bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Subsolid Pulmonary Nodule Growth Rate Using Radiomics
Authors: Ma Zong jing , Ma Zhuang Xuan , Sun Ying , Li De Chun , Jin Liang , Gao Pan , Li Cheng , Li Ming 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary nodule growth rate assessment is critical in the management of subsolid pulmonary nodules (SSNs) during clinical follow-up. The present study aimed to develop a model to predict the growth rate of SSNs.METHODS A total of 273 growing SSNs with clinical information and 857 computed tomography (CT) scans were retrospectively analyzed. The images were randomly divided into training and validation sets. All images were categorized into fast-growth (volume doubling time (VDT) ≤ 400 days) and slow-growth (VDT > 400 days) groups. Models for predicting the growth rate of SSNs were developed using radiomics and clinical features. The models’ performance was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC) values for the receiver operating characteristic curve.RESULTS The fast- and slow-growth groups included 108 and 749 scans, respectively, and 10 radiomics features and three radiographic features (nodule density, presence of spiculation, and presence of vascular changes) were selected to predict the growth rate of SSNs. The nomogram integrating radiomics and radiographic features (AUC = 0.928 and AUC = 0.905, respectively) performed better than the radiographic (AUC = 0.668 and AUC = 0.689, respectively) and radiomics (AUC = 0.888 and AUC = 0.816, respectively) models alone in both the training and validation sets.CONCLUSION The nomogram model developed by combining radiomics with radiographic features can predict the growth rate of SSNs more accurately than traditional radiographic models. It can also optimize clinical treatment decisions for patients with SSNs and improve their long-term management.
Role of microparticles on the filamentous bulking of activated sludge
Authors: Wei Su , Huang Ziyang , Ni Yongjiong , Pan Zengrui , Feng Hongbo , Cheng Xiaoyu , Huang Zuchao , Liao Hanglei , Li Jun 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
With the cancellation of primary sedimentation tanks, a large number of particles have entered the biochemical treatment units of wastewater treatment plants. Based on the more common problem of filamentous bulking in wastewater treatment plants, the paper investigates the effect of particles on activated sludge filamentous bulking, using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microparticles as test particles. The results showed that the particles could significantly reduce the number of filamentous bacteria in activated sludge, and had a significant effect on its growth morphology. The role of 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm particles on filamentous bacteria was more obvious than that of 0.1 mm particles, and 0.1 mm particles were easily adsorbed by activated sludge and became biofilm carriers. Its improvement in the settling ability of filamentous expanded activated sludge is more significant than that of particles with 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm. The addition of 0.1 mm PET particles to the Anaerobic-Anoxic-Oxic (AAO) reactor promoted the coalescence of loose bacterial agglomerates under the combined effects of hydraulic shear, impact, friction, and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) adhesion, which had a positive role on the settling properties of the activated sludge. The test abundance of particles in activated sludge at 4000 particles/L had no significant effect on the removal of COD and total phosphorus, but the removal of ammonia nitrogen decreased by 5–7%, showing some inhibition of nitrification; the sludge volume index (SVI) decreased from 358 mg/L to 198 mg/L, which had a significant control on filamentous bulking.
The association of education gap among spouses and health-related quality of life: a population-based retrospective study
Authors: Cao Ruoyun , Yan Chaoyang 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between marital education gap and the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of husband and wife, and further examine the differences in this relationship at different levels of HRQOL
Methods
Firstly, univariate analysis was used to preliminarily examine the distribution differences of various variables in HRQOL. Secondly, linear regression was applied to analyze the relationship between marital education gap and the HRQOL of husband and wife. Finally, quantile regression was utilized to examine the differences of this relationship at different levels of HRQOL.
Results
Overall, the education gap between spouses has a positive impact on the HRQOL of both husband and wife, but special attention should also be paid to the situation where the wife's health level is much higher than that of the husband, which has no significant impact on the HRQOL of both husband and wife. The study also found that the improvement effect of education gap is mainly reflected in the lower level of HRQOL.
