bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coupling UAV and satellite data for tree species identification to map the distribution of Caspian poplar
Authors: Miraki Mojdeh , Sohrabi Hormoz , Fatehi Parviz , Kneubuehler Mathias 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Context
Mapping the distribution of species, especially those that are endemic and endangered like certain tree species, is a vital step in the effective planning and execution of conservation programs and monitoring efforts. This task gains even more significance as it directly contributes to forest conservation by highlighting the importance of species diversity.

Objectives
Our study objective was to assess the detection accuracy of a specific tree using different remote sensing sources and approaches.

Methods
Initially, individual trees were identified and classified using a canopy height model derived from UAV data. Next, we carried out the classification of satellite data within the Google Earth Engine. Lastly, we scaled the UAV-RGB dataset to match the spatial resolution of Sentinel-2, which was then employed to train random forest models using the multispectral data from Sentinel-2.

Results
For the UAV data, we achieved overall accuracies of 56% for automatically delineated tree crowns and 83% for manually delineated ones. Regarding the second approach using Sentinel-2 data, the classification in the Noor forest yielded an overall accuracy of 74% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.57, while in the Safrabasteh forest, the accuracy was 80% with a Kappa of 0.61. In the third approach, our findings indicate an improvement compared to the second approach, with the overall accuracy and Kappa coefficient of the classification rising to 82% and 0.68, respectively.

