bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index as a Prognostic Marker for Patients with Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma Receiving Radical Nephroureterectomy
Authors: Chang Li-Wen , Hung Sheng-Chun , Chen Chuan-Shu , Li Jian-Ri , Chiu Kun-Yuan , Wang Shian-Shiang , Yang Cheng-Kuang , Lu Kevin , Chen Cheng-Che , Wang Shu-Chi , Lin Chia-Yen , Cheng Chen-Li , Ou Yen-Chuan , Yang Shun-Fa 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose:
To investigate the prognostic value of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) in patients with upper tract urothelial cell carcinoma (UTUC) receiving radical nephroureterectomy (RNU).
Methods:
Between January 2001 and December 2015, we enrolled 488 patients with UTUC underwent RNU in Taichung Veterans General Hospital. GNRI before radical surgery was calculated based on serum albumin level and body mass index. The malnutritional status was defined as GNRI < 92.0. Using Kaplan-Meier analyses and Cox proportional hazards models to analyze the risk factors on disease-free survival (DFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS).
Results:
386 patients were categorized as normal nutritional status (GNRI ≥ 92) and 102 patients as malnutritional status (GNRI < 92). We used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for determined the association between GNRI and OS, with area under the curve (AUC) being 0.69. The 5-year survival rate of DFS, CSS and OS were 48.6%, 80.5% and 80.5% in the normal nutritional group and 28.0%, 53.2% and 40% in the malnutritional group. Using the multivariate analysis, malnutritional status was found as an independent risk factor for OS (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 3.98, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 2.72-5.81), together with age (HR=1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.06), surgical margin positive (HR=1.91, 95% CI 1.19-3.05) and tumor stage. We also found GNRI index as independent risk factor in DFS (HR=2.04, 95% CI 1.54-2.72) and CSS (HR=5.15, 95% CI 3.1-8.57).
Conclusions:
Preoperative malnutritional status with low GNRI is an independent risk factor of DFS, CSS and OS in UTUC patients underwent RNU.
Virus infection of phytoplankton increases average molar mass and reduces hygroscopicity of aerosolized organic matter
Authors: Bidle Kay , Diaz Ben , Moore Richard , Gallo Francesca 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Viral infection of phytoplankton is a pervasive mechanism of cell death and bloom termination, which leads to the production of dissolved and colloidal organic matter that can be aerosolized into the atmosphere. Earth-observing satellites can track the growth and death of phytoplankton blooms on weekly time scales but the impact of viral infection on the cloud forming potential of associated aerosols is largely unknown. Here, we determine the influence of viral-derived organic matter, purified viruses, and marine hydrogels on the cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity of their aerosolized solutions, compared to organic exudates from healthy phytoplankton. Dissolved organic material derived from exponentially growing and infected cells of well-characterized eukaryotic phytoplankton host-virus systems, including viruses from diatoms, coccolithophores and chlorophytes, was concentrated, desalted, and nebulized to form aerosol particles composed of primarily of organic matter. Aerosols from infected phytoplankton cultures resulted in an increase in critical activation diameter and average molar mass in most combinations evaluated, along with a decrease in organic kappa compared to healthy cultures and seawater controls. The infected samples also displayed evidence of increased surface tension depression at realistic cloud water vapor supersaturations. Amending the samples with xanthan gum to simulate marine hydrogels increased variability in organic kappa and surface tension in aerosols with high organic to salt ratios. Our findings suggest that the pulses of increased dissolved organic matter associated with viral infection in surface waters may increase the molar mass of dissolved organic compounds relative to surface waters occupied by healthy phytoplankton or low phytoplankton biomass.
