bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Canny edge detection for Covid-19 and pneumonia X-Ray images
Authors: Hwa S K T , Bade A , Hijazi M H Ahmad 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In image processing, one of the most fundamental technique is edge detection. It is a process to detect edges from images by identifying discontinuities in brightness. In this research, we present an enhanced Canny edge detection technique. This method integrates local morphological contrast enhancement and Canny edge detection. Furthermore, the proposed edge detection technique was also applied for pneumonia and COVID-19 detection in digital x-ray images by utilising convolutional neural networks. Results show that this enhanced Canny edge detection technique is better than the traditional Canny technique. Also, we were able to produce classifiers that can classify edge x-ray images into COVID-19, normal, and pneumonia classes with high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.
Math teaching aids in shape topics for PT3 students
Authors: Roshidan R E , Ismail N A F , Othman N Z S , Suaib N M 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Mathematics is a significant pillar in science as mathematics has built technology, machines and digital as progress in this century. Therefore, mathematics is essential to practice since childhood. Although various efforts have been made in updating the teaching methods to students by teachers, students still have difficulty in understanding mathematical concepts, especially in the topic of form. Most students memorize more than they know logic and discoveries in mathematics. Teaching aids are interactive software that can be used simulated. Therefore, the goal of this project is to develop mathematics teaching aids for shape topics for Form Three Assessment (Pentaksiran Tingkatan Tiga - PT3) students. The study involves three main phases which are initial research and data collection, design and implementation and assessment.
ColorCells: a database of expression, classification and functions of lncRNAs in single cells
Authors: Zheng Ling-Ling , Xiong Jing-Hua , Zheng Wu-Jian , Wang Jun-Hao , Huang Zi-Liang , Chen Zhi-Rong , Sun Xin-Yao , Zheng Yi-Min , Zhou Ke-Ren , Li Bin , Liu Shun , Qu Liang-Hu , Yang Jian-Hua 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Although long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have significant tissue specificity, their expression and variability in single cells remain unclear. Here, we developed ColorCells (http://rna.sysu.edu.cn/colorcells/), a resource for comparative analysis of lncRNAs expression, classification and functions in single-cell RNA-Seq data. ColorCells was applied to 167 913 publicly available scRNA-Seq datasets from six species, and identified a batch of cell-specific lncRNAs. These lncRNAs show surprising levels of expression variability between different cell clusters, and has the comparable cell classification ability as known marker genes. Cell-specific lncRNAs have been identified and further validated by in vitro experiments. We found that lncRNAs are typically co-expressed with the mRNAs in the same cell cluster, which can be used to uncover lncRNAs’ functions. Our study emphasizes the need to uncover lncRNAs in all cell types and shows the power of lncRNAs as novel marker genes at single cell resolution.
Expanding an Economic Evaluation of the Veterans Affairs (VA) Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) Prevention Initiative to Include Prevention of Infections From Other Pathogens
Authors: Nelson Richard E , Goto Michihiko , Samore Matthew H , Jones Makoto , Stevens Vanessa W , Evans Martin E , Schweizer Marin L , Perencevich Eli N , Rubin Michael A 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn October 2007, Veterans Affairs (VA) launched a nationwide effort to reduce methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) transmission called the National MRSA Prevention Initiative. Although the initiative focused on MRSA, recent evidence suggests that it also led to a significant decrease in hospital-onset (HO) gram-negative rod (GNR) bacteremia, vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), and Clostridioides difficile infections. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and the budget impact of the initiative taking into account MRSA, GNR, VRE, and C. difficile infections.MethodsWe developed an economic model using published data on the rate of MRSA hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and HO-GNR bacteremia in the VA from October 2007 to September 2015, estimates of the attributable cost and mortality of these infections, and the costs associated with the intervention obtained through a microcosting approach. We explored several different assumptions for the rate of infections that would have occurred if the initiative had not been implemented. Effectiveness was measured in life-years (LYs) gained.ResultsWe found that during fiscal years 2008–2015, the initiative resulted in an estimated 4761–9236 fewer MRSA HAIs, 1447–2159 fewer HO-GNR bacteremia, 3083–3602 fewer C. difficile infections, and 2075–5393 fewer VRE infections. The initiative itself was estimated to cost $561 million over this 8-year period, whereas the cost savings from prevented MRSA HAIs ranged from $165 to $315 million and from prevented HO-GNR bacteremia, CRE and C. difficile infections ranged from $174 to $200 million. The incremental cost-effectiveness of the initiative ranged from $12 146 to $38 673/LY when just including MRSA HAIs and from $1354 to $4369/LY when including the additional pathogens. The overall impact on the VA’s budget ranged from $67 to$195 million.ConclusionsAn MRSA surveillance and prevention strategy in VA may have prevented a substantial number of infections from MRSA and other organisms. The net increase in cost from implementing this strategy was quite small when considering infections from all types of organisms. Including spillover effects of organism-specific prevention efforts onto other organisms can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the costs and benefits of these interventions.
Changing Epidemiology of Bacterial Meningitis Since Introduction of Conjugate Vaccines: 3 Decades of National Meningitis Surveillance in The Netherlands
Authors: Koelman Diederik L H , van Kassel Merel N , Bijlsma Merijn W , Brouwer Matthijs C , van de Beek Diederik , van der Ende Arie 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
The epidemiology of acute bacterial meningitis has changed substantially since the introduction of conjugate vaccines.

