bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abolition of sagittal T7–T10 dynamics during forced ventilation in AIS patients with Lenke 1A curves
Authors: Mariscal Gonzalo , Burgos Jesús , Antón-Rodrigálvarez Luis , Hevia Eduardo , Barrios Carlos 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn healthy subjects, respiratory maximal volumes are highly dependent on the sagittal range of motion of the T7–T10 segment. In AIS, the abolition of T7–T10 dynamics related to the stiffness induced by the apex region in Lenke IA curves could harm ventilation during maximal breathing. The aim of this study was to analyze the dynamics of the thoracic spine during deep breathing in AIS patients and in healthy matched controls. This is a cross-sectional, case–control study. 20 AIS patients (18 girls, Cobb angle, 54.7 ± 7.9°; Risser 1.35 ± 1.2) and 15 healthy volunteers (11 girls) matched in age (12.5 versus 15.8 years mean age) were included. In AIS curves, the apex was located at T8 (14) and T9 (6). Conventional sagittal radiographs of the whole spine were performed at maximal inspiration and exhalation. The ROM of each spinal thoracic functional segment (T1–T7, T7–T10, T10–T12) and the global T1–T12 ROM were measured. In healthy subjects, the mean T1–T12 ROM during forced breathing was 16.7 ± 3.8. AIS patients showed a T1–T12 ROM of 1.1 ± 1.5 (p < 0.05), indicating a sagittal stiffness of the thoracic spine. A wide T7–T10 ROM (15.3 ± 3.0) was found in healthy controls (91.6% of the T1–T12 ROM). AIS patients showed only 0.4 ± 1.4 ROM at T7–T10 (36.4% of the T1–T12 ROM) (p < 0.001). There was a linear relationship between the magnitude of T7–T10 kyphosis in maximal exhalation and both FVC (% of predicted FVC) and FEV1. In conclusion, Lenke 1A AIS patients show a restriction of the thoracic spine motion with an almost complete abolition of T7–T10 ROM, a crucial segment for deep breathing. T7–T10 stiffness could explain the ventilatory limitations found in AIS patients.
Clinical implications of circulating follistatin-like protein-1 in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Kim Dae Kyu , Kang Seok Hui , Kim Jin Sug , Kim Yang Gyun , Lee Yu Ho , Lee Dong-Young , Ahn Shin Young , Moon Ju Young , Lee Sang Ho , Jeong Kyung Hwan , Hwang Hyeon Seok 
Published: April 2023

AbstractFollistatin-like protein-1 (FSTL-1) is secreted glycoprotein, which regulates cardiovascular, immune and skeletal system. However, the clinical significance of circulating FSTL-1 levels remains unclear in hemodialysis patients. A total 376 hemodialysis patients were enrolled from June 2016 to March 2020. Plasma FSTL-1 level, inflammatory biomarkers, physical performance, and echocardiographic findings at baseline were examined. Plasma FSTL-1 levels were positively correlated with TNF-α and MCP-1. Handgrip strength showed weak positive correlation in male patients only, and gait speed showed no correlation with FSTL-1 levels. In multivariate linear regression analysis, FSTL-1 level was negatively associated with left ventricular ejection fraction (β =  − 0.36; p = 0.011). The cumulative event rate of the composite of CV event and death, and cumulative event rate of CV events was significantly greater in FSTL-1 tertile 3. In multivariate Cox-regression analysis, FSTL-1 tertile 3 was associated with a 1.80-fold risk for the composite of CV events and death(95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–3.08), and a 2.28-fold risk for CV events (95% CI 1.15–4.51) after adjustment for multiple variables. In conclusion, high circulating FSTL-1 levels independently predict the composite of CV events and death, and FSTL-1 level was independently associated with left ventricular systolic dysfunction.
Factors affecting the number of road traffic accidents in Kerman province, southeastern Iran (2015–2021)
Authors: Behzadi Goodari Mohsen , Sharifi Hamid , Dehesh Paria , Mosleh-Shirazi Mohammad Amin , Dehesh Tania 
Published: April 2023

