bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VI-NeRF-SLAM: A Real-time Visual-Inertial SLAM with NeRF Mapping
Authors: Liao DaoQing , Ai Wei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In numerous robotic and autonomous driving tasks, traditional visual SLAM algorithms estimate the camera's position in a scene through sparse feature points and express the map by estimating the depth of sparse point clouds. However,practical applications require SLAM to create dense maps in real-time, overcoming the sparsity and occlusion issues of point clouds. Furthermore,it is advantageous for SLAM map to possess an auto-completion capability, where the map can automatically infer and complete the remaining 20% when the camera observes only 80% of an object. Therefore, a more dense and intelligent map representation is needed. In this paper, we propose a Visual-Inertial SLAM with Neural Radiance Fields reconstruction to address the aforementioned challenges. We integrate traditional rule-based optimization with NeRF. This approach allows for the real-time update of NeRF local functions by rapidly estimating camera motion and sparse feature point depths to reconstruct 3D scenes. To achieve better camera poses and globally consistent map, we address the issue of IMU noise spikes resulting from rapid motion changes, along with handling pose adjustments due to loop closure fusion. Specifically, we employ a form of widening the static noise covariance to refit the dynamic noise covariance. During loop closure fusion, we treat the pose adjustment between pre- and post- loop closure as a spatiotemporal transformation, migrating NeRF parameters from pre- to post- to expedite loop closure adjustments in NeRF mapping. Moreover, we extend this method to scenarios with only grayscale images. By expanding the color channels of grayscale images and conducting linear spatial mapping, we can rapidly reconstruct 3D scenes with only grayscale images. We demonstrate the precision and speed advantages of our method in both RGB and grayscale scenes.
A cross-sectional study of the association of hyperuricemia and sarcopenia in Chinese adults using the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Authors: Luo Kang , Xia Wenjing , Zhang Yingxiao , Yu Jing , Shu Yue , Yang Hong , Zhou Min , Chen Pan , Xiao Qian 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Sarcopenia is characterized by progressive and systemic skeletal muscle disorder, leading to accelerated loss of muscle mass and function. It is associated with adverse outcomes such as falls, functional decline, frailty, and mortality. The pathogenesis of sarcopenia involves oxidative stress and uric acid (UA), a crucial antioxidant that scavenges oxygen free radicals and plays a vital role in maintaining stability against oxidative stress. The present study investigated the correlation between hyperuricemia and sarcopenia in Chinese individuals aged 45 and above, with a particular focus on age-related differences. The analysis was conducted using nationally representative data.
Methods
The present study involved 11,048 participants of the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The associations between sarcopenia (including its components) and hyperuricemia were evaluated using binary logistic and linear regression models. After dividing the participants into two subgroups—those aged 45–65 and those aged 65 and older—and conducting subgroup analysis, prospective age-related variations were investigated more deeply.
Results
In the overall population, adjusted analyses revealed an inverse relationship between sarcopenia and hyperuricemia. The prevalence of this phenomenon was particularly notable within the demographic of adults aged 65 years and older. The results of the linear regression analysis revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between hyperuricemia and hand grip strength (HGS), including in the 45−65 age bracket. Furthermore, this study found a positive correlation between hyperuricemia and skeletal muscle index (SMI) among the population aged 45 and older.
Conclusion
The results indicated a noteworthy correlation between hyperuricemia and elevated muscle mass with HGS among Chinese individuals aged 45 years and above. Elevated levels of blood uric acid may potentially exert a safeguarding influence against the onset of sarcopenia, particularly in individuals aged 65 years and above.
Cretaceous to Early Paleogene Evolutionary Records of the Paleo-Kuril Arc: Sediment Provenance Transition from Continental to Magmatic Arc Systems
Authors: Harisma Harisma , Sota Niki , Hirata Takafumi , Naruse Hajime 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Unraveling the Paleo-Kuril Arc's (PKA) origins is key to understanding northwest Pacific tectonics. The PKA is viewed as an intraoceanic arc from trench subduction between the Izanagi and Pacific Plates. Alternatively, several studies suggest the PKA as a continental magmatic arc, hypothesizing the existence of a mid-oceanic ridge and Paleogene subduction, placing the PKA near the Okhotsk Block's southern edge. This study clarifies these hypotheses, previously clouded by limited geochronological data on deposits in the PKA. We conducted U-Pb dating to examine the origins of detrital zircons from the Cretaceous-Paleogene Tokoro and Nemuro Belts of the PKA. Cluster analysis, merging new and existing data, identified two unique detrital zircon age clusters. The abundance of Precambrian zircons in Cretaceous-Paleocene PKA sandstones (Type 1 Cluster) suggests a continental magmatic origin, supporting the ridge subduction model. However, an early Eocene shift to a consistent local volcanic source (Type 2 Cluster) highlights a significant provenance change. This geochronological evidence, indicating a separation from continental sources, calls for further research to decode the simultaneous development of sediment sources in different geological belts, potentially tied to the ridge subduction event.
