bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Standardized translaminar spinal tethering to prevent proximal junctional kyphosis in adult spinal deformity correction surgery
Authors: Sargut Tarik Alp , Almahozi Ahmad , Verigos Emmanouil , Fekonja Lucius , Alsolivany Joan , Tkatschenko Dimitri , Früh Anton , Bayerl Simon , Hecht Nils , Vajkoczy Peter 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose:This study evaluated whether standardized proximal translaminar spinal tethering at the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) +1 and UIV+2 reduces the incidence of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and the need for revision surgery in patients undergoing thoraco-lumbar deformity correction for adult spinal deformity (ASD).
Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 59 adult patients who underwent thoraco-lumbar deformity correction surgery between October 2019 and August 2023. Patients were categorized into tethered (T) and non-tethered (NT) groups. Radiographic measurements were performed preoperatively, early postoperatively (≤3 months), and late postoperatively (>3 months) to assess PJK, defined as a proximal junctional angle (PJA) ≥ 10° and ≥ 10° greater than the corresponding preoperative measurement.
Results:Overall, 18 patients (30.5%) developed PJK, with no significant difference between tethered (12%) and non-tethered (20.5%) patients within the first 3 months (p=0.384). However, at late follow-up, the PJK rate was significantly higher in non-tethered (41.1%) compared to tethered (16%) patients (p=0.037), with non-tethered patients being 3.67 times more likely to develop PJK (95% CI = 1.03-13.07). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a significant reduction in time-dependent PJK development for tethered patients (p=0.027). Revision surgery was required in 11.8% of non-tethered patients compared to 4% of tethered patients (p=0.289).
Conclusion:Proximal translaminar tethering at UIV+1 and UIV+2 effectively reduces the incidence of PJK in patients undergoing thoraco-lumbar deformity correction. However, the effect on surgical revision rates due to PJK remains unclear, warranting further long-term prospective studies.
Molecular Adaptations in MMP Genes Underpin Decompression Sickness Resistance in Cetaceans
Authors: Zhang Ya , Lv Wenjun , Yan Wen , Guo Boxiong , Ren Wenhua , Yang Guang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Cetaceans are a unique group of marine mammals that have evolved from terrestrial to fully aquatic life. In aquatic environments, they face the risk of decompression sickness due to diving. The MMPs gene family encodes matrix metalloproteinases, which are involved in collagen degradation. We analyzed 1,058 genes from 46 species, focusing on cetaceans and diving marine mammals, with terrestrial mammals as the background. Our findings show that the MMP gene family has undergone positive selection in cetaceans and diving marine mammals, with nine genes exhibiting accelerated evolution. Specifically, the N316S mutation in MMP9 of whales, located in the Fibronectin type-II domain, inhibits collagen degradation by MMP9, as confirmed by Western blot. Mass spectrometry also revealed more post-translational modifications in whale MMP9 compared to terrestrial mammals, with modification sites overlapping the mutation sites. These results shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying adaptive evolution in MMPs for cetaceans and other marine mammals in relation to decompression sickness.
Mining robust in situ phosphorus-accumulating organisms via single-cell RACS-Culture for rational ecosystem engineering
Authors: Xu Jian , Xiaoyan Jing , Pan Huihui , Gong Yanhai , Ren Yishang , Wang Liyan , Mu Runzhi , Sun Pengcheng , Diao Zhidian , Meng Yu , Huang Liming , Wang Xixian , Zhao Tingbin , Zhang Jia , Ji Yuetong , Ma Bo , Jing Yushu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Rational engineering of ecosystems is often hindered by the inability to rapidly identify, profile, culture and apply the microbes that underlie target metabolic activity in situ. Here, we developed an In-situ Metabolism driven Sorting, Culture and Augmentation (IMSCA) strategy via Raman-activated Cell Sorting coupled to single-cell culture (scRACS-Culture), and demonstrated it through the mining of in situ polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs) for wastewater treatment. Single-cell polyphosphate-accumulating activities in situ were quantitatively assessed directly from environmental samples via the polyphosphate band in Raman spectrum, revealing their remarkable distinction from those from pure cultures. Among cells with the highest in situ activities and then sorted for one-cell-one-well cultivation are Micrococcus luteum MCI5-8, which however shows very low activity as pure culture. This organism represents a new type of PAO due to its lack of anaerobic phosphate release, reliance on glycogen instead of polyhydroxyalkanoate as energy storage form, and incapability of denitrification. Process redesign based on these novel physiological traits showed that time- and location-specific introduction of MCI5-8 into actual wastewater elevated phosphorus removal efficiency from 45% to 89% in an anaerobic-anoxic-aerobic (AAO) reactor. Therefore, by label-freely profiling, sorting and cultivating individual cells based on in situ metabolism in a “screen-first culture-second” manner, IMSCA is a powerful and broadly applicable strategy for efficient bioresource mining and rational ecosystem engineering.
