bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathogenesis of spinal chronic subdural hematoma based on histopathological findings: a case report
Authors: Fujikawa Yoshiki , Fujishiro Takahiro , Tanabe Hideki , Takami Toshihiro , Wanibuchi Masahiko 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Spinal chronic subdural hematoma (sCSDH) is a rare condition whereas intracranial chronic subdural hematoma (iCSDH) is well-recognised and documented in clinical settings. Despite various theories have been proposed, the exact pathogenesis of sCSDH remains to be elucidated. Herein, we report a rare case of sCSDH with co-existing iCSDH and deduce its etiology using histopathological findings.
Case presentation
A 76-year-old Japanese man with slight hemiparesis due to iCSDH underwent burr hole surgery with successful drainage of the hematoma. The patient could not walk unassisted after the surgery. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed, revealing a subdural hematoma extending from the T11 to S2 levels. The patient decided to undergo hematoma evacuation via a hemilaminectomy. Intraoperatively, we identified a dark liquefied hematoma with its capsule, which closely resembled an iCSDH. Histological examination of the resected capsule revealed loose fibrovascular tissues comprising capillaries, collagen fibres, small number of macrophages, and hemosiderin deposits. These findings were very similar to those for iCSDH, such that the pathogenesis of sCSDH was considered identical to that of iCSDH. The patient was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital, and 4 months after the lumbar surgery, no recurrence was observed in MRI examination.
Conclusions
sCSDH may result from various potential pathogeneses, that clinicians should consider for correct diagnosis and appropriate management. Our case provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of sCSDH.
An sp-sp2-hybridized molecular carbon allotrope: C16 flake
Authors: Xu Wei , Gao Wenze , Zheng Wei , Sun Luye , Kang Faming , Zhou Zheng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The molecular carbon allotropes have an enduring attraction to chemists and physicists for their elusive structures and extraordinary properties. Cyclo[16]carbon has been produced on the surface and is well characterized, while, it is interesting that molecular carbon allotrope, like C16, referring to molecules composed of 16 carbon atoms, presents a fascinating realm of isomeric possibilities. Except for cyclo[16]carbon, C16 isomers with other structures have been only predicted by theory. Here, we report the synthesis and structural characterization of a graphene-shaped isomer, i.e., C16 flake on a bilayer NaCl surface grown on Au(111), using an atom-manipulation strategy by eliminating chlorine from a fully chlorinated pyrene molecule, C16Cl10. Characterization of such a C16 flake by bond-resolved atomic force microscopy revealed an sp- and sp2-hybridized structure.
Follow up study of Wilms’ tumor 1 (WT1) gene expression as a predictive marker for clinical outcome of acute myeloid leukemia in Iraqi population
Authors: Alyaqubi Kifah Jabbar , Al-bedariy Iman H. Zeyed , Aljawad Mohammed F. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Wilms' tumor gene 1 (WT1) is a universal tumor-associated antigen (TAA) expressed in a variety of malignancies. It is also quantitatively detectable and strongly expressed in the majority of acute leukemia patients. A recent study suggested that WT1 changes in gene expression levels might be utilized as a predictive marker to evaluate clinical outcomes at the time of diagnosis of (de novo) leukemia, followed by monitoring tumor development through treatment and follow-up.
Methods: A total of twenty-nine (de novo) acute myeloid leukemia patients at presentation had 25 AML at the time of the first induction. The second induction had 17 AML patients, and 10 healthy volunteers, as a control group, were chosen for this study. The WT1 gene was assessed by Real-Time PCR with the Cyber Green assay.
Results: AML patients had significantly higher levels of WT1 expression, compared to controls, who had low levels of WT1 expression. The WT1 gene overexpression was significantly associated with non-response AML patients compared to a complete response at diagnosis but showed no significant association after induction.
Conclusion: The WT1 tumor antigen could be an early potential marker for acute leukemia prognosis. A lower expression of WT1 has been linked to improved clinical results. In contrast, a high level was associated with a bad prognosis in patients with AML, but further additional testing is needed.
Effect of the glycerol dispersant on the structure, electrical transport and magnetoresistive properties of La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 ceramics prepared by the sol-gel routine
Authors: Xie Yuchen , Liu Chunling , Shen Yating , Wang Shaozheng , Yu Ping , Li Yule , Chen Qingming , Zhang Hui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this paper, the sol-gel technique is employed to synthesize polycrystalline La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 (LCMO) ceramics, where methanol is chosen as the solvent. The crystal structure, morphology, as well as electrical and magnetoresistive properties. Moreover, the effect of amount of the dispersant glycerol on the properties of LCMO ceramics is studied. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that all samples crystallized in single phases with orthogonal perovskite structure (pnma space group), without any detectable impurity phases. Results reveal that the grain size of LCMO ceramics exhibits an initial increase followed by a decrease, accompanied by a similar behavior in the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and magnetoresistance (MR). When the volume ratio of glycerol and methanol reached 2%, the grain size is determined to be 7.30 µm, with TCR value of 25.02% K− 1 at T = 263.2 K, and MR value recorded at 55.40%. The study elucidates the influence of glycerol on LCMO polycrystalline ceramics and optimize the fabrication process, thereby improve the electric transport property and magnetoresistance.