Individual, host-vector interactions and environmental risk factors for Plasmodium knowlesi malaria among at-risk communities in Peninsular Malaysia: A case-control study
Authors: Pasi Hafizah , Mohamad Emma , Azlan Arina Anis , Hamzah Mohammad Rezal , Sulong Mohd Rahim , Isa Affendi , Genapathy Sivasangari , Damanhuri Hazwani 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The uncertainties surrounding P. knowlesi’s ability to be zoonotic have caused it to be “left out”. Highlighting the individual, host-vector interactions and environmental risk factors for this disease were consequential towards more focused and effective prevention and control strategies. This study aims to identify the individual, host-vector interactions, and environmental risk factors for P. knowlesi malaria among at-risk communities in Peninsular Malaysia. A case-control study was conducted involving laboratory-confirmed cases of Plasmodium knowlesi malaria, registered and notified to the online vector disease reporting system, Vekpro Online System, and primarily resided in the study areas for a minimum of three weeks. A locality-matched individual with no history of fever and tested negative for malaria through blood slide and polymerase chain reaction, PCR of the same duration was taken as control. Univariate and multiple logistic regression was applied to evaluate the potential individual, host-vector interactions, and environmental risk factors for knowlesi malaria among respondents using the IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Results showed notably higher cases among males as compared to females (76.1% versus 23.9%). Multiple logistics regression analysis showed being male is 3.51 higher risk (p values < 0.001) to become a case. Respondents whose place of work or study is near the forest edge have 44.0% lower risk (p = 0.030), while those living in the Orang Asli village was 56.0% lower risk as compared to the organized village to become a case (p-value 0.035). These findings demonstrated that gender emerges as an independent individual risk factor, while residing near a forest edge, living in an Orang Asli village, or occupying a brick or wooden workers' longhouse situated in hilly areas reduces the interactions between hosts and vectors, thereby lowering the environmental risk. These attested to different views and approaches aimed at mitigating the risk of knowlesi malaria within this specific population. Thus, all relevant agencies must consider alternative directions in addressing the known risk factors associated with this type of malaria by acknowledging that a one-size-fits-all approach cannot be universally applied, but rather the design of prevention and control programs should be tailored to the unique characteristics of each population.
Follow-up study of a Colombian family with a novel MEN1 variant and rare ACTH-producing pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma
Authors: Riaño-Moreno Julián C. , González-Clavijo Angélica María , Torres-Jara William C. , Medina-Boada Vilma L. , Romero-Rojas Alfredo Ernesto , Vieda-Celemin Isabella , Avila-Moya Jordan A. , Baron-Cardona Johan A. , Bravo-Patiño Juan P. , Torres-Zambrano Oscar S. , Fierro-Maya Luis Felipe 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose This article reports on a 12-year follow-up of a Colombian family with a novel MEN1 gene variant (c.698dup, p.Met233IlefsTer4), identified through cascade genetic screening. The index case involved a rare type of tumor, an ACTH-secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma.Methods The index case underwent MEN1 testing after presenting with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and hyperparathyroidism. Cascade genetic screening of relatives revealed four additional carriers. Biochemical and imaging surveillance was conducted as per clinical guidelines.Results All affected family members first showed signs of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in their 20s to 50s. Notably, the index case developed a rare type of tumor known as ACTH-secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma, which, to our knowledge, is the first instance reported in a MEN1-affected family. Due to proactive screening, pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) were identified as microadenomas in two carriers.Conclusion This study demonstrates the value of cascade screening for early diagnosis and tailored management in MEN1 families. It also reports a unique ACTH-producing pancreatic neuroendocrine carcinoma in MEN1. Systematic documentation of cases is critical to elucidating geographical and phenotypic variation and devising genotype-based management approaches.
