bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Beet Seedling and Weed Recognition Based on Convolutional Neural Network and Multi-modality Images
Authors: Sun Jun , Yang Yu , He Xiaofei , Wang Long , Wu Xiaohong , Shen Jifeng 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Difficulties in the recognition of beet seedlings and weeds can arise from a complex background in the natural environment and a lack of light at night. In the current study, a novel depth fusion algorithm was proposed based on visible and near-infrared imagery. Results: Visible (RGB) and near-infrared images were superimposed at the pixel-level via a depth fusion algorithm and were subsequently fused into three-channel multi-modality images in order to characterize the edge details of beets and weeds. Moreover, an improved region-based fully convolutional network (R-FCN) model was applied in order to overcome the geometric modeling restriction of traditional convolutional kernels. More specifically, for the convolutional feature extraction layers, deformable convolution was adopted to replace the traditional convolutional kernel, allowing for the entire network to extract more precise features. In addition, online hard example mining was introduced to excavate the hard negative samples in the detection process for the retraining of misidentified samples. A total of four models were established via the aforementioned improved methods. Results demonstrate that the average precision of the improved optimal model for beets and weeds were 84.8% and 93.2%, respectively, while the mean average precision was improved to 89.0%. Conclusion: Compared with the classical R-FCN model, the performance of the optimal model was not only greatly improved, but the parameters were also not significantly expanded. Our study can provide a theoretical basis for the subsequent development of intelligent weed control robots.
Favorable Impact of a Multidisciplinary Team Approach on Heart Transplantation Outcomes: A 14-Year Experience in a Mid-Volume Center
Authors: Lee Jun Ho , Kim Joo Yeon , Park Ilkun , Sung Kiick , Kim Wook Sung , Kim Darae , Yang Jeong Hoon , Jeon Eun-Seok , Choi Jin-Oh , Cho Yang Hyun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Although a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach is recommended in advanced heart failure and heart transplantation (HTx), no studies have discussed the impact of the team approach on the clinical outcomes of HTx. In 2014, we established an MDT approach in our HTx program with active involvement of teams for critical care and extracorporeal life support (ECLS) using a real-time online information sharing system. We hypothesized that this MDT approach improved the survival of patients who have undergone HTx. In this study, we enrolled 250 adult patients who underwent HTx between December 2003 and June 2018; they were divided into non-MDT (n = 120; before 2014) and MDT (n = 130; since 2014) groups, with the primary outcome being overall mortality. The mean age of HTx recipients was 51.0 ± 13.7 years, and 77 recipients (30.8%) were female. The MDT group had more high-risk patients in terms of age of donors, diabetes, dialysis, ECLS, and waiting time. Various multivariable analytic methods, including inverse-probability-of-treatment-weighting analysis, revealed that the MDT approach was an independent predictor of overall survival. Therefore, collaboration of an HF team, a critical care team, and an ECLS team may improve survival after HTx.
Differences in Socio-demographics Status, Risk Behaviours, Healthcare Uptake and HIV/STIs Between Brothel-based and Street-based Female Sex Workers in Yunnan, China
Authors: Cai Guoxi , Liu Yufen , Zhuang Jinman , Lu Yixiao , Wu Jiwen , Hu Zhijian , Zhang Jianping , He Fei 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background Heterosexual contact is the primary mode of HIV transmission in China and commercial sex is thought to play a crucial role in China’s epidemic. Female sex works (FSWs) in China tend to be either brothel-based (BSWs) or street-based (SSWs), but few studies have investigated the differences between these important segments of this difficult-to-reach, high-risk population. Our aim was to explore these differences. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Yunnan Province of China in partnership with a local FSW-friendly non-governmental organization. Face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire were conducted to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, sex work history, sexual behaviours, HIV/STI-related knowledge, HIV testing history, and healthcare services uptake. Blood samples were taken for HIV and syphilis testing, and urine samples for gonorrhea and chlamydia testing. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate differences between SSWs and BSWs. Results A total of 185 BSWs and 129 SSWs were included in the study. SSWs were older and less educated, had more dependents and more clients, accessed fewer healthcare services, and had higher prevalence of HIV/STIs. SSWs also had similar but higher rates of consistent condom use with clients.Conclusions Our study provides evidence that confirms the disproportionately high vulnerability of SSWs to HIV and other STIs, underscoring the urgent need for the Chinese health and public health sectors to prioritize outreach to SSWs. Awareness and educational programs, condom distribution, testing and health check-ups should be included in a comprehensive strategy for HIV/STI prevention in this high-risk population.
