bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deep Neural Networks for Crack Detection Inside Structures
Authors: Moreh Fatahlla , Lyu Hao , Rizvi Zarghaam Haider , Wuttke Frank 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Crack detection is a long-standing topic in structural health monitoring. Conventional damage detection techniques rely on intensive, time-consuming, resource-intensive intervention. The current trend of crack detection emphasizes using deep neural networks to build an automated pipeline from measured signals to damaged areas. This work focuses on the seismic-wave-based technique of crack detection for plate structures. Previous work proposed an autoencoder network to extract crack-related wave patterns from measured wave signals and predict crack existence on the plate. We extend previous work with extensive experiments on different network components and a data preprocessing strategy. The proposed methods are tested on an expanded crack detection dataset. We found that a robust backbone network, such as DenseNet can effectively extract the features characterizing cracks of wave signals, and by using the reference wave field for normalization, the accuracy of detecting small cracks can be further improved.
The value of lung function assessment and Testin expression detection in clinicopathological features and prognosis of NSCLC patients
Authors: Zhang Yanmin , Wang Gaoming , Zhang Qian , Wang Qian , Luo Jing , Ling Chunhua 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical value and potential prognostic significance of lung function assessment and Testin expression in NSCLC patients.
Methods
The NSCLC patients were classified into three groups according to lung function: group of normal lung function, group of PRISm (FEV1 < 80% predicted and FEV1/FVC ≥ 70%) and group of COPD (FEV1/FVC < 70%). The pre-operational clinicopathological characteristics of these patients were recorded and the markers of systemic inflammatory response, including neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and eosinophils (EOS), were compared between three groups. The expression of Testin in NSCLC samples was detected by IHC and we further explored the correlation between Testin expression and clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of NSCLC patients. Finally, Cox regression analysis was conducted to study the prognostic factors of NSCLC patients.
Results
Of the 158 NSCLC patients, percentages of normal lung function, PRISm and COPD were 41.4%, 22.8% and 36.1%, respectively. Patients with tumor in the left lung were more likely to have pulmonary dysfunction (PRISm and COPD) than the right lung. The markers of systemic inflammatory response showed differences to various degree in the three groups and NSCLC patients with PRISm or COPD presented more unfavorable prognosis than patients with normal function. The expression of Testin correlated with lymph node metastasis, TNM stage and tumor invasion of NSCLC patients. Moreover, patients with low Testin expression exhibited poorer disease-free survival and overall survival than those with high Testin expression. In Cox regression analysis, we found that PRISm, COPD and Testin expression served as prognostic factors in NSCLC patients.
Conclusions
The presence of COPD or PRISm influenced systemic inflammatory response and prognosis of NSCLC patients. Testin expression correlated with clinicopathological features and could be potentially used as a prognostic marker in NSCLC.
Investigation on myopia and related factors among high school students in Hefei during COVID-19
Authors: Li Yinglong , Peng Xiaoning , Wen Wen , Shao Chen , Hu Wei , Feng Lixia , Xing Mengmeng , Wu Shuaihui , Liu Shuai 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objective: To investigate the relationship between multiple factors and myopia development among high school students with intense learning and eye use during covid-19 outbreak in Hefei, a first-tier city in China.​
Methods: The degree of myopia and related factors of 6000 senior high school students in 130 classes from different schools in Hefei city, Anhui province were analyzed by overall sampling combined with questionnaire survey and field inspection.
Results: The age group of the students was mainly 17-19 years old, of which 50% were 18 years old and 34.6% were 17 years old. Boys accounted for 55%, girls accounted for 45%; ​myopia accounted for 85.3%; ​the average myopia of the students was (right eye: 3.38± 2.17D, left eye: 3.04± 2.21D). The ratio of myopia in female students was 88.9% higher than that in male students (χ²=46.434, p <​ 0.01). There was significant difference in the incidence of myopia among students with different outdoor exercise time (χ²=110.5, p <​ 0.01). The incidence of myopia greater than 1 h/day was only 29%. The incidence of myopia in children of two nearsighted parents was higher than that of non-nearsighted parents (χ²=84.69, p <​ 0.01).
Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, a high myopia rate was found among high school students in Hefei, China. Girls have a higher rate of myopia than boys, and students whose parents have myopia are at greater risk of developing myopia. In addition, >​ 1 hour of outdoor activities can effectively reduce the incidence of myopia, and parents' understanding and implementation of myopia prevention and control can significantly affect the degree of myopia in children.
Promoter Methylation Levels of Progesterone Receptor-B (PR-B) and Expression of mRNA DNA Methyltransferase-1 (DNMT-1) In Menstrual Blood Patients with Endometriosis
Authors: Madjid Tita Husnitawati , Saputra Mondale , Rowawi Roni 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the differences and correlation of progesterone receptor-B (PR-B) promoter methylation and mRNA DNA methyltransferase-1 (DNMT-1) expression of eutopic endometrium via menstrual blood between endometriosis patients and non-endometriosis.
Patients and methods: We conducted a study of PR-B promoter methylation and mRNA DNMT-1 expression in menstrual blood obtained on the first and second day of the period from forty women with endometriosis and without.
Results: Methylation analysis and mRNA analysis revealed a significant difference in the level of DNA methylation of PR-B promoters in the endometriosis group compared to non-endometriosis (79.129%±4.719 vs 28.716% ± 4.732, p<0.05). DNMT-1 mRNA expression was higher, though statistically insignificant, in the endometriosis group than non-endometriosis (10.517±13.421 vs 9.532 ± 10.269, p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between PR-B methylation and mRNA DNMT-1 expression in endometriosis. (r=0.526, p < 0.05).
Improved nonlinear Burger creep model for soft rocks based on the fractional-order theory and considering viscoplastic deformation
Authors: Tarifard Abolfazl , Török Ákos , Görög Péter 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The significance of creep behavior in soft rocks is crucial in rock engineering, particularly when ensuring the time-dependent stability of underground structures. This study proposed a new nonlinear creep constitutive model to represent the soft rock’s creep behavior subjected to uniaxial and triaxial stress conditions. The Burger model was modified by substituting the traditional Newton dashpot with the fractional derivative Abel dashpot, and a viscoplastic body was introduced in series with the improved Burgers model to simulate the accelerating phase of rock creep. The model's efficacy was confirmed by fitting the parameters using creep test data from different soft rocks. The isochronous stress-strain curve approach was employed to calculate the long-term strength of rocks, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate how the model parameters affect creep deformation. The high agreement between the predicted outcomes and the actual creep experimental data for salt, shale, and sandstone demonstrates the proposed model's accuracy and logic. These results indicate that the model reliably represents soft rocks' nonlinear creep characteristics and the whole creep process.
Impact of obesity on heart failure risk is mediated by hypertension: univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Hong , Zhang Xu , Wu Min , Lv Ying , Zhu Zhanfang , Wei Na , Liu Bo , Zhou Jinna , Zhang Wei , Cui Qianwei , Liu Fuqiang , Ma Meijuan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Obesity is a risk factor for heart failure, and patients with obesity and heart failure have a better prognosis. We attempted to explain this paradox by exploring the role of hypertension in obesity and heart failure.We performed univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to investigate causal effects of obesity and hypertension on heart failure. Analysis using the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method showed that obesity Ⅱ (ORIVW= 1.10, 95% CI = 1.05–1.15, P = 2.86 × 10− 5) and obesity Ⅰ (ORIVW= 1.17, 95% CI = 1.11–1.24, P = 8.41 × 10− 8) had a positive effect on the occurrence of heart failure. The IVW method showed a causal effect of obesity Ⅰ (ORIVW= 1.02, 95% CI = 1.00–1.02, P = 2.807× 10− 25) and obesity Ⅱ (ORIVW= 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00–1.02, P = 7.14 × 10− 11) on hypertension. After adjusting for hypertension using multivariate IVW, obesity II was not causally associated with heart failure.Both obesity and hypertension are risk factors for heart failure, and the effect of obesity on heart failure is mediated by hypertension.
