bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decentralized clinical trials: scientific considerations through the lens of the estimand framework
Authors: Izem Rima , Zuber Emmanuel , Daizadeh Nadia , Bretz Frank , Sverdlov Alex , Edrich Pascal , Branson Janice , Degtyarev Evgeny , Sfikas Nikolaos , Hemmings Robert 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
While the industry and regulators’ interest in decentralized clinical trials (DCTs) is long-standing, the Covid-19 pandemic accelerated and broadened the adoption and experience with these trials. The key idea in decentralization is bringing the clinical trial design, typically on-site, closer to the patient’s experience (on-site or off-site). Thus, potential benefits of DCTs include reducing the burden of participation in trials, broadening access to a more diverse population, or using innovative endpoints collected off-site.
This paper helps researchers to carefully evaluate the added value and the implications of DCTs beyond the operational aspects of their implementation. The proposed approach is to use the ICH E9(R1) estimand framework to guide the strategic decisions around each decentralization component. Furthermore, the framework can guide the process for clinical trialists to systematically consider the implications of decentralization, in turn, for each attribute of the estimand. We illustrate the use of this approach with a fully DCT case study and show that the proposed systematic process can uncover the scientific opportunities, assumptions and potential risks associated with a possible use of decentralization components in the design of a trial. This process can also highlight the benefits of specifying estimand attributes in a granular way. Thus, we demonstrate that bringing a decentralization component into the design will not only impact estimators and estimation but can also correspond to addressing more granular questions, thereby uncovering new target estimands.
Age at menarche is associated with sleep duration in postmenopausal women: A Nationally Representative Study
Authors: Wang Xiaoqiu , Jiang Jing , Xia YangJingYi , Chen Ming , Li Jiahaun , Wu Wenzhong 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background The association between age at menarche (AAM) and sleep duration has been affirmed in some studies. The majority of the subjects, however, were teenagers. Given the prevalence of inadequate sleep duration in postmenopausal women, we undertook this study to investigate the association between AAM and sleep duration in postmenopausal women. Methods The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2014. Binary logistic regression models were used to assess the association between the AAM and sleep duration, and a subgroup analysis based on age, diabetes, and hypertension was performed. Results Compared to the group with an AAM < 10 years old, women with later AAM have a greater chance of adequate sleep (AAM between 10 and 12 years old: odds ratio (OR) = 2.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.65–4.41, P < 0.001; AAM between 13 and 15 years old: OR = 2.77, 95%CI: 1.70–4.52, P < 0.001; AAM ≥ 16: OR = 2.23, 95%CI: 1.29–3.85, P = 0.004). After we have made several different multivariate-adjusted models, the above conclusions can still be derived (P < 0.05). In women aged 61 to 71, non-hypertensive patients, and a proportion of patients with diabetes, there is no greater likelihood that other groups will get adequate sleep duration than the reference group (P > 0.05). Conclusions The effect of the AAM on sleep duration has a long-term effect. It is of great significance to avoid early AAM by actively adjusting lifestyle and other methods to prevent the shortening of sleep duration after menopause.
High-efficiency, low-speckle contrast white laser lighting via multi-stage scattering and photon recycling
Authors: Liu Jifeng , Wang Xiaoxin , Carver Charles , Shade Nicholas , Fossum Eric , Zhou Xia 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Lighting consumes > 10% of the global electricity. White laser lighting, utilizing either direct color mixing or phosphor-conversion, can potentially boost the efficiency well beyond existing light emitting diodes (LEDs) especially at high current density. Here we present a compact, universal packaging platform for both laser lighting schemes, which is simultaneously scalable to wavelength division multiplexing for visible light communication. Using commercially available laser diodes and optical components, low-speckle contrast ≤ 5% and uniform illumination is achieved by multi-stage scattering and photon recycling through a mixing rod and static diffusers in a truncated-pyramidal reflective cavity. We demonstrate a high luminous efficacy of 274 lm/Wo for phosphor-converted laser lighting and 150 lm/Wo for direct red-green-blue laser mixing, respectively, in reference to the input optical power. In the former case, the luminous efficacy achieved for practical lighting is even higher than most of the previous reports measured using integrating spheres. In the latter case of direct laser color mixing, to our best knowledge, this is the first time to achieve a luminous efficacy approaching their phosphor-conversion counterparts in a compact package applicable to practical lighting. With future improvement of blue laser diode efficiency and development of yellow/amber/orange laser diodes, we envision that this universal white laser package can potentially achieve a luminous efficacy > 275 lm/We in reference to the input electrical power, ~ 1.5x higher than state-of-the-art LED lighting and exceeding the target of 249 lm/We for 2035.