Emergence of a noncollinear magnetic state in twisted bilayer CrI3
Authors: Xu Yang , Ray Ariana , Shao Yu-Tsun , Jiang Shengwei , Weber Daniel , Goldberger Joshua , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Muller David , Mak Kin Fai , Shan Jie 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The emergence of two-dimensional (2D) magnetic crystals and moiré engineering of van der Waals materials has opened the door for devising new magnetic ground states via competing interactions in moiré superlattices. Although a suite of interesting phenomena, including multi-flavor magnetic states, noncollinear magnetic states, moiré magnon bands and magnon networks, has been predicted in twisted bilayer magnetic crystals, nontrivial magnetic ground states have yet to be realized. Here, by utilizing the stacking-dependent interlayer exchange interactions in CrI3, we demonstrate in small-twist-angle CrI3 bilayers a noncollinear magnetic ground state. It consists of antiferromagnetic (AF) and ferromagnetic (FM) domains and is a result of the competing interlayer AF coupling in the monoclinic stacking regions of the moiré superlattice and the energy cost for forming AF-FM domain walls. Above a critical twist angle of ~ 3°, the noncollinear state transitions to a collinear FM ground state. We further show that the noncollinear magnetic state can be controlled by electrical gating through the doping-dependent interlayer AF interaction. Our results demonstrate the possibility of engineering new magnetic ground states in twisted bilayer magnetic crystals, as well as gate-voltage-controllable high-density magnetic memory storage.
Zootherapy as a Potential Pathway for Zoonotic Spillover: a Mixed-methods Study of the Use of Animal Products in Medicinal and Cultural Practices in Nigeria
Authors: Friant Sagan , Bonwitt Jesse , Ayambem Wilfred A , Ifebueme Nzube M , Alobi Alobi O , Otukpa Oshama M , Bennett Andrew J , Shea Corrigan , Rothman Jessica M , Goldberg Tony L , Jacka Jerry K 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Understanding how and why people interact with animals is important for prevention and control of zoonoses. To date, studies have primarily focused on the most visible forms of human-animal contact (e.g., hunting and consumption), thereby blinding One Health researchers and practitioners to the broad range of human-animal interactions that can serve as neglected sources of zoonotic diseases. Zootherapy, the use of animal products for traditional medicine and cultural practices, is widespread and can generate opportunities for human exposure to zoonoses. Still, existing research examining zootherapies omits details necessary to adequately assess potential zoonotic risks. Methods: We used a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data from questionnaires, key informant interviews, and field notes to examine the use of zootherapy in nine villages engaged in wildlife hunting, consumption, and trade in Nigeria. We analyzed medicinal and cultural practices involving animals from a zoonotic disease perspective, by including details of animal use that may generate pathways for transmission of animal-borne infections. We also examined the sociodemographic and cultural contexts of zootherapeutic practices that can further shape the nature and frequency of human-animal interactions. Results: Within our study population, people reported using 44 different animal species for zootherapeutic practices, including “high risk” taxonomic groups. Variation in use of animal parts, preparation norms, and administration practices generated a highly diverse set of zootherapeutic practices (n = 292) and variation in associated zoonotic exposure risks. Use of zootherapy was patterned by demographic and environmental contexts, with zootherapy more commonly practiced by hunting households (OR=2.47, p<0.01), and prescriptions that were gender and age specific (e.g., maternal or pediatric care) or highly seasonal (e.g., associated with annual festivals and seasonal illnesses). Specific practices were informed by different theories of healing (i.e., “like cures like” theory of healing and sympathetic healing and magic) that further shaped the nature of human-animal interactions via zootherapy. Conclusions: Epidemiological investigations of zoonoses and public health interventions that aim to reduce zoonotic exposures should explicitly consider zootherapy as a potential pathway for disease transmission and consider the sociocultural contexts of their use in health messaging and interventions.
