bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Practical Design of Stepped Spillways using Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Alashan Sadık , İkincioğulları Erdinç , Yalçın Eyyüp Ensar 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Climate change causes flooding in some regions and increases the need for spillways in dam reservoirs. Energy-dissipating pools or flip bucket structures dissipate the flow energy downstream of conventional spillways. Recently, stepped spillways have been widely used to dissipate the flow of energy downstream. Flows on the stepped spillways are complex and advanced techniques such as fuzzy, neuro-fuzzy, artificial neural network (ANN), and genetic programming (GP) models are required to calculate energy dissipation ratios. Fuzzy logic is superior to the other methods from the aspect of considering physical processes about examined problems. In this study, energy dissipation over stepped spillways is calculated using the fuzzy inference system in Python programming language. Experimental data by different researchers are used to model stepped spillways. Two new parameters, approach channel and step-top geometric ratios, are used to obtain energy dissipation ratios on stepped spillways. Fuzzy logic represents good results with low mean percentages and absolute errors (-1.69% and 2.00), and the produced Python function using the fuzzy inference system can be applied easily to different flow conditions and stepped spillways.
Social inequalities in the use of physiotherapy in women diagnosed with breast cancer in Barcelona: DAMA cohort
Authors: Cogollos-de-la-Peña Rocio , Domínguez-Navarro Fernando , Álvarez-Vargas Anais , Fuentes-Aparicio Laura , Espelt Albert , Puigpinós‑Riera Rosa 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to analyze social inequalities in the use and access of physiotherapy service and its clinical and socio-economic determinants in women diagnosed with breast cancer in the hospital network of Barcelona.Methods Data from 2335 women belonging to the mixed (prospective and retrospective) DAMA Cohort were analyzed, including demographic, socio-economic, clinical and breast cancer-treatment outcomes. To determine the influence of such variables on access to physiotherapy, different Poisson regression models with robust variance (obtaining Prevalence Ratios and confidence intervals) were estimated.Results Although when experiencing different chronic and acute symptoms, only between 20 and 35% of women visited physiotherapist. Two out of 3 women reported to have received insufficient information about medical care and rehabilitation. Age of women, job occupation, education level, having a mutual or private insurance; as well as outcomes related to breast cancer, appear to be factors influencing the access to physiotherapy.Conclusions Social and economic inequalities exist on the access to physiotherapy by women diagnosed with breast cancer, which is generally low, and may clearly impacts on their functional recovery. Promoting strategies to reduce social bias, as well as improve communication and patient information regarding physiotherapy may be of interest for a better health care in breast cancer diagnosed women.
Non-invasive current collectors for improved current-density distribution during CO2 electrolysis on super-hydrophobic electrodes
Authors: Montfort Hugo-Pieter Iglesias van , Li Mengran , Irtem Erdem , Abdinejad Maryam , Wu Yuming , Pal Santosh , Sassenburg Mark , Ripepi Davide , Biemolt Jasper , Subramanian Siddhartha , Rufford Thomas , Burdyny Thomas 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Electrochemical reduction of CO2 presents an attractive way to store renewable energy in chemical bonds in a potentially carbon-neutral way. However, current electrolyzers suffer from intrinsic problems, like flooding and salt accumulation, that must be overcome to industrialize the technology. To resolve flooding and salt precipitation issues, researchers have used ultra-hydrophobic electrodes based on either polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) gas-diffusion layers (GDL’s), or carbon-based GDL’s with added PTFE. While the PTFE backbone is highly-resistant to flooding, the non-conductive nature of PTFE means that without additional current collection the catalyst layer itself is responsible for electron-dispersion, which penalizes system efficiency and stability. In this work, we present operando results that illustrate the poor current/potential distribution in thin catalyst layers (~50 nm) deposited onto PTFE GDL’s. We then compare the effects of thicker catalyst layers (~500 nm) and a newly developed non-interfering current collector (NICC). The NICC can maintain even current distribution with 10-fold thinner catalyst layers while improving stability towards ethylene (≥ 30%) by approximately two-fold.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of prophylactic sealing of pits and fissures of permanent teeth with fissure sealants - umbrella review
Authors: Wnuk Katarzyna , Świtalski Jakub , Miazga Wojciech , Tatara Tomasz , Religioni Urszula , Gujski Mariusz 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: Tooth decay is an infectious disease which, in its initial phase, leads to the formation of cavities in the teeth through decalcification of the enamel and local tissue destruction. In addition to proper oral hygiene, prophylactic sealing of fissures and cavities with a sealant is a method of preventing the development of caries. The aim of this study is to summarise the effectiveness of fissure sealing of permanent teeth with fissure sealants compared to other preventive methods or no intervention.
