bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breast Cancer Growth on Serial MRI: Volume Doubling Time Based on 3‐Dimensional Tumor Volume Assessment
Authors: Wang Lijun , Luo Ran , Chen Yanhong , Liu Huanhuan , Guan Wenbin , Li Rui , Zhang Zhengwei , Duan Shaofeng , Wang Dengbin 
Published: March 2023

BackgroundThe volume doubling time (VDT) of breast cancer was most frequently calculated using the two‐dimensional (2D) diameter, which is not reliable for irregular tumors. It was rarely investigated using three‐dimensional (3D) imaging with tumor volume on serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).PurposeTo investigate the VDT of breast cancer using 3D tumor volume assessment on serial breast MRIs.Study TypeRetrospective.SubjectsSixty women (age at diagnosis: 57 ± 10 years) with breast cancer, assessed by two or more breast MRI examinations. The median interval time was 791 days (range: 70–3654 days).Field Strength/Sequence3‐T, fast spin‐echo T2‐weighted imaging (T2WI), single‐shot echo‐planar diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), and gradient echo dynamic contrast‐enhanced imaging.AssessmentThree radiologists independently reviewed the morphological, DWI, and T2WI features of lesions. The whole tumor was segmented to measure the volume on contrast‐enhanced images. The exponential growth model was fitted in the 11 patients with at least three MRI examinations. The VDT of breast cancer was calculated using the modified Schwartz equation.Statistical TestsMann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Chi‐squared test, intraclass correlation coefficients, and Fleiss kappa coefficients. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The exponential growth model was evaluated using the adjusted R2 and root mean square error (RMSE).ResultsThe median tumor diameter was 9.7 mm and 15.2 mm on the initial and final MRI, respectively. The median adjusted R2 and RMSE of the 11 exponential models were 0.97 and 15.8, respectively. The median VDT was 540 days (range: 68–2424 days). For invasive ductal carcinoma (N = 33), the median VDT of the non‐luminal type was shorter than that of the luminal type (178 days vs. 478 days). On initial MRI, breast cancer manifesting as a focus or mass lesion showed a shorter VDT than that of a non‐mass enhancement (NME) lesion (median VDT: 426 days vs. 665 days).Data ConclusionA shorter VDT was observed in breast cancer manifesting as focus or mass as compared to an NME lesion.Level of Evidence3Technical EfficacyStage 2
Clinical characteristics and psychoacoustic analysis of acute and chronic subjective tinnitus
Authors: Zhang Haopeng , Ji Lin , Wang Lihua , Yin Ziming , Cen Jingtu , Guo Yu 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to understand the demographics, clinical characteristics, and psychoacoustic status of subjective tinnitus patients to explore the factors associated with acute and chronic tinnitus in the general hospitals of Shanghai.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted to investigate the clinical characteristics and psychoacoustic status of subjective tinnitus patients with history greater than 1 month. Data were collected during January 2021 and January 2022 from eight general hospitals in five districts of Shanghai, China. All patients accepted questionnaires and acoustic examination, then SPSS 22.0 and GraphPad Prism 8.0.2 were applied for data analysis.ResultsAmong the 359 tinnitus patients, 126 cases were diagnosed with acute tinnitus, 58 cases were subacute tinnitus, and 175 cases were chronic tinnitus. Patients with acute and chronic tinnitus differed in terms of side of tinnitus, hearing loss, frequency of tinnitus, severity of tinnitus, anxiety, depression, and sleep status. Different characteristics were included in the multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis. Persistent tinnitus (OR = 2.00, p = .008), high frequency hearing loss (OR = 4.77, p < .001), depression (OR = 1.23, p < .001) were found to be positively associated with the course of tinnitus. Unilateral tinnitus (OR = 0.48, p = .003), mild (OR = 0.29, p = .001) and moderate (OR = 0.46, p = .038) hearing loss, VAS scores (OR = 0.82, p = .032), anxiety (OR = 0.81, p < .001), THI scores (OR = 0.98, p = .002), and sleep disorders (OR = 0.94, p = .025) were found to be negatively associated with the course of tinnitus.ConclusionPatients with acute tinnitus were at greater risk for anxiety, sleep disturbances, and exacerbation of tinnitus perception, and those with chronic tinnitus were at greater risk for depression.Lay SummaryOur study demonstrated that patients with acute tinnitus were at greater risk for anxiety, sleep disturbances, and exacerbation of tinnitus perception, and those with chronic tinnitus were at greater risk for depression.