Experimental and Scale-span Numerical Investigations in Conventional and Longitudinal Torsional Coupled Rotary Ultrasonic Assisted Drilling of CFRPs
Authors: Liu Yong , Li Qiannan , Qi Zhenchao , Chen Wenliang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Longitudinal torsional coupled rotary ultrasonic assisted drilling (LTC-RUAD) technology is introduced to improve the surface roughness of the hole wall and solve the tear, burr and delamination of carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) induced by large thrust force and torque during conventional drilling (CD). An experiment and scale-span numerical investigation of drilling CFRPs was presented for both CD and LTC-RUAD process in this study. A drilling experimental platform using LTC-RUAD was built via a novel independently designed and manufactured LTC-RUAD vibration actuator, while the drilling experiments involving T700S-12K/YP-H26 CFRPs specimens with different process parameters were carried out by adopting the different ultrasonic vibration amplitude (UVA) in the longitudinal and torsional directions. Then, a three-dimensional (3D) scale-span FE simulation model of CD and LTC-RUAD which applied the different UVA using tapered drill-reamer (TDR) are developed to find more details about the effects of machining quality of the holes. Experimental and simulation results revealed that the maximum average thrust force reduction is observed to be as high as 30% under certain drilling conditions, and the maximum average thrust force and the delamination factor of the drilled hole shows a "concave" trend with the increase of the UVA. The quality at the exit of the drilled hole is the best when adopting Sr=2000rpm, Sf=0.01mm/rev, Alon=7.02μm and Ator=9.29μm in LTC-RUAD. The delamination factor is only 0.054. The damage factors are reduced by 69.67% compared with CD.
Theoretical and Experimental Investigation Into Machining Characteristics of VHF Micro-EDM
Authors: Jing Qi , Zhang Yongbin , Kong Lingbao , Xu Min , Ji Fang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
To further explore the machining characteristics of very high-frequency micro-electrical discharge machining (VHF micro-EDM), the range of radio-frequency (RF) power amplifier was expanded to 110 MHz, and the power of the RF power amplifier was also greatly increased up to 91 W. The principle of the VHF pulse generator was discussed in detail, and an electro-thermal model suitable for VHF micro-EDM was established to determine the diameter of the plasma channel and the energy distribution ratio. Experimental studies for VHF micro-EDM were also carried out, and the effects of power and frequency on machining characteristics were then analysed and discussed. The results show that at the same frequency, the higher the power is, the higher the material removal rate (MRR) and the larger the number of discharge craters. At the same power, the MRR and the size of discharge craters both first increase and then decrease with increasing frequency and reach the maximum value at 65 MHz. For the copper workpiece, when the frequency is 110 MHz and the total power of the power amplifier is 8.0 W, 5.6% of the energy is used for the material removal of the workpiece, and the finest processing surface is obtained with the surface roughness Ra=12 nm. The average diameter of the discharge craters is as small as 0.268 μm, and the diameter of the plasma channel is only 0.350 μm. In addition, the effects of different workpiece materials and dielectric fluids are also analysed in this paper.
