bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PCA-Net: A Heart segmentation model based on the meta-learning method
Authors: Yang Mengzhu , Hu Shunbo , Dong Hao , Zhu Dong , Wang Yongfang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In order to effectively prevent and treat heart-based diseases, the study of precise segmentation of heart parts is particularly important. The heart is divided into four parts: the left and right ventricles and the left and right atria, and the left main trunk is more important, thus the left ventricular muscle (LV-MYO), which is located in the middle part of the heart, has become the object of many researches. Deep learning medical image segmentation methods become the main means of image analysis and processing at present, but the deep learning methods based on traditional convolutional neural network (CNN) are not suitable for segmenting organs with few labels and few samples like the heart, while the meta-learning methods are able to solve the above problems and achieve better results in the direction of heart segmentation. Since the LV-MYO is wrapped in the left ventricular blood pool (LV-BP), this paper proposes a new model for heart segmentation: PCA-Net. Specifically, we redesign the coding structure of Q-Net and make improvements in threshold extraction. Experimental results confirm that PCA-Net effectively improves the accuracy of segmenting LV-MYO and LV-BP sites on the CMR dataset, and is validated on another publicly available dataset, ABD, where the results outperform other SOTA methods.
Immunogenicity and clinical outcomes of booster mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 in primary antibody deficiencies
Authors: Milota Tomas , Smetanova Jitka , Skotnicova Aneta , Rataj Michal , Lastovicka Jan , Zelena Hana , Bartunkova Jirina , Kalina Tomas 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose:Anti-SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines may elicit humoral responses in patients with primary antibody deficiency. However, this response is limited by its rapid waning and low levels of virus-neutralizing antibodies. There is limited evidence for the efficacy of the booster vaccination in patients with primary antibody deficiencies.
Methods:This prospective observational cohort study focused on the clinical outcomes (proportion of infected patients, disease severity, and adverse event incidence) and dynamics of humoral immune responses (specific post-vaccination and virus-neutralizing antibodies) after booster (third) mRNA anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). The patients were followed-up for seven months.
Results:Eighteen participants were enrolled from 21 screened patients with CVID. One month after the booster vaccination, the proportion of responders increased from 16.7%, and the mean concentration of anti-SARS-CoV-2 RBD antibodies increased from 13.95 U/mL to 72.2% and 302.6 U/mL, which was significantly lower compared to healthy donors (mean 1949 U/ml). Patients with CVID also had reduced titers of virus-neutralizing antibodies. Notably, response rate and mean specific antibody concentrations increased within the follow-up period up to 100% and 1346 U/mL, respectively, at month seven. These results may be confounded by the passivetransmission of specific antibodies. Local reactions were the most common adverse events. No severe adverse events were reported.
Conclusion:Booster vaccination and passively transmitted anti-SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies from immunoglobulin replacement therapy result in high serum levels of specific antibodies. However, this is limited by lower titers of neutralizing antibodies and different immunogenicity against viral variants. Administration of a booster dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine was safe; no new safety concerns were raised.
Metagenome-Assembled Genomes of Nitrososphaera from Aoteroa (New Zealand) Hot Spring Microbial Mats
Authors: Slosser T , Markert E , Wenick M , Trembath-Reichert E , Ward LM 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Aerobic ammonia oxidation is crucial to the nitrogen cycle, and is only known to be performed by a small number of bacterial lineages (Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria, or AOBs) and a single clade of archaea (Ammonia Oxidizing Archaea, or AOAs) belonging to the Nitrososphaera class of Thaumarchaeota. Most characterized AOA originate from marine or wastewater environments, but this may represent only a limited subset of the full diversity of this clade. Here, we describe several genomes of AOA from metagenomic sequencing of a hot spring microbial mat, representing several poorly characterized basal lineages that may be important for understanding the early evolution of archaeal ammonia oxidation.
