bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating a continental Australian VGOS VLBI intensive for UT1-UTC determination
Authors: McCarthy Tiege , McCallum Lucia , Schartner Matthias 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In this simulation study, we investigate the potential performance of VLBI intensives using the AuScope 12-metre VLBI network. This continental Australian network consisting of three stations, has recently been fully upgraded with VGOS receivers and has the capacity for observing the first southern hemisphere VGOS intensive series. This intensive series can be conducted entirely in-house, from the scheduling through to the correlation and post-processing. We determine such a VGOS intensive series could achieve a median performance, with respect to the estimation of UT1-UTC, of 9.74 μs for mean formal error and 17.95 μs for repeatabiliy, which is comparable to existing inter-continental S/X intensive series. Additionally, we investigate the effects of varying observation duration and session duration on the accuracy of the UT1-UTC estimate from this network. The ideal location for a 4th station on continental Australia is also evaluated under the context of optimising UT1-UTC performance, with north-eastern Tasmania providing the greatest increase to UT1-UTC accuracy. Finally, we investigate the effect of adding the Warkworth 12-metre into the network and determine the best location for a future antenna to be situated to maximise UT1-UTC performance.
Hydrological Dynamics in Various Agroecological Zones and Impacts of Soil and Water Conservation Measures on Runoff and Sediment Yield in the Africa ecoregion, Bale Eco- Region
Authors: Berhanu Daniel , Gashaw Temesgen , Haileslassie Amare , Alamirew Tena , Mekuria Wolde , Zeleke Gete , Lemann Tatenda , Hurni Hans , Feyisa Gudina Legese 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Protecting and conserving Africa's ecoregions is crucial for mitigating environmental challenges, maintaining the continent's ecological health, ensuring the survival of its unique species, and supporting the livelihoods of its people. The Bale Eco-Region (BER) of Southern Ethiopia is characterized by high surface runoff and sediment yield. This study assessed hydrological dynamics across different agro-ecological systems and rainfall pattern in three watersheds (Bekaye, Hawo and Horosoba) for the period 2016-2023. It also investigated the impacts of soil and water conservation (SWC) measures on runoff and sediment yield for Bekaye watershed that has different rainfall pattern from most of previous study in the country. Data on rainfall, water level, and suspended sediment concentrations were collected from 2016 to 2023. Significant differences in runoff coefficient and sediment yield were observed among the watersheds. Bekaye experienced more intense rainfall events compared to Hawo and Horosoba. Bekaye had a higher runoff coefficient (38.4%) and sediment yield (15.5 t/ha) while Hawo had lower runoff coefficient (19.6%) and sediment yield (3.2 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹). The volume of runoff and suspended sediment concentration were measured for the Bekaye watershed before (2016) and after SWC interventions (2017-2023). The SWC interventions in Bekaye help in reducing runoff and sediment yield, as well as increasing base flow in the subsequent years. The results of this research, conducted under different rainfall patterns, show a lower reduction in sediment yield (<30%) compared to most earlier studies that reported a reduction of more than 40%. Thus, conducting comparative studies across different regions with varied rainfall patterns and catchment characteristics is crucial to identifying the key factors influencing sediment yield. Generally, long-term monitoring and maintenance are key to ensuring that SWC measures continue to provide benefits in diverse agroecological settings.
Multiscale Analysis of Heart Sound Signals in the Wavelet Domain for Heart Murmur Detection
Authors: Vimalajeewa Dixon , Vidakovic BRANI , Lee Chihoon 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

A heart murmur is an atypical sound produced by the flow of blood through the heart. It can be a sign of a serious heart condition, so detecting heart murmurs is critical for identifying and managing cardiovascular diseases. However, current methods for identifying murmurous heart sounds do not fully utilize the valuable insights that can be gained by exploring different properties of heart sound signals. To address this issue, this study proposes a new discriminatory set of multiscale features based on the scaling and complexity properties of heart sounds, as characterized in the wavelet domain. Scaling properties are characterized by examining fractal behaviors, while complexity is explored by calculating wavelet entropy. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of these proposed features for detecting murmurs using a set of classifiers. When applied to a publicly available heart sound dataset, our proposed wavelet-based multiscale features achieved comparable performance to existing methods with fewer features. This suggests that scaling nature and complexity properties in heart sounds could be potential biomarkers for improving the accuracy of murmur detection.
