bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mineralogical compositions of soils under three geological formations in some parts of Ogun state, Nigeria and their agricultural potentials
Authors: Adekiya Aruna Olasekan , Ajayi Grace Atinuke , Adegbite Kehinde Abodunde , Imhanze Faith Luciana , Lekoo Ibaba Ayibanoa 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Understanding soil mineralogical composition provides insight into the agricultural behaviour of soils, pedogenesis and their response to environmental conditions and management. Examination of the mineral compositions and diversities of soils developed over the Basement complex rock, Coastal plain sands and Ewekoro formations were carried out. Using X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Petrography, the mineral contents and their relative abundance, elemental compositions and morphologies of the fine sand, coarse silt and clay fractions of the soils at different topographic positions were identified, described and compared. Results obtained from XRD and SEM analyses exhibited similarities. The presence of mixed-layer illite, mica, kaolinite, quartz, hematite, anatase, goethite, and chlorite at varying degrees was observed in the pedons developed on these geological formations, although kaolinite and quartz dominated the soil matrix. The mineralogical complexity of the pedons followed the order of basement complex > coastal plain sand > Ewekoro formation. Profiles developed on the Ewekoro formation exhibited the highest degree of weathering, as evidenced by their chemical properties and mineralogical compositions. The petrographic evaluation of the three geological formations revealed that all pedons were rich in quartz and exhibited varying degrees of mineral complexity and maturation. The overlapping and distinct characteristics among the geologies indicated different stages of weathering. The petrographic analysis further confirmed that profiles from the Ewekoro formation were the most weathered. The use of such soils for agriculture would necessitate significant investments in agro-inputs and sound principles of soil management through integrated soil fertility management.
Avoiding lateral mode leakage in thin film lithium niobate waveguides for the generation of spectrally pure photons at telecom wavelengths
Authors: Arora Muskan , Chokkara Pranav , Lugani Jasleen 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Photonic integrated optical components, notably straight waveguides, serve as pivotal elements for on-chip generation and manipulation of quantum states of light. In this work, we focus on optimizing waveguides based on lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) to generate photon pairs at telecom wavelength using spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC). Specifically, we investigate lateral leakage for all possible SPDC processes involving type 0, type I and type II phase matching conditions in an X-cut lithium niobate waveguide and provide a recipe to avoid leakage loss for the interacting photons. Furthermore, focusing on type II phase matching, we engineer the waveguide in the single mode regime such that it also satisfies group index matching for generating spectrally pure single photons with high purity (99.33\%). We also address fabrication imperfections of the optimized design and found that the spectral purity of the generated photons is robust to fabrication errors. This work serves as a tutorial for the appropriate selection of morphological parameters to obtain lossless, single mode LNOI waveguides for building linear optical circuits and photon pair generation at telecom wavelengths using desired phase-matching conditions.
Global abundance patterns, diversity, and ecology of Patescibacteria in wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Hu Huifeng , Kristensen Jannie Munk , Herbold Craig William , Pjevac Petra , Kitzinger Katharina , Hausmann Bela , Dueholm Morten Kam Dahl , Nielsen Per Halkjaer , Wagner Michael 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Microorganisms are responsible for nutrient removal and resource recovery in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), and their diversity is often studied by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. However, this approach underestimates the abundance and diversity of Patescibacteria due to the low coverage of commonly used PCR primers for this highly divergent bacterial phylum. Therefore, our current understanding of the global diversity, distribution, and ecological role of Patescibacteria in WWTPs is very incomplete. This is particularly relevant as Patescibacteria are considered to be associated with microbial host cells and can therefore influence the abundance and temporal variability of other microbial groups that are important for WWTP functioning.