AbstractRoad traffic accidents (RTAs) are among the top causes of mortality and disability globally, particularly in developing nations like Iran. In this study, RTAs were analyzed to develop precise predictive models for predicting the frequency of accidents in the Kerman Province (southeastern Iran) using the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and autoregressive integrated moving average with explanatory variables (ARIMAX) modeling methods. The findings demonstrate that including factors regarding humans, vehicles, and elements of nature in the time-series analysis of accident records resulted in the development of a more reliable prediction model than utilizing only aggregated accident count. The understanding of safety on the road is increased by this research, which also offers a method for forecasting that utilizes a variety of parameters relating to people, cars, and the environment. The findings of this research are likely to contribute to lowering the incidence of RTAs in Iran.
Controls on fracture openness and reactivation in Forsmark, Sweden
Authors: Doolaeghe D. , Darcel C. , Selroos J.-O. , Mas Ivars D. , Davy P. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn crystalline bedrock, the open fraction of the fracture network constitutes the main pathways for fluids. Many observations point out that the state of stress influences the open fraction, likely indicating recent reactivation. But how this occurs is still unresolved. We analyse the conditions for fracture reactivation from fracture data collected in the uppermost 1 km of bedrock in Forsmark, Sweden. The open fraction is mainly correlated to the stress acting normally on the fracture but even away from critical failure, leading us to analyse the potential fluid pressure required for reactivation, $${P}_{c}$$

P
c

. We observe that 100% of the fractures are open when $${P}_{c}$$

P
c

is hydrostatic, and the ratio decreases exponentially to a plateau of ~ 17% when $${P}_{c}$$

P
c

is lithostatic and above. Exceptions are the oldest fractures, having a low open fraction independent of $${P}_{c}$$

P
c

. We suggest that these results reflect past pressure build-ups, potentially related to recent glaciations, and developing only if the preexisting open fraction is large enough.
Central role for neurally dysregulated IL-17A in dynamic networks of systemic and local inflammation in combat casualties
Authors: Zamora Ruben , Forsberg Jonathan A. , Shah Ashti M. , Unselt Desiree , Grey Scott , Lisboa Felipe A. , Billiar Timothy R. , Schobel Seth A. , Potter Benjamin K. , Elster Eric A. , Vodovotz Yoram 
Published: April 2023

AbstractDynamic Network Analysis (DyNA) and Dynamic Hypergraphs (DyHyp) were used to define protein-level inflammatory networks at the local (wound effluent) and systemic circulation (serum) levels from 140 active-duty, injured service members (59 with TBI and 81 non-TBI). Interleukin (IL)-17A was the only biomarker elevated significantly in both serum and effluent in TBI vs. non-TBI casualties, and the mediator with the most DyNA connections in TBI wounds. DyNA combining serum and effluent data to define cross-compartment correlations suggested that IL-17A bridges local and systemic circulation at late time points. DyHyp suggested that systemic IL-17A upregulation in TBI patients was associated with tumor necrosis factor-α, while IL-17A downregulation in non-TBI patients was associated with interferon-γ. Correlation analysis suggested differential upregulation of pathogenic Th17 cells, non-pathogenic Th17 cells, and memory/effector T cells. This was associated with reduced procalcitonin in both effluent and serum of TBI patients, in support of an antibacterial effect of Th17 cells in TBI patients. Dysregulation of Th17 responses following TBI may drive cross-compartment inflammation following combat injury, counteracting wound infection at the cost of elevated systemic inflammation.
Factors affecting the micronutrient status of adolescent girls living in complex agro-aquatic ecological zones of Bangladesh
Authors: Ara Gulshan , Little David C. , Mamun Abdullah-Al , de Roos Baukje , Grieve Eleanor , Khanam Mansura , Hasan S. M. Tafsir , Ireen Santhia , Ali Samira Dilruba , Boitchi Anika Bushra , Dijkhuizen Marjoleine A. , Ahmed Tahmeed , Roos Nanna 
Published: April 2023

