bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between testosterone and male bladder cancer
Authors: Tan Wei , Gao Liang , Yuan Ye , Huang Hao , Li Yadong , Gou Yuanqing , Hu Zili 
Published: August 2023

AbstractResearches had proven that the occurrence of bladder cancer (BC) is much higher in men than those in women, which induced us to explore whether androgen plays a role in BC. A total of 147 patients who were diagnosed with primary BC by histopathological biopsy were included. Meanwhile 154 non-tumor patients were matched as the control group. The continuous variables were expressed as median (interquartile range, IQR) and compared by Mann–Whitney U test, for the reason that the data were not matched the requirementsthe of normal test. A Chi-square test was used to compare the categorical variables, which were expressed as frequency (percentage). Meanwhile univariate and multivariate logistic regression was done to further evaluating the potential independent factor of BC. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Univariate multivariate analyse showed significant difference between two groups in hemoglobin (OR 0.979, 95% CI 0.968–0.991, P < 0.001), hypertension (OR 3.026, 95% CI 1.731–5.288, P < 0.001), diabetes (OR 4.294, 95% CI 1.887–9.771, P = 0.001) and smoking (OR 1.729, 95% CI 1.096–2.729, P = 0.019). Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to eliminate the interference of confounding factors, which showed that testosterone seems to be great correlated with the BC (OR 1.002, 95% CI 1.000–1.003, P = 0.017). Similar results were also found in hemoglobin (OR 0.981, 95% CI 0.968–0.993, P = 0.002), hypertension (OR 2.780, 95% CI 1.509–5.120, P = 0.001), diabetes (OR 3.313 95% CI 1.373–7.991, P = 0.008) and smoking (OR 1.938, 95% CI 1.184–3.174, P = 0.009). As a conclusion, our study showed that there was significant correlation between serum total testosterone levels and the occurrence of BC, similar results were shown in hemoglobin, hypertension, diabetes and smoking.
Association between gestational age at threatened preterm birth diagnosis and incidence of preterm birth: the Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Murata Tsuyoshi , Isogami Hirotaka , Imaizumi Karin , Fukuda Toma , Kyozuka Hyo , Yasuda Shun , Yamaguchi Akiko , Sato Akiko , Ogata Yuka , Shinoki Kosei , Hosoya Mitsuaki , Yasumura Seiji , Hashimoto Koichi , Nishigori Hidekazu , Fujimori Keiya ,   the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) Group, Kamijima Michihiro , Yamazaki Shin , Ohya Yukihiro , Kishi Reiko , Yaegashi Nobuo , Hashimoto Koichi , Mori Chisato , Ito Shuichi , Yamagata Zentaro , Inadera Hidekuni , Nakayama Takeo , Sobue Tomotaka , Shima Masayuki , Nakamura Hiroshige , Suganuma Narufumi , Kusuhara Koichi , Katoh Takahiko 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe evaluated the association between gestational age at threatened preterm birth (TPTB) diagnosis and preterm birth (PTB) incidence using a nationwide birth cohort. Data of 94,236 women with singleton deliveries from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (enrolled between 2011 and 2014) were analysed. Participants were divided based on parity and gestational age at TPTB diagnosis (22–24, 25–27, 28–30, 31–33, and 34–36 weeks). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) for PTB before 37 and 34 weeks in women from all groups, using participants without TPTB as the reference. The adjusted ORs for PTB before 37 weeks were the highest in the latest gestational age group in nulliparous and multiparous women without previous PTB, while those before 34 weeks were the highest in the earliest and latest gestational age group in multiparous women without previous PTB and in the earliest gestational age group in multiparous women with previous PTB. The association between gestational age at TPTB diagnosis and PTB incidence varies based on maternal parity and PTB before 37 or 34 weeks. Further studies with detailed clinical data and a unified TPTB diagnosis protocol are necessary to clarify this association.
Comparative virome analysis of individual shedding routes of Miniopterus phillipsi bats inhabiting the Wavul Galge cave, Sri Lanka
Authors: Muzeniek Therese , Perera Thejanee , Siriwardana Sahan , Bas Dilara , Bayram Fatimanur , Öruc Mizgin , Becker-Ziaja Beate , Perera Inoka , Weerasena Jagathpriya , Handunnetti Shiroma , Schwarz Franziska , Premawansa Gayani , Premawansa Sunil , Yapa Wipula , Nitsche Andreas , Kohl Claudia 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBats are described as the natural reservoir host for a wide range of viruses. Although an increasing number of bat-associated, potentially human pathogenic viruses were discovered in the past, the full picture of the bat viromes is not explored yet. In this study, the virome composition of Miniopterus phillipsi bats (formerly known as Miniopterus fuliginosus bats in Sri Lanka) inhabiting the Wavul Galge cave, Sri Lanka, was