Results
Here, we evaluated the in silico coverage of widely used 16S rRNA gene-targeted primer pairs and redesigned a primer pair targeting the V4 region of bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA genes to expand its coverage for Patescibacteria. We then experimentally evaluated and compared the performance of the original and modified V4-targeted primers on 565 WWTP samples from the MiDAS global sample collection. Using the modified primer pair, the percentage of ASVs classified as Patescibacteria increased from 5.9–23.8%, and the number of detected patescibacterial genera increased from 560 to 1,576, while the detected diversity of the remaining microbial community remained similar. Due to this significantly improved coverage of Patescibacteria, we identified 23 core genera of Patescibacteria in WWTPs and described the global distribution pattern of these unusual microbes in these systems. Finally, correlation network analysis revealed potential host organisms that might be associated with Patescibacteria in WWTPs. Interestingly, strong indications were found for an association between Patescibacteria of the Saccharimonadia and globally abundant polyphosphate-accumulating organisms of the genus Ca. Phosporibacter.
Conclusions
Our study (i) provides an improved 16S rRNA gene V4 region-targeted amplicon primer pair inclusive of Patescibacteria with little impact on the detection of other taxa, (ii) reveals the diversity and distribution patterns of Patescibacteria in WWTPs on a global scale, and (iii) provides new insights into the ecological role and potential hosts of Patescibacteria in WWTPs.
Evaluating the Effect of Injection Protocols on Intrathecal Solute Dispersion in Non-Human Primates: An In Vitro Study Using a Cynomolgus Cerebrospinal Fluid System
Authors: Burla Goutham Kumar Reddy , Shresth Dev , Bowen Mayumi , Horvath Joshua , Martin Bryn A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background: Achieving effective drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) remains a challenge for treating neurological disorders. Intrathecal (IT) delivery, which involves direct injection into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), presents a promising strategy. Large animal studies are important to assess the safety and efficacy of most drugs and treatments and translate the data to humans. An understanding of the influence of IT injection parameters on solute distribution within the CNS is essential to optimize preclinical research, which would potentially help design human clinical studies.
Methods: An anatomically realistic 3D in vitro non-human primate (NHP) cynomolgus monkey model, based on MRI data, was used to evaluate the impact of lumbar injection parameters on intrathecal solute dispersion. The parameters evaluated were (a) injection location, (b) bolus volume, (c) flush volume, (d) bolus rate, and (e) flush rate. To simulate the CSF flow within the subarachnoid space (SAS), an idealized CSF flow waveform with both cardiac and respiratory-induced components was input into the model. A solution of fluorescein drug surrogate tracer was administered in the lumbar region of the 3D in vitro model filled with deionized water. After injection of the tracer, the CSF system wide-solute dispersion was imaged using high-resolution cameras every thirty seconds for a duration of three hours. To ensure repeatability each injection protocol was repeated three times. For each protocol, the average spatial-temporal distribution over three hours post-injection, the area under the curve (AUC), and the percent injected dose (%ID) to extra-axial CSF (eaCSF) at three hours were determined.
Results: The changes to the lumbar injection parameters led to variations in solute distribution along the neuro-axis. Specifically, injection location showed the most impact, enhancing the delivery to the eaCSF up to +10.5 %ID (p=0.0282) at three hours post-injection. Adding a post-injection flush increased the solute delivery to the eaCSF by +6.5 %ID (p=0.0218), while the larger bolus volume resulted in a +2.3 %ID (p=0.1910) increase. The bolus and flush rates analyzed had minimal, statistically non-significant effects.
Conclusion: These results predict the effects of lumbar injection parameters on solute distribution in the intrathecal space in NHPs. Specifically, the choice of injection location, flush, and bolus volume significantly improved solute delivery to eaCSF. The in vitro NHP CSF model and results offer a system to help predict and optimize IT delivery protocols for pre-clinical NHP studies.
Development of Double Flare Angle bowtie slot Antenna for Multichroic CMB Polarization Detectors
Authors: Pham Viet Dung , Hu Jie , Prêle Damien , Piat Michel 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Lens antenna-coupled detectors have emerged as a prominent technology for future millimeter-wave astronomy, particularly in observing Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) B-Mode. Given this context, we reconfigured the conventional broadband bowtie slot antenna into a double flare angle design, targeting CMB emission wavelengths centered at 150 and 220 GHz. This antenna exhibits a return loss S11 < −10 dB over more than an octave 100 - 300 GHz and delivers a bandwidth exceeding 20% for the two targeted sub-bands. When integrated with a dielectric lens, it retains effective linear polarization sensitivity, with cross-polarization below -15 dB at both sub-bands. Incorporating on-chip bandpass filters enables the separation of the antenna’s signals to microwave kinetic inductance detectors (MKIDs), constructing a compact, polarization-selective, multichroic pixel.
