bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exosomes derived from microRNA-22-3p-overexpressed mesenchymal stem cells protect retinal ganglion cells by regulating MAPK pathway
Authors: Zhang Xiaomin , Yu Bo , Wang Kang , Hao Huijie , Liu Yan , Yue Yi , Li Xiaorong , Xing Xiaoli 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness and is characterized by progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and retinal nerve fiber layer thinning. Currently, no existing treatment is effective for the preservation of RGCs. MicroRNA-22-3p (miR22) and exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-Exos) have neuroprotective effects. In this study, we applied miR22-overexpressing MSC-Exos in an N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA)-induced RGC injury model to assess their therapeutic effects and explore the underlying mechanisms. We found that mice in the miR22-Exos-treated group had thicker retinas, fewer apoptotic cells, more reserved RGCs, better retinal function, and lower expression levels of caspase-3. MiR22-Exos treatment promoted proliferation, and inhibited apoptosis and caspase-3 expression in RGC-5 cells. MiR22 targeted mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 12 to inhibit apoptosis by regulating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Collectively, our results suggest that miR22-Exos ameliorate NMDA-induced RGC injury through the inhibition of MAPK signaling pathway-mediated apoptosis, providing a potential therapy for glaucoma and other diseases that involve RGC damage.
Improvement of the crystalline silicon photovoltaic cell performances under electromagnetic field by base doping level
Authors: OUEDRAOGO Adama , SAWADOGO Rodrigue Noaga , DIANDA Boureima , SAVADOGO Mahamadi , KY Thierry Maurice Sikoudouin , SORO Boubacar , BATHIEBO Dieudonné Joseph , KAM Sie 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The present paper provides a study about the capacity of a crystalline silicon photovoltaic (PV) cell to resist well to electromagnetic field effects. The novelty of this study is found in the identification of a better doping rates range where a crystalline silicon PV cell can resist well against the deterioration of its performances due to an electromagnetic field. After the fundamental equations solve, the electrical parameters and individual energetic processes have been analysed. The estimated current of the PV cell decreases weakly when the base dopant level (N B) increase from 10 14 cm −3 to 10 17 cm −3 and the voltage, however, increases strongly. Beyond 10 17 cm −3 , the currents gives a strong decrease in contrast the voltage which provides a low increase. That can be explained by a best resistivity to the electromagnetic field found at 10 17 cm −3 and is consistent with the maximum electric power found in this doping level. Thermalization mechanism does not affected by the electromagnetic field and doping rate. But the analyses of the thermodynamic process behaviour and fill factor on the one hand and on the other hand the behaviour of the absorption mechanism, show that the best capability resistivity to the electromagnetic field is found at 10 17 cm −3. Hence the base doping in boron level can be used to improve the electromagnetic resistivity of the PV cell in crystalline silicon with a well control of the Light-Induced Degradation (LID).
Generation of realistic synthetic cable images to train Deep Learning segmentation models
Authors: Fresnillo Pablo Malvido , Mohammed Wael M. , Vasudevan Saigopal , Garcia Jose A. Perez , Lastra Jose L. Martinez 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
One of the main contemporary challenges in robotics is the automation of tasks that involve handling Deformable Linear Objects (DLOs), such as cables or ropes. Due to their changing shape, constant perception is required, which makes computer vision, and in particular, image segmentation, fundamental. Even though image segmentation is a very studied problem, which has been addressed with high accuracy by many different Deep Learning models, they need to be properly trained to segment the objects of interest (DLOs in this case). To do this, it is necessary to have a large and diverse dataset. However, such a dataset hasn’t been created for cable images, and doing it manually would be complicated and extremely time-consuming. This paper addresses this issue with a novel methodology, which automatically generates synthetic cable datasets to train image segmentation models. This methodology utilizes Blender to create photo-realistic scenes and a Python pipeline to interact with them. To ensure the diversity of the dataset, before the generation of each image, the pipeline performs random variations on the elements of the scene. After this, the scene is animated, dropping the cables from a certain height and letting them deform naturally after landing, which results in realistic arrangements of the cables. The effectiveness of the methodology was demonstrated by training six popular segmentation models with synthetic datasets and using them to segment real cable images with great results (IoU over 70% and Dice coefficient over 80% for all the models).