Genetic diversity and identification of cocoa swollen shoot virus detected in tolerant cocoa trees (Theobroma cacao L.) in west and central west department of Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: GUIRAUD Boguinard Sahin Honorine Brigitte , TAHI Gnion Mathias , TREBISSOU Inago Caudou , Coulibaly Klotioloma , N’GUESSAN Walet Pierre , N’GUESSAN Kouamé François , MULLER Emmanuelle , ZORO Bi Irié 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Swollen shoot virus disease (CSSVD) is responsible of production losses and destruction of cocoa plantations. Since its resurgence in Côte d'Ivoire in 2003, it has caused a real threat to Ivorian cocoa production. The aim of this study was to highlight the genetic diversity of isolates from potentially CSSV-tolerant cocoa trees. The methodology used involved PCR detection of the presence of virus on 168 potentially CSSVD-tolerant and susceptible cocoa accessions collected from seven CSSVD-infected departments of Côte d'Ivoire. This step was followed by DNA sequencing to identify isolates. The results of this study show 32 viral sequences (clones) were obtained after PCR. Three groups of isolates were identified. Group B (species CSSTBV), including the BC subgroup, group D (species CSSCDV) and a new group S, never before observed in west and central west of Côte d'Ivoire. The groups of isolates identified were not assigned to the phenotypic groups evaluated. These results indicate the need for further molecular diagnosis of asymptomatic cocoa trees present in infected cocoa farms in Côte d'Ivoire.
Kaolin/BNNSs co-doping to improve the electrical-thermal- mechanical properties of EPDM composites
Authors: Feng Hao , Xiao Chenglong , Xu Zhuang , Deng Wenhao , Li Guochang , Wei Yanhui , Zhu Yuanwei , Li Shengtao 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Offshore wind power is clean energy with rapid growth in recent years. As a key part of wind turbines, improving the combination performance of wind turbine cable insulation has a crucial impact on the development of wind power systems. In this paper, kaolin is selected to improve the tensile strength of Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber, and Boron Nitride Nanosheeets (BNNSs) with good electrical insulation and thermal conductivity are co-doped into kaolin/EPDM to improve the breakdown strength and thermal conductivity of the composite. The results show that the properties of the composites are improved when the powders are doped into EPDM. When the kaolin doping amount is 30wt%, the dielectric properties and the mechanical properties are improved, but the breakdown strength has deteriorated. Based on 30wt% kaolin content, BNNSs are added to EPDM. The breakdown strength is improved. The breakdown strength of the 30wt% Kaolin/5wt%BNNSs co-doped EPDM is 83.33kV/mm. In addition, due to the synergistic effect between the two powders, the tensile strength of the composite is increased to 8.06MPa. Meanwhile, with the increase of BNNSs, the thermal conductivity of composite is improved. It increases to 1.247 W/(m×K) This work has important guiding significance for improving the combination performance of the wind turbine cable insulation.
ALAD Expression and Prognostic Value in Solid Tumors: A Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Chen Quan , Xu Rui , Li Jing , Li Qianru , Yang Longcui , Hong Peng , Li Peiqiong , Liu Qingnan , Zhu Weiyun , Zhao Xiaohui 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background. Delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD), as a key enzyme in hemoglobin production, have been reported to be an endogenous inhibitor of proteasomerecently. Abnormal ALAD expression was discovered in several forms of cancer, however, the role of ALAD in tumor progression remains unclear.
Methods. ALAD mRNA expression were analyzed through GEPIA, UALCAN online and GEO database in primary solid tumors, respectively. Overall survival was estimated with Kaplan–Meier plotter database in these tumors. Differentially expressed genes regulated by ALAD were discovered with the LinkedOmics database in breast and lung cancer, and then the key genes were screened by hub gene analysis. Their biological function were analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO) terms analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment (KEGG) analysis. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and in vitro experiments were used to verify the role of ALAD in cell cycle and apoptosis. The correlation of ALAD expression with immune cell infiltration and biomarkers of immune cells were identified by TIMER database.