Study on friction and wear properties of copper-impregnated carbon slide plate under different humidity conditions
Authors: Huang Mian , Yang Bing , Rong Youxin , Zhao Lei , Xiao Shoune 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The pantograph–catenary system is one of the most commonly used power-receiving modes of metro trains. Its friction and wear performances are related to the safety and stability of train operation. In this study, a copper-impregnated carbon slide plate material, widely used in numerous metro lines in China, is considered as the research object. The problem of abnormal wear of pantograph slide plates caused by the decrease in relative humidity in the autumn and winter in tunnels is studied. Current-carrying friction and wear tests under humidity conditions of 20%, 30%, and 40% relative humidity(RH) are performed to reveal the mechanism of seasonal abnormal wear of slide plates and provide a reference for the service of pantograph slide plates under low-humidity conditions. The results reveal that relative humidity significantly influences the wear process of slide plates; further, the wear rate and friction coefficient decrease with an increase in relative humidity. As observed by electron microscopy and laser scanning confocal microscopy, with an increase in the relative humidity, the mechanical wear of the slide surface is weakened, arc erosion is enhanced, and surface roughness is increased. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry(EDS) analysis reveal that under high humidity conditions, a relatively complete oxide film forms on the slide plate and plays a role in lubrication and protection. Under low humidity conditions, a large number of fine abrasive particles are distributed on the surface, and an insufficient oxide film is formed; consequently, the wear rate and friction coefficient are maintained at a high level.
Experimental study on dynamic characteristics of tailings under different consolidation conditions
Authors: Du Changbo , Jiang Xinqi , Wang Laigui , Yi Fu , Niu Ben 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The objective of this study is to investigate the dynamic characteristics of tailings sand under different consolidation conditions. Through consolidated undrained triaxial tests under different dry densities, consolidation ratios and containing pressures, the dynamic shear stress, liquefaction stress ratio, dynamic strength index, dynamic pore water pressure, dynamic modulus and damping ratio of tailings sand under different consolidation conditions were analyzed. The test results show that: The dynamic shear stress of tailings sand is linear with the number of failure vibration. The influence of consolidation ratio on liquefaction stress ratio is obvious. The two correspond to a quadratic polynomial passing through the origin. The influence of consolidation ratio on dynamic internal friction angle is greater than that of dry density. The change of dynamic shear modulus ratio and damping ratio with dynamic strain is obviously influenced by consolidation ratio. The variation law of reference shear stress under different conditions is basically in accordance with normal distribution. The research results can serve as a theoretical reference for seismic liquefaction of a tailings dam in areas of high intensity seismic activity.
Salt induced modulations in morphological, physiological, and metabolic attributes in in-vitro grown shoots of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal
Authors: Sharma Lakee , Maurya Bipin , Pandey-Rai Shashi 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Due to increasing dependency of global population on herbal-based medicines, enhanced production of secondary metabolites has become utmost necessary. Several scientists have revealed the role of NaCl as abiotic elicitor for in-planta enhancement of phytochemical compounds. Thus, we have micropropagated Withania somnifera from callus tissues in varying concentrations of BAP hormone and found that MS medial supplemented with 2 mg L− 1 to be best suited for maximum yield. Further, the microshoots were treated with varying concentration (50–250 mM) of NaCl to assess morphological, physico-biochemical, and molecular characteristic. Higher concentrations of NaCl significantly hampered the morphological and photosynthetic attributes of microshoots. A significant enhancement in the proline, phenol, and sugar contents were recorded and highest accumulation was observed by 136.7%, 60%, and 135.9% respectively with 250 mM treated shoots. Free radical scavenging activity and malondialdehyde level was also up-regulated by 1.24 and 1.92-fold respectively. Similarly, anti-oxidants enzymatic activities were increased linearly. Contrary to this, highest production of flavonoid (49.5%) and withaferin-A (192.9%) was limited only upto 150 mM NaCl. Higher accumulation of withanolide was further attested by the Real-time PCR analysis off related genes which revealed their maximum expression by 150 mM salt treatment. Conversely, expression of photosynthetic-related genes was significantly declined after increasing doses of NaCl. These outcomes depicted that moderate dose of NaCl can act as elicitor for enhanced secondary metabolites of W. somnifera without compromising its growth significantly.
