains, with no significant differences between groups. Clinically relevant cognitive impairment was present in 25% to 40% of all participants, regardless of study group. We observed no statistically significant effect of exercise, or being physically active during chemotherapy, on long-term cognitive performance or self-reported cognition, except for the task reaction time, which favored the control group (β=-2.04, 95% confidence interval: -38.48; -2.38). We observed no significant association between self-reported higher physical activity levels during chemotherapy or at follow-up and better cognitive outcomes.
Conclusion
In this pragmatic follow-up study, exercising and being overall more physically active during or after adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer did not yield better tested or self-reported cognitive functioning, on average, 8.5 years after treatment. Future prospective studies are needed to document the complex relationship between exercise and CRCI in cancer survivors.
Silicon mediated defense response in rice plants against Brown Plant Hopper Nilaparvata lugens (Stål)
Authors: Roy Subhalxmi , Mohammad Reem , Khamari Bhagyashree , Monalisa SP , Swain Deepak Kumar 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
As silicon is known to have a positive role in enhancing the resistance of rice plants to insects, an investigation on one aspect of the biochemical and molecular basis of rice plant defences mediated by silicon amendments against brown plant hopper Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), comprising field, pot culture and laboratory experiments was undertaken in OUAT. Two organic products; Diatomaceous Earth (DAE) at 0.15, 0.30 and 0.45 t/ha, and Rice Hull Ash (RHA) at 2, 3, 4 t/ha, along with one inorganic source, calcium silicate (CaSiO3) at 2, 3, 4 t/ha were soil applied as basal to evaluate their effects on the accumulation of silicon, proline, phenol, carbohydrates and protein in the plant tissues along with proteomic and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) studies. Results showed decreasing in proline and protein contents and increasing in silicon, phenol and carbohydrates contents in infected Si amended plants as compared to the control. Proteomic study showed appearing of a thick band of about 20 KDa in infested plants indicating its role in defense mechanism. Under SEM, the dumbbell shaped deposits of Si were marked clearly at different doses of silicon, indicating that the increase in silica dose enhanced its deposits, which was supported by EDAX-SEM data. Results of this study clearly demonstrated that soil amendments with silicon through organic and inorganic sources effectively caused biochemical and molecular changes that ultimately support the plant defenses against BPH.
Enthesopathy and Calcifications around the Hip: Should these be Considered Normal Variations?
Authors: De Grove Veerle , Roose Ruben , Hendrickx Jan , Wuertzer Scott , Buls Nico , Maeseneer Michel 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Purpose:
Calcific tendinopathy, heterotopic ossification, enthesopathy, and bone erosions are common findings around the hip. These findings, which are typically seen at tendon attachments, may not always be associated with symptomatic disease. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of these findings at eight separate tendon sites around the hip in an asymptomatic population.
Material and methods:
Our study included 50 patients who underwent a pelvic CT examination for a non-musculoskeletal indication. The patients completed a questionnaire to exclude any hip or pelvic pain, any prior trauma within the hip or pelvis, or any known rheumatological conditions. Two upper-level residents (PGY-4), who received specific training to identify enthesophytes, linear and round calcifications, bone erosions, geodes, and heterotopic bone, independently interpreted the transverse images in a bone kernel. The residents evaluated 8 separate tendon sites around the hip, including: the origins of the conjoint tendon (biceps femoris and semitendinosus) and semimembranosus at the ischial tuberosity; peritrochanteric insertions of gluteus minimus, gluteus medius, and gluteus maximus; the origins of tensor fascia latae and the direct head of rectus femoris; and the insertion of the iliopsoas tendon at the lesser trochanter. At each site, round calcifications, linear calcifications, bone erosions, and enthesophytes were identified, measured, and placed into an appropriate group based on size (< 1mm, 1-5mm, 5-10mm, > 10mm). Descriptive analysis and intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated.
Results:
The study included 50 patients, 22 men and 28 women, ranging in age from 24 to 94 years (mean age, 61 years). Enthesophytes, which were the most common finding at all the tendon sites, were typically small (< 5 mm); however, larger (> 10 mm) enthesophytes were found at all eight sites. Although less common, linear and round calcifications and erosions were seen at nearly all sites. Geodes, osteophytes, and heterotopic ossification were not identified at any of the investigated sites. The interobserver correlation was good with a calculated intraclass correlation coefficient of 0,697 (95%CI: 0,618-0,759).