Results. The results showed that ALAD mRNA expression were significantly downregulated in most of primary solid tumors. Low expression of ALAD predicts worse overall survival. 240 genes related to ALAD were discovered to participate in transcriptional regulation through functional analysis. 9 hub gene showed that it was mainly enriched in cytosol and ubiquitin-protein transferase activity using GO analysis. High expression of ALAD can induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis according to GSEA analysis and in vitro flow cytometry analysis and annexin V staining. TIMER results showed that ALAD was significantly associated with immune cell infiltration.
Conclusions. Our study demonstrated for the first time that ALAD is downregulated and low expression of ALAD is associated with worse OS in multiple solid tumors. Vitro experiment showed that ALAD high expression can suppress tumor cell cycle process and promote apoptosis in breast and lung cancer. Furthermore, we first time analyzed the tumor immune effect of ALAD in multiple solid tumors, and these findings support that ALAD is positively linked to immune cell infiltration. To sum up, it indicates that ALAD may be a valuable prognostic biomarker of solid tumors.
Ferroptosis Contributed Genes in the Soleus Muscle After Endurance Training in Older Rats
Authors: Sahraee Nima , Salehpour Ph.D Mojtaba , Ashabi Ph.D Ghorbangol 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The main aim of the research is to investigate the effect of endurance physical activity on ChaC Glutathione Specific Gamma-Glutamyl cyclotransferase 1 (CHAC1), Glutamate-Cysteine Ligase Catalytic subunit (GCLC), Arachidonate 12-Lipoxygenase (ALOX12), as some ferroptosis related-genes expressed in soleus muscle tissue, in order to clarify apart of muscle atrophy physiology in old rats. Twenty old Wistar male rats were randomly assigned into two groups, endurance training and control groups. The training group ran incrementally on a treadmill, five days a week (velocity: 10–28 m/min). The expression genes were investigated by Real-time PCR and Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) level as oxidative stress predicators were measured by assay kit. The mRNA expression of CHAC1 in the training group (0.36 ± 0.06)-fold decreased as opposed to the control group (P < 0.01). Increment in mRNA levels of GCLC and ALOX12 were seen in exercise group comparing with control, respectively (1.29 ± 0.21)-fold, (P > 0.01) and (1.84 ± 0.25)-fold, (P < 0.01). The level of MDA in the training group decreased significantly (1.18 ± 0.24) compared with the control group (1.58 ± 0.32), (P < 0.01). SOD level were higher in training (17.03 ± 2.10) compared with control (1.593 ± 14.45), (P < 0.01). It seems that regular aerobic running exercise could possibly Influence rodents muscle regulation through ferroptosis process and lipid peroxidation accumulation.
GIS for the study of 16th-century residential hydraulics and waterworks
Authors: Campos Pablo Gumiel 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Geographic information systems (GIS) are an effective research tool for studying hydraulics and waterworks in 16th -century residences. Two sorts of maps have been created during the research. On the one hand, a pan-European map of 94 water-related palaces. This map has been an essential analytical tool to draw conclusions about the evolution of Early Modern residential supply systems. On the other hand, individual maps of the hydraulic infrastructure of four Iberian palaces have been created. The architectural remains of these infrastructures have been georeferenced, and an estimate of the transit of the aqueducts and pipelines that have already disappeared has been recreated. These individual maps have also been, in themselves, tools for historical analysis. The comparison between the geographic information displayed in the GIS and the historical data from documentary sources has allowed the estimation of the construction stages of the supply systems of the palaces.
Tax Salience and Attention Variation
Authors: Ishida Shinri , Nakazono Yoshiyuki 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We examine the salient effects of tax information on demand. We discover attention variation among consumers with less-educated consumers misreacting to the not-fully-salient tax display. We also find that a change in price tag displays to tax-exclusive prices induced consumers to visit these stores more often than before. More than half of the increase in demand in the stores using the tax-exclusive price tags is accounted for by changing regular stores, which implies that the less salient tax price display influences store patronage. However, our results suggest that the salient effect is a short-lived, non-permanent, phenomenon.
