bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic parameters in intra-gene and inter-gene pool crosses of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) for root distribution
Authors: de Melo Rita Carolina , Grigolo Sibila , Cerutti Paulo Henrique , Fioreze Ana Carolina da Costa Lara , Guidolin Altamir Frederico , Coimbra Jefferson Luis Meirelles 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The knowledge about the genetic behavior of roots can be the solution to the main climatic problems and the key for increased production of agricultural crops. In inheritance studies, breeders usually conduct crosses between contrasting individuals to obtain a significant fraction of the genetic variance. In order to determine genetic parameters in beans from crosses within and between Mesoamerican and Andean gene groups, 64 populations (breeders, F1 and F2) were evaluated under field conditions for the trait root distribution. Crosses between Mesoamerican and Andean gene groups revealed significant estimates for genetic parameters (genetic variance, heritability, and average degree of dominance) compared to intra-pool crosses. However, only 4% of all hybrid combinations evaluated (F1 and F2) showed significant effects when compared to fixed populations (parents). Coupled with the insignificant number of progenies different from the parents, the differences detected revealed inferior performance, compared to the parents. The joining of alleles with identical provenance may be the main cause of the observed effects. The breeding strategy for root distribution should consider more divergent parents.
Analytical determination of the nonlinear stiffness characteristics of the combined angular contact ball bearings under various configurations
Authors: Fang Bin , Du Junwei , Zhang Jinhua , Yan Ke , Hong Jun 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
As a typical nonlinear mechanical system, the combined angular contact ball bearing (C-ACBB) is widely used in various fields, but the theoretical studies on its nonlinear stiffness characteristics are rarely involved. This paper proposed a general mathematical model for the C-ACBB under different configuration forms based on the load-deformation coordination analysis under the multi-coordinate systems, and then a multi-layer nested algorithm based on the homotopy method and Newton-Raphson method for the efficient solution of the nonlinear equilibrium equations of the proposed model is presented. Besides, the complete expressions of the stiffness matrices for the C-ACBB under different configurations are analytically derived, and the relationships between the integral C-ACBB and multiple SR-ACBBs is presented. On the basis, and effects of both the rotating speed and axial preload on the C-ACBB under 5 different configurations and 3 different load conditions are analyzed. The results show that, the C-ACBB under different configurations present various and complex piecewise nonlinear stiffness characteristics, which is affect by both the rotating speed and initial preload. Besides, the axial stiffness variation of the C-ACBB under asymmetric configuration shows obvious directionality, the radial stiffness variation of the C-ACBB is symmetrical and related to the load action point.
Medical clowns improve sleep and shorten hospitalization duration in hospitalized children
Authors: Shimshi-Barash Maya , Orlin Ido , Jacob Tali , Kushnir Gali , Rawashdeh Lara , Nachmias Etay Rothem , Meiri Noam , Pillar Giora 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
There is significant evidence in the literature showing medical clowns reduce stress and anxiety in children during hospitalization, yet their effect on children's sleep remains unclear. The importance of sleep for recovery and overall health has been established, and sleep disturbances are common among hospitalized children.
Methods
This observational case-control study took place in the pediatric department of Carmel Medical Center and compared 42 hospitalized children divided into two groups of 21 participants. In the intervention group, the participants had an encounter with a medical clown before bedtime, and in the control group, there was no medical clown intervention. Participants were recruited based on matching the chief complaint or medical diagnosis and age in a 1:1 matching. Sleep parameters were objectively measured using an Actigraph device and subjectively evaluated through a parent questionnaire. We also collected data regarding demographics, vital signs, and length of stay.
Results
Children in the intervention group had significantly delayed wake-up time, longer total sleep time, reduced nocturnal wake time, and improved sleep efficiency compared to the control group. They also had a shorter hospital stay.
Conclusion
An encounter with a medical clown before bedtime positively impacts sleep parameters and shortens hospital stay in hospitalized children, thus may play a role in promoting better sleep in hospitalized children. Further research is needed to confirm these results.
