bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevated Interleukin (IL)-6 as a Predictor of Disease Severity among Covid-19 Patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Nikkhoo Bahram , Mohammadi Matin , Hasani Sabah , Sigari Naseh , Borhani Aryan , Ramezani Chia , Charajoo Arian , Badri Shaho , Rostami Farzin , Etemadi Mashala , Rahmani Khaled 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
accompanied to the spreading of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the world, identifying factors related to the severity of the disease is one of the interests of physician and medical researchers. We hypothesized that interleukin 6 serum level is associated with severe outcome.
Methods
In this longitudinal prospective cohort study we enrolled 208 confirmed COVID-19 patients who were admitted to the Tohid Hospital (Sanandaj, Iran). Patients were classified into two groups based on IL-6 value in the first day of admission, elevated (n = 107) or not elevated/normal (n = 101), and followed until the occurrence of final outcome (death or discharge from the hospital). Data were analyzed using univariate methods, Chi-squared and independent two sample T test. The relationship between the independent variables and our interesting outcomes were investigated by multiple linear and logistic regression modeling.
Results
A total of 208 patients, 51% female and mean age 53.6 ± 16.3 years, including 107 elevated and 101 non-elevated IL-6 patients, were followed. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in demographic and clinical characteristics. Although not significant, logistic regression results showed that the chance of death occurrence among patients with elevated IL-6 are 3.91 times higher. According to the multiple linear regression modeling, elevated IL-6 significantly increased the duration of hospital stay (P = 0.008). Frequency of ICU admission (P = 0.04) and mean of ICU stay (P = 0.8) are also higher in elevated IL-6 group.
Conclusion
This study revealed that elevated IL-6 is significantly related to prolongation of hospital stay in Covid-19 patients. Although not significant, the occurrence of death among patients who had increased IL-6 in the time of admission was higher than patients with normal or lower serum levels of IL-6.
Theoretical and experimental analysis of plasma radius expansion model in EDM: a comprehensive study
Authors: Papazoglou Emmanouil Lazaros , Karmiris-Obratański Panagiotis , Karkalos Nikolaos , Thangara Muthuramalingam , Markopoulos Angelos P. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is an established non-conventional process, which is particularly efficient for the processing of hard-to-cut materials, in order to obtain high dimensional accuracy and surface integrity. However, in order to determine the appropriate parameters for machining novel materials, it is necessary to investigate the EDM process in depth, both by experiments and numerical models, taking into consideration the fundamental physical phenomena occurring during this process and be able to predict the surface morphology and microstructural alterations under various conditions. One of the challenging issues of EDM simulation models that still remain open is the representation of the evolution of plasma channel radius, for which various approaches have been proposed such as a linear, power law or a more complex piecewise relation, in respect to time. Thus, in this work, the effect of different relations for the plasma channel radius evolution on energy absorption coefficient, Plasma Flushing Efficiency (PFE) and crater morphology is compared under various conditions with a numerical model, which is also compared to experimental data. The results indicate that the energy absorption coefficient is dependent on the plasma column radius function, as slower growth of plasma channel leads to lower absorption coefficient and more efficient material removal, whereas a lower variation and different trends under different conditions were observed regarding PFE values, in respect to the power law exponent. Finally, the crater dimensions were shown to be consistently more narrow and deeper with higher exponents, thus based on actual observations of indicative craters, it was revealed that the appropriate values for the exponent of the power law plasma radius function are below 0.25.
The Prevalence of Behavioural Symptoms and Psychiatric Disorders in Hadza Children
Authors: Ougrin Dennis , Woodhouse Emma , Tucker Gavin , Ronaldson Amy , Bakolis Ioannis 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
73.9% of all psychiatric disorders start before the age of 18. Studying the prevalence of childhood psychiatric disorders across radically different economic systems and social structures could indicate universal factors leading to their development. We compared the prevalence of behavioural symptoms and psychiatric disorders in Hadza children (n=113), a mixed-subsistence foraging group, to a nationally representative sample from England (n=18,029) using a cross-sectional study design. Emotional problems, conduct problems and hyperactivity were lower in the Hadza children. Prosocial behaviour and peer problems were higher in Hadza children. 3.6% of Hadza children met the criteria for a psychiatric disorder compared to 11.8% in English children. All psychiatric disorders in Hadza children were co-morbid with autism spectrum disorder. No child from the Hadza group met the criteria for an emotional, behaviour or eating disorder. Further work should study the factors which lead to lower rates of psychiatric disorders in Hadza children.
