bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DSCANet: Underwater Acoustic Target Recognition Using the Depthwise Separable Convolutional Attention Module
Authors: Tang Chonghua , Hu Gang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The classification and recognition of underwater acoustic targets is a critical support technology for underwater acoustic information countermeasures. The extraction and classification of features of the underwater target is its research focus. Researchers have done an in-depth study from multiple perspectives. However, because the underwater acoustic signal is affected by ambient noise and operating conditions of different targets, the signal-to-noise ratio of the underwater acoustic signal is very low, the components of underwater acoustic signal are complicated, and specific signal pre-processing is usually necessary, such as signal enhancement and signal decomposition. In existing methods, the main focus is on extracting and classifying underwater acoustic signal features after multi-step preprocessing. However, these methods overlook the integration of feature extraction and classification, leading to certain drawbacks. To overcome these limitations, we propose a new model called Depthwise Separable Convolutional Attention (DSCA). This model can better recognize and classify underwater acoustic targets. We also use multiple DSCAs to construct a neural network, which we called DSCANet. The DSCANet can be used for classification and recognition of underwater acoustic targets. The structure of the DSCANet is unified and simple, and no specific pre-processing of the underwater acoustic signal is necessary. Spatial structure features are extracted from bottom layers of the DSCANet, and semantic features are extracted from top layers of the DSCANet, and then classifying them. The DSCANet integrates feature extraction and target classification for underwater acoustic targets. The DSCANet is trained and validated on ShipsEar, an open dataset, the classification accuracy reaches 93%, which is the highest in contrast experiment.
Systemic risk approach to mitigate delay cascading in railway networks
Authors: Daniotti Simone , Servedio Vito DP , Kager Johannes , Robben-Baldauf Aad , Thurner Stefan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Delay cascades may significantly disrupt the regular operation of public transportation systems. What are the origins and processes involved in delay-spreading in public railway systems? How can delay propagation in national railway systems be efficiently managed with a minimum of effort? With a network-based systemic risk approach, we quantify the impact of trains on the system.This allows us to find which train assignments play the leading roles in transmitting delays to following trains. This identification of weak spots in the system now enables us to effectively reduce delay cascades by adding very few specific short-distance train services. Agent-based simulations validate our results.
Rapid and precise large area mapping of rare-earth doping homogeneity in luminescent materials
Authors: Hrabovsky Jan , Kucera Miroslav , Palousova Lucie , Zázvorka Jakub , Kubat Jan , Bi Lei , Veis Martin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Doping of luminescent materials by rare-earth (RE) ions is a common practice to achieve desired emission properties in a broad spectral range for large variety of applications including lasers, light emitting diodes, scintillators, quantum technologies, thermoluminescence dosimetry, biomedical/theranostic platforms, etc. As several rare-earths ions are frequently combined, it is subsequently difficult to effectively detect and control their homogeneous distribution within the host material. In this work, the simple, rapid, large scale and precise method of RE mapping using the commercial UV-Vis scanner is presented on the example of Gd/Ce-doped YAG/LuAG single crystals with inhomogeneous RE distribution. Moreover, the influence of RE distribution on the physical, optical and luminescent properties is discussed, with no observable qualitative effect on photoluminescent emission, luminescence decay kinetic and moreover to optical anisotropy. In contrary, RE rich areas exhibit significantly higher values of refractive index, Faraday rotation as well as optical absorption and observed parameter changes precisely followed the RE distribution borders identified by commercial scanner device. Presented method thus provides accurate information about the RE distribution in the material volume in high resolution (≈20 μm) compared to other techniques and thus offers simple, cheap and precise tool for the RE ions mapping in transparent materials.
