bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Challenges and uncertainty in plot-scale emissivity and surface temperature estimation using flux tower measurements
Authors: Thakur Gitanjali , Schymanski Stanislaus J. , Trebs Ivonne , Sulis Mauro , Mallick Kaniska 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Land surface temperature (LST) is a preeminent state variable that controls the energy and water exchange between the Earth’s surface and the atmosphere. At the landscape-scale, LST is derived from thermal infrared radiance measured using space-borne radiometers. At the plot-scale, the flux tower recorded longwave radiation components are inverted to retrieve LST. Since the down-welling longwave component was not measured routinely until recently, usually only the up-welling longwave component is used for the plot-scale LST retrieval. However, we found that ignoring reflected down-welling longwave radiation for plot-scale LST estimations can lead to substantial error. This also has important implications for estimating the correct surface emissivity using flux tower measurements, which is needed for plot-scale LST retrievals. The present study proposes a new method for plot-scale emissivity and LST estimation and addresses in detail the consequences of omitting down-welling longwave radiation as frequently done in the literature. Our analysis uses ten eddy covariance sites with different land cover types and found that the LST values obtained using both up-welling and down-welling longwave radiation components are 0.5 to 1.5 K lower than estimates using only up-welling longwave radiation. Furthermore, the proposed method helps identify inconsistencies between plot-scale radiometric and aerodynamic measurements, likely due to footprint mismatch between measurement approaches. We also found that such inconsistencies can be removed by slight corrections to the up-welling longwave component and subsequent energy balance closure, resulting in realistic estimates of surface emissivity and consistent relationships between energy fluxes and surface-air temperature differences. Landscape-scale daytime LST obtained from satellite data (MODIS TERRA) was strongly correlated with our plot-scale estimates for most of the sites, but higher by several Kelvin at two sites. We also quantified the uncertainty in estimated LST and surface emissivity using the different methods and found that the proposed method does not result in increased uncertainty. The results of this work have significant implications for the combined use of aerodynamic and radiometric measurements to understand the interactions and feedbacks between LST and surface-atmosphere exchange processes.
Minimum inhibitory concentration of Ceftazidime-Avibactam against Clinical isolates of XDR Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi
Authors: Jabeen Kokab , Saleem Sidrah , Nizam-ud-din Summiya , Arshad Faiqa , Zill-e-huma  , jahan Shah 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Typhoid fever is a major healthcare problem in low and middle-income countries. The emergence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) typhoid has further narrowed down the way to already limited therapeutic options. WHO has listed S.Typhi amongst the priority pathogens against which new treatment options should be discovered.Objective: To determine In-vitro activity of Ceftazidime-avibactam against clinical isolates of XDR S.Typhi.Study design: This is a cross-sectional studyPlace and duration of the study: The Department of Microbiology, University of health sciences, Lahore from January to June 2021.Methodology: Antimicrobial susceptibility was performed initially by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method for 150 of XDR Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi and MICs of all the recommended antibiotics was determined by VITEK 2 (bioMérieux) fully automated system using Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) 2021 guidelines. MICs by the E-test method were determined for Ceftazidime-avibactam and Azithromycin only. All tests were done in duplicate.Results: All 150 (100%) isolates were sensitive to Ceftazidime-avibactam by disc diffusion and E-test methods. Out of 150 isolates 8(5.3%) were having high MICs against Azithromycin.Conclusions: Ceftazidime-avibactam can be used wisely to treat ESBL producing XDR typhoid fever cases especially in countries like Pakistan where Typhoid fever is endemic and majority of isolates are extensively drug resistant.
