bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic genome scans reveal common population-specific signals of balancing selection
Authors: Thorburn Doko-Miles , Sagonas Kostas , Lenz Tobias , Chain Frederic , Feulner Philine , Bornberg-Bauer Erich , Reusch Thorsten , Milinski Manfred , Eizaguirre Christophe 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Balancing selection describes evolutionary processes that maintain genetic diversity. To date, the number of impacted genes and underlying biological functions remain elusive. Using 60 three-spined stickleback genomes (Gasterosteus aculeatus) from five recently diverged lake-river population-pairs, we performed genome-wide scans across two levels of organization: population-pairs and populations. We overlapped Tajima’s D and Watterson’s estimator metrics and verified signals with additional summary statistics, and evaluated alternative explanations: neutral evolution, population structure, associative overdominance, or demographic change. Candidate windows exhibiting signals of balancing selection spanned 2.31% (population-pair) and 3.10% (population) of the autosomes. These candidate windows had extended linkage disequilibrium and were enriched in intergenic and non-synonymous SNPs. We identified 715 (population-pair) and 1,010 (population) candidate genes under balancing selection. Importantly, using conservative thresholds, we found a small proportion of candidate genes overlapped with highly differentiated loci or regions of potential associative overdominance. There was little evidence of confounding effects originating from demographic change. Overall, candidate genes under balancing selection were associated with functions related to interactions with the environment (olfaction and receptor signalling pathways). Our results demonstrate selection that maintains standing genetic variation is common and evolves in response to local environmental pressures, playing an important role in adaptation.
Numerical Modeling and Performance Evaluation of SnS Based Heterojunction Solar Cell with p+ SnS BSF Layer
Authors: Bhattacharjee Payel , Garain Rajeshwari , Basak Arindam , Singh Udai P. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
In this research article, the performance of the solar cell having the structure (Ag/ZnO:Al/CdS/SnS/p+-SnS/Mo/Glass) is investigated in detail using SCAPS-1D software. The main motive of this work was to study the performance parameters of SnS based solar cell having p+-SnS layer as Back Surface Field (BSF). It is found that with the addition of p+-SnS BSF layer and after performing all the optimization of the different parameters, the efficiency (η) of the solar cell improved and enhanced to 7.11%. The open circuit voltage (Voc) and the short circuit current (Jsc) of the designed solar cell enhanced up to 359 mV and 27 mA/cm2 after adding p+-SnS BSF layer. It is observed that the performance of the heterojunction solar cell is dependent on several factors like thickness of the buffer, absorber and the BSF layer, carrier concentration, defect density, series and shunt resistance of the device. Also fabricating a p+-SnS layer is of low cost and the lattice mismatch is less with the SnS layer. All these findings reveal that p+-SnS layer could be a promising BSF layer to enhance the performance of SnS based heterojunction solar cell.
Reduced Left Atrial Contractile Strain With Speckle Tracking Analysis Predicts Abnormal Plasma NTproBNP in an Asymptomatic Community Population
Authors: Liu Lin , Zhang Baowei , Yang Ying , Qi Litong , Wang Shuo , Meng Lei , Ma Wei , Huo Yong 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: The left atrium (LA) is closely related to left ventricular diastolic function. Two-dimensional speckle tracking strain and strain rate (SR) imaging have been applied in the study of LA function. We intended to explore the relationship between global LA deformation parameters and plasma NTproBNP levels in asymptomatic community residents with normal ejection fraction and normal LA volume.Methods: A cross-sectional sample of Beijing residents underwent comprehensive Doppler echocardiography and medical record review in 2009.Global LA longitudinal strain and SR indexes were obtained in the apical four-chamber view. LA stiffness index (LASI) was calculated as the ratio of early diastolic velocity of transmitral flow/early diastolic mitral annular motion velocity (E/E') to LA reservoir strain. Results: A total of 620 individuals (mean age=65 years, left ventricular ejection fraction=70.8%, LA volume index=17.9ml/m2) were investigated in our study. 117 individuals had increased plasma NTproBNP (≥125pg/ml). LA reservoir and contractile function by LA strain and SR indexes were significantly reduced in the abnormal NTproBNP group compared with the normal NTproBNP group. Multiple regression analysis indicated that LA contractile strain was a negative predictor of plasma NTproBNP in addition to indexed LA volume and E/E'. LASI was higher in the abnormal NTproBNP group and was significantly correlated with NTproBNP (r=0.342, P<0.001). The area under ROC analysis for LASI in predicting elevated plasma NTproBNP was 0.690, higher than that for LA strain, LA volume and E/E'. The cut-off value of LASI was 0.615.Conclusions: LA reservoir and contractile functions demonstrated by LA strain and SR were significantly impaired in the community-based population with increased plasma NTproBNP levels. LA contractile strain adds incremental information in predicting abnormal NTproBNP levels. LASI was the best single index in the detection of abnormal NTproBNP.
