bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Study of Brain MRI Findings in CKD Patients with and without Parkinsonism
Authors: Varyani Sedigheh , Frouzanian Mehran , Cheraghmakani Hamed , Baghbanian Seyed Mohammad , Makhlough Atieh , Abdi Rohollah 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Introduction CKD patients are believed to develop parkinsonism more than the general population. Early diagnosis and management play a crucial role in the potential reversibility of the disease symptoms. Identifying imaging abnormalities in these patients can aid in the timely diagnosis. Methods and Materials This study categorized 28 individuals with CKD into two groups, nine patients showing signs of parkinsonism and a control group of nineteen patients without. All participants underwent non-contrast brain MRI scans, including T1, T2, DWI, and FLAIR sequences. We examined the presence or absence of brain MRI findings. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS-24 and STATA for statistical analysis. Results Nine patients exhibited parkinsonism signs, while nineteen did not. In the brain MRI, putamen hypointensity was observed in six patients with parkinsonism signs (66.7%) and seven without (36.8%) (p = 0.139). Globus pallidus hypointensity was found in five patients with parkinsonism (55.6%) and seven without (36.8%) (p = 0.35). Cerebellar dentate nucleus hypointensity was identified in one patient with parkinsonism symptoms (11.1%) and one without (5.3%) (p = 0.575). Cerebral atrophy was present in six patients with parkinsonism symptoms (66.7%) and nine without (47.4%) (p = 0.339). CSVD was observed in eight patients with parkinsonism symptoms (88.9%) and seventeen without (89.5%) (p = 0.963). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups of patients regarding diabetes (p = 0.9), HTN (p = 0.689), and history of dialysis (p = 0.7). Conclusion Brain MRI findings in patients with parkinsonism symptoms were more varied compared to the control group. The relationship between brain MRI changes in CKD patients with parkinsonism symptoms and those without was insignificant. However, this difference did not reach statistical significance. Also, the duration of CKD was significantly associated with parkinsonism signs.
Jamun Seed-Derived Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots: A Novel Microwave-Assisted Synthesis for Ultra-Bright Fluorescence and Mn7+ Detection
Authors: R Swathi , G Bhagavanth Reddy , B Rajkumar , D Ramakrishna , P Yadagiri Swamy 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
For the synthesis of heteroatom-doped carbon nanostructures, biomass is considered a promising option. Utilizing the microwave-assisted method, we have demonstrated an easy and straightforward one-pot synthesis of nitrogen-doped luminous carbon dots (NCDs) from jamun seed powder and guanidine hydrochloride. Structural and morphological analyses were performed using various analytical techniques. Under ultraviolet light of 315 nm, NCDs emit a bright blue fluorescence, possess a high quantum yield of 26.90%, exhibit strong water dispersion, and demonstrated excellent stability. The average particle size of the NCDs was found to be 7.5±1.2 nm, with a spherical shape. NCDs exhibit high selectivity and sensitivity in fluorescence quenching when exposed to Mn7+ ions. Over a concentration range of 2–30 µM, the fluorescence response (F0/F) shows a linear relationship with Mn7+ concentration, with a detection limit of 0.81 µM. The probe exhibited negligible interference and proved to be effective in accurately quantifying Mn7+ in spiked real-water samples.