analyzed. To assess different possible excretion routes, oral swabs, feces and urine were collected and analyzed individually by using metagenomic NGS. The data obtained was further evaluated by using phylogenetic reconstructions, whereby a special focus was set on RNA viruses that are typically associated with bats. Two different alphacoronavirus strains were detected in feces and urine samples. Furthermore, a paramyxovirus was detected in urine samples. Sequences related to Picornaviridae, Iflaviridae, unclassified Riboviria and Astroviridae were identified in feces samples and further sequences related to Astroviridae in urine samples. No viruses were detected in oral swab samples. The comparative virome analysis in this study revealed a diversity in the virome composition between the collected sample types which also represent different potential shedding routes for the detected viruses. At the same time, several novel viruses represent first reports of these pathogens from bats in Sri Lanka. The detection of two different coronaviruses in the samples indicates the potential general persistence of this virus species in M. phillipsi bats. Based on phylogenetics, the identified viruses are closely related to bat-associated viruses with comparably low estimation of human pathogenic potential. In further studies, the seasonal variation of the virome will be analyzed to identify possible shedding patterns for particular viruses.
The relation between authoritarian leadership and belief in fake news
Authors: Ospina Juan , Orosz Gábor , Spencer Steven 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIndividual factors such as cognitive capacities matter when one is requested to spot fake news. We suggest, however, that social influence—specifically as exercised by an authoritarian leader—might matter more if one is expected to agree with the fake news. We developed a single-item prototype measure of leadership styles and recruited participants from four Western democratic countries (Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States, N = 501) who identified their immediate boss as an autonomous, paternalistic, or authoritarian leader. Then they were asked to evaluate the accuracy of several fake news articles and their expectations to agree with their boss when asked about these articles. People with authoritarian bosses were less accurate in spotting fake news (Cohen’s d = 0.32) compared to employees with autonomous bosses. The bigger effect, however, was that they would agree with their boss about the fake news article when it was shared by their authoritarian boss compared to employees with autonomous (Cohen’s d = 1.30) or paternalistic bosses (Cohen’s d = 0.70). We argue that in addition to effects on the perceived accuracy of information, social influence, conformity, and obedience are crucial and unacknowledged factors of how misinformation may be maintained and propagated by authoritarian leaders.
Ixeris dentata and Lactobacillus gasseri media protect against periodontitis through Nrf2-HO-1 signalling pathway
Authors: Lee Hwa-Young , Lee Geum-Hwa , Kim Ji-Hyun , Cheng Jinhua , Cho Joo-Hyung , Suh Joo-Won , Chae Han-Jung 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPeriodontitis is an infectious inflammation in the gums characterized by loss of periodontal ligaments and alveolar bone. Its persistent inflammation could result in tooth loss and other health issues. Ixeris dentata (IXD) and Lactobacillus gasseri media (LGM) demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, which may prevent oxidative and inflammatory periodontitis. Here, IXD and LGM extracts were investigated for antioxidative activity against oral discomfort and evaluated for their synergistic effect against oxidative and inflammatory periodontitis in a mouse model. IXD/LGM suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Additionally, it reduced pro-inflammatory mediators, nitric oxide, iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase), and COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) and enhanced AKT, Nrf2, and HO-1 activation. Similarly, IXD/LGM treatment elevated osteogenic proteins and mRNAs; alkaline phosphatase, collagen type 1 (COL1), osteopontin (OPN), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining and micro-CT analysis confirm the positive impact of IXD/LGM on the periodontal structure and its associated inflammation. These findings demonstrate that IXD/LGM inhibits oxidative stress, periodontal inflammation, and its resultant alveolar bone loss in which Akt (also known as protein kinase B)-nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling is involved. Thus, IXD/LGM is a potential candidate against oxidative/inflammatory stress-associated periodontitis.
Ceramic transition metal diboride superlattices with improved ductility and fracture toughness screened by ab initio calculations
Authors: Fiantok Tomáš , Koutná Nikola , Sangiovanni Davide G. , Mikula Marián 
Published: August 2023