Conclusions
Research provides new insights into improving HRQOL from the perspective of educational disparities. Some measures can be further taken to enhance this positive impact. It is also important to pay attention to the adverse effects on each other when the wife's education level is much higher than that of the husband.
Mutant-based QTL mapping reveals key factors related to the agronomic traits and isoflavone contents of soybean (Glycine max)
Authors: Kim Jung Min , Seo Ji Su , Lee Jeong Woo , Lyu Jae Il , Ryu Jaihyunk , Eom Seok-Hyun , Ha Bo-Keun , Kwon Soon-Jae 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background Soybean is a valuable source of edible protein and oil as well as secondary metabolites that can be used in food products, cosmetics, and medicines. However, because the soybean isoflavone content is a quantitative trait influenced by internal/external factors, its genetic basis remains unclear.
Results This study was conducted to identify causal quantitative trait loci (QTLs). A mutant-based F2 population (190 individuals) was constructed by crossing the Korean cultivar ‘Hwangguem’ with low isoflavone contents (1,558 µg g−1) and the soybean mutant DB-088 with high isoflavone contents (6,393 µg g−1). A linkage map (3,049 cM) with an average chromosome length of 152 cM was constructed using the 180K AXIOM® SoyaSNP array. Thirteen QTLs related to agronomic traits were mapped to chromosomes 2, 3, 11, 13, 19, and 20, whereas 29 QTLs associated with isoflavone contents were mapped to chromosomes 1, 3, 8, 11, 14, 15, and 17. Notably, the Gm11_9877690–Gm11_9955924 interval on the chromosome 11 was revealed to contribute to high isoflavone contents with 11.9%–20.1% of the phenotypic variation. This interval included four candidate genes, encoding β-glucosidases 13, 14, 17-1, and 17-2. We confirmed obvious differences in the expression levels of these genes according to seed developmental stages. Whole candidate genes within causal QTLs were then assessed by enriched GO terms, KEGG pathways, and co-expression network analysis. A correlation analysis indicated certain agronomic traits (e.g., DF, DM, and PH) are positively correlated with isoflavone contents.
Conclusions Alleles of soybean mutant ‘DB-088’ contributed to agronomic traits and isoflavone contents. The major interval of Gm11_9877690 – Gm11_9955924 took up 78 kb on chromosome 11, including four β-glucosidases. Thus, mutant alleles may be useful for the marker-assisted selection of soybean lines with high isoflavone contents and superior agronomic traits.
Classification of Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Using Machine Learning and Deep Learning Models
Authors: Bannigidad Parashuram , Potraj Namita , Udoshi Jalaja , Gurubasavaraj Prabhuodeyara 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
For decades classification of objects based on texture has portrayed a prominent role in the applications of computer vision and image processing. The need for automated classification of objects sharing similar visual appearance is growing day by day in various industries like metal, paper, wood, etc. The initial task of any metal devising industry is to classify the metals before they are used in building any devices. For ages, traditional approaches are used to identify the metals using their properties which is time-consuming and not economical. In the proposed study an automated model for texture analysis and classification of the metal and metal oxide nanoparticles is developed using machine learning and deep learning concepts to overcome the drawbacks of the traditional approach. The machine learning model uses KNN and PNN classifiers, and the deep learning model uses LeNet, and ConvXGB classifiers to analyze the texture and classify them as metals (silver, boron) and metal oxides (iron oxide, copper oxide). From the experiment it is found that the average accuracy using the KNN classifier is 70.00%, the PNN classifier is 75.00%, LeNet is 95.00%, and ConvXGB yields 85.00%. It is analyzed that the LeNet has the highest accuracy of 95%, and hence, it is suitable for the classification of silver, boron, iron oxide, and copper oxide nanoparticle images.
