bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the health estimation capacity of air pollution exposure prediction models
Authors: Krall Jenna R. , Keller Joshua P. , Peng Roger D. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
The era of big data has enabled sophisticated models to predict air pollution concentrations over space and time. Historically these models have been evaluated using overall metrics that measure how close predictions are to monitoring data. However, overall methods are not designed to distinguish error at timescales most relevant for epidemiologic studies, such as day-to-day errors that impact studies of short-term health associations.

Methods
We introduce frequency band model performance, which quantifies health estimation capacity of air quality prediction models for time series studies of air pollution and health. Frequency band model performance uses a discrete Fourier transform to evaluate prediction models at timescales of interest. We simulated fine particulate matter (PM2.5), with errors at timescales varying from acute to seasonal, and health time series data. To compare evaluation approaches, we use correlations and root mean squared error (RMSE). Additionally, we assess health estimation capacity through bias and RMSE in estimated health associations. We apply frequency band model performance to PM2.5 predictions at 17 monitors in 8 US cities.

Results
In simulations, frequency band model performance rates predictions better (lower RMSE, higher correlation) when there is no error at a particular timescale (e.g., acute) and worse when error is added to that timescale, compared to overall approaches. Further, frequency band model performance is more strongly associated (R2 = 0.95) with health association bias compared to overall approaches (R2 = 0.57). For PM2.5 predictions in Salt Lake City, UT, frequency band model performance better identifies acute error that may impact estimated short-term health associations.

Conclusions
For epidemiologic studies, frequency band model performance provides an improvement over existing approaches because it evaluates models at the timescale of interest and is more strongly associated with bias in estimated health associations. Evaluating prediction models at timescales relevant for health studies is critical to determining whether model error will impact estimated health associations.
Recent progress in advanced biomaterials for long-acting reversible contraception
Authors: Yan Mingzhe , Zhang Yanming , Wu Zhihang , Li Yifei , Dou Keke , Wang Banghui , Wang Yingruo , Zhou Qihui 
Published: March 2022

AbstractUnintended pregnancy is a global issue with serious ramifications for women, their families, and society, including abortion, infertility, and maternal death. Although existing contraceptive strategies have been widely used in people's lives, there have not been satisfactory feedbacks due to low contraceptive efficacy and related side effects (e.g., decreased sexuality, menstrual cycle disorder, and even lifelong infertility). In recent years, biomaterials-based long-acting reversible contraception has received increasing attention from the viewpoint of fundamental research and practical applications mainly owing to improved delivery routes and controlled drug delivery. This review summarizes recent progress in advanced biomaterials for long-acting reversible contraception via various delivery routes, including subcutaneous implant, transdermal patch, oral administration, vaginal ring, intrauterine device, fallopian tube occlusion, vas deferens contraception, and Intravenous administration. In addition, biomaterials, especially nanomaterials, still need to be improved and prospects for the future in contraception are mentioned.
Graphical Abstract
Indigenous people in Aotearoa New Zealand are overrepresented in cannabis convictions
Authors: Rapana Wetini , Winter Taylor , Fox Ririwai , Riordan Benjamin C. , Kulkarni Rajas , Waitoki Waikaremoana , Scarf Damian 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Previous work has demonstrated that cannabis laws have had a disproportionate impact on Māori, the Indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand. In 2019, the New Zealand Government amended cannabis laws, providing police with the power to determine whether a therapeutic or health-centred approach would be more beneficial than a conviction. In the current study, we use population level data to assess whether this law change has ameliorated the bias in cannabis convictions for Māori.

Methods
Data were drawn from the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI), a large government database hosted by Aotearoa New Zealand’s national statistics office. In the IDI, we selected individuals who (1) were between 18 and 65, (2) were Māori or Pākehā (New Zealanders of European descent) and, (3) had any cannabis charges that proceeded to the courts.

Results
Māori ethnicity was a significant predictor of the odds of receiving a cannabis conviction for Māori males (Odds: 1.56), with a marginally significant effect for Māori females (Odds: 1.57). Further, for Māori, there was no reduction in the number of cannabis charges before vs. after the amendment to cannabis laws.

