bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Color Channel based Local Descriptor for Makeup Invariant Face Recognition
Authors: Tripathi Rajesh Kumar , Jalal Anand Singh 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Face recognition under unconstrained environment has various applications such as person recognition, authentication, security sensitive passport or driving license verification, face recognition on social sites. In general, pose, illumination and expression variations are the prime focused unconstrained environment for face recognition. Makeup is also one of the most challenging unconstrained environment that changes the appearance of the face due to changes in texture, shape, contrast level of mouth and eye regions. This paper proposes a robust descriptor for face recognition under makeup. We presented a color channel based local ordered maxima-minima derivative descriptor which computes the difference between consecutive maximum and minimum intensity of a local region. In the first step, color channels are separated from the makeup and non-makeup colored images. In second step, proposed descriptor ccLOMMD computes maximum and minimum difference for all pairs. Again, half generated derivative values are further used for computing maxima-minima difference for all pairs. This process is repeated until a single value achieved. This descriptor creates a discriminative feature for face recognition. Finally, Support Vector Machine is used for classification of the face images of different subjects. This descriptor performed better than state-of-the-art descriptors. In order to improve the performance, we performed the empirical study of different descriptors and fused to the proposed descriptor with a best performer Gabor based descriptor. The proposed fusion of descriptors is proved effective in the accuracy improvement, and outperformed to the existing descriptors and approaches.
Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Tractional Diabetic Macular Edema with or without Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling
Authors: Khattab Abdelrahman Ahmed Ali , Ahmed Mahmoud Mohamed , Hammed Abdallah Hussain 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
To assess the efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in management of tractional diabetic macular edema (DME) and highlight the benefits of additional internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling.
Methods
This prospective study involved 50 eyes with tractional DME that underwent PPV were split into two groups: group (A) consisted of 25 eyes that did not have ILM peeling, and group (B) consisted of 25 eyes that did. One, three, and six months after surgery, a postoperative assessment was completed.
Results
Mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in group (A) has improved from (0.89 the logarithm of minimal angle of resolution [LogMAR]) preoperatively to (0.64 LogMAR, p < 0.001), and mean central macular thickness (CMT) declined from (471.28µm) to (228.20µm, p < 0.001) after six months of PPV. In group (B), mean BCVA has improved from (0.83 LogMAR) preoperatively to (0.58 LogMAR, p < 0.001), and mean CMT decreased from (496.84µm) to (226.20µm, p < 0.001) after six months of PPV. There were no significant differences between the two groups after 1, 3, and 6 months according to the delta change % of BCVA and CMT. A significant negative correlation was detected between preoperative glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and BCVA improvement.
Conclusions
PPV surgery is an effective treatment of tractional DME. Additional ILM peeling is not accompanied by extra benefits in a short period. Long-term glycemic control plays a role in vision gain after vitrectomy in diabetic patients.
Transport and retention of n-hexadecane in cadmium-/naphthalene-contaminated calcareous soil sampled in a karst area
Authors: Huang Yiting , Tang Yankui , Liang Yi , Xie Zhenze , Wu Jipeng , Huang Jiajie , Wei Shanxiong , Nie Shaojiang , Jiang Tao 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Petroleum hydrocarbon pollutants in karst areas have aroused widespread concern due to their toxicity. It is crucial to gain knowledge on transport and retention of petroleum hydrocarbons in karst areas. Calcareous soils in karst areas were contaminated by cadmium/naphthalene due to the industrial and agricultural activities, however, the fates of petroleum hydrocarbons in these contaminated calcareous soils have been rarely studied. In this study, n-hexadecane was selected as a model petroleum hydrocarbon. Batch experiments were conducted to explore the adsorption behavior of n-hexadecane on cadmium-/naphthalene-contaminated calcareous soils at various pH, and column experiments were performed to investigate the transport and retention of n-hexadecane under various flow velocity. The results showed that Freundlich model can well describe the adsorption behavior of n-hexadecane on all samples (R2>0.9). According to the adsorption coefficient (Kf), the presence of cadmium/naphthalene dramatically increased the adsorption efficiency of n-hexadecane on calcareous soils, and the increasing pH value reduced the adsorption capacity in all groups. The transport of n-hexadecane in all samples were well described by two kinetic sites model of Hydrus-1D with R2>0.9. The higher effluent concentration of n-hexadecane indicates that n-hexadecane can more effectively break through the cadmium-/naphthalene-contaminated calcareous soil with high flow velocity, which means the lower n-hexadecane retention in this situation. The observation can be explained by the electrostatic repulsion between n-hexadecane and each soil sample. These findings have important implications for the government of groundwater in calcareous soils from karst areas.
