bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Evaluation of Vocal Bowing Following Bilateral Thyroplasty in Age‐Related Vocal Atrophy
Authors: Cvancara David J. , Baertsch Hans C. , de Leon Julio A. , Hollenbaugh Eric D. , Giliberto J. P. , Zheng Melissa , Bhatt Neel K. 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveAge‐related vocal atrophy (ARVA) is associated with vocal fold bowing, persistent glottal gap during phonation, and dysphonia. Bilateral medialization thyroplasty is sometimes performed in patients with ARVA to improve vocal fold closure and voice. We set out to quantify stroboscopic changes in vocal fold bowing, glottal closure, and abduction angle following bilateral thyroplasty and determine how these changes affect voice quality among patients with ARVA.MethodsFifteen individuals with ARVA who underwent bilateral medialization thyroplasty were included in this study. Two independent investigators calculated bowing index (BI), normalized glottal gap area (NGGA), and maximum abduction angle from laryngostroboscopic exams using ImageJ™. Consensus Auditory‐Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE‐V) and patient‐reported measures were collected before and after thyroplasty.ResultsThyroplasty resulted in a 10‐point improvement in overall CAPE‐V (Mean dif −10; 95% CI –17, −3.3, p < 0.01) and VHI‐10 (mean dif −3.8; 95% CI –9.8, 2.3, p = 0.19, n = 8). NGGA and BI significantly decreased following surgery (mean dif −78; 95% CI –155, −1.5, p = 0.05; and mean dif −2.1; 95% CI –2.4, −0.84, p < 0.01, respectively). BI correlated with CAPE‐V scores (r = 0.66, 95% CI 0.22, 0.87, p < 0.01). When considering the normalized combined contributions of both NGGA and BI, there was a stronger correlation in CAPE‐V scores (r = 0.87, 95% CI 0.50, 0.97, p < 0.01) compared with either measure alone.ConclusionsThyroplasty resulted in a decrease in vocal fold bowing, glottal gap area, and CAPE‐V scores in patients with ARVA. Correction of vocal bowing and glottal gap, following bilateral thyroplasty, improved voice measures following surgery. Quantitative evaluation of vocal fold morphology may be valuable when assessing the severity and treatment‐response in patients with ARVA following bilateral thyroplasty. Laryngoscope, 134:835–841, 2024
Effect of vegetation blanket cover with different materials on soil microbial community structure of opencast coal mines in arid areas
Authors: Wang Ziyin , Liu Huili , Crabbe M. J. C. , Zhao Xiaoyu , Liu Bingru 
Published: September 2023

AbstractVegetation blanket restoration of mine soils provides a diverse environment for soil microbes, but the effects of vegetation blanket cover on soil physicochemical properties, microbial structure, and diversity are not well understood, particularly in arid areas. In this study, high‐throughput sequencing was used to examine the microbial community at Dafeng Mine, the Helan Mountains, Ningxia, China. Soil microbial communities were analyzed with four different materials: 100% straw, 50% straw–50% coconut, and 100% coconut vegetation blanket types, and a bare ground control (CK). The results showed that the contents of soil total nitrogen (TN), available potassium (AP), urease, and catalase were significantly increased in different types of vegetation blankets. High‐throughput sequencing showed that the straw vegetation blanket increased bacterial diversity, while the coconut vegetation blanket increased fungal diversity. The main influencing factors of the dominant bacterial phylum were total nitrogen, catalase, urease, protease, soil water content (WC), soil organic carbon (SOC), and electrical conductivity (EC). The main influencing factor of the dominant fungal phylum was soil water content. These results show that compared with straw vegetation blankets, coconut, and straw–coconut vegetation blanket mulches are more likely to improve soil physicochemical properties, increase the diversity and abundance of soil microorganisms and improve the structural composition of the community, thus improving the soil environment in dryland mining areas. However, further research is needed as to which is the more significant environmental improvement, coconut or straw–coconut vegetation blankets.