JEL Classification: D12; D25; H71
The pedicle screw accuracy using a robotic system and measured by a novel 3-dimensional method
Authors: Oppermann Marcelo , Karapetyan Vahagan , Gupta Shaurya , Ramjist Joel , Oppermann Priscila , Yang Victor XD 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Robotics in medicine is associated with precision, accuracy, and replicability. Several robotic systems are used in spine surgery. They are all considered shared-control systems, providing "steady-hand" manipulation instruments. Although numerous studies have testified to the benefits of robotic instrumentations, they must address their true accuracy. Our study used the Mazor system under several situations and compared the spatial accuracy of the pedicle screw (PS) insertion and its planned trajectory. We used two cadaveric specimens with intact spinal structures from C7 to S1. PS planning was performed using the two registration methods (preopCT/C-arm or CT-to-fluoroscopy registration). After planning, the implant spatial orientation was defined based on six anatomic parameters using axial and sagittal CT images. Two surgical open and percutaneous access were used to insert the PS. After that, another CT acquisition was taken. Accuracy was classified into optimal, inaccurate and unacceptable according to the degree of screw deviation from its planning using the same spatial orientation method. Based on the type of spatial deviation, we also classified the PS trajectory into 16 pattern errors. Seven (19%) out of 37 implanted screws were considered unacceptable (deviation distances >2.0 mm or angulation >5°), and 14 (38%) were inaccurate ( >0.5 mm and ≤ 2.0 mm or >2.5º and ≤ 5º). CT-to-fluoroscopy registration was superior to preopCT/C-arm (average deviation in 0.9mm vs. 1.7mm, respectively, p<0.003), and percutaneous was slightly better than open but did not reach significance (1.3mm vs. 1.7mm, respectively). Regarding pattern error, the tendency was to have more axial than sagittal shifts. Using a quantitative method to categorize the screw 3D position, only 10.8% of the screws were considered unacceptable. However, with a more rigorous concept of inaccuracy, almost half were non-optimal. We also identified that, unlike some previous results, the O-arm registration delivers more accurate implants than the preopCT/C-arm method.
Implantable loop recorders in the diagnosis and management of cardiac symptoms in children and adolescents
Authors: Agudo-Montore Pedro , Stuart Graham , Wilson Deirdre , Spentzou Georgia , Sidiqqui Rabeea , Theofanous Theano , González-Corcia Cecilia 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Implantable loop recorders (ILR) have emerged as long-term effective monitoring tools for severe or recurrent rhythm abnormalities or unexplained cardiac symptoms. Scarce information is available on the use and results of this technology in the pediatric age. Report of the results of a cohort of pediatric patients that benefited from ILR implantation. Retrospective chart review of clinical data, implantation indications, diagnostic recordings and changes in patient management in pediatric patients who underwent Reveal LINQ ILR implantation from January 2016 to February 2022 at a single pediatric cardiology department in a tertiary care children’s hospital. In a pediatric cohort of 155 patients (mean age at implantation 10.3 years), 98 patients (63%) had ILR transmissions, 41 (42%) of which demonstrated a diagnostic arrhythmia recording. The median time to a diagnostic transmission was 175 days. The most common abnormality was sinus pauses (37%), followed by ventricular tachycardia (30%). Of the total transmissions, 78 (80%) were patient-activated and 21% of them had pathological traces. From the device-activated transmission (n=33, 34%), 79% showed pathological tracings. Some of the transmissions were simultaneously patient and device-activated. In 80% of patients with an ILR-related diagnosis, there was an arrhythmia management plan change including medication change, a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation, and an indication to perform an electrophysiology study. No major complications occurred; 4 patients (2.4%) had minor complications. ILRs have emerged as a new technology proven to be effective and safe in diagnosing and managing pediatric arrhythmias.
Image Retrieval Using Pixel Similarity
Authors: Orman Abdullah 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Content-based image retrieval involves searching for the desired image from an image database. It is realized through the feature vectors obtained from the architectural image in question. Therefore, feature extraction is a crucial step. In this study, a new feature vector representation is proposed. In the proposed study, a composite feature vector is obtained by using color, edge, and gradient features. In particular, the method applied for edge detection offers a non-linear approach that simulates the human visual system well. In addition, there is no need for any parameter or user intervention in edge detection. In the study, experiments were carried out in Corel 1K and Corel 10K databases, which are frequently used in image retrieval. The proposed study was compared with 13 different methods. When the results are examined, the superiority of the method draws attention.
