bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simulation and prediction of urban heat island effect driven by land use change: a case of Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan region
Authors: Xiong Liwei , Shan Xiaolan , Fang Xin , Li Shenxin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

With the acceleration of urbanization, the rapid expansion of urban land use has led to an intensification and expansion of the urban heat island effect. This study focuses on the Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan region as the study area. Through geographical detectors, it analyzes the contribution intensity of land cover type data, DEM, GDP, and population density to the urban heat island. Using the CA-Markov model, it conducts a predictive analysis of land use conditions in the Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan region in 2025. Furthermore, based on the ANN-CA model, it predicts the intensity of the urban heat island in the Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan region for both 2025 and 2040. The results indicate that the proportion of construction land area, GDP, and DEM are the most influential factors contributing to the urban heat island. The prediction accuracy of the ANN-CA model for the urban heat island in 2015 and 2020, starting from 2000 and 2005, reached 86.12% and 94.8%, respectively, demonstrating the reliability of the ANN-CA model in predicting the urban heat island. Compared to 2020, the combined area proportion of strong and hot urban heat island regions in the Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan region increased by 1.04% in 2025 and 1.02% in 2040. During the period from 2020 to 2040, the heat island effect in the Changsha-Zhuzhou-Xiangtan region showed a slow increase, indicating that the heat island effect will be controlled to some extent overall.
A Robust and Data-Efficient Deep Learning Modelfor Cardiac Assessment without Segmentation
Authors: Artman Conor , Henao Ricardo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Video-based deep learning (DL) algorithms often rely on segmentation models to detect clinically important features in transthoracic echocardiograms (TTEs). While effective, these algorithms can be too data hungry for practice and may be sensitive to common data quality issues. To overcome these concerns, we present a data-efficient DL algorithm, Scaled Gumbel Softmax (SGS) EchoNet, that is robust to these common data quality issues and, importantly, requires no ventricular segmentation model. In lieu of a segmentation model, we decompose and transform the output of an R(2+1)D convolutional encoder to estimate frame-level weights associated with the cardiac cycle, that are then used to obtain a video representation that can be used for estimation. We find that our transformation obviates the need for a segmentation model while improving the ability of the predictive model to handle noisy inputs. We show that our model achieves comparable performance to the state of the art, while demonstrating robustness to noise on an independent (external) validation set.
Evaluation of degradation profile of selected space medicine after accelerated gamma irradiation and its comparison with photodegradation as per ICH Q1(B)
Authors: Patel Manali , Mehta Priti , Khan Saif , Singh Birendra 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Long-duration space missions requires, the stability of pharmaceuticals for maintaining astronaut health. Pharmaceuticals are exposed to a unique space radiation environment that alters their stability and efficacy during prolonged missions. Gamma radiation is one of the major radiation present in space and it can penetrate spacecraft and affect the stability of pharmaceuticals by inducing physical or chemical changes. To evaluate the effect of gamma radiation on the physical and chemical stability, two drugs were selected namely ciprofloxacin and promethazine with its marketed liquid formulations. Both were exposed to gamma and photo radiation in the present study. Gamma irradiation was carried out at varying doses from 25 Gy to 800 Gy and photo irradiation was conducted over 1.2 million lux hours as per ICH Q1(B) guideline. The chemical stability of the exposed samples was analyzed using RP-HPLC analysis. Ciprofloxacin and Promethazine aqueous API solution and formulations exhibited dose-dependent degradation on gamma exposure. Comparative degradation profile of photo and gamma-irradiated aqueous solution of ciprofloxacin and promethazine indicates the difference in the degradation pathways leading to the formation of degradation products. Significant degradation was observed in the liquid formulation of ciprofloxacin with and without packing on gamma exposure. This is the first report to show that the primary packaging material used for ciprofloxacin eye/ear drops enables to control the degradation after irradiation with a low dose of gamma rays.