AbstractInadequate intake of both macro and micronutrients is the major determinant of micronutrient deficiencies in adolescent girls. This study assessed multiple micronutrient status including vitamin D, iron, vitamin A, and urinary iodine concentration among adolescent girls through two seasonal cross-sectional surveys conducted during dry and wet seasons. Mixed-effects linear and logistic regression analysis were conducted to assess associations between micronutrient status, salinity and seasonality. The mean age of the girls was 14 years. Vitamin (OH)D insufficiency was significantly higher in freshwater areas in wet season compared to dry season (wet season: 58% and dry season: 30%, P < 0.001). In wet season, risk of vitamin (OH)D insufficiency was three times higher compared to dry season (AOR: 3.03, 95% CI 1.71, 5.37, P < 0.001). The odds of vitamin (OH)D insufficiency was 11 times higher in fresh water areas compared to high saline areas (AOR: 11.51, 95% CI 3.40, 38.93, P < 0.001). The girls had higher risk of iron deficiency in wet season. Despite the environment being enriched with micronutrient-contained aquatic food, adolescent girls in coastal areas experience different micronutrient deficiencies. The high prevalence of vitamin (OH)D insufficiency in freshwater locations and seasonal iron deficiency in high saline areas needs attention.
Exploring microstructure and petrophysical properties of microporous volcanic rocks through 3D multiscale and super-resolution imaging
Authors: Buono Gianmarco , Caliro Stefano , Macedonio Giovanni , Allocca Vincenzo , Gamba Federico , Pappalardo Lucia 
Published: April 2023

AbstractDigital rock physics offers powerful perspectives to investigate Earth materials in 3D and non-destructively. However, it has been poorly applied to microporous volcanic rocks due to their challenging microstructures, although they are studied for numerous volcanological, geothermal and engineering applications. Their rapid origin, in fact, leads to complex textures, where pores are dispersed in fine, heterogeneous and lithified matrices. We propose a framework to optimize their investigation and face innovative 3D/4D imaging challenges. A 3D multiscale study of a tuff was performed through X-ray microtomography and image-based simulations, finding that accurate characterizations of microstructure and petrophysical properties require high-resolution scans (≤ 4 μm/px). However, high-resolution imaging of large samples may need long times and hard X-rays, covering small rock volumes. To deal with these limitations, we implemented 2D/3D convolutional neural network and generative adversarial network-based super-resolution approaches. They can improve the quality of low-resolution scans, learning mapping functions from low-resolution to high-resolution images. This is one of the first efforts to apply deep learning-based super-resolution to unconventional non-sedimentary digital rocks and real scans. Our findings suggest that these approaches, and mainly 2D U-Net and pix2pix networks trained on paired data, can strongly facilitate high-resolution imaging of large microporous (volcanic) rocks.
Nanoscale imaging of major and minor ampullate silk from the orb-web spider Nephila Madagascariensis
Authors: Iachina Irina , Fiutowski Jacek , Rubahn Horst-Günter , Vollrath Fritz , Brewer Jonathan R. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSpider silk fibres have unique mechanical properties due to their hierarchical structure and the nanoscale organization of their proteins. Novel imaging techniques reveal new insights into the macro- and nanoscopic structure of Major (MAS) and Minor (MiS) Ampullate silk fibres from pristine samples of the orb-web spider Nephila Madagascariensis. Untreated threads were imaged using Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering and Confocal Microscopy, which revealed an outer lipid layer surrounding an autofluorescent protein core, that is divided into two layers in both fibre types. Helium ion imaging shows the inner fibrils without chemical or mechanical modifications. The fibrils are arranged parallel to the long axis of the fibres with typical spacing between fibrils of 230 nm ± 22 nm in the MAS fibres and 99 nm ± 24 nm in the MiS fibres. Confocal Reflection Fluorescence Depletion (CRFD) microscopy imaged these nano-fibrils through the whole fibre and showed diameters of 145 nm ± 18 nm and 116 nm ± 12 nm for MAS and MiS, respectively. The combined data from HIM and CRFD suggests that the silk fibres consist of multiple nanoscale parallel protein fibrils with crystalline cores oriented along the fibre axes, surrounded by areas with less scattering and more amorphous protein structures.
Exogenous 24-epibrassinolide ameliorates tolerance to high-temperature by adjusting the biosynthesis of pigments, enzymatic, non-enzymatic antioxidants, and diosgenin content in fenugreek
Authors: Sheikhi Shahla , Ebrahimi Amin , Heidari Parviz , Amerian Mohamad Reza , Rashidi-Monfared Sajad , Alipour Hadi 
Published: April 2023

