bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deep Learning Approach Based on a Patch Residual for Pediatric Supracondylar Subtle Fracture Detection
Authors: Hou Jue , Wang Zhilu , Lou Yi , Yan Ling , Liu Weiguang , Liu Zheng , Li Jiayu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Labeled fracture radiographs are usually difficult to acquire, especially for the small sample sizes of the supracondylar fractures for children. Convolutional neural network-based methods, which rely heavily on a large amount of labeled data, cannot yield satisfactory performance. Compared to the fracture data, normal radiographs without the need for annotation are much easier to capture and include many images.
Methods
In this study, we propose a subtle supracondylar fracture detection framework, called the multiscale patch residual (MPR), which can learn the bone characteristics from normal data to repair fracture areas and forms residual features with the original image for fracture location. Our proposed MPR framework is a repair-based method that can learn the distribution of normal data by removing occlusions. A multiscale generation adversarial model is proposed for learning the bone consistency features from normal data. For the repaired image to be more similar to the real data, edges and textures are added as auxiliary information. Furthermore, weighted-binary cross-entropy (W-BCE) is used in our detection model to further enhance the fracture detection accuracy by adjusting the difference between the fracture area and the nonfracture area and forcing the model to learn the feature changes before and after repair. Additional experiments are conducted on the cross time independent test set, and a comparative experiment was conducted with an emergency specialist and a pediatric radiologist. The experimental results confirm the effectiveness of our approach.
Results
The final accuracy of independent test set was 93.5%, the sensitivity was 89%, the specificity was 98%, and the F1 value was 0.932. The accuracy of emergency physicians was 81%, the sensitivity was 62%, the specificity was 42%, and the F1 value was 0.62. The accuracy of children's radiologists was 93%, the sensitivity was 92%, the specificity was 94.2%, and the F1 value was 0.929.
Conclusions
Our method has achieved a good diagnostic rate, far exceeding that of emergency doctors and reaching the same level as pediatric radiologists.
Experimental Characterization of Grewia Ferruginea Fiber Reinforced Polyester Matrix Composite Materials
Authors: Seyoum Dejen , Gnanadurai Robinson , Asratie Aychew , Gzate Yewondwosen 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Researchers from all around the world have been paying close attention to natural fiber because of its economical and environmentally favorable benefits. The botanical name Grewia ferruginea, sometimes known locally as Lenquata, is one source of natural fiber among other plant fibers. But so far, the Grewia ferruginea plant has not been used as a reinforcing material for composites. The goal of this research project is to create polyester matrix composites reinforced with short Grewia ferruginea plant fiber that measures 10 mm, 20 mm, and 30 mm. The ratio of fiber to polyester will be 15/85%, 25/75%, and 35/65% for each of the prepared short natural fiber lengths or sizes. To ascertain the ideal fiber weight ratio, fiber length, and the associated maximum tensile and flexural qualities through experimentation. The fiber from the ferruginea plant was extracted using the traditional water retting method. The Grewia ferruginea plant submerged in water was then meticulously cleaned, and the fiber bundle was gradually split into a single strand by hand (with metal teeth). Following extraction, the fiber was subjected to a chemical treatment at a 5% concentration of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which improved the bond and interfacial strength between the Grewia ferruginea fiber and matrix. The composite is made using hand lay-up techniques with varying fiber/matrix ratios and fiber lengths (sizes). Additionally, the specimen's tensile and flexural qualities were experimentally examined in line with ASTM 638 and ASTM 790 standards, respectively. The findings indicated that the average tensile strength of a single fiber from Grewia ferruginea plants is 214 MPa, with a density of 1.11 g/cm3. Furthermore, the Grewia ferruginea fiber-reinforced polyester composite, which was created with a 10 mm fiber length, a 25% fiber weight ratio, and a 75% polyester matrix composite, exhibits superior performance. That is stronger than any combination that was used to create the composite in this investigation, with 18.3 MPa tensile and 35.2 MPa flexural strength.