ESC-Net: Overcoming language priors in VQA via enhancing visual feature
Authors: Chowdhury Souvik , Soni Badal 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Most current times Visual Question Answering (VQA) models fail to interpret the multimodal knowledge of visual and text simultaneously leading to language prior problem. Language prior or language bias is a scenario where a model is biased towards the question and provides answer favouring most frequent related answer. In this scenario, model ignores the visual features. In order to reduce language prior, researchers have proposed ensemble methods (combining multiple models each serves different purpose), balanced data methods (generating additional data), modified evaluation strategy (mostly towards giving higher penalty to biased answers during training to reduce the effects) or a modified training framework (different training approaches for biased and unbiased samples). The ensemble methods suffer reduction in performance accuracy, data balance methods generate additional bias, evaluation methods does not work as intended because of random frequency distribution of related answers, modified training framework adds complexity thus it has to segregate between biased and unbiased samples. In this paper, we propose a VQA model "Ensemble of Spatial and Channel Attention Network (ESC-Net)" to overcome language bias problem by improving the visual features. In this work, we have considered a blended approach of using both regional and global image features and using an ensemble of combined channel and spatial attention mechanism to improve visual feature. The model is a more simple and effective solution than existing methods to solve language bias. Extensive experiment shows a remarkable performance improvement of 18% on VQACP v2 dataset with a comparison to current state-of-the-art (SOTA) models.
A 20-year time-series of a freshwater lake reveals seasonal dynamics and environmental drivers of viral diversity, ecology, and evolution
Authors: Anantharaman Karthik , Zhou Zhichao , Tran Patricia , Martin Cody , Rohwer Robin , Baker Brett , McMahon Katherine 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Long-term ecological studies are powerful tools to investigate microbiomes and ecosystem change but have mostly ignored viruses. Here, we leveraged a 20-year time-series of a freshwater lake to characterize 1.3 million viral genomes over time, seasonality, and environmental factors. We identified 578 auxiliary metabolic gene (AMG) clusters representing over 150,000 AMGs, the most abundant of which, including psbA for photosynthesis, pmoC for methane oxidation, and katG for hydrogen peroxide decomposition, were consistently represented in viruses across decades and seasons. We observed positive associations and niche differentiation between virus-host pairs during seasonal change including in keystone taxa, Cyanobacteria, methanotrophs, and Nanopelagicales. Environmental constraints, specifically inorganic carbon and ammonium influenced viral abundances over time, and highlighted roles of viruses in both “top-down” and “bottom-up” interactions. Key evolutionary processes shaping gene and genome-wide selection included favored fitness genes, reduced genomic heterogeneity, and dominant sub-populations carrying specific genes. Overall, our study advances understanding of diversity, ecological dynamics, and evolutionary trajectories of viruses in Earth’s microbiomes and ecosystems.