Identification of end stage renal disease associated loci in X chromosome: an X chromosome-wide association study
Authors: Zhou Xiaohong , Shi Dianchun , Li Ming , Liu Yibin , Ye Zhiming , Chen Wei , Wang Meng , Fu Dongying , Wang Yanna , Gan Hua , Fu Ping , Tan Xiaojun , Kong Yaozhong , Chen Jihong , Zhao Jinghong , Yu Xueqing , Liu Jianjun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
X-chromosomal genetic variants have been understudied in end stage renal disease (ESRD), which hold the promise to provide valuable insights into sexually dimorphic traits and diseases.
Methods
We performed a X chromosome-wide association study (XWAS) in a Chinese cohort (N = 2750), comprising 1489 cases with ESRD and 1261 controls, to identify locus associated with ESRD risk.
Results
One sex-shared loci, rs3138874 located in the promoter of COL4A5 were identified in the meta-analysis on the summary statistics from the sex-stratified XWAS. Additionally, 2 male-specific loci, comprising rs142591759 near MIR3202-2 and rs73250616 near SYTL4 were identified in the sex-stratified XWAS in males. Of the 3 ESRD associated loci, 2 were previously found to be associated with estimated Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in different populations. Finally, by integrating expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) statistics from multiple tissues and conducting eQTL colocalization analysis, we found that SYTL4, TSPAN6, NOX1, CSTF2, PCDH19 and RPL36A are the target genes of ESRD associated locus Xq22.1.
Conclusion
Our finding revealed three X-chromosome loci linked to ESRD risk, which provided foundational knowledge for genetic risk prediction and advanced our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of ESRD.
Climate change induces rapid growth of dead ice in Asian glaciers
Authors: Wang Qiong , Wang Xin , Duan Keqin , Liu Shiyin , Yin Yongsheng , Liu Qiao , He Jinping , Zhang Yong , Wei Junfeng , Jiang Zongli 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Dead ice in High Mountain Asia (HMA) varies responsive to dramatic glacier loss, profoundly impacting alpine water cycle patterns. We find significant dead ice increase over this century, additional area exceeds 3,000 km2, with mass 44.3 ± 2.0 ~ 64.1 ± 5.2 Gt. Debris coverage dominates dead ice spatial pattern. Dead ice expansion would significantly alter spatio-temporal patterns of glacier ablation and impact water supply sustainability in World's Water Towers.
Comparative analysis of mucosa-associated and luminal gut microbiota in pediatric ulcerative colitis
Authors: Kondo Takeo , Kondo Sonoko , Nakayama-Imaohji Haruyuki , Tada Ayano , Tabassum Nafisa , Emmanuel Munyeshyaka , Kusaka Takashi , Kuwahara Tomomi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease, are chronic disorders relating to gut microbiota dysbiosis. Despite severe pancolitis being more prevalent in pediatric UC than in adult cases, alterations in the colon mucosa-associated microbiota (MAM) and their association with disease severity remain to be elucidated. The present study aimed to compare the gut microbiota in colon lavage fluids (CLFs) and fecal samples from pediatric UC patients.
Results
A total of 140 CLFs and 23 fecal samples from 19 each of pediatric UC and non-IBD patients were analyzed. CLFs were collected by aspirating intestinal fluid after washing the colonic mucosa using an endoscope with a waterjet function. Microbiota profiles of each sample were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. The community structure of MAM was similar throughout the colon in both pediatric UC and non-IBD. Bacterial compositions between MAM and feces were significantly different in non-IBD while no difference was observed in pediatric UC, indicating a compromised mucous layer that could not sufficiently separate the MAM and luminal microbiota in UC. In pediatric UC, homogenous distribution of MAM was gradually disordered with increases in disease activity or mucosal inflammation, and the bacterial groups that usually colonize the upper digestive tract or have environmental origin were more abundant in MAM. To potentially distinguish pediatric UC from non-IBD, we identified the key bacterial genera in MAM; they included Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, Blautia, Parabacteroides, Faecalibacterium and Fusobacterium.
