bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of Hydrogeochemical and Geochemical Properties of Surface Water (Case Study: Comparison of two Adjacent Catchments, Cheshmeh Kileh and Shiroud, Northern Iran)
Authors: Issa Nikoo Shiroud , Ganji Ali Reza , Kandelous Ali Moghimi , Asiabar Saeid Hakimi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Cheshmeh Kileh and Shiroud are among the most important rivers of western Mazandaran Province (northern Iran). Sampling sites were determined based on the design of the DEM and geogenic and anthropogenic effects, and water and sediment samples were collected in September 2021. Hydrogeochemical and qualitative diagrams of irrigation were drawn based on the laboratory reported values. The heavy metals, irrigation and industrial indices were calculated for water samples and heavy metals indices were calculated for sediments. Also, dendrograms were drawn to evaluate heavy metals in water and sediment. The results showed that the amount of calcium and sulfate ions at the source of Seh-Hezar sub-river was higher than other samples in this sub-river, which is caused by the dissolution of gypsum in the structure of the Karaj Formation located in Maraan upstream. In Cheshmeh Kileh Catchment, one of the samples had a higher amount of bicarbonate, sodium, potassium and heavy metals ions than other samples due to the infiltration of landfill waste water. The hydrogeochemical diagrams for Shiroud Catchment showed that in the estuary, the phenomenon of saltwater infiltration has occurred due to excessive sand and gravel harvesting. Given industrial quality indices, some samples have sedimentation properties and some have corrosion properties. Accordingly, when using surface water in this region for industrial activities, further case studies are needed. The quality of irrigation water at some stations was unsuitable for agricultural activities in some indices. Also, the statistical charts show scatters in the samples of the source and landfill leachate.
Enhancing In-vehicle Multi-turn Dialogue Text Rewriting with Lightweight Text Filtering
Authors: Xue Pengpeng , Tan Liang , Lin Long , She Kun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Deep learning has advanced intelligent vehicle development, improving communication and language comprehension. The Transformer model is currently the mainstream approach for text rewriting(coreference resolution) in vehicle dialogue systems, aiming to detect and rephrase sentences that require modification. Nonetheless, the Transformer model, consisting of a stack of Transformer blocks, is complex and extensive, making it inefficient for processing tasks. Accordingly, this paper proposes a proficient approach, denoted as FM-Transformer, for text rewriting of multi-round in-vehicle dialogues. The improvement idea is to add a lightweight text filtering module before the Transformer model, which can quickly classify whether the text of vehicle dialogues needs to be written or not, and only send the sentences that need to be modified into the Transformer model. After analysis, we adopt Fasttext as the lightweight text filtering module. Before and after the improvement of the model, we carried out a control experiment to verify the effectiveness of the FM converter by using a multi-turn vehicle voice conversation data set. The results showed positive results in terms of accuracy and time efficiency, highlighting the potential of FM converters to generate higher quality and more efficient response text.
Novel small multidrug resistance protein Tmt endows the Escherichia coli with triphenylmethane dyes bioremediation capability
Authors: Wang Zhou , Zhou Haoqiang , Cheng Yilan , An Lijin , Yan Dazhong , Chao Hongjun , Wu Jing 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Dye contamination in printing and dyeing wastewater has long been a major concern due to its serious impact on both the environment and human health. Recently, biological processes have emerged as a promising approach for the treatment of dye pollutants. In this study, a triphenylmethane transporter gene (tmt) was identified from 6 distinct clones screening from a metagenomics library of the printing and dyeing wastewater treatment syste. Escherichia coli expressing tmt revealed 98.1% decolorization efficiency of triphenylmethane dye malachite green within 24 h under shaking culture condition. The tolerance to malachite green was improved over eight-fold in the Tmt strain compared of the none-Tmt expressed strain. Similarly, the tolerance of Tmt strain to other triphenylmethane dyes like crystal violet and brilliant green, was improved by at least four-fold. Site-directed mutations, including A75G, A75S and V100G, were found to reinforce the tolerance of malachite green, and double mutations of these even further improve the tolerance. Therefore, the tmt has been demonstrated to be a specific efflux pump for triphenylmethane dyes, particularly the malachite green. By actively pumping out toxic triphenylmethane dyes, it significantly extends the cells tolerance in a triphenylmethane dye–rich environment, which may provide a promising strategy for bioremediation of triphenylmethane dye pollutants in the environments.
