bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate vulnerability scenario of the agri-fishery communities in the Bicol River Basin, Philippines
Authors: Laureta Ricky , Regalado Ric Ryan , Cruz Ermar De La 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This paper investigated the vulnerability of the agriculture sector and rural agriculture livelihoods in the Bicol River Basin (BRB) of the Philippines to projected changes in climate. The geographical characteristics of the BRB feature eight major sub-basins or watersheds consisting of Libmanan-Pulantuna, Ragay Hills, Thiris, Naga-Yabo, Pawili River, Waras-Lalo, Naporog, and Quinali. The study applied the combination of the participatory tools and the Climate Risk Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) framework to gather information on local climate vulnerabilities and contexts. Briefly, the CRVA employed geospatial modeling and utilized a number of indicators that are presumed to affect vulnerability including exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity which were aggregated to provide an index of vulnerability. This enabled us to identify areas of exposure and vulnerability and pointed areas of greatest need for strengthened adaptive capacity and risk management. Our findings revealed that vulnerability in the BRB was perceived to be relatively prevalent and that typhoons, flooding, and drought were identified to contribute significant impacts to the rural livelihood. Furthermore, our findings in the CRVA suggested significant regional differences in vulnerability in the BRB. Majority of the towns in the north and central portions of the BRB will largely experience increased vulnerability, particularly, in the Thiris sub-basin including some parts of Ragay Hills, Waras-Lalo, and the northwestern Libmanan-Pulantuna sub-basins. On the contrary, the entire Quinali region on the south revealed to have the lowest vulnerability index. The clear policy implication of these accounts will be on how to mobilize developmental thrusts in both areas of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation at the sub-national level to reinforce local-based climate priority setting in adaptation interventions and policies.
Learning-Based Stock Market Trending Analysis by Incorporating Social Media Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Wang Zhaoxia , HU Zhenda , LI Fang , HO Seng-Beng 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Stock market trending analysis is one of the key research topics in financial analysis. Various theories once highlighted the non-viability of stock market prediction. With the advent of machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI), more and more efforts have been devoted to this research area, and predicting the stock market has been demonstrated to be possible. Learning-based methods have been popularly studied for stock price prediction. However, due to the dynamic nature of the stock market and its non-linearity, stock market prediction is still one of the most dificult tasks. With the rise of social networks, huge amount of data is being generated every day and there is a gaining in popularity of incorporating these data into prediction model in the effort to enhance the prediction performance. Therefore, this paper explores the possibilities of the viability of learning-based stock market trending prediction by incorporating social media sentiment analysis. Six machine learning methods including Multi-Layer Perception, Support Vector Machine, Naïve Bayes, Random Forest, Logistic Regression and Extreme Gradient Boosting are selected as the baseline model. The result indicates the possibilities of successful stock market trending prediction and the performance of different learning-based methods is discussed. It is discovered that the distribution of the value of stocks may affect the prediction performance of the methods involved. This research not only demonstrates the merits and weaknesses of different learning-based methods, but also points out that incorporating social opinion is a right direction for improving the performance of stock market trending prediction.
Region of Interest based Predictive Algorithm for Subretinal Hemorrhage Detection using Faster R-CNN
Authors: N Sai Ganesh , M Suchetha , Raman Rajiv , D Edwin Dhas 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Macular Edema (ME) is an essential sort of macular issues caused due to the storing of fluid underneath the macula. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) are the two customary visual contaminations that can lead to fragmentary or complete vision loss. This paper proposes a deep learning-based predictive algorithm that can be used to detect the presence of a Subretinal hemorrhage. This method initially detects the presence of Subretinal hemorrhage, and it then segments the Region of Interest (ROI) by a semantic segmentation process. The segmented ROI is applied to a predictive algorithm which is derived from the Fast Region Convolutional Neural Network (Fast R-CNN) algorithm, that can categorize the Subretinal hemorrhage as responsive or non-responsive. The dataset, provided by a medical institution, comprised of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images of both pre and post-treatment images, was used for training the proposed Faster Region Convolutional Neural Network (Faster R-CNN). We also used the Kaggle dataset for performance comparison with the traditional methods that are derived from the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) algorithm. The evaluation results using the Kaggle dataset and the hospital images provide an average sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy of 85.3%, 89.64%, and 93.48% respectively. Further, the proposed method provides a time complexity in testing as 2.64s, which is less than the traditional schemes like CNN, R-CNN, and Fast R-CNN.