Insights in light trapping for new generation silicon solar cell: optical characterization of plasmonic nanostructures beside anti-reflection layer
Authors: Samadi Masoumeh , Haidari Gholamhosain , Bahiraei Hamed 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Designing light-trapping is one of the requirements for new generation silicon solar cells. Herein, the optical properties of front-based plasmonic nanoparticles besides the anti-reflection layer on new-generation silicon cells were investigated by the 3D-FDTD method and were compared with some experimental kinds of literature. In addition to a perfectly periodic structure, the almost periodic structure (closer to the experimental sample) was also modeled. Along with the conventional far and near-field effect, the spectral normalized enhancement parameter to the standard cell (g-curve) and its weighted to AM 1.5 and spectral integrated (G-value) were used as a suitable characterizing set. The results showed that the g-curve of the sample with the anti-reflection layer showed superiority compared to the standard cell on the ~ full wavelength range. Moreover, the thickness engineering of the anti-reflection layer can itself significantly increase cell performance (G=1.4). In contrast, the g-curve of some optimum plasmonic samples below 500 nm wavelength was not significantly effective. The best G-value among plasmonic samples was 1.3. Also, the combination of anti-reflection and plasmonic design did not lead to significant improvement not only for perfect periodic samples but also for nonperfect ones. The obtained results determined that the plasmonic system can lead to a considerable decrease in spectral reflectance, consistent with some reported experimental ones. Moreover, the simulations clarified the cause of plasmonic failure in some experimental studies that due to the lateral trap of the light, this reduction in reflection does not lead to directing near and far-field into the active layer.
Highly Sensitive Nano-Biosensor Based on a Binary Photonic Crystal for Cancer Cell Detection
Authors: Daher Malek G. , Taya Sofyan A. , Colak Ilhami , Patel Shobhit K. , Ramahi Omar M. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Today, cancer disease is a significant reason for the death of many patients. In many cases, cancer is diagnosed after metastasized during the body. Thus, the earlier detection gives a better opportunity for treatment and cure. A simple 1-D binary photonic crystal with a defect layer is proposed with the structure (Si/ SiO2)N/Defect/(Si/ SiO2)N as a detector for cancerous cells. The defect layer is taken here as the patient's blood sample. Compared with the normal blood sample, the cancerous samples lead to a considerable change in the refractive index. This index variation leads to a shift in the resonant mode position which can be used to diagnose cancer cells. The transfer matrix method is employed to analyze the structure. The number of periods, defect layer thickness and incident angle are investigated to maximize the sensitivity. The sensitivity is calculated at optimized conditions and found as 2400.08 nm/RIU. This sensitivity is extremely high when compared to the most recent biosensors. All the sensor performance parameters are calculated and discussed.