Conclusion
The current study demonstrates that the bias in cannabis convictions for Māori remain. Given this, the New Zealand Government must follow other countries around the world and move forward on cannabis law reform.
Wnt4, Wnt6 and β-catenin expression in human placental tissue – is there a link with first trimester miscarriage? Results from a pilot study
Authors: Chronopoulou Elpiniki , Koika Vasiliki , Tsiveriotis Konstantinos , Stefanidis Konstantinos , Kalogeropoulos Sotirios , Georgopoulos Neoklis , Adonakis George , Kaponis Apostolos 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Demystifying the events around early pregnancy is challenging. A wide network of mediators and signaling cascades orchestrate the processes of implantation and trophoblast proliferation. Dysregulation of these pathways could be implicated in early pregnancy loss. There is accumulating evidence around the role of Wnt pathway in implantation and early pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to explore alterations in the expression of Wnt4, Wnt6 and β-catenin in placental tissue obtained from human first trimester euploid miscarriages versus normally developing early pregnancies.

Methods
The study group consisted of first trimester miscarriages (early embryonic demises and incomplete miscarriages) and the control group of social terminations of pregnancy (TOPs). The placental mRNA expression of Wnt4, Wnt6 and β-catenin was studied using reverse transcription PCR and real time PCR. Only euploid conceptions were included in the analysis.

Results
Wnt4 expression was significantly increased in placental tissue from first trimester miscarriages versus controls (p = 0.003). No significant difference was documented in the expression of Wnt6 (p = 0.286) and β-catenin (p = 0.793). There was a 5.1fold increase in Wnt4 expression for early embryonic demises versus TOPs and a 7.6fold increase for incomplete miscarriages versus TOPs – no significant difference between the two subgroups of miscarriage (p = 0.533).

Conclusions
This is, to our knowledge, the first study demonstrating significant alteration of Wnt4 expression in human placental tissue, from failed early pregnancies compared to normal controls. Undoubtedly, a more profound study is needed to confirm these preliminary findings and explore Wnt mediators as potential targets for strategies to predict and prevent miscarriage.
Measuring xylem hydraulic vulnerability for long-vessel species: an improved methodology with the flow centrifugation technique
Authors: Burlett Régis , Parise Camille , Capdeville Gaëlle , Cochard Hervé , Lamarque Laurent J. , King Andrew , Delzon Sylvain 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Context
Understanding plant resilience and adaptation to drought is a major challenge in crop and forest sciences. Several methods have been developed to assess the vulnerability to xylem embolism. The in situ flow centrifuge (or cavitron) is the fastest technique allowing to characterise this trait for plants having vessel lengths shorter than the rotor size.

Aims
We present (i) a series of changes to the earlier cavitron design, aimed at improving the accuracy and speed of measurement through automated operations, and (ii) a new development through the design of a large diameter rotor expanding the range of species that can be measured.

Methods
Both hardware and software modifications to the original design have been developed. In order to avoid artefacts caused by cut open vessels, a centrifuge with a large rotor (1 m) has been developed, and vulnerability curves obtained with this new device were compared with those obtained using reference methods.

Results
The new set-up expands the range of conductance measurable with a cavitron and enables it to accurately determine the absolute value of conductivity even for species having very low hydraulic conductivity. The large rotor cavitron shows good agreement with the reference techniques for conifers and diffuse-porous species but also for ring-porous species having long vessels.

Conclusion
The set-up described in this manuscript provides a faster, safer and more accurate method to construct vulnerability curves, compared to the original cavitron design, and extends the measurement capabilities to new species that are difficult to measure to date.

Key message
Recent improvements to cavitron setup enable to measure xylem vulnerability curves for an expanded number of plant species, with longer vessels or lower hydraulic conductivity.
Altitude is a better predictor of the habitat requirements of epixylic bryophytes and lichens than the presence of coarse woody debris in mountain forests: a study in Poland
Authors: Chmura Damian , Żarnowiec Jan , Staniaszek-Kik Monika 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Key message
In order to preserve the continuity of epiphytic and epixylic cryptogamic flora, two things are essential: maintaining the near-natural character of a forest community in relation to the montane zonation and more sustainable forest management in relation to deadwood.