The durability of some outdoor pavement products against the triple- combined effects: freeze-thaw, de-icing salt and abrasion
Authors: Kotan Türkay , Ardahanlı Metehan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In this study, it was aimed to investigate some physical and mechanical properties and resistance to triple-combined effect (abrasion, freeze-thaw and de-icing salt) of andesite stone pavement (ASP), diorite stone pavement (DSP), concrete pavement plaque (CPP) and visually impaired concrete plaque (VICP) pavement products used as exterior coating materials for various purposes. Bohme abrasion test were applied at the end of every 5 cycles freezing-thawing cycles (60 cycles) under the influence of deicing salt (NaCl solution) in addition to various physical and mechanical property tests, on the products obtained from various manufacturers. As results; While all of the examined natural stone pavement products were completed the 60-cycle triple-combined effect program without disintegration, only the VICP-R group from concrete pavement products was completed the 60-cycle triple-combined effect program without disintegrating. On the other hand, the VICP-Y pavement product was the group that disintegrated in the shortest time under the triple-combined effect. It was determined that the basalt aggregate used on the upper surface of the concrete pavement products increased the resistance of these products against the triple-combined effect, but the yellow color pigment used in their compositions decreased their resistance against the triple-combined effect.
Mental illness stigma and its influential factors among psychiatrists in China
Authors: Zhao Xinyi , Wang Ju , Shi Jingyu , Chen Wenhao , Zhou Wei , Wang Yue 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Mental illness stigma is a global health issue, and psychiatrists themselves may be stigmatisers of mental illness. Research on psychiatrists’ mental illness stigma has primarily been conducted in developed regions, while China, a country with a large number of people with mental illness, has a dearth of research. This study is aimed to investigate the mental illness stigma and its correlates among psychiatrists in China.
Methods
An online questionnaire survey was conducted among registered psychiatrists in 2022. A total of 2,442 participants were included in this study. Mental illness stigma was measured by the Perceived Devaluation-Discrimination (PDD) scale, with higher scores indicating higher levels of stigma. Linear regression analysis was conducted to identify the influential factors of mental illness stigma.
Results
The scores of the PDD scale, the Perceived Devaluation subscale, and the Perceived Discrimination subscale were 3.60, 3.48, and 3.69, respectively, which were higher than the mid-point (i.e. 3). Participants with higher professional titles, younger age, lower income satisfaction, and lower job satisfaction had higher scores in the PDD scale and its two subscales. Participants who had experienced a violent attack in the past year reported higher scores in the PDD scale and the Perceived Devaluation subscale. Women reported lower scores in the Perceived Devaluation subscale than men.
Conclusion
Psychiatrists should be considered as a vital target group in anti-stigma endeavours. Organizing anti-stigma campaigns, increasing resources in mental health care system, and improving vocational safety, can be taken to reduce mental illness stigma among psychiatrists in China.
Commercial Real-Time PCR Kit Results for the Detection of Helicobacter pylori and Clarithromycin Resistance in Stool Samples
Authors: İnal Neşe , Şahin Tevhide , Balaban H. Yasemin , Şimşek Cem , Şimşek Halis , Akyön Yakut 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that infects half of the world's population and unless treated, colonization usually persists lifelong. Non-invasive tests for the detection of H. pylori infections have indeed been valuable for their ease of use and reduced discomfort for patients. However, many non-invasive tests primarily focus on identifying the presence of bacteria rather than determining the antimicrobial susceptibility. The aims of this study were to detect H. pylori infections and the point mutations that led to clarithromycin resistance by using RT-PCR from gastric biopsy and stool samples; to perform antibiotic susceptibility test and to compare the results of antibiotic susuceptibility tests to the detected point mutations that led to clarithromycin resistance. A total of 73 patients attending to Gastroenterology Department of Hacettepe University Hospital between January 2021 and July 2022 were included in the study. For various reasons 10 of the patients were excluded from the study. Thus, consent forms were obtained from all 63 patients. Stool samples were collected from each participant within 1–7 days following gastroduodenal endoscopy. Subsequently, the samples were homogenized and stored at -20°C for further examination using RT-PCR. Gastric biopsy culture, rapid urease test, histopathological examination, HpSA and gastric biopsy RT-PCR methods were performed for the diagnosis of H. pylori. In the study, a combination of two positive methods were accepted as the reference standard. Among the 63 patients included in the study, 42.9% tested H. pylori positive, while 57.1% tested H. pylori negative. When the reference results were compared to stool RT-PCR; for H. pylori detection, the sensitivity was 66.6%, specificity was 100%, positive predictive value was 100%, negative predictive value was 80.0%, and the diagnostic accuracy was 85.7%. In the detection of clarithromycin point mutations from stool samples with RT-PCR, the overall agreement was 65% when compared to the results obtained from gastric biopsy RT-PCR. In conclusion, the outcomes of this study indicate that utilizing RT-PCR from stool samples holds potential as a diagnostic tool for detecting H. pylori. This is especially relevant in circumstances where invasive tests present challenges, such as in pediatric patients, pregnant women, and during the follow-up of treatment.
