bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post-Sunset Humid-Heat Maxima near the Southern Persian/Arabian Gulf
Authors: Raymond Colin , Matthews Tom , Tuholske Cascade 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Previous studies have firmly established that extreme humid heat is a prominent climate hazard in coastal portions of the Arabian Peninsula. However, many of its associated features, such as diurnal and spatial variations, remain incompletely explored. Here we present evidence from four independent datasets that evening or nighttime daily maxima in extreme wet-bulb temperature and heat index are widespread along the southern Persian/Arabian Gulf coastline and adjacent inland desert, driven principally by sea-breeze-related movements of moist maritime air. This timing runs counter to the general expectation of greater heat-stress risk during daytime hours. While wet-bulb temperature is not the only metric relevant for understanding heat hazards, its values in coastal Arabia are already closer to the uncompensable-heat limit than anywhere else in the world. Deviations from a simple diurnal assumption about heat risks are thus of critical importance and heighten the value of improved understanding of extreme-humid-heat meteorology, in this region and in ones subject to similar physical processes.
Determination of feed values and ensiling capabilities of some vegetable field crop residues
Authors: ALAY Fatih , GARİPOĞLU ALİ VAİZ , İspirli Kadir , ÖZTÜRK Ergin , ÇANKAYA Necda 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This study was conducted with the aim of determining the possibilities of ensiling the field residues (stem, branch, leaves and and inedible fruits) of some vegetables such as tomato (T), fresh bean (FB), cappia pepper (CAP), green pepper (GP), white cabbage (WC) and red cabbage (RC). In this study, the amounts (kg/da) and dry matter (DM) contents of field wastes and also the pH values and nutrient contents, organic acid contents (AA, BA and LA) and relative feed values (RFV) of ensilaged material were determined. Furthermore, organoleptic characteristics (colour, smell and structure) and presence of mold and ammonia were determined in the ensilaged materials. Corn silage was used as comparing material in the study. The crude ash, ADF and NDF contents in WC and RD silages were found lower than those in other silages (P < 0,05). The crude protein contents in T and B silages (15,03 and 15,85%, respectively) were found higher compared to WC and RC silages (13,32 and 13,34%, respectively) (P < 0.05). According to the Flieg scores determined by organic acid contents, the silages were ranked as: RC-Excellent (Class 1), CAP and GP-Good (Class 2), T and WC-Satisfactory (Class 3) and B-Medium (Class 4). The ranking in terms of RFV was as follows: WC and RC- Excellent, GP and B-Very good and T and CAP-Good. All the silage materials were consumed by the cows. These findings showed that the field residues of T, FB, CAP, PP, WC and RC can be used as silage material in ruminant rations.
Carcass Evaluation and Blood Metabolites of Finishing Broiler Chickens Fed Bitterleaf (Vernonia Amygdalina Del.) Meal as Feed Additive in a Tropical Environment
Authors: Ogieriakhi Philemon , Nwokoro Smart 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The study was conducted using finishing broiler chickens to determine the commercial cuts and carcass characteristics, as well as the blood metabolites when fed diets containing bitterleaf (Vernonia amygdalina DEL.) meal at varying proportion as additive, with the aim of discovering a possibility of improving the commercial cuts of finishing broiler chickens to enable farmers and processors make better profit through better feed conversion to muscles, as well as to check the extent to which internal organs and blood metabolites can be affected from consumption of the leafmeal diets. Four diets were tested. Diet 1 contained no leafmeal and was the control, Diet 2 contained bitterleaf meal (BLM) at 2.5% inclusion level, Diet 3 contained BLM at 5.0% inclusion level and Diet 4 contained BLM at 7.5% inclusion level. Though there were significant (P<0.05) differences in the average live weight of the birds, but the dress percentage had no significant (P>0.05) difference. Some lacerations were observed in the liver of the chickens fed the leafmeal diet at higher inclusion levels of the additive (5% and 7.5%). It was concluded from the study that bitterleaf meal, BLM, can be added as an additive in finishing broiler diet up to 7.5% to improve commercial cuts, though at this inclusion level it might be injurious to some internal organs such as the liver.