AbstractInherent brittleness, which easily leads to crack formation and propagation during use, is a serious problem for protective ceramic thin-film applications. Superlattice architectures, with alternating nm-thick layers of typically softer/stiffer materials, have been proven powerful method to improve the mechanical performance of, e.g., cubic transition metal nitride ceramics. Using high-throughput first-principles calculations, we propose that superlattice structures hold promise also for enhancing mechanical properties and fracture resistance of transition metal diborides with two competing hexagonal phases, $$\alpha$$
α
and $$\omega$$
ω
. We study 264 possible combinations of $$\alpha /\alpha$$

α
/
α

, $$\alpha /\omega$$

α
/
ω

or $$\omega /\omega$$

ω
/
ω

MB$$_2$$

2

(where M $$=$$
=
Al or group 3–6 transition metal) diboride superlattices. Based on energetic stability considerations, together with restrictions for lattice and shear modulus mismatch ($$\Delta a<4\%$$

Δ
a
<
4
%

, $$\Delta G>40$$

Δ
G
>
40

GPa), we select 33 superlattice systems for further investigations. The identified systems are analysed in terms of mechanical stability and elastic constants, $$C_{ij}$$

C

ij

, where the latter provide indication of in-plane vs. out-of-plane strength ($$C_{11}$$

C
11

, $$C_{33}$$

C
33

) and ductility ($$C_{13}-C_{44}$$

C
13

-

C
44

, $$C_{12}-C_{66}$$

C
12

-

C
66

). The superlattice ability to resist brittle cleavage along interfaces is estimated by Griffith’s formula for fracture toughness. The $$\alpha /\alpha$$

α
/
α

-type TiB$$_2$$

2

/MB$$_2$$

2

(M $$=$$
=
Mo, W), HfB$$_2$$

2

/WB$$_2$$

2

, VB$$_2$$

2

/MB$$_2$$

2

(M $$=$$
=
Cr, Mo), NbB$$_2$$

2

/MB$$_2$$

2

(M $$=$$
=
Mo, W), and $$\alpha /\omega$$

α
/
ω

-type AlB$$_2$$

2

/MB$$_2$$

2

(M $$=$$
=
Nb, Ta, Mo, W), are suggested as the most promising candidates providing atomic-scale basis for enhanced toughness and resistance to crack growth.
Duration perception for visual stimuli is impaired in dyslexia but deficits in visual processing may not be the culprits
Authors: Catronas Dinis , Sousa José , Batista Ana Rita , Torres Nathércia Lima , Mesquita Ana , Folia Vasiliki , Silva Susana 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDyslexics underperform controls in estimating and comparing time intervals defined by visual stimuli. Accuracy in vision-based duration perception requires efficient processing of visual events because these will define the onset and offset of time intervals. Since dyslexics have difficulties processing dimensions of visual stimuli like luminance contrasts and motion, we do not know the extent to which these visual deficits are responsible for their difficulties in judging time intervals. To address this gap, we asked adults with dyslexia and matched controls to perform an interval comparison task involving five different types of visual stimuli with different levels of challenge regarding luminance contrasts and motion. If the expected disadvantage of dyslexics in visual duration perception increased for stimuli requiring increased luminance or motion processing, this would indicate that visual processing plays a role. Results showed poorer time discrimination in dyslexics, but this disadvantage did not change according to stimulus type. Complementary analyses of oculomotor behavior during the task suggested that the poorer timing performance of dyslexics may relate instead to attention and/or engagement with the task. Our findings strengthen the evidence in favor of visual duration perception deficits in dyslexia, but not the hypothesis that these result from purely visual problems.
Osteoporosis screening using machine learning and electromagnetic waves
Authors: Albuquerque Gabriela A. , Carvalho Dionísio D. A. , Cruz Agnaldo S. , Santos João P. Q. , Machado Guilherme M. , Gendriz Ignácio S. , Fernandes Felipe R. S. , Barbalho Ingridy M. P. , Santos Marquiony M. , Teixeira César A. D. , Henriques Jorge M. O. , Gil Paulo , Neto Adrião D. D. , Campos Antonio L. P. S. , Lima Josivan G. , Paiva Jailton C. , Morais Antonio H. F. , Lima Thaisa Santos , Valentim Ricardo A. M. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractOsteoporosis is a disease characterized by impairment of bone microarchitecture that causes high socioeconomic impacts in the world because of fractures and hospitalizations. Although dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the gold standard for diagnosing the disease, access to DXA in developing countries is still limited due to its high cost, being present only in specialized hospitals. In this paper, we analyze the performance of Osseus, a low-cost portable device based on electromagnetic waves that measures the attenuation of the signal that crosses the medial phalanx of a patient’s middle finger and was developed for osteoporosis screening. The analysis is carried out by predicting changes in bone mineral density using Osseus measurements and additional common risk factors used as input features to a set of supervised classification models, while the results from DXA are taken as target (real) values during the training of the machine learning algorithms. The dataset consisted of 505 patients who underwent osteoporosis screening with both devices (DXA and Osseus), of whom 21.8% were healthy and 78.2% had low bone mineral density or osteoporosis. A cross-validation with k-fold = 5 was considered in model training, while 20% of the whole dataset was used for testing. The obtained performance of the best model (Random Forest) presented a sensitivity of 0.853, a specificity of 0.879, and an F1 of 0.859. Since the Random Forest (RF) algorithm allows some interpretability of its results (through the impurity check), we were able to identify the most important variables in the classification of osteoporosis. The results showed that the most important variables were age, body mass index, and the signal attenuation provided by Osseus. The RF model, when used together with Osseus measurements, is effective in screening patients and facilitates the early diagnosis of osteoporosis. The main advantages of such early screening are the reduction of costs associated with exams, surgeries, treatments, and hospitalizations, as well as improved quality of life for patients.
High-efficiency and stable FA0.75MA0.25SnI3perovskite solar cells with large-size crystal grains prepared by doping with multifunctional chloride salt
Authors: Wang Minghao , Wang Wei 
Published: August 2023