Accurate and efficient interpretation of quantitative amino-acid attribution for disordered proteins undergoing LLPS
Authors: Wan Qidong , He Hao , Zhu Jidong 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) is a process that underpins the formation of membrane compartments and regulates various biological processes in cells. Intrinsically disordered proteins and regions (IDPs/IDRs) play a significant role in LLPS as they are a class of proteins that undergo monomeric and heterotypic interactions, driving phase separation. Although many computational methods are available to study the sequences that determine phase separation, the quantitative amino-acid (AA) contribution remains poorly understood. To address this issue, we have developed BERTIG, a novel, interpretable deep learning framework that predicts the LLPS capability of IDRs with a high level of accuracy. The framework utilizes the Integrated Gradients (IG) algorithm and Bayesian optimization, while incorporating prediction probability (Proba), attribution score (AS), and model score (MS) to produce quantitative interpretations of both wild and mutated forms of IDPs. BERTIG has been shown to accurately identify and validate key AAs and motifs responsible for LLPS in disordered proteins, with performance comparable to experimental results and superior to other methods. Thus, BERTIG is a versatile, powerful, and interpretable model that will greatly enhance characteristics understanding of the increasing number of proteins, including prion-like proteins.
Characterization of probable seismic scenarios and analysis of the structural response of the University of San Carlos of Guatemala, Guatemala
Authors: Canté Carlos José Gamboa , Benito Maria Belen , Flores Omar 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
This research was undertaken at the Faculty of Engineering, University of San Carlos de Guatemala (zone 12, Guatemala City), with the aim of improving and updating the study of seismic and geotechnical engineering in Guatemala. Known geophysical methods applied to geotechnics should be put into practice for the purpose of carrying out an appropriate seismic site and structural dynamic characterization, to enhance knowledge of seismic hazards in the country. Using probabilistic seismic hazard assessment, we determined a series of control earthquakes that would have the highest likelihood of exceeding ground motion in the study area. A seismic microzonation study was then conducted to ascertain local effects and characterize the soil. Then, we computed the vibration frequency of three buildings for comparison with soil frequencies, and performed a soil-structure interaction analysis to ascertain whether there would be resonance effects. Our results confirmed that no such effects were in evidence. Lastly, soil response spectra were generated from the control earthquakes computed, and design spectra were drawn up for the sampled buildings, in order to review and check the country’s prevailing AGIES 2018 structural safety standards. The design spectra were shown in all cases to cover the response spectra for all the earthquake-soil-structure combinations analyzed.
Estimation of Evapotranspiration through Satellite Remote Sensing
Authors: Barman Nilay Kanti , Kamila Amrit 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Evapotranspiration (ET) constitutes an important component of the water fluxes in the Hydrosphere and the atmosphere. Fresh water is most precious natural resource and the practical management of this resource is one of our utmost challenges. An understanding regarding the natural systems and the physical laws that govern each component of the hydrologic cycle is very important for the water resource manager. Remote sensing is an excellent tool for such monitoring as it provides information related to mass and energy transfers and particularly to evapotranspiration fluxes. In particular, the evaporation processes from the various surfaces of the earth need to be understood in order to achieve a sustainable development of our water resources. The combination of two separate processes by which water drives to the atmosphere are evaporation from the soil and transpiration from vegetation commonly referred as evapotranspiration (ET). ET has important implications in modeling regional and global climate and the hydrological cycle as well as assessing environmental stress on natural and agricultural ecosystem. The capability to predict levels of ET (using SEBAL model) would be a valuable asset for water resource managers. ET is a good indicator of irrigation effectiveness and total water consumption from vegetation. Evapotranspiration information is useful for irrigation supply planning, water rights regulation and river basin hydrologic studies.