Context
Lichens and bryophytes are common species that inhabit dead wood. The relationship between their habitat requirements, which can be expressed by their Ellenberg indicator values and the characteristics of dead logs, are not yet known.

Aims
We formulated the hypothesis that altitude is positively correlated with the demands of species for higher light and lower temperature, while the decomposition stage of deadwood is positively correlated with species’ requirements for nutrients and moisture. Moreover, we assumed that there would be differences in the habitat requirements among specific groups of species, i.e., lichens, liverworts, and mosses.

Methods
A total of 629 logs that were colonized by bryophytes and lichens were analyzed in terms of their mean Ellenberg indicator values in order to determine whether there is a link between the location, decomposition of logs and the species’ environmental requirements.

Results
Altitude correlated with the moisture and nutrients in the habitats of liverworts and mosses and light and soil acidification only in mosses.

Conclusions
The obtained results demonstrate that the altitudinal distribution of epixylic species in a montane region is of greater importance than the deadwood properties like decomposition stage and moisture content.
Application of direct analysis in real-time mass spectrometry (DART-MS) in forensic science: a comprehensive review
Authors: Gupta Swati , Samal Nilimamayee 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
As the rate of crime is constantly increasing, the workload on the forensic analyst also piles up. The availability of a limited number of seized samples makes it crucial to directly analyze the sample, thereby preventing wastage in the prior steps of sample preparation. Due to such needs, the forensic community is consistently working on broadening the usage of direct analysis in real-time mass spectrometry (DART-MS). DART-MS is a relatively new technique for rapid mass spectral analysis. Its use for chemical analysis credits its ability to analyze the sample at atmospheric pressure.

Main body
This article gives insight into the ionization mechanisms, data analysis tools, and the use of hyphenated techniques like thermal-desorption-DART-MS, infrared-thermal-desorption-DART-MS, Joule-heating thermal-desorption-DART-MS, etc. This review summarizes the applications of DART-MS in the field of Forensic Science reported from 2005 to 2021. The applications include analysis of drugs, warfare agents, gun-shot residues, ink differentiation, and other forensically relevant samples. The paper also presents the relation between the type of DART-MS technique and the ionization mode used for a particular class of compounds.

Conclusion
The review follows that the high-resolution mass-spectrometers or low-resolution mass-spectrometers systems in the positive or negative mode were highly dependent on the type of analyte under investigation. Drugs, inks, dyes, and paints were mainly analyzed using the positive ionization mode in the HRMS technique. The examinations of fire accelerants predominantly used the positive ionization mode in the LRMS technique. Moreover, the limit of detection values obtained from the qualitative screening of street drugs were of ppb level, indicating high sensitivity of DART-MS. Considering the work done in the past years, there are potential future research needs of this technology, especially in forensic science.

Graphical Abstract
Aquifer flow unit analysis using stratigraphic modified Lorenz plot: a case study of Edem, eastern Nigeria
Authors: Omeje Emmanuel T. , Obiora Daniel N. , Okeke Francisca N. , Ugbor Desmond O. , Ibuot Johnson C. , Akpan Aniefiok S. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe present study aimed at evaluating aquifer flow unit of Edem by means of stratigraphic modified Lorenz plot (SMLP) employing vertical electrical sounding. The results from the vertical electrical sounding field data analysis shows that resistivity and thickness of the aquifer layer ranges from 34.8 to 67561.2 Ωm and 29.7 to 147.6 m respectively having an average aquifer thickness value of 70.248 m. Aquifer layer permeability and fractional porosity range from 1.5942 to 1657444 mD and 0.2558 to 0.3265 respectively. Results from stratigraphic modified Lorenz plot delineated a total of eight flow-units, FU1, FU2, FU3, FU4, FU5, FU6, FU7, and FU8 for the aquifer units and three different process speeds. Aquifer flow units FU1, FU3, and FU8 fall within the speed zone, flow units FU5 and FU7 are associated with the baffle zone, while flow units FU2, FU4, and FU6 make up the barrier zone of the process speeds. The aquifer flow unit speed ranges from 265406.4 to 5076424 mD with an average value of 826310.2 mD. The contour maps generated revealed the western part of the study area as characterized with high values of aquifer storage capacity and aquifer flow capacity with the highest storage and flow capacities delineated along the northwestern part of the study area. The Dykstra-Parsons coefficient of 0.99 revealed an extremely heterogeneous aquifer in the study area. This flow unit analysis will serve as a guide in accurate design and management of the aquifers.
Algorithm to Identify Incident Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Cases Using Claims Data
Authors: Huepenbecker Sarah P. , Zhao Hui , Sun Charlotte C. , Fu Shuangshuang , He Weiguo , Giordano Sharon H. , Meyer Larissa A. 
Published: March 2022

