bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Burden of Incidental Sars-cov-2 Infections in Hospitalized Patients Across Pandemic Waves in Canada
Authors: McAlister Finlay A. , Hau Jeffrey P. , Atzema Clare , McRae Andrew D. , Morrison Laurie J. , Grant Lars , Cheng Ivy , Rosychuk Rhonda J. , Hohl Corinne M. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Many health authorities differentiate hospitalizations in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 as being “for COVID-19” (due to direct manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection) versus being an “incidental” finding in someone admitted for an unrelated condition.
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all SARS-CoV-2 infected patients hospitalized via 47 Canadian emergency departments, March 2020-July 2022 to determine whether hospitalizations with “incidental” SARS-CoV-2 infection are less of a burden to patients and the healthcare system. Using a priori standardized definitions applied to hospital discharge diagnoses in 14,290 patients, we characterized COVID-19 as (i) the “Direct” cause for the hospitalization (70%), (ii) a potential “Contributing” factor for the hospitalization (4%), or (iii) an “Incidental” finding that did not influence the need for admission (26%). The proportion of incidental SARS-CoV-2 infections rose fro 10% in Wave 1 to 41% during the Omicron wave. Patients with COVID-19 as the direct cause of hospitalization exhibited significantly longer LOS (mean 13.8 versus 12.1 days), were more likely to require critical care (22% versus 11%), receive COVID-19-specific therapies (55% versus 19%), and die (17% versus 9%), compared to patients with Incidental SARS-CoV-2 infections. However, patients hospitalized with incidental SARS-CoV-2 infection still exhibited substantial morbidity/mortality and hospital resource use.
Comparing small locking plate fixation versus small locking plate with screws fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneus fracture via sinus tarsi approach
Authors: Zhao Wenhan , Yang Weihua , Gao Xi , Li Zhanglai , Lan Jinfu , Lin Bei , Liang Deng , Huang Zhusong 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures (DIACFs) treated with small locking plates alone versus small locking plates combined with screws.
Methods
Retrospective analysis of 120 patients with intra-articular fractures seen from May 2018 to June 2020, all of whom were surgically repositioned using sinus tarsal approach.60 cases received a small locking plate combined with screws fixation (observation group) and 60 cases received a small locking plate fixation alone (control group).Demographic variables were recorded and compared Gissane angle, Bohler's angle, calcaneal varus, and joint line parallel angle at 3 days and 2 years postoperative follow-up.The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle and Hindfoot Score and VAS were applied to assess postoperative foot function, and complications were also compared.
Results
Compared with the control group, the joint line parallel angle and calcaneal varus in the observation group had lower displacement changes from the postoperative period to the 2-year follow-up,they are 0.07 (0.15) degrees vs 0.47 (0.59) degrees(P < 0.001), 0.19 (0.35) degrees vs 1.18 (0.67) degrees(P < 0.001).There was no significant difference in Gissane angle and Bohler's angle between the observation group and the control group at the preoperative, 3-year and 2-year follow-up (P > 0.05).The final AOFAS score, VAS score and complications were not significantly different between the two groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
When STA is used to treat DIACFs, fixation with a small locking plate combined with screws appears to provide better posterior articular surface stability and better maintenance of calcaneal axial stability than fixation with a small locking plate alone,the two techniques had similar functional outcomes and complications after surgery.
Morphometric Shape Analysis of Corpus Callosum in Children with Down Syndrome
Authors: Gürsel Başak Erdemli , Ercan İlker , Şahin İbrahim , Öngen Gökhan 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
OBJECTIVES
Down Syndrome (DS, Trisomy 21) is the most common genetic disease that is characterized by varying degrees of mental retardation and delay in neurocognitive functions. Herein, we analyzed the morphometric shape of the corpus callosum (CC) in children with DS.