A Simulation Study of Loess Slope Instability and Damage Under Intensive Seismic Vibration
Authors: chang chaoyu , Bo Jingshan , Qi WenHao , qiao feng , peng da 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The instability and damage of the loess slope under intensive seismic vibration can be a complicated process, involving in sliding, horizontal displacement and rotation, which makes the particle flow code a suitable theory to simulate the instability and damage of the loess slope. In this study, based on both field investigation and indoor experiments, PFC2D program was adopted to simulate the instability and damage process of the loess slope landslide under intensive seismic vibration through the detailed identification of relevant parameters, model building and dynamic input. The analysis has revealed three main findings. Firstly, the volley surface structure dominated in the slope tends to magnify the vibration, resulting in intensive vibration of the soil body on the slide surface and an increased high frequency components of Fourier spectrum. Secondly, under the dynamic forces, the slope first accumulates and damages in the lower part, forming a shear outlet. Under the pulling of the lower particles, the difference between the first principal stress and the third principal stress gradually increases, destroying the inherent cohesive contact between the particles, leading to the instability damage. Thirdly, the upper soil body experiences tensile damage, forming a through slide face which causes the instability damage of the whole slope. The sliding face demonstrates in a oval shape, with a deeper arch as the vibration lasts longer.
Protecting Clinical Trials in Cystic Fibrosis; COVID-19 Mitigation Measures Crowd Sourced from the European Cystic Fibrosis Society Clinical Trials Network
Authors: Koningsbruggen-Rietschel Silke van , Dunlevy Fiona , Bulteel Veerle , Hayes Kate , Verbrugge Anne , Janssens Hettie M. , Dufeu Nadine , Simmonds Nicolas J. , Dupont Lieven J. , Downey Damien G. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has disrupted clinical trials worldwide. The European Cystic Fibrosis Society-Clinical Trials Network (ECFS-CTN) has tracked clinical trial disruption by surveying its 58 trial sites across 17 European countries and collated information on measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and ensure trial continuity. Here we present recommendations on how to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure to patients and trial staff by implementing remote trial visits where possible, using home assessments, video and phone calls, electronic consent and home delivery of study drug. We discuss the practicalities of remote source data verification, protocol amendments, changing trial site location, and staff absences and home working. We outline how to protect trial outcomes, including home assessments, safety reporting, protocol deviations and recruitment challenges. Finally, we discuss the importance of continued access to study drug via extension trials for some patients. This guidance was co-created from the shared knowledge and experience of sites in our network and was re-distributed directly to all ECFS-CTN sites to help mitigate the impact of further waves of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We will also use this guidance to assist companies, academia and consortia with future protocol design and risk mitigation plans.
Impact of lower extremity muscle strength on the clinical outcome of patients with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Kondo Shin , Kagawa Kumiko , Saito Takashi , Oura Masahiro , Sogabe Kimiko , Harada Takeshi , Fujii Shiro , Nakamura Shingen , Miki Hirokazu , Sato Nori , Ono Rei , Abe Masahiro , Katoh Shinsuke 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose Muscle strength decline is reported to predict mortality in many cancers. However, there is little knowledge of the relation between muscle strength decline and clinical outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). This study aimed to determine the impact of pre-transplant lower extremity muscle strength (LEMS) on post-transplant overall survival (OS) and non-relapse mortality (NRM). Methods In this retrospective cohort study, 86 adult patients underwent allo-HSCT during 2012-2020. LEMS was defined as knee extension force divided by patient’s body weight. The patients were divided into low, middle, and high LEMS groups based on pre-transplant LEMS. OS was measured using the Kaplan–Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards model. Cumulative incidence of NRM was evaluated using the Fine and Gray method, with relapse considered as a competing risk event.Results Probability of OS was significantly lower in the low and middle LEMS groups (hazard ratio [HR] 2.98, p=0.020 and HR 2.68, p=0.034, respectively) than in the high LEMS group on multivariate analysis. OS at 5 years was 26.0%, 36.5%, and 72.5% in the low, middle, and high LEMS group, respectively. Risk of NRM was significantly lower in the low LEMS group (HR 5.62, p=0.038) than in the high LEMS group. Conclusions Pre-transplant LEMS was a significant factor in predicting OS and NRM.
