bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiresolution Cochleagram Speech Enhancement Algorithm Using Improved Deep Neural Networks with Skip Connections
Authors: lan chaofeng , Liu Chundong , Zhang Lei 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Deep learning based methods have been a recent benchmark method for speech enhancement. However, these approaches are limited in low signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) conditions, for speech loss and low intelligibility. To address this problem, we improve Multi-Resolution Cochleagram (MRCG), and gammachirp filter bank is used to decompose the speech signal in time and frequency, and the low-resolution signal is denoised by the minimum mean-square error short-time spectral amplitude estimator (MMSE-STSA). Improve Multi-Resolution Cochleagram (I-MRCG) is adopted as the input feature of Skip connections-DNN (Skip-DNN). In this paper, the source to distortion ratio (SDR) is used in the training process, and the logarithm is introduced to observe the iterative process more clearly. Experiments were performed on the TIMIT database with four noise types at four levels of SNR. I-MRCG as the input feature of the Skip-DNN model, the average PESQ is 2.6783, and the average STOI is 0.8752. Compared with MRCG, the PESQ and STOI obtained by MRCG are increased 1.4% and 1.5%, respectively. This shows that MRCG is the input feature of the Skip-DNN model, and the speech enhancement effect after training is better than other features. It can not only solve the problem of speech loss in a low SNR environment, but also obtain more robust speech enhancement. The loss function experiment shows that compared to MSE and SDR, the improved SDR as the loss function of the speech enhancement model has the best enhancement effect.
Design of Automatic Operated Modular Underwater Vehicle System for Marine Ranch BreedingDesign of Automatic Operated Modular Underwater Vehicle System for Marine Ranch Breeding
Authors: Zhang ZhongRen , Xu FengBao , Li PeiJun , Wang XinBao , Liu FuXiang , Liu GuiJie 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
As terrestrial resources gradually cannot meet people's needs, Countries around the world gradually increase the development and utilization of marine resources. The emergence of marine ranching overcomes many disadvantages of traditional fishery, but there is still a distance from unattended intelligent marine ranch. In this paper, designed a kind of unattended modular underwater robot system which used in marine ranch, including the main body for cage monitoring, the robot module for cleaning and repairing of net clothes and recycling of dead fish, while designed a underwater interfacing apparatus for the main body and root module,This paper introduces the underwater vehicles system of marine ranching, and designs the main body and working module in detail. This paper simply describes the interfacing process of the underwater workstation with the main body and modules.The research results of this paper compensate for the gaps in marine ranch engineering equipment and technology, and meantime proposed an underwater vehicle for cage repairing and dead fish recycling, which uses modular ideas, it can reduces costs and this paper strongly promotes the development of intelligence and automation level of marine ranching.
Comparisons of Colistin-Induced Nephrotoxicity Between Two Different Formulations of Colistin in Critically Ill Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Feng Jia-Yih , Lee Yi-Tzu , Pan Shen-Wei , Yang Kuang-Yao , Chen Yuh-Min , Yen David Hung-Tsang , Li Szu-Yuan , Wang Fu-Der 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundColistin is widely used for the treatment of nosocomial infections caused by carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacilli (CR-GNB). Colistin-induced nephrotoxicity is one of the major adverse reactions during colistin treatment. Comparisons of colistin-induced nephrotoxicity between different formulations of colistin are rarely reported. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study that enrolled ICU-admitted patients with cultured isolates of CR-GNB and treatment with intravenous colistin. Occurrences of acute kidney injury (AKI) during treatment with intravenous colistin were recorded. Colistin-induced nephrotoxicity between two formulations of colistin, Locolin® and Colimycin®, were compared. The treatment outcomes associated with the occurrence of colistin-induced nephrotoxicity were also investigated.ResultsA total of 195 patients, 95 treated with Locolin® and 100 treated with Colimycin®, were included for analysis. Patients treated with Locolin® had a higher rate of occurrence of stage 2 (46.3% vs. 32%, p=0.040) and stage 3 (29.5% vs. 13%, p=0.005) AKI than did those treated with Colimycin®. In multivariate analysis, the presence of septic shock (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–4.06), and inappropriate colistin dosage (aOR 2.49, 95% CI 1.01–60.16) were clinical factors associated with colistin-induced nephrotoxicity. Treatment with Colimycin® was an independent factor associated with a lower risk of colistin-induced nephrotoxicity (aOR 0.36, 95% CI 0.17-0.74). Other clinical factors associated with colistin-induced nephrotoxicity included the presence of septic shock (aOR 2.17, 95% CI 1.10-4.26) and inappropriate colistin dosage (aOR 2.52, 95% CI 1.00-6.33). A comparable mortality rate was noted between patients with and without colistin-induced nephrotoxicity. ConclusionsThe risk of colistin-induced nephrotoxicity significantly varied in different formulations of colistin in critically ill patients. Colistin-induced nephrotoxicity was not associated with increased mortality.