Conclusion:
Enthesophytes are often observed at tendon insertion or origin sites around the hip and are typically asymptomatic, even when larger than 10 mm in size. While calcifications and osseous erosions are less common than enthesophytes, they are also present at nearly all the tendon sites around the hip in asymptomatic populations. Much like enthesophytes, their presence alone should not be attributed to clinical symptoms.
Effect of Heart Rate on Poor Outcome in Stroke Patients Treated with Intra-arterial Thrombectomy
Authors: Wang Huaishun , Xu Longdong , Dong Li , Li Yingzi , Liu Huihui , Xiao Guodong 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background and Purpose— The relationship between heart rate and the prognosis of patients with large vessel occlusion strokes treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is not well established. This study aimed to evaluate the association of mean heart rate and heart rate variability with the clinical outcomes after MT therapy.
Methods— Acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing MT therapy were prospectively recruited from March 2020 to November 2022. Their heart rate was continuously collected hourly within the initial 72 hours after MT procedure, and the variability of heart rate was measured by standard deviation(SD) and coefficient of variation (CV). All-cause mortality and worsening of functional outcome (a shift of entire range of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score) at 3-month were captured.
Results— Among 191 MT-treated patients, 51(26.7%) patients died at 3-month after stroke. Increased mean heart rate per 10-bpm, heart rate SD and CV per 5-unit were all associated with the increased risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] with 95% CI: 1.29 [1.09-1.51], 1.19 [1.07-1.32], 1.14 [1.03-1.27]; respectively). Patients in the highest tertile of heart rate SD was associated with the increased risk of mortality (4.62, 1.70-12.52). Furthermore, increased mean heart rate per 10-bpm, heart rate SD and CV per 5-unit were associated with the worsening of functional outcome (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] with 95% CI: 1.35 [1.11-1.64], 1.27 [1.05-1.53], 1.19 [1.02-1.40]; respectively). A linear relationship was observed between mean heart rate or heart rate SD and mortality; while all of the heart rate measures in this study showed a linear relationship with the worsening of functional outcome.
Conclusions— Higher mean heart rate and HRV were associated with the increased risk of 3-month all-cause mortality and worse functional outcome after MT therapy for AIS patients.
Robust expressions of stem cell markers, including leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein- coupled receptor 5, in association with early embryonic expression patterns of niche factors in untreated and chemoradiation-treated rectal cancer
Authors: Tsuji Kentaro , Sekine Sachi , Kawata Hirotoshi , Kamiakito Tomoko , Nakaya Takeo , Miyakura Yasuyuki , Suzuki Koichi , Rikiyama Toshiki , Tanaka Akira 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to ascertain the involvement of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in therapy resistance by estimating CSC markers, niche factors, and WNT/β-catenin-relating molecules in untreated and chemoradiation-treated (CRT) rectal cancer.
Methods
Expression ratios of leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR), proto-oncogene and polycomb ring finger 1 (BMI1), yes-associated transcriptional regulator (YAP) and its paralog TAZ (hereafter; YAP/TAZ), and nuclear β-catenin were compared in untreated and CRT rectal cancer using in situ hybridization and immunostainings. Niche factors and WNT/β-catenin-relating molecules were also immunohistochemically compared in human rectal cancer specimens and with early embryonic intestine.
Results
The mean ratios were 15% and 14% in LGR5; 30% and 33% in BMI1; 2.7% and 7.6% in YAP/TAZ; 38% and 32% in nuclear β-catenin in untreated and CRT rectal cancer, respectively, suggesting their robust expressions after CRT. LGR5 and nuclear β-catenin expression was significantly correlated in the CRT cohort. High mobility group AT-hook 1, but not c-MYC and SRY-box transcription factor 9, was significantly upregulated in CRT tumors. WNT2B and GREM1 were uniformly expressed with similarity to the pattern of early embryonic intestine, whereas WNT3A and HES1 expressions were limited. Additionally, stromal GLI1 and YAP/TAZ were more expressed in the CRT cohort.
Conclusions
Stem cell markers of LGR5 and BMI1 as well as nuclear YAP/TAZ, a marker of stem cell regeneration, were robustly expressed in untreated and CRT rectal cancer. WNT2B and GREM1 were aberrantly and uniformly expressed in untreated and CRT rectal cancer with similarity to the early embryonic expression pattern.