Dose Calculation And Reporting With A Linear Boltzman Transport Equation Solver In Vertebral SABR
Authors: Hardcastle Nicholas , Hughes Jeremy , Siva Shankar , Kron Tomas 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Introduction Vertebral Stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) involves substantial tumour density heterogeneities. We evaluated the impact of a linear Boltzmann transport equation (LBTE) solver dose calculation on vertebral SABR dose distributions. MethodsA sequential cohort of 20 patients with vertebral metastases treated with SABR were selected. Treatment plans were initially planned with a convolution style dose calculation algorithm. The plan was copied and recalculated with a LBTE algorithm reporting both dose to water (Dw) or dose to medium (Dm). Target dose as a function of CT number, and spinal cord dose was compared between algorithms. ResultsCompared with a convolution algorithm, there was minimal change in PTV D90% with LBTE. LBTE reporting Dm resulted in reduced GTV D50% by (mean, 95% CI) 2.2% (1.9-2.6%) and reduced Spinal Cord PRV near-maximum dose by 3.0% (2.0-4.1%). LBTE reporting Dw resulted in increased GTV D50% by 2.4% (1.8-3.0%). GTV D50% decreased or increased with increasing CT number with Dm or Dw respectively. LBTE, reporting either Dm or Dw resulted in decreased central spinal cord dose by 8.7% (7.1-10.2%) and 7.2% (5.7-8.8%) respectively. Conclusion Reported vertebral SABR tumour dose when calculating with an LBTE algorithm depends on tumour density. Spinal cord near-maximum dose was lower when using LBTE algorithm reporting Dm, which may result in higher spinal cord doses being delivered than with a convolution style algorithm. Spinal cord central dose was significantly lower with LBTE, potentially reflecting LBTE transport approximations.
A Genomic Perspective on the Conservation Status of the Endangered Nashville Crayfish (Faxonius shoupi)
Authors: Hurt Carla , Hildreth Parker , Williams Carl 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The Nashville crayfish (Faxonius shoupi) was federally listed as an endangered species in 1986 due to its limited distribution in the Mill Creek watershed; this waterway lies in the rapidly developing Nashville basin and has experienced habitat degradation due to agricultural run-off, contamination, and urban development. Recovery efforts, including dam removal and restoration of riparian zones, have improved conditions in Mill Creek and F. shoupi has increased in numbers and recolonized extirpated stream segments. However, a history of demographic bottlenecks and restricted gene flow may have negatively impacted the long-term recovery of this species. A recently discovered population of F. shoupi in a disjunct segment of the Lower Tennessee River at the Pickwick Tailwater may provide an additional source of genetic variation. Uncertainty surrounding the origins of the Pickwick population and its taxonomic relationship to F. shoupi in Mill Creek raises questions about the conservation and management implications of this population. We used mitochondrial sequencing and SNP genotyping to assess genetic variation and connectivity of F. shoupi in the Mill Creek drainage and to investigate the taxonomy and demographic history of the newly discovered population at Pickwick. We found substantial genetic variation and evidence of connectivity for samples throughout Mill Creek for both mitochondrial and genome-wide SNPs. Our results also suggest a recently severed connection between crayfish in Pickwick and Mill Creek. Unique mitochondrial haplotypes and SNP variation in the Pickwick population highlight the need for prioritizing this population in future conservation and management plans for this species.
Application of serum SNCA gene in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Quan Yi , Wang Jia , Wang Shuo , Zhao Jizong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: SNCA plays an important role in the development of Parkinson's disease. However, the mechanism in PD is still unclear. We integrate multi-omics data for systematic analysis to explore the potential mechanism and therapeutic target of SNCA in PD.Materials and methods: We download the gene expression, miRNA expression, and methylation data sets from GEO. After integration and standardization, analyze the diagnostic value and potential function of SNCA. Furthermore, according to the expression of SNCA, the important role of the genetic and epigenetic mechanism of SNCA co-expression in PD was analyzed by RNA-Seq, miRNA-Seq, and methylation data.Results: Six expression profiling data sets showed that SNCA is lowly expressed in PD and could be used as a potential PD marker. SNCA co-expressed genes in serum and substantia nigra samples have significant differences. The lncRNAs which most relevant to SNCA expression are related to a variety of tumors and nerve-related diseases meanwhile the miRNA which most relevant to SNCA expression is related to multiple neurodegenerative disease pathways. There are multiple CpG methylation sites in the SNCA promoter region, of which cg15133208 is significantly hypomethylated in PD.Conclusion: This study proposes low expression of SNCA as a diagnostic biomarker for PD, explores the unique genome and apparent landscape associated with expression of SNCA, provides ideas for a better understanding of the molecular basis of PD, and serves as a diagnostic biomarker for expression of SNCA or as a potential therapeutic target for PD patients which provides more direct evidence.