Radiomics-Based Machine Learning in Differentiation Between Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma And Solitary Brain Metastasis
Authors: Xia Xueming , Du Wei , Qiu Jiajun , Tan Qiaoyue , Gou Qiheng 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose:
Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and solitary brain metastasis (SBM) are common malignant brain tumors. Due to distinct treatment approaches, accurately distinguishing between them preoperatively is crucial. However, conventional MRI techniques often face challenges in differentiating them due to their similar imaging appearances. This study aimed to develop and validate radiomics-derived nomogram models for distinguishing PCNSL from SBM based on conventional MRI.
Methods:
In this retrospective study, 324 patients diagnosed with either PCNSL (115 patients) or SBM (209 patients) from January 2011 to May 2021 were included. Conventional MRI data were processed to extract a comprehensive set of 1561 radiomics features. A two-step feature selection using LASSO regression narrowed down significant features. Twenty classification algorithms were applied to create predictive models, which were validated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.
Results
A total of 23 features were shortlisted by LASSO regression. Among the twenty classifiers evaluated, many displayed AUCs greater than 0.9 in both 10-fold cross-validation and independent testing. The SVMRBF classifier, in particular, showcased the highest AUC of 0.9310 in the independent test, followed closely by the RF, ANN, ELDA, and others.
Conclusion
Radiomics-based models, utilizing conventional MRI data, demonstrated promising potential in effectively distinguishing PCNSL from SBM. The SVMRBF classifier emerged as the most efficient in terms of diagnostic efficacy, suggesting its clinical utility in the differential diagnosis of these two entities.
A population-based study on the incidence, risk factors and outcome of Salmonella bloodstream infections in South Sweden 2012-2022
Authors: Björklund Lina , Mattisson Ylva , Bläckberg Anna , Sunnerhagen Torgny , Ljungquist Oskar 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Introduction:
Invasive infections caused by Salmonella are a significant global health concern. This population-based study aimed to comprehensively analyze invasive Salmonella infections in South Sweden, focusing on incidence, clinical presentation, risk factors, and outcomes.
Methods
This population-based observational cohort study, conducted from 2012 to 2022, included all patients with Salmonella bloodstream infections (BSI) in the Skåne region, South of Sweden. A control group consisted of patients with positive stool cultures/PCR for Salmonella but without BSI. Data were collected following a predefined study protocol and systematically reviewed. Standardized statistical analyses assessed patient characteristics, clinical presentation, and outcomes.
Results
Between 2012 and 2022, 149 patients with Salmonella BSI were identified, with the majority having non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) infections (95%). A declining trend in the incidence of Salmonella BSI was observed, with the highest incidence in 2012 (1.5 per 100,000 person-years) and the lowest in 2020 (0.3 per 100,000 person-years). Patients with BSI were more likely to be older, have comorbidities, be immunosuppressed, and use proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Additionally, BSI patients presented with fewer gastrointestinal symptoms, had a higher respiratory rate, lower saturation, and higher clinical scores, suggesting a more septic presentation. Salmonella BSI patients had significantly longer hospital stays and higher 30-day, 90-day, 180-day, and 365-day mortality rates compared to the control group.
Conclusion
Invasive Salmonella infections are rare but have a substantial impact on patients in South Sweden. The absence of classic gastroenteritis symptoms increases the risk of Salmonella bloodstream infection. This study highlights the importance of distinguishing between clinical presentations to guide appropriate treatment. The declining trend in incidence, particularly associated with international travel, necessitates further investigation to understand contributing factors.