The final countdown? Monitoring the rapid shrinkage of the Maladeta glacier (2010–2020), Southern Pyrenees
Authors: Martínez‐Fernández A. , Serrano E. , de Sanjosé J. J. , Gómez‐Lende M. , Sánchez‐Fernández M. , López‐Moreno J. I. , Rico I. , Pisabarro A. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSmall glaciers are one of the best indicators of climatic variations and their short‐term effects. Located in the Spanish Pyrenees, the Maladeta is one of these glaciers. Its systematic observation began in the 1980s, being one of the few Pyrenean glaciers with a tongue‐shaped front. This study presents the evolution of the Maladeta glacial tongue over a decade (2010–2020) through multiple geomatic techniques. Surveys have ranged from Total Stations and Global Navigation Satellite System devices to massive data capture techniques such as Terrestrial Laser Scanners or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles photogrammetry. The aim is to analyze in detail the loss of surface area and thickness of the glacier and its transition from being a glacier with a tongue partially determined by climate to a topoclimatically determined cirque glacier. The results reveal a tongue retreat of over 5 m/yr and area losses of over 0.2 ha/yr, along with ice thickness and volume losses of −1.7 m/yr and over −21 × 103 m3/yr, respectively. If this trend continues, the tongue, and possibly the Maladeta glacier, could disappear by the end of the 2030s.
How Probes Affect the Local Dynamics in Supercooled Liquid Revealed by Single Molecule Fluorescence Microscopy
Authors: Li Haipeng , Zhu Hanqi , Zhang Hao , Yan Shouke 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDue to its high sensitivity and spatial resolution, single molecule fluorescence microscopy is widely used to investigate the dynamic heterogeneity of supercooled liquids around the glass transition temperature, powerful to access microscopic information rather than the merely ensemble averaging. Plenty of works are done, provided a deeper insight into the dynamic heterogeneity of supercooled liquids. However, controversies exist when different kinds of probes are adopted for investigation, which report the local dynamics with discrepancies as a result of their diverse photophysical properties. In this review, a guidance is provided for the optical setup in wide‐field configuration and sample preparation, together with the recent progress on the photophysical properties of probes influencing the reported local dynamics, such as the probe photostability, the intermolecular interaction between probe and host matrix, covalent bonding of probe to host molecule as well as the probe size.
Influence of Natural Crosslinkers on Chitosan Hydrogels for Potential Biomedical Applications
Authors: Sánchez‐Cid Pablo , Gónzalez‐Ulloa Gabriel , Alonso‐González María , Jiménez‐Rosado Mercedes , Rafii‐El‐Idrissi Benhnia Mohammed , Romero Alberto , Ostos Francisco J. , Perez‐Puyana Víctor M. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractChitosan (CH) is a very well‐known biopolymer that has been widely used for the development of biomaterials with a wide range of applications in the biomedical field, such as the preparation of hydrogels, owing to its outstanding anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties, biocompatibility and biodegradability, although they present limited mechanical properties. Chemical crosslinking is one of the most recurrent strategies for the reinforcement of these structures and, above all, crosslinking with natural‐origin compounds that do not compromise their biocompatibility is considered a hot topic in this research field. D‐fructose (F), obtained from the hydrolyzation and further isomerization of starch, an abundant raw material and genipin (G), which is extracted from the fruits of Gardenia jasminoides Ellis are used as natural crosslinkers. Chitosan‐based hydrogels crosslinked with each crosslinking agent are prepared and characterized through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, crosslinking and swelling degree determination, rheological, microstructural, and biological studies. The results demonstrate that crosslinking with G is more beneficial for chitosan‐based hydrogels since these samples showed more compact structures and better rheological performance. Additionally, excellent biological in vitro behavior due to the crosslinking with G, unlike that of F.