siRNA treatment targeting integrin α11 overexpressed via EZH2- driven axis inhibits drug-resistant breast cancer progression
Authors: Chaudhary Prakash , Yadav Kiran , Lee Ho Jin , Kang Keon Wook , Mo Jongseo , Kim Jung-Ae 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer in women worldwide, faces treatment challenges due to drug resistance, posing a serious threat to patient survival. The present study aimed to identify the key molecules that drive drug resistance and aggressiveness in breast cancer cells and validate them as therapeutic targets.
Methods
Transcriptome microarray and analysis using PANTHER pathway and StemChecker were performed to identify the most significantly expressed genes in tamoxifen-resistant and adriamycin-resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Clinical relevance of the key genes was determined using Kaplan-Meier survival analyses on The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset of breast cancer patients. Gene overexpression/knockdown, spheroid formation, flow cytometric analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation, immunocytochemistry, wound healing/transwell migration assays, and cancer stem cell transcription factor activation profiling array were used to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of integrin α11 expression. Tumour-bearing xenograft models were used to demonstrate integrin α11 is a potential therapeutic target.
Results
Integrin α11 was consistently upregulated in drug-resistant breast cancer cells, and its silencing inhibited cancer stem cells (CSCs) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) while restoring sensitivity to anticancer drugs. HIF1α, GLI-1, and EZH2 contributed the most to the regulation of integrin α11 and EZH2 expression, with EZH2 being more necessary for EZH2 autoinduction than HIF1α and GLI-1. Additionally, unlike HIF1α or EZH2, GLI-1 was the sole transcription factor activated by integrin-linked focal adhesion kinase, indicating GLI-1 as a key driver of the EZH2-integrin α11 axis operating for cancer stem cell survival and EMT Kaplan-Meier survival analysis using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset also revealed both EZH2 and integrin α11 could be strong prognostic factors of relapse-free and overall survival in breast cancer patients. However, the superior efficacy of integrin α11 siRNA therapy over EZH2 siRNA treatment was demonstrated by enhanced inhibition of tumour growth and prolonged survival in murine models bearing tumours.
Conclusion
Our findings elucidate that integrin α11 is upregulated by EZH2, forming a positive feedback circuit involving FAK-GLI-1 and contributing to drug resistance, cancer stem cell survival and EMT. Taken together, the results suggest integrin α11 as a promising prognostic marker and a powerful therapeutic target for drug-resistant breast cancer.
Influence of Ice Skeleton on the Mechanical Behavior of Frozen Soil under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Yang Ningyu , Zheng Hao , Si Junling , Ma Chongqian , Kanie Shunji 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The formation of multi-layer horizontal ice lenses in frozen soil significantly alters its internal structure, leading to changes in its mechanical properties. To quantitatively analyze the impact of multi-layer ice lenses on mechanical properties, a series of freezing tests were conducted with frost-susceptible clay materials at varied freezing ratios. Then, the uniaxial compression tests were conducted to investigate the deformation and strength properties of frozen soil at different freezing ratios and temperatures. The experimental results indicate that the unique ice skeleton structure formed by horizontal ice lenses and inclined ice wedges can significantly improve the strength of the samples, leading to the peak stress and secant modulus \({E}_{50}\) increase with the freezing ratio, and the presence of an ice skeleton makes the strength more sensitive to temperature changes. The frozen soil samples exhibit two failure modes (bulging failure and shearing failure), which significantly affect the mechanical parameters of the soil. Based on the test results, a frost heave-induced damage coefficient is introduced into the viscoelastic-plastic model to account for the initial stiffness reduction caused by microcracks generated during the ice skeleton growth. This modified model effectively predicts the stress-strain relationship of soils with varying ice skeleton structures. These findings have practical implications for predicting the properties of frozen soil constructed using artificial freezing methods.