Conclusions
In this study, it was found that according to the purpose and available facilities, satellite and UAV data can be successfully used to identify a specific tree species.
Exogenous Substrates Prevent the Decline in the Cellular ATP Content of Primary Rat Astrocytes During Glucose Deprivation
Authors: Harders Antonia Regina , Spellerberg Paul , Dringen Ralf 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBrain astrocytes are well known for their broad metabolic potential. After glucose deprivation, cultured primary astrocytes maintain a high cellular ATP content for many hours by mobilizing endogenous substrates, but within 24 h the specific cellular ATP content was lowered to around 30% of the initial ATP content. This experimental setting was used to test for the potential of various exogenous substrates to prevent a loss in cellular ATP in glucose deprived astrocytes. The presence of various extracellular monocarboxylates, purine nucleosides or fatty acids prevented the loss of ATP from glucose-deprived astrocytes. Of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids, only alanine, aspartate, glutamate, glutamine, lysine or proline maintained high ATP levels in starved astrocytes. Among these amino acids, proline was found to be the most potent one to prevent the ATP loss. The astrocytic consumption of proline as well as the ability of proline to maintain a high cellular ATP content was prevented in a concentration-dependent manner by the proline dehydrogenase inhibitor tetrahydro-2-furoic acid. Analysis of the concentration-dependencies obtained by considering the different carbon content of the applied substrates revealed that fatty acids and proline are more potent than glucose and monocarboxylates as exogenous substrates to prevent ATP depletion in glucose-deprived astrocytes. These data demonstrate that cultured astrocytes can utilise a wide range of extracellular substrates as fuels to support mitochondrial ATP regeneration and identify proline as potent exogenous substrate for the energy metabolism of starved astrocytes.
Synthesis of Nano-silica Oxide for Heavy Metal Decontamination from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Meky Naira , Salama Eslam , Soliman Mohamed F. , Naeem Soheair G. , Ossman Mona , Elsayed Mahmoud 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the current study, nano-silica oxide (nano-SiO2) was fabricated via the sol-gel technique. Then, the prepared nano-SiO2 was characterized using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface area analysis. Furthermore, the fabricated nano-SiO2 was applied for the adsorption of lead Pb (II) and chromium Cr (VI) from aqueous solutions. Additionally, the influence of different operating factors such as contact time (0–180 min), initial pH (1–11), nano-SiO2 dose (0.1–8 g L−1), initial metal ion concentration (5–100 mg L−1), and the temperature (30–85 °C) was investigated. The nano-SiO2 doses of 0.5 and 1 g L−1 were selected as the optimal adsorbent dose for the removal of Pb (II) and Cr (VI), respectively. These doses achieved a removal efficiency of 82.3% and 78.5% for Pb (II) and Cr (VI), after 60 and 90 min, at initial pH values of 5 and 2, respectively, using 10 mg L−1 initial metal concentration, and at room temperature. Lastly, kinetic and equilibrium studies were competently fitted using the pseudo-second-order and Freundlich models, respectively. Adsorption thermodynamic studies designate the spontaneous and thermodynamic nature of the adsorption process. These results reveal the efficiency of the fabricated nano-SiO2 as an adsorbent for heavy metal removal from aqueous solutions.
Graphical Abstract
Effective RhB Dye Removal Using Sustainable Natural Bioadsorbents Synthesized from Avocado Seed and Skin
Authors: Orozco Sayra , Montiel Esteban , Valencia Jaime Espino , González Roberto Guerra , del Carmen Chávez Parga María , Cortés José Apolinar , Rivero Michel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractManaging waste generated by the food industry is a pressing environmental challenge, and traditional disposal methods such as landfilling or incineration are no longer viable solutions. However, by recovering and valorizing waste in wastewater treatment, we can address the waste management issue and the energy-intensive nature of conventional treatment methods with processes compatible with renewable energy technologies. In this work, avocado skin and seed are valorized for their application in removing Rhodamine B (RhB) dye. Avocado skin (ASk) and seed (ASe) were recovered and recycled separately to develop natural bioadsorbents. Biomaterials were characterized by XRD, XPS, ICP-MS, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, TGA, N2 adsorption/desorption, and SEM. The ASk and ASe bioadsorbents were employed to remove RhB at four experimental conditions: pH, RhB concentration, bioadsorbent concentration, and temperature. RhB removal was followed by UV–Vis spectroscopy. The results show that at pH 3, the highest percentages of dye removal are achieved, using ASk and ASe, with 88 and 92% removal, respectively. ASe bioadsorbent is more effective for removing RhB dye, reaching 92% after 4 h of contact with 2 g L−1 of bioadsorbent and at 30 °C. Experimental results better fit a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir adsorption model, with maximum adsorption capacities of 13.1240 and 17.9998 mg g−1 for ASk and ASe, respectively. The results show that natural bioadsorbents are suitable options for environmental remediation.
Body CT examinations in oncologic patients: the impact of subspecialty radiology on radiation exposure in the clinical practice. A quality care study
Authors: Rizzo Stefania , Bellesi Luca , D’Ermo Andrea , Bonomo Luca , D’Ecclesiis Oriana , Magoga Francesco , Presilla Stefano , Spanò Arturo , Minzolini Veronica , Lo Piccolo Francesca , Heinkel Jurgen , Rezzonico Ermidio , Del Grande Maria , Merli Matteo , Del Grande Filippo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purposes
The primary objective of this retrospective study was to assess whether the CT dose delivered to oncologic patients was different in a subspecialty radiology department, compared to a general radiology department. The secondary explorative objective was to assess whether the objective image quality of CT examinations was different in the two settings.

Materials and methods
Chest and abdomen CT scans performed for oncologic indications were selected from a general radiology department and a subspecialty radiology department. By using a radiation dose management platform, we extracted and compared CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose length product (DLP) both for each phase and for the entire CT exams. For objective image quality evaluation, we calculated the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) at the level of the liver and of the aorta. A P-value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results
A total of 7098 CT examinations were included. CTDIvol was evaluated in 12,804 phases; DLP in 10,713 phases and in 6714 examinations. The CTDIvol and DLP overall were significantly lower in the subspecialty radiology department compared to the general radiology department CTDI median (IQR) 5.19 (3.91–7.00) and 5.51 (4.17–7.72), DLP median and IQR of 490.0 (342.4–710.6) and 503.4 (359.9–728.8), p < 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively. The objective image quality showed no significant difference in the general and subspecialty radiology departments, with median and IQR of 4.03 (2.82–5.51) and 3.84 (3.09–4.94) for SNRLiv (p = 0.58); 4.81 (2.70–7.62) and 4.34 (3.05–6.25) for SNRAo (p = 0.30); 0.83 (0.20–1.89) and 1.00 (0.35–1.57) for CNRLiv (p = 0.99); 2.23 (0.09–3.83) and 1.01 (0.15–2.84) for CNRAo (p = 0.24) with SNRLiv (p = 0.58), SNRAo (p = 0.30), CNRLiv (p = 0.99) and CNRAo (p = 0.24).

