bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coupling sub-nanoliter BDPA organic radical spin ensembles with YBCO inverse anapole resonators
Authors: Bonizzoni Claudio , Maksutoglu Maksut , Ghirri Alberto , Tol Johan van , Rameev Bulat , Affronte Marco 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
We report the development and test of planar microwave Inverse Anapole Resonators (IARs) made of superconducting Yttrium Barium Copper Oxide (YBCO) for electron spin resonance spectroscopy on small samples. We first characterize our resonators in zero field and then by carrying out transmission spectroscopy on a diluted α, γ-bisdiphenylene-β-phenylally (BDPA) organic radical spin ensemble in an applied magnetic field. These IARs allow us to carry out electron spin resonance spectroscopy both in Continuous-Wave and Pulsed-Wave mode, and to estimate the spin memory time of BDPA. The comparison with the results obtained for the same sample on typical linear coplanar resonators shows an improvement by ≈ 2 - up to 3 - orders of magnitude in spin sensitivity, with effective sensing volumes below 1 nanoliter. The best sensitivity we achieved is S ≈ 107 spin/√Hz in the Pulsed-Wave regime. These results compare well with similar experiments reported in literature.
Addressing global hotspots of climate-related crop production losses
Authors: Tuninetti Marta , Davis Kyle 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Meeting future food demand will require transformations toward sustainable and resilient food systems that simultaneously increase production, minimize environmental impacts, and adapt to climate change. With fluctuations in temperature and precipitation exercising a growing influence on production stability across the planet, a detailed understanding of where cropping patterns are vulnerable to climatic stresses is a missing yet critical step for developing solutions that enhance the climate resilience of crop production. Here we address this urgent need by combining gridded climate data, spatially-explicit agricultural statistics, and process-based crop modeling to quantify global patterns of rainfed and irrigated crop climate sensitivity (measured as the percent reduction in median yield under extreme climate conditions) and climate-associated production losses for 17 major crops, accounting for 75% of global primary production. This climate sensitivity metric is ideally suited for identifying locations where each crop tends to be subject to high climate variability and where crop production may be susceptible to high climate-related production losses. We estimate -10.1% and -6.8% losses in global rainfed and irrigated production (respectively) under historically observed extreme climate conditions - enough calories to feed 2.1 billion people - and find hotspots of climate sensitivity in the central US, eastern Brazil, the Mediterranean basin, and South Asia, among other regions. We then focus on monsoon cereals (rice, maize, millet, sorghum) to illustrate how sustainable irrigation expansion and targeted crop switching could reduce climate sensitivity, finding that 62% of production losses could be avoided while increasing overall production by 14%. Our new scalable and universal approach to measuring the climate sensitivity of crops enables the assessment of where climate-related production losses tend to be largest and where mitigating actions and investments can be proactively targeted to better ensure the stability and increased supply of global crop production.
Eco-evolutionary feedback as a driver of periodic state shifts in tri-trophic food chains
Authors: Tanaka Yoshinari , Yoshino Masafumi 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Eco-evolutionary feedback can result in periodic shifts with long intervals between alternative community states. Simulations using a linear food chain model, namely the resource-prey-predator system with prey evolution have shown such an ecologically unfeasible pattern of long-term dynamics. The alternative community states are characterized by stable internal equilibria and fast synchronized perturbations at the lower two trophic levels. This trait-mediated community shift was governed by the evolution of the anti-predator trait of prey and is referred to as “eco-evolutionary oscillation (EEO)”. The observed EEO was interpreted to be because of the interaction between community ecological dynamics and trait evolution. We further examined the effects of genetic variation on the trait-performance relationship on the global stability of the community. The rapid evolutionary rate with high genetic variance and the strong relationship between trait values and predator avoidance tended to stabilize eco-evolutionary dynamics and cause the EEO to vanish.
A novel DNA methylation marker to identify lymph node metastasis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Yu Yingdian , Xue Wenyuan , Liu Zefeng , Chen Shang , Wang Jun , Peng Quanzhou , Xu Linhao , Liu Xin , Cui Chunhui , Fan Jian-bing 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Lymph node metastasis (LNM) in colorectal cancer (CRC) is closely related to the choice of treatments. Given the deficiencies of conventional tests, we aim to discover novel DNA methylation markers to efficiently identify LNM status.
Methods
Genome-wide methylation sequencing was performed in a cohort (n = 30) using fresh CRC tissue to discover differentially methylated markers. These markers were subsequently validated with fluorescence quantitative PCR in a cohort (n = 221), and the optimal marker was singled out to compare with conventional diagnostic methods. Meanwhile, immunohistochemistry was used to verify the effectiveness of the antibody corresponding to this optimal marker in a cohort (n = 56).