Knowledge and Willingness Towards Corneal Donation: Medical verses Social Science Students in Wolkite University, South-West Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Temesgen Teka , Teshome Addisu Worku 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Corneal blindness is the cause of 4.9 bilateral blind persons globally and accounts for 19.3% of blind patients in Ethiopia. As a result, corneal transplant demand is anticipated to be significant. Despite the significance of corneal donation, there is a scarcity of corneal tissue. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and willingness to donate corneas among both medical and social science students, as there is a lack of data on how their differing characteristics may influence awareness and willingness.
Methods
An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on medical and social science students at Wolkite University, southwest Ethiopia. Using stratified random sampling, data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, were employed to compare the differences between medical and social science students in terms of their willingness and knowledge of corneal donation.
Results
The study had 200 medical and 210 social science students with response rates of 96% and 73% respectively. Most participants (72.7%) were aged 21–25, and 69.0% were male. The findings show similar cornea donation willingness between medical (47.5%) and social science students (52.9%).The medical student group showed varied knowledge levels: 22.0% good, 26.5% moderate, and 21.5% poor. Among social science students, 32.4% had moderate knowledge, and 67.6% had poor knowledge. Knowledge improves as students progress (p = 0.034).
Conclusions
The study found a similar level of willingness to donate corneal among both medical and social science students. However, there are notable differences in knowledge levels between the two groups. Medical students demonstrated varying levels of knowledge, with a significant proportion having poor knowledge. Social science students also had a high percentage of poor knowledge about corneal donation. The results emphasize the necessity for targeted awareness campaigns among university students to increase corneal donation willingness.
Caldomycin, a new guanidopolyamine produced by a novel agmatine homocoupling enzyme involved in homospermidine biosynthesis
Authors: Kobayashi Teruyuki , Sakamoto Akihiko , Hisano Tamao , Kashiwagi Keiko , Igarashi Kazuei , Takao Koichi , Uemura Takeshi , Furuchi Takemitsu , Sugita Yoshiaki , Moriya Toshiyuki , Oshima Tairo , Terui Yusuke 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
An extreme thermophilic bacterium, Thermus thermophilus produces more than 20 unusual polyamines, but their biosynthetic pathways, including homospermidine, are not yet fully understood. Two types of homospermidine synthases have been identified in plants and bacteria, which use spermidine and putrescine or two molecules of putrescine as substrates. However, homospermidine synthases with such substrate specificity have not been identified in T. thermophilus. Here we identified a novel agmatine homocoupling enzyme that is involved in homospermidine biosynthesis in T. thermophilus. The reaction mechanism is different from that of a previously described homospermidine synthase, and involves conjugation of two molecules of agmatine, which produces a diamidino derivative of homospermidine (caldomycin) as an immediate precursor of homospermidine. We conclude that there is a homospermidine biosynthetic pathway from agmatine via caldomycin synthase followed by ureohydrolase in T. thermophilus. Furthermore, it is shown that caldomycin is a novel compound existing in nature.
The Employment Effect of the Customised Care Service for Community Dwelling Elderly in South Korea: An Input-Output Model Analysis of Secondary Data
Authors: Kwon Hyunjeong 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Given the increasing focus on ageing in place (AIP), the importance of caring for older individuals living alone is rising. In Korea, the government has reformed community care services by integrating the previously separated social, health and support services into a single service and expanding its coverage.
Methods
An input-output analysis was employed to estimate the employment effect of the newly integrated community care service policy targeting older people living alone.
Results
The customised care service for the elderly generated a total of 77.8 employments per 1 billion KRW. Among them, the direct employment effect was 47.5 persons, and the indirect employment effect was 30.3 persons for every 1 billion KRW. Notably, the total employment effect of the customised care service for the elderly policy in Korea is 6.0 times higher compared to the health care and social work industry sector and 10.5 times higher compared to all industries.
Conclusion
The customised care service for the elderly not only meets the care needs of elderly individuals residing in the local community but has also proven to be a highly effective initiative in creating employment opportunities for middle-aged women who have been marginalised in the workforce. However, beneath the quantitative employment effects, challenges such as low wages and job insecurity highlight the need for policy alternatives to address the underlying issue of insufficient improvement in working conditions.