SunbYte: A framework for low-cost robotic solar telescopes on high altitude balloons
Authors: Cho Yun-Hang , Heung Gianni , Bobrov Yakov , Middleton Joseph , Verth Gary , Fedun Viktor 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The design and usability of a fully autonomous robotic control system (SunbYte-Sheffield University Nova Balloon Lifted Telescope) for solar tracking and observational applications on-board high-altitude balloons is addressed here. The design is based on a six step development plan balancing scientific objectives and practical engineering requirements. The high-altitude solar observational system includes low cost components such as a Cassegrain type telescope, stepper motors, harmonic drives, USB cameras and microprocessors. OpenCV installed from ROS, python and C software were used to collect and compress housekeeping/scientific data, process the signal, and transmit information to the ground-station via the launch vehicle telecommunication link. The SunbYte system allows the brightest spot in the sky to be identified, point towards it with high accuracy and capture that region with the main telescope. This paper gathers and presents the results from three missions: two flights with High-Altitude Student Platform (NASA Balloon Program office and LaSpace), and one flight with German-Swedish programme: REXUS/BEXUS. The system demonstrated the tracking capabilities of the Sun by capturing and analysing a series of tracking images with the location of the Sun at the calibrated centre. Housekeeping sensor data was collected which enabled issues with the thermal performance to be diagnosed. Low temperature reduced the responsiveness of the motor and harmonic drive actuation system. The developed ground-station interface and telecommunication link allowed response to in-flight issues through updates to the tracking parameters during the flight.
Effect of HLA Mismatch on Post-Transplant Infections in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation with PTCy-Based GvHD Prophylaxis
Authors: Marra John , Galli Eugenio , Giammarco Sabrina , Chiusolo Patrizia , Metafuni Elisabetta , sora federica , laurenti luca , Innocenti Idanna , Autore Francesco , Limongiello Maria Assunta , Fresa Alberto , bacigalupo a , Sica Simona 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the risk of infections in the first 100 days in patients grafted from haploidentical donors (HAPLO) (n=116) or HLA-matched donors (MATCHED) (Related, n=29; unrelated n=39): all patients received graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis with post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy), mycophenolate, and cyclosporine. The two groups had comparable age, intensity of conditioning, and disease status; the stem cell source was bone marrow for HAPLO and peripheral blood for MATCHED transplants. HAPLO patients had an increased risk of bloodstream infections (BSI) (HR 2.54; 95% CI 1.39-4.62; p=0.002), in particular gram-positive BSI (HR 4.42; 95% CI 1.57-12.5; p=0.005). HAPLO patients also had increased CMV infection/reactivation (HR 3.51; 95% CI 1.79-6.87; p<0.001) and a trend for increased invasive fungal infections (HR 1.80; 95% CI 0.90-3.57; p=0.10) and EBV infection/reactivation (HR 2.07; 95% CI 0.44-9.70; p=0.35). Overall, post-transplant infections were more likely to result in infection-related mortality in HAPLO grafts (p=0.03). In this single-center study, patients with HAPLO grafts had an increased risk of BSI and CMV infection/reactivation and a trend for increased IFI and EBV infection/reactivation, compared with MATCHED grafts. These findings call for diligent monitoring of infections in patients undergoing a HAPLO transplant.
A Retrospective Analysis of Risk Factors and Patient Outcomes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bloodstream Infections in a Chinese Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Peng Suqin , Xiong Jianqiu , Gu Shumin , Hu Longhua , Hang Yaping , Chen Yanhui , Fang Xueyao , Xiao Yanping , Cao Xingwei , Luo Hong , Zhu Hongying , Zhong Qiaoshi 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Pseudomonas aeruginosa(PA) is a common pathogen that causes bloodstream infections (BSI).This study aimed to investigate the risk factors and clinical outcomes of BSI caused by PA.
Methods
A single-center retrospective study was conducted to analyze the risk factors and outcomes of PA BSI at a Chinese tertiary hospital over a 10-year period. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients who received a sequential organ function assessment (SOFA) score < 4 were compared with those of patients who received a SOFA score ≥4.