Conclusion
Compared with feces, MAM is more enriched in specific bacterial groups in non-IBD pediatric patients, whereas the feces and MAM microbiota are similar in pediatric UC. Our results indicate that the fecal microbiota reflect the status of MAM in pediatric UC. Monitoring the key fecal bacteria that are specifically increased in MAM depending on disease activity might be useful for evaluation of patient prognosis in pediatric UC. Further studies on MAM are needed to elucidate the contribution of its community structure to the pathophysiology of pediatric UC.
Multi-object Detector with Double Task Network for Traffic Scenes
Authors: Wang Sheng-ye , Qu Zhong , Zheng Jian 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Enhancing the precision of multi-object detection within traffic scenes is of paramount importance. Despite significant advancements in object detection algorithms based on deep neural networks, the persistent challenges of inaccuracies and low efficiency in multi-object detection demand innovative solutions. We introduce an efficient object detection method, referred to as DTNet, aimed at elevating accuracy in multi-object scenarios and extending its utility to diverse object recognition tasks, including object detection and instance segmentation. To address these challenges, we propose DTNet, which incorporates three key components: the OPSM, the PACT, and the B-NMS. Our study demonstrates substantial performance enhancements compared to state-of-the-art YOLO detectors. When compared to YOLOv7-segment, DTNet achieves an 1.7% improvement in P on the Cityscapes-trf dataset. Furthermore, on the COCOtrf 17 dataset, DTNet exhibits an 50.42% enhancement in mAP@0.5, underscoring its efficacy in multi-object detection. The experimental outcomes demonstrate that our strategies not only enhance performance related to presicion, maintaining an equivalent of 142 GFLOPs, but also achieve this with a mere addition of 0.02 (M) in Params.
Bridging the Gap:
Analyzing English Reading Proficiency Disparities Among Korean EFL Learners
Authors: Kim Eun Jung , Lee ByungMin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the heterogeneity in English reading abilities among sixth-grade EFL learners in South Korea, focusing on their L2 reading profiles and the socio-educational factors predicting them. 598 students from mid- and low-income neighborhoods were assessed on five L2 literacy components: decoding, oral fluency, vocabulary knowledge, syntactic knowledge, and reading comprehension. Latent profile analysis identified distinct subgroups of learners, and multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze the key predictor variables influencing English reading proficiency. The results highlight a significant proficiency gap between students who began learning English in the third grade and those exposed earlier through private tutoring. Struggling readers showed deficits in decoding, while proficient readers excelled in fluency. The impact of early English education was limited compared to learning experiences in elementary school. The study suggests the need for targeted interventions to address reading disparities and provides pedagogical implications for improving English language instruction in Korean classrooms.
Multi-Drug Pharmacotyping improves Therapy Prediction in Pancreatic Cancer Organoids
Authors: Wansch Katharina , Pelzer Uwe , Schneider François , Dölvers Florian , Kühn Anna , Dragomir Mihnea P. , Ihlow Jana , Hilfenhaus Georg , Vecchione Loredana , Felsenstein Matthäus , Ma Dou , Lerchbaumer Markus , Jürgensen Christian , Bahra Marcus , Granada Adrian E. , Duwe Gregor , Stintzing Sebastian , Keilholz Ulrich , Neumann Christopher C.M. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Patient-Derived Organoids (PDOs) represent a promising technology for therapy prediction in pancreatic cancer, with the potential of enhancing treatment outcomes and allowing more effective, personalized treatment choices. However, classification approaches into sensitive and resistant models remain very variable and are based on single-agent testing only, neglecting synergistic effects of multi-drug combinations. Here, we established 13 PDOs and performed both combinatorial and single-agent drug testing. By comparing different clustering approaches of drug-response metrics and establishing a new classification approach based on pharmacokinetic modelling, we were able to evaluate which score best predicts the clinical response of patients. Our newly developed score considered the Area Under The Curve (AUC) of cell viability curves and reached a prediction accuracy of 85%. Our data supports previous findings for PDOs to constitute an effective platform for translational drug testing. Furthermore, our results suggest that the AUC is a more accurate drug-response metric than the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), and that combinatorial drug testing yields a higher accuracy than single-agent testing. Based on our results, future PDO studies and PDO-based clinical trials should integrate combinatorial drug testing when performing pharmacotyping as it represents a more realistic translational approach towards drug testing and enhances the prediction accuracy of in-vitro drug testing. The methodology and outcomes presented in this study are of critical relevance for future PDO-based translational trials as they allow a new physiology-based approach towards multi-drug testing and classification of organoid response, which improves PDO prediction accuracy.