Lidocaine and risk of postoperative vomiting in children undergoing tonsillectomy: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Hu Yang , Du Ming-cheng , Chen Yi , Long Xiang , Jiang Jing-jing , Gong Yuan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The dose-response of intravenous lidocaine for preventing postoperative vomiting (POV) in children is unclear. This study investigated whether intravenous lidocaine dose-dependently decreases POV risk within 24 h postoperatively in children undergoing tonsillectomy (with/without adenoidectomy) without severe complications. Patients aged 3–12 years (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I–II) scheduled for elective tonsillectomy (with/without adenoidectomy) were enrolled from December 2021 to March 2022. They were randomly grouped according to the lidocaine dose (A [0 mg kg-1], B [1 mg kg-1], C [1.5 mg kg-1], and D [2 mg kg-1]) and were administered the same induction protocol (sufentanil, propofol, and suxamethonium chloride). Anaesthesia was maintained using sevoflurane. POV incidence within 24 h postoperatively was 46%, 40%, 36%, and 20% in groups A, B, C, and D, respectively, with significant differences between groups D and A. That of postoperative analgesic rescue in groups A, B, C, and D was 62%, 36%, 34%, and 16%, respectively, with significant differences between groups D and B, C and A, and D and A. No severe adverse events occurred. Intravenous lidocaine (2 mg kg-1) dose-dependently decreases POV risk without serious adverse events in children undergoing tonsillectomy (with/without adenoidectomy).
Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100053006.
Comparing the effectiveness of treating branch retinal vein occlusion with a novel One and Stepped Pro Re Nata treatment protocol
Authors: Chen Po-Yu(Jay) , Hsu Alan Y. , Lai Chun-Ting , Lin Chun-Ju , Hsia Ning-Yi , Chen Wen-Lu , Tien Peng-Tai , Lin Jane-Ming , Chen San-Ni , Tsai Yi-Yu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the anatomical and functional outcomes of branch vein occlusion (BRVO) eyes treated with anti-VEGF injections using a novel One and Stepped pro re nata (PRN) protocol. This retrospective case series evaluated the electronic medical records from 22 BRVO patients who were treated with anti-VEGF agents under our novel “One and Stepped PRN” protocol at a single tertiary medical center between January 2016 and October 2022. Outcomes of interest included best-corrected visual acuity and central retinal thickness. 22 treatment-naive BRVO eyes (14 males, eight females) were included. The mean age was 65.82+/- 10.88 years. Average follow-up was 54.45 +/- 7.65 weeks. 7 (31.81%) received mainly Ranibizumab, and 15 (68.18%) received mainly Aflibercept. The baseline average BCVA was 45.86 +/- 19.46 ETDRS letters, and the baseline average CRT was 562.5 +/- 164.02 µm. The mean number of injections received was 3.54 +/- 1.74. Average BCVA improvement was 23.91 +/- 17.36 ETDRS letters (p < 0.0001) and average CRT improvement was 245.55 +/- 153.31 µm (p < 0.0001). Our results were comparable to the BRAVO and VIBRANT trials while comparatively using fewer anti-VEGF injections. In summary, our novel anti-VEGF protocol applied under real-world conditions achieved good anatomical and visual outcomes among treatment-naive BRVO eyes.
Impaired liver function: effect on paclitaxel toxicity, dose modifications and overall survival
Authors: Schmidt Marieke , Vernooij Robin , Nuland Merel van , Smeijsters Erin , Devriese Lot , Mohammad Nadia Haj , Hermens Thom , Stammers Julian , Swart Christina , Egberts Toine , Haitjema Saskia , Lammers Laureen 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background:
The anticancer drug paclitaxel is primarily metabolised in the liver. Previous studies indicated a correlation between impaired liver function and paclitaxel toxicity which may indicate dose reduction. Since evidence is limited, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of impaired liver function on haematological toxicity of paclitaxel, dose modifications and overall survival (OS).
Methods:
For this single-center retrospective observational study, patients treated with paclitaxel for breast, oesophageal and ovarian cancer at the University Medical Centre Utrecht between 2011 and 2022 were identified from the Utrecht Patient Oriented Database (UPOD). Based on regression analysis, the risk of developing grade 3/4 haematological toxicity was compared between patients with normal and impaired (based on NCI criteria bilirubin and ASAT concentrations) liver function. Additionally, differences in occurrence of toxicity related dose modifications and OS were evaluated between both groups.