Enhancing Apoptosis and Ferroptosis: Synergistic Effects of Sorafenib and Dasatinib Nano-systems in Overcoming Drug Resistance in MULV-4 Cell lines
Authors: Eini Mohammad , Babavalian Hamid , Salimi Ali 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Sorafenib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in hepatic and hematologic malignancies, often leads to drug resistance in cancer cells over time. This study explores the synergistic effects of sorafenib, dasatinib, and their respective PCL-based nano-systems in overcoming resistance mechanisms. The research reveals an orchestrated modulation of gene expression, upregulating pro-apoptotic genes like Bax and downregulating anti-apoptotic genes such as GPX4, NRF2, and SLC7A11, resulting in cancer cell death. These treatments enhance apoptosis, elevate ROS levels, reduce GPX4 activity, and inhibit colony formation, suggesting a dual induction of ferroptosis and apoptosis pathways. The study underscores the potential of nanocarriers in enhancing the efficacy of sorafenib and dasatinib against resistant cancer cells, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying their anti-cancer effects.
The Research on Landslide Detection in Remote Sensing Images Based on Improved DeepLabv3+ Method
Authors: li yong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In response to issues with existing classical semantic segmentation models, such as inaccurate landslide edge extraction in high-resolution images, large numbers of network parameters, and long training times, this paper proposes a lightweight landslide detection model, LDNet (Landslide Detection Network), based on DeepLabv3+ and a dual attention mechanism. LDNet uses the lightweight network MobileNetv2 to replace the Xception backbone of DeepLabv3+, thereby reducing model parameters and improving training speed. Additionally, the model incorporates a dual attention mechanism from the lightweight Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) to more accurately and efficiently detect landslide features. The model underwent dataset creation, training, detection, and accuracy evaluation. Results show that the improved LDNet model significantly enhances reliability in landslide detection, achieving values of 93.37%, 91.93%, 86.30%, 89.79%, and 95.28% for P, R, IoU, mIoU, and OA, respectively, representing improvements of 14.81%, 13.25%, 14.58%, 14.27%, and 13.71% compared to the original DeepLabv3+ network. Moreover, LDNet outperforms classical semantic segmentation models such as UNet and PSPNet in terms of recognition accuracy, while having significantly fewer parameters and shorter training times. The model also demonstrates good generalization capability in tests conducted in other regions, ensuring extraction accuracy while significantly reducing the number of parameters. It meets real-time requirements, enabling rapid and accurate landslide detection, and shows promising potential for widespread application.