Radioactive nanosized colloids and indocyanine green identify the same sentinel lymph nodes in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hingsammer Lukas , Schönegg Daphne , Gander Thomas , Lanzer Martin 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Near-infrared fluorescence imaging using indocyanine green (ICG) combined with radioactive markers has the potential to improve sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study aimed to evaluate the ability of 99mTc and ICG in identifying the sentinel lymph nodes in patients with early-stage OSCC.
Methods
Data were collected prospectively, and a retrospective analysis of 15 patients with early stage OSCC and a cN0 neck was performed. All patients received peritumoral injection of 99mTc the day before surgery and ICG was administered intraoperatively. Intentionally, the application of the two different tracers were done by two different physicians with varying degrees of experience. The number of identified lymph nodes positive for 99mTc and ICG, the overlap or possible discrepancies of both methods and the time until fluorescence signals of ICG were detected, were noted.
Results
In all patients, a 100% agreement in sentinel lymph node identification was achieved, regardless of both the exact location of the peritumoral injection and the experience of the injecting surgeon. Time until ICG accumulation in the sentinel lymph node was consistently found to be between 1 and 3 minutes.
Conclusion
ICG constitutes a viable and useful addition to 99mTc for intraoperative sentinel lymph node detection in this study.
Elevated external temperature affects cell ultrastructure and heat shock proteins (HSPs) in Paramacrobiotus experimentalis Kaczmarek, Mioduchowska, Poprawa, &amp; Roszkowska, 2020
Authors: Kayastha Pushpalata , Wieczorkiewicz Filip , Pujol Myriam , Robinson Alison , Michalak Marek , Kaczmarek Łukasz , Poprawa Izabela 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Increasing temperature influences the habitats of various organisms, including microscopic invertebrates. To gain insight into temperature-dependent changes in tardigrades, we isolated storage cells exposed to various temperatures and conducted biochemical and ultrastructural analysis in active and tun-state Paramacrobiotus experimentalisKaczmarek, Mioduchowska, Poprawa, & Roszkowska, 2020. The abundance of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and ultrastructure of the storage cells were examined at different temperatures (20 °C, 30 °C, 35 °C, 37 °C, 40 °C, and 42 °C) in storage cells isolated from active specimens of Paramacrobiotus experimentalis Kaczmarek, Mioduchowska, Poprawa, & Roszkowska, 2020. In the active animals, upon increase in external temperature, we observed an increase in the levels of HSPs (HSP27, HSP60, and HSP70). Furthermore, the number of ultrastructural changes in storage cells increased with increasing temperature. Cellular organelles, such as mitochondria and the rough endoplasmic reticulum, gradually degenerated. At 42 °C, cell death occurred by necrosis. Apart from the higher electron density of the karyoplasm and the accumulation of electron-dense material in some mitochondria (at 42 °C), almost no changes were observed in the ultrastructure of tun storage cells exposed to different temperatures. We concluded that desiccated (tun-state), but not active, tardigrades are resistant to high temperatures.
Presence of potentially novel Helicobacter pylori-like organisms in gastric samples from cats and dogs
Authors: Taillieu Emily , De Bruyckere Sofie , Steenkiste Christophe Van , Chiers Koen , Haesebrouck Freddy 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Currently, seven gastric non-Helicobacter pylori Helicobacter (NHPH) species are known to commonly colonize the stomach of cats and dogs, with a low pathogenic significance. Reports of H. pylori and H. pylori-like organisms infecting animals have occasionally been made. In this study, samples were collected from the corpus and antrum of 20 cats and 27 dogs. A Helicobacter genus-specific 16S rRNA PCR assay, H. pylori-specific ureAB and glmM PCR assays and a nested PCR detecting 23S rRNA in a Helicobacter genus-specific manner in the first step and a H. pylori-specific manner in the second step were performed, in combination with sequencing. Histopathological and anti-Helicobacter immunohistochemical evaluations were also performed. Based on 16S rRNA sequence analysis, 39/47 animals (83%) appeared infected with canine/feline gastric NHPHs in the corpus and/or antrum. H. pylori-specific ureAB amplicons were obtained in samples of 22 stomachs (47%). One canine antrum sample positive in the ureAB assay was also positive in the H. pylori-specific glmM assay. While 36/47 (77%) animals had a positive sample in the first step of the nested 23S rRNA PCR assay, all samples were negative in the final step. Sequence analysis of obtained amplicons and immunohistochemistry point towards the presence of unidentified H. pylori-like organisms in cats and dogs. Histopathological examination suggests a low pathogenic significance of the gastric Helicobacter spp. present in these animals. In conclusion, cats and dogs may be (co-)infected with gastric Helicobacter organisms other than the known gastric NHPHs. Culture and isolation should be performed to confirm this hypothesis.