Identification and Functional Characterization of a Novel De Novo RUNX2 Frameshift Mutation Associated With Cleidocranial Dysplasia
Authors: Gong Lei , Odilov Bekzod , Han Feng , Liu Fuqiang , Sun Yujing , Zhang Ningxin , Zuo Xiaolin , Yang Jiaojiao , Wang Shouyu , Hou Xinguo , Ren Jianmin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundCleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is a rare genetic disorder affecting bone and cartilage development. Clinical features of CCD comprise short stature, delayed ossification of craniofacial structures with numerous Wormian bones, underdeveloped or aplastic clavicles and multiple dental anomalies. Several studies have revealed that CCD development is strongly linked with different mutations in Runt-related Transcription Factor 2 (RUNX2) gene. In this study, we report a case with typical CCD presentations. MethodsWe performed genetic testing of participants and found a novel RUNX2 frameshift mutation: c.1550delT in a sporadic case. We also compared the functional activity of the mutant and wild-type RUNX2 through immunofluorescence microscopy and osteocalcin promoter luciferase assay. ResultsBoth mutant RUNX2 and wild‑type RUNX2 protein were similarly confined in the nuclei. The novel mutation caused abrogative transactivation activity of RUNX2 on osteocalcin promoter. ConclusionsWe explored a novel RUNX2 deletion/frameshift mutation in a sporadic CCD patient. This finding emphasizes on crucial role of VWRPY domain in RUNX2 transactivation ability.
Scraping and grazing herbivorous/detritivorous fish display opposite feeding behaviours under different protection regulations
Authors: Price Nathan William , Chen Kao-Sung , Chen Chaolun Allen , Wen Colin Kuo-Chang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background:Functional groups, especially herbivorous fishes, are important for mediating benthic community structure on coral reefs. Herbivorous and detritivorous fish display complex feeding behaviour, and research into schooling feeding behaviour and feeding rates, and how these change with environmental and social behavioural variables is lacking. Such knowledge is imperative to infer how herbivory/detritivory will change, in light of changing resources and communities, specifically whether reefs can recover from disturbance. Differences in abundance, feeding rate, body length, diet preferences, and schooling size of three major functional groups, scrapers, grazers and browsers were examined across reef habitats under different fishing regulations, such as no-take restricted zones and open-fishing general use zones. Although marine protected areas have been implemented to conserve reef fish species; further precise management based on ecological behaviour of functional groups is necessary.Results:Scrapers and grazers which were mostly parrotfishes and surgeonfishes were more abundant on reef flats and also displayed the highest feeding rates on reef flats. Although scrapers mainly resided inside the restricted zone, more grazers were found in the general use zone where macroalgae abundance was highest, indicating a higher availability of nutritional resources. Browsers, mostly rabbitfishes, were seldom observed and patchily gathered on the reef flat and slope in both zones. Thus, fishing protection did not appear to benefit grazers and browsers, whereas scrapers gathered on shallow reef flats in the protection zone. Lastly, scraper and grazer feeding rates increased from an individual to paired feeding, and increased with body size, these factors led to variations in feeding behaviours on different habitats under different protection regulations.Conclusions:Fishing protection benefits scrapers which subsequently appears to be resulting in a reduction in algal coverage, and variation in feeding rates was largely related to school sizes. The density of these functionally important grazers was influenced more by changes to benthic composition than protection status. The opposite feeding behaviours of two herbivorous/detritivorous functional groups indicates not only protection status, but fishing gear and size limit regulations are needed to help maintain fisheries and diversity on coral reefs in Taiwan.