Metabolomic Profiling of in vitro and in situ Grown Nilgiris Tea Unraveled Unique Signatures of Caffeine Related Metabolites
Authors: M Rishikesh , Boopathi Manikanda , M Raveendran , P Meenakshisundaram , S Varanavasiappan , Premnath Ameena , G Shobhana V , P Santhanakrishnan V , Lourdusamy Keiser , M Kannan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In this study, UPASI 9, a Nilgiris tea clone (Camellia sinensis), commonly cultivated using environmentally harmful and economically impractical cutting methods, has been reconsidered for propagation through a more sustainable approach using tissue culture. It was begun by establishing an in vitro culture and optimizing various factors such as explant source materials, disinfection procedures, and the composition of the culture medium. Anatomical studies demonstrated that the use of lower carbendazim concentration for sterilization (0.2%) produced viable and healthy explants for callus initiation, which is a key limiting factor in the success of tea tissue culture. To confirm the genetic consistency of the regenerated plants, gene-specific SSR markers were developed and utilized to ensure that the proliferated callus preserved the same genetic characteristics as that of the mother plants. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to analyze volatile metabolites extracted from callus, stem, micro shoots, and leaves of the UPASI 9 tea genotype. The results revealed distinct compositions of metabolites in each sample: callus showed unique metabolites like keto acids and derivatives, organic sulfonic acids, and their derivatives, and oxanes. Leaves stood out with imidazopyrimidines and prenol lipids, micro shoots with purine nucleotides and sulfinic acids, and stems with indoles and derivatives, pyrans, and tetrazines. However, eight classes of metabolites were consistently present in all four UPASI 9 samples. More interestingly, caffeine was exclusively detected in leaf samples but absent in all other investigated tissues, despite the presence of Tea Caffeine Synthase (TCS) gene-specific SSRs. Thus, this study provided unique information on the absence of caffeine in the in vitro grown Nilgiris tea clone, UPASI 9, which can be utilized further to create a decaffeinated tea product with minimal cost that has a unique demand in the global market.
The state of the AMOC revealed from the Subpolar North Atlantic Sea Surface Salinity
Authors: Xu Fanghua , Dai Jinhui , Wright Jonathon S. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

As a critical regulator of the global climate system, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) has attracted huge attention since its bimodal state change could abruptly alter climate1–5. The subpolar sea surface temperature (SST) has been used as a fingerprint to predict the state change of AMOC3,6–8. Although the subpolar SST agrees well with the variability of AMOC in recent years, it is under debate whether the subpolar SST can represent the abrupt state change of AMOC since its physical role remains unclear9. In contrast, it is well-known that the freshwater flux in high latitudes is a key to AMOC stability10–13. To foresee the AMOC collapse based on salinity, we investigate the relationship of SST and SSS with various AMOC mean states from the Paleoclimate Modeling Intercomparison Project phase 4 (PMIP4). It is found that SST does not agree with changes in AMOC mean state under various climate conditions, while the sea surface salinity (SSS) within the subpolar North Atlantic (SPNA) does. Our results indicate that about 3.5 PSU drop in SPNA SSS is required for AMOC collapse to totally shut down. It's worth noting that no significant salinity trend was observed in the SPNA, implying the stability of deep water formation in recent decades. More attention should be paid to monitoring salinity variations in the SPNA and studying the anthropogenic-induced ice melting and alterations in the water cycle in high latitudes.
Differences in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and trusted sources of information among a large sample of Chicagoans
Authors: Jacobs Jacquelyn , Hasan Noor , Bishop-Royse Jessi , Camargo Lucky , Roberson Alyce 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Evidence shows that vaccine hesitancy is associated with lower rates of vaccine uptake. Vaccine hesitancy is driven by many factors related to individual belief and experience, and has increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Surveillance data shows there has been lower vaccine uptake within Black and Brown communities across the United States, which can lead to increased transmission and costs to the community. This study analyzed data from a pulse survey disseminated across Chicagoland to collect data on perceptions of COVID-19 and vaccination. Responses related to vaccine status, attitudes and beliefs, trusted sources, and sociodemographic characteristics were examined. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted to characterize the sample and examine unadjusted relationships. Multivariate regression was used to estimate factors associated with vaccination. Respondents (n = 1430) were primarily female (67.3%), over 30 (69.7%), and Hispanic/Latino (38.5%) or non-Hispanic Black (38.3%). Most respondents were vaccinated (84.8%) at the time of the survey. Compared to unvaccinated participants, vaccinated participants were less likely to believe that the vaccine was developed too quickly (45% and 56%, respectively). Respondents reported high levels of trust in their doctors, pharmacists, and in the Centers for Disease Control (79.7%, 74.0%, and 72.9%, respectively). Participants believing that the vaccine is safe and effective were more likely to have received the vaccine (OR = 14.0 and 11.74, respectively). Beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge around COVID-19 vaccination is significantly associated with vaccine uptake. These findings are particularly important in minoritized communities where low vaccine uptake has had adverse health outcomes.