Comparison of metatranscriptomics and targeted-sequencing methods for integrative analysis of the whole microbiome
Authors: Destras G , Sabatier M , Bal A , Simon B , Semanas Q , Regue H , Boyer T , Ploin D , Gillet Y , Lina B , Anani H , Josset L 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Targeted-sequencing sequencing methods, such as 16S-rRNA profiling, viral metagenomics, and human mRNA sequencing are mainly used for the exploration of the microbiome, yet their combination can be expensive and time-consuming. Metatranscriptomics snapshots the entire active microbiome trough bulk RNA sequencing in one test, but lacks adequate comparisons with targeted-sequencing approaches.
Results: We compared metatranscriptomics and targeted sequencing methods for bacterial, viral, and human components, using 20 nasopharyngeal aspirates from infants under 1 year old and hospitalized for bronchiolitis at the Hospices Civils de Lyon.RNA microbiome concordance reached 86% and 78% for RNA viruses and human coding genes, respectively. Patient clustering was similar using 2650 host transcripts sequenced with metatranscriptomics and mRNA-Seq. Metatranscriptomics detected RNA of eukaryotic and prokaryotic DNA viruses, indicating potential for discerning replicative from latent DNA microbiome. Transcriptionally active bacteriome corresponded to 82% of bacteria exceeding 0.5% relative abundance, showing different transcriptional profiles depending on bacterial species.
Conclusion: Multi-omics technologies enhance epidemiology, investigate trans-kingdom interactions, and provide opportunities to establish microbiome biomarkers. With sufficient depth of sequencing, metatranscriptomics complements and aligns with various aspects of targeted-sequencing approaches. Further clinical studies are essential to position metatranscriptomics in critical acute situations and cases of diagnostic uncertainty.
Performance-related structural, thermal, and gamma-ray shielding properties for newly fabricated Ni 0.9 Zn 0.1 Fe 2 O 4 nano composite doped polypropylene films
Authors: Tharwat Mohamed , Taha T. A. , A Mahmoud K. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This article explores the processing of structural and thermal for polypropylene (PP) modified with Ni0.9Zn0.1Fe2O4 nanoparticles. The PP/Ni0.9Zn0.1Fe2O4 nanocomposites are manufactured by melt processing method. The structural investigations ensure the good incorporation of Ni0.9Zn0.1Fe2O4 on the PP matrix. It is noticed that adding Ni0.9Zn0.1Fe2O4 nanoparticles to the PP polymer matrix enhances the polymer's thermal stability. Additionally, the impacts of the addition of the Ni0.9Zn0.1Fe2O4 nanoparticles on the radiation shielding properties of fabricated PP-based composites were examined using the Monte Carlo simulation. The examination shows an enhancement in the fabricated composites’ linear attenuation coefficient with increased Ni0.9Zn0.1Fe2O4 nanoparticle concentrations. The linear attenuation coefficient increased by 13.12, 3.95, 2.35, 1.55, and 1.16 times at γ-ray energy of 0.033, 0.059, 0.081, 0.122, and 0.662 MeV. Furthermore, the increase in linear attenuation coefficient increases the radiation shielding efficiency for the fabricated composites, reaching 21.84%, 27.27%, 29.03%, and 31.77%, respectively, for 0.0 wt.%, 5.0 wt.%, 10 wt.%, and 15 wt.%, at 0.122 MeV. The study shows that the fabricated composites have suitable γ-ray shielding properties in lower energy than in the intermediate energy interval.