Indoor Movement Data Analytics based on Machine Learning for Manufacturing Assembly Line
Authors: Rana Mashud , Smith Daniel , Rahman Ashfaqur , Baumgartner Peter 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The paper presents an analysis on how machine learning models can be used to extract information from indoor movement data in an assembly line. An Indoor Positioning System (IPS) is commonly used to track workers, moving objects and vehicles at indoor venues where GPS is not effective. Movements happen within an assembly line as certain sets of work activities are performed (e.g., delivering assembled units from one work bench to another, reworking at a work bench and transporting a trolley from one place to another) and anything beyond that can be considered as anomalous. A computer assembly line was simulated and the movement trajectories of five workers were generated to perform the following activities: working at their own station, moving between different workstations, helping at another workstation, working at storage, and moving to a storage zone. We then developed a set of machine learning models to investigate how accurately these behaviours can be detected. The machine learning pipeline for indoor tracking data involves: (a) segmenting worker trajectories using Self–Supervised Learning (SSL). SSL is a machine learning process where a model is trained to learn one part of the input data from another part without the use of manually acquired labels. SSL is used to find the change points of the trajectories (i.e., used as segment boundaries) by training a model to predict the future interval of a trajectory from its temporally adjacent past window. (b) classifying trajectory segments (i.e., sub-trajectories) into different categories of worker behaviour. We investigated different supervised machine learning models to learn from the labelled segments. (c) estimating the state of the assembly floor based on the inferred worker behaviour. The state provides a wholistic view of the factory floor including the collective behaviour of workers. We used a clustering approach to identify the dominant states (joint activity) of the factory floor. We received some promising results from our analysis. We present the methods and results in detail in the paper.
Does the brain care about magnitudes? A tDCS study on functional lateralization of magnitude processing
Authors: Bahreini Narjes , Artemenko Christina , Plewnia Christian , Nuerk Hans-Christoph 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Functional lateralization was previously established for various cognitive domains – but not for number processing. Although numbers are considered to be bilaterally represented in the intraparietal sulcus (IPS), there are some indications of different functional roles of the left vs. right IPS in processing number pairs with small vs. large distance, respectively. This raises the question whether number size plays a distinct role in the lateralization within the IPS. In our preregistered study, we applied anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left vs. right IPS to investigate the effect of stimulation as compared to sham on small vs. large distance, in both single-digit and two-digit number comparison. We expected that anodal tDCS over the left IPS facilitates number comparison with small distance, while anodal tDCS over the right IPS facilitates number comparison with large distance. Results indicated no effect of stimulation; however, exploratory analyses revealed that tDCS over the right IPS slowed down single-digit number processing after controlling for the training effect. In conclusion, number magnitude processing might be bilaterally represented in the IPS, however, our exploratory analyses emphasise the need for further investigation on functional lateralization of number processing.
Segmental Femoral Fracture Malunion: Evidence and Prognostic Analysis of Medical Intervention in the 3rd Century BC
Authors: Haiyang Xing , Ruiqi Zou , Xiongfeng Tang , Min Yi , Zhuoting Xie , Sen You , Jianhua Liu , Quanchao Zhang , Yanguo Qin 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
We examined the remains of an individual who was unearthed from the Tuchengzi site and was believed to be from the Warring States period in China. The remains exhibited segmental femoral fracture. We aimed to deduce the cause of fracture, medical interventions, healing process, and motion behavior after fracture healing using several techniques, including macroscopic observation, computed tomography, and finite element analysis. The findings suggested that the segmental nature of the fracture was likely caused by the same occupational activity. The morphology of the healed fracture indicated that the individual underwent medical intervention. The fracture healing process signified that the lower extremity underwent adequate fixation, while bone callus remodeling suggested the recovery of lower-extremity load-bearing capacity. The finite element analysis demonstrated that the fracture healed to such a degree that it could withstand the load of standing, but not the load of normal walking. We suggest that medical practitioners in the Warring States period possessed a good knowledge of thigh anatomy, enabling them to guide fracture reduction and fixation. Reasonable medical intervention facilitated fracture healing and load recovery. Although the individual was able to stand, walking necessitated compensatory movement or instrumental assistance due to femur deformity resulting from fracture healing.
Clinical Characteristics and Prediction of Neurodevelopmental Outcomes for Infants with Ventriculomegaly in Utero: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Hou Xinlin , Zhou Faliang , Li Chen , Huo Yixuan , Sun Guoyu , Chen Junya , Lin Yan , Liu Lili 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical features and neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants diagnosed with fetal ventriculomegaly (VM).