Mechanical Properties of Palm Oil Waste Blended Cement-Based Concrete Containing Spent Garnet as Partial Fine Aggregate Replacement
Authors: Parsuraman Jeyasaraniya , Othman Rokiah , Sulaiman Mohd Arif , Muthusamy Khairunisa , Putrajaya Ramadhansyah , Duraisamy Youventharan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The growing emphasis on sustainability in construction has sparked increased interest in sustainable materials, particularly the development of green concrete to address environmental concerns. Sand, a crucial component in various construction materials and industries, faces rising demand driven by population growth and improved living standards; however, its extraction can significantly disrupt river ecosystems. In Malaysia, spent garnet from ship sandblasting has emerged as a promising additive to enhance concrete performance, with research indicating its positive effects on compressive strength. This study investigates the effect of incorporating spent garnet as a partial replacement for fine aggregates on the mechanical properties of concrete. It aims to determine the optimum percentage of spent garnet that can effectively replace fine aggregates while achieving a concrete strength of 30 MPa within 28 days. The research utilizes water-cement ratios of 0.45, 0.50, and 0.55 in the mix design, alongside a conventional cement-sand ratio. Spent garnet is incorporated at varying percentages from 0% to 40%, with 10% palm oil fuel ash (POFA) substituting for cement. A total of 135 cubes and cylinders were prepared, and a slump test was conducted in accordance with ASTM C1437 standards. The specimens were cured in a tank for 7, 14, and 28 days before undergoing compressive strength and splitting tensile tests, following ASTM C109 specifications. The sieve analysis indicated that sand performs better than spent garnet, particularly at finer sieve sizes, where spent garnet underperforms. In terms of concrete workability, higher water-to-cement (w/c) ratios improved workability with increased spent garnet content, while lower ratios reduced it. The optimal compressive and splitting tensile strength was achieved with 30% spent garnet (SG) across all w/c ratios, although higher SG levels resulted in diminished strength. It is recommended that future research explore the long-term durability of concrete incorporating spent garnet and evaluate its environmental impacts more comprehensively. Additionally, further studies could investigate alternative sustainable additives and their combined effects on concrete performance to enhance sustainability in construction practices.
Using a modified whale optimization algorithm to solve dynamic arrival flights sequencing problem
Authors: Gao Jinmin , Le Meilong , Li Jingnan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

For solving dynamic arrival flights sequencing problem, a Modified Whale Optimization Algorithm (MWOA) is proposed. The method can avoid WOA’s disadvantage in several aspects, such as local optimum stuck and solution accuracy degradation. To balance the exploration and exploitation abilities, a nonlinear dynamic strategy based on Branin function for updating the control parameter is given. Chaotic mutation based on a sine function is applied to avoid its falling into local optimum. Mirror selection strategy is adopted in iteration to increase convergence speed. The early maturity detection through Gauss vibration is added to improve local mining and global searching abilities. Twenty-five well-known benchmark test functions are used to test the algorithm. The results show MWOA outperforms other six state-of-the-art optimization algorithms which include Particle Swarm Optimization(PSO), Whale Optimization Algorithm(WOA), Improved PSO(IPSO), β-hill Climbing Modified WOA(BMWOA), Harris Hawks Optimization(HHO), WOA-PSO in terms of solution accuracy andconvergence speed. Then, all the above-mentioned seven algorithms, traditional first-come-first-serve(FCFS) sequencing strategy, Immune Teaching-Learning Based Optimization(ITLBO), PSO based on the Random Key representation(PSORK) and Genetic Algorithm-PSO(GA-PSO) are applied to solve the arrival flights sequencing model. The results show MWOA outperforms the nine algorithms and FCFS strategy. The landing efficiency improved is 16.90%, 2.26%, 2.26%, 2.89%, 2.75%, 2.40%, 1.99%, 2.26%, 7.26% and 3.55% respectively compared with FCFS, PSO, WOA, IPSO, BMWOA, HHO, WOA-PSO, GA-PSO, ITLBO and PSORK. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm also has best performance in terms of optimality, reliability, robustness and will-time delay. The Wilcoxon tests show MWOA is significantly different to other algorithms.