METHODS
Twenty-three (50%) DS cases underwent MRI and were found to have grossly normal CC, and 23 (50%) control group were included in this retrospective study from the pediatric radiology archive (2012 to 2020). Images containing the CC were obtained from T2-weighted midsagittal images, and certain anatomical points were marked on the CC. Statistical geometric shapes and deformations of CC were evaluated for both groups.
RESULTS
The age range of patients with Down Syndrome was 6–42 months (11 females, 12 males), and 6–42 months (10 females, 13 males) for the control group. A statistically significant difference was found in the shape of CC between the groups (p < 0.001). Deformation was most evident in the posterior part of the CC (splenium) in the DS group.
DISCUSSION
The splenial deformation detected in children with Down Syndrome may be one of the first clues that can be determined in early childhood, which can explain the retardation in the neurocognitive functions.
Analysis of age-dependent gene-expression in human tissues for studying diabetes comorbidities.
Authors: guzzi Pietro Hiram , Cortese Francesca , Mannino Gaia Chiara , Pedace Elisabetta , Succurro Elena , Andreozzi Francesco , Veltri Pierangelo 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The study of the relations of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) disease with other pathologies (comorbidities) together with patient age variation poses a challenge for medical research. There is evidence that patients affected by T2DM are more likely to develop comorbidities as they grow older. Variation of gene expression can be related to changes in T2DM comorbidities insurgence and progression. Understanding gene expression changes requires the analysis of large heterogeneous data at different scale as well as the integration of different data sources into network medicine models. Hence, we designed a framework to shed light on uncertainties related to age effects and comorbidity by integrating existing data sources with novel algorithms. The framework is based on the integration and analysis of existing data sources under the hypothesis that changes in the basal expression of genes may be responsible of the higher prevalence of comorbidities in older patients. Using the proposed framework, we selected genes related to comorbidities from existing databases, then analysed their expression with age at the tissues level. We found a set of genes that changes significantly in certain specific tissues over time. We also reconstructed the associated protein interaction networks and the related pathways for each tissue. Using this mechanistic framework we detected interesting pathways related to T2DM whose genes change their expression with age. We also found many pathways related to insulin regulation and brain activities, which can be used to develop specific therapies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that analyses such genes at the tissue level together with age variations.
Study on the influence of rock vertical heterogeneity on the vertical extension law of hydraulic fracture
Authors: Wang Mingwei , Wu Wen , Liang Honggang , Luo Bo , Li Song , Zhang Heng , Zhou Wen 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

The vertical extension of fractures in the hydraulic fracturing process of low-permeability bottom-water oil and gas reservoirs are an essential issue to consider, which affects the stimulation effect of oil and gas reservoirs to a certain extent. During hydraulic fracturing, the hydraulic fracture extends in all three directions of length, height, and width simultaneously, and the fracture height gradually decreases as the construction time and fracture length increase. In the absence of a barrier layer, fractures may extend freely up and down; even if there is a barrier layer, if there is not sufficient strength and thickness, the fracture may jump up and down, penetrate into or even penetrate the barrier layer, forming an "indomitable" fracture, which will hurt the success of fracturing operations and reconstruction results. In this paper, we develop a set of nonlinear equations for the mathematical model of the vertical extension of a hydraulic fracture and calculate the stress intensity factors at the upper and lower tip of the fracture. Based on the fast descent method and the Newton iteration method, we solve the numerical model of fracture height extension and systematically analyze the effect of vertical heterogeneity of the reservoir rock on the vertical fracture extension law and sensitivity analysis. A reasonable choice of fracturing design parameters improves the fracturing success rate and stimulation effectiveness considerably.
An English pronunciation and intonation evaluation method based on the DTW algorithm
Authors: Duan Jing , He Zhu 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In order to solve the problems of single feature dimension and low accuracy in traditional oral English evaluation, this study has used the support vector regression algorithm to achieve the effective integration of different dimension evaluation features. The study comprehensively evaluate the overall reading and pronunciation quality of students. This paper designs an evaluation model of spoken English pronunciation quality based on a dynamic time warping algorithm and introduces the evaluation algorithms of pronunciation standard, fluency, and intonation, respectively. A support vector regression algorithm is used to realize the effective fusion of different dimension evaluation features. In addition, the correlation between machine rating and manual rating was used as an evaluation index to evaluate students' oral pronunciation quality from different dimensions. The model shows superior performance in the pronunciation of both monosyllabic and polysyllabic words, which is beneficial to improving students' oral English learning effect.