Methods
We analyzed nationwide surveillance data of all cerebrospinal fluid isolates received by the Netherlands Reference Laboratory for Bacterial Meningitis in the Netherlands. We assessed the impact of conjugate vaccines on incidence (defined as episodes per 100 000 population per year) and for different age groups using incidence rate ratios (IRRs), comparing incidence before and after conjugate vaccine introduction.

Results
We analyzed 17 393 episodes, of which 5960 episodes (34%) occurred in preschool children (aged 3 months to 4 years). Overall, bacterial meningitis incidence decreased from 6.37 to 1.58 between 1989–1993 and 2014–2019 (IRR, 0.25 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .23–.26]; P &lt; .001). This decrease was most pronounced in preschool and school-aged children (5–15 years); IRR, 0.10 [95% CI, .09–.12] and 0.08 [95% CI, .06–.10]; both P &lt; .001. The incidence was highest in young infants (&lt;90 days) due to a high incidence of group B Streptococcus and Escherichia coli meningitis (42.48 and 19.49, respectively). Conjugate vaccines effectively reduced the incidence of Haemophilus influenzae type b, Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C, and 10 pneumococcal serotypes (IRRs, .02–.04; P &lt; .001). At the end of the observed period, Streptococcus pneumoniae caused the majority of meningitis cases (829/1616 [51%]), mostly in older adults (aged 45–64 years) and elderly adults (aged ≥65 years; incidence of 1.06 and 1.54, respectively).

Conclusions
Conjugate vaccines reduced the burden of bacterial meningitis, especially in children. The efforts for new measures to prevent bacterial meningitis should be focused on neonates and elderly, as the residual rate of disease is still high in these age groups.
Extrinsic tricuspid valve compression due to an aortic aneurysm causing significant right to left shunt via a patent foramen ovale: a case report
Authors: Ahmed Rizwan 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Aortic aneurysms are known to cause compression of adjacent structures including the tracheobronchial tree, oesophagus, and recurrent laryngeal nerve. Extremely rarely, they can lead to compression of the tricuspid valve (TV) annulus. We describe a case where aortic aneurysm caused TV annulus compression and persistent right-to-left shunt through a patent foramen ovale (PFO).