Clitoris to Urethral Meatus Distance is Not Affected by the Obesity Compared to the Anogenital Distance
Authors: Li Zheng , Xu Meng-jiao , Xia Hong , Li Huai-fang , Zhu Binggen 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background The distance between clitoris and urethral meatus (CUMD) for women has been considered to likely reflect the extent of prenatal androgen exposure, being similar to the anogenital distance (AGD) and the digit length ratio. But no published work has examined the association between the CUMD and the AGD or digit ratio and the effect of body weight on CUMD and AGD.Methods The CUMD and AGD (including AGD-AC, from the anus to the anterior clitoris; AGD-AF, from the anus to the posterior fourchette) measurements for 117 women (18-45 years) were taken using a digital caliper, and the digit ratios were measured from photos by a digital camera. Meanwhile, data of their height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were collected at same time. Results In bivariate correlation analyses of all 117 subjects, two AGD measurements (AGD-AC and AGD-AF) were moderately correlated with one another (r=0.474, p<0.001), but the correlation between AGD-AC and CUMD was weak (r=0.172, p=0.063). Both AGD-AC and AGD-AF were notably correlated with weight (r=0.290, p=0.002 and r=0.189, p=0.041; respectively) and BMI (r=0.341, p<0.001 and r=0.204, p=0.027; respectively), whereas the CUMD was not affected by weight or BMI. Exclusion of obese individuals, the CUMD of 86 non-overweight subjects was obviously correlated with the AGD-AC (r=0.236, p=0.028). Conclusion These results indicated that the CUMD could be a marker of prenatal androgen exposure without influence of body weight, superior to AGD-AC or AGD-AF.
The high-dose dexamethasone suppression test is inferior to pituitary dynamic enhanced MRI in the differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Shi Xiaoli , Du Tingting , Zhu Dan , Ma Delin , Dong Kun , Peng Xuemin , Huang Jiaojiao , Lei Ting , Yu Xue feng , Chen Juan , Yang Yan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome remains a challenge in clinical practice. The aim of the present study was to assess the diagnostic performance of pituitary dynamic enhanced MRI(dMRI), high-dose dexamethasone suppression test༈HDDST༉and combination of both tests in patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome.
Methods
119 consecutive cases with surgery confirmed ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome were enrolled: 101 patients with proven Cushing’s disease and 18 patients with proven ectopic ACTH syndrome. All patients underwent pituitary dMRI and HDDST. The sensitivity and the specificity of pituitary dMRI, HDDST, and combination of both tests were calculated.
Results
The sensitivity and specificity of the pituitary dMRI for the diagnosis of Cushing’s disease was 80.2% and 83.3% respectively, and the positive predictive value was 96.4%. The sensitivity and specificity of HDDST was 70.3% and 77.8%, and the positive predictive value was 94.7%. Regarding the combination of both tests, the combined criteria of a more than 50% suppression of serum cortisol in HDDST and a positive finding in pituitary dMRI had given a high specificity of 94.4% and a sensitivity of 59.4%. The combined criteria of a greater than 68% suppression in HDDST and/or a positive finding in pituitary dMRI, provide a sensitivity of 86.1% and a specificity of 83.3%.
Conclusions
Pituitary dMRI was superior to HDDST in the differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome. HDDST was recommended to combined with pituitary dMRI in the diagnosis process because of the significantly increased specificity of the combination.