Large spontaneous HBV DNA fluctuations and potential usefulness of a single point measurement of combined HBV DNA and quantitative HBsAg for the exclusion of HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B: A prospective Tunisian cohort study
Authors: Chtourou Amel , Gargouri Saba , Elleuch Emna , Taktak Awatef , Fki-Berrajah Lamia , Mnif Khouloud , Kassis Mondher , Hammami Adnene , Jemaa Mounir Ben , KARRAY HELA 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background/Aims: We aimed to describe spontaneous short-term hepatitis B Virus (HBV) DNA fluctuations and to assess the usefulness of quantitative HBsAg (qHBsAg) in Tunisian patients with HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection.Methods: We included 174 treatment-naïve patients with chronic HBeAg-negative HBV. A one-year prospective follow-up was carried out with serial determinations of HBV DNA, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and qHBsAg. Patients were classified into three groups: inactive carriers (G1), patients with HBeAg negative CHB (G2) and patients with “indeterminant state” (G3). For this latter group, a liver biopsy was indicated.Results: Genotype D was the only detected. During the follow-up, 21.6% and 19.5% of patients with low initial (<2000 IU/mL) and intermediate viral load (2000-20000 IU/mL), experienced a subsequent increase in their HBV DNA levels above 2000 and 20000 IU/mL, respectively. Significant variations of HBV DNA levels (≥0.5 log10 IU/mL) were observed in 61.1% of patients at 6 months-interval. Among the 174 patients, 89 (51.1%) belonged to G1, 33 (19%) to G2 and 52 (29.9%) to G3. Fourteen patients have undergone liver biopsy, among whom 7 (50%) showed moderate to severe liver disease. Combination of HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL and qHBsAg <832 IU/mL excluded CHB in 98.4% of cases.Conclusions: This study highlights the large short-term HBV DNA fluctuations in Tunisian patients with HBeAg negative chronic HBV of genotype D. HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL along with qHBsAg < 832 IU/mL excluded CHB in 98.4% of cases. Significant proportion of patients with “indeterminant state” within genotype D would have HBeAg negative CHB.
Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing (VCT): Knowledge, attitudes, hinderances, and practices of adults seeking treatment at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital on the spread of HIV in Northern Uganda. A cross-sectional study
Authors: Aduk Mary Assumpta , Atama Isaac Malon , Dayo Leonard , Kizza Cissy Namujuzi , Musinguzi Brian , Ndomeirwe Pretty Precious , Okiror William , Senteza Ignatius , Wanjiku Grace Wachira , Ikoona Eric Nzirakaindi , Kitara David Lagoro 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: In 2011, Uganda had a national HIV prevalence of 6.7%. Between 2008 and 2009, there was an upsurge in HIV in Gulu District from 9.4% to 16.0% with Gulu Municipality at 22.1%. Similarly, in 2020, the prevalence of HIV in Gulu District persistently remained high at 14.0%, much higher than the national average at 6.0%.The objective of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, hindrances, and practices on voluntary HIV counseling and testing (VCT) and determine factors associated with VCT practices among adults seeking treatment at the outpatient department of Gulu Regional Referral Hospital.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 384 participants. Simple random sampling was used to recruit participants. Knowledge and practices on VCT were determined using knowledge ratings and attitudes using a modified Likert scale. A questionnaire with an internal validity of Cronbach’s α=0.71 was used. Ethical approval was obtained, and SPSS was used for data analysis at univariate, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.Results: The most significant findings were that knowledge and attitude significantly affect VCT practices among adults in Gulu Hospital. Most participants had adequate knowledge (297/379, 78.4%), the most common source of VCT information was radio (236/372, 63.4%) and few from parents (30/372, 8.1%). 158/380(41.6%) had strongly positive attitudes however, 4/10(40.0%) believed knowing HIV status was not beneficial because of fear of stigma, 299/380(78.7%) had good practices,13/45(28.9%) did not undertake VCT due to ignorant on the importance, 9/45(20.0%) feared positive results, and 5/45(11.0%) for far-off service centers. Among those who discouraged others, 15/45 (83.0%) did it for no reason, while 2/45 (11.0%) believed it was a risky and painful process.Knowledge and attitude on VCT practices had an adjusted R square of 0.421, p<0.001. The independent predictors of VCT practices in a multivariable regression analysis was knowledge (β=0.478, t=10.374, p<0.001) and attitudes (β=0.257, t=5.570, p<0.001).Conclusion: Knowledge and attitudes significantly influenced VCT practices among adults attending outpatient services at Gulu Hospital. The independent determinants of VCT practices were knowledge and attitudes. However, HIV stigma, fear of positive results and divorce/separation were the most deterring factors on VCT practices among participants.