A novel technique for wall parameter estimation for through wall imaging systems
Authors: Singh Akhilendra Pratap 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAccurate estimating of wall parameters is crucial for precisely locating targets and obtaining well‐focused through wall radar images. Recently, machine learning has been introduced for quick and precise estimation of wall parameters. One of the significant concerns with this approach is the generation of training and testing data, which require the fabrication of walls with different permittivity, thickness, and conductivity. Creating walls with varying permittivity, thickness, and conductivity can be difficult and expensive. Therefore, a cost‐effective method for estimating wall parameters is proposed in this paper. The proposed method uses an electromagnetic approach to train the artificial neural network to retrieve the relative permittivity and thickness of the wall. The proposed estimation approach has the advantages of high precision and low computational complexity. The performance of the proposed approach is validated on simulated and experimental data. The applicability of the proposed method has been shown with measured data from two real building walls. It is shown that the proposed method retrieved wall parameters with high accuracy.
Bandwidth‐reconfigurable filtering phase shifters with phase‐slope alignment for different bandwidth states
Authors: Shao Chuan , Zhu Xiao‐Hua 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn this article, filtering phase shifters with the capability to reconfigure their operating bandwidth are proposed for the first time. The proposed phase shifter is based on a triple‐mode half‐wavelength microstrip‐line resonator with two loaded stubs. The operating bandwidth of proposed phase shifters can be adjusted by changing the frequency ratio (Rf) between the third (fp3) and the first (fp1) resonant frequencies, which can be flexibly controlled by changing the length of loaded stubs. Meanwhile, phase slopes also can be aligned by further studying Rf to achieve low phase errors. For validation, 90° phase filtering phase shifters centered at 2.5 GHz are designed, and measured. Measured results indicate that the fractional bandwidth of this phase shifter can be flexibly tuned from 16% to 36% with good filtering performance. Meanwhile, the phase error and magnitude imbalance of the proposed 90° phase shifters are less than ±5° and 0.3 dB, respectively.
Sacral neuromodulation in the management of chronic pelvic pain: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Greig Julian , Mak Quentin , Furrer Marc A. , Sahai Arun , Raison Nicholas 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIntroductionSacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a treatment approved for use in several conditions including refractory overactive bladder (OAB) and voiding dysfunction. Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a debilitating condition for which treatment is often challenging. SNM shows promising effect in patients with refractory CPP. However, there is a lack of clear evidence, especially in long‐term outcomes. This systematic review will assess outcomes of SNM for treating CPP.MethodsA systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central and clinical trial databases was completed from database inception until January 14, 2022. Studies using original data investigating SNM in an adult population with CPP which recorded pre and posttreatment pain scores were selected. Primary outcome was numerical change in pain score. Secondary outcomes were quality of life assessment and change in medication use and all‐time complications of SNM. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Tool for cohort studies.ResultsTwenty‐six of 1026 identified articles were selected evaluating 853 patients with CPP. The implantation rate after test‐phase success was 64.3%. Significant improvement of pain scores was reported in 13 studies; three studies reported no significant change. WMD in pain scores on a 10‐point scale was −4.64 (95% confidence interval [CI] = −5.32 to −3.95, p < 0.00001) across 20 studies which were quantitatively synthesized: effects were maintained at long‐term follow‐up. Mean follow‐up was 42.5 months (0–59). Quality of life was measured by RAND SF‐36 and EQ‐5D questionnaires and all studies reported improvement in quality of life. One hundred and eighty‐nine complications were reported in 1555 patients (Clavien‐Dindo Grade I‐IIIb). Risk of bias ranged from low to high risk. Studies were case series and bias stemmed from selection bias and loss to follow‐up.ConclusionSacral Neuromodulation is a reasonably effective treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain and significantly reduces pain and increases patients’ quality of life with immediate to long‐term effects.