Layer-by-Layer Assembly of Cationic Guar Gum, Cellulose Nanocrystals and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose based Multilayered Composite Films
Authors: Saini Arun , Sharma Deepak , Xia Yuanyuan , Saini Aman , You Xiangyu , Su Ying , Chen Lihong , Yadav Chandravati , Li Xinping 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Eco-friendly sustainable materials provide an appealing template to replace contemporary synthetic-nonrenewable resource-based materials while maintaining the acceptable material properties to meet the performance requirements. Here, a layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly technique was used for fabricating multilayer composite films using all bio-based polymers/polysaccharides, i.e. cationic guar gum (CGg), carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals (cCNCs) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). A five layered composite film was fabricated by depositing polymeric layers as follows: CGg→cCNCs→HPMC→cCNCs→CGg. The structural analysis of CGg/cCNCs/HPMC multilayered composite films indicated the existence of electrostatic interaction as well as H-bonding between polymeric layers that resulted in homogenous, dense and compact film surface with improved smoothness and strength properties. As compared to pure CGg film, the CGg/cCNCs/HPMC multilayered composite films showed improved tensile strength (84.8% increment) and modulus (29.19% improvement). Importantly, the deposition of HPMC layer contributed in achieving multilayer composite films with more flexible behavior (46.55% improvement in elongation at break). Furthermore, owing to the high transparency (89.5% transmittance), appreciable gas and oil barrier performance and resistance to various solvents (e.g. acetone, THF and DMAc), these multilayer films are promising candidates for various applications including renewable/sustainable packaging materials.
Two-Year Change in 18F-Sodium Fluoride Uptake in Major Arteries of Healthy Subjects and Angina Pectoris Patients
Authors: Piri Reza , Lici Gauher , Riyahimanesh Pooriya , Gerke Oke , Alavi Abass , Carlsen Poul Flemming Høilund 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
PurposeTo examine 2-year changes in carotid and aortic 18F-sodium fluoride (NaF) uptake in both healthy controls and angina pectoris patients.MethodsTwenty-nine healthy subjects and 20 angina pectoris patients underwent 90-min NaF-PET/CT twice two years apart. The carotids and three sections of the aorta (arch, thoracic, abdominal) were manually segmented. NaF uptake was expressed as the mean and total standardized uptake values without and with partial volume correction (SUVmean, SUVtotal and cSUVmean, cSUVtotal). ResultsInsignificant tendencies were higher NaF uptake in angina patients at both time points with less uptake in healthy subjects and higher uptake in angina patients after 2 years. Thus, aortic cSUVmean of angina patients was 1.14±0.35 and 1.29±0.71 at baseline and after 2 years vs. 0.99±0.31 and 0.95±0.28 in healthy subjects. A similar pattern was observed for the carotid cSUVmean. NaF uptake at baseline could not predict a change in CT-calcification after 2 years. NaF uptake in all parts of the aorta correlated positively with age.Conclusions﻿Slightly, but consistently, higher arterial NaF uptake in the angina group indicated more ongoing microcalcification at both time points in patients than in healthy subjects. The 2-year changes were very small in both groups, albeit with a tendency of slight decreases among healthy controls and slight increases in angina patients despite statin therapy in half of these.
Flood Inundation Mapping and Hazard Assessment for Mitigation Analysis of Local Adaption Measures in Upper Ping River Basin, Thailand
Authors: Tansar Husnain , Akbar Haseeb , Aslam Rana Ammar 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Annual monsoon flooding phenomena have caused disastrous impacts on the Upper Ping River basin and its inhabitants over the years. The existing administration set-up for flood mitigation and adaptation measures lacks effective utilization of locally available resources for complete flood protection. This study addressed this gap by flood hazard assessment at a lower administration scale (sub-district level) and performance evaluation of local adaptation measures was performed. 1D and 2D hydrodynamic models were developed and calibrated against observed discharge and water level (1D) and flood extent (2D), respectively. Flood inundation and hazard maps were reproduced and categorized into different classes based on defined critical depths for 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 years return periods. A maximum flood inundated area of 996.9 km2 (3.94% of total basin area) was simulated in a 100-year return period. The flood hazard results represent that the largest flooded area categorized under “high hazard”, followed by “very high hazard” and “low hazard” categories, and least flooded area was classified under “medium hazard” category. The current administration set-up for flood adaptation and mitigation needs to update based on an integrated flood management approach to improve its effectiveness for future flood protection.