Tissue Microarrey: A potential cost-effective approach for mismatch repair testing in colorectal cancer
Authors: Farkash Shai , Schwartz Naama , Edison Natalia , Greenberg Sophia , Peled Hila Belhanes , Sindiany Wail , Krausz Judit 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Deficiencies in Mismatch Repair (MMR) proteins are one of the major pathways in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). MMR status evaluation is recommended in every new CRC patient. However, this is not fully implemented due to high costs. Tissue microarray (TMA) enables allocating tissue cores from few specimens to a single paraffin block. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of TMA MMR immunohistochemistry (IHC) compared to whole slide. The secondary objective was to evaluate and validate automatic digital image analysis software in differentiating pathological and normal TMA cores. Methods: Pathological cores were defined if at least one MMR protein was unstained. Tumoral and normal tissue of 11 CRC patients with known MMR status was used to obtain 623 TMA cores. The MMR staining of each core was evaluated by a pathologist and compared to the whole slide result. Digital analysis software by 3DHistech Ltd. was used to identify cell nucleus and quantify nuclear staining in 323 tissue cores. To identifying pathological tissue, cores the cohort was divided into a test (N=146 cores) and validation sets (N=177 cores). A staining intensity score (SIS) was developed, and its performance compared to the pathologist review of each core and to the whole slide result.Results: Compared to the whole slide, the pathologist's assessment had 100% sensitivity (n/N= 112/112) and 100% specificity (n/N=278/278) with 95% lower limit of 97% and 99% respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of SIS was 77%. A cutoff of 55 was obtained from the ROC curve. By implementing the cutoff in the validation dataset, the SIS had sensitivity and specificity of 98.2%[90.1%-100%] and 58.5% [49.3%-67.4%] respectively.Conclusions: The MMR status of CRC can be evaluated in TMA tissue cores thus potentially reducing MMR testing costs. The SIS can be used as triage indicator during pathologic review.Trial registration: Institutional ethical approval was granted for the performance of this study (Emek Medical Center Ethics ID: EMC-19-0179).
Morphometric analysis of low mountains for mapping flash flood susceptibility in headwaters
Authors: Víg Balázs , Fábián Szabolcs Ákos , Czigány Szabolcs , Pirkhoffer Ervin , Halmai Ákos , Kovács István Péter , Varga Gábor , Dezső József , Nagy Gábor , Lóczy Dénes 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Morphometric indices from high-resolution DEMs can contribute to the estimation of flash flood susceptibility in mountainous areas. We have screened 25 morphometric indices commonly used in literature, and based on a correlation matrix, selected those which showed the strongest relationship with flash flood generation: area (A), drainage texture (Rt), drainage density (Dd), elongation ratio (Re), form factor (Ff), lemniscate method (k), Gravelius coefficient (GC), forested area (Fa) and relief ratio (Rr). Among them Dd, Rt and Rr were in direct relationship with the probability of flash flood generation, while A, Re, Fa, Ff, k and GC are in inverse relationship with the intensity of flash floods. Our summary map shows the prioritization of the subwatersheds on a scale of 0 to 9. The flash flood risk ranking was empirically verified using 20-year water regime data obtained from 14 official stream gauges. Our conclusions only partially agree with former observations which may be explained by the particular lithology and morphology of the Mecsek Hills. Since the lower sections of the subwatersheds are urbanized, for optimal watershed management more detailed GIS analyses of anthropogenic controls on flash flood hazard are needed in the future.
Microwave Reflectometry Sensing System For Low-Cost In-Vivo Skin Cancer Diagnostics
Authors: Schiavoni Raissa , Maietta Gennaro , Filieri Elisabetta , Cataldo Andrea 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Skin cancer is one of the most commonly diffused cancer in the world and its incidence rates have constantly increased in recent years. At the current state of the art, there is a lack of objective, quick and non-invasive methods for diagnosing this condition; this, combined with hospital crowding, may lead to late diagnosis. Starting from these considerations, this paper addresses the implementation of a microwave reflectometry based-system that can be used as a non-invasive method for the in-vivo diagnosis and early detection of biological abnormalities, such as skin cancer. This system relies on the dielectric contrasts existing between normal and anomalous skin tissues at microwave frequencies. In particular, a truncated open-ended coaxial probe was designed, manufactured and tested to sense (in combination with a miniaturized Vector Network Analyzer) the variations of skin dielectric properties on a group of volunteer patients. The specific data processing demonstrated the suitability of the system for discriminating malignant and benign lesions from healthy skin, ensuring simultaneously effectiveness, low cost, compactness, comfortability and high sensitivity.
Finding the Sources of Missing Heritability Using the Additive Epistatic Interaction Model: A Simulation Study
Authors: Wang Yupeng , Liu Xinyue , Joseph Paule V. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Objective
Thousands of Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have been carried out to pinpoint genetic variants associated with complex disease. However, the proportion of phenotypic variance which can be explained by the identified genetic variants is relatively low. Thus, it is desirable to propose new computational models to explain the “missing heritability” problem.