Agro-morphological characterization of Coffea canephora (Robusta) genotypes from the INERA Yangambi Coffee Collection, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Bollen Robrecht , Kambale Jean-Léon , Tas An-Sofie , Katshela Benjamin Ntumba , Tshimi Ebele Aaron , Wyffels Francis , Vandelook Filip , Honnay Olivier , Stoffelen Piet 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Meeting rising quality standards while at the same time addressing climate challenges will make the commercial cultivation of Robusta coffee increasingly difficult. Whereas breeding new varieties may be an important part of the solution, such efforts for Robusta lag behind, with much of its genetic diversity still unexplored. By screening existing field genebanks to identify accessions with desirable traits, breeding programs can be significantly facilitated. This study quantifies the morphological diversity and agronomic potential of 70 genotypes from the INERA Coffee Collection in Yangambi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. We measured 29 traits, comprising vegetative, reproductive, tree architecture, and yield traits. Classification models were applied to establish whether these traits could accurately classify genotypes based on their background. Furthermore, the agronomic potential and green bean quality of the genotypes were studied. While significant variation in morphological traits was observed, no combination of traits could reliably predict the genetic background of different genotypes. Genotypes with promising traits for green beans were identified in both ‘Lula’ and ‘Lula’ – Wild hybrids, while promising yield traits were found in ‘Lula’ – Congolese subgroup A hybrids. Additionally, certain ‘Lula’ – Wild hybrids showed low specific leaf area and stomatal density, indicating potential fitness advantages in dry environments, warranting further study. Our findings highlight the agronomic potential of underexplored Robusta coffee genotypes from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and indicate the need for further screening to maximize their value.
Genetic analyses identify shared genetic components related to autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Pauklin Siim , Qiao Jun , Chang Min-Jing , Chen Miaoran , Zhao Yuhui , Hao Jiawei , Zhang Pengwei , Zhou Ruixin , Cai Liuyang , Liu Feng , Fan Xiaoping , Zou Rongjun , Li Zhixiu , Feng Yuliang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Autoimmune diseases (ADs) play a significant and intricate role in the onset of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Our study aimed to elucidate the shared genetic etiology between Ads and CVDs.
Methods
We conducted genome-wide pleiotropy analyses to investigate the genetic foundation comprehensively and shared etiology of six ADs and six CVDs. We analyze the genetic architecture and genetic overlap between these traits. Then, SNP-level functional annotation identified significant genomic risk loci and potential causal variants. Gene-level analyses explored shared pleiotropic genes, followed by pathway enrichment analyses to elucidate underlying biological mechanisms. Finally, we assess potential causal pathways between ADs and CVDs.
Results
Despite negligible overall genetic connections, our results revealed a significant genetic overlap between ADs and CVDs, indicating a complex shared genetic architecture spread throughout the genome. The shared loci implicated several genes, including ATXN2, BRAP, SH2B3, ALDH2 (all located at 12q24.11-12), RNF123, MST1R, RBM6, and UBA7 (all located at 3p21.31), all of which are protein-coding genes. Top biological pathways enriched with these shared genes were related to the immune system and intracellular signal transduction.
Conclusions
The extensive genetic overlap with mixed effect directions between ADs and CVDs indicates a complex genetic relationship between these diseases. It suggests overlapping genetic risk may contribute to shared pathophysiological and clinical characteristics and may guide clinical treatment and management.