Environmental predictors of malaria infection in Sussundenga, Mozambique
Authors: Steiber Alexa , Ferrão João L. , Francisco Albino B. , Muhiro Valy , Novela Anísio , Earland Dominique E. , Searle Kelly M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Malaria is highly sensitive to environmental conditions, including climate variability and land use practices. Ecologically, Sussundenga district has a significantly lower elevation compared to the Zimbabwe border and a more tropical climate compared to southern and northern Mozambique due to high seasonal rainfall. We aimed to evaluate the effects of climate and environmental factors at the household level on rapid diagnostic test results for Malaria in Sussundenga, Mozambique.
Methods
To understand this association, we collected publicly available United States Geological Survey satellite data on elevation, vegetation, and land use cover. Additionally, we collected satellite data on day and night land surface temperatures and evapotranspiration which we assessed at 1- and 2-week lags. We spatially and temporally joined these data with malaria infection data at the household level. Using this database, we assessed whether these environmental factors were good predictors for having a positive rapid diagnostic test result using spatio-temporal models that accounted for the underlying correlation structure. Risk factor surveillance is an important tool for controlling the spread of infectious diseases.
Results
Of the environmental factors that were investigated in this study, landcover was found to be most strongly associated with malaria risk, and we found that the estimated effect of grassland or cropland landcover on malaria risk varies depending on whether the house has holes in the wall.
Conclusions
The results from modeling of the ecological predictors of malaria infection and spatial maps provided in this study could aid in developing frameworks to mitigate malaria transmission and predict future malaria transmission in this region. Understanding how environmental changes impacts malaria transmission and infection at the household level may have important implications for vector control and disease surveillance strategies utilized by the district.
Correlation functions between singular values and eigenvalues
Authors: Allard Matthias , Kieburg Mario 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Exploiting the explicit bijection between the density of singular values and the density of eigenvalues for bi-unitarily invariant complex random matrix ensembles of finite matrix size we aim at finding the induced probability measure onjeigenvalues andksingular values that we coinj,k-point correlation measure. We fully derive allj,k-point correlation measures in the simplest cases for matrices of sizen= 1andn= 2 . Forn> 2, we find a general formula for the1, 1-point correlation measure. This formula reduces drastically when assuming the singular values are drawn from a polynomial ensemble, yielding an explicit formula in terms of the kernel corresponding to the singular value statistics. These expressions simplify even further when the singular values are drawn from a Pólya ensemble and extend known results between the eigenvalue and singular value statistics of the corresponding bi-unitarily invariant ensemble. MSC Classification: 60B20 , 15B52 , 43A90 , 42B10 , 42C05
Syntactic Harmony: Introducing Shared-private Framework for Implicit Discourse Relation Recognition
Authors: Ruixia Yang , Yanbin Feng , Zheng Hua 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Implicit discourse relation recognition (IDRR) still faces challenges in achieving high accuracy compared to explicit discourse relation recognition. Many existing approaches attempt to combine explicit and implicit data. However, language differences and variations in category distribution make it challenging to use multitask learning to directly optimize IDRR task. This paper considers explicit data as out-of-domain data and implicit data as in-domain data, proposed a shared-private-based framework with dynamic dependency matching (SPDDM) for IDRR task. This framework explores the deep-level syntactic correlation between explicit and implicit data by encoding dependency grammar information through cross-attention mechanism and confuse it to shared-private framework through dynamic matching . Extensive experiments on the popular PDTB datasets show that our model achieves state-of-the-art performance, and a detailed analysis highlights the efficiency of our proposed framework.
Searching in ultra high dimensional sparse model spaces: New performance tests and boosting Gibbs sampling algorithms
Authors: García-Donato Gonzalo , Castellanos María E. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In the context of variable selection in sparse settings, we present a novel class of experiments. These are based on the notion of contaminating real data sets with artificial spurious covariates in such a way that exact solutions can be easily computed. Such exact responses provide a direct and compelling way to evaluate the performance of search methods on model spaces of arbitrary cardinality. We apply this tool to Gaussian regression models, an important statistical problem that has benefited from the emergence of many new search methods in recent years. We also contribute to this catalog by revisiting classical Gibbs sampling algorithms proposing new implementations that take advantage of sparsity. Despite their simplicity, the resulting methods are very competitive and fully automatic. We use a real genetic dataset to illustrate and motivate the various procedures presented in this research.