Robot-Assisted unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion for the treatment of single-level degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis: Ipsilateral direct with contralateral indirect decompression
Authors: Yi Han , Zhang Senglin , Liu Peng , Lin Shu , Zhang Kun , Hu Jiang , Wang Fei , Tang Fang , Zhang Wei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective Degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis often leads to bilateral spinal canal and intervertebral foramen stenosis, yet symptoms frequently present unilaterally. The need for decompression on the asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic side remains a topic of debate.Methods There were 28 patients with single-level degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (Meyerding grades I/II) with bilateral symptoms were selected for this study. We measured preoperative and postoperative foramen height (FH), foraminal area (FA), disc height (DH), cross-sectional area of spinal canal(CASC), and degree of upper vertebral slip (DUVS). Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the Macnab standard was used to evaluate the efficacy at the last postoperative follow-up.Results All parameters on the surgical side and the contralateral side presented a significant increase compared to preoperative values (P < 0.001). The postoperative values for FH on operative and contralateral sides were 18.13 ± 1.19 mm and 18.49 ± 1.09 mm, for FA were 120.04 ± 23.57 mm2 and 123.07 ± 21.51 mm2, for DH were 8.53 ± 0.77 mm, and the cross-sectional area of spinal canal were 117.29 ± 16.832. The VAS scores and ODI scores for lumbar pain and bilateral leg pain improved significantly.Conclusion Satisfactory ipsilateral direct and contralateral indirect decompression can be achieved by unilateral-approach RA-ULIF.Routine decompression on the contralateral side may not be necessary for patients with bilateral symptoms and bilateral intervertebral foramen stenosis in single-level lumbar spondylolisthesis, barring cases of severe spinal stenosis.
Outcomes of patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia requiring lung resections in a third level Hospital
Authors: Sánchez-Pereda Diego , Gomez-Portugal Emmanuel Peña , Canto-Losa Jorge , Alvarez Jorge Jaspersen , Anaya-Ayala Javier E 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:Currently there is little evidence on surgical management of pulmonary complications of COVID-19 pneumonia. This study aimed to give an insight into common complications arising in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia that required lung resections and at those patient outcomes.
Methods: This is a retrospective single-center study looking at conditions arising in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, who required lung resection for resolution between March 2020 and March 2021. Clinical presentation, indications to undergo surgery, and factors associated with increased mortality were analyzed. Analysis of nominal variables was performed using either Chi square or Fisher's exact test accordingly. Continue variables were analyzed using the Student T-test.
Results:Twelve men (92.3%) and one woman (7.7%) were included in the analysis; age of included participants ranged from 27 to 72 years, with mean age being 52. The most common presenting signs and symptoms were dyspnea and tachypnea, which were present in all patients, most common cause for surgery was pneumatocele with 6 cases, followed by lung abscess; patients who underwent surgery because of persistent air leak were more likely to require surgical reintervention (p= 0.005). The overall mortality in our sample was 23%. Increasing age (p=0.014), Myalgias (p=0.035), elevated D-dimer (p=0.007) and pulmonary embolism (p=0.014) were associated with increased mortality.
Conclusions : Lung resections to treat pulmonary complications in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia appear to be safe, with a survival rate of 77%. Recognizing clinical characteristics such as age, myalgias, elevated D-dimer and pulmonary embolism can aid in identifying those at increased risk.
Benthic Diatoms as indicators of water quality in Sharda (Kali), a Transboundary Himalayan River
Authors: Naz Saleha , Verma Jyoti , Khan Ambrina Sardar , Dhyani Shalini , Srivast Geeta , Singh Prishita , Sharma Abhishek Kumar , Srivast Prateek 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Bioassessment studies in river systems of India are rather scarce and most of the monitoring programmes still rely on the traditional physical and chemical analysis. We explored the biomonitoring potential of benthic diatoms from the Sharda (Kali) river in the Himalayas, which is due interlinking with the Yamuna River under the National River Linking Programme (NRLP) in India. Seventeen sites along the Sharda were sampled in November 2022 for the analysis of 14 physical and chemical variables and benthic diatoms. Hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis (HACA) and Principal Component analysis (PCA) of the physico-chemical data set revealed two major groups of sites; the majorly unpolluted sites at higher elevations of Kumaun Himalayas (KH) and the low or moderately polluted sites of Terai Plains (TP) at lower elevations. Application of WQI assigned a good water quality class (B) to all selected sites. A total of 107 diatom taxa were recorded during the present study. Achnanthes pseudoswazi, Achnanthes minutissima, Achnanthidium pusillum, Geissleria decussis, Reimeria sinuata were the most abundant forms from KH whereas Gomphonema acuminatum, Cymbella excisa, Cocconeis pediculus, Nitzschia linearis, Navicula angusta were the dominant forms recorded from TP. A decrease in diatom diversity was observed from KH to TP sites. Significant differences (p < 0.05 & p < 0.01) between diatom diversity index scores was observed between KH and TP sites. Diversity indices correlated significantly with important water quality variables. The results of the TDI, IPS, IDG and IDSE diatom biotic indices corroborated well with the recorded physico-chemical variables and WQI values. IPS diatom index exhibited better resolution than WQI with reference to categorization of sites and subsequent establishment of ecological status. IPS was found to be the most suitable index and could be utilized for a pre-linkage ecological status establishment for the Sharda River. However, weak correlations of diatom indices and water quality variables along with low percentage of taxa included for computation of diatom indices reiterates the importance of establishment of region specific autecological preferences of diatoms and subsequent formulation of a customized diatom index for the Sharda River system.