Characterisation of Tunnelling Nanotubes in Oral Carcinoma Cell Lines
Authors: Khoury Samantha , Tran Thi Minh Hy , Johnson Michael , Aung Lin Htet , Wu Ziwei , Pearn Lauren , Tran Ngoc Ha , Nguyen Phuong Thao , Stapleton Sarah , Sais Dayna , Tran Nham 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

In our study, we discovered the presence of tunnelling nanotubes (TNTs) in three oral carcinoma cell lines, suggesting an alternative form of cellular communication. These TNTs act as channels for the movement of membrane-bound vesicles and microRNAs (miRNAs), indicating their potential influence on cancer progression and intercellular interactions. Our findings demonstrate that TNTs can form spontaneously under normal growth conditions, not just as a stress response. Through time-lapse microscopy, we captured the rapid and dynamic process of TNT formation, typically occurring within 20-40 minutes, via two primary methods: actin-driven cellular extensions and sustained connectivity during cell division. We also successfully visualised the active transfer of miRNA mimics through these TNTs. Notably, we detected the presence of AGO2 protein within the TNTs, implying its involvement in the delivery of miRNAs to recipient cells. Our study adds to the overall understanding of TNTs in the context of oral cancer biology and suggests a broader role for these structures in molecular transport.
Hydrological and Morphometric Characterization of Anambra-Imo River Basin Using Remote Sensing
Authors: Nnaji Chidozie Charles , Onyekachi Mark Nzubechi , Nwankwo Ekene Jude , Emenike PraiseGod , Chibueze Chekwubechukwu Victory , Ogarekpe Nkpa 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Environmental problems related to flooding, water management and landslide often emanate from disruption of river basin within a geographical locality. In this study, the Anambra-Imo River Basin which drains the five southeastern states of Nigeria and a part of Kogi State in the northcentral was studied by combining the remote sensing technique and GIS. With the aid of digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the geographical region, the linear and spatial morphometric attributes of the basins such as Drainage density (Dd), Drainage texture (Dt), Circularity ratio (Rc), Elongation ratio (Re), Constant of channel maintenance (Cm), Form factor (Rf), Infiltration number (If), Stream frequency (Sf), Length of overland flow (Lo), and Compactness index (Ci) were obtained. The results of the analysis showed that the basins have a well-developed dendritic and parallel type drainage pattern with a NE-SW orientation suggesting a relationship between fracture orientation and physographic features. Anambra Basin is a 6th order basin having a total of 1462 streams with a length of 13682.9 km; while Imo River Basin is a 5th oreder basin having a total of 208 streams with a ttal length of 1320.57 km. Morphometric analyses yielded an infiltration number of 0.3 and 0.11, elongation ratio of 0.35 and 0.29, form factors of 0.26 and 0.54; compactness index of 1.4 and 1.06; length of overland flow of 0.46 and 2.18; Circularity ration of 0.49 and 0.84; constant of channel maintenance given of 0.93 and 4.34; Relief ratio of 0.61 and 0.35; and ruggedness number of 0.19 and 1.5 for Anambra and Imo river basin respectively. These results have thrown light on the underlying factors responsible to flooding and gullying in the study area as a combination of climatic and geological characteristics of the study area.