Impact of perceived value on intention to use voice assistants: The moderating effects of personal innovativeness and experience
Authors: Molinillo Sebastian , Rejón‐Guardia Francisco , Anaya‐Sánchez Rafael , Liébana‐Cabanillas Francisco 
Published: September 2023

AbstractVoice assistants (VAs), such as Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant, are instruments increasingly used by consumers to perform daily tasks. The objectives of the present study are to examine the antecedents of consumers' continuance intention to use VAs and the moderating effects of personal innovativeness and experience. Based on behavioral reasoning theory, a research model is proposed to provide insights into the drivers of continuance intention to use. Two empirical studies, based on data collected via online surveys, were conducted. The model was analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modeling. The findings of the studies showed that emotional value and performance expectancy were key antecedents of continuance intention to use, which in turn positively influenced actual use and word‐of‐mouth intention. In contrast, the quality value was a significant antecedent of continuance intention to use in only one of the two studies, and the influence of price value, social value, effort expectancy, and privacy risk was not found to be significant. However, the second study showed that several of these relationships are moderated by the consumer's experience and personal innovativeness; specifically, less innovative users are sensitive to quality value, and experienced users are sensitive to social value.
The triangular relationship between traditional Chinese medicines, intestinal flora, and colorectal cancer
Authors: Zou Yuqing , Wang Shuling , Zhang Honghua , Gu Yuxin , Chen Huijuan , Huang Zhihua , Yang Feifei , Li Wenqi , Chen Cheng , Men Lianhui , Tian Qingchang , Xie Tian 
Published: September 2023

AbstractOver the past decade, colorectal cancer has reported a higher incidence in younger adults and a lower mortality rate. Recently, the influence of the intestinal flora in the initiation, progression, and treatment of colorectal cancer has been extensively studied, as well as their positive therapeutic impact on inflammation and the cancer microenvironment. Historically, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in the treatment of colorectal cancer via promoted cancer cell apoptosis, inhibited cancer metastasis, and reduced drug resistance and side effects. The present research is more on the effect of either herbal medicine or intestinal flora on colorectal cancer. The interactions between TCM and intestinal flora are bidirectional and the combined impacts of TCM and gut microbiota in the treatment of colon cancer should not be neglected. Therefore, this review discusses the role of intestinal bacteria in the progression and treatment of colorectal cancer by inhibiting carcinogenesis, participating in therapy, and assisting in healing. Then the complex anticolon cancer effects of different kinds of TCM monomers, TCM drug pairs, and traditional Chinese prescriptions embodied in apoptosis, metastasis, immune suppression, and drug resistance are summarized separately. In addition, the interaction between TCM and intestinal flora and the combined effect on cancer treatment were analyzed. This review provides a mechanistic reference for the application of TCM and intestinal flora in the clinical treatment of colorectal cancer and paves the way for the combined development and application of microbiome and TCM.
New observation of severe tooth malformation in a female patient with ectodermal dysplasia due to the EDA splice acceptor variant c.742‐2A>G
Authors: Reinhold Vivian , Syrjänen Stina , Kankuri‐Tammilehto Minna 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundEctodermal dysplasias are inherited disorders, which are characterized by congenital defects in two or more ectodermal structures such as skin, sweat glands, hair, nails, teeth, and mucous membranes.MethodHere, we describe a new observation of significant oligodontia in a female patient with the EDA gene variant c.742‐2A>G.ResultsThe results strongly suggest that the EDA gene variant c.742‐2A>G is pathogenic. The oligodontia in the proband was exceptionally severe.ConclusionWe demonstrate that the very rare splice acceptor variant EDA c.742‐2A>G is associated with severe oligodontia even in females. Our study points that this variant is pathogenic. An early identification of this variant is crucial for planning adequate treatment and follow‐up in time by a multidisciplinary team.