Artificial Benchmark for Community Detection with Outliers (ABCD+o)
Authors: Kaminski Bogumil , Pralat Pawel , Theberge Francois 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The Artificial Benchmark for Community Detection graph (ABCD) is a random graph model with community structure and powerlaw distribution for both degrees and community sizes. The model generates graphs with similar properties as the well-known LFR one, and its main parameter ξ can be tuned to mimic its counterpart in the LFR model, the mixing parameter μ.
In this paper, we extend the ABCD model to include potential outliers. We perform some exploratory experiments on both the new ABCD+o model as well as a real-world network to show that outliers posses some desired, distinguishable properties.
A metagenomics and amplicon sequencing combined approach reveals the best primers to study marine aerobic anoxygenic phototrophs
Authors: Gazulla Carlota R. , Cabello Ana María , Sánchez Pablo , Gasol Josep M. , Sánchez Olga , Ferrera Isabel 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Studies based on protein-coding genes are essential to describe the diversity within bacterial functional groups. In the case of the aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic (AAP) bacteria, the pufM gene has been established as the genetic marker for this particular functional group, although available primers are known to have amplification biases. We review here the existing primers for the pufM gene amplification, design new ones, and evaluate their phylogenetic coverage. We then use samples from different marine environments to evaluate the performance of different primer combinations. By comparing the taxonomic composition of communities retrieved with PCR-free metagenomics and with the different amplicon approaches, we show that the commonly used primers are biased towards the Gammaproteobacteria phylum and some Alphaproteobacteria clades. The metagenomic approach as well as other combinations of the existing and newly designed primers show that these groups are in fact a minority and a great proportion of pufM sequences are affiliated to uncultured representatives, especially in the open ocean. Altogether, the framework developed here becomes a better alternative for future studies based on the pufM gene, and additionally serves as a reference for primer evaluation of other functional genes.
Foveal Serous Retinal Detachment with Inferior Staphyloma: Long-Term Treatment Response to Anti-VEGF and Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Jun Jae Won , Jeon Soyoung , Park Goeun , Kang Hyun Goo , Lee Christopher Seungkyu , Kim Min , Kim Sung Soo , Byeon Suk Ho , Lee Junwon 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the treatment response and long-term prognosis of foveal serous retinal detachment (SRD) associated with inferior staphyloma to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment and photodynamic therapy (PDT).
Methods
Nineteen treatment-naïve patients who underwent > 24 months follow-up were included. We analyzed the inter-visit changes in the foveal subretinal fluid (SRF) height after anti-VEGF treatment or PDT compared to no treatment and long-term prognosis of best-corrected visual acuity.
Results
At the last visit of patients who received the treatment, complete resolution was more significantly achieved in the CNV (choroidal neovascularization) group than in the CNV-free group (P = 0.028). In the CNV-free patients, visual acuity improved when complete resolution was achieved; otherwise, it generally decreased and after adjusting for confounding factors, analyses showed no statistically significant differences in inter-visit changes of foveal SRF height between the anti-VEGF treatment and no treatment cases (Absolute value, Rate, Subgroup categorized as ± 20% of change; P = 0.733, P = 0.916, P = 0.277; respectively). All three patients who underwent PDT did not show complete resolution or maintained improvement of the SRF.
Conclusion
Treatment with anti-VEGF and PDT do not seem to be effective for foveal SRD of CNV-free inferior staphyloma.