Thermal analysis of space station windows in low Earth orbit. Intermaterial comparison of fused silica and acrylic glass
Authors: GALUPPI Laura , ROYER-CARFAGNI Gianni 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Calculating the temperatures of windows of space stations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is crucial for ensuring their structural integrity. We present a comprehensive thermal analysis that considers direct solar radiation, Earth’s albedo effect, infrared radiation from the Earth and convective heat exchange with the internal environment. The thermal balance equation incorporates the time variation of these contributions due to orbital motion for windows with different orientations, to determine the temperature of the materials, factoring in key parameters such as absorptivity, transmissivity, reflectivity, and their dependence on the radiation wavelength spectrum. Referring to the conditions of the Cupola of the International Space Station as a paradigmatic example, we compare the thermal performance of two common window materials: fused silica and acrylic glass. Our results indicate that the higher transmissivity of fused silica makes it insensitive to solar and albedo radiation, reducing temperature values and their dependence on plate thickness and exposure variability due to orbital motion. In contrast, the higher absorptivity of acrylic glass results in much higher temperatures, proportional to the thickness, with a cyclical dependence on the orbital period. This analysis provides insights for the design and selection of window materials in space station construction, ensuring their durability and functionality in the conditions of LEO.
Voice-Assisted Multimodal Fusion Network for Difficult Airway Assessment
Authors: Li Xiaofan , Zhang Guangchao , Ye Wenjin , Peng Bo , Yao Yuan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Difficult airway management poses significant risks in anesthesia and emergency medicine, including hypoxemia and airway injury. While image-based methods have improved airway assessment, they often fail to capture functional information like airway patency and vocal cord movement. To address this, we propose VAMF-Net (Voice-Assisted Multimodal Fusion Network), which integrates three-view airway images with voice data to improve difficult airway evaluation accuracy. VAMF-Net employs an early fusion strategy of multi-view image features with contrastive learning pretraining, enabling early interaction between views to capture complementary information. Furthermore, We introduce a voice-assisted cross-attention (VCA) module, which prioritizes image data as the primary source while using voice data as supplementary input. A dataset of 1,106 samples (89 difficult and 1017 easy cases) was constructed, with each sample including three airway images (frontal open mouth, frontal tongue extended, and side head tilted back) and voice data. VAMF-Net achieved an AUC of 0.917, sensitivity of 0.931, and specificity of 0.815, demonstrating superior performance compared to existing methods.
The epigenome underlying a novel and non-parental stress-adaptive phenotype created by transgressive segregation
Authors: Kitazumi Ai , Pabuayon Isaiah Catalino M. , Cushman Kevin R. , Singh Rakesh Kumar , Hussain Waseem , Ramos Joie , Kawahara Yoshihiro , Reyes Benildo G. de los 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Transgressive segregation offers a non-reductionist strategy for breeding crops with novel mechanisms for complex adaptive traits through the omnigenic paradigm. While this phenomenon has been linked to complementation and epistatic effects, the contribution of the epigenome is unknown. We examined a well-characterized recombinant inbred population (F9) of Oryza sativa (rice) derived from parents of wide genetic contrast (IR29/indica x Pokkali/aus) to understand the impact of mild genomic shock to the epigenomic and chromatin landscapes of a transgressive segregant with superior tolerance to hyper-salinity stress. Analysis of the genome, methylome, Topographically Associating Domain (TAD), and transcriptome across parents and recombinants revealed that the novelty of the outlier progeny is associated with peculiar features being an outcome of recombination between the longer chromatins of indica and shorter chromatins of aus. This is characterized by the downsizing of recombinant genome due to the shedding of transposon loci and other repetitive sequences. Transposon shedding was largely responsible for the most extreme hypomethylation of the transgressive epigenome in all of CG, CHG and CHH contexts but with the most peculiarity in the CHH context affecting both the intergenic and genic spaces. The consequence was a novel chromatin profile characterized by uniform segmentation of TADs in all affected chromosomes. This defining epigenomic profile of the transgressive segregant positively correlated with the reduction of stochastic variability in the salinity stress response transcriptome especially the genes affected by the non-parental TAD segmentation, many of which function in stress-related and growth-related responses.