Exploring the Influence of Human Activities and the COVID-19 Lockdown on Urban Air Quality in Rajasthan, India
Authors: Kumar Porush 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This research provides a comprehensive analysis of the intricate relationships between human activities, air quality dynamics, and the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown in seven major cities in Rajasthan, India—Ajmer, Alwar, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Pali, and Udaipur. This study meticulously examined the fluctuations in the concentrations of key pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and SO2) from 2018 to 2022, covering the prelockdown, lockdown, and postlockdown phases.
Significant reductions in air pollutant concentrations were observed during the lockdown period, attributed to decreased anthropogenic activities, notably vehicular emissions and industrial operations. However, postlockdown, a rebound effect was observed, indicating challenges in sustaining air quality improvements amid economic resurgence. Notable findings include substantial declines in PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and SO2 levels during the lockdown, followed by increases to varying degrees postlockdown. The cities of Ajmer, Alwar, and Jaipur demonstrated divergent trends in pollutant concentrations, emphasizing the complex interplay between environmental factors and human behavior.
This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on air quality management by providing insights into the impacts of temporary interventions, such as lockdowns, on urban air quality dynamics. The findings underscore the need for holistic approaches integrating environmental policies, industrial regulations, and public health initiatives to mitigate the adverse effects of air pollution and safeguard public health and environmental well-being in urban regions.
Assessing the Value of Integrated Evidence Approaches in Drug Development
Authors: DiMasi Joseph A. , Olson Melvon , Smith Zachary , Getz Kenneth A. , Capkun Goran 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The use of Integrated Evidence Packages (IEPs) by the pharmaceutical industry has expanded in recent years with the aim of optimizing healthcare and patient outcomes. The evidence base of IEPs goes beyond traditional randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to provide holistic evidence suitable for all stakeholders. However, this approach to drug development is not systematically adopted by all sponsors because of perceived uncertainty in its investment value.
Methods
We introduce the concept of value drivers to which we apply an expected net present value (eNPV) model of the cash flows for drug development and commercialization. The approach is outlined for two, typical, hypothetical lifecycle management IEPs. The measure of IEP value is defined as the increment in eNPV that occurs when IE programs are employed in comparison to when they are not.
Results
We found substantial value for IEPs. One example incorporated a plan to conduct an observational study that could be used as a basis for approval in lieu of a classical phase II trial for a supplemental indication. In the other example, increased adoption of the new treatment leads to a highly positive increment in eNPV based on the critical evidence generated in a phase IIIb study.
Conclusions
Use of value drivers and eNPV-based value models when planning for IEPs can provide objective guidance for project teams. The value can be estimated through formal economic analysis that considers planned timelines, R&D costs, estimates of the likelihood of regulatory approval, patient access and clinical adoption if development is successful.
Cause; Practice and Belief status of females (15-49 years old) on Female Genital Mutilation in Tigray, Ethiopia, 2020
Authors: Asgedom Genet Tekle , Ghebremedhin Kiros Demoz , Gebreegziabher Ataklti Gebreyesus 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aim: There is evidence on the cause, practice and poor status of female genital tract mitigation in Tigray, Ethiopia.
The aim of this study was to assess the cause, practice and believing status of females regarding genital mitigation in Tigray, Ethiopia.
Methods: A quantitative, community-base, cross-sectional study was conducted among reproductive aged girls and women in eastern Tigray, Ethiopia. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the study area (Atsbi District) from the Tigray Region 93 districts. A simple random sampling technique used to select four local administrations and 201 study participants. The data were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaires, and the data were entered into SPSS Version 23 for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the characteristics of the study subjects. The frequency, percentage, and graph ware used.
Result: In this study, 78 (38.8%) of the study participants had ever been circumcised, 36 (29%) had genital mutilation practiced at under 5 years of age, and 55 (44.8%) had female genital mutilation performed by traditional methods, 168(83.6%) had FGMP performed using razor blades and 102 (50.7%) had sociological and cultural causes.
Conclusion: Females’ and parents’ health education; should be strengthened, IEC/BCCmaterials should be expanded in different areas, religious leaders’ involvement in awareness creation regarding FGMPs should be strengthened, and further study should be performed.
Assessment of public space potential for climate change adaptation in three Colombian cities: nature-based solutions and urban design guidelines
Authors: Marino Raul , Kuller M. , Zurita B. , Carrasco L. , Gosciniak P. , Kustosik K. , Riveros A. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT
Cities need to interact more harmoniously with their environment, especially with regard to the urban water cycle. Currently, public space design standards in Colombia do not include rainwater management for reuse in buildings and irrigation of green spaces, wasting treated water on activities that do not require it. The environmental design of public spaces can also help reduce urban temperatures, especially in dense urban areas. Adapting cities and public spaces to climate change is crucial, especially in geographic contexts such as Colombia, where the El Niño and La Niña climate oscillations will further increase precipitations or droughts in regions of Colombia, making urban and rural populations more vulnerable to flooding, landslides and sea level rise. This study aims to assess the public space potential for the adoption of nature-based solutions (NBSs) in three Colombian cities with different hydrological conditions, climates and urban morphologies: Bogotá, Bucaramanga and Cartagena. The potential for NBSs in urban context was assessed with land suitability analysis and MCDA tools. The results showed that adoption of NBS in public spaces and urban design guidelines can be a valuable strategy to prepare our cities for climate change and provide a better support for urban ecosystem services in Colombia.