Traditional In-situ Rainwater Conservation Method for Sustaining Threatened Plant Species: A Case Study from the Indian Thar Desert
Authors: Kumar Suresh , Singh J. P. , Machiwal Deepesh , Kulloli R. N. , Barik S. K. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
This study assessed natural diversity of rare, endemic and threatened arid plant, i.e., Glossonema varians, in the Indian Thar desert and that needs in-situ conservation. Furthermore, efficacy of a traditional method of rainwater conservation is investigated in sustaining its regeneration and conservation. Two biotypes of G. variancs on rocky crevices having crisped margin leaves with light yellow flowers and sand deposition having leaf margin entire and dark yellow flowers are found. Ecologically, it is a sub-dominant species with relative importance value raging from 8.71 to 49. Box-whisker plots revealed that rainwater conservation improved plant growth and population of G. varians. Results of t-test further evidenced the influence of rainwater conservation in regenerating and flourishing plants of G. varians. Rainfall and plant population showed a moderately positive linear relationship (R2 = 0.30, p<0.10) and 27-mm threshold rainfall over 6 days is essential for conserving G. varians.
URBaM: A Novel Surrogate Modelling Method to Determine Design Scaling Rules for Product Families
Authors: Telleria Xuban , Esnaola Jon Ander , Ugarte Done , Ezkurra Mikel , Ulacia Ibai , Colomo Leire 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

The use of surrogate models to determine scaling rules for product families has been proven to be a powerful tool for dimensioning complex shape geometries by replacing costly to evaluate problems with almost instantly to solve mathematical functions. However, there is a broad range of surrogate models in the literature and each model can be configured in multiple ways. In addition, the optimal selection of a surrogate model and its configuration is highly conditioned by the case study nature. Consequently, nowadays it is mandatory to evaluate different surrogate models and configurations to choose the most appropriate model for each case study, which can be cumbersome and time consuming. Moreover, unrepresentative scaling rules derived from an inadequate evaluation process may lead to several design iterations increasing the product cost and development time. Therefore, in this paper a novel surrogate modelling technique to determine representative design scaling rules for product families - named Univariate Regression Based Multivariate (URBaM)- is presented. The proposed method was developed with two main objectives. Firstly, to avoid the cumbersome and time-consuming evaluation process of different surrogate model types and configurations required nowadays. Secondly, to reduce close to zero the design-analysis iterations when scaling a new family member. For this purpose, the URBaM model was developed with the capability to adapt to different non-linearity levels with a single configuration. In the present work, the structure of the proposed technique is first delineated. Then, the model is evaluated in six engineering case studies of different non-linearity levels (2 low, 2 medium and 2 high) and compared against 14 configurations of 8 most representative techniques in the literature. The obtained results demonstrate that the URBaM model is capable to accurately adapt to different nonlinearity levels with a single configuration with average values of MAPE, NRMSE, and RMAE of 10.5%, 0.22, and 0.66 respectively. In addition, in the performed comparison, the URBaM model presented the highest stability in the accuracy metrics from case to case. Consequently, the potential of the URBaM surrogate modelling technique to assist the design process of scalable mechanical product families is proven.
Quantifying Pulse Oximeter Accuracy During Hypoxemia and Severe Anemia Using an In Vitro Circulation System
Authors: Gylys Raymond , Feiner John , Pologe Jonas , Delianides Ted , Sutter Stephanie , Bickler Philip , Lipnick Michael 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose:
Anemia and hypoxemia are common clinical conditions that are difficult to study and may impact pulse oximeter performance. Utilizing a novel in vitro circulation system (IVCS), we studied performance of three pulse oximeters during hypoxemia and severe anemia.
Methods:
Three oximeters were selected to reflect a range of cost (Masimo Radical 7 with Masimo LNCS Adtx sensor, Acare AH-M1 and Contec CMS 50-DL). Human blood was diluted to generate four hematocrit (Hct) levels (40%, 30%, 20%, and 10%). Oxygen and nitrogen were bubbled through the blood to generate a range of oxygen saturations (O2Hb) and the blood was cycled through the IVCS. Pulse oximeter saturations (SpO2) were paired with simultaneously-measured O2Hb readings from a reference CO-oximeter. Data for each Hct level and each device were least-squares fit to a 2nd-order equation with quality of each curve fit evaluated using standard error of the estimate. Bias and average root mean square error were calculated after correcting for the calibration difference between human and IVCS calibration.