Feasibility and advantage of pre-operative radiotherapy in retroperitoneal sarcoma
Authors: Park Sean SW , Jo Sung Jun , Yoo Gyu Sang , Kim Kyeong Deok , Lim So Hee , Kim Jinseob , Kim Min Jung , You Jeong Il , Park Jae Berm , Lee Kyo Won 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
A high rate of locoregional recurrence is one of the major difficulties in successful treatment of retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS). Although pre-operative radiotherapy (preRTx) is considered a potential way to improve local recurrence, concerns about the associated treatment toxicity and risk of peri-operative complications need to be addressed. Hence, this study investigates the safety of pre-operative radiotherapy for RPS.
Methods
A cohort of 198 patients with RPS who had undergone both surgery and radiotherapy was analyzed for peri-operative complications. They were divided into three groups according to the radiotherapy scheme: 1) preRTx group, 2) post-operative radiotherapy without tissue expander, and 3) post-operative radiotherapy with tissue expander.
Results
The preRTx was overall well tolerated and did not affect the R2 resection rate, operative time, and severe post-operative complications. However, the preRTx group was associated with higher incidence of post-operative transfusion and admission to intensive care unit (p = 0.013 and p = 0.036, respectively), where preRTx was an independent risk factor only for the post-operative transfusion (p = 0.009) in multivariate analysis. The median radiation dose was the highest in preRTx group, although no significant difference was demonstrated in overall survival and local recurrence rate.
Conclusion
This study suggests that the preRTx does not add significant post-operative morbidity to the patients with RPS. In addition, radiation dose elevation is achievable with the pre-operative radiotherapy. However, a meticulous intra-operative bleeding control is recommended in those patients, and further high-quality trials are warranted to evaluate the long-term oncological outcomes.
Intermodel relation between present-day warm pool intensity and future precipitation changes
Authors: Kug Jong-Seong , Pathirana Gayan , Wu Yi-Kai , Kwon Minho 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Tropical convection plays an important role in regional and global climate variability, and future changes in tropical precipitation under anthropogenic global warming are critical for projecting future changes in regional climate. In this study, by analyzing Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) phase 6 models, we show that changes in projected tropical precipitation in CMIP6 models vary among models, but they are largely associated with the model’s warm pool intensity in the present-day (PD) climate. Models with stronger warm pools in the PD simulation tend to simulate an increase in precipitation in the central Pacific (CP) and a decrease in Maritime Continent (MC) under greenhouse warming. Significant differences in precipitation between the CP and MC regions induce low-level westerly anomalies over the western-central Pacific, favoring sea surface temperature warming in the CP region, suggesting that the associated air–sea interactions yield a particular tropical pattern in response to anthropogenic forcing.
Quantitative study on transient visual effect of non-lethal laser radiation under different ambient light levels
Authors: Niu Jin , Xu Xiping 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
This study examines the extent to which ambient light levels affect the transient visual effectiveness of a non-lethal laser radiation on human eyes. A typical 532-nm laser dazzler was selected to simulate the scenario in a military-specific mission. A transient visual effect detection and evaluation system was used as a visualisation tool to perform a series of laser dazzle simulation tests that involved varying the laser radiation distances and target contrasts under ambient light levels that ranged from 10−3 lx to 103 lx. In the experiments, we captured images showing the effect of a laser dazzle on human eyes and calculated parameters that can determine the transient visual effect. After theoretical verification and analysis, the results show that different levels of ambient light significantly affect the transient visual effect of non-lethal laser radiation and that the laser radiation distance and target specificity also affect the transient visual effect to varying degrees. In particular, the laser sample demonstrates optimal levels of dazzling when the ambient illumination ranges from 0.1 lx to 10 lx, the radiation distance is close to 100 m and the target contrast is 40%. We argue that the influence pattern of the ambient light level on the pupil diameter of the human eye and the degree of dazzling perception are the main reasons for the results. The conclusions serve as a reference for the application of a non-lethal laser radiation in military-specific missions.