Monolithic and heterogeneous three-dimensional (3D) integration of two-dimensional (2D) materials using dense vias
Authors: Das Saptarshi , Ghosh Subir , Zheng Yikai , Zhang Zhiyu , Sun Yongwen , Schranghamer Thomas , Sakib Najam U , Chen Chen , Redwing Joan , Yang Yang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The semiconductor industry is experiencing a tectonic shift with the adoption of three-dimensional (3D) integration, enabling the convergence of various technologies, such as analogue, radio frequency, sensors, memory devices, and digital components. Historically, through-silicon via (TSV) stacking has been the dominant approach to 3D integration, leading to the commercialization of 3D-stacked CMOS image sensors, 3D flash memories, and dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) stacks. While TSV technology can achieve impressive interconnect (I/O) densities of up to 10,000 I/O per mm², further improvement requires the adoption of monolithic 3D integration (M3D). M3D also enables transistor-level partitioning and material heterogeneity. However, widespread use of non-silicon materials in M3D is pending. In this study, we showcase heterogeneous M3D integration using all-two-dimensional (all-2D) materials, achieving an interconnect density of 40,000 I/O per mm² with more than 500 devices in each tier. Additionally, our manufacturing process stays below 200°C, which is ideal for back-end-of-line (BEOL) integration. The M3D stack in our study includes graphene-based chemisensors in tier 2 and MoS2 memtransistor-based programmable circuits in tier 1, tailored for near-sensor computing applications. A notable achievement in our work is the physical proximity between sensors and computing elements, which is less than 100 nm. This proximity far surpasses what is currently achievable with state-of-the-art packaging solutions. Our results mark a significant milestone in vertically stacked functional layers composed of heterogeneous materials beyond silicon for edge applications.
Effects of Gas-Tungsten Arc Welding on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of 316L Stainless Steel by Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Kuehn Kevin , Wang Xuan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

This paper investigates the weldability of stainless steel 316L and tensile behavior of welded samples, comparing in samples produced through powder bed fusion (PBF) and the conventional wrought method. Tensile testing is performed on each welded combination of materials (PBF-PBF, wrought- wrought, and PBF-wrought). Results suggest that the wrought material exhibits higher tensile strength and uniform elongation point, while displaying a lower yield stress compared to the PBF material. Additionally, welded wrought samples have a significantly lower tensile strength compared to non-welded samples. The wrought samples exhibit a larger average grain size in the heat affected zone (HAZ) compared to non-heat affected regions. In contrast, it is found that grain coarsening does not occur in PBF samples, which exhibit a significantly smaller grain size in the HAZ than the wrought samples. The average grain size in the non-heat affected zone is larger for the PBF samples compared to the wrought samples. Larger grain sizes within the HAZ correspond to a reduction in tensile strength and uniform elongation point for the wrought samples, compared to PBF samples. However, no such reduction is observed for the PBF samples. Secondary dendrite arm spacing measurements indicated similar solidification behavior in the weld regions of both PBF and wrought materials. Overall, the PBF samples exhibit less reduction of strength and ductility after welding than wrought samples. Therefore, it is determined that additively manufactured 316L stainless steel has a higher weldability than traditionally manufactured wrought 316 stainless steel.
Effect of different continuous cropping years on the rhizosphere soil microbial community structure of Tussilago farfara L.
Authors: Xia WANG , Xiaojun JIN 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The rhizosphere soils from 1, 2, and 3 years of Tussilago farfara L. continuous cropping were used as the research objects. The region of bacterial 16S rRNA and fungal ITS was analyzed by Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology. The effect of continuous cropping years on the microbial community structure and diversity in Tussilago farfara L. soil was investigated. The result shows that rhizosphere soil fast-acting nutrient content, alkaline phosphatase, and sucrase activity gradually decreased, urease activity increased first and then decreased, and catalase activity did not change significantly with the increase of cropping years. The number and diversity of rhizosphere soil bacteria increased first and then decreased, while the fungal species increased by 22.5% after continuous cropping for two years compared with rotational cropping. Among the bacteria, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria decreased significantly after continuous cropping, and the relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Chloroflexi increased; among the fungi, the relative abundance of Ascomycota and Basidiomycota decreased significantly after continuous cropping, while the relative abundance of Mortierellomycota increased. The population type gradually changed from bacterial to fungal, and the relative abundance of beneficial genera such as Ralstonia, Nitrospira, and Trichoderma gradually decreased, while harmful genera such as Mortierella, Fusarium, and Tricharina accumulated in large quantities. This study reflects the dynamic balance of rhizosphere soil bacterial-fungal communities of Tussilago farfara L. in different continuous cropping years, and the changes of nutrient content, enzyme activity, and genera reflect the possible genera associated with the occurrence of cropping obstacles of Tussilago farfara L., as well as the relevant groups of bacteria to maintain the stability of microbial communities, which provides a scientific reference basis for further investigation of cropping obstacles and screening of beneficial genera.