An electrically and optically controllable memristor with synaptic plasticity based on scalable monolayer ReS2/WS2 heterostructure
Authors: Wu Yaping , Feihong Huang , Ke Congming , Chen Li , Yin Jun , Li Xu , Wu Zhiming , Zhang Chunmiao , Xu Feiya , Kang Junyong 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Memristors with non-volatile storage performance and simulated synaptic functions are regarded as one of the critical devices to overcome the bottleneck in traditional von Neumann computer architecture. van der Waals heterostructures integrating excellent properties of two-dimensional semiconductor materials, possessing controllable optoelectronic properties and high compatibility with conventional microelectronic technology, have paved a new way for the development of advanced memristors. Herein, we demonstrate a two-dimensional planar memristor with both electrical and optical controllability based on ReS2/WS2 van der Waals heterostructure. The device shows a typical unipolar non-volatile behavior with a high Ron/Roff ratio, multiple tunable resistance states, and desirable endurance and retention. It also successfully realizes biological synaptic functions and plasticity, including spike rate-dependent plasticity and paired-pulse facilitation. Furthermore, the developed device shows a significant gate controllability and a remarkable optical tunability. The superior performance is attributed to the unique optoelectronic property and the interlayer interaction in the heterostructure. The research presented here demonstrates the potential of two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures for high-performance memristor applications and further developments in modelling biological synapses.
Incidence rate, risk factors and bacterial causes of clinical mastitis on dairy farms in Hawassa city, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Rahmeto , Markos Alemayehu , Abera Mesele , Mekbib Berhanu 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Mastitis is the most common disease of dairy cattle worldwide causing economic losses due to reduced yield and poor quality of milk. It is of particular concern in Ethiopia, where effective prevention and control practices are lacking. The objective of the present prospective longitudinal study was to estimate the incidence rate clinical mastitis (CM), identify the risk factors, isolate the bacterial agents and determine the risk of recurrence. For this purpose, a total of 217 lactating cows were followed-up every two weeks from calving to drying off or the end of the study period. Of these, 79 (36.41%) developed CM, of which 23% had recurrent infection in the same or a different quarter. The overall incidence rate of CM was found to be 83.72 (95% CI: 63.2 to 98.2) cases per 100 cow-years at risk. In the multivariable Cox regression model, the risk of CM was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) higher in multiparous cows (HR = 1.96), in cows with a history of mastitis (HR = 2.04), in cows that had severely keratinized teat end condition (HR = 7.72) and in cows kept in poorly cleaned barns (HR = 1.89). The pathogenic bacteria isolated from mastitis positive cows were Staphylococcus aureus (28.1%), E. coli (21.1%), Bacillus spp. (14%), Streptococcus spp. (14%), Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus (12.3%), other coagulase positive Staphylococcus spp. (5.3%), Enterobacter spp. (3.5%), Klebsiella spp. (1.8%), Corynebacterium spp. (1.8%), Actinobacillus spp, (1.8%) and Proteus spp. (1.8%). The high incidence rate of CM in the present study shows that the disease spreads rapidly and can be responsible for a significant economic loss to milk producers in the study area. Therefore, raising awareness among dairy farmers, early detection and treatment of cases, post milking teat disinfection, improvement of the hygienic status of cows and barns, use of dry cow therapy, and culling of chronic cases are recommended as viable measures to prevent and control clinical mastitis in the study area.
WITHDRAWN: A new gold grade estimation approach by using support vector machine (SVM) and back propagation neural network (BPNN)- A Case study: Dalli deposit, Iran
Authors: Mostafaei Kamran , maleki Shahoo , Jodeiri Behshad 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

This paper uses a support vector machine (SVM) and back propagation neural network (BPNN) methods to predict the gold in the Dalli deposit in the central province of Iran. For this, the distribution of Au in the ore zone has been predicted after digging some trenches, taking the required samples, and analyzing them. After a building dataset and comprehensive statistical analyses, Au was chosen as an output element modeling, while Cu, Al, Ca, Fe, Ti, and Zn were considered input parameters. Then, the dataset was divided into two groups of training and testing datasets. For this purpose, seventy percent of the datasets were randomly entered into the training process, and the rest of the data were assigned to the test procedure. The correlation coefficients for SVM and BPNN were 94% and 75%, respectively. A comparison of the correlation coefficients revealed that both methods of SVM and BPNN could successfully predict the actual grade of Au. However, SVM was found more reliable and more accurate.
Decreased Th1 Cells and Increased Th2 Cells In Peripheral Blood Are Associated with Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies Patients With Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Cheng Lu , Li Yanhong , Luo Yubin , Zhou Yu , Wen Ji , Wu Yinlan , Liang Xiuping , Wu Tong , Tan Chunyu , Liu Yi 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Objective.
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common and highly fatal manifestation of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). T helper (Th) cells play important roles in the initiation of ILD. Here, we investigated the clinical significance of peripheral blood Th cells in IIMs-ILD patients.