Enhancing tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis among hospitalized patients in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a before-and-after study of a lay health worker-driven intervention
Authors: Bulti Abera Balcha , Dumicho Asnake Yohannes , Shigayeva Altynay , Cutsem Gilles Van , Steele Sarah Jane , Buthelezi MS , Mbatha Mduduzi , Isaakidis Petros , Laxmeshwar Chinmay , Furin Jennifer , Ohler Liesbet 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Tuberculosis (TB) among hospitalized patients is underdiagnosed. This study assessed systematic TB-screening, followed by an enhanced TB-diagnostic package for hospitalized patientsimplemented by trained lay health workers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Methods
In this before-and-after study we included patients ≥ 18 years. The intervention consisted of systematic clinical screening for TB, HIV and diabetes mellitus by lay health workers and provision of an enhanced TB-diagnostic package including sputum Xpert MTB/Rif Ultra, urine lateral-flow lipoarabinomannan assay (LF-LAM), chest x-ray, and sputum culture. We compared TB case findings with people hospitalized one year preceding the intervention.
Results
In the pre-intervention phase, 5217 people were hospitalized. Among 4913 (94.2%) people not on TB treatment, 367 (7.5%) were diagnosed with TB. In the intervention phase, 4015 eligible people were hospitalized. Among 3734 (93.0%) people not on TB treatment, 560 (15.0%) were diagnosed with TB. The proportion of patients diagnosed with TB was higher in the intervention phase (15.0% vs. 7.5%, p < 0.001). Overall in-hospital mortality was lower in the intervention phase [166/3734(4.5%) vs. 336/4913(6.8%), p < 0.001].
Conclusion
Lay health worker-led implementation of systematic TB-screening, coupled with provision of an enhanced TB-diagnostic package significantly improved TB case detection and mortality among hospitalized adults.
Differences in virus and immune dynamics for SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron infections by age and vaccination histories
Authors: Tan Maxine W , Anelone Anet J.N. , Tay An Ting , Tan Ren Ying , Zeng Kangwei , Tan Kelvin Bryan , Clapham Hannah Eleanor 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Vaccination against COVID-19 was integral to controlling the pandemic that persisted with the continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Using a mathematical model describing SARS-CoV-2 within-host infection dynamics, we estimate differences in virus and immunity due to factors of infecting variant, age, and vaccination history (vaccination brand, number of doses and time since vaccination). We fit our model in a Bayesian framework to upper respiratory tract viral load measurements obtained from cases of Delta and Omicron infections in Singapore, of whom the majority only had one nasopharyngeal swab measurement. With this dataset, we are able to recreate similar trends in URT virus dynamics observed in past within-host modelling studies fitted to longitudinal patient data. We found that Omicron had greater infection potential than Delta, indicating greater propensity to establish infection. Moreover, heterogeneities in infection dynamics across patient subgroups could be recreated by fitting immunity-related parameters as vaccination history-specific, with or without age modification. Our model results are consistent with the notion of immunosenescence in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis in elderly individuals, and the issue of waning immunity with increased time since last vaccination. Lastly, vaccination was not found to subdue virus dynamics in Omicron infections as well as it had for Delta infections. This study provides insight into the influence of vaccine-elicited immunity on SARS-CoV-2 within-host dynamics, and the interplay between age and vaccination history. Furthermore, it demonstrates the need to disentangle host factors and changes in pathogen to discern factors influencing virus dynamics. Finally, this work demonstrates a way forward in the study of within-host virus dynamics, by use of viral load datasets including a large number of patients without repeated measurements.
Segmented time-dependent effect Cox model and landmark time breakpoint estimation
Authors: Shao Fang , Shi Guoshuai , Bian Wenming , Wang Yang , Chen Tao , Li Chao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
This study addresses the challenge of modeling time-dependent effects in the Cox model by proposing a novel approach, the segmented time-dependent effect Cox model, and introducing the landmark time breakpoint (LTB). The aim is to overcome limitations in existing methods and provide valuable insights through a Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) case study.
Methods
A two-step procedure is presented to implement the segmented linear time-dependent effect Cox model. In the first step, LTB is estimated using segmented linear regression with weighted Schoenfeld residuals. The second step involves piecewise linear regression for time-dependent effect estimation, addressing biases identified in simulation results.