Prediction of cellulose synthase using conserved protein domain through Machine learning-based Approach
Authors: Gupta Sheetanshu , Singh Shivom , Kashyap Shakuli , Gore Shivani 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Cellulose synthase, a pivotal enzyme involved in cellulose and hemicellulose synthesis, plays a crucial role in plant cell wall maintenance. This study aims to deepen our understanding of cellulose synthase by developing a highly sensitive computational method for its characterization. By leveraging a synergistic approach that combines the utilization of Pfam domains and a dipeptide composition-based support vector machine model, we address the challenges associated with conventional characterization methods. Our computational approach focuses on identifying unique domains within the cellulose synthase protein sequence through proximity-based detection. In the absence of such domains, predictions are generated using a support vector machine model. The accuracy of our method was evaluated, yielding an overall accuracy of 89.92% and a specificity of 90.37%. The outcomes of this research provide valuable insight into the structure and function of cellulose synthase, shedding light on the glycosyltransferase activities critical for cellulose synthesis. Furthermore, the implications of this study extend to the cotton and textile industry, where cellulose-based materials are widely employed. The developed computational approach demonstrates its potential as an effective tool for further exploration and characterization of cellulose synthase.
Intranasal vaccination of Syrian Hamsters with ChAd-SARS-CoV-2-S disrupts airborne transmission cycles of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Boon Adrianus , Darling Tamarand , Harastani Houda , Joshi Astha , Bricker Traci , Seehra Kuljeet , Hassan Ahmed , Diamond Michael 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
COVID-19 vaccines have successfully reduced severe disease and death after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Nonetheless, COVID-19 vaccines are variably effective in preventing symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, and their role in inhibiting community viral transmission remains less well characterized. Here, we evaluated the impact of mucosal vaccination on primary and secondary airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in a Syrian hamster pre-clinical model. Intranasal immunization of the primary contact hamsters with a chimpanzee adenoviral-vectored vaccine (ChAd-CoV-2-S) that is the predecessor of the currently used iNCOVACC® reduced infectious virus titers ~100-fold and 100,000-fold in the upper and lower respiratory tract of the primary contact hamster following SARS-CoV-2 exposure. This reduction in virus titer in the ChAd-CoV-2-S immunized contact animals was sufficient to eliminate secondary airborne SARS-CoV-2 transmission to both vaccinated and naïve hamsters. Thus, immunization with an intranasal COVID-19 vaccine disrupts transmission cycles of SARS-CoV-2 and can potentially limit community spread of the virus.
Effect of mRNA-LNP components of two globally-marketed COVID-19 vaccines on efficacy and stability
Authors: Zhang Lizhou , More Kunal , Ojha Amrita , Jackson Cody , Quinlan Brian , Li Hao , He Wenhui , Farzan Michael , Pardi Norbert , Choe Hyeryun 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna successfully developed nucleoside-modified mRNA lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccines. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein expressed by those vaccines are identical in amino acid sequence, but several key components are distinct. Here, we compared the effect of ionizable lipids, untranslated regions (UTRs), and nucleotide composition of the two vaccines, focusing on mRNA delivery, antibody generation, and long-term stability. We found that the ionizable lipid, SM-102, in Moderna’s vaccine performs better than ALC-0315 in Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine for intramuscular delivery of mRNA and antibody production in mice and long-term stability at 4°C. Moreover, Pfizer-BioNTech’s 5’ UTR and Moderna’s 3’ UTR outperform their counterparts in their contribution to transgene expression in mice. We further found that varying N1-methylpseudouridine content at the wobble position of mRNA has little effect on vaccine efficacy. These findings may contribute to the further improvement of nucleoside-modified mRNA-LNP vaccines and therapeutics.
Physicochemical and Strength Assessment of Portland Limestone Cement in Nigeria
Authors: Sadiq Abdulhakeem 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Some brands of cement are often neglected in preference to others due to the fact that certain brands are more susceptible to cracks than others and also because of differences in their setting times. Continuous monitoring of these brands of cement prevents negative consequences for concrete structures. This research aimed at assessing the physical, chemical, and mineralogical composition of selected brands of Portland Limestone Cement (PLC) on strength performance in compliance with local and international standards. Tests such as specific gravity, standard consistency, setting time, soundness, fineness, compressive strength, chemical oxide compositions, and mineralogical properties were carried out to determine their suitability criteria for construction purposes, ensuring minimum established standards are met. The results indicated that at 28th day, Dangote PLC yielded the highest compressive strength of 48.02 kN/mm2 while UniCem PLC yielded the least compressive strength of 43.17 kN/mm2. The study concluded that the choice of cement strength class for any construction type interdepends on the physical, chemical, and mineralogical compositions of the cement incorporated at the place of use. Also, the margin difference in the strength and compositions of these cement brands does not give a significant reason to impede the performance. As such, none of these brands of PLC has a predominant advantage over the other, primarily for construction purposes. The knowledge of the properties of PLC in concrete construction is imperative to helping engineers make informed decisions about which brand is required to be used in specific circumstances for area of optimal applications.