Case summary
A 75-year-old female was admitted with headache and dizziness. On examination, she had persistent arterial desaturation with oxygen levels reduced to 69% at rest whilst breathing ambient air. Complete blood count demonstrated polycythaemia (Hb 174 g/L). Right to left cardiac shunt was suspected after significant lung and haematologic pathology was excluded. Transoesophageal echocardiography demonstrated a trileaflet aortic valve with an ascending aorta aneurysm and a stretched PFO with persistent right to left shunt across it. The ascending aortic aneurysm was observed coursing superior to and compressing the TV annulus. Invasive haemodynamic data demonstrated prominent ‘a’ waves in the right atrium, low RV (12/1 mmHg), and pulmonary artery pressures (14/6 mmHg), reduced cardiac output and significant right to left shunt with Qp:Qs 0.6. Computed tomography (CT) angiogram demonstrated a 5 cm fusiform ascending aorta aneurysm that coursed anteriorly causing TV annulus compression.

Discussion
Tricuspid valve inflow obstruction associated with a right to left shunt across PFO can be an extremely rare complication of aortic aneurysm. This may result in persistent arterial hypoxaemia and secondary polycythaemia.
Production of methylmercury by methanogens in mercury contaminated estuarine sediments
Authors: Wang Yuwei , Roth Spencer , Schaefer Jeffra K , Reinfelder John R , Yee Nathan 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT
Anaerobic bacteria are known to produce neurotoxic methylmercury [MeHg] when elemental mercury [Hg(0)] is provided as the sole mercury source. In this study, we examined the formation of MeHg in anaerobic incubations of sediment collected from the San Jacinto River estuary (Texas, USA) amended with aqueous Hg(0) to investigate the microbial communities involved in the conversion of Hg(0) to MeHg. The results show that the addition of the methanogen inhibitor 2-bromoethanesulfonate (BES) significantly decreased MeHg production. The mercury methylation gene, hgcA, was detected in these sediments using archaeal specific primers, and 16S rRNA sequencing showed that a member of the Methanosarcinaceae family of methanogens was active. These results suggest that methanogenic archaea play an underappreciated role in the production of MeHg in estuarine sediments contaminated with Hg(0).
Elimination of GlnKAmtB affects serine biosynthesis and improves growth and stress tolerance of Escherichia coli under nutrient-rich conditions
Authors: Frare Romina , Stritzler Margarita , Pascuan Cecilia , Liebrenz Karen , Galindo-Sotomonte Luisa , Soto Gabriela , Nikel Pablo Iván , Ayub Nicolás 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT
Nitrogen is a most important nutrient resource for Escherichia coli and other bacteria that harbor the glnKamtB operon, a high-affinity ammonium uptake system highly interconnected with cellular metabolism. Although this system confers an advantage to bacteria when growing under nitrogen-limiting conditions, little is known about the impact of these genes on microbial fitness under nutrient-rich conditions. Here, the genetically tractable E. coli BW25113 strain and its glnKamtB-null mutant (JW0441) were used to analyze the impact of GlnK-AmtB on growth rates and oxidative stress tolerance. Strain JW0441 showed a shorter initial lag phase, higher growth rate, higher citrate synthase activity, higher oxidative stress tolerance and lower expression of serA than strain BW25113 under nutrient-rich conditions, suggesting a fitness cost to increase metabolic plasticity associated with serine metabolism. The overexpression of serA in strain JW0441 resulted in a decreased growth rate and stress tolerance in nutrient-rich conditions similar to that of strain BW25113, suggesting that the negative influence on bacterial fitness imposed by GlnK-AmtB can be traced to the control of serine biosynthesis. Finally, we discuss the potential applications of glnKamtB mutants in bioproduction processes.
Surgical Management of Chronic Subdural Hematoma in Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shlobin Nathan A , Kedda Jayanidhi , Wishart Danielle , Garcia Roxanna M , Rosseau Gail 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a form of intracranial hemorrhage common in older adults. Optimal treatment remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review to identify surgical thresholds, characterize outcomes, and delineate critical considerations in the surgical management of older adults in order to summarize the evidence supporting the best contemporary management of cSDH.

Methods
A systematic review exploring surgical management of cSDH among individuals aged 65 years and older was conducting by searching the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases for articles in English. Abstracts from articles were read and selected for full-text review according to a priori criteria. Relevant full-text articles were analyzed for bibliographic data, aim, study design, population, interventions, and outcomes.