Conclusion
In a subspecialty radiology department, CT protocols are optimized compared to a general radiology department leading to lower doses to oncologic patients without significant objective image quality degradation.
Renal function-adapted D-dimer cutoffs in combination with a clinical prediction rule to exclude pulmonary embolism in patients presenting to the emergency department
Authors: Flueckiger Simon , Ravioli Svenja , Buitrago-Tellez Carlos , Haidinger Michael , Lindner Gregor 
Published: February 2024

AbstractD-dimer levels significantly increase with declining renal function and hence, renal function-adjusted D-dimer cutoffs to rule out pulmonary embolism were suggested. Aim of this study was to "post hoc" validate previously defined renal function-adjusted D-dimer levels to safely rule out pulmonary embolism in patients presenting to the emergency department. In this retrospective, observational analysis, all patients with low to intermediate pre-test probability receiving D-dimer measurement and computed tomography angiography (CTA) to rule out pulmonary embolism between January 2017 and December 2020 were included. Previously defined renal function-adjusted D-dimer cutoffs (1306 µg/l for moderate and 1663 µg/l for severe renal function impairment) were applied to determine sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values. One thousand, three hundred sixty-nine patients were included of which 229 (17%) were diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was ≥ 60 ml/min in 1079 (79%), 30–59 ml/min in 266 (19%) and < 30 ml/min in 24 (2%) patients. Only three patients (1.1%) with an eGFR < 60 ml/min had a D-dimer level < 500 µg/l. There was a significant correlation between D-dimer and eGFR (R = − 0.159, p < 0.001). Calculated on the standard D-dimer cutoff value of 500 µg/l, sensitivity of D-dimer testing was 97% for patients with an eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min and 100% for those with 30–60 ml/min, while specificity decreased in patients with renal function impairment. A negative predictive value of 0.99 as a premise to safely rule out pulmonary embolism was achieved by applying a D-dimer cutoff of 1480 µg/l for eGFR 30–59 ml/min and 1351 µg/l for eGFR < 30 ml/min. The findings of this study underline that application of renal function-adapted D-dimer levels in combination with a clinical prediction rule appears feasible to rule out pulmonary embolism. Out of the current dataset, renal function-adjusted D-dimer cutoffs to rule out pulmonary embolism were slightly different compared to previously defined cutoffs. Further studies on a larger scale are needed to validate possible renal function-adjusted D-dimer cutoffs.
Comparison of simple augmentation transformations for a convolutional neural network classifying medical images
Authors: Rainio Oona , Klén Riku 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSimple image augmentation techniques, such as reflection, rotation, or translation, might work differently for medical images than they do for regular photographs due to the fundamental properties of medical imaging techniques and the bilateral symmetry of the human body. Here, we compare the predictions of a convolutional neural network (CNN) trained for binary classification by using either no augmentation or one of seven usual types augmentation. We have 11 different medical data sets, mostly related to lung infections or cancer, with X-rays, ultrasound (US) images, and images from positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). According to our results, the augmentation types do not produce statistically significant differences for US and PET data sets, but, for X-rays and MRI images, the best augmentation technique is adding Gaussian blur to images.
Preclinical magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy in the fields of radiological technology, medical physics, and radiology
Authors: Saito Shigeyoshi , Ueda Junpei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an indispensable diagnostic imaging technique used in the clinical setting. MRI is advantageous over X-ray and computed tomography (CT), because the contrast provided depends on differences in the density of various organ tissues. In addition to MRI systems in hospitals, more than 100 systems are used for research purposes in Japan in various fields, including basic scientific research, molecular and clinical investigations, and life science research, such as drug discovery, veterinary medicine, and food testing. For many years, additional preclinical imaging studies have been conducted in basic research in the fields of radiation technology, medical physics, and radiology. The preclinical MRI research includes studies using small-bore and whole-body MRI systems. In this review, we focus on the animal study using small-bore MRI systems as “preclinical MRI”. The preclinical MRI can be used to elucidate the pathophysiology of diseases and for translational research. This review will provide an overview of previous preclinical MRI studies such as brain, heart, and liver disease assessments. Also, we provide an overview of the utility of preclinical MRI studies in radiological physics and technology.