The C6H2(NH2)4·4HCl was first doped into FA0.75MA0.25SnI3 to suppress the production of Sn4+ and promote the formation of large-sized grains in perovskite films. The introduction of C6H2(NH2)4·4HCl significantly improved the performance of PSCs.
Optimized byzantine fault tolerant algorithm for improving performance and security with trust values
Authors: Xiao Linqing , Gao Juntao , Wang Baocang , Li Xuelian 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBlockchain is considered to be a promising technology due to its decentralization, open, and non tamperation. Nevertheless, the current blockchain system cannot replace traditional financial institutions because its performance and security indicators in the consensus algorithm are not perfect. As one of the emerging capacity expansion technologies, sharding technology improves throughput by grouping users and processing transactions in parallel. This paper proposes an improved Byzantine Fault Tolerance algorithm TV‐BRAFT. TV‐BRAFT calculates a trust value for each user through an incentive mechanism. The sharding scheme based on the trust value is adopted to reduce the probability of malicious nodes being allocated to the same partition, thus improving the security of the system. In the consensus, the system selects users with qualified trust values to form a verification group to supervise the consensus process and avoid submitting error transactions to the blockchain. In order to prove that the TV‐BRAFT can resist Byzantine attacks, a recursive formula is used to prove the security of sharding and the security of consensus within one shard. Finally, the simulation results show that the TV‐BRAFT not only guarantees the fairness of incentives but is also better than the Raft and PBFT algorithms in efficiency and throughput.
Low‐rank preserving embedding regression for robust image feature extraction
Authors: Zhang Tao , Long Chen‐Feng , Deng Yang‐Jun , Wang Wei‐Ye , Tan Si‐Qiao , Li Heng‐Chao 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAlthough low‐rank representation (LRR)‐based subspace learning has been widely applied for feature extraction in computer vision, how to enhance the discriminability of the low‐dimensional features extracted by LRR based subspace learning methods is still a problem that needs to be further investigated. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel low‐rank preserving embedding regression (LRPER) method by integrating LRR, linear regression, and projection learning into a unified framework. In LRPER, LRR can reveal the underlying structure information to strengthen the robustness of projection learning. The robust metric L2,1‐norm is employed to measure the low‐rank reconstruction error and regression loss for moulding the noise and occlusions. An embedding regression is proposed to make full use of the prior information for improving the discriminability of the learned projection. In addition, an alternative iteration algorithm is designed to optimise the proposed model, and the computational complexity of the optimisation algorithm is briefly analysed. The convergence of the optimisation algorithm is theoretically and numerically studied. At last, extensive experiments on four types of image datasets are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of LRPER, and the experimental results demonstrate that LRPER performs better than some state‐of‐the‐art feature extraction methods.
A neural network based background calibration for pipelined‐SAR ADCs at low hardware cost