Regional Health Care Profiles – An Improved Method For Generating Case Studies On The Catchment Areas of Envisaged Primary Health Care Units In Austria: A Report To The Infact Joint Action
Authors: Mathis-Edenhofer Stefan , Röthlin Florian , Wachabauer David , Haneef Romana , Ventura Ilana , Fülöp Gerhard 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: The recent Austrian Primary Care Act established new primary health care units (PHCUs) and obliged them to draw up a “care strategy” specifying their focal care tasks and objectives and emphasizing the health care needs of the population in their catchment area with its specific local health and epidemiological profile. The main purpose of these care strategies is thus to ensure that care-providers meet the local needs, but they also provide a rationale for evaluation and organizational development. To assist new PHCUs in establishing care strategies it was necessary to develop a method for automatically generating comprehensive local case studies for any freely definable location in Austria. Results: We designed an interactive report generator capable of producing location-specific regional health care profiles for a PHCU located in any of Austria’s 2,122 municipalities and of calculating the radius of its catchment area (defined by different levels of maximum car-travelling times). The reports so generated, called “regional health care profiles for primary health care” (RHCPs/PHC), are in comprehensive PDF report format. The core of each report is a set of 35 indicators, classified under five health and health service domains. The reports include an introductory text, definitions, a map, a graphic and tabular presentation of all indicator values, including information on local, supra-regional and national value distribution, a ranking, and numbers of service providers (e.g. pharmacies, surgeries, nursing homes) located within the catchment area.Conclusions: The RHCPs/PHC support primary health care planning, efforts to improve care-effectiveness, and strategic organizational development by providing comprehensive information on the health of the population, the utilization of health services and the health structures within the catchment area. In addition to revealing the scope and nature of the health care needed, they also provide information on what public health approaches are necessary. RHCPs/PHC for different locations have already been distributed to numerous stakeholders and primary health care providers in Austria.
Comparative study of flood coincidence risk estimation methods in the mainstream and its tributaries
Authors: Li Na , Guo Shenglian , Xiong Feng , Wang Jun , Xie Yuzuo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The coincidence of floods in the mainstream and its tributaries may lead to a large flooding in the downstream confluence area, and the flood coincidence risk analysis is very important for flood prevention and disaster reduction. In this study, the multiple regression model was used to establish the functional relationship among flood magnitudes in the mainstream and its tributaries. The mixed von Mises distribution and Pearson Type III distribution were selected to fit the probability distribution of the annual maximum flood occurrence dates and magnitudes, respectively. The joint distributions of the annual maximum flood occurrence dates and magnitudes were established using copula function, respectively. Fuhe River in the Poyang Lake region was selected as a study case. The joint probability, co-occurrence probability and conditional probability of flood magnitudes were quantitatively estimated and compared with the predicted flood coincidence risks. The results show that the selected marginal and joint distributions can fit observed flood dataset very well. The coincidence probabilities of flood occurrence dates in the upper mainstream and its tributaries mainly occur from May to early July. It is found that the conditional probability is the most consistent with the predicted flood coincidence risks in the mainstream and its tributaries, and is more reliable and rational in practice.
The Effects of The MTHFR 677C&gt;T (Rs1801133) Genetic Variant on Susceptibility and Disability in Multiple Sclerosis Patients are Mediated by Homocysteine But Not Folate Levels
Authors: Ribeiro Claudia Mara , Oliveira Sayonara Rangel , Flauzino Tamires , Alfieri Daniela Frizon , Simão Andrea Name Colado , Lozovoy Marcell Alysson Batisti , Maes Michael , Reiche Edna Maria Vissoci 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We investigated whether the MTHFR 677C>T (rs1801133) variant and plasma homocysteine and folate are associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), disability, disability progression, and inflammatory biomarkers. We included 163 MS patients categorized using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) as mild (EDSS<3) and moderate/high (EDSS≥3) disability, and 226 healthy controls. Disability progression was evaluated using Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS) and the MTHFR 677C>T was genotyped using real time polymerase chain reaction. The levels of some inflammatory biomarkers and inflammatory activity index (IAI) were determined. There was no association between the MTHFR 677 C>T genotypes and MS, EDSS, and MSSS (p>0.05). Plasma folate and homocysteine were higher and adiponectin was lower in MS patients than controls (p<0.001). Moreover, 21.8% of the EDSS variance was explained by age, IAI and C-reactive protein (CRP) (all positively associated); 10.9% of the MSSS variance was predicted by IAI and CRP (both positively) and vitamin D3 (negatively), whereas 54.4% of the MS-EDSS-MSSS score was explained by the regression on age, IAI, homocysteine, folate, and CRP (all positively) and adiponectin, body mass index, and vitamin D3 (all negatively), female sex and the MTHFR 677 TT genotype. In patients and controls, 16.6% of the variance in the homocysteine was explained by the MTHFR 677 TT genotype and age (both positively), folate (negatively) and male sex. In conclusion, the MTHFR 677C>T variant was not directly associated with MS, disability, and disability progression; however, the TT genotype showed indirect effects on MS susceptibility and disability mediated by homocysteine.