Results:
A total of 569 patients were included. Breast cancer patients with palliative treatment and mildly impaired liver function (ASAT ≤ 2x ULN, bilirubin ≤ ULN) had an increased risk of developing grade 3/4 neutropenia (HR = 4.39, 95% CI 1.20-16.02, p = 0.03). In addition, impaired liver function patients treated according to the palliative ovarian cancer regimen had an increased risk of developing grade 3/4 leukopenia (HR = 12.64, 95% CI 2.12–75.22, p = 0.01) and dose modification (treatment discontinuation) (HR = 3.91, 95% CI 1.74–8.79, p < 0.01). Impaired liver function was also associated with decreased OS in inoperable oesophageal and (palliative) ovarian cancer patients (HR = 7.65, 95% CI 2.54–23.1, p < 0.01 and HR = 2.98, 95% CI 1.36–6.54, p < 0.01, respectively). The risk of developing grade 3/4 haematological toxicity in the lower dosed paclitaxel treatment protocols was not significantly different in patients with impaired liver function.
Conclusions:
This study shows that patients with impaired liver function treated with paclitaxel for breast and ovarian cancer in palliative setting are at higher risk of developing haematological toxicity compared to patients with normal liver function at start of therapy. Furthermore, in patients with ovarian (palliative) and inoperable oesophageal cancer, impaired liver function is associated with decreased OS. Within these groups of patients it is important to weigh the risk of upfront paclitaxel dose-modifications versus an adaptive strategy.
Risk factor analysis and prediction model to establish recurrence or progression of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas in men after transnasal sphenoidal surgery
Authors: Zhong Jiansheng , Chen Yuyang , Wang Mingyue , Li Jun , Li Ziqi , Li Haixiang , Wei Liangfeng , Wang Shousen 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective This paper aims to analyze the risk factors for the recurrence or progression of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) in male patients after transnasal sphenoidal surgery and to develop a predictive model for prognosis.
Method Clinical and follow-up data of 126 male patients with NFPAs treated by transnasal sphenoidal surgery from January 2011 to January 2021 in Fuzhou 900th Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Basic clinical information (age), imaging features (tumor size, modified Knosp grading, and resection extent), and histopathological features (Ki-67) were retrieved to construct a nomogram prediction model and to validate its performance.
Result Out of 126 cases, 7 (5.56%) showed postoperative tumor recurrence, and 18 (14.29%) exhibited postoperative residual regrowth (progression). Age (P=0.024), maximum tumor diameter (P<0.001), modified Knosp grade (P<0.001), resection extent (P<0.001), and Ki67 (P＜0.001) were statistically significant between the recurrence group, the progression group, and the alleviate group. Three independent risk factors (modified Knosp classification, resection extent, and Ki67) affecting postoperative remission were used to construct a predictive model for long-term postoperative failure to remit. In addition, the nomogram and ROC curve based on the above results indicated significant clinical value.
Conclusion A nomogramprediction model based on modified Knosp grading (grades 3B-4), resection extent (partial resection), and Ki-67 (≥3%) predicts the recurrence or progression of NFPAs in men after transnasal sphenoidal surgery.
Electroacupuncture Alleviates Neuroinflammation and Memory Dysfunction by Regulating Hippocampal Microglial α7nAChR in LPS-Induced Systemic Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Yu Xiangmei , Cheng Xiaomei , Lan Yanyan , Huang Qiuling , Chen Honglin , Pang Lina , Fu Jiehui , Zeng Weiquan , Wang Zhifu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Cognitive impairment induced by systemic inflammatory diseases is associated with hippocampal microglial activation and central neuroinflammation. This paper investigated whether electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation exerts anti-inflammatory effects and improves cognitive impairment through the hippocampal microglial α7 receptor.
Methods
ES efficacy was evaluated with respect to microglial activation and cognitive dysfunction amelioration following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intraperitoneal injection in mice. Behavioral testing of “what,” “where,” and “when” memories was used to observe spatial memory. Microglial α7 was knocked out by hybridization of α7nAchRfl/fl and Cx3Cr1cre transgenic mice. Furthermore, the cholinergic transmission between medium septum (MS) and the hippocampus (HP) was studied using magnetic resonance spectroscopy to investigate the EA effects on the central cholinergic anti-inflammatory properties.