Miniaturized Vis-NIR handheld spectrometer for non-invasive plant pigment quantification
Authors: S Dinish U. , Teo Mark Ju Teng , Teo Valerie Xinhui , Dev Kapil , Tan Javier Jingheng , Koh Sally Shuxian , Urano Daisuke , Olivo Malini 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Advanced precision agriculture requires the objective measurement of the structural and functional properties of plants. Biochemical profiles in leaves can differ depending on plant growing conditions. By quantitatively detecting these changes, farm production processes can be optimized to achieve high-yield, high-quality, and nutrient dense agricultural products. To enable the rapid and non-destructive detection on site, this study demonstrates the development of a new custom-designed portable handheld Vis-NIR spectrometer that collects leaf reflectance spectra, wirelessly transfers the spectral data through Bluetooth, and provides both raw spectral data and processed information. The spectrometer has two preprogramed methods: anthocyanin and chlorophyll quantification. Anthocyanin content of red and green lettuce estimated with the new spectrometer showed an excellent correlation coefficient of 84% with those determined by a destructive gold standard biochemical method. The differences in chlorophyll content were measured using leaf senescence as a case study. Chlorophyll Index calculated with the handheld spectrometer gradually decreased with leaf age as chlorophyll degrades during the process of senescence. The estimated chlorophyll values were highly correlated with those obtained from a commercial fluorescence-based chlorophyll meter with a correlation coefficient of 77%. The developed portable handheld Vis-NIR spectrometer could be a simple, cost-effective, and easy to operate tool that can be used to non-invasively monitor plant pigment and nutrient content efficiently.
On the effect of Al on alumino-borosilicate glass chemical durability
Authors: Gin Stephane , Damodaran Kamalesh , Delaye Jean-Marc 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The chemical durability of borosilicate glass used to confine nuclear wastes non-linearly depends on a slight variation of their composition. Here, we focus on Al, a major oxide of these materials. Both matrix dissolution and long term-rates are investigated through experiments conducted at 90°C and pH 9. We demonstrate that low Al content glasses dissolve initially faster than glasses with higher Al content, but they form a gel that reorganized faster and eventually becomes more passivating. These results can be tied to recent findings at the molecular level showing that Al impacts the activation energy of Si‒O bond breaking. The implications for the geological disposal of high-level waste glass of these findings are discussed.
Identification and prevalence of fluke infection in yak and Tibetan sheep around Qinghai Lake, China
Authors: Fu Yong , Zhang Xueyong , Li Zhi , Meng Ru , Duo Hong , Shen Xiuying , Ma Yijuan , Guo Zhihong 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The liver flukes (Fasciola spp.) and rumen flukes (Paramphistomum spp.) are significant parasites in livestock worldwide, meanwhile, Fasciola spp. is considered as an important zoonotic parasite. To our knowledge, there are no reported of the fluke species identification and epidemiological prevalence in yak and Tibetan sheep around Qinghai Lake, China. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the major fluke species and determine the prevalence of fluke infection among yak and Tibetan sheep in this area. A total of 307 fecal samples were collected and identified by morphology of fluke eggs together with molecular approach. Our study first found the predominant fluke species were F. hepatica and P. leydeni in yak and Tibetan sheep around Qinghai Lake. The overall prevalence of fluke infection in yak and Tibetan sheep was 57.65% (177/307). Specifically, the prevalence of F. hepatica and P. leydeni was 14.98% (46/307) and 31.60% (97/307), respectively, and the co-infection of both species was 11.07% (34/307). There was a significant difference in the prevalence of overall fluke infection among yak and Tibetan sheep (p < 0.05). However, the prevalence of F. hepatica was significantly different in yak and Tibetan sheep (p < 0.05), but not P. leydeni. These findings of the present study provide useful information about the current status of natural fluke invasion in yak and Tibetan sheep around Qinghai Lake, which could be important for monitoring and control of these parasites in the region.