Method: A systematic review of secondary studies was performed according to the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines based on a previously prepared research protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42023398364). Searches were performed in Medline (via PubMed), Embase (via OVID), and Cochrane Library databases. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the AMSTAR2 tool. In addition, a manual search for recommendations/clinical practice guidelines on dental prophylaxis was performed.
Results: 204 publications were identified, of which 15 secondary studies met the inclusion criteria. Based on the results of 3 studies, there was a statistically significant reduced odds of caries occurrence or development with prophylactic sealing of permanent teeth compared with no intervention. In the eight studies that analysed different sealants, there were no statistically significant differences between the types of materials used for prophylactic tooth sealing. For studies comparing the efficacy of fissure sealants with fluoride varnish, three studies reported no statistically significant difference in the efficacy of caries incidence, with only one study based on 1 RCT finding a statistically significant difference in favour of fissure sealants.
Conclusion: Compared to the no intervention, dental sealing is an effective method for the prevention of dental caries. However, on the basis of the secondary studies, it is not possible to conclude conclusively which type of sealant and which of the available prophylactic methods is more effective in preventing caries.
The long-term efficacy of tick-borne encephalitis vaccines available in Europe as part of conventional immunization schedules. A systematic review. Running title: Long-term efficacy of tick-borne encephalitis vaccines
Authors: Miazga Wojciech , Wnuk Katarzyna , Tatara Tomasz , Świtalski Jakub , Matera Adrian , Religioni Urszula , Gujski Mariusz 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
To assess the long-term efficacy of vaccinations against tick-borne encephalitis using vaccines available on the European market.
Methods
The analysis was conducted on the results of a systematic review conducted in accordance with the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. The search was performed in three databases, namely Medline (via PubMed), EMBASE (via Ovid), and the Cochrane Library database.
Results
From a total of 199 citations, 9 studies were included in this review. According to the primary studies identified in the search, the efficacy of available anti-TBE vaccines ranges from 90.1–98.9%; however, in individuals above the age of 60, the protection wanes as early as one year after vaccination. Administration of a booster dose 3 years after completion of the basic vaccination schedule significantly extends the period of protection against TBE.
Conclusions
Anti-TBE vaccines available in Europe have a high level of efficacy; however, one should bear in mind that the level of protection against TBE is steadily decreasing after vaccination. Following the basic vaccination according to the conventional schedule, booster vaccines should be administered every 5 years in individuals before the age of 60 and more frequently, e.g. every 3 years, in individuals aged 60 and beyond.