Results
During the 10-year period, 174 eligible patients with PA BSI were included in the study, 95 of whom had a SOFA score of < 4. Multivariate analysis revealed that Pitt score, adjusted Charlson comorbidity index > 6 points, and empirical imipenem treatment were independent risk factors for 14-day treatment failure in patients with PA BSI having a SOFA score ≥ 4 points. Empirical imipenem treatment and ICU admission were independent risk factors for 14-day treatment failure in patients with PA BSI having a SOFA score < 4. Prior exposure to antimicrobials and SOFA score were significantly associated with 30-day mortality in the PA BSI population. Using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, we found no significant difference in clinical outcomes between patients receiving definitive β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations (BLICs), and carbapenems (P=0.874).
Conclusion
The empirical use of imipenem was an independent risk factor for 14-day treatment failure. Our results suggest that clinicians empirically treat patients based on a combination of their condition, history of antibiotic exposure, and the likelihood of drug susceptibility to the most likely pathogens. No significant divergence in clinical outcomes was observed between patients treated with carbapenems and BLICs as definitive treatment for PA bacteremia.
Shear-wave Elastography Measures of Pelvic Floor Muscle Correlated with Transabdominal Ultrasound Measures of Bladder Displacement for Assessing Pelvic Floor Function
Authors: Do Yerim , Lim Youngeun , Lee Suhyeon , Lee Haneul 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose
This study primarily aimed to investigate the association between levator ani elasticity on shear-wave elastography and bladder base displacement using transabdominal ultrasonography for evaluating pelvic floor muscle function.
Methods
Forty-two nulliparous women were included in the study. Kegel exercises were used for educating how to contract pelvic floor muscles. The elasticity of the levator ani muscle at rest and during contraction using shear-wave elastography and bladder base displacement using transabdominal ultrasonography were obtained, simultaneously.
Results
The intraclass correlation coefficient for repeated measures of levator ani elasticity was 0.906 at rest and 0.687 during contraction. The mean levator ani elasticity was 24.7 ± 4.5 kPa at rest and 62.1 ± 10.4 kPa during contraction, mean bladder base displacement was 7.2 ± 2.5 mm, and normalized bladder base displacement was 0.3 ± 0.1 mm. Additionally, a moderate correlation coefficient was found between bladder base displacement and levator ani elasticity differences between contraction and rest (r = 0.486, p = 0.001).
Conclusion
Transperineal shear-wave elastography is reliable for assessing the elasticity of levator ani by providing a non-invasive evaluation of pelvic floor muscle function. Additionally, the study findings suggest shear-wave elastography as a promising technique for establishing appropriate treatment plans for pelvic floor disorders.
“Everyone needs a Deb”: what Australian Indigenous women say about breast cancer screening and treatment services
Authors: Christie Vita , Green Deb , Skinner John , Riley Lynette , O'Shea Ross , Littlejohn Karen , Pyke Christopher , McCowen Debbie , Rambaldini Boe , Gwynne Kylie 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Breast cancer continues to be the second most diagnosed cancer and the most diagnosed cancer for women in Australia. While mortality rates overall have declined in recent years, Indigenous women continue to be diagnosed at more marginal rates (0.9 times) and are more likely to die (1.2 times). This is also the case for Indigenous women in high income countries globally. The literature provides a myriad of reasons for this; however, the voices of Indigenous women are largely absent. This study sets out to understand what is happening from the perspectives of Australian Indigenous women with a view to charting culturally safer pathways that improve participation in screening and treatment by Indigenous women.
Methods
This study was conducted using semi-structured, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Snowball sampling for recruitment of Indigenous women and service providers who were subsequently consented into the study through the Aboriginal Health Service and the research team. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim, and data coded in NVivo12 using inductive thematic analysis.