Preparation of de-crosslinked polyethylene from waste crosslinked high-density polyethylene using supercritical fluids
Authors: Cho Hang-kyu , Kim Hansang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This study examined a method for de-crosslinking high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for use in heating pipes using supercritical fluids and recycling them into polyethylene. Waste crosslinked HDPE is mostly incinerated because it is a thermosetting plastic and cannot be recycled. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new recycling technologies for crosslinked HDPE to prevent environmental pollution. Many experiments have been conducted under various subcritical and supercritical conditions using ethanol as the supercritical solvent to recycle crosslinked HDPE. Consequently, PE can be prepared via a de-crosslinking reaction. This study evaluated the characteristics of recycled polyethylene based on the reaction conditions using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and tensile strength analyses. In this study, samples with the same chemical and crystal structures were prepared under all conditions.
Nitrogen transformations in soil under plastic film mulching
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhang Zihao , Liu Zhe , Lei Tingting , Zhang Jinbo , Müller Christoph , Aloufi Abeer S , Filimonenko Ekaterina , Kuzyakov Yakov , Jiang Rui 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Aims
Plastic film mulching induces significant shifts in soil temperature and water balance, thereby influencing microbial activities, particularly those associated with nitrogen (N) transformations. However, its effects on interactions between N fate and soil N transformations remain unclear.
Methods
We investigated the complex interplay of soil N transformation processes using a 15N tracing method, N availability, and N fate under plastic film mulched ridges (PFM), in contrast to a non-mulched flat system (control).
Results
PFM resulted in 20–28% reduction in gross N mineralization and nitrification rates and increased rates of gross microbial N immobilization. Maize showed a 19% increase in N uptake and a 127% increase in N accumulation in the PFM-treated soil (up to 80 cm depth) compared to the control. PFM effectively inhibited N leaching, while also reducing N2O and NH3 gas emissions (by 32 kg N ha-1). In the early stages of maize growth, PFM-treated soil showed increased N availability due to accelerated rates of gross N mineralization and nitrification, which in turn bolstered N uptake by both maize and microorganisms. Furthermore, PFM effectively mitigated gaseous N emissions and N leaching, contributing to increased soil N retention and N use efficiency. As the rates of gross N mineralization and nitrification declined in the later stages of maize growth, PFM maintained substantial N availability. This was achieved by limiting NO3- leaching and microbial N immobilization, resulting in heightened N uptake and increased maize yield.
Conclusion
Plastic film mulching produced changes in soil N transformation processes that included gross N mineralization, nitrification, and immobilization rates. These changes manifested in increased N availability, maize N uptake, soil N retention, and reduced N losses.