Epidemiology of hallux valgus surgery in Italy: a nationwide study from 2001 to 2016
Authors: Longo Umile Giuseppe , Papalia Rocco , Mazzola Alessandro , Salvatore Sergio , Marinozzi Andrea , Campi Stefano , Piergentili Ilaria , Denaro Vincenzo 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
This study intended to estimate the annual number of hallux valgus surgical procedures in Italy and the patients’ epidemiological features. A secondary goal was to compare the demographic differences in access to hallux valgus surgery amongst three Italian macroregions. The analysis was conducted by using the National Hospital Discharge Records (NHDR) database provided by the Italian Ministry of Health. 721,514 surgical procedures for Acquired Hallux valgus were performed. The cumulative incidence was 88.2 procedures for every 100,000 Italian residents. The highest number of procedures was found in the 60–64 age class. The 91.2% of patients were females. The mean length of hospitalization was 2.1 ± 2.2 days. Patients aged 95 to 99 had more days of hospitalization on average. The 51.9% of procedures were performed in the North, 25.7% in the Center and 22.4% in the South. The 98.5% of patients from the North received the surgical treatment in the same macro region of domicile; 90% in the Center; 78.5% in the South. The main primary procedure was: Bunionectomy With Soft Tissue Correction And Osteotomy Of The First Metatarsal (79.9%, 77.51 ICD-9-CM code). The socioeconomic burden of hallux valgus surgery in Italy is relevant. The incidence of hallux valgus surgery has progressively increased between 2001 and 2012 and decreased from 2012 to 2016. A geographical inequal distribution of procedures between the three Italian macroregions was pointed out. Migratory flows of patients from the South to the North for undergoing the procedure were observed.
Cytotoxicity of subcritical water extracts obtained from byproducts generated at commercial pecan shelling operations on cancer cells
Authors: Sevimli Canan Gur , Dunford Nurhan , Gumus Zinar Pinar 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

This study examined potential of the extracts obtained from the byproducts generated at commercial pecan nut shelling operations in cancer treatment. The subcritical water extracts obtained from two varieties, Native and Pawnee, were analyzed for their phenolic contents and compositions. Effects of the extracts on viability and IC50 of the human cell lines representing a broad range of cancer types, cervical, lung, skin, breast, colon and prostate cancers, were investigated. Although the effect of the temperature on the phenolic contents and compositions of the extracts was not statistically significant, the influence of the variety was extensive. The pecan shell extracts were not cytotoxic to the healthy cell line Vero in the concentration range examined. Some of the pecan shell extracts had greater efficay than Doxorubicin, a drug used in cancer chemotherapy, in reducing cancer cell viability. This study is novel and practical implications of the data generated in this study are noteworthy, because this is the first report on the beneficial effects of subcritical water extracts obtained from pecan shelling industry byproducts on a broad range of cancer cell lines. It is likely that the experimental data presented in this study will support and encourage future research on the biological pathways involved in the interactions of the cancer cells and the extracts. The findings of this study will facilitate research on downstream processing and purification of the crude extracts exhibiting high cancer cell cytotoxcity, potentially improving the final product efficacy and leading to commercial applications.
Combined pretreatment neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-lymphocyte ratio predicts survival and prognosis in patients with non-metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a retrospective, multicenter clinical study
Authors: Yang Dong , Li Yi , Li Pian , Meng Zhen , Hu Xueyin , Huang Zichong , Huang Heqing , Dong Huan , Qin Yating , Chen Cong , Chen Xinghua , Li Zhiru , Zhou Ziyan , Kang Min 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
Local recurrence and distant metastasis is the main cause of treatment failure in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). It is necessary to find a reliable, economical and convenient prognostic indicator to accurately predict the prognosis of NPC. The clinical significance of the combination of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is unclear. This study investigated the predictive value of pretreatment NLR (pre-NLR) combined with pretreatment PLR (pre-PLR) for the survival and prognosis of NPC.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 765 patients with non-metastatic NPC. The NLR and PLR before treatment were examined. The pre-NLR-PLR scoring criteria and grouping were as follows: HRG, score of 2, high pre-NLR and high pre-PLR. MRG, score of 1, either high pre-NLR or high pre-PLR. LRG, score of 0, neither high pre-NLR nor high pre-PLR. We compared survival rates and factors affecting the prognosis among different groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify the cutoff-value and discriminant performance of the model.