Scale up of COVID-19 testing services in NYC, 2020-2021:
Lessons Learned to Maximize Reach, Equity and Timeliness
Authors: Thorpe Lorna , Conderino Sarah , Bendik Stefanie , Berry Carolyn , Islam Nadia , Masser Rachel , Chau Michelle , Larson Rita , Paul Margaret , Hong Chuan , Fair Andrew , Titus Andrea , Bershteyn Anna , Wallach Andrew 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
During infectious disease epidemics, accurate diagnostic testing is key to rapidly identify and treat cases, and mitigate transmission. When a novel pathogen is involved, building testing capacity and scaling testing services at the local level can present major challenges to healthcare systems, public health agencies and laboratories. This mixed methods study examined lessons learned from the scale-up of SARS CoV-2 testing services in New York City (NYC), as a core part of NYC’s Test & Trace program. Using quantitative and geospatial analyses, the authors assessed program success at maximizing reach, equity and timeliness of SARS CoV-2 diagnostic testing services across NYC neighborhoods. Qualitative analysis of key informant interviews elucidated key decisions, facilitators and barriers involved in the scale-up of SARS-CoV-2 testing services. A major early facilitator was the ability to establish working relationships with private sector vendors and contractors to rapidly procure and manufacture necessary supplies locally. NYC residents were, on average, less than 25 minutes away from free SARS CoV-2 diagnostic testing services by public transport, and services were successfully directed to most neighborhoods with highest transmission rates, with only one notable exception. A key feature was to direct mobile testing vans and rapid antigen testing services to areas based on real-time neighborhood transmission data. Municipal leaders should prioritize fortifying supply chains, establish cross-sectoral partnerships to support and extend testing services, plan for continuous testing and validation of assays, ensure open communication feedback loops with CBO partners, and maintain infrastructure to support mobile services during infectious disease emergencies.
Prevalence of hyperuricemia and its correlation with metabolic syndrome in young adults: a cross-sectional study in eastern China
Authors: Lu Bohan , Hu Cuirong , Lu Jifang , Wang Jinkun , Jin Haijiao , Wang Ling , Gu Leyi , Ni Zhaohui , Mou Shan , Jiang Na 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Hyperuricemia (HUA) has emerged as a significant metabolic disease, particularly in young population with metabolic syndrome (MS). The purpose of this study was to study the prevalence of HUA and its correlation with metabolic syndrome among young adults in a coastal city of eastern China.
Methods
It was a cross-sectional study conducted in adults undergoing routine healthy checkup. Anthropometric data and serological parameters were collected and in related to serum uric acid (SUA) concentration and prevalence of HUA.
Results
A total of 9,196 adults with mean age of 34.3 ± 11.8 years old and 75.2% of males were recruited. Mean SUA level was 371.8 ± 95.6 µmol/l and overall HUA prevalence was 31.3%. SUA level was higher and HUA was more common in younger males, as well as in those with MS (OR: 3.07; 95% CI: 2.78–3.39) demonstrated by using the univariable binary logistic regression analysis model. The multivariable binary logistic regression analysis revealed that male (OR: 3.74; 95% CI: 3.12–4.48), young age (OR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.19–1.26), low estimated-glomerular filtration rate (OR: 2.45; 95% CI: 2.11–2.84), high body mass index (OR: 2.31; 95%CI: 2.06–2.60), hypertension (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.04–1.32), high serum triglyceride (OR: 2.08; 95%CI: 1.81–2.37), and low serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.15–1.55) were independent risk factors associated with HUA prevalence.
Conclusion
SUA level increased and HUA was common in young adults. Male, young age, reduced kidney function, combined with MS and more MS components were associated with prevalence of HUA.