Results
A total of 21 Indigenous women and 14 health service providers were interviewed from, predominantly from the same regional/rural area in NSW, with a small proportion from other states in Australia. Six major themes were identified: Access, Awareness, Community and Family, Lack of control, Negative feelings and associations and Role of services.
Conclusion
To improve access and participation of Indigenous women and ultimately improve mortality rates, breast cancer services must explicitly address cultural and community needs.
A supervised algorithm entirely trained on a synthetic dataset to segment granular suspension images
Authors: Paulovics David , Figliuzzi Bruno , Dumont Théo , Blanc Frédéric 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
We present in this article a novel methodology for segmenting experimental images of granular suspensions, which uses a convolutional neural network trained on synthetic images generated with a morphological model. In many image processing problems related to physical applications, the lack of annotated data prevents the use of state-of-the-art supervised algorithms. Our solution to overcome this issue is to alleviate the need for annotated images by using a generative morphological model to construct synthetic images subsequently used as training samples. When applied to actual images of a suspension, the convolutional neural network presents good generalization properties and surpasses the performances of traditional segmentation algorithms. This gain in accuracy is crucial to improve the estimation of the local concentration field in the suspension.
Human health risks of metals contamination in Shallow Wells around waste dumpsites in Abeokuta Metropolis, Southwestern, Nigeria
Authors: Okoye Harvester O. , Bankole Abayomi O. , Ayegbokiki Adedayo O. , James Abraham O. , Bankole Afolashade R. , Oluyege Damilola E. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Metals contamination in shallow wells through solid waste leaching is a serious environmental problem with potential contribution to the global cancer cases. This paper evaluated the health risks of metals in shallow wells around dumpsites in Abeokuta Metropolis, Nigeria. Five dumpsites were purposively selected to sample twenty-five shallow wells. In-situ and laboratory analysis for pH and Electrical conductivity, copper, lead, Cadmium, Iron, and Chromium were conducted following the APHA standard procedure. Carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for oral and dermal routes were evaluated for adult male and female, children, and infant. Findings show that all wells are highly acidic (pH = 4.08–5.24), with Fe and Cd concentration above the established limits. Wells around Obada, Obantoko, and Saje dumpsites have high EC (upto 1200µS/cm), Cu, and Pb concentration above the permissible limits. Non-carcinogenic risks for oral ingestion were significant (HI > 1) for all age groups, and the significance level across dumping area increases in the order: Saje > Obantoko > Obada > Idi-aba > Lafenwa. All wells assessed in Saje and Obantoko recorded significant HI of dermal exposure for children and infants. Cancer risks were significant (CR > 1.0E-04) for all age groups, and metal contributions followed: Cd > Cr > Pb. Overall trend of significant risks for non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic via oral and dermal routes are in the order: infant > children > adult female > adult male. This show that groundwater users within the studied areas may experience diverse illnesses or cancer in their lifetime, particularly children and infant.
An Effective Simple Question Answering Framework using Knowledge Graph Embedding
Authors: Chen Jiabao , Fan Yongquan , Zhou Tianyi , Li Linsen , Huang Huajing 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Question answering over knowledge graph(KGQA) is an important research direction in question answering(QA) tasks. It is given a natural language question, which is answered by semantic understanding and parsing of the question using facts from the knowledge graph(KG).Currently, the main challenges for simple KGQA are the ambiguity of entities and the accuracy of relation linking. To bridge this gap, we propose an effective KG embedding based simple question answering framework (KGESQA) that embeds entity and relation in the KG into a continuous vector space, thus preserving the structural information in the KG while facilitating computation. We then used KG embedding to improve the effectiveness of entity linking and relation linking. The method uses entity type information to entity disambiguation, then embeds the subject entities of questions into the KG embedding space to find their corresponding entity, and uses the textual information of the word embedding and the structural information of the KG embedding to improve the accuracy of relation linking. Experiments conducted in a widely adopted benchmark test show that our proposed KGESQA outperforms state-of-the-art methods.