Use of pus metagenomic next-generation sequencing for efficient identification of pathogens in patients with sepsis
Authors: Chen Zhendong , Ye Tingting , He Yuxi , Pan Aijun , Mei Qing 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe positive detection rate of blood metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) was still too low to meet clinical needs, while pus from the site of primary infection may be advantageous for identification of pathogens. To assess the value of mNGS using pus in patients with sepsis, thirty-five samples were collected. Pathogen identification and mixed infection diagnosis obtained by use of mNGS or cultivation methods were compared. Fifty-three aerobic or facultative anaerobes, 59 obligate anaerobes and 7 fungi were identified by the two methods. mNGS increased the accuracy rate of diagnosing aerobic or facultative anaerobic infections from 44.4% to 94.4%; mNGS also increased the sensitivity of diagnosing obligate anaerobic infections from 52.9% to 100.0%; however, mNGS did not show any advantage in terms of fungal infections. Culture and mNGS identified 1 and 24 patients with mixed infection, respectively. For obligate anaerobes, source of microorganisms was analyzed. The odontogenic bacteria all caused empyema (n = 7) or skin and soft tissue infections (n = 5), whereas the gut-derived microbes all caused intra-abdominal infections (n = 7). We also compared the clinical characteristics of non-obligate anaerobic and obligate anaerobic infection groups. The SOFA score [9.0 (7.5, 14.3) vs. 5.0 (3.0, 8.0), P = 0.005], procalcitonin value [4.7 (1.8, 39.9) vs. 2.50 (0.7, 8.0), P = 0.035], the proportion of septic shock (66.7% vs. 35.3%, P = 0.044) and acute liver injury (66.7% vs. 23.5%, P = 0.018) in the non-obligate anaerobic infection group were significantly higher than those in the obligate anaerobic infection group. In patients with sepsis caused by purulent infection, mNGS using pus from the primary lesion may yield more valuable microbiological information.
Virus removal by high-efficiency air (HEPA) filters and filtration capacity enhancement by nanotextiles: a pilot study
Authors: Obitková Daniela , Mráz Milan , Pavlík Emil 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPortable household air purifiers are widely used devices designed to maintain a high-quality level of indoor air. Portable air purifiers equipped with the high-efficiency air (HEPA) filter served 100 h in a household space occupied by two adults without any symptoms of respiratory tract infection. The main objective of the study was to determine microbial contamination on the HEPA filter and to investigate if the selected nanotextile monolayer made of polyamide 6 (PA6) nanofibers can capture potential microorganisms when installed downstream of the HEPA filter as the final filtration medium. Samples were taken from the inlet and outlet surfaces. Samples from the nanotextile were collected in the same manner as from the HEPA filter. QIAStat DX® 1.0 Analyzer using the Respiratory SARS CoV-2 Panel multiplex PCR detection system was selected for microorganism detection. Adenovirus was detected on the inlet surface of the HEPA filter. The outlet surface of the filter contained no viruses included in the Respiratory SARS CoV-2 Panel portfolio. The nanotextile monolayer was replaced twice during the 100 h of operation, so three pieces were used and all contained coronavirus 229 E. Coronavirus 229 E was then detected in the nasopharynx of one of the members of the household as well. It may be assumed that the selected nanotextile is capable of capturing a virus of a small size.
A novel prognostic model of breast cancer based on cuproptosis-related lncRNAs
Authors: Li Feixiang , Yang Yongyan , Zhang Xuan , Yu Jiafeng , Yu Yonghao 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective
Breast cancer (BC) is a deadly form of malignancy responsible for the death of a large number of women every year. Cuproptosis is a newly discovered form of cell death that may have implications for the prognosis of BC. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to be involved in the progression and development of BC. Here within, a novel model capable of predicting the prognosis of patients with BC was established based on cuproptosis-related lncRNAs.