Hepatic and serum branched‐chain fatty acid profile in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A case–control study
Authors: Martínez‐Montoro José Ignacio , Núñez‐Sánchez María Ángeles , Martinez‐Sanchez María Antonia , Balaguer‐Román Andrés , Fernández‐Ruiz Virginia E. , Ferrer‐Gómez Mercedes , Sledzinski Tomasz , Frutos María Dolores , Fernández‐García José Carlos , Mika Adriana , Ramos‐Molina Bruno 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectiveAlterations in the hepatic lipidome are a crucial factor involved in the pathophysiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum and hepatic profile of branched‐chain fatty acids (BCFAs) in patients with different stages of NAFLD.MethodsThis was a case–control study performed in 27 patients without NAFLD, 49 patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver, and 17 patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, defined by liver biopsies. Serum and hepatic levels of BCFAs were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The hepatic expression of genes involved in the endogenous synthesis of BCFAs was analyzed by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR).ResultsA significant increase in hepatic BCFAs was found in subjects with NAFLD compared with those without NAFLD; no differences were observed in serum BCFAs between study groups. Trimethyl BCFAs, iso‐BCFAs, and anteiso‐BCFAs were increased in subjects with NAFLD (either nonalcoholic fatty liver or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) compared with those without NAFLD. Correlation analysis showed a relationship between hepatic BCFAs and the histopathological diagnosis of NAFLD, as well as other histological and biochemical parameters related to this disease. Gene expression analysis in liver showed that the mRNA levels of BCAT1, BCAT2, and BCKDHA were upregulated in patients with NAFLD.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the increased production of liver BCFAs might be related to NAFLD development and progression.
Principled leveraging of external data in the evaluation of diagnostic devices via the propensity score‐integrated composite likelihood approach
Authors: Song Changhong , Li Heng , Chen Wei‐Chen , Lu Nelson , Tiwari Ram , Wang Chenguang , Xu Yunling , Yue Lilly Q. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn the area of diagnostics, it is common practice to leverage external data to augment a traditional study of diagnostic accuracy consisting of prospectively enrolled subjects to potentially reduce the time and/or cost needed for the performance evaluation of an investigational diagnostic device. However, the statistical methods currently being used for such leveraging may not clearly separate study design and outcome data analysis, and they may not adequately address possible bias due to differences in clinically relevant characteristics between the subjects constituting the traditional study and those constituting the external data. This paper is intended to draw attention in the field of diagnostics to the recently developed propensity score‐integrated composite likelihood approach, which originally focused on therapeutic medical products. This approach applies the outcome‐free principle to separate study design and outcome data analysis and can mitigate bias due to imbalance in covariates, thereby increasing the interpretability of study results. While this approach was conceived as a statistical tool for the design and analysis of clinical studies for therapeutic medical products, here, we will show how it can also be applied to the evaluation of sensitivity and specificity of an investigational diagnostic device leveraging external data. We consider two common scenarios for the design of a traditional diagnostic device study consisting of prospectively enrolled subjects, which is to be augmented by external data. The reader will be taken through the process of implementing this approach step‐by‐step following the outcome‐free principle that preserves study integrity.
COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy: The synergistic effect of anxiety and proactive coping
Authors: Hughes MacKenzie L. , Neupert Shevaun D. , Smith Emily L. , Coblenz Clara W. , Macy Samuel G. , Pearman Ann 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundThis study sought to identify cognitive and behavioral predictors of COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy. Specifically, this study examined the effect of anxiety about developing COVID‐19 and proactive coping behavior on the likelihood of reporting COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy in a sample of adults living in the United States.MethodsAn online survey of proactive coping strategies, anxiety related to developing COVID‐19, and vaccine hesitancy was administered in October 2020 to 534 adults aged 21–79‐years old. Age, gender, race, self‐rated health, years of education, COVID‐19 knowledge, and perceived constraints were included as covariates.ResultsOver half of the study participants (56.7%) were COVID‐19 vaccine hesitant. People who were less anxious about developing COVID‐19 were more likely to be vaccine hesitant. A statistically significant COVID‐19 anxiety × proactive coping interaction showed the odds of vaccine hesitancy was highest among individuals with low anxiety about developing COVID‐19 and high proactive coping, whereas vaccine hesitancy was lowest among individuals with high COVID‐19 anxiety and high proactive coping.ConclusionResults support a future‐oriented approach to public health outreach efforts regarding COVID‐19 vaccines. Improvement of proactive coping skills and emphasis on the likelihood of contracting COVID‐19 may be more effective in increasing vaccine uptake than simply restating scientific facts regarding safety or efficacy.