Results
Of 1473 resultant articles, 21 were included. Surgery rationale was case-by-case for symptomatic patients with cSDH. Surgery was superior to conservative management and promoted equivalent neurologic outcomes and rates of complications. Recurrence and reoperation rates in older adults were similar to younger individuals. Some studies reported higher mortality rates for older adults, while others reported no difference. Anticoagulation or antiplatelet agent use did not seem to be associated with poorer outcomes in older adults.

Conclusions
Surgery for cSDH in older adults leads to favorable neurologic outcomes without increased risk of overall complications, recurrence, or reoperation compared to younger patients. However, older adults may be at increased risk for mortality after surgery. It is important to determine use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents in older adults to optimally manage patients with cSDH.
Discontinuity of Straightening in Anti-Holomorphic Dynamics: II
Authors: Inou Hiroyuki , Mukherjee Sabyasachi 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In [21], Milnor found Tricorn-like sets in the parameter space of real cubic polynomials. We give a rigorous definition of these Tricorn-like sets as suitable renormalization loci and show that the dynamically natural straightening map from such a Tricorn-like set to the original Tricorn is discontinuous. We also prove some rigidity theorems for polynomial parabolic germs, which state that one can recover unicritical holomorphic and anti-holomorphic polynomials from their parabolic germs.
M-regular Decompositions for Pushforwards of Pluricanonical Bundles of Pairs to Abelian Varieties
Authors: Jiang Zhi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe extend the so-called Chen–Jiang decompositions for pushforwards of pluricanonical bundles to abelian varieties to the setting of klt pairs. We also provide a geometric application of this decomposition.
The context and influences of safety: An exploration of social networks, actions, and behaviour
Authors: Wailling J O , Long Janet C , Stolarek Iwona 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Safety systems are socio-cultural in nature, characterized by people, their relationships to one another and to the whole. This study aimed to (i) map the social networks of New Zealand’s quality improvement and safety leaders, (ii) illuminate influential characteristics and behaviours of key network players and (iii) make recommendations regarding how networks might be optimized.

Methods
Instrumental case study was done using mixed methods. Purposeful sampling was applied to collect survey data from delegates at two national safety and quality forums (n = 85). Social network questions asked respondents who influenced their safety work. Key network players were identified and invited to participate in a semi-structured interview (n = 7).

Results
Key players described safety systems in humanistic terms. Safety influence was determined to be a responsive relational process. Adaptive leaders broker relationships between multiple perspectives and contexts, which is essential for safe healthcare.

Conclusion
Influential safety approaches appreciate the human contribution to safety. Designing the health system to adapt and respond to the needs of people, teams and communities, rather than the unilateral needs of the system, is essential. Adaptive leadership will assist in achieving these aims and will likely be embraced by New Zealand health professionals.
Use of biochar by sheep: impacts on diet selection, digestibility, and performance
Authors: McAvoy Darren J , Burritt Beth , Villalba Juan J 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the influence of biochar obtained from exothermic production of lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) and quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) on sheep performance and diet digestibility and on preference for a ration enriched with this carbon-based material. Twenty-four lambs were housed in individual pens and assigned to one of three treatment groups (eight animals per group), where they received: 1) a 60:40 ration of alfalfa:barley (Control), 2) an isoenergetic and isonitrogenous ration with alfalfa, barley, and 2% biochar (BC), and 3) a simultaneous offer of the Control and BC rations (Choice). Lambs were exposed to two consecutive feeding periods (Period 1: 13 d and Period 2: 21 d), representing time intervals where the evolution of intake, animal performance, and rumen parameters were assessed; in vivo digestibility was determined during the last 5 d of the study. Ration intake did not differ among groups of lambs (P &gt; 0.10), although during some days in Period 2, intake was greater for the BC and Choice groups than for the Control group (P &lt; 0.05). Lambs in Choice had a lower preference for BC than for the Control ration (Period 1: P &lt; 0.05; Period 2: P &lt; 0.10), although they incorporated a substantial amount of BC (39 and 40%, for Periods 1 and 2, respectively) into their diets. No differences in body weight gains (ADG) or gain-to-feed ratios were found among groups of animals (P &gt; 0.10), although dry matter digestibility and digestible dry matter intake was greater for lambs in the BC group than for lambs in Control group (P &lt; 0.05). The ruminal concentration of the volatile acid acetate in Period 2 was greater for BC than for Choice (P &lt; 0.05). During the same period, the concentration of valerate and ruminal pH values were greater in BC than in Control (P &lt; 0.05). Thus, the addition of biochar to grain-based diets enhanced diet digestibility and influenced some ruminal parameters in lambs. Nevertheless, these positive effects were not reflected in significant improvements on ADG or feed conversion efficiencies. Lambs offered choices between Control and BC rations formed a diet with concentrations of biochar of ~1.2%, suggesting that these animals would tolerate such levels without reductions in ration palatability.
Efficacy of orthobiologic adjuvants to core decompression for hip preservation in avascular necrosis hip
Authors: Kumar Prasoon , Shetty Vijay D , Dhillon Mandeep Singh 
Published: November 2020