Enhancing English to Amharic machine translation with prior knowledge integration: Leveraging syntactic structures of the source language
Authors: Asebel Muluken Hussen , Assefa Shimelis Getu , Haile Mesfin Abebe 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Machine translation has made significant progress in automating the conversion of human languages using computational methods. However, achieving human-level performance remains a challenge, particularly for languages such as Amharic. This paper aims to bridge this gap by integrating prior knowledge, particularly the syntactic structure of the source language, into Graph Neural Networks for English-to-Amharic machine translation. Our objective is to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of integrating syntactic information into Graph Neural Networks to improve translation quality. We conduct a thorough review of relevant literature and describe the preprocessing steps for both existing and newly collected parallel corpora used in training. Our approach involves preprocessing data and discussing the proposed Graph2Seq models. Experimental results demonstrate a notable 4.56% increase in bilingual evaluation understudy (BLEU) score compared to the baseline, indicating a significant improvement in translation quality. Moreover, our models exhibit a 1.98% enhancement in BLEU score over previous attempts, highlighting the value of integrating syntactic information into Graph Neural Networks. Through meticulous experimentation and analysis, we illustrate the efficacy of incorporating source language syntax into Graph Neural Networks for enhancing English-to-Amharic machine translation. This study contributes to the advancement of machine translation systems, particularly for low-resource languages, and lays the foundation for future research in integrating syntactic knowledge across diverse linguistic tasks and languages.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the DREB gene family in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L.)
Authors: Zhang Yujia , Zhang Liguang , Chen Mingxun , Wang Jiagang , Dong Shuqi , Yuan Xiangyang , Li Xiaorui 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Dehydration response element binding factors (DREBs) represent a family of plant-specific transcription factors involved in regulating plant responses to various abiotic stresses.
Results
This study identified and analyzed members of the SiDREB gene family for physicochemical properties, phylogeny, and structure of the encoded proteins. The expression pattern of the DREB transcription factor in foxtail millet under stress was analyzed by combining the qRT-PCR data of foxtail millet after low temperature, ABA, and osmotic stress (20% PEG 6000). There were 56 SiDREB genes, divided into 6 subgroups, which were located on 9 chromosomes of foxtail millet. Chromosomal localisation showed that the SiDREB genes were unevenly distributed on 9 chromosomes. Further qRT-PCR results revealed that 19 SiDREB genes have been identified as playing a role in the response to abiotic stress and ABA.
Conclusions
The results of this study laid a foundation for further study on the function of DREB genes in foxtail millet and will be beneficial to the genetic improvement of foxtail millet.
The DEAD-box helicase eIF4A1 acts as RNA chaperone during mitotic exit enabling chromatin decondensation
Authors: Antonin Wolfram , Jühlen Ramona , Wiesmann Sabine , Scheufen Anja , Braun Isabel , Llera-Brandt Carmen , Rappold Sabrina , Tatarek-Nossol Marianna , Lennartz Birgitt , Lue Hongqi , Perez-Correa Juan , Moreno-Andres Daniel , Strobel Chantal 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

During mitosis, chromosomes condense and decondense to segregate faithfully and undamaged. The exact molecular mechanisms are not well understood. We identify the DEAD-box helicase eIF4A1 as a critical factor in this process. In a cell-free condensation assay eIF4A1 is crucial for this process, relying on its RNA-binding ability but not its ATPase activity. Reducing eIF4A1 levels in cells consistently slows down chromatin decondensation during nuclear reformation. Conversely, increasing eIF4A1 concentration on mitotic chromosomes accelerates their decondensation. The absence of eIF4A1 affects the perichromatin layer, which surrounds the chromosomes during mitosis and consists of RNA and mainly nucleolar proteins. In vitro, eIF4A1 acts as an RNA chaperone, dissociating biomolecular condensates of RNA and perichromatin proteins. During mitosis, the chaperone activity of eIF4A1 is required to regulate the composition and fluidity of the perichromatin layer, which is crucial for the dynamic reorganization of chromatin as cells exit mitosis.