Endobronchial ultrasound using guide sheath-guided transbronchial lung biopsy in ground- glass opacity pulmonary lesions without fluoroscopic guidance
Authors: Park Jongsoo , Kim Changwoon , Jang Jong Geol , Lee Seok Soo , Hong Kyung Soo , Ahn June Hong 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Diagnosing ground-glass opacity (GGO) pulmonary lesions poses challenges. This study evaluates the utility of radial probe endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial lung biopsy (RP-EBUS-TBLB) in diagnosing GGO pulmonary lesions. A total of 1651 RP-EBUS procedures were performed during the study period. This study analyzed 115 GGO lesions. The EBUS visualization yield was 80.1%. Of 115 lesions, 69 (60%) were successfully diagnosed. The average size of diagnosed lesions was significantly larger than that of undiagnosed lesions (21.9 ± 7.3 vs. 17.1 ± 6.6 mm, p < 0.001). Diagnostic yield varied by lesion size: 50.0% for lesions < 20 mm, 65.1% for 20–30 mm lesions, and 85.7% for lesions > 30 mm. The mixed blizzard sign on EBUS appeared in 60.6% of mixed GGO lesions, with no cases in pure GGO lesions. Multivariable analyses showed that lesion size (odds ratio [OR], 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–1.16; p < 0.001) and mixed blizzard sign on EBUS (OR, 20.92; CI, 7.50-58.31; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with diagnostic success. Pneumothorax and hemoptysis occurred in 1.7% and 2.6% of patients, respectively. RP-EBUS-TBLB without fluoroscopic guidance is a viable diagnostic approach for GGO pulmonary lesions with acceptable complications.
A Cable-Driven Robotic Platform to Modulate and Study Head-Neck Movements
Authors: Bales Ian , Zhang Haohan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper introduces a novel cable-driven robotic platform to assist with and train head-neck movements. Poor postural control of the head-neck can be a debilitating symptom of neurological disorders like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and cerebral palsy. Current treatments using static neck collars are inadequate and there is a need to develop new devices to empower movements and facilitate physical rehabilitation of the head-neck. Existing exoskeletons using rigid linkages are limited by their restrictive structure. By contrast, the cable-driven robot presented in this paper does not constrain motion and allows for wide-range, six degrees-of-freedom control of the head-neck. We present the mechatronic design and control implementations of this robot, as well as a user study to demonstrate its feasibility to assist with head-neck motion and apply a resistive moment on the head using a target reaching task. Our results show that neck muscle activation increased by 19% when moving the head against a resistive force field and decreased by 28-43% when assisted by the robot in two different assistive control modes. Overall, these results provide a scientific justification for future design and control optimizations to enable movement and studies to identify personalized rehabilitation for motor training.
Spatial and Temporal Changes of Aridity in Argentina and its Relationship with Some Oceanic-Atmospheric Teleconnection Patterns
Authors: Blanco Pedro S. , Doyle Moira E. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

This paper analyzes spatial and temporal changes of aridity in Argentina (1961–2018). The aridity degree, using CRU monthly data, was defined through six climate types classified by De Martonne Aridity Index (DMI). Argentina presents a very arid, arid and semiarid region that extends from Puna to Patagonia, alongside two humid and very humid regions: one located in the Chaco-Pampas Plains and Mesopotamia, and another in the Patagonian Andes. Between these regions, there are subhumid areas with marked aridity variations. These structures persist over time, but in their bordering areas advances or setbacks were observed, with major changes in the Andes (more arid conditions) and Buenos Aires southwest (more humid conditions) during the historical period. The contribution of temperature and precipitation changes to these DMI changes was quantified, indicating that precipitation modulated the DMI spatial changes, while temperature intensified or weakened the magnitudes of these changes. The extension variations of the arid and semiarid regions in Argentina were related to three climate variability modes (El Niño – Southern Oscillation [ENSO], Pacific Decadal Oscillation [PDO] and South Atlantic Ocean Dipole [SAOD]). Significant correlations were found with PDO (r < 0) and SAOD (r > 0), which indicate that an increase in the area occupied by arid and semiarid climates are associated with PDO negative phase or SAOD positive phase. Moreover, when these phases occur simultaneously, the expansion of arid and semiarid regions is larger than under the action of an individual forcing.
Systemic Inflammation and Acute Kidney Injury After Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Mannion John D , Rather Assar , Fisher Adrianne , Gardner Kelly , Ghanem Nesreen , Dirocco Sheila , Siegelman Gary 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The relative importance of systemic inflammation among other causes of acute kidney injury (AKI) was investigated in this retrospective review.
The WBC on the first postoperative day (POD # 1 WBC) and the derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were used as measures of inflammation in 1224 consecutive patients undergoing colon procedures. AKI was determined using the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria and AKI-related complications were documented. Patients without preoperative infection (aseptic population) and the entire population (total population) were examined.