AbstractHigh-temperature stress is widely considered a main plant-growth-limiting factor. The positive effects of 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) as analogs of brassinosteroids (BRs) in modulating abiotic stresses have led this hormone to be referred to as a growth regulator in plants. The current study highlights the influence of EBR on enhancing tolerance to high-temperature and altering the diosgenin content in fenugreek. Different amounts of EBR (4, 8, and 16 μM), harvesting times (6, and 24 h), as well as temperature regimes (23 °C, and 42 °C) were, used as treatments. EBR application under normal temperature and high-temperature stress resulted in decreased malondialdehyde content and electrolyte leakage percentage, while the activity of antioxidant enzymes improved significantly. Exogenous EBR application possibly contributes to activating the nitric oxide, H2O2, and ABA-dependent pathways, enhancing the biosynthesis of abscisic acid and auxin, and regulating the signal transduction pathways, which raises fenugreek tolerance to high-temperature. The SQS (eightfold), SEP (2.8-fold), CAS (11-fold), SMT (17-fold), and SQS (sixfold) expression, considerably increased following EBR application (8 μM) compared to the control. Compared to the control, when the short-term (6 h) high-temperature stress was accompanied by EBR (8 μM), a sixfold increase in diosgenin content was achieved. Our findings highlight the potential role of exogenous 24-epibrassinolide in mitigating the high-temperature stress in fenugreek by stimulating the biosynthesis processes of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, chlorophylls, and diosgenin. In conclusion, the current results could be of utmost importance in breeding or biotechnology-based programs of fenugreek and also in the researches related to the engineering of the biosynthesis pathway of diosgenin in this valuable plant.
Human health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in the breast milk consumed by infants in Western Iran
Authors: Sharafi Kiomars , Nakhaee Samaneh , Azadi Nammam Ali , Mansouri Borhan , Miri Kermanshahi Saba , Paknahad Maedeh , Habibi Yazdan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the human health risk of some toxic metals/metalloids [lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), and arsenic (As)] on infants via consumption of the breast milk of women living in urban areas of Kermanshah city, west of Iran. After collecting milk samples, the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessment as well as uncertainty analysis of toxic metal levels were carried out. The order of concentration of heavy metals/metalloids in the breast milk samples was Cr (41.07 ± 23.19) > Ni (19.25 ± 11.81) > Pb (11.5 ± 4.48) > As (1.96 ± 2.04) > Cd (.72 ± 0.42) > Hg (0.31 ± 0.26). The results revealed that the levels of Cr and Pb in the breast milk samples were exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) tolerable daily intake. In the breast milk samples a high levels of one of the trace elements As, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni were observed (over 73%) and in 40% of them the levels of Cr, Pb, Cd, As, and Ni were all above WHO tolerable daily intake. Moreover, the As-related point assessment of target risk factor (THQ) was higher than the allowable limit only for 1-month-old male neonates and 2-month-old female neonates (THQ > 1). In addition, Cr-related THQ scores were higher at all age and gender groups (THQ > 1). In conclusion, our findings suggest a potential risk of some metals for infants via the consumption of mothers' breast milk.
Hybrid domain digital watermarking scheme based on improved differential evolution algorithm and singular value block embedding
Authors: Liu Dawei , Liu Donglin , Wang Bin , Zheng Pan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe internet and related technologies have promoted the development of medical and health fields, especially remote diagnosis. As medical images may be stolen in the transmission process, the patient's personal information could be leaked. Aiming at the problem of privacy disclosure of colour medical images, a hybrid domain watermarking scheme based on improved differential evolution (DE) and the singular value block embedding (SVBE) is proposed in this study. Through this scheme, the image containing the patient's information is hidden in the patient's medical carrier image as a watermark. First, redistributed invariant lifting wavelet transform (RILWT), discrete wavelet transform (DWT), and singular value decomposition (SVD) are used to process the colour medical carrier image, and the high‐frequency information in the integer wavelet domain of the watermark is embedded into the processed carrier image using the proposed singular value block embedding method based on the improved differential evolution algorithm. At the same time, to increase the security of the watermark scheme, a digital signature based on the SHA‐384 hash function is designed for verification before watermark extraction. Compared with recent related research, the scheme has strong invisibility and robustness.
Design of on‐chip antennas for THz detector and source in CMOS (Invited paper)
Authors: Xu Lei‐Jun , Zhao Xin‐Ke , Bai Xue 
Published: April 2023