Identification of a novel signature based on T cell-related genes to explore prognosis and immune microenvironment in esophageal squamous carcinoma
Authors: Xing Huanhuan , Yang Wei , Yang Ruofan , Liu Ao , Yang Nannan , Yuan Ping , Xiong Zijun , Yang Wenqian , Liu Wenting 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is significantly influenced by T cells, which are pivotal effector cells in the immune system, playing a critical role in both antitumor immunity and the formation of the tumor microenvironment. In this study, we integrated single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data to explore the characteristics of T cells in ESCC and developed a prognostic model utilizing four T cell-related genes to predict patient prognosis. Furthermore, we evaluated discrepancies among different risk subgroups in terms of clinicopathological staging, the immune microenvironment, immune checkpoints, and responses to immunotherapy. We also verified the expression levels of these risk-associated genes in ESCC tissues using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Analysis and experimental validation indicated that these risk genes are closely linked to the occurrence and progression of ESCC and its immune microenvironment, potentially offering new therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
WITHDRAWN: Study on damage characteristics and failure law of sandstone under temperature-water action
Authors: Bao Xiankai , Tian Baolong , Wang Lingyu , Qiao Jianlong , Yu Chaoyun , Huang Shunjia , Huang Yue 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors while they make corrections to the work. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Bridging vein-type transverse-sigmoid sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Su Xin , Song Zihao , Sun Liyong , Ye Ming , Hong Tao , Liu Huiwei , Pang Huishen , Chen Yiguang , Li Yuying , Ma Yongjie , Zhang Hongqi , Zhang Peng 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Common bridging vein (BV) -type dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are typically located the tentorium cerebelli. Similar DAVFs are found near the transverse-sigmoid sinus (TSS). They are often reported together with true TSS DAVFs, which involve direct arterialization of the TSS serving as the point of fistulization. Distinguishing between BV-type TSS DAVFs and true TSS DAVFs is crucial because the treatment strategies and outcomes for each can differ significantly. Here, we present a consecutive case series of BV-type TSS DAVFs from our institution, detailing their clinical presentations, treatment strategies, and both clinical and radiographic outcomes.
Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 50 patients with BV-type TSS DAVFs who were hospitalized at a single medical center between 2002 and 2022.
Results: We identified 50 patients with BV-type TSS DAVFs. The cohort consisted of 44 men and 6 women, with a mean ± SD age of 55.4 ± 9.6 years at symptom presentation. 48 patients underwent trans-arterial embolization (TAE), one underwent surgery, and one received conservative treatment. All fistulas were classified as Borden type Ⅲ. Immediate complete occlusion was achieved in 98% cases. 28 (100%, 28/28) patients were cured, with no recurrence detected on final follow-up imaging.
Conclusions: BV-type TSS DAVFs are associated with a high risk of hemorrhage and non-hemorrhagic neurological deficits. TAE achieved a high cure rate for these lesions with no major complications. Due to the unique location of these fistulas at the junctional zone of the bridging vein and the TSS, hypotheses regarding their pathogenesis have been proposed, though they remain unconfirmed.
Knowledge of and preference for abortion legality in Kenya: A National Cross- Sectional Survey
Authors: Juma Kenneth , Esther MUTUKU , Sherine ATHERO , Isaiah AKUKU , USHIE Boniface Ayanbekongshie , Ajayi Anthony 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Inadequate knowledge of abortion laws implies those seeking care cannot know their legal entitlements, service providers cannot practice with legal protection, and governments can escape legal responsibility for the adverse effects of their laws. There is limited understanding of the public’s views of abortion in Kenya. This study assessed the knowledge and preference for abortion legality in Kenya.
Methods
We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey using mobile telephones to collect data from adults 18 or older. The sample was drawn from a database owned by a mobile-survey provider with over 12 million telephone numbers across Kenya. We used a random digit dialing approach to select and recruit participants. Trained research assistants administered telephonic interviews using a structured questionnaires that had questions assessing knowledge of conditions for legally sanctioned abortion and their preferences for conditions the law should permit. We summarized continuous variables into means with standard deviations while categorical variables into proportions. Multivariate analyses were performed to assess associations between knowledge of abortion laws and independent variables.
Results
Of the 8942 respondents, 76%, 74%, and 33% correctly knew that the Kenyan law allows abortion when a woman's life and health are at risk and when the pregnancy results from rape, respectively. Being female (AOR = 1.22 [95% CI: 1.09–1.38]; p < 0.001), age group 25–34 (1.21 [1.03–1.43]; 0.024) and having university education (2.57; [1.79–3.70]; <0.001) were associated with higher knowledge of abortion laws. Majority of respondents preferred that the law allow abortion when a woman’s life (72%) or health (65%) or mental health (43%) is at risk. One-quarter wanted abortions allowed for rape (29%) and incest (28%) while only 15% approved abortion if the pregnant was unwanted. The latent class analysis characterized that most respondents were conditional supporters of abortion legalization (43%), whereas individuals opposed to abortion legalization in all/most circumstances represented 29% of respondents.
Conclusion
Information on abortion legality preferences offers insights into public acceptability and opportunities for abortion legal and policy reforms. There is need for comprehensive dissemination of the Kenya abortion law, focusing specifically on groups and communities that typically struggle to access information and services.