STUDY DESIGN:
We collected data of fetuses with VM (November 2017-January 2021). Neurodevelopmental outcomes were evaluated using the Chinese version of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development at 18 months. We analyzed the data using two-sided t-test, chi-square tests, and logistic regression.
RESULTS
Among the 167 VM fetuses, 130 completed a thorough evaluation and postnatal follow-up. Of 130 cases, 61 (47%) displayed isolated VM, while 69 (53%) had non-isolated VM. Neurodevelopmental outcomes differed between the isolated and non-isolated groups, the mild and severe groups, the progressive and non-progressive groups. Anomalies in the CNS, urogenital system, and gastrointestinal tract were associated with lower MDI or PDI scores.
CONCLUSIONS
Poor neurodevelopmental outcomes were observed in fetuses with severe or progressive VM or when accompanied by structural anomalies, particularly with cerebral, urogenital, and gastrointestinal anomalies.
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid enhances structural stability and thermotolerance of recombinant cyclomaltodextrinase from Geobacillus thermopakistaniensis at higher temperatures.
Authors: Aroob Iqra , Ahmad Nasir , Aslam Mehwish , Shaeer Abeera , Rashid Naeem 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), a chelating agent, has shown the ability to enhance the thermostability of cyclomaltodextrinase from Geobacillus thermopakistaniensis (CDaseGt). There was a 5-fold and 3-fold enhancement in the half-life of the enzyme at 70 and 75°C, respectively, when purified in the presence of EDTA. To further investigate, recombinant CDaseGt was subjected to molecular-level characterization using various techniques including circular dichroism spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy in the presence and absence of EDTA. Presence of EDTA caused several changes in the secondary structure of CDaseGt, specifically in terms of chirality and relocation of hydrophobic patches. No disturbance in the functional groups were observed with the addition of EDTA. The affinity analysis displayed a favorable binding and attractive electrostatic interactions between CDaseGt and EDTA. These findings provide insights into CDaseGt−EDTA interactions for better understanding of the structure-function relationship. The findings from this study contribute to our understanding of enzyme stability and provide valuable information for the development of more efficient and stable enzymes with a wide range of practical applications.
Some Statistical Characteristics of "Geothermal Vortex" in China from 1980 to 2017
Authors: ZHOU YA , Gao Xiaoqing , LI BAOFU , Li Zhenchao 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Climate prediction is of great significance to the prevention of drought and flood. The method of "Underground Synoptic" map has achieved good results in short-term climate prediction. The main content of this method is "Geothermal Vortex"（GV）. Therefore, some characteristics of 3.2 m soil temperature anomaly (hereinafter abbreviated as T¢ 3.2 m) and GV are analyzed by using the data of monthly soil temperature at the depth of 3.2 m from 1980 to 2017. Results show that there are regional differences in the frequency of positive anomaly. Overall, there are more positive anomalies in southern China and fewer in Western China. Soil temperature anomaly has good memory, the shortest being 5 months and the longest being nearly 2 years. Moreover, results show the nonuniform distribution of memory duration and decreases from northwest to southeast as a whole. Statistical analysis of GV shows that the average life cycle of each GV is 9.7 months, with an average horizontal scale of 604 km and a characteristic scale of 2.4 cm/s. Spatially, the GV scale is largest in Northwest, with a horizontal scale of 1087km, and the GV appear most frequently in North China. The central location of GV is uneven, mainly in the central area with strong crustal activity and large absolute vertical deformation rate or in the high value area of soil heat flow.
Genetic Causal Association between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Periodontitis: A Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Cheng Zijian , Gao Lu , Huang Peng , Luo Dingwen , Bi Chunsheng , Chen Xiaoyan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
A link between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis (PD) has been established. However, their causal relationship remains unclear and the effect of different serotypes of RA on the PD development has not been investigated. This study aims to elucidate the causal association between PD and different serotypes of RA using Mendelian Randomization (MR).