Model Averaging for Support Vector Machine by Cross-Validation
Authors: Zou Jiahui , Yuan Chaoxia , Zhang Xinyu , Zou Guohua , Wan Alan T. K. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Support vector machine (SVM) is a well-known statistical technique for classification problems in machine learning and other fields.An important question for SVM is the selection of covariates (or features) for the model.Many studies have considered model selection methods. As is well-known, selecting one winning model over others can entail considerable instability in predictive performance due to model selection uncertainties. This paper advocates model averaging as an alternative approach, where estimates obtained from different models are combined in a weighted average. We propose a model weighting scheme and provide the theoretical underpinning for the proposed method. In particular, we prove that our proposed method yields a model average estimator that achieves the smallest hinge risk among all feasible combinations asymptotically. To remedy the computational burden due to a large number of feasible models, we propose a screening step to eliminate the uninformative features before combining the models. Results from real data applications and a simulation study show that the proposed method generally yields more accurate estimates than existing methods.
Accuracy of gallbladder polyp size in predicting and detecting gallbladder cancer-a single-center study on gallbladder polyps
Authors: Liu Shuwang , Wang Yan , Zhang Lifen , Xu Jing , Wu Tianchong , Deng Lingna , An Tailai 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background: Despite the fact that most gallbladder polyps are benign, malignant lesions are not so rare as thought. We performed this study to evaluate size distribution of gallbladder polyps and assess efficiency of reported risk factors in predicting malignancy.
Methods: In this study, medical records of patients having undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder polyps at Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shenzhen People,s Hospital were reviewed. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis were adopted to determine risk factors for malignant lesions. Additionally, receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis was accomplished to identify the optimal cutoff size.
Results: A total of 1012 patients were included in this study. Of the 1012 patients, 977 ones were diagnosed with benign gallbladder polyps while 35 ones with malignant polyps. Diameters of the 977 benign gallbladder polyps were between 1 and 50 mm while the 35 malignant polyps were between 4 and 54 mm. Incidence of gallbladder cancer among lesions ≥10mm was 15.5%, 31.5% for lesions ≥15mm and 49.0% for lesions ≥20mm. Among polyps in the following four size ranges (≤5mm, 6-9mm, 10-14mm, and 15-19mm), cholesterol polyps were the most common. While among polyps between 20 and 24mm, adenomas were the most common and among polyps ≥25mm, malignant tumors were the most common. Sessile morphology was significantly more common in malignant lesions (91.4%) than in benign lesions (3.7%, P<0.001). Multiple polyps were frequently diagnosed not only as cholesterol polyps (82%) but also as adenomas (4.3%) and gallbladder cancer (0.3%). We demonstrated that sessile morphology, blood flow signal on ultrasonography and single polyps were independent predictive factors for gallbladder malignancy.
Conclusions: Detection rate of malignant lesions increased significantly with the increase in diameter. Risk factors such as sessile morphology, blood flow signal on ultrasonography and single polyps were effective factors predicting malignant lesions. It was difficult for us to accurately confirm the pathological diagnoses of gallbladder polyps solely based on preoperative examinations given the fact that cholesterol polyps and adenomas were quite common, even among large gallbladder polyps.