AbstractDifferent on‐chip antennas in Complementary Metal‐Oxide‐Semiconductor (CMOS) technology for THz detector and source are proposed. Firstly, the size of these antennas is estimated with an equivalent CMOS substrate model. Finally, through electromagnetic simulation, the structure optimised and slotted the on‐chip antenna to realise multi‐band detection, miniaturised detection, and miniaturised source. For the THz detector, multi‐band antennas with a dual‐ring structure and miniaturised antennas with circular and diamond structures are designed. At the frequency of 300, 600, and 800 GHz, the gain of the ring antennas is 5.7, 7.2, and 7.2 dBi, respectively. The gain of the circular and diamond antenna is 5.3 and 5.96 dBi at 300 GHz. For the THz source, rectangular‐slot and T‐slot antennas are designed at the frequency of 300 GHz and the gain of the rectangular‐slot and T‐slot antennas is 2.92 and 3.87 dBi, respectively. Multi‐band antennas and miniaturised antennas effectively save the occupation area and improve the performance of the THz system. The effectiveness of antennas is verified by the measurement of the detector and the source, which indicates that the proposed on‐chip antennas have potential prospects for CMOS THz applications.
IoT applications and challenges in smart cities and services
Authors: Rafiq Iqra , Mahmood Anzar , Razzaq Sohail , Jafri S. Hassan M. , Aziz Imran 
Published: April 2023

AbstractInternet of Things (IoT) is a revolutionary and novel platform where a smart network connects to the large number of electronic devices via internet through available communication systems for reliable and real time connectivity, sensing thus acquiring data from sensors, computing and actuating devices. A review of the current status of IoT features, architecture, communication infrastructure and applications is presented here. Number of IoT applications and challenges in the development of smart cities are covered about this innovative technological platform in this review along with communication protocols characteristics and applications. IoT aided smart city services, health applications, transport applications and smart grid improvements are also discussed. Many challenges and issues related to security, communication, applications and system architecture along with future directions of IoT technology are elaborated in detail.
Adaptive overcurrent relay (AOCR) based on Fano Factors of current signals
Authors: Mahmoud Ragab Abdallah , Malik Om Parkash 
Published: April 2023

AbstractA Fano Factor‐based adaptive overcurrent protection scheme, that automatically adjusts the protection settings in response to the prevailing conditions of the power system, is presented. Both phase and ground overcurrent relays are based on the same mathematical algorithm to calculate the operating time using Fano Factors (FFs) estimated for phase and ground current signals, respectively. Effectiveness of the proposed adaptive overcurrent method is validated for various fault types under a plethora of loading current levels, besides a wide range of fault inception angles and fault resistance. Simulation results confirm that the proposed algorithm can detect series and shunt faults, differentiate between grounding and phase faults, and adapt the relay operating time settings using the FF for all conditions examined. The relay algorithm speed and sensitivity are controllable using both the FF setting values and moving data window size. Moreover, it is characterized by being simple, reliable, accurate, and can be implemented practically as a base of digital protective relay for use in substation automation systems and phasor measurement units.
Superior Transverse Atraumatic Reconstruction (STAR) approach provides a better-compared outcome to standard Direct Superior Approach (DSA): a matched, prospective comparative single-surgeon study
Authors: Kenanidis Eustathios , Milonakis Nikolaos , Georgios Foukarakis , Potoupnis Michael , Tsiridis Eleftherios 
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The Direct Superior Approach (DSA) is a muscle-sparing hip approach that does not protect the piriformis and the other short external rotators. We present a DSA modification we named STAR (Superior Transverse Atraumatic Reconstruction), which has DSA advantages but always preserves piriformis. Our study compared the early postoperative, radiological, and functional results of patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) through the STAR approach with a matched DSA group performed by a senior surgeon. Methods: Each group, DSA, and STAR included 200 elective primary unilateral THAs performed by the surgeon between 2016–2017 and 2020–2021, respectively. Patients were included in both groups using the same inclusion criteria. Both groups were matched for age and sex. The same postoperative pain management, chemoprophylaxis, and physiotherapy protocols were followed in both groups. Two independent orthopaedic surgeons performed the clinical and radiological follow-up. Results: The STAR group had significantly lower mean incision length (p = 0.042) and hospital stay (p = 0.002) than the DSA group. The mean intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.085) and the need for blood transfusion (p = 0.228) were less for the STAR than the DSA group. The mean postoperative functional scores improvement was significantly higher for the STAR than the DSA group at the end of the first and third postoperative months. Conclusions: The STAR approach offers earlier functional improvement, shorter hospital stay and less transfusion need than DSA for patients undergoing primary THA. Both approaches showed a limited complication risk and an outstanding acetabular and femoral access enabling the procedure.