Effect of a stress management intervention based on self-efficacy theory for enriching marital relationships and sleep quality in pregnant women
Authors: Alizadeh Zeinab , Noroozi Farzaneh , Kaveh Mohammad Hossein , Cousins Rosanna , Ghahremani Leila 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Anxieties related to pregnancy and childbirth are common in the first pregnancy.To evaluate the effect of a stress management intervention based on self-efficacy theory in primigravida women,as indicated by sleep quality,relationship quality and marital satisfaction.A quasi-experimental longitudinal design and a control group. Inclusion criteria were 14–18 weeks gestation, no concomitant illness, and attending one of the four healthcare centers in South Iran in 2022.Two centers were randomly allocated as the intervention group and the other two centers as the control group.From the 128 eligible pregnant women who consented,39 were randomly allocated to each condition.The intervention group completed eight weekly one-hour stress management training sessions delivered using a blended learning approach.Data were collected using a survey before the intervention,and immediately after the intervention.The survey included a demographic information and questionnaires measuring self-efficacy,marital satisfaction,relationship quality and sleep quality.Data were analyzed using independent and paired t-tests to determine the efficacy of the intervention through a comparison of changes in mean scores between the two groups pre- and post-intervention.Self-efficacy,sleep quality,intimate relationship quality,and marital satisfaction were significantly improved at post-test in the intervention group (p < 0.01).There were no meaningful changes in the control group.Stress management training can improve self-efficacy,sleep quality,relationship quality,and marital satisfaction in primigravida women.
Proteomic interrogation of the meninges reveals the molecular identities of structural components and regional distinctions along the CNS axis
Authors: Santorella Elise , Balsbaugh Jeremy L. , Ge Shujun , Saboori Parisa , Baker David , Pachter Joel S. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The meninges surround the brain and spinal cord, affording physical protection while also serving as a niche of neuroimmune activity. Though possessing stromal qualities, its complex cellular and extracellular makeup has yet to be elaborated, and it remains unclear whether the meninges vary along the neuroaxis. Hence, studies were carried-out to elucidate the protein composition and structural organization of brain and spinal cord meninges in normal, adult Biozzi ABH mice. First, shotgun, bottom-up proteomics was carried-out. Prominent proteins at both brain and spinal levels included Type II collagen and Type II keratins, representing extracellular matrix (ECM) and cytoskeletal categories, respectively. While the vast majority of total proteins detected was shared between both meningeal locales, more were uniquely detected in brain than in spine. This pattern was also seen when total proteins were subdivided by cellular compartment, except in the case of the ECM category where brain and spinal meninges each had near equal number of unique proteins, and Type V and type III collagen registered exclusively in the spine. Quantitative analysis revealed differential expression of several collagens and cytoskeletal proteins between brain and spinal meninges. High-resolution immunofluorescence and immunogold-scanning electronmicroscopy on sections from whole brain and spinal cord – still encased within bone –identified major proteins detected by proteomics, and highlighted their association with cellular and extracellular elements of variously shaped arachnoid trabeculae. Western blotting aligned with the proteomic and immunohistological analyses, reinforcing differential appearance of proteins in brain vs spinal meninges. Results could reflect regional distinctions in meninges that govern protective and/or neuroimmune functions.
Nondestructive Damage Evaluation of Composites Based on X-ray and Ultrasonic Image Fusion
Authors: Wang Jie , Han Dongxue , Zheng Teng , Peng Liang , Yang Xiuwei , Zhang Jin 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Proper utilization of non-destructive testing (NDT) methods is crucial for ensuring the engineering safety of composites. Ultrasonic testing (UT) and X-ray computed tomography (CT) are two commonly used NDT methods for inspecting glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites, each with its unique advantages and limitations. In our previous study, we found that UT has lower resolution in detecting delamination and inclusion defects compared to X-ray CT, which has a lower contrast. Both methods also lack the ability for automated quantitative testing. To overcome these limitations, this paper proposes a fusion algorithm that combines data from UT and X-ray CT imaging to detect hidden delamination and inclusion defects in GFRP composites. The proposed fusion method based on significant region enhancement and block fusion combines the strengths of ultrasonic testing (UT) and X-ray computed tomography (CT) to enhance the precision and efficiency of material detection. By further utilizing image segmentation method, defects can be automatically quantified. This method not only aids scholars in characterizing composite materials more comprehensively but also has the potential to facilitate the development and application of novel composite materials. It serves as a valuable supplement to traditional inspection techniques and has the capability to promote the advancement of material science.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Digital Therapeutics for Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation for Patients With Chronic Heart Failure: Model Development and Data Analysis
Authors: Liu Tianyi , Zhan Yiyang , Chen Silei , Zhang Wenhong , Jia Jian 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
In recent years, numerous guidelines and expert consensus have recommended the inclusion of digital technologies and products in cardiac rehabilitation. Digital therapeutics (DTx) is an evidence-based medicine that uses digital means for data collection and monitoring of indicators to control and optimize the treatment, management, and prevention of disease.