An investigation of the fluid-holding cavities in a lignocellulose-based bamboo matrix via a combined X-ray microtomography and proton time-domain NMR approach
Authors: Rodrigues Elton Jorge da Rocha , Neto Roberto Pinto Cucinelli , Alves Haimon Diniz Lopes , Paciornick Sidnei , de Sá Druval Santos , Ghavami Khosrow , Pandoli Omar Ginoble 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus) is a functionally graded material with well-organized hierarchical structures. Its micrometer-sized vascular bundles and parenchymatic living cells allow an efficient upward flow of water and nutrients, endowing the organism with remarkably fast growth. As demonstrated recently, the hollow microstructure channels can be explored as a natural template for microfluidics applications in chemical synthesis, analytical detection, solar steam generation, and electrochemical devices. Thus, the knowledge of the kinetics of the imbibition and spatial distribution of fluid through the microcavities of the bamboo vegetal tissue became of interest. Here, we employed a combination of X-ray microtomography (µCT) and proton time-domain NMR (TD-NMR) to identify, measure, and investigate empty volumes embedded in the bamboo's tissue as experienced by different organic and inorganic fluids, namely dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and distilled water (H2O). Results have shown that the extensive communication between the voids (parenchymal cells and vascular channels) does not prevent the individuation of fluid reservoirs with different behaviors, as evidenced by the H2O desorption profile. Bamboo parenchyma was the tissue that retained more residual H2O after desorption. The difference in wettability of bamboo tissues by DMSO and H2O was detected.
Long term trends do not indicate a recovery of salmonids despite signs of natural reproduction
Authors: Soto Ismael , Dietrich Jana S. , Monteoliva Agustín P. , Haubrock Phillip J. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Healthy populations of salmonids are integral for the functioning of ecosystems and valuable for the socio-cultural well-being of humans. Past declines were attributed to anthropogenic stressors, raising concern about the sustainability of populations. Accordingly, many salmonids are listed on red lists and protected by national legislation. One region where salmonid populations are threatened is Northern Spain, the most southern distribution of both the Atlantic salmon (protected under the EU Habitat Directive) and the brown trout. Here, we collated ~ 700 biomonitoring samples of both species collected across 177 sites over a 10-year period (2010–2019) to describe ongoing trends in these species and to relate them to site characteristics and potential drivers. We showed that both species have declined substantially, with stocked individuals constituting the majority of both populations. Natural reproduction was almost entirely absent for the brown trout (< 1%), but present in the Atlantic salmon (~ 20%). Both species expressed distinct spatial patterns, likely related to their stocking. As such, the observed trends for both species illustrate that reproduction is almost entirely lacking, underlined by a lack of adult salmonids. As a result, we not only underline alarming conditions of both species, but also question the effectiveness of currently employed stocking. Given that both species are of increasing conservation concern, targeted restoration measures like dam removal and pollution reduction must be applied to generate self-sustaining populations. River basin specific analyses of constraints are required to detect limiting factors on which conservation actions can be taken to ultimately make stocking dispensable.
Enterotypes of the human gut mycobiome
Authors: Lai Senying , Yan Yan , Pu Yanni , Lin Shuchun , Qiu Jian-Ge , Jiang Bing-Hua , Keller Marisa , Wang Mingyu , Bork Peer , Chen Wei-Hua , Zheng Yan , Zhao Xing-Ming 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background The fungal component of the human gut microbiome, also known as the mycobiome, plays a vital role in intestinal ecology and human health. However, the overall structure of the gut mycobiome as well as the inter-individual variations in fungal composition remains largely unknown. In this study, we collected a total of 3,363 fungal sequencing samples from 16 cohorts across three continents, including 572 newly profiled samples from China. Results We identify and characterize four mycobiome enterotypes using ITS profiling of 3,363 samples from 16 cohorts. These enterotypes exhibit stability across populations and geographical locations and significant correlation with bacterial enterotypes. Particularly, we notice that fungal enterotype have a strong age preference, where the enterotype dominated by Candida (i.e., fun_C_E enterotype) is enriched in the elderly populations and confers an increased risk of multiple diseases associated with compromised intestinal barrier. In addition, bidirectional mediation analysis reveals that the fungi-contributed aerobic respiration pathway associated with fun_C_E enterotype might mediate the association between the compromised intestinal barrier and aging. Conclusions We show that the human gut mycobiome is highly structured, and significantly correlates with prokaryotic community and multiple host factors such as diseases and host age.