Genomic prediction for root and yield traits of barley under a water availability gradient. A case study comparing different spatial adjustments
Authors: Tessema Biructawit B. , Raffo Miguel A. , Guo Xiangyu , Svane Simon F. , Krusell Lene , Jensen Jens Due , Ruud Anja Karine , Malinowska Marta , Thorup-Kristensen Kristian , Jensen Just 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background In drought periods, water use efficiency depends on the capacity of roots to extract water from deep soil. A semi-field phenotyping facility (RadiMax) was used to investigate above-ground and root traits in spring barley when grown under a water availability gradient. Above-ground traits included grain yield, grain protein concentration, grain nitrogen removal, and thousand kernel weight. Root traits were obtained through digital images measuring the root length at different depths. Two nearest-neighbor adjustments (M1 and M2) to model spatial variation were used for genetic parameter estimation and genomic prediction (GP). M1 and M2 used (co)variance structures and differed in the distance function to calculate between-neighbor correlations. M2 was the most developed adjustment, as accounted by the Euclidean distance between neighbors. Results The estimated heritabilities (\({\widehat{h}}^{2}\)) ranged from low to medium for root and above-ground traits. The genetic coefficient of variation (\(GCV\)) ranged from 3.2 to 7.0% for above-ground and 4.7 to 10.4% for root traits, indicating good breeding potential for the measured traits. The highest \(GCV\) observed for root traits revealed that significant genetic change in root development can be achieved through selection. We studied the genotype-by-water availability interaction, but no relevant interaction effects were detected. GP was assessed using leave-one-line-out (LOO) cross-validation. The predictive ability (PA) estimated as the correlation between phenotypes corrected by fixed effects and genomic estimated breeding values ranged from 0.33 to 0.49 for above-ground and 0.15 to 0.27 for root traits, and no substantial variance inflation in predicted genetic effects was observed. Significant differences in PA were observed in favor of M2. Conclusions The significant \(GCV\) and the accurate prediction of breeding values for above-ground and root traits revealed that developing genetically superior barley lines with improved root systems is possible. In addition, we found significant spatial variation in the experiment, highlighting the relevance of correctly accounting for spatial effects in statistical models. In this sense, the proposed nearest-neighbor adjustments are flexible approaches in terms of assumptions that can be useful for semi-field or field experiments.
From Boost to Burden: Investigating Energy Drinks and Myocarditis
Authors: Temtem Margarida , Sousa Francisco , Sá Débora , Serrão Marco Gomes , Rodrigues Ricardo 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
There is a growing problem regarding energy drink consumption and several adverse cardiovascular events after consuming energy drinks have been reported in the literature, due to arrhythmic events or myocardial infarction, but none describing direct myocyte toxicity. We perform a brief review of energy drink associated cardiovascular effects already described in the literature and present the first ever described case associating energy drink consumption to myocarditis.
Olfactory bulb anomalies in KBG syndrome mouse model and patients
Authors: Goodkey Kara , Wischmeijer Anita , Perrin Laurence , Cordelli Duccio Maria , Toni Francesco , Gnazzo Maria , Benedicenti Francesco , Elmaleh-Bergès Monique , Low Karen J. , Voronova Anastassia 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
ANKRD11 (Ankyrin Repeat Domain 11) is a chromatin regulator and the only gene associated with KBG syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder. We have previously shown that Ankrd11 regulates murine embryonic cortical neurogenesis. Here, we show a novel olfactory bulb phenotype in a KBG syndrome mouse model and two diagnosed patients. Conditional knockout of Ankrd11 in murine embryonic neural stem cells leads to aberrant postnatal olfactory bulb development and reduced size. We further show relatively normal formation of olfactory bulb outer neuronal layers with a reduced density of progenitors, neuroblasts, and neurons in the olfactory bulb core. Finally, we demonstrate incomplete migration of neuroblasts along the postnatal rostral migratory stream, which results in a decreased cell density in the olfactory bulb core. We also describe two clinically and molecularly confirmed KBG syndrome patients with anosmia and olfactory bulb and groove hypo-dysgenesis/agenesis. Our report provides evidence that Ankrd11 is a novel regulator of olfactory bulb development and neuroblast migration. Moreover, our study highlights a novel clinical sign of KBG syndrome linked to ANKRD11 perturbations in mice and humans.
Implementation of a Lipase A spore display in Paenibacillus polymyxa.