Results
The ROC curve indicated a cut-off value of 3.29 for pre-NLR and 196.74 for pre-PLR. The 5-year overall survival (OS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) of NPC patients in HRG were significantly poorer than those in MRG and LRG. The pre-NLR-PLR score was positively correlated with T stage, clinical stage, ECOG score and pathological classification. Multivariate cox regression analysis showed that pre-NLR-PLR scoring system, ECOG score and pre-ALB were independent risk factors affecting 5-year OS, 5-year LRFS and 5-year DMFS in NPC patients. Age, T stage, smoking history were independent risk factors for 5-year OS. Age, pathological type, smoking history were independent risk factors for 5-year LRFS. T stage and N stage were independent risk factors for 5-year DMFS. The ROC curve showed that area under the curve (AUC) values of pre-NLR-PLR of 5-year OS, LRFS and DMFS in NPC were higher than those of pre-NLR and pre-PLR.
Conclusions
pre-NLR-PLR is an independent risk factor for the prognosis of NPC. The pre-NLR-PLR scoring system can be used as an individualized clinical assessment tool to predict the prognosis of patients with non-metastatic NPC more accurately and easily.
Activating Lattice Oxygen in High-Entropy LDH for Robust and Durable Water Oxidation
Authors: Wang Fangqing , Zou Peichao , Zhang Yangyang , Pan Wenli , Li Ying , Liang Limin , Chen Cong , Zheng Shijian , Liu Hui 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is known to be a kinetic bottleneck for water splitting. Triggering the lattice oxygen oxidation mechanism (LOM) can break the theoretical limit of the conventional adsorbate evolution mechanism (AEM) and enhance the OER kinetics, yet the unsatisfied stability remains a grand challenge. Here, we report a novel high-entropy MnFeCoNiCu layered double hydroxide decorated with Au single atoms and O vacancies (AuSA-MnFeCoNiCu LDH), which not only displays a low overpotential of 213 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and high mass activity of 732.925 A g−1 at 250 mV overpotential in 1.0 M KOH, but also delivers exceptional stability with 700 hours of continuous operation at ~100 mA cm−2. Combining the advanced spectroscopic techniques and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, it is demonstrated that the synergistic interaction between the incorporated Au single atoms and O vacancies leads to an upshift in the O 2p band and weakens the metal-O bond, thus triggering the LOM, reducing the energy barrier, and boosting the intrinsic activity.
Seismic Response Characteristics and Performance Improvement of Near-Fault Continuous Rigid-Frame Bridges
Authors: Li Jun , Xu Long-He 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
In recent years, increasing attention has focused on seismic performance of long-span continuous rigid-frame bridges (CRFBs) under near-fault earthquake excitations. To investigate the characteristics of near-fault seismic response of CRFBs and evaluate the effectiveness of a hybrid seismic control system (HSCS), this study establishes 22 uncontrolled models and 22 controlled models varying in span and pier height. A comprehensive seismic evaluation method based on a fuzzy logic control (FLC) algorithm is proposed. Transverse whiplash and spatial torsion effects of the uncontrolled and controlled models are analyzed comparatively. Control performance of HSCS is evaluated and parametric study is conducted to investigate the effect of friction, damping, and ground motion on seismic response of HSCS-controlled CRFB. The results indicate that, in practical applications, the transverse whiplash and spatial torsion effects of CRFBs should be considered, particularly in multi-span CRFBs with unequal-height piers. The span and pier height have significant impact on these two effects and the corresponding girder end displacement, girder base, and pier bottom moment. Controlled bridges exhibit lower levels of these responses compared to uncontrolled bridges, and the displacement and bending moment are markedly reduced at a high control ratio of 0.4. Parametric analysis results show that the HSCS provides excellent seismic control performance for near-fault CRFBs when the optimum parameter values are used. This study may provide a useful reference for the seismic design and performance improvement of near-fault CRFBs.