PURPOSE To create an algorithm to identify incident epithelial ovarian cancer cases in claims-based data sets and evaluate performance of the algorithm using SEER-Medicare claims data. METHODS We created a five-step algorithm on the basis of clinical expertise to identify incident epithelial ovarian cancer cases using claims data for (1) ovarian cancer diagnosis, (2) receipt of platinum-based chemotherapy, (3) no claim for platinum-based chemotherapy but claim for tumor debulking surgery, (4) removed cases with nonplatinum chemotherapy, and (5) removed patients with prior claims with personal history of ovarian cancer code to exclude prevalent cases. We evaluated algorithm performance using SEER-Medicare claims data by creating four cohorts: incident epithelial ovarian cancer, a 5% random sample of cancer-free Medicare beneficiaries, a 5% random sample of incident nonovarian cancer, and prevalent ovarian cancer cases. RESULTS Using SEER tumor registry data as the gold standard, our algorithm correctly classified 89.9% of incident epithelial ovarian cancer cases (cohort n = 572) and almost 100% of cancer-free controls (n = 97,127), nonovarian cancer (n = 714), and prevalent ovarian cancer cases (n = 3,712). The overall algorithm sensitivity was 89.9%, the positive predictive value was 93.8%, and the specificity and negative predictive value were > 99.9%. Patients were more likely to be correctly classified as incident ovarian cancer if they had stage III or IV disease compared with early stage I or II disease (93.5% v 83.7%, P < .01), and grade 1-4 compared with unknown grade tumors (93.8% v 81.4%, P < .01). CONCLUSION Our algorithm correctly identified most incident epithelial ovarian cancer cases, especially those with advanced disease. This algorithm will facilitate research in other claims-based data sets where cancer registry data are unavailable.
Reference Curves for Pediatric Endocrinology: Leveraging Biomarker Z-Scores for Clinical Classifications
Authors: Madsen Andre , Almås Bjørg , Bruserud Ingvild S , Oehme Ninnie Helen Bakken , Nielsen Christopher Sivert , Roelants Mathieu , Hundhausen Thomas , Ljubicic Marie Lindhardt , Bjerknes Robert , Mellgren Gunnar , Sagen Jørn V , Juliusson Pétur B , Viste Kristin 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Context
Hormone reference intervals in pediatric endocrinology are traditionally partitioned by age and lack the framework for benchmarking individual blood test results as normalized z-scores and plotting sequential measurements onto a chart. Reference curve modeling is applicable to endocrine variables and represents a standardized method to account for variation with gender and age.

Objective
We aimed to establish gender-specific biomarker reference curves for clinical use and benchmark associations between hormones, pubertal phenotype, and body mass index (BMI).

Methods
Using cross-sectional population sample data from 2139 healthy Norwegian children and adolescents, we analyzed the pubertal status, ultrasound measures of glandular breast tissue (girls) and testicular volume (boys), BMI, and laboratory measurements of 17 clinical biomarkers modeled using the established “LMS” growth chart algorithm in R.