Methods
A bidirectional two-sample MR analysis was performed using available large-scale genome-wide association studies statistics. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) or multiplicative random-effects IVW was used to determine causality, depending on the heterogeneity of instrumental variables. Additional sensitivity analyses were also performed.
Results
The forward MR analysis identified that seropositive RA [odds ratio (OR):1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–1.44, p = 0.0018], but not seronegative RA [OR:1.01, 95% CI: 0.95–1.06, p = 0.9098], was associated with an increased risk of PD. The reverse MR analysis did not show any significant causal effect of PD on RA, independent of the serotypes. The sensitivity tests (p > 0.05) confirmed the robustness and accuracy of these findings.
Conclusion
This study revealed that there was a genetic causal effect of seropositive RA on PD, suggesting that this subtype of RA patients may require specific clinical attention to prevent the development of PD.
Clinical implication of megestrol acetate in metastatic gastric cancer: A big data analysis from Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA) database
Authors: Lee Chang Min , Kang Jung Hun , Go Se-Il 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objective
Megestrol acetate (MA) is used to manage anorexia and cachexia in patients with advanced cancer. This study investigated the prescription patterns of MA in patients with metastatic gastric cancer, as well as evaluated its impact on survival outcomes and the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE).
Methods
A Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA) service database was used to investigate differences in baseline characteristics, survival, and the incidence of VTE according to MA prescription patterns (i.e., prescription vs. no prescription) in patients diagnosed with metastatic gastric cancer from July 2014 to December 2015.
Results
A total of 1,938 patients were included in this study. In total, 65% of the patients were prescribed MA. Older age, treatment in tertiary hospitals, and palliative chemotherapy were statistically significant predictive factors for MA prescription. Continuous prescription of MA was observed in 37% of patients. There was no statistically significant difference in survival between the MA and non-MA prescription groups on multivariate analysis. Among the 1,427 patients included in the analysis for VTE incidence, 4.3% and 2.9% were diagnosed with VTE during the follow-up period in the MA and non-MA prescription groups, respectively. However, there was no statistically significant difference in VTE diagnosis between the groups on multivariate analysis.
Conclusion
MA was frequently prescribed for patients with metastatic gastric cancer and did not adversely affect survival outcomes. Its prescription was associated with a modest increase in the incidence of VTE.
Strict conservation of the ITS regions of the ribosomal RNA genes in Northern snakehead (Channa argus)
Authors: Chen Shixi , Ao Li , Prodhan Zakaria Hossain , Zhao Tingjuan , Li Jie , Li Sha , Zou Yuanchao 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The Northern Snakehead (Channa argus) is widely distributed and extremely resistant to hypoxia, it is now an aquaculture species in China and has heritable diversity of white body colour populations with two phenotypes of "grey fin rays" and "gold fin rays". In this study, the genetic diversity and molecular phylogenetics of C. argus with different body colours and geographical distribution are investigated based on their nuclear ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequences. The ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequences of the C. argus are conservative, with 1/1000 of mutation sites and 0.000-0.014 genetic distance indicates the C. argus that was studied has the same ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequences and genetic distance, all of which show that it is the same species. The intraspecific variation sites show that it was mainly transformation, white C. argus with "grey fin rays" individuals have more variation sites than "gold fin rays" individuals, and the variation associated with different geographical distributions is bigger than that associated with different body colors. The nuclear ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequences identified the differences between C. argus in different areas, which indicates that nuclear ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequences can be used to study molecular phytogeography.
“Smart” BLE Wearables for Digital Contact Tracing in Care Homes During the COVID-19 Pandemic – a Process Evaluation of the CONTACT Feasibility Study.