Results
LBX2 achieved an AUC of 0.87, specificity of 87.3%, sensitivity of 75.7%, and accuracy of 81.9%, which outperformed conventional methods including imaging (CT, PET-CT) with an AUC of 0.52, CA199 with an AUC of 0.58, CEA with an AUC of 0.56. LBX2 was also superior to clinicopathological indicators including the depth of tumor invasion and lymphatic invasion with an AUC of 0.61and 0.63 respectively. Moreover, the AUC of LBX2 antibody was 0.84 in immunohistochemical validation, which was also better than these conventional methods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a novel DNA methylation marker LBX2 could be used as a simple, cost-effective, easy-to-implement, and reliable diagnostic method for LNM of CRC compared to traditional methods, it holds the potential to provide a better clinical diagnosis for the precise treatment of CRC.
Comparative Dosimetric Study of Intensity-modulated Radiotherapy and Volumetric-modulated Arc Therapy Techniques with Hypofractionated Intensity-modulated Radiotherapy after Modified Radical Mastectomy for Breast Cancer
Authors: Lin Hongxiao , Sheng Xuren , Liu Haowu , Zhang Peng , Yin Li , Xu Chengsheng , Ke Xue , Ni Jin , Liu Ke , Yin Yachao , Jiang Xiaoxia , Zhang Yufei , Dai Ying , Liu Yunqin , Zang Chunbao 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to compare the advantages and disadvantages of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT), in left-sided breast cancer patients who underwent hypofractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy after a modified radical mastectomy.
Methods
For the study, 20 patients with left-sided breast cancer who required adjuvant radiotherapy after a modified radical mastectomy were selected randomly. The specified dose of 43.5Gy/15f was adopted to plan for the IMRT and the VMAT. Dose volume histograms (DVH) were employed to evaluate the dose distribution of planning target volumes and organs at risk in both plans.
Results
The homogeneous index (HI) and conformity index (CI) of the VMAT group were found to be better than those of the IMRT group (P < 0.05). VMAT showed better and more uniform dose distribution in the planning target volumes as well as a lower monitor unit (MU).No significant difference was found in V5 of the affected lung and heart between the two groups (P > 0.05). V10, V20, V30, and Dmean of the affected lung and whole heart V10, V20, V30, V40, Dmean, and Dmax of the VMAT group were better than those of the IMRT group (P < 0.05). Dmean and Dmax of the left anterior descending (LAD) of the heart in the VMAT group were better than those in the IMRT group (P < 0.05), and the VMAT program was effective in reducing cardiopulmonary dose. A significant advantage of V30 and Dmean was found in the VMAT group over the IMRT group (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Compared with the IMRT program, the VMAT program achieved a higher clinical value since it improved the dose distribution in the target area, reduced the cardiopulmonary dose, protected organs at risk (OAR) (e.g., the thyroid), and shortened the treatment time.
Inter-Cloud Data Security Framework, Compliance And Trust
Authors: Akhtar Syed Imran , Rauf Abdul , Amjad Muhammad Faisal , Abbas Haider 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Prospects of cloud computing as a technology which optimizes resources, reduces complexity and provides cost effective solutions to its consumers is well established. Future of cloud is ‘cloud of clouds’ where cloud service providers (CSPs) collaborate with each other to provide ever scalable solutions to their customers. However, one most restricting factor towards use of cloud by its consumers is their concerns about data security. Most sensitive to any organization is its data, which thus necessitates a trustworthy framework which could give confidence to these organizations to put their sensitive data on cloud. This paper, therefore, proposed a data security framework which is based on data security controls, driven against the possible data related threats emerging from various inter-cloud use cases. It is a very systematic derivation of data security controls, consolidated as a data security framework. Further in this study, is a proposed mechanism, which can enable CSPs to view compliance to data security controls and overall trustworthiness of other CSPs; thus, enabling them to decide level of interaction that they might feel appropriate to undertake depending upon their data security commitments to their consumers. A Data Security Compliance Monitor service is proposed which measures the compliance to data security framework. This service is also connected with Data Trust as a Service, which measures the trustworthiness of a cloud based on its Total Compliance Value, Users’ Feedback Rating, SLA Rating, Cloud Security Auditor Rating and Incidents History Value. CSPs who subscribe to Cloud Trust as a Service would be able to view Trustworthiness of other CSPs, yet they would be bound to provide access to the service to measure theirs as well. This new approach to data security in inter-cloud is a mix of data security controls, their measure of compliance and based on this, a service, which recommends how much trust can be placed on a CSP for handling data. The proposed solution thus promotes use of inter-cloud for data related requirements.