Evaluating ChatGPT-4 in medical education: an assessment of subject exam performance reveals limitations in clinical curriculum support for students
Authors: Mackey Brendan P , Garabet Razmig , Maule Laura , Tadesse Abay , Cross James , Weingarten Michael 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This study evaluates the proficiency of ChatGPT-4 across various medical specialties and assesses its potential as a study tool for medical students preparing for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 2 and related clinical subject exams. ChatGPT-4 answered board-level questions with 89% accuracy, but showcased significant discrepancies in performance across specialties. Although it excelled in psychiatry, neurology, and obstetrics & gynecology, it underperformed in pediatrics, emergency medicine, and family medicine. These variations may be potentially attributed to the depth and recency of training data as well as the scope of the specialties assessed. Specialties with significant interdisciplinary overlap had lower performance, suggesting complex clinical scenarios pose a challenge to the AI. In terms of the future, the overall efficacy of ChatGPT-4 indicates a promising supplemental role in medical education, but performance inconsistencies across specialties in the current version lead us to recommend that medical students use AI with caution.
Risk and related factors of depression among patients with post-COVID-19 conditions in outpatient clinics: A single-center, cross-sectional study in southern Vietnam
Authors: Binh Nguyen Thanh , Thuan Tran Thien , Luc Nguyen Hoang Tan , Bang Ho Tat , Trinh Le Thi Diem 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 crisis is having a significant impact on the health of people, especially on general mental health. This study is to determine the prevalence of depression and related factors among patients with post-COVID-19 conditions in an outpatient clinic at the University Medical Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in 2022.
Method
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 410 patients with post-COVID-19 conditions in an outpatient clinic at the University Medical Center, Ho Chi Minh City, using a convenience sampling method to screen for depression in patients with post-COVID-19 conditions with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).
Results
In total, 410 patients responded. Depression was observed in 23.7% of respondents and was categorized as mild (80.4%), moderate (16.5%), or severe (3.1%) using the PHQ-9 and PHQ-10 as the cut-off scores. Factors influencing depression among patients include being aged 50 years or older, religion, education, full-time employment, marital status, contact with family members, use of anti-inflammatory drugs, hospital admission due to COVID-19, chronic disease, hypertension, and post-COVID-19 symptoms (shortness of breath, palpitations, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, brain fog, insomnia, and loss of appetite). The most common symptoms in patients at the clinic include cough, dyspnea, shortness of breath, fatigue, and loss of appetite. A p value less than 0.05 indicated statistical significance.
Conclusion
The depression risk in the outpatient clinic was high. Therefore, improving mental health and quality of life alongside the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 should remain a public health priority.
Mongolian pika (Ochotona pallasi) a important Cryptosporidium species vector at China-mongolia border of China
Authors: Shiyi Wang , Wang Huiqian , Han Xiaoshuang , Zhao Shanshan , Tan Wenbo , Wang Suwen , Liu Changqing , Wang Yuanzhi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Cryptosporidium, as intestinal protozoa, have been widely reported in wildlife, livestock and humans. Mongolian pika (Ochotona pallasi) live at high altitudes along the China-mongolia borderline, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR, northwestern China). However, little information is available on the prevalence and characterization of Cryptosporidium in Ochotonidae worldwide, especially in Mongolian pika. The aim of this study was to investigate Cryptosporidium in the Mongolian pika at China-mongolia border of China.
Methods
In present study, eighty-three intestinal content specimens were collected from 15 sampling sites in XUAR (2021–2023). The 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene of all samples were amplified using nested PCR and sequenced.
Results
A total of 12 samples were positive for Cryptosporidium. Moreover, four known species, Cryptosporidium canis, C. ubiquitum, C. ryanae, and C. sp yak, and a novel Cryptosporidium species, here named as Cryptosporidium sp. Mongolian pika, were also identified.
Conclusions
The findings indicated that Mongolian pika is an important reservoir host for multiple Cryptosporidium species, which is potentially circulated among Mongolian pikas, ruminants and carnivors in this alpine region, China-mongolia border of China.