AKI occurred in 24.6% of the total population and correlated with complications: postoperative infections (P = 0.016), chronic renal insufficiency (CRI, P < 0.0001), non-infectious complications (P = 0.010), 30-day readmissions (P = 0.001), and length of stay (LOS, P < 0.0001).
For the total population, there was a link between inflammation (POD # 1 WBC) and AKI (P = 0.0001), on univariate regression. Medications with anti-inflammatory properties reduced AKI: ketorolac (P = 0.047) and steroids (P = 0.038). Similarly, in an aseptic population, inflammation (POD # 1 NLR) contributed significantly to AKI (P = 0.000). On multivariable analysis, the POD #1 WBC and NLR, were independently associated with AKI (P = 0.000, P = 0.022).
Inflammation, in the total or aseptic populations, was a predictor of complications: postoperative infections (P =0.002, P = 0.008), in-hospital complications (P = 0.000, P = 0.002), 30-Day readmissions (P = 0.012, P = 0.371), and LOS (P <0.0001, P = 0.006).
Systemic inflammation, whether septic or aseptic, is an important cause of AKI and complications.
Two-sample Mendelian randomization to study the causal relationship between hyperthyroidism and intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Yang Shengqi , Guo ji , Zhai Weifeng , Xie Yue , Jia Yongwei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objective
The primary aim of this study was to meticulously investigate the potential causal relationship between hyperthyroidism and intervertebral disc degeneration(IDD) through the application of a two-sample Mendelian randomization approach.
Methods
A thorough analysis was conducted, leveraging information on 9,851,867 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with disc degeneration and 958,783,836 SNPs associated with hyperthyroidism, meticulously collected from pooled gene-wide association study (GWAS) data. Notably, the GWAS pooled data for hyperthyroidism and disc degeneration originated from European populations, with a robust dataset of 484,598 samples for hyperthyroidism and 463,010 samples for disc degeneration. With disc degeneration as the outcome variable and hyperthyroidism as the exposure factor, instrumental variables closely linked to hyperthyroidism were scrupulously identified as single nucleotide polymorphisms. Subsequently, a rigorous two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was executed, employing three distinct methodologies: inverse variance weighting, MR-Egger regression, and the weighted median method. These methodologies were specifically chosen to comprehensively evaluate the causal relationship between hyperthyroidism and the risk of intervertebral disc degeneration, quantified by odds ratio (OR) values.
Results
The inclusion of 19 single nucleotide polymorphisms as instrumental variables yielded robust outcomes. MR-Egger regression analysis revealed an absence of horizontal pleiotropy of genes (P = 0.910). Furthermore, the results from the inverse variance weighting method indicated that an escalated prevalence of hyperthyroidism was notably associated with an increased risk of intervertebral disc degeneration. Specifically, a significant 10% rise in the risk of intervertebral disc degeneration was observed for each standard deviation increase in log-transformed hyperthyroidism (OR = 1.1, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.18).
Conclusion
In summation, these comprehensive findings strongly suggest the existence of a potential causal association between hyperthyroidism and the progressive development of intervertebral disc degeneration. This nuanced exploration contributes significantly to our understanding of the interplay between hyperthyroidism and disc degeneration and holds implications for future research and clinical considerations.
Heart rate variability parameters and youth depression: Exploring the role of the high-frequency band
Authors: Zhong Yiwen , Lai Chengcai , Shen Baoying , Li Bowei , Shen Ying , Xi Juzhe , Gao Yue , Fan Xiwang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
We try to explore the association between depression symptoms and HRV parameters in youth, due to the Heart rate variability (HRV) has emerged as a potential physiological indicator for depression.
Methods
A total of 118 participants diagnosis with MDD and a healthy control group were recruited. HRV measurements were recorded using the Bodychecker, and an animal experiment was conducted to validate the clinical findings.
Results
Our results showed a significant association between youth depression symptoms and the high-frequency (HF) band of HRV in both clinical and animal data.
Conclusion
These findings suggested the potential of the HF band as a screening tool for youth depression.