Results
Application of the proposed method to the SPRINT case study reveals nuanced insights into time-dependent effects. Despite biases identified in the simulation, the proposed method offers advantages over existing techniques in terms of estimation efficiency and interpretability. The SPRINT case study demonstrates the practical significance of LTB (LTB, 2.66, [95% CI, (1.76, 3.57)]), capturing temporal patterns in hazard ratio trends.
Conclusion
This study introduces the segmented time-dependent effect Cox model and the LTB for survival analysis, providing a deeper understanding of hazard ratio trends through a SPRINT case study. Future research may benefit from integrating segmented regression and breakpoint estimation directly into the Cox model for a more streamlined one-step estimation process.
Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Cryoablation for Early-Stage Primary Breast Cancer- A follow-up study in Japan
Authors: Kawamoto Hisanori , Tsugawa Koichiro , Furuya Yuko , Sakamaki Kaori , Kakimoto Sayoko , Kitajima Mina , Nagai Mariko , Tazo Mizuho , Nakano Mari , Kuroda Takako , Shimo Ayaka , Shimo Arata , Kojima Yasuyuki , Tsuzuki Makiko , Motoyoshi Ai , Haku Ei , Nishikawa Toru , Kanemaki Yoshihide , Mimura Hidefumi , Fukuda Mamoru 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Ultrasound guided percutaneous cryoablation (PCA) for early-stage breast cancer (ESBC) can be performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient clinic. This study continues a pilot stage to examine local control, safety, patient quality of life (QoL), satisfaction and cosmetic outcomes of cryoablation for ESBC.
Methods
PCA was performed under local anesthesia for patients with primary ESBC, followed by radiation and endocrine therapies. Oncologic outcomes were examined by imaging (mammography, ultrasound, MRI) at baseline and 1, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 60 months post-cryoablation. EQ-VAS, EQ-5D-5L, subjective satisfaction and Moiré topography were used to measure health-related QoL outcomes.
Results
Eighteen patients, mean aged 59.0±9.0 years, mean tumor size 9.8±2.3mm, ER+, PR+ (17/18), HER2-, Ki67<20% (15/18), underwent PCA and were followed for a mean of 44.3 months. No serious adverse events were reported, and no patients had local recurrence or distant metastasis in the 5-year follow-up. Cosmetic outcomes, satisfaction level, and QoL all improved post-cryoablation. Five-year average reduction rates of the cryolesion long, short, and depth diameters, on US, were 61.3%, 42.3%, and 22.8%, respectively, compared to the 86.2% volume reduction rate on MRI. The correlation coefficient between MRI and US measurement criteria was highest for the long diameter. During follow-up, calcification of the treated area was observed in 13/18 cases.
Conclusion
Cryoablation for ESBC is an effective and safe procedure with excellent cosmetic outcomes and improved QoL. This study contributes to the growing evidence supporting cryoablation as a potential standard treatment for ESBC, given compliance to pre-defined patient selection criteria.
Post-Quantum Lattice-Based Forward-Secure Authentication Scheme Using Fog Computing in 5G-Assisted Vehicular Networks
Authors: Al-Mekhlafi Zeyad Ghaleb , Al-Shareeda Mahmood A. , Mohammed Badiea Abdulkarem , Alsadhan Abeer Abdullah , Khalil Ayman , Alayba Abdulaziz M. , Saleh Ahmed M. Shamsan , Al-reshidi Hamad A , Almekhlafi Khalil 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In recent years, intelligent transportation has made extensive use of the vehicle network made possible by fifth-generation (5G) technology. There are a lot of information security risks with the system because all messages sent between vehicles are broadcast according to the public environment. Thus, this paper proposes a post-quantum lattice-based forward-secure authentication scheme using fog computing to support quantum resistance and satisfy forward security in 5G-assisted vehicular communications. This work is efficiently updated and new secret keys are generated using the group signature for each period. In addition, the key disclosure vulnerabilities present in various conventional group signature systems are rendered moot by our method, which lowers forward security to short integer solution (SIS) hardness. The proposed scheme uses a matrix modular exponentiation and matrix transpose operations for message signature verification.