A systematic design approach for a novel energy efficient ALU for 8-bit QCA microcontroller
Authors: karuppiah pandiammal , Deivasigamani Meganathan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Quantum Cellular Automata (QCA) provide a new computing paradigm to implement the high speed digital architecture at nano-scale with low power consumption. The design of an 8-bit arithmetic logic unit (ALU) for microcontroller using QCA technology is the most challenging and has not been addressed so far. In this paper, we propose a systematic design approach for the design of novel energy-efficient 8-bit ALUs for scalar microcontrollers using QCADesigner. The proposed eight-bit ALU uses 24.25 (10-1ns) clock delay, occupies 198.48 µm2 area, and dissipates 15.5 eV of energy.
A Retrospective Review of Dissection Type and Outcomes in Advanced Glottic Carcinoma
Authors: Soon Stephanie , Habib Ayaaz , Wong Winson , Jose Jemy 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Intro:
Neck dissection is performed in the management of advanced laryngeal carcinoma due to the risk of metastases to cervical lymphatics. Current NCCN Guidelines and UK guidelines offer differing advice on glottic carcinoma, with NCCN recommending ipsilateral and/or bilateral dissection and UK recommending bilateral dissection. This paper aims to assess the outcomes of unilateral and bilateral neck dissection in surgically managed advanced glottic carcinoma.
Method:
Retrospective review of twenty-four patients with advanced glottic carcinoma (T3-4, N-N2b) from the years 2014-2020 who had as primary surgical treatment. Survival analysis, cox regression and fisher exact test were performed.
Results:
We found no statistically significant difference in 5-year overall survival and local recurrence between unilateral neck (ULN) dissection and bilateral neck dissection (BLN).
Conclusion:
While the data from this study shows no statistical significance between dissection type and survival, we suggest that ULN, based on published literature provides an equivalent survival outcome with a lower complication rate.
Investigating Natural Convection Heat Transfer in a Triangular Enclosure with Rectangular Finned Arrays Using Machine Learning: A Comparative Study of Support Vector Regression and Extreme Learning Machines
Authors: Das Debasish , Kaul Vishesh , Pandita Saubhagya , Kankipati Noel 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In this research study, Support Vector Regression (SVR) and Extreme Learning Machines (ELM) are harnessed as powerful machine learning techniques to enhance the precision of predicting the Nusselt number. The primary objective is to utilise these models for estimating the maximum natural convection heat transfer within a triangular enclosure featuring an in-line rectangular finned array. The investigation delves into the impact of two critical factors, fin spacing (S) and applied voltage (V), with the ultimate goal of optimising these parameters to maximise heat transfer, quantified by the Nusselt number. The study presents a comparative analysis of the predictive capabilities of SVR and ELM when applied to experimental data. R-squared values for each machine-learning model are scrutinised through rigorous examination, providing insights into their suitability for predicting experimental outcomes with minimal error. This research contributes to understanding how machine-learning paradigms can be effectively employed in optimising heat transfer processes, offering valuable implications for applications in diverse fields such as thermal engineering and heat transfer enhancement.
Synthesis, Structure, Morphology, Dielectric, and Optical Properties of LaSrZrFeO6 : A Novel A-Site and B-Site Disordered Double Perovskite
Authors: Boudad Lahcen , Taibi M'hamed , Boukili Abdellah El , Belayachi Azzam , ABD-LEFDIL Mohammed 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The LaSrZrFeO6 powder was synthesized using a conventional solid-state reaction process. The qualitative phase analysis through X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and data analysis with Rietveld refinement confirm the single-phase formation of a novel double perovskite. Crystal structure investigation was conducted to determine the lattice parameters, bond lengths, angles, and ions distribution. Additionally, crystallite size, lattice strain, density, and porosity were calculated. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has been performed to examine the vibrational modes and bond formations in the sample. The sample's microstructure, including grain shape and size distribution, and elemental composition, were assessed using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The optical energy bandgap of the material, determined to be 2.81 eV, was ascertained through UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. Furthermore, the refractive index was calculated using both the Moss and the Herve and Vandamme methods. The study also delved into the electrical characteristics of the material, such as permittivity (εr), loss tangent (tanδ), and conductivity (σ). These properties were analyzed in relation to changes in frequency and temperature, employing particular formulas and parameters for a comprehensive understanding.