Large‐Area Arrays of Polymer‐Tethered Gold Nanorods with Controllable Orientation and Their Application in Nano‐Floating‐Gate Memory Devices
Authors: Wang Huayang , Qian Haowen , Li Wen , Wang Ke , Li Hao , Zheng Xihuang , Gu Pan , Chen Senbin , Yi Mingdong , Xu Jiangping , Zhu Jintao 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn this work, it is reported that large‐area (centimeter‐scale) arrays of non‐close‐packed polystyrene‐tethered gold nanorod (AuNR@PS) can be prepared through a liquid–liquid interfacial assembly method. Most importantly, the orientation of AuNRs in the arrays can be controlled by changing the intensity and direction of electric field applied in the solvent annealing process. The interparticle distance of AuNR can be tuned by varying the length of polymer ligands. Moreover, the AuNR@PS with short PS ligand are favorited to form orientated arrays with the assistance of electric field, while long PS ligands make the orientation of AuNRs difficult. The orientated AuNR@PS arrays are employed as the nano‐floating gate of field‐effect transistor memory device. Tunable charge trapping and retention characteristics in the device can be realized by electrical pulse with visible light illumination. The memory device with orientated AuNR@PS array required less illumination time (1 s) at the same onset voltage in programming operation, compared to the control device with disordered AuNR@PS array (illumination time: 3 s). Moreover, the orientated AuNR@PS array‐based memory device can maintain the stored data for more than 9000 s, and exhibits stable endurance characteristic without significant degradation in 50 programming/reading/erasing/reading cycles.
Site‐Specific Modification of Virus‐Like Particles for Exogenous Tumor Antigen Display and Minimizing Preexisting Immunity
Authors: Cheng Keman , Ma Nana , Liang Jie , Ma Xiaotu , Feng Qingqing , Liu Guangna , Xu Chen , Tang Ming , Zhang Lizhuo , Gao Xiaoyu , Xu Jiaqi , Wang Chufan , Zhu Fei , Wang Xinwei , Li Xiang , Zhao Xiao , Nie Guangjun 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe widespread preexisting immunity against virus‐like particles (VLPs) seriously limits the applications of VLPs as vaccine vectors. Enabling technology for exogenous antigen display should not only ensure the assembly ability of VLPs and site‐specific modification, but also consider the effect of preexisting immunity on the behavior of VLPs in vivo. Here, combining genetic code expansion technique and synthetic biology strategy, a site‐specific modification method for hepatitis B core (HBc) VLPs via incorporating azido‐phenylalanine into the desired positions is described. Through modification position screening, it is found that HBc VLPs incorporated with azido‐phenylalanine at the main immune region can effectively assemble and rapidly conjugate with the dibenzocycolctyne‐modified tumor‐associated antigens, mucin‐1 (MUC1). The site‐specific modification of HBc VLPs not only improves the immunogenicity of MUC1 antigens but also shields the immunogenicity of HBc VLPs themselves, thereby activating a strong and persistent anti‐MUC1 immune response even in the presence of preexisting anti‐HBc immunity, which results in the efficient tumor elimination in a lung metastatic mouse model. Together, these results demonstrate the site‐specific modification strategy enabled HBc VLPs behave as a potent antitumor vaccine and this strategy to manipulate immunogenicity of VLPs may be suitable for other VLP‐based vaccine vectors.