Improving landslide susceptibility prediction through ensemble Recursive Feature Elimination and meta-learning framework
Authors: Halder Krishnagopal , Srivast Amit Kumar , Ghosh Anitabha , Das Subhabrata , Banerjee Santanu , Pal Subodh Chandra , Chatterjee Uday , Bisai Dipak , Ewert Frank , Gaiser Thomas 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Landslides pose significant threats to local ecological environments, causing loss of life and economic damage. This research focuses on enhancing landslide susceptibility prediction in West Bengal's Sub-Himalayan region using an innovative ensemble Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) and meta-learning framework. Seven advanced machine learning models- Logistic Regression (LR), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), Extremely Randomized Trees (ExtraTrees), Gradient Boosting (GB), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Meta Classifier (MC) - were utilized alongside Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System techniques. Through feature selection, the ensemble identifies the most significant landslide conditioning factors. Evaluation metrics, including accuracy and AUC of the ROC curve, demonstrate the ensemble's superior predictive ability. Based on the findings, models perform well with LR (AUC = 0.935), SVM (AUC = 0.972), RF (AUC = 0.983), ExtraTrees (AUC = 0.985), GB (AUC = 0.987), and XGBoost (AUC = 0.987). However, the MC performed better than individual models with AUC = 0.987. The study's implications for land-use planning and disaster management in the region are discussed and by establishing a new benchmark for landslide susceptibility mapping, this research offers a promising approach for addressing similar environmental challenges worldwide, facilitating informed decision-making and mitigation efforts in geologically sensitive areas.
Revelation of new magnetic domain wall category in the itinerant antiferromagnet Chromium
Authors: Zhang Tong , Hu Yining , Wang Xu , Chen Chen , Zhang Qingle , Zhao Dongming , Zhang Tianzhan , Wang Chenxi , Feng Donglai 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Conventional magnetic domain walls are characterized by the reorientation of local moments. However, what occurs at the boundary of itinerant magnets is largely unknown. Here using spin-sensitive scanning tunneling microscopy, we investigated the microscopic boundaries of spin-density-wave (SDW) state in a prototypical itinerant anti-ferromagnet of Cr. We find at the boundary of two incommensurate SDW domains, the spins display finite-scale decay rather than reorientation. A novel double-Q SDW is generated with a second-order charge modulation. In commensurate SDW domains, a clear SDW gap is observed. Screw dislocations induced novel “half” vortex and anti-vortex that are connected by antiphase domain wall. This domain wall is characterized by vanishing spin density, where intriguing SDW in-gap states emerge, resembling the Andreev bound states in superconductors. All these unique SDW boundary structures can be viewed as consequences of local interference of two SDW, either with different Q or reversed phases. Therefore, our study revealed a new category of magnetic domain wall, the “interference wall”, with a mechanism rooted in itinerant nature.
The Mediating Effect of 3-Methoxytyrosine on TWEAK Levels and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A Genetic Perspective
Authors: Zhou Jie , Xun Yixin , Liu Zhilin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic liver disease characterized by inflammation, fibrosis, and bile stasis. Inflammatory proteins and metabolites may be involved in PSC pathogenesis. However, a comprehensive analysis is currently lacking. In this study, we employed a two-step Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to quantify the proportion of the effect of metabolites-mediated inflammation-related proteins on PSC. The dataset includes information on PSC, levels of 91 inflammation-related proteins, and levels of 1400 metabolites in plasma. PSC data (n = 14,890) were obtained from the International PSC Study Group, while inflammation-related proteins data came from a study involving 14,824 participants. Metabolites data were sourced from a Genome-Wide Association Study with 8,299 individuals. Furthermore, we employed a two-step Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to quantify the proportion of the effect of metabolites-mediated inflammation-related proteins on PSC. After rigorous screening, we found through MR analysis that a higher genetically predicted tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 12 (TWEAK) levels (inverse-variance weighted method, odds ratio (OR) 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23–1.91) were associated with an increased risk of PSC. There was no compelling evidence indicating that genetically predicted PSC had an effect on TWEAK levels (OR 1.004, 95% CI 0.99–1.02). The proportion of genetically predicted TWEAK levels mediated by 3-methoxytyrosine levels was estimated to be 6.38%. Finally, we've shown a causal relationship between TWEAK levels and PSC, with some mediation by 3-methoxytyrosine. TWEAK's pivotal role in PSC as an inflammation-related protein highlights its potential as a critical therapeutic target.