Results
EA can improve the spatial memory and increase the cholinergic level of the MS and promote the cholinergic transmission of MS–HP. EA also activated the cholinergic neurons of MS, increased the expression of microglial α7nAChR, and decreased the expression of Iba-1. The results of qPCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay detection showed EA could reduce the expression of mRNA related to cytokine (IL-1β, iNOS, IL-10, Arg1, CD206, and TNF-α) in the HP. Hippocampal injection of a7 antagonist or specific knockout of microglia a7 can reverse the EA effects of anti-inflammatory properties and improve cognitive impairment.
Conclusion
EA treatment ameliorates system inflammation-induced cognitive decline mediated by hippocampal microglial α7 receptor, which displays cholinergic antineuroinflammation properties and improves cognitive function.
Unveiling the link between changing weather patterns and apple output in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: KAUR MANMEET , Arundhati  
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This paper includes the change in area, production and productivity of Apple crop in Shimla District of Himachal Pradesh. The goal of this paper was to look at the performance of apple crop in the study area over the last four decades to see if there had been any apparent change. There was a considerable increase in the area under apple crop from 13558.67 ha during the first period to 26114.4 ha during the last decade. The change in area over the years has been increased by 51.9%. There has been an increasing trend in the area from last thirty six years. This paper would aid in identifying the fundamental causes of such performance, allowing a broad assessment of future output potential. Further, it develops a correlation matrix between average maximum temperature, average minimum temperature, average rainfall and average productivity of apple within the chosen time period. Based on the correlation it can be concluded that warmer temperatures may increase crop production. But, unusually high lowest temperatures may exceed a threshold. The relationship between climatic conditions and productivity has been highlighted by the fact that heavy precipitation corresponds with decreased yield, whereas average rainfall and lowest temperatures show very weak positive relationships.
Experimental and modeling study of the interfacial and convective heat transfer coefficients of 6061 aluminum alloy in hot gas forming
Authors: lin jiatian , Li Dechong , Zheng Kailun , Liu Xiaochuan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Heat transfer coefficient, including interfacial heat transfer coefficient (IHTC) and convective heat transfer coefficient (CHTC), plays a pivotal role in the thermal dynamics of the hot gas forming process. This parameter can optimize the temperature field, thereby affecting the deformation and mechanical properties of the material to improve productivity. In this paper, we present an innovative experimental apparatus designed to measure the temperature evolutions of the aluminum specimen and the die during the hot gas forming process. This apparatus is capable of simultaneously measuring IHTC and CHTC. Using the inverse finite element method, the simulated temperature histories are matched with empirical data and the best-fit values are adopted as indicative of IHTC and CHTC. This study identified the effects of contact pressure and die temperature on IHTC, as well as the impact of gas pressure on CHTC. In addition, predictive models were developed to forecast the IHTC and CHTC at varying contact pressures and die temperatures with a prediction accuracy surpassing 0.95. Leveraging the predictive models presented in this paper, users can modulate contact pressure and die temperature based on specific production needs to achieve a targeted temperature profile. This method offers enhanced precision in managing the temperature field of the workpiece during hot gas forming experiments, thereby refining the temperature distribution. Moreover, it optimizes the formability and microstructural attributes of the material, ultimately leading to better mechanical characteristics.
Integrative physiology and transcriptome reveal differences between G. hirsutum and G. barbadense in response to salt stress and the identification of key salt tolerance genes
Authors: Feng Liuchun , Chen Yu , Ma Tengyun , Zhou Chenhui , Sang Shifei , Li Junhua , Ji Shengdong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Soil salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses that threatens crop growth and the environment. G. hirsutum and G. barbadense, as two major cultivated cotton species, are widely cultivated worldwide. Also, they are preferred crops for saline cultivation due to their high salt tolerance. However, until recently, the differences and regulatory mechanisms of their responses to salt stress have rarely been reported.