Methods.
11 healthy controls (HC) and 57 patients diagnosed with IIMs were included, including 30 with ILD (IIMs-ILD) and 23 without ILD (IIMs-non-ILD). Circulating Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells were examined by flow cytometry, and their correlation with clinical and laboratory findings was analyzed by Spearman’s correlation and logistic regression.
Results.
The proportion of Th1 cells decreased and Th2 cells increased in IIMs-ILD compared with IIMs-non-ILD patients (median (quartile): 2.99 (1.59–5.39) vs. 6.91 (3.48–10.04), p < 0.001; 2.67 (1.79–4.67) vs. 1.62 (0.85–2.66), p = 0.006), and correlated with disease activity. Th1 cells proportion decreased in anti-MDA5 antibodies positive patients, while the Th2 cells proportion increased in patients with nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, compared with IIMs-non-ILD patients(2.66(1.06–4.35) vs. 6.91 (3.48–10.04), p = 0.002; 3.09(2.03–5.72) vs. 1.62 (0.85–2.66), p = 0.016). Th1 proportion decreased, Th2 proportion increased, positivity for ARS or anti-Ro52 antibodies (OR = 0.7122; OR = 1.679; OR = 9.188 and OR = 6.161, respectively) were associated with the occurrence of ILD in IIMs patients.
Conclusion.
A decreased Th1 cell percentage and an elevated Th2 cells percentage in peripheral blood may be the pathogenesis of ILD in IIMs patients and have different effects on different serological and imaging subtypes.
Mechanical Properties and Damage Analysis of Steel Fiber-Desert Sand Concrete
Authors: Qu Changwei , Qin Yongjun , Luo Ling , Zhang Liangliang 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
In This study, to reduce the consumption of natural sand and improve the utilization rate of desert sand in western China, while preparing 14 groups of samples, desert sand is used to replace natural sand by the ratio of 20%, 40%, and 60%, and steel fiber is mixed with volume fraction 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%. The mechanical properties of the specimens, including compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and axial compressive strength was tested. Besides, the microstructures of the samples were analyzed by SEM, XRD, and acoustic emission detection technologies to identify the damage process. The results show that the desert sand can refine the microstructure and fill the pores, and it has good comprehensive properties at a 40% substitution rate. The compression properties of specimens are not apparently improved, but the tensile strength and deformation properties are significantly improved. The steel fiber with 1.5 vol% content behaves better, and the 28d compressive strength of the optimized group reaches 58.7 MPa. As a result, the polynomial fitting degree of total AE hits and stress level receives a greater goodness (R2) value than 0.96. The strength characteristics of steel fiber-desert sand concrete (SFDSC) can meet the demands of C40 concrete, and this research can provide a reference for engineers using desert sand in their designs.
Harnessing Immunotherapy to Enhance the Systemic Anti-Tumor Effects of Thermosensitive Liposomes
Authors: Regenold Maximilian , Wang Xuehan , Kaneko Kan , Bannigan Pauric , Allen Christine 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Chemotherapy plays an important role in debulking tumors in advance of surgery and/or radiotherapy, tackling residual disease, and treating metastatic disease. In recent years many promising advanced drug delivery strategies have emerged that offer more targeted delivery approaches to chemotherapy treatment. For example, thermosensitive liposome mediated drug delivery in combination with localized mild hyperthermia can increase local drug concentrations resulting in a reduction in systemic toxicity and an improvement in local disease control. However, the majority of solid tumor associated deaths are due to metastatic spread. A therapeutic approach focused on a localized target area harbors the risk of overlooking and undertreating potential metastatic spread. Previous studies reported systemic, albeit limited, anti-tumor effects following treatment with thermosensitive liposomal chemotherapy and localized mild hyperthermia. This work explores the systemic treatment capabilities of a thermosensitive liposome formulation of the vinca alkaloid vinorelbine in combination with mild hyperthermia in an immunocompetent murine model of rhabdomyosarcoma. This treatment approach was found to be highly effective at heated, primary tumor sites. However, it demonstrated limited anti-tumor effects in secondary, distant tumors. As a result, the addition of immune checkpoint inhibition therapy was pursued to further enhance the systemic anti-tumor effect of this treatment approach. Once combined with immune checkpoint inhibition therapy, a significant improvement in systemic treatment capability was achieved. We believe this is one of the first studies to demonstrate that a triple combination of thermosensitive liposomes, localized mild hyperthermia, and immune checkpoint inhibition therapy can enhance the systemic treatment capabilities of thermosensitive liposomes.