Mkx Mediates Tenogenic Differentiation But Incompletely Inhibits The Proliferation of Hypoxic MSCs
Authors: Chen Guanyin , Fan Dong , Zhang Wangqian , Wang Shuning , Gu Jintao , Gao Yuan , He Lei , Li Weina , Zhang Cun , Li Meng , Zhang Yingqi , Liu Zhaohui , Hao Qiang 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Hypoxia has been shown to be able to induce tenogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) which lead hypoxia-induced MSCs to be a potential treatment for tendon injury. However, little is known about the mechanism underlying the tenogenic differentiation process of hypoxic MSCs, which limited the application of differentiation-inducing therapies in tendon repair. This study was designed to investigate the role of Mohawk homeobox (Mkx) in tenogenic differentiation and proliferation of hypoxic MSCs.Methods: Adipose-derived MSCs (AMSCs) and bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMSCs) were isolated, identified and cultured as our previous study. qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining were performed to evaluate the expression of Mkx and other tendon-associated markers in AMSCs and BMSCs under hypoxia condition. Small interfering RNA technique was applied to observe the effect of Mkx levels on the expression of tendon-associated markers in normoxic and hypoxic BMSCs. Hypoxic BMSCs infected with Mkx-specific short hair RNA (shRNA) or scramble were implanted into the wound gaps of injured patellar tendons to assess the effect of Mkx levels on tendon repair. In addition, cell counting kit‑8 and colony formation unit assays were adopted to determine the proliferation capacity of normoxic or hypoxic BMSCs infected with or without Mkx-specific shRNA.Results: Our data showed that the expression of Mkx significantly increased in hypoxic AMSCs, and increased much more in hypoxic BMSCs. Our results also detected that the expression of tenogenic differentiation markers after down-regulation of Mkx were significantly decreased not only in normoxic BMSCs, but also in hypoxic BMSCs which paralleled the inferior histological evidences, worse biomechanical properties and smaller diameters of collagen fibrils in vivo. In addition, our in vitro data demonstrated that the optical density values and the clone numbers of both normoxic and hypoxic BMSCs were significantly increased after knockdown of Mkx, and were also significantly enhanced in both AMSCs and BMSCs in hypoxia condition under which the expression of Mkx was up-regulated.Conclusions: These findings strongly suggested that Mkx mediated hypoxia-induced tenogenic differentiation of MSCs, but could not completely repress the proliferation of hypoxic MSCs.
The contribution of Galactic TeV pulsar wind nebulae to Fermi-LAT diffuse emission
Authors: Vecchiotti Vittoria , Pagliaroli Giulia , Villante Francesco 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The large-scale diffuse γ−ray flux observed by Fermi-LAT in the 1-100 GeV energy range, parameterized as ∝ E−Γ, has a spectral index Γ that depends on the distance from the Galactic center. This feature, if attributed to the diffuse emission produced by cosmic rays (CR) interactions with the interstellar gas, can be interpreted as the evidence of a progressive CR spectral hardening towards the Galactic center. This interpretation challenges the standard cosmic rays diffusion paradigm. We report on the implications of TeV Pulsar Wind Nebulae observed by the HESS Galactic Plane Survey in the 1-100 TeV energy range for the interpretation of Fermi-LAT data. We argue that a relevant fraction of this population cannot be resolved by Fermi-LAT in the GeV domain providing a relevant contribution to the large-scale diffuse emission, viz. the 30% of the total diffuse γ-ray emission in the inner Galaxy. This additional component naturally accounts for a large part of the spectral index variation observed by Fermi-LAT, weakening the evidence of CR spectral hardening in the inner Galaxy.
Effects of Different Surfactants to Petroleum Hydrocarbons Degradation of Mixed-bacteria
Authors: Cui Jia-qi , Li Ya-qi , He Qing-sheng , Li Bing-zhi , Yuan Ying-jin , Wen Jianping 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Surfactant-enhanced remediation (SER) had been widely applied to remove petroleum hydrocarbon (PH) pollutants, but the degradation mechanism that how to affect the hydrocarbon metabolite ability of microorganism under added surfactant is raring. In this work, the combination bacteria and surfactant were selected to remove PH, and the degradation bottleneck concentration of single-bacteria was 10000.00 mg/L according to the PH degradation rate. However, the degradation efficient of mixed-bacteria was further increased in adding surfactant condition.. Among them, the PH degradation rate of Kocuria rosea + Bacillus odyssey and Microbacterium. sp + B. odyssey had been respectively reached to 81.58±6.29% (added tween-80) and 88.35±7.58% (added rhamnolipid) under above bottleneck concentration. Compared with non-added surfactant, the relative abundances of global overmaps, amino acid metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism were increased in adding tween-80 condition. However, when added rhamnolipid, the relative abundances of ABC transporters, two-component system, and bacteria chemotaxis had been exhibited enhancement obviously, and aimed to improve of transportation, absorption and degradation of PH. Additionally, the gene abundance of alkB and nah was also significantly increased with above condition. Meanwhile, the gene abundance of alkB and nah was also significantly enhanced by above condition. Sum up, this work offers an important information to insights into the changes of mixed-bacteria function during different systems to degrade PH.