Authors: Zander Maximillian , Schmid Jochen , Kabisch Johannes 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

This study demonstrates the use of a spore display in Paenibacillus polymyxa for the first time, specifically incorporating fluorescent spores expressing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) and the functional display of the lipase A (LipA). Spore display allows the presentation of heterologous proteins on the surface of bacterial spores, offering numerous advantages in various biotechnological applications. The successful implementation of spore display in P. polymyxa involved engineering the spore surface to produce GFP fused to an anchoring protein in the crust, resulting in fluorescent spores that could be readily visualized. After this initial proof-of-concept, LipA from P. polymyxa was heterologously expressed and displayed on the spore surface. The lipase activity was measured over a wide temperature range and an increase in activity up to 70°C was observed. The immobilized catalyst was recycled using simple centrifugation seven times without significant loss of activity.
“Demarcation and Mapping of a Tree Species Using VHRS Data and Deep learning methods”
Authors: Biju Milan K , Trivedi Shivam , Hebbar R , Brema J 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Coconut holds significant importance in India as a vital source of oil for consumption, particularly due to the high demand for coconut oil. As a result, there has been a rapid expansion of oil coconut tree plantations. Coconut cultivation is widespread, spanning across 90 plus countries, making it one of the majorly grown plantations globally. India, being one of the top producers of coconuts, annually yields 13 billion nuts, utilizing approximately 1.78 million hectares of land for coconut plantations. The primary aim of this study is to assess the accuracy of detecting coconut trees using advanced deep learning techniques applied to high-resolution remote sensing images. The process of tree counting serves two essential purposes. Firstly, it provides an estimate of the number of trees within the plantation, enabling farmers to plan irrigation and fertilization processes more effectively. Secondly, this information is crucial for evaluating the estimated production and determining the value of the field. Deep learning serves as a fundamental framework for accurately detecting trees in high-resolution remote sensing images. Cutting-edge software packages like ArcGIS Pro incorporate deep learning tools that utilize pattern recognition concepts to identify objects in such images. The study reveals the detection of 11,325 coconut trees in the village using deep learning approaches, achieving an accuracy of 87.4%. The findings demonstrate that deep learning techniques offer improved object interpretation. Additionally, the assessment of plantation density in the village suggests that moderately dense coconut plantations occupy a larger area (82.74 hectares) compared to other types of plantations.
Implementation of an “Opt-Out” Tobacco Treatment Program in Six Hospitals in South Carolina
Authors: Cummings K. Michael , Talbot Vincent , Roberson Avery , Bliss Asia A. , Likins Emily , Brownstein Naomi C. , Stansell Stephanie , Adams-Ludd Demetress , Harris Bridget , Louder David , McCutcheon Edward , Zebian Rami , Rojewski Alana , Toll Benjamin A. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Objective
To describe the implementation an opt-out tobacco treatment program (TTP) in 6 diverse hospitals located in different regions of South Carolina.
Methods
Between March 8, 2021 and December 17, 2021, adult patients (≥ 18 years) admitted to 6 hospitals affiliated with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) were screened for their cigarette status. Patients who smoked cigarettes were referred to an TTP offering a brief bedside consult and automated post-discharge follow-up calls with an opportunity to receive a referral to the South Carolina Quitline (SCQL). The hospitals included in this study ranged in size from 82 to 715 beds with diverse patient populations. Herein, we report on the results of screening and referring patients to the TTP, delivery of smoking cessation treatments, and patient smoking status assessed in a sample of patients followed 6-weeks after discharge from the hospital.
Results
Smoking prevalence ranged from 14–49% across the 6 hospitals. Among eligible patients reached, 85.6% accepted the bedside consult. Only 3.4% of patients reached were deemed ineligible because they claimed not to be currently smoking cigarettes. The automated post-discharge follow-up calls were answered by 43% of patients, with about a third of those who had relapsed back to smoking accepting the offer of a referral to the SCQL. Overall, about half of the 6,000 patients referred to the TTP received some type of treatment. Self-reported smoking abstinence rates assessed 6-weeks after discharge were similar across the five acute care hospitals ranging from about 20–30%.
Conclusion
The findings demonstrate the broad reach of implementing an opt-out TTP for patients in hospitals of varying size, rurality and patient populations.