Applications of macrocyclic molecules in cancer therapy: Target cancer development or overcome drug resistance
Authors: Song Xiaoling , Wu Yifan , Qu Xiaojuan , Jiang Biao 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCancer is a worldwide leading cause of cancer‐related death due to a lack of efficient disease control by drugs. With the increasing unmet needs in cancer treatment, developing novel effective cancer drugs is in great demand. Macrocyclic molecules represent a group of drug molecules with a cyclic skeleton which endows them with unique drug properties such as improved bioavailability, enhanced metabolic stability, increased binding affinity, and favorable pharmacokinetics parameters. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a bunch of macrocyclic drugs to treat cancer patients. However, the importance of such molecules in cancer drug development remains underestimated. Recent studies support that macrocyclic molecules can also serve as an effective strategy to overcome drug resistance in cancer treatment, but is a lack of review. The purpose of this manuscript was to provide shreds of evidence on the applications of macrocyclic molecules for cancer therapy: (1) act as cancer drugs to target different proteins critical for cancer development; (2) act as cancer drugs to target resistant mutants of oncogenes to overcome drug resistance in targeted therapy. This review will help to attract more interest in developing macrocyclic drugs for cancer therapy and potentially provide more novel strategies to benefit cancer patients and society.
Switched‐beam circular array with ultra‐wideband ridged horn elements
Authors: Li Xiaorui , Qu Shi‐Wei , Yang Shiwen 
Published: September 2023

AbstractA switched‐beam circular array with ultra‐wideband ridged horn elements is proposed in this letter. To obtain stable radiation patterns in a broadband as well as in a large coverage in the elevation plane, the electromagnetic fields in the ridged horn antenna are analyzed by the mode decomposition method. Based on the analysis, the rear of the ridged horn is cut. Besides, the ridge extension, out of the horn aperture, serves as a transformer from the horn to the free space for the downward radiation caused by the horn aperture asymmetry. The simulated results show that the circular array can obtain omnidirectional beam coverage in the range of θ = 50°–100° from 2.2 to 5.9 GHz, with the S11 below −10 dB and the gain higher than 5 dBi. The performance of the proposed antenna is validated by experiments.
Annihilation‐Net: Learned annihilation relation for dynamic MR imaging
Authors: Cao Chentao , Cui Zhuo‐Xu , Zhu Qingyong , Liu Congcong , Liang Dong , Zhu Yanjie 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundDeep learning methods driven by the low‐rank regularization have achieved attractive performance in dynamic magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The effectiveness of existing methods lies mainly in their ability to capture interframe relationships using network modules, which are lack interpretability.PurposeThis study aims to design an interpretable methodology for modeling interframe relationships using convolutiona networks, namely Annihilation‐Net and use it for accelerating dynamic MRI.MethodsBased on the equivalence between Hankel matrix product and convolution, we utilize convolutional networks to learn the null space transform for characterizing low‐rankness. We employ low‐rankness to represent interframe correlations in dynamic MR imaging, while combining with sparse constraints in the compressed sensing framework. The corresponding optimization problem is solved in an iterative form with the semi‐quadratic splitting method (HQS). The iterative steps are unrolled into a network, dubbed Annihilation‐Net. All the regularization parameters and null space transforms are set as learnable in the Annihilation‐Net.ResultsExperiments on the cardiac cine dataset show that the proposed model outperforms other competing methods both quantitatively and qualitatively. The training set and test set have 800 and 118 images, respectively.ConclusionsThe proposed Annihilation‐Net improves the reconstruction quality of accelerated dynamic MRI with better interpretability.