Objective
This study collected and reviewed real-world data and built a model using health economics assessment methods to analyze the potential cost-effectiveness of DTx applied to home-based cardiac rehabilitation for patients with chronic heart failure. From the perspective of medical and health decision-makers, the economic value of DTx is evaluated prospectively to provide the basis and reference for the application decision and promotion of DTx.
Methods
Markov models were constructed to simulate the outcomes of DTx for home-based cardiac rehabilitation (DT group) compared to conventional home-based cardiac rehabilitation (CH group) in patients with chronic heart failure. The model input parameters were clinical indicators and cost data. Outcome indicators were quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). The robustness of the evaluation methods and results was tested using sensitivity analyses. Clinical indicators, cost data, and health utility values were obtained from real-world data, including clinical study data, published literature, and public website information.
Results
The Markov model simulated a time span of 10 years, with a cycle set at one month, for 120 cycles. The results showed that the per capita cost of the CH group was 38,442.11 CNY /year, with a QALY of 0.7196 per person per year. The per capita cost of the DT group was 42,300.26 CNY /year, with a QALY of 0.81687 per person per year. The ICER per person was 39,663.5 CNY /QALY each year, which was below the willingness-to-pay threshold of 85,698 CNY (China's GDP per capita in 2022).
Conclusions
DTx for home-based cardiac rehabilitation is an extremely cost-effective rehabilitation option compared with conventional home-based cardiac rehabilitation. DTx for home-based cardiac rehabilitation is potentially valuable from the perspective of healthcare decision-makers.
Present-day crustal deformation based on an interpolated GPS velocity field in the oblique collision zone of the Arabia-Eurasia tectonic plates
Authors: Rastbood Asghar , Salmaniyan Milad , Hossainali Masoud Mashhadi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This study utilized biharmonic splines to interpolate sparse GPS velocity data independently and in a coupled manner by altering Poisson's ratio. This method is an effective means of interpolating sparse vector data in cases where deformation mechanics can be explained by elasticity principles. The research focused on the oblique collision zone of the Arabia-Eurasia tectonic plates, where the GPS velocity field is sparsely distributed. The interpolation process included fitting trends to the input GPS velocity data, calculating residuals, and analyzing them using a biharmonic spline. The prediction process consisted of trend fitting and spline fitting stages. Interpolation methods were employed to interpolate horizontal GPS velocities onto a standard geographic grid with a 30-minute interval, excluding data points with significant deviation. The data was partitioned into training and testing subsets, with the training set used for calibration and the testing set for evaluation of the interpolation method. The article discusses the irregular spatial distribution of crustal movement in the collision zone. The northern component of the velocity field is greater than the eastern component and consistently points towards Eurasia. In the collision zone, the eastern component changes direction, moving westward in the western half of Iran and eastward in the eastern half, with a reversed trend in the north. This change in direction helps identify solid blocks, while the amplitude of the northern component decreases from south to north and from west to east. Undeformed regions, major faults, convergence deformation, and compressing high-elevation regions are also observed in the collision zone.
The Amphiregulin/EGFR axis has limited contribution in controlling autoimmune diabetes
Authors: Raugh Arielle , Jing Yi , Bettini Matthew L. , Bettini Maria 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Conventional immunosuppressive functions of CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in type 1 diabetes (T1D) pathogenesis have been well described, but whether Tregs have additional non-immunological functions supporting tissue homeostasis in pancreatic islets is unknown. Within the last decade novel tissue repair functions have been ascribed to Tregs. One function is production of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligand, amphiregulin, which promotes tissue repair in response to inflammatory or mechanical tissue injury. Whether such pathways are engaged during autoimmune diabetes and promote tissue repair is undetermined. Previously, we observed upregulation of amphiregulin at the transcriptional level was associated with functional Treg populations in the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model of T1D. We postulated that amphiregulin promoted islet tissue repair and slowed the progression of diabetes in NOD mice. Here, we report that islet-infiltrating Tregs have increased capacity to produce amphiregulin and both Tregs and beta cells express EGFR. Moreover, we show that amphiregulin can directly modulate mediators of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in beta cells. Despite this, NOD amphiregulin deficient mice showed no acceleration of spontaneous autoimmune diabetes. Taken together, the data suggest that the ability for amphiregulin to affect the progression of autoimmune diabetes is limited.