Effects of intercropping of immature oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) with banana, ginger, and turmeric in the Galle District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Dissanayake Saman Mahanama , Palihakkara Indika Rohan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractOil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is considered as the world's leading edible oil producing plant and in tropical countries well established as a perennial plantation crop. Oil palm has spread over 10,000 hectares in the wet zone of the Island. Immature phase of oil palm plantation up to 5 years, there is sufficient space available inside the cultivation. Land productivity in immature plantations could be sustainably increased with some selected intercrops. A field experiment is being conducted at Thalgaswella Estate (6° 24′ 60″ °N, 80° 27′ 44″ °E. 48 m above sea level, WL2a) in Galle district to investigate the suitability of different intercrops during the immature phase. Banana, ginger, and turmeric were selected as intercrops. The experiment was designed with Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four treatments, including three replicates. Growth parameters of intercrops and maincrop were taken at 2 months intervals. Yield of intercrops were taken accordingly. In addition to this, the chlorophyll content of leaves was also measured in both intercrops and main crop. Soil chemical parameters were measured annually. There was a significant difference in the height of banana plants and the leaf width of Turmeric grown under oil palm during the first year of this experiment. Intercropped turmeric, ginger, and banana have given yields 4875, 4500, and 7550 kg/ha, respectively. During immature phase of the oil palm hardly any income to the grower, hence intercropping will give a very good chance to gain an income before the first harvest of oil palm being done. Percentage yields of intercrops were shown in banana, turmeric, and ginger as 60.64%, 32.8%, and 61.22% respectively against the monocrop and findings will help to make sustainable use of lands in oil palm plantations.
Changes in eating time, chewing activity and dust concentration in horses fed either alfalfa cubes or long‐stem hay
Authors: Petz Viktoria , Khiaosa‐ard Ratchaneewan , Iben Christine , Zebeli Qendrim 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundChewing is an essential physiological process in horses; yet, the physical form of feeds may affect their chewing and feeding behaviour with consequences for equine digestion and health.Objectives and methodsThe present study evaluated the potential of a commercial forage cubes made from alfalfa and mixed meadow grasses to maintain chewing activity when compared with a traditional long and fibre‐rich hay. An additional aim was to measure the dust formation during feeding. The experiment was a crossover design with six horses (11 ± 4 years old, mean ± SD), fed with 5 kg (as‐fed basis) of their feed (long hay or alfalfa cubes) overnight. Eating and chewing activity was measured using the EquiWatch system with a sensor‐based halter.ResultsData showed that by feeding the same amount of feed overnight, cube feeding led to 24% shorter eating time (on average 67 min less) and 26% fewer total chews compared to the long hay. On an hourly basis, horses also spent more time eating and chewing the long hay compared to the cubes. The cube feeding led to a higher dust concentration of the inhalable fraction (<100 μm), but not of the thoracic (<10 μm) fraction. Nevertheless, average dust concentrations were generally low for both cubes and hay, whereby both were of sound hygienic status.Conclusion and recommendationOur data suggest that feeding alfalfa‐based cubes overnight generated shorter eating time and less chews than the long hay without major differences in the thoracic dust. Therefore, because of the decreased eating time and chews, alfalfa‐based cubes should not be fed a sole forage source, especially when it is to be fed without restriction.
Grundlagenbeitrag: Physiologische Messungen im Kontext der Evaluation von Wissenschaftskommunikation
Authors: Niemann Philipp , Scheuermann Yannic 
Published: March 2023

ZusammenfassungDer Grundlagenbeitrag zu physiologischen Messungen behandelt ausgewählte, praxistaugliche Verfahren aus einem breiten Methodenspektrum, die sich für wissenschaftskommunikative Evaluationsvorhaben eignen. Vorgestellt werden diese gegliedert nach Erregungs-, Emotions-, Aufmerksamkeits- und Bewertungsindikatoren. Besonderes Augenmerk liegt auf der Methode der Blickaufzeichnung sowie auf der Real-Time-Response-Messung, deren Anwendung in der Praxis der Wissenschaftskommunikation besonders naheliegend erscheinen. Im Vergleich zu anderen Evaluationsmethoden wird deutlich, dass der Einsatz physiologischer Messungen insgesamt sowohl in Konzeption, Durchführung und Auswertung komplex ist, jedoch ein tiefgehendes Verständnis für Rezeptionsprozesse bei wissenschaftskommunikativen Artefakten schaffen kann.