Evaluation of the Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties of Natural Leaf Extracts from Medicinal Plants
Authors: Al-Rimawi Fuad , Amayreh Mousa , Rahhal Belal , Sabieh Mahmood , Mudalal Samer 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background:
Although synthetic preservatives and antioxidants may have high antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, they are usually associated with adverse effects on human health. Currently, there is a growing interest in natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of different medicinal plant extracts. Olive leaf extracts (0.2, 0.3, and 0.4% w/v), oleuropein (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6% w/v), thyme oil (0.1%), and oleuropein in combination with thyme oil (0.4% w/v and 0.1% v/v) were used against three bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus) and two fungal strains (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger).
Results
The use of oleuropein resulted in complete antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. In this context, a reduction of 7 logs was achieved during the storage period (4 weeks). Oleuropein showed no fungal activity at low concentrations (0.2%), but Aspergillus niger was reduced by 2.35 logs at higher concentrations (0.6% w/v). Similar antibacterial and antifungal properties were observed for the olive leaf extracts. Oleuropein at a concentration of 0.4 w/v and a mixture of oleuropein and thyme at concentrations of 0.4 and 0.1 (v/v) showed strong antimicrobial activity against the studied microorganisms.
Conclusion
Olive leaf extract, thyme oil, and oleuropein have strong antibacterial and weak antifungal properties. There was a good synergistic effect between oleuropein and thymol.
Adult-Onset Wilms Tumor: A Case Report
Authors: Egbe Flavius E. , Namuguzi Dan , Masaba Joseph , Babua Philip , Matumaini Hope Kibansha 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background:Wilms tumor or nephroblastoma is the most common pediatric renal malignancy. However, the presentation of the adult variant of this tumor is rare, especially in our low-resource setting where there is a diagnostic challenge. This tumor is often missed, resulting in a poorer prognosis than that associated with the childhood variants. We present the case of a young adult with a Wilms tumor who was initially diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma.
Case presentation: This is the case of an eighteen-year-old boy who presented with a prolonged history of progressive painful left flank fullness, hematuria, low-grade fever, nausea/vomiting, and weight loss in whom examination also revealed hypertension, a tender left flank mass, and left varicocele. Abdominal/chest CT suggested a malignant tumor in the left kidney with inferior vena cava thrombosis, para-aortic lymph node involvement, and lung metastasis presumed to be renal cell carcinoma. Following radical left nephrectomy and histopathological examination, a final diagnosis of stage IV left blastemal-type Wilms tumor was made. The patient was discharged on postoperative day nine and referred for adjuvant chemotherapy and localized radiotherapy to the lung and left flank area. However, he died several weeks after surgery without adjuvant therapy after being lost to follow-up.
Conclusion:This report aims to alert clinicians of adult-onset Wilms tumor when an adult presents with a flank mass especially as this is a rare condition. This should allow for early diagnosis and expeditious management of this disease variant.
Meta-IDS: Meta-Learning Automotive Intrusion Detection Systems with Adaptive and Learnable
Authors: Wang Hong-Quan , Li Jin , Huang Dong-Hua , Tao Yao-Dong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In the rapidly evolving landscape of vehicular communications, the widespread use of the Controller Area Network (CAN) in modern vehicles has revealed significant security vulnerabilities. However, existing Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) struggle to adapt to varied attack scenarios and precisely detect low-volume attacks. In this paper, we introduce a novel IDS that employs meta-learning via the Meta-SGD algorithm, enhancing adaptability across a diverse spectrum of cyber threats, called Meta-IDS. Specifically, our methodology includes a bi-level optimization technique where the inner level focuses on optimizing detection accuracy for specific attack scenarios, and the outer level adjusts meta-parameters to ensure generalizability across different scenarios. For modeling low-volume attacks, we devise the Attack Prominence Score (APS), identifying subtle attack patterns with a threshold of APS \(\textgreater\) 7, allowing for precise differentiation of these attacks. The extensive experiment results show that the proposed method facilitates efficient tuning and rapid adaptation for different modeling paradigms in few-shot scenarios. The detection performance is exceptional, with F1-scores reaching 100% across most attack scenarios, including low-volume attacks. Also, the real-time vehicle-level evaluations demonstrate its adaptability for the vehicular networks.