Results:
The benchtop oximeter (Masimo Radical) maintained good accuracy at all but the most extreme level of anemia. The handheld device (Acare AH-M1) was not as accurate as the Masimo, and inaccuracies increased at lower Hct levels. The ﬁngertip device (CMS 50-DL) was the least accurate of the three oximeters.
Conclusion:
Pulse oximeter performance is impacted by severe anemia in vitro. The use of in vitro calibration systems may play an important role in augmenting in vivo performance studies evaluating pulse oximeter performance in challenging conditions.
Combined impacts of sea level rise and invasive species on Cordylanthus maritimus (Salt Marsh Bird’s Beak) in Upper Newport Bay, California
Authors: Spear Hannah V. , Banuelas David , Arenas Alys , Swanson Amanda , Crook Elizabeth D. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Salt Marsh Bird’s Beak (Cordylanthus maritimus subsp. maritimus) is a hemiparasitic halophyte that is endemic to coastal salt marshes of southern California and is both state and federally endangered. By the year 2100, sea level is projected to rise by up to 3 meters, which will decrease the biodiversity of salt marshes and lead to changes in plant community assemblages, impacting the narrow ecological niche of C. maritimus. Here, we address how sea level rise will impact the habitable range of C. maritimus, and we examine how these impacts will be compounded by the presence of an invasive plant species, Algerian sea lavender (Limonium ramosissimum). We used LiDAR data, plant distributions, and sea level rise projections for the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve to create species distribution models and map current and future ranges for both species. The areas of these ranges and the area of overlap between both species were calculated for 2020, 2050, and 2100 under varying sea level rise scenarios. Although overlap between the two species’ ranges currently exists, C. maritimus inhabits a smaller area at relatively lower elevations than L. ramosissimum. Across all 2050 and 2100 scenarios, we project L. ramosissimum will occupy at least 161% and 292% more habitable area than C. maritimus, respectively. More than 96% of the projected habitable area for C. maritimus may also be suitable for L. ramosissimum, increasing competition between the two species and highlighting a critical need to strategically control invasive L. ramosissimum in Upper Newport Bay.
Linewidth narrowing in self-injection-locked on-chip lasers
Authors: Wan Yating , Alkhazraji Emad , Chow Weng , Grillot Frederic , Bowers John 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Stable laser emission with narrow linewidth is of critical importance in many applications, including coherent communications, LIDAR, and remote sensing. In this work, the physics underlying spectral narrowing of self-injection-locked on-chip lasers to Hz-level lasing linewidth is investigated using a composite-cavity structure. Heterogeneously-integrated III-V/SiN lasers operating with quantum-dot and quantum-well active regions were analyzed with a focus on the effects of carrier quantum confinement. The intrinsic differences were associated with gain saturation and carrier-induced refractive index, which were directly connected with 0- and 2-dimensional carrier densities of states. Results from parametric studies were presented for tradeoffs involved with tailoring linewidth, output power, and injection current with different device configurations. A multi-objective optimization analysis was provided to optimize the operation and design parameters, serving as an analytical tool for parametric studies to produce timely results in engineering design.
Sequencing and validation of exosomal miRNAs panel as novel plasma biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis prediction in laryngeal cancer
Authors: Zhang Haopeng , Chen Zhengxun , Huang Qiang , Guo Yang , Wang Mei , Wu Chunping 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Plasma exosomal miRNAs are important biomarkers for body fluid biopsy. The purpose of this study was to screen and construct plasma exosomal miRNAs panel as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC).
Methods
Plasma exosomal miRNAs from 6 LSCC patients with three typical anatomical sites and 3 normal controls (NC) were analyzed by next-generation sequencing. The obtained aberrant expression profile of exosomal miRNAs were compared with the online databases of LSCC to construct and verify the diagnostic and prognostic panel by machine learning. Also, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was applied to validate the diagnostic efficacy of the screened miRNAs in an independent clinical cohort.