Authors: Thompson Carl A , Dafu-O'Reilly Amrit , Willis Thomas , Gordon Adam , Noakes Catherine , Khaliq Kishwer , Farrin Amanda , Kemp Andrew , Hall Tom , Bojke Chris , Spilsbury Karen 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Rapid and mass transmission of the Sars-cov2 virus amongst vulnerable people led to devastating effects from COVID-19 in care homes. The CONTACT intervention introduced Bluetooth Low Energy “smart” wearable devices (BLE wearables) as a basis for automated contact tracing in, and feedback on infection risks and patterns to, care homes to try and improve infection prevention and control (IPC). We planned a cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) of CONTACT. To be feasible, homes had to adopt CONTACT’s technology and new ways of working. This paper reports on the process evaluation conducted alongside CONTACT’s feasibility study and explains why it lacked the feasibility and acceptability for a definitive RCT.
Methods
This mixed methods process evaluation used Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) qualitative (interviews, field notes, study case report forms and documents, and observation) and quantitative (survey instruments, counts of activity) data to plan, implement and analyse the mechanisms, effects and contextual factors that shaped the (lack of) feasibility and acceptability of the CONTACT intervention.
Results
Thirteen themes within four core NPT constructs explained CONTACT’s lack of feasibility. Coherence: the home’s varied in the scale and extent of commitment and understanding of the technology and study procedures. Leadership credibility was important but compromised by competing priorities. Management and direct care staff saw CONTACT differently. Work to promote (cognitive participation) and enact (collective action) CONTACT was burdensome and failed to be prioritised over competing COVID-19-related demands on time and scarce human and cognitive resources. Ultimately, staff appraisal of the value of CONTACT-generated information and study procedures (reflexivity) was that any utility for IPC was insufficient to outweigh the perceived burden and complexity involved.
Conclusions:
Dismissing BLE wearables' potential for capturing contacts is premature. In non-pandemic conditions, with more time, better co-design, and integration of theory-driven implementation strategies tailored to care homes' unique contexts researchers could enhance normalisation in readiness for future pandemic challenges.
Trial registration
ISRCTN registration: 11204126 registered 17/02/2021
A Multiple threshold panel ARDL Approach for studying the impact of stock market development on energy consumption
Authors: SADRAOUI Tarek 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

This study examines the impact of stock market development on energy consumption (electricity and oil) in a sample of G20 countries for the period from 2000 to 2023. Several different measures of the development of the stock market are examined, in particular, the market capitalization; stock traded total value (% of GDP), the turnover ratio and the number of listed companies. As an estimation method, we use the autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL panel), more precisely the two estimators MG and PMG. The results provide dynamic relationships (short- and long-term) between stock market development and electricity consumption and only a long-term relationship for oil consumption. The results found are important for energy policies, the development of the stock market must be taken into account when estimating energy demand.
Computational model analysis on symmetrical aerofoil shaped pin fin arrays
Authors: Bhaumik Mainak , Dhanawade Kavita 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
It is a computational model analysis on symmetrical aerofoil pin-fin arrays. The commercial ANSYS 2021 R2 computational tool has been utilized. There are four models prepared on symmetrical aerofoil pin-fin arrays. These four models are no perforated inline aerofoil pin-fin array, perforated inline aerofoil array, no perforated staggered aerofoil array and perforated staggered aerofoil array. The basic geometry, meshing and computational analysis has been created in the Workbench, ICEM and Fluent Discover tool, respectively. In the Fluent solver settings, the k-omega turbulent model has been selected. The Reynolds number implied from 5,000 to 50,000 with an incremental value of 5,000. Moreover, the temperature valve input from 27 to 350℃. The results show that at rising input airflow velocity increases Nusselt number. Out of all the four models the convective heat transfer rate in the perforated one is quite higher than no perforated one. In the staggered perforated aerofoil pin-fin obviously there is more material savings. Apart from that in the no perforated staggered aerofoil pin-fin the pressure drop is lesser and better streamline pressure drop maintained. As far as overall performance is concern the perforated staggered aerofoil pin-fin arrangement gives very promising results.