Results
In this study, we comprehensively compared the effects of salt stress on G. hirsutum TM-1 and G. barbadense H7124. The results showed that salt stress severely inhibited the growth of both cotton species, with H7124 exhibiting a better growth phenotype, especially on the leaves. Further measurements found the leaves of H7124 maintained greater cellular homeostasis and better photosynthetic capacity under salt stress. Physiologically, we observed that H7124 exhibited superior osmotic regulation and antioxidant capability compared to TM-1, while TM-1 displayed greater K+ absorption capability than H7124 under salt stress. Transcriptome analysis revealed significant molecular differences between the two cotton species in response to salt stress. The key pathways of TM-1 induced by salt are mainly related to growth, development and regulation, such as porphyrin metabolism, DNA replication, ribosome and photosynthesis. Conversely, the key pathways of H7124 were mainly related to plant defense, such as plant hormone signal transduction, MAPK signaling pathway-plant, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. These differences underscore the varied molecular strategies adopted by the two cotton species to navigate through salt stress, and H7124 may exhibit stronger responses to salt stress. Furthermore, we identified 217 potential salt tolerance related DEGs based on gene function, 167 of which overlapped with the confidence intervals of significant SNPs identified in previous GWASs, indicating the high reliability of these genes. Finally, we selected key genes involved in different pathways and monitored their expression levels at different time points, revealing the time-specific differences between the two cotton species under salt stress.
Conclusions
These findings provide new insights into the differences in the regulatory mechanisms of salt tolerance between G. hirsutum and G. barbadense, and provide key candidate genes for salt tolerance molecular breeding in cotton.
Serum Metabolomics Revealed the Underlying Mechanisms of the Improvement Effects of Mussel Polysaccharide on Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver
Authors: Yu Wenwen , Zhang Chao , Li Shuaiguang , Zhang Jinhua , Zhang Xiuhua , Han Guanying , Liu Fei , Shao Huarong , Ling Peixue , Fang Baishan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We investigated the ameliorative effect of mussel polysaccharide α-D-glucan (MP-A) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and further investigated its action mechanism based on serum metabolomics. The results showed that MP-A improved the hepatic steatosis in the rat NAFLD model induced by high-fat diet (HFD) significantly. MP-A could improve the metabolic disorders in NAFLD models. Four metabolites, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and glycine ursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA), mainly produced by intestinal flora and absorbed into the blood were screened out through serum metabolomics techniques and analysis. Compared with the normal group, the levels of these four metabolites were reduced in the HFD group but increased through the MP-A intervention. The four metabolites significantly reduced the intracellular lipid droplet accumulation and triglyceride (TG) content in sodium oleate-induced HepG2 cells. Meanwhile, they upregulated the intracellular farnesoid X receptor (FXR) protein expression and downregulated the sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1C (SREBP-1C) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) proteins expression. These results suggested that MP-A might improve NAFLD by affecting the metabolites of intestinal flora, UDCA, IPA, I3C and GUDCA, which then regulated the FXR-SREBP-1C-FAS signaling pathway and liver lipid metabolism.
Recurrent rectal cancer cured by transsacral prone longitudinal incision combined with bilateral gluteus maximus "kite" flap filling: A case report
Authors: Zhang Lixia , Jiang Xiaoling , Wu Maoyuan , Zhang Wenwen , Wang Guanyan , Yang Wei , Li Tingchao , He Lianli , Wang Gangcheng 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) refers to the lesions that appear in the pelvic cavity and perineum with the same pathological type as the primary tumor after radical operation of rectal cancer, excluding other distant metastases such as liver, lung, and bone. Radical surgical resection in such patients is a central element in improving quality of life and survival. In this paper, we report the case of a patient who was admitted to our hospital with a recurrence of ulcerated moderately differentiated carcinoma of the lower rectum with vaginal involvement after comprehensive treatment. After discussion by a multidisciplinary team, a transsacral prone longitudinal incision combined with bilateral gluteus maximus "kite" flap padding was used to remove the tumor tissue completely, and the postoperative area healed well, which improved the patient's quality of life and increased her survival rate.