Small-target traffic sign detection based on improved YOLOv8
Authors: Ma Yujiao , Gao Bin , Li Linlin , Li Yutong , Liu Shutian , Liu Zhengjun 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

To address the challenges of high proportions of small traffic signs and significant environmental interference in road traffic scenarios, an improved YOLOv8 network specifically designed for small traffic sign detection is proposed. We first integrated BRA based on the Transformer architecture into the C2f network structure of YOLOv8n. This integration aims to reduce missed detections of small objects and improve the network’s perception of small targets. In addition, CARAFE was employed to retain complex image feature information and reduce the loss of target information without significantly increasing model complexity and parameters. This approach enhances the model’s accuracy and generalization capability. The inner-IOU loss function based on auxiliary bounding boxes was also introduced. The improved method was trained on the public traffic sign dataset CCTSDB, achieving a detection accuracy of 97.5%, which is 1.8% more than the original algorithm, and it also increases detection speed by 11 FPS. Experimental results indicate that the improved YOLOv8 network effectively detects traffic signs in complex road scenarios.
Evolution and Transmission Dynamics of Wild Poliovirus in Pakistan and Afghanistan (2012-2023): implications for global polio eradication
Authors: Jorgensen David , Pons-Salort Margarita , Salman Muhammad , Khurshid Adnan , Arshad Yasir , Mahmood Nayab , Candido Darlan Da Silva , Kroiss Steve , Lyons Hil , Grassly Nicholas , Alam Muhammad 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Despite concerted global vaccination efforts, wild poliovirus remains endemic in two countries in 2024, Pakistan and Afghanistan. This study uses phylogeographic analysis of poliovirus genetic and epidemiological data from clinical and wastewater surveillance to identify the causes of poliovirus persistence and routes of spread over the last decade (2012 to 2023). Poliovirus genetic diversity declined post-2020, with the die-out of one of two major genetic clusters and recent detections are now close genetic relatives. We find that high-risk and hard-to-access regions have been key to persistent polio transmission over the past decade, supporting transmission when it had stopped elsewhere. Karachi, one of the most densely populated cities globally, has acted as a major hub for the amplification and spread of poliovirus to other regions, many of which we show to be dead-end for onwards transmission despite frequent virus detection. This information has been used to guide polio vaccination and surveillance.
Long COVID’s Chronic Toll: A Case Report on Unresolved Neuromuscular and Psychological Symptoms
Authors: Rezaei Ahmad Reza , Lenzen Dieter 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2, the airborne virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, is notorious for causing a range of health issues that persist or arise following an initial COVID-19 infection in a large number of patients. Throughout the pandemic, a substantial number of individuals worldwide who contracted SARS-CoV-2 have reported long-lasting, minor to incapacitating signs and symptoms, ranging from sore throat, fatigue, and cough to more serious neurological and psychological impacts. These lingering effects have led to the adoption of various terms such as "post-COVID-19 condition," "long COVID," "long-haul COVID," and "post-acute sequelae of COVID-19" (PASC), to describe the ongoing burden of disease. In this case report, we present a 55-year-old German male patient who experienced severe neuromuscular and psychological complications following a SARS-CoV-2 infection, with special emphasis on German "long-COVID outpatient clinics," which aim to monitor, rehabilitate, and provide comprehensive care for patients suffering from these post-COVID conditions, ensuring adequate support and ongoing follow-up care.
Embracing or Resisting? Feminist Beliefs and the Internalization of Body Ideals in China
Authors: Peng Bo , Du Heng , Ha Amy Sau-Ching 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the mediating role of thin-ideal and fit-ideal internalization in the relationship between media pressure and body satisfaction among young Chinese women (N = 291) and further examined the moderating influence of feminist beliefs on these pathways. Controlling regional demographics and BMI, results revealed that both thin-ideal and fit-ideal internalization negatively mediated the association between media pressure and body satisfaction. Furthermore, feminist beliefs played a complex and paradoxical role, strengthening the relationship between media pressure and both forms of ideal internalization, while simultaneously mitigating the negative impact of these internalized ideals on body satisfaction. These findings highlight the culturally specific nuances of body image ideals and the complex interplay of feminist beliefs in navigating sociocultural pressures related to appearance. The study underscores the need for culturally sensitive approaches to promoting positive body image among young women in China and suggests the potential value of integrating feminist principles into body image issues.