Cost-efficient hierarchical federated edge learning for satellite-terrestrial Internet of Things
Authors: Zhang Zhenjiang , Pei Xintong , Zhang Yaochen 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
With the widespread deployment of dense Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations, satellites can serve as an alternative solution to the lack of proximal multi-access edge computing (MEC) servers for mobile Internet of Things (IoT) devices in remote areas. Simultaneously, the implementation of LEO on-board federated learning (FL), which can meet the data privacy requirements of user devices, makes it sensible to offloading data processing tasks to intelligent edge devices equipped with adaptive learning capabilities. However, traditional satellite on-board federated learning may encounter challenges due to the limited satellite resources. Hence, we propose a cost-efficient satellite-terrestrial assisted hierarchical federated edge learning (STA-HFEL) architecture and an innovative communication scheme between satellites based on Intra-plane ISLs in this paper. Accordingly, managing CPU resources for local training and allocating bandwidth for learning information upload among battery-limited mobile devices is crucial. With this in mind, we define a joint computation and communication resource optimization problem for device users to achieve global cost minimization. A distributed Jacobi-Proximal ADMM (JPADMM) algorithm is used to tackle the newly formulated problem iteratively. Extensive performance evaluations demonstrate that the potential of STA-HFEL as a cost-efficient and privacy-preserving approach for machine learning tasks across distributed remote environments.
The Complementarity of Policy Instruments in an Open Economy Subject to Volatile Capital Flows
Authors: Guender Alfred V 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This paper highlights the complementarity of multiple policy instruments in an open economy subject to volatile capital flows. The central bank operates under a broad mandate and implements optimal policy with discretion. With three policy instruments - the policy rate, an interest equalization measure, and foreign exchange market intervention – the central bank restores the output-inflation trade-off in the canonical closed-economy New Keynesian model. It also achieves perfect stabilization of undesirable hot money flows and insulates the domestic economy from foreign monetary policy and other demand-side shocks.
Sildenafil-induced spinal cord infarction: A case report
Authors: Gholami Mohsen , Fard Maryam , Poursadeghfard Maryam 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Spinal cord infarction is a rare condition, accounting for only a small percentage of strokes. It can be classified into cervical and thoracolumbar infarctions, with various factors contributing to its occurrence. Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor commonly used for erectile dysfunction, has been associated with cardiovascular side effects, including transient hypotension. In this case report, we present the unusual occurrence of spinal cord infarction in a 65-year-old man who had self-administered high doses of sildenafil without a doctor's prescription. The patient experienced severe radicular pain in the lumbar region and subsequent weakness in the lower limbs. Evaluation revealed an anterior spinal cord infarction in the thoracic region, confirmed by MRI imaging. After excluding other potential causes, it was concluded that the intake of sildenafil likely led to systemic hypotension, resulting in spinal cord infarction. This case highlights the importance of considering sildenafil as a possible contributor to spinal cord infarction, particularly when used at high doses. Further studies are needed to better understand the relationship between sildenafil and vascular complications, including spinal cord infarction.
Silent Neonatal Incubators, Prototype NICA+
Authors: Hernández-Molina Ricardo , Puyana-Romero Virginia , Beira-Jiménez Juan Luis , Morgado-Estévez Arturo , Bienvenido-Bárcena Rafael , Fernández-Zacarías Francisco 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the noise levels in current incubator models and a prototype designed to improve acoustic comfort in neonatal incubators.Methods The study conducted tests on three different incubator models and a prototype called "Neonatal Incubator Acoustic Comfort Class (NICA+)." The tests measured both internal and external sound pressure levels in laboratory conditions. The prototype was developed through collaboration between the Acoustic Engineering laboratory, the robotics/electronics group, and the Industrial Design research group at the Higher School of Engineering, University of Cádiz.Conclusion The results obtained from the prototype (NICA+) show the effectiveness of the design proposal in improving acoustic comfort in neonatal incubators. The data show that the noise levels generated by the prototype, under normal operating conditions, are significantly lower than international recommendations.