Convolutional Neural Networks for Automatic Image Quality Control and EARL Compliance of PET Images
Authors: Pfaehler Elisabeth , Euba Daniela , Rinscheid Andreas , Hoekstra Otto S. , Zijlstra Josee , Sluis Joyce van , Brouwers Adrienne H. , Lapa Constantin , Boellaard Ronald 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Machine learning studies require a large number of images often obtained on different PET scanners. When merging these images, the use of harmonized images following EARL-standards is essential. However, when including retrospective images, EARL accreditation might not have been in place. The aim of this study was to develop a convolutional neural network (CNN) that can identify retrospectively if an image is EARL compliant and if it is meeting older or newer EARL-standards. Materials and Methods: 96 PET images acquired on three PET/CT systems were included in the study. All images were reconstructed with the locally clinically preferred, EARL1, and EARL2 compliant reconstruction protocols. After image pre-processing, one CNN was trained to separate clinical and EARL compliant reconstructions. A second CNN was optimized to identify EARL1 and EARL2 compliant images. The accuracy of both CNNs was assessed using 5-fold cross validation. The CNNs were validated on 24 images acquired on a PET scanner not included in the training data. To assess the impact of image noise on the CNN decision, the 24 images were reconstructed with different scan durations.Results: In the cross-validation, the first CNN classified all images correctly. When identifying EARL1 and EARL2 compliant images, the second CNN identified 100% EARL1 compliant and 85% EARL2 compliant images correctly. The accuracy in the independent dataset was comparable to the cross-validation accuracy. The scan duration had almost no impact on the results. Conclusion: The two CNNs trained in this study can be used to retrospectively include images in a multi-center setting by e.g. adding additional smoothing. This method is especially important for machine learning studies where the harmonization of images from different PET systems is essential.
Crystal shapes, triglyphs, and twins in minerals: The case of pyrite
Authors: Arrouvel Corinne 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The euhedral shapes of pyrite FeS2 are usually exposing three main surfaces: striated (001), smooth (111), and striated (210), leading to the cubical, octahedral, and pyritohedral morphology, respectively. The macroscopic striations, sometimes called triglyphs on cubic crystals, are parallel on specific surfaces and aligned to the &lt;100&gt; directions. Other types of striated and unstriated (hkl) surfaces can be observed on pyrite crystals from Peru, a country offering a rich diversity of pyrite shapes. A rare specimen from Elba Island (Italy) is a pyritohedron with uncommon directions of striations (so-called “negative” striations, first described in Japanese minerals). The Wulff kinetic growth and the periodic bond chain (PBC) theories were not relevant enough to explain crystal shapes, the texture of the surfaces, and twinning. To bring some new insights on crystal growth, twinning, and anisotropy, pyrite samples are analyzed using XRD, SEM, and EDS techniques coupled with atomistic simulations. A first analysis points out that sulfur terminations play a key role in the growth of striations in distinguishing the six &lt;001&gt; directions. The negative striated pyritohedral pyrite would be, in fact, a special case that has stabilized the {120} surfaces, which are structurally different from the {210} facets. The {120} surface has a slightly higher surface energy than the {210} surface (surface energies of 1.68 and 1.65 J/m2, respectively, calculated with force field methods). {120} pyritohedra from Elba, Italy, are growing next to micaceous iron oxides (a type of hematite), which are also peculiar specimens with magnetic properties. Another specificity is that some rare earth elements have been identified in the pyrite sample from Elba, which leads to a hypothesis that geothermal conditions favor “negative” striations (e.g., discernible in Akita prefecture-Japan, Boyacá-Colombia, and Cassandra-Greece). The striation directions become useful to distinguish (hkl) surfaces and to identify twinning as they follow the same patterns on each interpenetrated crystal. The most common twinning is the “iron cross,” a penetration twin of two crystals defined by a rotation of 90° along an [001] axis with a coincidence in the iron sub-lattice (e.g., twinning by merohedry) and with a twin center. The sulfur network also plays a fundamental role in stabilizing the (001) interface and in keeping the chemical bulk properties at the boundary, as confirmed by additional ab initio simulations. The grain boundary is a 2D defect in which the (001) twinning is relatively stable as it is common. The calculated formation energy of the rotation twinning is 0.8 J/m2. The rotation twinning is associated with an apparent reflection on (110) planes. The formation energy of the (110) mirror grain boundary is 1.7 J/m2, and the interface at the atomic scale is relatively uniform in agreement with experimental observations.