AbstractHead preserving modalities in avascular necrosis (AVN) hip are variably effective in early stages, and further options that could prevent head distortion and osteoarthritis are needed. Core decompression (CD) is the most commonly used surgery in the early stages of osteonecrosis with variable rates of success. The present review aimed to determine the effectiveness of bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) or their combination with CD in early stages of AVN hip, prior to collapse of femoral head. Additionally, any newer unexplored modalities were also searched for and ascertained. PubMed and SCOPUS databases were searched for relevant articles in English language describing CD with aforementioned orthobiologics. We analysed a total of 20 studies published between 2011 and 2020. There were 6 retrospective and 14 prospective studies. PRP showed improved survival and functional outcomes; however, with only three studies, there is inconclusive evidence for its routine utilization. BMAC enhances the efficacy of CD which can further be increased by culture and expansion of cells or combining it with PRP to stimulate growth. In conclusion, CD with BMAC works more efficiently than CD alone prior to collapse of femoral head in AVN. However, PRP needs more evidence for extensive application. Addition of PRP to BMAC or culturing the latter could further enhance the potency of CD + BMAC combination. Very limited data is available for the efficacy of BMP-7 and the role of intraosseous bisphosphonates should be evaluated for a cheaper and potential alternative.
Pod indehiscence in common bean is associated with the fine regulation ofPvMYB26
Authors: Di Vittori Valerio , Bitocchi Elena , Rodriguez Monica , Alseekh Saleh , Bellucci Elisa , Nanni Laura , Gioia Tania , Marzario Stefania , Logozzo Giuseppina , Rossato Marzia , De Quattro Concetta , Murgia Maria L , Ferreira Juan José , Campa Ana , Xu Chunming , Fiorani Fabio , Sampathkumar Arun , Fröhlich Anja , Attene Giovanna , Delledonne Massimo , Usadel Björn , Fernie Alisdair R , Rau Domenico , Papa Roberto 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn legumes, pod shattering occurs when mature pods dehisce along the sutures, and detachment of the valves promotes seed dispersal. In Phaseolus vulgaris (L)., the major locus qPD5.1-Pv for pod indehiscence was identified recently. We developed a BC4/F4 introgression line population and narrowed the major locus down to a 22.5 kb region. Here, gene expression and a parallel histological analysis of dehiscent and indehiscent pods identified an AtMYB26 orthologue as the best candidate for loss of pod shattering, on a genomic region ~11 kb downstream of the highest associated peak. Based on mapping and expression data, we propose early and fine up-regulation of PvMYB26 in dehiscent pods. Detailed histological analysis establishes that pod indehiscence is associated with the lack of a functional abscission layer in the ventral sheath, and that the key anatomical modifications associated with pod shattering in common bean occur early during pod development. We finally propose that loss of pod shattering in legumes resulted from histological convergent evolution and that it is the result of selection at orthologous loci.