Results
Here, we propose the additive epistatic interaction model, consisting of widespread pure epistatic interactions whose effects are additive and can be summarized by a genetic risk score. Based on a simulated genotype dataset, the additive epistatic interaction model well depicted genetic risks and hereditary patterns of complex diseases. When applied to real genotypic datasets, the additive epistatic interaction model showed potential for accurately classifying human populations from the 1000 Genomes Project, and individuals with and without diabetes from the UK Biobank database. Moreover, the model’s genetic risk score can be replaced by a deep learning model which is more resistant to noises. We suggest that the additive epistatic interaction model might help to explain the “missing heritability” problem. Source code is publicly available at https://github.com/wyp1125/additive_epistasis.
Tissue Immunostaining of Candidate Prognostic Proteins in Metastatic and Non-metastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Pereira Érica Romão , Francelino Amanda Letícia , Pinheiro Laís Capelasso Lucas , Miqueloto Carlos Alberto , Guembarovski Alda Fiorina Maria Losi , de Oliveira Karen Brajão , Fuganti Paulo Emílio , Cólus Ilce Mara de Syllos , Guembarovski Roberta Losi 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) lacks specific markers capable of distinguishing aggressive tumors from those with indolent behavior. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the immunostaining of four candidate proteins (PTEN, AKT, TRPM8, and NKX3.1) through the immunohistochemistry technique (IHC), in tissues from patients with metastatic and non-metastatic PCa. Tissues from 60 patients were divided into three groups categorized according to prognostic parameters: better prognosis (n=21), worse prognosis (n=22), and metastatic (n=17). Immunostaining was analyzed by a pathologist and staining classifications were considered according to signal intensity: (0) no staining, (+) weak, and (++ and +++) intermediate to strong. AKT protein was independently associated with the presence of extraprostatic extension (p=0.012; OR=0.050; 95% CI=0.005-0.524). The immunostaining for TRPM8 (p=0.005) and NKX3.1 proteins (p<0.001) differed between malignant tumor and adjacent tissue as well as for proteins cellular location (nucleus and cytoplasm). NKX3.1 showed positive and predominantly strong immunostaining in all patients, in both tumoral and adjacent tissues. The staining in the prognostic groups showed that all metastatic samples had a positive immunostaining, with strong intensity for NKX3.1 (p=0.035). In the non-metastatic group, this strong protein staining was not observed in any patients. This study confirmed that the NKX3.1 protein is highly specific for prostate tissue and indicated that NKX3.1, AKT and TRPM8 may be prognostic markers for prostate cancer.
Comparing health service usage of different immigrant groups with Australian and New Zealanders: Evidence from the Household Income and Labour Dynamics Survey of Australia
Authors: Brown Heather , Breislin Emily 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
We explored differences in primary and secondary health care usage across migrants from different regions in Australia.
Methods
Data comes from the Household Income and Labour Dynamics of Australia survey from waves 9, 13, and 17 (2009, 2013, and 2017). Zero inflated Poisson regressions and non-linear decompositions were estimated.
Results
Younger women from South Asia, Latin America and Eastern and Southern Europe and younger men from Eastern and Southern Europe had lower rates of GP visits compared to the host population. Older African men have higher rates of nights in hospital and younger Eastern and Southern European women, older women from the Rest of Asia, and younger African men and women have lower rates of nights in hospital compared to the host population
Discussion
Migrants are a heterogenous group and health policy needs to consider these differences to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of service provision.