Major adverse cardiovascular events of enzalutamide versus abiraterone in prostate cancer: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Lee Yan Hiu Athena , Hui Jeremy , Leung Chi-Ho , Tsang Christopher Tze Wei , Hui Kyle , Tang Pias , Dee Edward Christopher , Ng Kenrick , McBride Sean , Nguyen Paul , Ng Chi Fai , Tse Gary 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background While the cardiovascular risks of androgen receptor pathway inhibitors have been studied, they were seldom compared directly. This study compares the risks of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) between enzalutamide and abiraterone among prostate cancer (PCa) patients.Methods Adult PCa patients receiving either enzalutamide or abiraterone in addition to androgen deprivation therapy in Hong Kong between 1 December 1999 and 31 March 2021 were identified in this prospective cohort study. Patients who switched between enzalutamide and abiraterone, initiated abiraterone use without steroids, or experienced prior cardiac events were excluded. Patients were followed-up until 31 September 2021. The primary outcome was MACE, a composite of stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), Heart failure (HF), or all-cause mortality. The secondary outcomes were individual components of MACE. Inverse probability treatment weighting was used to balance covariates between treatment groups.Results In total, 1015 patients were analyzed (559 enzalutamide users and 456 abiraterone users; mean age 70.6 ± 8.8 years old) over a median follow-up duration of 11.3 (IQR: 5.3–21.3) months. Enzalutamide users had significantly lower risks of 4P-MACE (weighted hazard ratio (wHR) 0.71 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59–0.86], p < 0.001), which remained consistent in multivariable analysis (p < 0.001). Such an association may be stronger in patients aged ≥ 65 years or without diabetes mellitus and was independent of bilateral orchidectomy. Enzalutamide users also had significantly lower risks of MI (wHR 0.57 [95% CI 0.33–0.97], p = 0.040) and all-cause mortality (wHR 0.71 [95% CI 0.59–0.85], p < 0.001).Conclusion Enzalutamide was associated with lower cardiovascular risks than abiraterone in PCa patients.
Optimized Load Flow Solution of An Active Distribution Feeder Under Diverse Loading
Authors: Kumar Gaurav , Kumar Sourabh , Bhadoriya Jitendra Singh , Verma Rishabh , Singh Diljinder 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
This article presents a load flow analysis strategy for an operational active distribution feeder network. ETAP is used for load flow calculation while MATLAB is utilized for optimized operation of feeder components. Integration of wind and photovoltaic (PV) distribution generator is considered along with static compensator capacitor banks. The optimal operation of the feeder network is achieved by analyzing the feeder parameters such as total power loss, nodal voltage drop, and reactive power requirement. Static capacitor banks operation is optimized using feeder parameters. Under-load and over-load scenarios are executed and tested to achieve real-life operational scenario of diverse loading. Standard IEEE-33 bus feeder network is used for this study. A wide range of scenarios are performed in the case study and results are presented in both graphical and numerical format.
Neurocognitive Assessment in Relation to Hearing Impairment and Retinal Neurodegeneration
Authors: Lee Chan Ho , Kim Jae-Ik , Lee Kang Min , Park Joo Hyun , Bae Kunho 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Sensory impairments significantly contribute to cognitive dysfunction development. However, the interplay between cognitive decline and various categories of neurosensory degeneration remains inadequately understood. This study's primary aim was to assess retinal layer neurodegeneration and hearing impairment within the general Korean population, utilizing cognitive evaluations.
Methods
This cross-sectional, retrospective study included participants who underwent Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Participants were grouped based on MMSE scores: control group (> 27), mild cognitive impairment (MCI, 23–27), and dementia group (< 23). We computed the average threshold for the four PTA frequencies (0.5 kHz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, and 4 kHz) using the weighted four-frequency average formula. OCT images were analyzed to determine the Ganglion Cell Inner Plexiform Layer (GC-IPL), Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (ppRNFL), and total macular thickness. We then compared these parameters across the three groups.
Results
The analysis included a total of 196 participants (average age, 67.1 years). Overall, MMSE scores had an inverse correlation with age and PTA thresholds, and a positive correlation with OCT parameters (all P < 0.05). After adjusting for age, all groups exhibited significant differences in PTA thresholds. However, only the dementia group presented a significant decrease in OCT parameters and best corrected visual acuity, in contrast to the other groups (all P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Sensory measures serve as reliable indicators of cognitive function, with hearing loss proving a more consistent and superior predictor of functional decline from an early stage compared to retinal thickness measurement. Advanced cognitive impairment stages are closely associated with retinal neurodegenerative changes and visual impairment, necessitating careful monitoring.