Zambian Medical Students’ Attitude Towards Robotic Surgery: A Cross- Sectional Survey
Authors: mukambo emmanuel , Zulu Mbawe , Mbiydzenyuy Ngala Elvis , Hakayuwa Clyde 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Robotic surgery, evolving over half a century, has become a standard in various surgical fields, offering benefits like smaller incisions and improved patient outcomes. Integrating it into medical education is vital to prepare future healthcare professionals. Yet, Zambian medical students' knowledge and attitudes regarding robotic surgery remain largely unexplored. This study aims to bridge this gap, providing insights for healthcare and education. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire between June and July 2021. The study included medical students from various academic years, both genders, and different institutions. Data was collected through a web-based questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and statistical tests. Participants were categorized into groups based on their exposure to robotic surgery. Results: A total of 768 out of 1,113 respondents provided complete responses, resulting in a 69% response rate. Notably, 47.20% of participants had no prior exposure to robotic surgery, while 45.40% expressed a desire to learn more about it. When assessing students' attitudes towards robotic surgery, 38.80% accepted it personally, 51.82% believed patients in Zambia would accept it, and 61.85% agreed that using robots would improve surgical outcomes. However, 62.24% agreed that robotic surgery could make surgeons weaker and less professional. Conclusion: This study sheds light on Zambian medical students' attitudes and knowledge about robotic surgery, underlining the need for tailored educational strategies to address misconceptions and concerns. This prepares the next generation of healthcare professionals in Zambia to embrace advanced surgical techniques and optimize robotic surgery for improved patient outcomes.
Fluorite Alumina Fuel Cells
Authors: Lund Peter , Shah M.A.K. Yousaf , Akbar Nabeela , Zhao Wenjuan , Mushtaq Naveed , Wan Shuo , Lu Yuzheng , Fan Liangdong , Yu Yong , Huang Jiangbing , He Lunhua , Hao Jiazheng , Lou Chenjie , Tang Mingxue , Zhu Bin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a promising technology for the hydrogen economy and clean energy production. However, the classical SOFC employing fluorite-type electrolytes such as yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and Gd3+/Sm3+-doped CeO2 (GDC/SDC) faces significant technical challenges due to the required high operational temperature. Here, a groundbreaking result on alumina in fluorite structure deviated from the amorphous phase with high oxygen vacancy concentration is reported. Unlike lower valency cationic doping in traditional fluorite electrolytes, a higher-valency Ce4+ doping can further modulate fluorite alumina’s structural and electrical properties. Through electrochemical proton injection, we explored H+ transport coupled with intrinsic mobile O2- ions in Ce-doped alumina as an electrolyte, resulting in remarkable ionic conduction > 0.1 S cm-1 and a high fuel cell power density of 1057 mW cm-2 at 500 °C. The abundant nature and facile synthesis profile make fluorite a promising electrolyte material for next-generation SOFC.
Global Shapley Explanations and LIME on HLA-B27 Positivity in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Authors: Taş Nurmuhammet , Seferoğlu Buminhan , Naldan Muhammet Emin , Naldan Hülya , Kırboğa Kevser Kübra , Işık Mesut 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), an autoimmune disease, has the HLA-B27 gene in more than 90% of its patients. This study investigated the ability of health parameters to predict the presence of the HLA-B-27 gene and clinical and demographic data used in diagnosing AS. For this purpose, various classification models were evaluated, and the best-performing RFC model was selected. In addition, the model's predictions are understood and explained using XAI techniques such as SHAP and LIME. The model development results show that the RFC model performs best (Accuracy:0.75, F1 Score:0.74, Recall:0.75, Precision:0.75, Brier Score:0.25, AUC: 0.76), and XAI techniques provide the ability to explain the decisions of this model. Among the health parameters, WBC, Hematocrit, uric acid, and gender were found to show the strongest association with HLA-B-27. This study aims to understand the genetic predisposition of AS and to illuminate the potential of XAI techniques in medical diagnosis. The study's strengths include comprehensive model evaluation, explainability of model decisions, and revealing the relationship between health parameters and HLA-B-27. In addition, this study considered ethical dimensions like the confidentiality of personal health data and the privacy of patients.