Improving Performance of Laser and Shaped Tube Electrochemical Machining by Using Retracted Hybrid Tubular Tool Electrode
Authors: yang yong , wang yufeng , Gui Yujie , Shao Fuhui , Li Yulei , Zhang Wenwu 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The coaxial laser has been introduced to shaped tube electrochemical machining (STEM), referred to as Laser-STEM, to enhance the materials removal rate and precision. To address the issue of central residual formation during the Laser-STEM process, which limited the machining stability and feeding rate, the retracted hybrid tubular electrode was applied. The formation mechanisms and effects of the W-shaped central residual were analyzed. Simulation and experiments were conducted to study the impact of the retracted length of the tubular electrode. Simulation results showed that a retracted length of 1-1.5 mm of the inner low-refractive layer could improve the electric current density distribution homogeneity to remove the W-shaped central residual in the machining area. The electric current density distribution homogeneity in the machining zone has been decreased by 38% by utilizing the hybrid tubular electrode with a retracted length of 2.0 mm. With a proper retracted length, the laser coupling efficiency exceeded 74.5%. Hence, the retracted hybrid tubular electrode could act as both the tool electrode and optical waveguide in the Laser-STEM process. Experimental results proved that the machining efficiency and precision of Laser-STEM could be enhanced by utilizing the retracted hybrid tubular electrode. With the retracted length deg rising from 0 mm to 1.5 mm, the maximum feeding speed increased by 373%, and the machining precision was improved by 42.2%. The maximum feeding rate of 4.1 mm/min has been achieved using the retracted hybrid tubular electrode in the Laser-STEM process, which has been improved by 105%, compared with the available maximum feeding rate of the tubular electrode in the STEM process. Finally, the small holes with a diameter of 1.4 mm and an aspect ratio of 15 have been processed by Laser-STEM with the retracted hybrid tubular electrode.
Influence of Environmental Factors on Tree Species Diversity and Composition in the Indian Western Himalaya
Authors: Thakur Shinny , Dhyani Rupesh , Negi Vikram S , Bhatt I D , Yadava A K 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Understanding patterns and forest communities and its driving factors play a critical role in ecological studies. In view of this, present study attempted to understand the role of environmental and anthropogenic factors in relation to species diversity and composition along the altitudinal gradient (700-4000 m asl) in Indian western Himalaya. A total of 51 tree species (28 families) were recorded; pinaceae (5) and fagaceae (5) were the species rich families. α-diversity indices i.e., Margalef's richness index (R), Shannon index (Hʹ) and Simpson index showed a humped shaped distribution, whereas Evenness index (E) showed an inverted humped shaped distribution along the altitude range. Based on non-metric dimensional scaling (NMDS), four different community types were identified. Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed a strong relationship of tree species composition with environmental (41.73% variation) and anthropogenic factors (17.35% variation). RDA further indicated that the bulk density (BD), disturbance index (DI), mean diurnal temperature range (Bio2) and solar radiation (SR) are significantly associated with sub-tropical (below 1200 m) and lower temperate forest (1200-1700 m) types. Likewise, soil organic carbon (SOC), precipitation of the driest quarter (Bio17) and pH were significantly associated with upper temperate (1700-2900 m) and subalpine forest composition (<2900 m). Both NMDS classiﬁcation and RDA ordination clearly demonstrate spatial variability in composition of tree community and environmental properties.