Lifestyle changes among the UAE population: a cross-sectional online survey
Authors: Hosani Mahra Khalifa Al , AlKetbi Latifa Baynouna 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented changes to people's daily activities. Eating and physical activity were challenged by the requirements to practice self-quarantine and isolation.Method: This cross-sectional online-based survey study investigated the effect of quarantine on different lifestyle habits. Demographic features and questions related to weight change, lifestyle habits such as physical activity, and smoking were collected. It also included the PHQ2 questionnaire. Adults and children were the targets of the study.Results: The general tendency of weight among the study population was towards weight gain, especially in children. Female participants in the housewife group were more likely to lose weight. Approximately one-third of the adult population reported high depression scores, and 21% of children reported high scores. Physical activity significantly decreased among adults (p-value 0.018) during the quarantine. Among male smokers, 8.6% reported a decrease in smoking frequency or quitting, while 6.8% reported an increased frequency.Conclusion: Weight changes were greater among females, especially housewives, and had a significant relationship with depression risk. No such relation was found between the low physical activity trends and mental wellbeing.
Risk factors of death in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients: a retrospective multi- center study
Authors: Salehi Mohammadreza , Mohammadi Mohammad-Taghi Beig , Abtahi Seyed Hamidreza , Ghazi Samrand-Fattah , Sobati Abolfazl , Bozorgmehr Rama , Manshadi Seyed Ali Dehghan , Siahkali Saeed Reza Jamali , Mohammadi Mostafa , Badie Banafsheh Moradmand , Rahimi Ensiyeh 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Introduction: Despite the improvement in COVID-19 therapeutic management the mortality of mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients remains high. In this study, we determined risk factors of mortality in these cases. Methods: This retrospective study examined clinical and paraclinical data of COVID-19 patients mechanically ventilated at the time of hospitalization to ICU admission until death or discharge from hospital between April and September in 2021 in three COVID-19 referral hospitals. Results: One hundred twenty-five patients (60% male, mean age 62 ± 15.18, range 17 to 97 years old) were recruited to this study. 51(40%) survived and 74 (60%) didn’t survive. At the time of hospital admission, the vital signs were not significantly different between the survivors and non-survivors groups, also diarrhea was not reported in non-survivors, but reported in 9.5% of survivors (P = 0.02). The mean age of 74 non-survivors was higher than 51 survivors (65.1 ± 14.17 vs 56.9 ± 15.41, P = 0.003). The intubation time since the patients were admitted to hospitals was not significantly different between the two groups (3.38 ± 2.88 days vs 4.16 ± 3.42 days, P = 0.34). The mean LDH and D-dimer at the time of ICU admission were significantly higher in the non-survivors group (863 ± 449 vs 613 ± 326, P = 0.01; 4081 ± 3342 vs 542 ± 634, P = 0.009; respectively). However, the mean CRP was not significantly different between the two groups (76 ± 66.4, 54 ± 84.3; P = 0.1). Mean APACHE-II score was higher in the non-survivors than the survivors (15 vs 13; P = 0.01). Use of remdesivir, interfrone beta-1a, and low dose corticosteroids were significantly higher in the survivors group (P = 0.009, P = 0.001, P = 0.000). Conclusion: Success of weaning and hospital discharge among mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients are probably higher in younger patients with lower D-dimmer and LDH levels that received low dose corticosteroids during treatment.
Long-term patient satisfaction and removal rate after Essure sterilization: a follow-up study
Authors: Andrić Branka Žegura , Rosič Maja , Serdinšek Tamara , Šumak Rok 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: The objective of our study was to assess the rate and causes for Essure® micro-insert system removal and patients’ long term satisfaction rate with the procedure.Methods: All patients who underwent Essure® hysteroscopic sterilization at our tertiary centre between years 2007 and 2018 were included in this follow-up study. A questionnaire was sent to all patients per standard mail. Patients who did not respond to questionnaires per mail, were called by phone. The satisfaction with the Essure® sterilization, as well as any additional procedures after the insertion or insertion-related complications were analysed. Results: From the year 2007 to 2018, we performed 427 Essure® hysteroscopic sterilizations and of these, 329 patients responded to the questionnaire (response rate 77%). Ten patients (3%) had Essure® removal, two of them due to pain (0.6%). Patients were very satisfied with the procedure (9.5 on scale 0 – 10). Most patients (95.3%) would recommend the procedure to their friend.Conclusions: The rate of the Essure® micro-insert system removal due to sterilization-related complications is very low. Essure® hysteroscopic sterilization is a safe and effective procedure with a very high satisfaction rate.Trial registration: Institutional review board approval was obtained for the study, approval number UKC-MB-KME-73/19.