Authors: Xiang Yuguo , Chen Min , Zhai Danfeng , Zhao Yutong , Ren Junyan , Ye Fan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis paper proposes a background calibration scheme for the pipelined‐Successive Approximation Register (SAR) Analog‐to‐Digital Converter (ADC) based on the neural network. Due to the non‐linear function fitting capability of the neural network, the linearity of the ADC is improved effectively. However, the hardware complexity of the neural network limits its application and promotion in ADC calibration. Hence, this paper also presents the optimization schemes, including the neuron‐based sharing neural network and the partially binarized with fixed neural network, in terms of calibration architecture and algorithm. A 60 MS/s 14‐bit pipelined‐SAR ADC prototyped in 28‐nm technology is utilized to verify the feasibility of the proposed calibration method. The measurement results show that the proposed calibration greatly enhances the Spurious Free Dynamic Range (SFDR) and Signal‐to‐Noise‐and‐Distortion Ratio (SNDR) from low frequency to Nyquist frequency. Meanwhile, the original calibrator and improved calibrator are synthesized in Synopsys Design Compiler to compare their hardware complexity. Compared with the unoptimized version, the optimized schemes can decrease the logic area and the network weights up to 76% and 52%, with negligible loss in calibration performance.
Transition-Metal-Free Cascade C–N Bond Formation: An Effective Strategy for the Synthesis of β-Carboline N-Fused Imidazolium Acetates and Estimation of their Light-Emitting Properties
Authors: Singh Virender , Singh Manpreet , Vaishali Vaishali , Deepika Deepika , Jyoti Jyoti , Sharma Shubham , Banyal Naveen , Kumar Prashant , Budhalakoti Bharti , Malakar Chandi C. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractA simple, efficient, and practical metal-free protocol has been devised to synthesize imidazopyrido[3,4-b]indole-based fluorophores decorated with carbazole/β-carboline/pyridine scaffolds via three consecutive C–N bond formations in a single operation. A wide range of aromatic amines (2-aminopyridines, 3-aminocarbazole, and anilines) were successfully applied to synthesize the complex imidazolium ions. The significant features of this strategy include high efficiency, mild and environmentally benign reaction conditions, no chromatographic purification, and broad substrate scope with excellent yields of the isolated products. Moreover, excellent photophysical properties (ΦF up to 85%) were exhibited by these fluorophores.
Management of the Congenital Cleft Earlobe with a Conchal Cartilage Graft
Authors: Thacoor Amitabh , Bulstrode Neil 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCongenital earlobe clefts are the most common lower auricular malformations. They represent a unique reconstructive challenge. The goal of surgery includes restoration of a natural lobular contour and volume as well as a fine surgical scar. Several surgical techniques have been described, most of which only address the cleft deformity but not the soft tissue deficiency. We hereby describe a technique which addresses both the cleft and improves soft tissue deficiency through a conchal cartilage graft.
Fasciocutaneous Pedicled Flaps From Postero-Lateral & Lateral Thoracic Region
Authors: Kumar Pramod , Chandra R. , Bhagia S. P. 
Published: August 2023

SummaryThe detailed anatomy of the lateral and posterolateral thoracic region and observations in five cadaveric dissections are being described. In 13 selected patients, parascapular, lateral thoracic and subaxillary flap has been used clinically. The results of the study have been analysed.
Groans of the Groin Flap
Authors: Sharma J. C. , Chhibber D. V. , Bath A. S. 
Published: August 2023

SummaryThe groin flap in India does not behave as well as it does in the temperate climate. Therefore all is not well, when a groin flap is used. The problems observed by us in our five year study of sixty groin flaps have been highlighted through this paper.
Avulsion Injuries Of Extremities
Authors: Koshy Cherian M. , Nair K. Ramakrishan 
Published: August 2023

SummaryTwenty consecutive cases of avulsion of the extremities who did not have associated loss of skin or fractures were analyzed. Traffic accidents were mainly responsible for such injuries. The flap survival was good in patients having subfascial avulsion. Patients with crushed flaps had an unpredictable course. Our course. Our overall results are being presented.