Methods
Data of breast cancer patients was downloaded, including clinical information from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and lncRNAs related to cuproptosis were isolated. In total, nine lncRNAs related to copper death were obtained by Cox regression model based on Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selector Operation (LASSO) algorithm for model construction. The model was verified by overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The differences in immune function, tumor mutation burden (TMB) and tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) between patients with different risk scores were analyzed.

Results
Based on cuproptosis-related lncRNAs, a prognostic model for predicting BC was constructed. Each patient was assigned a risk score based on our model formula. We found that patients with higher risk scores had significantly lower OS and PFS, increased TMB, and higher sensitivity to immunotherapy.

Conclusions
The model established in this study based on cuproptosis-related lncRNAs may be capable of improving the OS of patients with BC.
Earth Observation data, innovation and economic performance: a study of the downstream sector in Italy
Authors: Lupi Veronica , Morretta Valentina , Zirulia Lorenzo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe increasing availability of external data in the realm of big data significantly impacts the operations and performance of businesses. In this study, we focus on Earth Observation (EO) technology, which supplies an extensive range of data related to Earth's chemical, biological, physical, and societal aspects. Our primary goal is to understand how the utilisation of EO data affects companies operating in the downstream sector. These enterprises possess the expertise and capabilities to extract valuable insights and information from EO data. We use a rich and innovative dataset representing 74% of the Italian EO downstream sector. The results show that EO data have heterogeneous impacts across downstream firms. Economic performance and innovation are positively correlated only for a subset of firms, especially the ones in the northern regions. Firms in the centre of Italy exploit the spillover of being close to large space infrastructures, but their performance in economic and innovation terms is mixed. The sub-sample in the South of Italy innovates due to EO but performs poorly economically. We discuss the determinants of such discrepancies and suggest policy and managerial implications for the industry's future development.
Evaluation of immune microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma: current advances in CT and MRI imaging techniques
Authors: Chenyu Song , Chunxiang Zhou , Lujie Li , Mimi Tang , Jifei Wang , Shi-Ting Feng , Zhi Dong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide with a high mortality. Tumor immune microenvironment (TIM) plays an important role in the progress of tumorigenesis, progression, and anti-tumor therapy of HCC. The advent of immunotherapy agents has provided new opportunities and options for HCC patients. The immunotherapeutic efficacy is closely associated with the TIM status of HCC patients, which currently relies on postoperative pathological examination. Preoperative non-invasive evaluation of TIM is of great clinical significance in guiding treatment strategies and predicting the response to immunotherapy. This article summarizes the recent research progress in CT and MRI-based imaging techniques for the preoperative non-invasive assessment of TIM in HCC patients.
Burning questions for fire blight research: I. Genomics and evolution of Erwinia amylovora and analyses of host-pathogen interactions
Authors: Rezzonico Fabio , Emeriewen Ofere Francis , Zeng Quan , Peil Andreas , Smits Theo H.M. , Sundin George W. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFire blight, caused by the bacterial pathogen Erwinia amylovora, continues to be a devastating disease affecting commercial apple and pear plantings in almost all areas of the world, with recent incursions into Korea and China. During the past two decades, significant gains in knowledge of E. amylovora and fire blight disease have been achieved, in topic areas such as genetic and genomic diversity, host-pathogen interactions, host resistance, and disease management. As we look forward to the next two decades and beyond of fire blight research, we summarize the current research knowledge in topics focused on E. amylovora pathogen and population biology and propose research questions that we hope can guide the field forward to gain the necessary understanding that will lead to sustainable management of this disease.