Computational study on Phosphorylation of Nucleosides and Nucleotides by Austin Model-1 method
Authors: Bojja Rajeshwar Rao 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Phosphorylation of Nucleosides and Nucleotides play essential function for the enzymatic synthesis of DNA and RNA to participate in energy transfer processes, intracellular signalling, and the regulation of proteins’ biological activity. The changing of the base sequence is to cause chromosomal mutations which are sometimes useful and occasionally harmful. Phosphorylation of Nucleosides and Nucleotides have been optimized and evaluated by semi-empirical molecular orbital AM1 method. In this connection, the heats of formation (∆Hfo), dipole moment (µ), energies of frontier molecular orbitals (EHOMO and ELUMO) and quantum chemical descriptors have been performed. It is observed that stability of nucleosides in DNA (deoxythymidin > deoxycytidine > deoxyguanosine > deoxyadenosine) as per heats of formation (∆Hfo) data. The dipole moment (µ) of nucleosides are investigated in DNA (deoxythymidin > deoxycytidine > deoxyadenosine > deoxyguanosine). Furthermore, the dipole-dipole interactions take part a critical role during the sequencing and replication of DNA has been discussed.
Bacillus subtilis A4，a potential algicidal bacterium against Spirogyra
Authors: Gu Ying , Wang Huicong , Sun Miaomiao , Ye Renzhi , Chen Baiyao , Cao Haipeng , An Jian 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Spirogyra species are economically important harmful algae in aquaculture environments that have resulted in ecosystem damage and significant economic losses to fisheries. However, little information is available on Bacillus species against harmful Spirogyra. In this study, an algicidal isolate (A4) against Spirogyra was obtained from the sediment of an aquaculture pond and was identified molecularly and phenotypically as B. subtilis. It showed a wide algicidal spectrum against Spirogyra, and exhibited significant algicidal effects with algicidal ratios above 50% under the conditions of 3.0 × 106 to 3.0 × 109 CFUžmL− 1, 15°C to 35°C, and photoperiods of 14h:10h, 24h:0h and 0h:24h (light/dark). In addition, isolate A4 showed an algicidal mode of indirect attack, and was safe with an LC50 above 3.0 × 109 CFUžmL− 1 to zebrafish. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to characterize B. subtilis as a promising biocontrol agent against Spirogyra.
Future Climate Projections using the LARS-WG6 downscaling model over Upper Indus Basin, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Summera Fahmi , NAEEM USMAN ALI 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
This study investigates the projections of precipitation and temperature at local-scale in the Upper Indus Basin (UIB) in Pakistan using six Regional Climate Models (RCMs) from CORDEX, under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5). For twenty-four stations spread across the study area, the daily data from the six different RCMs for maximum temperature (Tmax), minimum temperature (Tmin) and precipitation(pr) at a spatial resolution of 0.44o was downscaled using Long Ashton Research Station Weather Generator, version six (LARS-WG6). Investigations were made to predict changes in mean annual values of Tmax, Tmin and precipitation during two future periods, i.e., the mid-century (2041–2070) and end-century (2071–2100). Model results from statistical and graphical comparison validated that the LARS-WG6 is capable of simulating both the temperature and the precipitation in the UIB. Each of the six RCMs and their ensemble revealed a continuous increased temperature projections in the basin; nevertheless, there is variation in projected magnitude across RCMs and between RCPs. In general, the rise in average Tmax and Tmin was found to be greater under RCP 8.5 than RCP 4.5 possibly due to unmitigated greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). The precipitation projections follow nonuniform trend. i.e., not all RCMs agree whether the precipitation will increase or decrease in the basin and no orderly variations were detected during any of the future time periods under any RCP. However. an overall increase in precipitation is projected by the ensemble of RCMS.