A systematic review of endpoint definitions in late phase tuberculosis therapeutic trials
Authors: Hills Nancy Kathryn , Lyimo Johnson , Nahid Payam , Savic Rada , Phillips Patrick P.J. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background. Safe, more efficacious treatments are needed to address the considerable morbidity and mortality associated with tuberculosis (TB). However, the current practice in TB therapeutics trials is to use composite binary outcomes, which in the absence of standardization may inflate false positive and negative errors in evaluating regimens. The lack of standardization of outcomes is a barrier to the identification of highly efficacious regimens and the introduction of innovative methodologiesMethods. We conducted a systematic review of trials designed to advance new TB drugs or regimens for regulatory approval and inform practice guidelines. Trials were primarily identified from the WHO International Clinical Trial Registry Platform (ICTRP). Only trials that collected post-treatment follow-up data and enrolled at least 100 patients were included. Protocols and Statistical Analysis Plans (SAP) for eligible trials from 1995 to the present were obtained from trial investigators. Details of outcome data, both explicit and implied, were abstracted and organized into three broad categories: Favorable, Unfavorable, and Not Assessable. Within these categories, individual trial definitions were recorded and collated, and areas of broad consensus and disagreement were identified and described. Results. From 2205 TB-related trials, 51 were selected for protocol and SAP review, from which 31 were both eligible and had accessible documentation. Within the three designated categories, we found broad consensus in the definitions of Favorable and Unfavorable outcomes, although specific details were not always provided, and when explicitly addressed, were heterogeneous. Favorable outcomes were handled the most consistently but were widely variable with respect to specification. In some cases, the same events were defined differently by different protocols, particularly in distinguishing Unfavorable from Not Assessable events. Death was often interpreted conditional on cause. Patients who did not complete the study because of withdrawal or loss to follow-up presented a particular challenge to consistent interpretation and analytic treatment of outcomes.Conclusions. In a review of 31 clinical trials, we found that outcome definitions were heterogeneous, highlighting the need to establish clearer specification and a move towards universal standardization of outcomes across TB trials. The ICH E9 (R1) addendum provides guidelines for undertaking and achieving this goal.Registration PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020197993
HSPA5 regulates the expression and alternative splicing of inflammatory and immune response genes.
Authors: Fan Heng , Xue Linping , Liu Yujin , Zuo Dongmei , Gao Fei , Li Huarong , Zhang Lijuan , Shou Zhexing 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
HSPA5 encodes a chaperone protein, BIP/GRP78, which is also an RNA-binding protein with potential transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory functions. To explore the functions of HSPA5 on target genes, we over-expressed HSPA5 (HSPA5-OE) in HeLa cells. Then RNA-seq analysis found 928 genes were significantly differently expressed, among which 460 genes were up-regulated and 468 genes were down-regulated in the HSPA5-OE cells. GO analysis showed that the differently expressed genes were mainly enriched in inflammation and innate Immunity responses. In addition, the up-regulated genes were enriched in the process of cell proliferation and differentiation. Immune-related pathways were also found in the DEGs with KEGG analysis. Furthermore, a total of 659 different alternative splicing events were identified based on the splicing junction reads. And the related genes were enriched in apoptosis, TNF signaling, and NF-kappa B signaling pathways. RT-qPCR experiment proved that the expression of inflammatory/immune-related genes was significantly changed with HSPA5-OE and showed significant difference in alternative splicing of genes involved in the above pathways. Our results suggest that HSPA5 regulates the expression and alternative splicing of inflammatory and immune response genes, which makes a foundation for further exploring the function of HSPA5 as RBP.
Introduction of a Portable and Non-invasive Technology for Hand and Foot Cooling: A Preclinical Feasibility Study
Authors: Jazi Shirin Davarpanah , Ralf Johan , FazelBakhsheshi Mohammad 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is caused by damage to neural structures in distal limbs. CIPN can lead to reduced dose or cessation of chemotherapy. Cooling the hands/feet has shown to be effective in reducing or preventing CIPN. However, when using ice bath or ice gloves/socks is no way to maintain the targeted temperature and prevent ice from melting. Also, patients have difficulty tolerating the freezing temperatures over long periods of chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to test the cooling performance of a recently developed non-invasive system that can ultimately replace current cooling methods.Methods: COOLPREVENT circulates cold water at tolerable temperatures into malleable gloves/socks. As well, COOLPREVENT does not require replacing of melted ice. We administered a cooling protocol via COOLPREVENT on three healthy subjects for 60 minutes. Immediately before and after cooling, skin temperature in the hands and feet were measured. Level of discomfort was also recorded during the cooling process.Results: Results showed that COOLPREVENT reduce skin temperature by 14.5±3.8°C and 10.7±1.7°C in the hands and feet, respectively within 60 minutes without significant discomfort.Conclusion: Although our study is limited by the small number of subjects and participation of healthy individuals, but we can conclude that COOLPREVENT can be a safe and appropriate method for hand and foot cooling. We hope that these preliminary findings can pave the way to designing clinical trials we plan to conduct in the near future.