Isolation, characterization and anti-biofilm efficacy of a novel Klebsiella pneumoniae phage
Authors: Hussein Ali Y. , Abdulsattar Ban O. , Al-Saryi Nadal A. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The Multi-Drug-Resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is an important pathogen that threatens public health directly with life threatening infections. The need for the development of new effective and safe alternative treatments for these infections is crucial. Therefore, the interest in phage therapy as a promising alternative is increasing. Here, a novel phage named ΦAYH was isolated from the Tigris River water, Baghdad, IRAQ near sewage of Baghdad Medical City with its specific host from the same site. Phage ΦAYH belongs to Podoviridae family in the order Caudovirales. The ΦAYH maintained stability at different temperatures (-10- 60°C) and pH values (5-11). For one-step growth, latent period was 10 min with burst size ~64 virions/ cell at MOI 10. The phage was able to lyse 8 from 32 clinical K. pneumoniae isolates in vitro. The SDS-PAGE test revealed one major structural protein and different structural proteins ranging from 28 to 89 kDa in size. The phage host and 32 clinical K. pneumoniaeisolates were tested for phenotypic identification and antibiotics profile by VITEK-2 system and genotypically using rpob gene. All clinical K. pneumoniae isolates showed resistance to the most antibiotics tested while phage host was resistant only to amoxicillin. Biofilm production by all clinical isolates including the host isolate was tested. These isolates showed different ability as following: 72.72 % as weak, 6.06% as moderate, and 21.21% as strong biofilm producer. Together these results demonstrate that ΦAYH is a promising alternative against MDR K. pneumoniae.
Exploring SoySNP50K and USDA Germplasm collection data to find new QTLs associated with protein and oil content in Brazilian genotypes
Authors: Silva Jessica Nayara Basílio , Bueno Rafael Delmond , Feitosa Teresinha Jesus , Xavier Yan Pablo Moreira , Silva Luiz Claudio Costa , Piovesan Newton Deniz , Ribeiro Cleberson , Dal-Bianco Maximiller 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Genetic diversity within a germplasm collection plays a vital role in the success of breeding programs. However, comprehending this diversity and identifying accessions with desirable traits pose significant challenges. This study utilized publicly available data to investigate SNP markers associated with protein and oil content in Brazilian soybeans. Through this research, twenty-two new QTLs (Quantitative Trait Loci) were identified, and we highlighted the substantial influence of Roanoke, Lee and Bragg ancestor on the genetic makeup of Brazilian soybean varieties. Our findings demonstrate that certain markers are being lost in modern cultivars, while others maintain or even increase their frequency. These observations indicate genomic regions that have undergone selection during soybean adaptation and could be valuable in breeding programs aimed at enhancing protein or oil content.
Design and Optimization of Piezoelectric Diaphragm for Self-Powered Acoustic Sensor
Authors: Sawane Mohini , Prasad Mahanth 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
A self-powered piezoelectric material-based sensor has miniaturization and mass production capabilities. The finite element analysis shows results prior to device fabrication, which discover potential defects in the design, improve sensor performance, and lead to cost-effective fabrication. This study reveals the trade-offs between sensitivity and frequency range of the proposed device and provides an optimized diaphragm design in terms of material choice and dimension. Regardless of the cavity and holes in the silicon substrate, the optimized design is applicable for any piezoelectric square shaped diaphragm-based acoustic sensor. The constraints of the MEMS fabrication technique are considered while selecting a parameter range for the diaphragm. The obtained results from COMSOL Multiphysics with diaphragm area 12.25 mm2, ZnO (2.5 µm), and silicon layer (5 µm) shows a resonance frequency of 39 kHz and sensitivity of 1.17 mV at 1 kHz of frequency, results in higher sensitivity with maximum feasible frequency range for optimized design.