Decomposition of Musculoskeletal Structures from Radiography using an Improved CycleGAN Framework
Authors: Nakanishi Naoki , Otake Yoshito , Hiasa Yuta , Gu Yi , Uemura Keisuke , Takao Masaki , Sugano Nobuhiko , Sato Yoshinobu 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
This paper presents methods of decomposition of radiography into multiple individual muscle and bone structures. While existing solutions require the dual-energy scan for the training dataset and are mainly applied to structures with high-intensity contrast such as bones, we focused on multiple superimposed muscles with subtle contrast, in addition to bones. The decomposition problem is formulated as an image translation problem between 1) a real x-ray image and 2) multiple digitally reconstructed radiographs, each of which contains a single muscle or bone structure, and solved by unpaired training based on the CycleGAN framework. The training dataset was created by automatic computed tomography (CT) segmentation of muscle/bone regions and virtually projecting them with geometric parameters similar to the real x-ray images. Two additional features were incorporated in the CycleGAN framework to achieve a high-resolution and accurate decomposition: hierarchical learning and reconstruction loss with the gradient correlation similarity metric. Further, we introduced a new diagnostic metric for muscle asymmetry directly measured from a plain x-ray image to validate the proposed method. Our simulation and real image experiments using real x-ray and CT images of 475 patients with hip disease suggested that each additional feature significantly enhanced the decomposition accuracy. The experiments also evaluated the accuracy of muscle volume ratio measurement, which suggested a potential application to muscle asymmetry assessment from an x-ray image for diagnostic and therapeutic assistance. The improved CycleGAN framework was able to apply for the decomposition of musculoskeletal structures from single radiography.
Levosimendan reverses the cardiac malfunction and cardiomyocyte ferroptosis under heart failure with preserved ejection via connexin43 signaling activation
Authors: Zhang Lili , Chen Guihao , Tang Ruijie , Xiong Yuyan , Pan Qi , Jiang Wenyang , Gong Zhaoting , Chen Cheng , Li Xiaosong , Yang Yuejin 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Recent decades have been witnessing that heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) outweighs heart failure with reduced ejection fraction by degrees, but few drugs were proven to improve long-term clinical outcomes in patients with HFpEF. Levosimendan, a calcium sensitizing cardiotonic agent, has been found to improve decompensated heart failure clinically. However, the protective activities and underlying molecular mechanisms of levosimendan on HFpEF have not been revealed.
Methods
The double-hit HFpEF C57BL/6N mouse model was established, and levosimendan (3 mg/kg/week) was administered to HFpEF mice aged from 13 to 17 weeks to verify its protective effects on HFpEF. The myocardium was biochemically evaluated by western blot, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, etc.
Results
After four-week administration, cardiac hypertrophy, pulmonary congestion, and exercise exhaustion were significantly alleviated. Meanwhile, junction proteins located in endothelial barrier and between cardiomyocytes were improved by levosimendan treatment. Among the gap junction channel proteins concerned, connexin 43, especially expressed on cardiomyocytes, could conduct mitochondrial protection. Furthermore, levosimendan indeed reversed mitochondrial malfunction in HFpEF mice, evidenced by increased mitofilin and decreased ROS, superoxide anion, NOX4 and cytochrome C levels. Interestingly, after levosimendan treatment, myocardium from HFpEF mice showed restricted ferroptosis, indicated by upregulated GSH/GSSG ratio, GPX4, xCT and FSP-1 expression with down-regulated intracellular ferrous ion, MDA and 4-HNE.
Conclusion
This study confirmed that regular long-term levosimendan administration could benefit HFpEF individuals, particularly those with metabolic syndrome, such as obesity and hypertension, by activating connexin 43-conducted mitochondrial protection and sequential ferroptosis inhibition in cardiomyocytes.
Continuous monitoring of instrumental clock errors at 50 volcanoes in Japan based on seismic interferometry
Authors: Hirose Takashi , Ueda Hideki 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The correct absolute time of a seismogram is an important prerequisite for many seismological processing methods. Recently, seismic interferometry has been applied to continuously estimate instrumental clock errors in certain regions. However, previous studies have focused on estimating clock errors in only one target region for each study, and data processing methods that provide more stable results in different regions have not been explored. This study presents a new method to estimate clock errors that are more stable in various regions based on seismic interferometry with windowed cross-correlation and least absolute deviation regression. The applicability of this method was validated by its application to 50 active volcanoes in Japan. We found clock errors at six stations at five volcanoes between January 2020 and June 2021. The maximum clock errors ranged between 0.2 and 7 s. This value range is significantly larger than the amplitude of the background fluctuation in the estimated values of clock errors, which is less than 0.05 s for most volcanoes. A comparison of different approaches for the estimation of clock error shows that our proposed method that uses windowed cross-correlation and least absolute deviation regression can reduce the effect of waveform changes in seismic ambient noise cross-correlation functions, probably because of noise source fluctuations. Managing the time stamps of data using the method proposed in this study will contribute to data quality assurance and ensure the reliability of analysis using time information in various study regions.