Pomite and pseudopomite, two new carbonate-encapsulating mixed-valence polyoxovanadate minerals
Authors: Kampf Anthony R. , Hughes John M. , Ma Chi , Marty Joe , Rose Timothy P. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Pomite (IMA2021-063), ideally Ca3[V54+V105+O37(CO3)]·37H2O, and pseudopomite (IMA2021-064), ideally Ca3.5[V64+V95+O37(CO3)]·32H2O, are two new polyoxometalate minerals from the Blue Streak mine, Bull Canyon, Montrose County, Colorado, U.S.A. Pomite properties: striated blades up to ~1 mm long; very dark green-blue color; green-blue streak; vitreous luster; brittle; Mohs hardness ≈2; irregular, splintery fracture; good cleavages on {010} and {001}; 2.19(2) g/cm−3 density; refractive indices in the vicinity of 1.70; weakly birefringent with little or no pleochroism. Pseudopomite properties: striated prisms and blades up to ~1 mm; very dark blue-green color; blue-green streak; vitreous luster; brittle; Mohs hardness ≈2; curved, irregular fracture; probably two fair cleavages, {100} and {001}; 2.40(2) g/cm−3 density; refractive indices in the vicinity of 1.72; no discernable birefringence or pleochroism. Electron microprobe analyses provided the empirical formulas Ca3.11[V5.234+V9.775+O37 (CO3)]·37H2O and Ca3.49[V5.984+V9.025+O37(CO3)]·29H2O for pomite and pseudopomite, respectively. Pomite is triclinic, P1, with a = 12.3668(10), b = 12.9692(12), c = 22.068(2) Å, α = 99.038(7), β = 95.689(7), γ = 103.249(7)°, V = 3368.7(5) Å3, and Z = 2. Pseudopomite is triclinic, P1, with a = 12.2910(18), b = 12.6205(15), c = 20.917(3) Å, α = 77.381(6), β = 85.965(5), γ = 64.367(7)°, V = 2853.6(7) Å3, and Z = 2. The crystal structures of both minerals (pomite, R1 = 0.103; pseudopomite, R1 = 0.116) contain a novel [Vx4+V15−x5+O37(CO3)](1+x)– heteropolyanion, which is unique in natural and synthetic materials but has similarities to the [V84+V75+O36(CO3)]7– and [H8V154+O36(CO3)]6– heteropolyanions reported in synthetic phases.
Neural Substrates for the Regulation of Sleep and General Anesthesia
Authors: Yang Qianzi , Zhou Fang , Li Ao , Dong Hailong 
Published: December 2021

:
General anesthesia has been successfully used in the clinic for over 170 years, but its mechanisms of effect remain unclear. Behaviorally, general anesthesia is similar to sleep in that it produces a reversible transition between wakefulness and the state of being unaware of one’s surroundings. A growing discussion has been imposed regarding the common circuits of sleep and general anesthesia, as an increasing number of sleep-arousal regulatory nuclei are reported to participate in the consciousness shift occurring during general anesthesia. Recently, with progress in research technology, both positive and negative evidence for overlapping neural circuits between sleep and general anesthesia have emerged. This article provides a review of the latest evidence on the neural substrates for sleep and general anesthesia regulation by comparing the roles of pivotal nuclei in sleep and anesthesia.