PTEN deletion may be associated with CD8+ T-cell exhaustion in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Zheng Shutao , Ma Jiajia , Li Junna , Pang Xuelian , Ma Mingfu , Ma Zhiping , Cui Wenli 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
'T-cell exhaustion' is a broad term describing the response of T cells to chronic antigen stimulation, initially in chronic viral infection and then extended to tumors. By definition, whether T-cell exhaustion occurs in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remains largely unknown because little has been described. Here, the immune-suppressing checkpoint molecules involved in T-cell exhaustion, including PD-1, PD-L1, TIM-3, IL-10, IL-6 and IL-2, whose expression levels were analyzed in DLBCL, were retrieved from the GEPIA database. Compared with the normal control, CD8A, TNFA, IFNG and GZMA were markedly elevated in DLBCL, indicating that infiltrated CD8+ T cells predominate in DLBCL. Meanwhile, inhibitory immune checkpoints, such as PD-1, PD-L1, TIM-3, IL-10, IL-6 and IL-2, were significantly higher in DLBCL. PTEN, WNT2, and DKK3 expression was also evaluated. It was revealed that PTEN was lower in DLBCL without being statistically significant. Standing in contrast with PTEN, DKK3 and WNT2 were shown to be pronouncedly higher in DLBCL relative to the normal control. Prognostically, the transcriptional levels of PTEN, CD8A and DKK3 were shown to be unassociated with overall survival in DLBCL. Together, all the data we curetted from the GEPIA and TIMER databases explicitly and strongly indicate that CD8+ T-cell exhaustion may occur, which may be linked with PTEN deletion in DLBCL. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first bioinformatic study explicitly proposing that T-cell exhaustion occurs in DLBCL, which is associated with PTEN loss.
A nano instance-based learning by non-specific hybridization of DNA sequences
Authors: Su Yanqing , Lin Wanmin , Chu Ling , Zan Xiangzhen , Xu Peng , Zhang Fengyue , Liu Bo , Liu Wenbin 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a powerful molecule that plays a fundamental role in the storing and processing genetic information of all living organisms. In recent years, scientists over the world have devoted to taking advantage of its high density, energy efficiency and long durability to solve the challenges in information technology. Here, we propose to build an instance-based learning model by DNA molecules. The handwriting digit images in MNIST dataset are encoded by DNA sequences using a deep learning encoder. And the reversal complementary sequence of a query image is used to hybridize with the training instance sequences. Simulation results by NUPACK show that this classification model by DNA could achieve 95% accuracy on average. Wet-lab experiments also validate the predicted yield is consistent with the hybridization strength. Our work proves that it is feasible to build an effective instance-based classification model for practical application.
ERCC6L facilitates the onset of mammary neoplasia and promotes the high malignance of breast cancer by accelerating cell cycle
Authors: Yang Hong , Zhen Xiangjin , Yang Yihui , Zhang Yizhi , Zhang Sen , Hao Yue , Du Guanhua , Wang Hongquan , Zhang Bailin , Li Wan , Wang Jinhua 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Breast cancer (BRCA) is the first cause of morbidity and the second cause of death in female malignant tumors. Although available drugs have been approved for the corresponding breast cancer subtypes (ER Positive, HER2+) currently, there are still no effective targeted drugs and treatment strategies for metastatic breast cancer or triple-negative breast cancer that lack targets. Therefore, it’s urgent to discover new potential targets. ERCC6L is an essential protein involved in chromosome separation during cell mitosis. However, it’s not unclear the effect of ERCC6L on tumorigenesis and progression of breast cancer. Here, we found that ERCC6L was highly expressed in breast cancer, especially in TNBC, which was closely related to poor outcomes of patients. ERCC6L conditional knockout mouse model was first carried out in this study and results that ERCC6L was required for the development of mammary gland and the tumorigenesis and progression of mammary gland cancers were confirmed. In vitro cell culture, ERCC6L acted as a tumor promoter in the malignant progression of breast cancer cells. Overexpression of ERCC6L could promote cell proliferation, migration and invasion, while knockdown of ERCC6L can cause the opposite results. Mechanistically, ERCC6L accelerated the cell cycle by regulating the G2/M checkpoint signaling pathway. Additionally, we demonstrated that there is an interaction between ERCC6L and KIF4A, both of which are a pair of closely related factors in mitosis and involved in the malignant progression of breast cancer. Taken together, ERCC6L may be used as a promising target for the treatment of BRCA.