Results
Reference curves for puberty hormones and pertinent biomarkers were modeled to adjust for age and gender. Z-score equivalents of biomarker levels and anthropometric measurements were compiled in a comprehensive beta coefficient matrix for each gender. Excerpted from this analysis and independently of age, BMI was positively associated with female glandular breast volume (β = 0.5, P &lt; 0.001) and leptin (β = 0.6, P &lt; 0.001), and inversely correlated with serum levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) (β = −0.4, P &lt; 0.001). Biomarker z-score profiles differed significantly between cohort subgroups stratified by puberty phenotype and BMI weight class.

Conclusion
Biomarker reference curves and corresponding z-scores provide an intuitive framework for clinical implementation in pediatric endocrinology and facilitate the application of machine learning classification and covariate precision medicine for pediatric patients.
RhoA/ROCK signaling antagonizes bovine trophoblast stem cell self-renewal and regulates preimplantation embryo size and differentiation
Authors: Pillai Viju Vijayan , Kei Tiffany G. , Gurung Shailesh , Das Moubani , Siqueira Luiz G. B. , Cheong Soon Hon , Hansen Peter J. , Selvaraj Vimal 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACT
Exponential proliferation of trophoblast stem cells (TSC) is crucial in Ruminantia to maximize numerical access to caruncles, the restricted uterine sites that permit implantation. When translating systems biology of the undifferentiated bovine trophectoderm, we uncovered that inhibition of RhoA/Rock promoted self-renewing proliferation and substantially increased blastocyst size. Analysis of transcripts suppressed by Rock inhibition revealed transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) as a primary upstream effector. TGFβ1 treatment induced changes consistent with differentiation in bTSCs, a response that could be replicated by induced expression of the bovine ROCK2 transgene. Rocki could partially antagonize TGFβ1 effects, and TGFβ receptor inhibition promoted proliferation identical to Rocki, indicating an all-encompassing upstream regulation. Morphological differentiation included formation of binucleate cells and infrequent multinucleate syncytia, features we also localize in the in vivo bovine placenta. Collectively, we demonstrate a central role for TGFβ1, RhoA and Rock in inducing bTSC differentiation, attenuation of which is sufficient to sustain self-renewal and proliferation linked to blastocyst size and preimplantation development. Unraveling these mechanisms augments evolutionary/comparative physiology of the trophoblast cell lineage and placental development in eutherians.
Src acts with WNT/FGFRL signaling to pattern the planarian anteroposterior axis
Authors: Bonar Nicolle A. , Gittin David I. , Petersen Christian P. 
Published: March 2022

ABSTRACTTissue identity determination is crucial for regeneration, and the planarian anteroposterior (AP) axis uses positional control genes expressed from body wall muscle to determine body regionalization. Canonical Wnt signaling establishes anterior versus posterior pole identities through notum and wnt1 signaling, and two Wnt/FGFRL signaling pathways control head and trunk domains, but their downstream signaling mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we identify a planarian Src homolog that restricts head and trunk identities to anterior positions. src-1(RNAi) animals formed enlarged brains and ectopic eyes and also duplicated trunk tissue, similar to a combination of Wnt/FGFRL RNAi phenotypes. src-1 was required for establishing territories of positional control gene expression in Schmidtea mediterranea, indicating that it acts at an upstream step in patterning the AP axis. Double RNAi experiments and eye regeneration assays suggest src-1 can act in parallel to at least some Wnt and FGFRL factors. Co-inhibition of src-1 with other posterior-promoting factors led to dramatic patterning changes and a reprogramming of Wnt/FGFRLs into controlling new positional outputs. These results identify src-1 as a factor that promotes robustness of the AP positional system that instructs appropriate regeneration.
Impact of Morphology and Transition Metal Doping of Vanadate Nanowires without Surface Modification on the Performance of Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries
Authors: Nguyen Mai Thanh , Muramatsu Tatsuki , Kheawhom Soorathep , Wattanakit Chularat , Yonezawa Tetsu 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This research evaluates the impact of nanowire morphology and transition-metal doping to vanadium oxides as the positive electrode material on the performance of rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries. It was found that both the wire morphology and Cu doping enhanced the cycle stability and specific capacity of the cathode. The improvement is ascribed to the wire morphology and Cu doping for attaining more mechanical stability, less morphology change and fewer parasitic reactions, and more facile Zn2+ insertion/extraction.