Results
A plasma exosomal miRNAs panel (consisting of hsa-miR-139-3p, hsa-miR-486-5p, hsa-miR-944, hsa-miR-320b and hsa-miR-455-5p) was successfully constructed for early diagnosis and prognosis of LSCC, and showed good predictive potential with an AUC of 0.782, 1.000, 0.716, and 0.875 by artificial neural network (ANN) panel in the independent datasets. This panel was further validation in an independent cohort consisting of 84 clinical cases (48 LSCC and 36 NC). In the validation cohort, the AUC of 5 individual miRNAs ranged from 0.721 to 0.837. The accuracy was further increased by the logistic model, which further increased the AUC to 0.959 by adjusting for the number of miRNAs. The mRNA-miRNA regulatory network and immune function analysis revealed the possible underlying pathogenesis of LSCC.
Conclusions
Exosomal miRNAs panel can be promising plasma biomarkers for predicting early diagnosis and prognosis in LSCC.
Ureterocele with duplex collecting system and febrile urinary tract infection risk
Authors: Wang Jinbin , Zhao Yining , Chen Zhoutong , Geng Hongquan , Fang Xiaoliang 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Ureterocele has been hypothesized to be the risk factor for febrile urinary tract infections (F-UTIs) in patients with duplex collecting system, but this has not been proved, our goal was to assess the relation between ureterocele with duplex collecting system and F-UTIs.
Methods: We included individual-participant data from patients seen for complicated duplex collecting system from 2010 to 2020 retrospectively followed. Those with using continuous low dose antibiotic prophylaxis and incompletely duplicated systems were removed from the study. The participants were divided in two cohort according to patients with or without ureterocele. The primary endpoint of this study was recurrent F-UTIs.
Results: We analyzed medical reports of 300 patients, of which 75% were female. Among the 300 patients, F-UTIs developed in 111/159 (69.8%) patients in the ureterocele group and in 69/141 (48.9%) patients in the no-ureterocele group. Univariate analysis found no discernible difference except in grade of hydronephrosis between ureterocele group and no-ureterocele group. Moreover, Cox proportional regression analysis revealed that patients of duplex system ureterocele might be intrinsically more prone to develop F-UTIs (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.894; 95% CI, 1.412 to 2.542; P<0.001).
Conclusion: Among participants with duplex system, the risk of recurrent F-UTIs in patients with ureterocele was higher than patients without it, and mini-invasive surgical correction should be considered at young age to reduce F-UTIs.
Design of Cruise Control System Simulated with Jaya Optimization Algorithm using MATLAB
Authors: BASIL NOORULDEN 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

In this article Proportional Integral Derivative Acceleration (PIDA) controller has been presented with Jaya Optimization Algorithm (JOA) to improve that perform for given Cruise Control System. For made greatest performance for the proposed model to make a comparison with the conventional P-I-D controller that could being achieve such the suitable stability for resolve the execution for overall Cruise Control System, additionally to create a step response of change compared with different optimized algorithms like PSO algorithm. The Jaya Optimization Algorithm (JOA) with P-I-D-A controller it is utilized for solve that efficiency work for Cruise System model for reduce overall error for controlled system. The controlled model had been achieved using MATLAB-Simulink.
Biosorption of selected heavy metals on wild thyme to prepare antibacterial agents
Authors: Kováčová Mária , Yankovych Halyna , Augustyniak Adrian , Luna Mariano Casas , Remešová Michaela , Findoráková Lenka , Stahorský Martin , Čelko Ladislav , Baláž Matej 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The presented study proposes a new potential biosorbent- Thymus serpyllum L. (wild thyme) plant, which showed to be highly efficient in rapid adsorption of Cu(II) and Pb(II) ions. Apart from biochars, that are commonly used for adsorption, here we report the direct use of native plant. The highest adsorption capacity for Cu(II) and Pb(II) ions (qe = 12.66 and 53.13 mg g-1, respectively) was achieved after 10 and 30 minutes, respectively. The combination of characterization methods (SEM/EDX, TGA, FT-IR, XPS and ζ-potential measurements) confirmed the combined adsorption mechanism consisting of the ion exchange at the lower Cu(II) and Pb(II) concentrations and the complexation and chelation at higher concentrations. Moreover, the Cu-laden plant has been shown to be an efficient antibacterial agent against the bacteria E. coli and S. aureus. Thus, the sustainable resource can be used both to treat wastewater and be used in the fight against microbes afterwards.