Location-scale Family of Laplacian Distributions and Its Applications to VAE and Some Extended VAES
Authors: Zhu Ao , Cao Peng 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Like Gaussian distribution, Laplacian distribution is also a location-scale family of distributions. So we can choose the standard Laplace distribution (with location = 0, scale = 1) for use of the "reparameterization trick" to estimate gradients of the lower bound with respect to the recognition model parameters $\phi$ in the variational autoencoder (VAE). Laplacian distribution is highly peaked at zero and asymptotically falls off more slowly than the Gaussian distribution as the distance from zero increases. In the meanwhile, it is also heavy-tailed distribution compared to Gaussian distribution. In this work, we give the solution of $D_{KL}(q_{\phi}(Z)\| p_{\theta}(Z))$ in the Evidence Lower Bound (ELBO) for VAE when the latent variable $Z$ is Laplacian variable. By replacing the KL term in VAE, $\beta$-VAE, CC$\beta$-VAE, and Factor-VAE with Laplacian KL divergence , we gives Laplacian VAE model, Laplacian $\beta$-VAE model, Laplacian CC$\beta$-VAE model, and Laplacian Factor-VAE model. In experiments, we demonstrate that these Laplacian VAE models have disentanglement learning performance. By augmenting the continuous latent Laplace distribution of variational autoencoders with a relaxed discrete distribution, we develop Laplace-Joint-VAE model. Experiments show that the Laplace-Joint-VAE can disentangle digit type fully on MINIST. We try to explore how Laplacian latent variables are applied to unsupervised slow representation learning.
Assessing the Napo Karst Formation vulnerability in the Western Amazon River Basin
Authors: Naranjo Elizabeth , Moulatlet Gabriel Massaine , Hirata Ricardo , Conicelli Bruno 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Karst environments are susceptible to contamination and directly affected by anthropogenic pressures. Remediation efforts are expensive, time-consuming, and often impractical. Hence, vulnerability maps can be valuable tools for protecting and preventing the aquifer’s degradation. This study aims to evaluate the vulnerability of the Napo Karst Formation (NKF), in the western Amazon basin in Ecuador, using three vulnerability models: EPIK, DRASTIC, and DRASTIC-LUC. The difference between the three models lies in the parameters used and how each one of them address the vulnerability. Because assigning values to each parameter depends on the author's expertise and the available data, these models can produce varying outcomes, which we analyze using spatial and sensitivity analysis. Our results showed that DRASTIC and EPIK classified 45.76% and 35.38% of the NKF area as highly vulnerable, respectively, while DRASTIC-LUC classified most of the NKF areas under moderate vulnerability (57.47%). The sensitivity analysis determined that the depth to water table (D) and the infiltration conditions (I) were the most critical parameters for the vulnerability assessment. The moderate-to-high vulnerability of the NKF raises a warning, as the impacts on surface and groundwater may affect local populations that directly depend on its water. This is the first study that evaluates the vulnerability to the contamination of karst formation in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The results of this research can be used as a baseline for future research and as technical information for decision-makers to reduce the activities that could aggravate surface and groundwater quality in Western Amazonia.
The role of Leukocyte and Platelet-rich fibrin in the prevention of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, in patients requiring dental extractions: An observational study
Authors: Besi Eleni , Pitros Panagiotis 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a significant complication which can present following a dental extraction in patients receiving anti-resorptive and anti-angiogenic medications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effect of L-PRF in the prevention of MRONJ in patients receiving these medications and requiring dental extractions.