Partial Cystectomy as a Viable Alternative Treatment for an Intradiverticular Non Bilharzial Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Bladder with a 5-Year Follow-up: A Case Report.
Authors: TG Subash Kaushik , Daniel Benjith , Krishnamoorthy Sriram 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare malignancy with poor prognosis, affecting the urinary bladder. Most of the SCC present as muscle invasive or locally advanced cancer. While majority of SCC of urinary bladder are of bilharzial origin, 2% to 5% of them can be of non-bilharzial origin. The uniqueness about this case is that patient had a good disease-free survival for 5 years after partial cystectomy performed for extravesical SCC bladder.
Summary: Though most of the SCC of urinary bladder are best treated by radical cystectomy, a 68-year-old male with painless hematuria, diagnosed with an intradiverticular SCC of the bladder on magnetic resonance imaging had a recurrence and metastases free survival on 5 years follow-up after partial cystectomy (PC).
Conclusion: This case report outlines the role and effectiveness of partial cystectomy as an alternative option in such patients with a follow-up of 5 years without any recurrence or metastases.
En bloc resection, inactivation and replantation combined with chemotherapy for tibial metastasis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Chu Dawei , Huang Rui , Zheng Jianping , Yang Zongqiang , Niu Ningkui , Shi Jiandang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The extremities are the most common sites of bone metastasis of malignant tumors. Bone defect reconstruction after bone tumor resection has always been a great challenge in clinical treatment. At present, the most widely used method is individualized artificial prosthesis replacement, but it is expensive and difficult for patients with poor economic ability to bear. Therefore, choosing which reconstruction method can achieve good curative effect and economical affordability has become a problem of clinical thinking.
Case presentation:
We present here the case of a 43-year-old man who had been suffering from pain in his left calf for the past 2 years that had aggravated 6 months before the presentation. His tibia had osteolytic destruction on both X-ray and CT, while MRI showed malignant neoplastic lesions. Preoperative incision biopsy of the lesion revealed metastatic poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, which required artificial prosthesis replacement. The patient came to our hospital considering that he could not afford the high cost of surgery. Based on the patient's medical history, physical manifestations, physical and auxiliary examinations, and disease characteristics, we diagnosed him as metastatic poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the left tibia and reconstructed with liquid nitrogen-inactivated autologous bone. The postoperative pathological results showed that the histopathology of the patient was a metastatic tumor of the left tibia from breast cancer. After multidisciplinary discussion, chemotherapy was followed. At present, the patient has been followed up for more than 26 months, and there is no tumor recurrence.
Conclusions
There are many methods for reconstruction of large bone defects after resection of bone tumors, but the choice of reconstruction method needs to be based on the different conditions of each patient. For patients in economically underdeveloped areas, liquid nitrogen-inactivated autologous bone replantation for bone metastasis may be an economical and safe choice.
Chip formation and morphology in cryogenic machining of Al-SiC composites
Authors: Mašek Petr , Alagan Nageswaran Tamil , Mára Vladimír , Awe Samuel A. , Nwabuisi Emeka , Zeman Pavel 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Machining aluminium matrix composites is a challenging and costly endeavour, primarily owing to silicon carbide reinforce particles, which are abrasive and hard, resulting in excessive tool wear, suboptimal surface quality, and undesirable chip formation. This study investigates the influence of cryogenic cooling on the development and morphology of chips when aluminium-silicon carbide (Al-SiC) composites are turned with an uncoated tungsten carbide cutting tool. Compared with dry machining, cryogenic cooling significantly alters the chip formation process, producing shorter and less curled chips. Chip breakability is mainly caused by cracks at the aluminium reinforcement particle interface, and the particle distribution is more uniform in cryogenically cooled chips. Rake and dual (rake and flank) cooling strategies have proven to be more effective for cryogenic cooling. Chip breakability primarily depends on the chip curl diameter across the used conditions. Chip formation under cryogenic cooling indirectly indicated the significant temperature reduction in the cut.