A sensitive fluorescent sensor for highly sensitive detection of trace water in organic solvents based on substituted imidazole
Authors: Li Huiqian , Xue Weijian , Wang Jinping , Ma Jie , Zhao Bing , Guo Xiangfeng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
A novel substituted imidazole derivative 1a with carboxyl and quinoline structure has been designed and synthesized. And our initial discovery is that this compound can effectively detect trace amounts of water in ethanol. And the metal in solution couldn’t affect the absorption and fluorescence Spectra of 1a. With the addition of water, the energy band appears a red-shift from 330nm to 355nm in the absorption spectra. And the emission spectrum undergoes an important change in its fluorescent effect in the presence of water. Furthermore, absorption peak of 1a displays a red-shift with increasing pH from 2.31 to 10.72. All available data (absorption and emission) strongly support the possible mechanism. Due to the pronounced fluorescence changing property, the substituted imidazole derivative 1a could be utilized as fluorescent probes for quantifying trace amount of water in ethanol. Graphic abstract
Strain improvement of native Saccharomyces cerevisiae LN ITCC 8246 strain through protoplast fusion to enhance its xylose uptake
Authors: Sharma Shalley , Ghoshal Chandrika , Arora Anju , Samar Wara , Nain Lata , Paul Debarati 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Co-utilization of xylose and glucose and subsequent fermentation using Saccharomyces
cerevisiae could enhance ethanol productivity. Directed engineering approaches have met
with limited success due to interconnectivity of xylose metabolism with other intrinsic,
hidden pathways. Therefore, random approaches like protoplast fusion were used to
reprogram unidentified mechanisms.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae LN, the best hexose fermenter, was fused with xylose
fermenting Pichia stipitis NCIM 3498. Protoplasts prepared using glucanex were fused under
electric impulse and fusants were selected using 10% ethanol and cycloheximide (50 ppm)
markers. Two fusants, 1a.23 and 1a.30 showing fast growth on xylose and tolerance to 10%
ethanol, were selected. Higher extracellular protein expression observed in fusants as
compared to parents was corroborated by higher number of bands resolved by twodimensional analysis.
Overexpression of XYL1, XYL2, XKS and XUT4 in fusants as compared to S.
cerevisiae LN as observed by RT-PCR analysis was substantiated by higher specific activities
of XR, XDH and XKS enzymes in fusants. During lignocellulosic hydrolysate fermentation,
fusants could utilize glucose faster than the parent P. stipitis NCIM 3498 and xylose
consumption in fusants was higher than S. cerevisiae LN.
Coupled Effect of Thickness Optimization and Plastic Forming History on Crashworthiness Performance of Thin-Walled Square Tube
Authors: Sofuoglu Hasan , Çam Salim 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Thin-walled tubes are widely used as energy absorbers due to their high crashworthiness performance. This study aims to evaluate the effect of plastic forming history carried out for thickness optimization on crashworthiness performance of thin-walled square tube (TWST). Within the scope of the study, a series of numerical analyses were conducted for the TWST using a commercial finite element (FE) software. In order to determine individual effect of optimization, FG thickness of TWST was first obtained using LS-OPT software. Later, thickness gradient was achieved by performing rolling process to consider individual plastic forming effect Afterwards, deep drawing process was carried out to shape TWST by considering springback and trimming effects. Finally, crash responses were obtained under axial high velocity impact loading to determine the coupled effect of optimization and plastic forming on the crashworthiness performance of the TWST. It was determined that the coupled effect, which takes plastic forming and optimization effects into account, reduced the peak crush force of the TWST by 24% and increased the absorbed energy value by 39%. The results obtained from this study showed that coupled effect of optimization and plastic forming processes has significant effect on the crashworthiness performance of the TWST and otherwise either overestimated or underestimated results are obtained.