Biotechnological enhancement of lactic acid conversion from palm kernel cake by immobilized Actinobacillus succinogenes 130Z
Authors: Rahim Nuraishah Abd , Luthfi Abdullah Amru Indera , Bukhari Nurul Adela , Tan Jian Ping , Abdul Peer Mohamed , Manaf Shareena Fairuz Abdul 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The aim of this study was to establish an improved pretreatment and fermentation method i.e. immobilized cells for high recovery of fermentable sugars from PKC and its effects on fermentability performance by Actinobacillus succinogenes 130Z in the conversion of lactic acid. The effects of oxalic acid concentrations (1–6% w/v) and residence times (1–5 h) on the sugar recovery were initially investigated and it was found that the highest mannose concentration was 25.1 g/L at the optimum hydrolysis conditions of 4 h and 3% (w/v) oxalic acid. The subsequent enzymatic saccharification of the pretreated PKC afforded the highest enzymatic digestibility with the recovered sugars amounting to 25.18 g/L and 9.14 g/L of mannose and glucose, respectively. Subsequently, the fermentability performance of PKC hydrolysate was evaluated and compared in terms of cultivation phases (i.e. mono and dual-phases), carbonate loadings (i.e. magnesium and sodium carbonates), and types of sugars (i.e. glucose and mannose). The highest titer of 19.4 g/L lactic acid was obtained from the fermentation involving A. succinogenes 130Z in dual-phase cultivation supplemented with 30 g/L of magnesium carbonate. Lactic acid production was further enhanced by using immobilized cells with coconut shell-activated carbon (CSAC) of different sizes (A, B, C, and D) in the repeated batch cultivation of dual-phase fermentation producing 31.64 g/L of lactic acid. This work sheds light on the possibilities to enhance the utilization of PKC for lactic acid production via immobilized A. succinogenes 130Z.
Alleviation of acute stress response by black pepper (Piper nigrum) aroma administration
Authors: Dilrukshi E. A. Chayani , Nishiyama Yuta , Ito Kanetoshi , Nomura Shusaku 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Black pepper is a popular spice globally. Black pepper essential oil could be beneficial in aromatherapy under stressful conditions. This study examined the effect of black pepper aroma on cardiac and peripheral autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity under stressful conditions using an olfactometer to administer aroma in a precise and controlled manner to ensure reproducibility. A within-participant design experiment was conducted with 20 male students who performed a 30 min calculation task as a short-term stressor under three aroma conditions: black pepper, ginger, and dipropylene glycol (DPG). Electrocardiograms and skin conductance level (SCL) were measured for evaluating the physiological acute stress response on ANS. Subjective evaluations and impressions on the types of aroma were assessed. The physiological acute stress response induced by the short-term stressor, which is characterized by the enhancement of the heart rate (HR) and SCL and decreases in the heart rate variability (HRV), was significantly suppressed with black pepper than with DPG(p =0.048, HR and p = 0.002, HRV) and ginger (p = 0.005, SCL); however, there was no significant difference in subjective scores among the conditions. Although black pepper is a stimulative agent, the findings showed that it alleviated the physiological acute stress response.
4D homogeneous pseudo-Riemannian Walker spaces
Authors: AryaNejad Yadollah 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
‎In‎ 2001, ‎Komrakov obtained the complete local classification of four-dimensional homogeneous pseudo-Riemannian (4Dhp-R) with non-trivial isotropy [12, 13]. ‎Based on this‎, ‎the classification of homogeneous Ricci solitons among four dimensional manifolds M = G/H was obtained in [3]‎. ‎In this context‎, ‎by studying (4Dhp-R) spaces‎, ‎we have obtained invariant Walker structures on the spaces under consideration‎. ‎Indeed‎, ‎we give a complete classification of (4Dhp-R) Walker manifolds with non-trivial isotropy‎.