GAN‐based metal artifacts region inpainting in brain MRI imaging with reflective registration
Authors: Xie Kai , Gao Liugang , Zhang Heng , Zhang Sai , Xi Qianyi , Zhang Fan , Sun Jiawei , Lin Tao , Sui Jianfeng , Ni Xinye 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground and objectiveMetallic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) implants can introduce magnetic field distortions, resulting in image distortion, such as bulk shifts and signal‐loss artifacts. Metal Artifacts Region Inpainting Network (MARINet), using the symmetry of brain MRI images, has been developed to generate normal MRI images in the image domain and improve image quality.MethodsT1‐weighted MRI images containing or located near the teeth of 100 patients were collected. A total of 9000 slices were obtained after data augmentation. Then, MARINet based on U‐Net with a dual‐path encoder was employed to inpaint the artifacts in MRI images. The input of MARINet contains the original image and the flipped registered image, with partial convolution used concurrently. Subsequently, we compared PConv with partial convolution, and GConv with gated convolution, SDEdit using a diffusion model for inpainting the artifact region of MRI images. The mean absolute error (MAE) and peak signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR) for the mask were used to compare the results of these methods. In addition, the artifact masks of clinical MRI images were inpainted by physicians.ResultsMARINet could directly and effectively inpaint the incomplete MRI images generated by masks in the image domain. For the test results of PConv, GConv, SDEdit, and MARINet, the masked MAEs were 0.1938, 0.1904, 0.1876, and 0.1834, respectively, and the masked PSNRs were 17.39, 17.40, 17.49, and 17.60 dB, respectively. The visualization results also suggest that the network can recover the tissue texture, alveolar shape, and tooth contour. Additionally, for clinical artifact MRI images, MARINet completed the artifact region inpainting task more effectively when compared with other models.ConclusionsBy leveraging the quasi‐symmetry of brain MRI images, MARINet can directly and effectively inpaint the metal artifacts in MRI images in the image domain, restoring the tooth contour and detail, thereby enhancing the image quality.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of urinary incontinence prevalence and population estimates
Authors: Sadri Hamid , Oliaei Ava , Sadri Salar , Pezeshki Padina , Chughtai Bilal , Elterman Dean 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntroductionIncontinence impacts the quality‐of‐life of people suffering from the disease. However, there is limited information on the prevalence of incontinence due to the stigma, lack of awareness, and underdiagnosis.ObjectiveThis study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of overactive bladder (OAB) and nonobstructive urinary retention (NOUR).MethodsThe authors conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines using Embase, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases to identify the relevant publications in the English language. Two reviewers independently assessed the articles and extracted the data. Review papers were assessed for content and references. A meta‐analysis of proportions was conducted using the RStudio software. To address the age heterogeneity, a subanalysis was conducted. Pooled data were overlayed on the Canadian population and a sample of 10 populous countries to estimate the number of people suffering from incontinence.ResultsTwenty‐eight and eight articles were selected for OAB and NOUR, respectively. The pooled prevalence of OAB in men and women was 12% (95% CI: 9%–16%) and 15% (95% CI: 12%–18%), respectively. The estimated prevalence of NOUR was 15.6%–26.1% of men over 60 and 9.3%–20% of women over 60. The subanalysis pooled prevalence of OAB in men and women was 11% (95% CI: 8%–15%) and 12% (95% CI: 9%–16%), respectively. We estimated that 1.4–2.5 million women and 1.3–2.2 million men suffer from OAB in Canada.ConclusionUrinary incontinence is an under‐reported and underdiagnosed prevalent condition that requires appropriate treatment to improve a patient's quality‐of‐life.
The nature, detection, and avoidance of harmful discrimination in criminal justice
Authors: O'Flaherty Brendan , Sethi Rajiv , Williams Morgan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWe provide a selective survey of the literature on discrimination by criminal justice agents, and argue for a taxonomy of harms that differs from conventional approaches. Discrimination can be self‐defeating if it reduces welfare among targets of discrimination while serving no legitimate purpose for the discriminating party. Even if a legitimate purpose is served, discrimination can be deliberative or demeaning, resulting in welfare losses that need to be accounted for. Deliberative and demeaning discrimination can also be self‐defeating through general equilibrium effects on witness cooperation, clearance rates, and preemptive and retaliatory violence. We consider how harmful discrimination can be detected and avoided, as well as changes in our understanding of discrimination resulting from the proliferation of predictive algorithms.