Piriformospora indica promotes plant growth, reduces lodging, and enhances seed yield and quality in onion (Allium cepa L.)
Authors: YALAMALLE VISHWANATH ROHIDAS , DINESH ITHAPE , GAWANDE SURESH JANARDHAN , KHANDAGALE KIRAN 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of P. indica in onion seed crop. Among the various bioagents, P. indica was the best treatment. P. indica treatment resulted in reduced lodging, improved seed yield, and enhanced seed quality. Onion seed crop is pollinated by insects, primarily by honeybees, which are highly susceptible to pesticide applications. Therefore, onion seed bulb treatment with P. indica can be an essential component of integrated crop management in onion seed production.
The Effect of Metaverse on L2 Vocabulary Learning, Retention, Student Engagement, Presence, and Community Feeling
Authors: Celik Ferdi , Baturay Meltem Huri 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This research explores the potential of Metaverse-Based Language Teaching by testing it on a second language vocabulary lesson with a social constructivist approach on high school students. The study investigates the multifaceted impacts of it on vocabulary learning and retention, engagement, community feeling, and diverse dimensions of presence, namely social, cognitive, teaching, and overall presence. Adopting a quasi-experimental design, the study provides an in-depth controlled trial. The participants in this study consisted of 86 (43 male, 43 female) high school second language students, which are assigned to two groups: the control group, following a traditional teaching method, and the experimental group, engaged with a metaverse-based, social constructivist learning environment. Pre- and post-tests are employed to quantitatively assess vocabulary learning and retention and reveal substantial improvements in both areas. A series of carefully selected psychometric scales capture core aspects of engagement, community feeling, and presence. The findings reveal increased levels of engagement and a sense of presence, and connectedness within the language learning community, which confirms the efficacy of the MBLT. However, the improvement in social presence does not reach statistical significance. Cumulatively, the findings of this research transcend mere quantifiable improvements in vocabulary acquisition and retention. They reveal a holistic transformation of the language learning experience by emphasizing the significance of social interactions and digital embodiment in high school second language education through metaverse. The research highlights the metaverse's potential in shaping the future of language education, reimagining traditional paradigms, and proposing a new era of immersive, interactive, and transformative pedagogy.
Development and validation of a predictive model for secondary vertebral compression fractures based on paravertebral muscles
Authors: Tang Ming , Zhang Guangdong , Zeng Fanyi , Chang Xindong , Fang Qingqing , He Mingfei , Yin Shiwu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Purpose
Develop a predictive model for secondary vertebral compression fractures (SVCF) following percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) or percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) patients.
Methods
Retrospective analysis of 229 OVCF patients treated with PVP or PKP from September 2020 to September 2021. SVCF occurrence within 2 years postoperatively categorized patients into training (n = 114) and validation (n = 115) sets. Model 1 and Model 2 were constructed using Lasso regression and random forest analysis. Model comparison involved the area under curve (AUC), calibration, decision curve analysis (DCA), and Akaike information criterion (AIC). Internal validation used 1000 Bootstrap iterations with tenfold cross-validation. Results presented through a Nomogram on a web platform.
Results
Among 229 PVP/PKP-treated OVCF patients, 40 (17.47%) experienced SVCF. Model 1 outperformed Model 2 in AUC, calibration, DCA, and AIC, making it the selected predictive model. Logistic regression identified surgery type, duration, spinal CT value, and erector spinae muscles' standardized functional cross-sectional area as predictors. Model 1 demonstrated AUC of 0.847 (95% CI 0.749–0.945) in training and 0.805 (95% CI 0.693–0.917) in validation. At a Youden index of 0.62, sensitivity and specificity were 0.74 and 0.88, respectively. Internal validation for the training set: accuracy 0.839, kappa coefficient 0.228, AUC 0.813. Hosmer-Lemeshow tests indicated good discriminative ability for Model 1 in both sets. Clinical decision curves and Nomogram accessible at https://sofarnomogram.shinyapps.io/DynNomapp/.
Conclusion
This predictive model, demonstrating favorable accuracy, effectively assesses SVCF risk in post-PVP/PKP OVCF patients in clinical practice.