Methods
Thirty-nine patients were included and divided in two groups, depending on whether L-PRF was used after the required dental extraction or not. Subsequently, the patients were categorised into low and high-risk for developing MRONJ, as recommended by the SDCEP guidance.
Results
None of the patients in the L-PRF group returned with established MRONJ. Five high-risk patients in the control group presented with established MRONJ in the follow-up appointment. Significant statistical difference (p = 0.04) was observed following comparison of the high-risk patients of the two groups.
Conclusion
These encouraging results suggest that L-PRF may be useful in the prevention of MRONJ following a dental extraction especially in patients of the higher risk category. A protocol for the management of this type of patients is also introduced.
Exploring initiation process and cultural identity towards young adult vapers in China: a qualitative study
Authors: XIE JINGZHONG 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
E-cigarette(EC) communication with conflicting views significantly shapes young people's knowledge and attitudes, which are precursor predictors of their usage behavior. This study aims to explore the experiences and perspectives on ECs from young adult vapers in China, especially in terms of culture.
Methods
Based on narrative analysis approach, this paper conducted one-on-one interview and focus group with 43 young adult vapers from China to understand their EC usage behavior and cultural understanding. Combined with the narrative analysis framework of the problem-solving approach, data were analyzed using thematic analysis, to develop themes related to EC usage.
Results
Three themes about e-cigarette usage behavior among the youth were presented: (i)e-cigarette initiation process and use patterns, (ii) temporal orientations to risks and benefits, and (iii) self-construction of individuals and relationships. The latter two are about the young adult vapers’ cultural understanding of EC.
Conclusion
Single and dual users have similar initiation processes in general, but have different behavioral structures in detail. Factors such as motivation and experience with traditional cigarettes should be considered for both when tailoring health messages. The cultural factors regarding time orientation and self-construation will provide support for message tailoring and behavioral intervention to young adult vapers.
High lithium oxide prevalence in the lithium solid electrolyte interphase drives high Coulombic efficiency
Authors: Gallant Betar M , Hobold Gustavo , Wang Chongzhen , Steinberg Katherine , Li Yuzhang 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Current electrolyte design for Li metal anodes emphasizes fluorination as the guiding principle for high Coulombic efficiency (CE) based largely on perceived benefits of LiF in the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). However, the lack of experimental techniques that can accurately quantify SEI compositional breakdown impedes rigorous scrutiny of other potentially key phases. Here we demonstrate a new quantitative titration approach to reveal Li2O content in cycled Li anodes, enabling this previously titration-silent phase to be compared statistically with a wide range of other leading SEI constituents including LiF. Across diverse electrolytes, Li2O correlates most strongly with CE above other phases, reaching highest values when Li2O particles order along the SEI-electrolyte interface as revealed by cryo-TEM, demonstrating integrated chemical–structural function. The beneficial role of Li2O was exploited to create a first set of entirely fluorine-free electrolytes to breach > 99% CE, highlighting electrolyte/SEI oxygenation as an underexplored and powerful design strategy.
Global Dimensions of Economic Uncertainty: Evidence via Global VECM
Authors: Ginn William 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
We develop and estimate a global augmented vector error correction model (GVECM) to examine the interconnected relationships between various economic factors, including global output, consumer price index (CPI), interest rates, oil price, equity price, and global economic policy uncertainty (GEPU). Unlike previous research, which predominantly focuses on the impact of domestic EPU on domestic conditions, our approach is cast in a global setting to understand the transmission of global shocks. The analysis reveals that both oil and equity prices play significant roles as channels for GEPU, jointly contributing to approximately 42\% of the overall variance. Our findings shed light on the complex interplay between these key economic variables and their impact on global economic conditions, providing valuable insights for policymakers and investors.
JEL Classification: C32, F44, E44.