Green bean seed coagulant for turbidity removal: parameter optimization and modelling
Authors: Owodunni Amina Adedoja , Ismail Suzylawati , Seng Ooi Boon 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the effectiveness of a natural coagulant derived from green bean (GB) seeds for treating synthetic turbid water. The properties of GB and green bean coagulant (GB-Co) were analysed using FTIR, SEM, and EDX. The study focuses on the interaction between extraction parameters, such as mixing time (MT), mix concentration (MC), and solvent concentration (SC), on turbidity removal and protein concentration. The optimal parameters were determined using response surface methodology (RSM) and desirability functions. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed good agreement between experimental data and the proposed model. The quadratic model showed that factors SC and MC significantly influence both responses. The optimum extraction conditions were MT, SC, and MC at 48 min, 1.38 M, and 10 g/L, respectively. The coagulant achieved a turbidity removal of 95.57% and a protein concentration of 1092.11 mg/L. The results suggest that GB-based coagulants can effectively remove turbidity from wastewater.
Comparative analysis of hydrodynamic flowrate sources as drivers of water quality models for nitrogenous compounds in complex ungauged South African rivers
Authors: Mahlathi Christopher Dumisani , Brink Isobel , Wilms Josefine M. 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Water quality modelling is a critical tool for managing the health of river ecosystems, particularly in regions impacted by point source pollution activities. This study investigates the influence of different hydrodynamic data sources on the performance of two river water quality models, the Basic Model (BM) and the Water Quality Analysis Simulation Programme (WASP) for modelling nitrogenous compounds in a complex river system including wastewater treatment plant effluent discharges. Four diverse hydrodynamic data input types were considered. These included measured station data, altered station data, rainfall-generated flow, and the WRSM/Pitman model estimate. Findings revealed trends, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and t-test analyses consistently demonstrated significant disparities between model predictions and measured data in specific river segments, indicating a need for segment-specific modelling approaches. An increase in Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Square Error (MSE) values in certain segments pointed to a decline in model accuracy when confronted with distinct hydrodynamic conditions. Additionally, application of four diverse hydrodynamic data input sources yielded similar performance for BM and WASP against measured data. The research findings indicated a complex interplay between river hydrodynamics and water quality modelling, resulting in a recommendation for tailored modelling strategies that account for unique characteristics of river segments.
Isolation and characterization of pure cultures for metabolizing 1,4-dioxane in oligotrophic environments
Authors: Tesfamariam Ermias Gebrekrstos , Ssekimpi Dennis , Hoque Sarajeen Saima , Chen Huan , Howe Joshua D. , Zhou Chao , Shen Yue-xiao , Tang Youneng 
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

1,4-Dioxane concentration in most contaminated water is much less than 1 mg/L, which cannot sustain the growth of most reported 1,4-dioxane-metabolizing pure cultures. These pure cultures were isolated following enrichment of mixed cultures at high concentrations (20 to 1,000 mg/L). This study is based on a different strategy: 1,4-dioxane-metabolizing mixed cultures were enriched by periodically spiking 1,4-dioxane at low concentrations (≤1 mg/L). Five 1,4-dioxane-metabolizing pure strains LCD6B, LCD6D, WC10G, WCD6H, and WD4H were isolated and characterized. The partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the five bacterial strains were related to Dokdonella sp. (98.3%), Acinetobacter sp. (99.0%), Afipia sp. (99.2%), Nitrobacter sp. (97.9%), and Pseudonocardia sp. (99.4%), respectively. Nitrobacter sp. WCD6H is the first reported 1,4-dioxane-metabolizing bacterium in the genus of Nitrobacter. The net specific growth rates of these five cultures are consistently higher than those reported in the literature at 1,4-dioxane concentrations &lt;0.5 mg/L. Compared to the literature, our newly discovered strains have lower half-maximum-rate concentrations (1.8 to 8.2 mg-dioxane/L), lower maximum specific 1,4-dioxane utilization rates (0.24 to 0.47 mg-dioxane/(mg-protein ⋅ d)), higher biomass yields (0.29 to 0.38 mg-protein/mg-dioxane), and lower decay coefficients (0.01 to 0.02 d−1). These are characteristics of microorganisms living in oligotrophic environments.