The relationship between serum level of interleukin-6 and pulmonary involvement in progressive systemic sclerosis
Authors: Piroozmand Ahmad , Zamani Batool , Kashani Hamed Haddad 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Primary systemic sclerosis (PSS) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by excessive collagen deposition in the skin and internal organs. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a late demonstration of PSS and cytokines can contribute to the disease pathology. The aim of the current study was to determine the relationship between serum level of interleukin-6 and pulmonary involvement in progressive systemic sclerosis.
Methods and Materials:
After obtaining informed consent, demographic data and serum levels of interleukin-6 were measured in 30 PSS patients with pulmonary involvement (case group) and 30 PSS patients without pulmonary involvement (control group). The disease duration and activity, C-reactive protein (CRP), Chest x-ray and high resolution CT-scan (HRCT) findings, ejection fraction (EF) and echocardiography findings, and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) were also determined in both groups.
Results
The age of patients in case and control group were 52.5 ± 9.3 and 43.9 ± 9.7 years, respectively (p = 0.001). No significant difference was found between serum levels of IL-6 in case and control groups (73.1 ± 95.4 vs 46.7 ± 83.6 pg/ml, p = 0.267). However, IL-6 level was significantly higher in male case patients compared to male controls (p = 0.007). The duration of PSS was 11.6 ± 6.4 and 7.4 ± 4.2 years in case and control groups, respectively (p = 0.002). The quantitive CRP and PAP was also significantly higher in case patients (p = 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). There was found reticulonodular pattern in 20 (66.7%) of the cases, whereas 28 (93.3%) of the controls had normal CXR (p < 0.001). EF was significantly lower in case patients compared to control patients (p = 0.001).
Conclusion
The serum level of IL-6 did not appear to have a relationship with pulmonary involvement, hence it could not be regarded as a potential therapeutic target.
Risk factors of active upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with COVID-19 infection and the effectiveness of PPI prophylaxis
Authors: Prasoppokakorn Thaninee , Kullavanijaya Pinit , Pittayanon Rapat 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is one of the most impactful complications in patients hospitalized from COVID-19 infection. Limited study has focused on patients with upper GI bleeding (UGIB). This study aimed to identify the risk factors of patients who were hospitalized from COVID-19 infection and developed UGIB as well as the effectiveness of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prophylaxis in those patients. Methods: This study was comprised of two phases. The first phase was the retrospective enrollment of patients who were admitted due to COVID-19 infection and developed UGIB between April and August 2021. The primary outcome was the associated factors of active UGIB. The second phase was a retrospective analysis after PPI prophylaxis protocol from September – October 2021 to assess the benefit of PPI use in those patients. Results: Of 6,373 patients hospitalized, 43 patients (0.7%) had evidence of UGIB. The majority were male 28 (65.1%) with a mean age of 69.1+11.8 years. Twenty-four of 43 patients (55.8%) needed mechanical ventilation, 35 patients (81.4%) received systemic corticosteroids, and 10 patients (23.3%) were taking anticoagulants for venous thromboembolic prophylaxis. Seven of 43 patients (16%) had active UGIB. There was no significant difference in the number of patients taking antiplatelets, anticoagulants, or steroids and the severity of COVID-19 infection between the two groups. An emergency endoscopy or endoscopic hemostasis were performed in 6/7 (85.7%) patients. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed two significant factors associated with active UGIB including higher of Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS) per point (OR=7.89;95%CI 1.03-72.87; p=0.04) and an absence of PPI use (OR 4.29;95%CI 1.04-19.51; p=0.04). After prescribing PPI as a prophylaxis, there was a slightly lower incidence of UGIB (0.6% vs 0.7%) in addition to an absence of active UGIB (0% vs 16%). Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that the absence of PPI and higher GBS were significant risk factors for active UGIB which required therapeutic endoscopy in patients with COVID-19 infection. We suggest that PPI prophylaxis should be prescribed in those patients once they need hospitalization regardless of the severity of COVID-19 infection and anticoagulant usage to minimize the severity of UGIB.
An Opposition-based Grey Wolf Optimization for Cluster Head Selection in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Ramalingam Rajakumar , K Dinesh , M Sreedevi , Jaleel Abdul , Koushal Kadiyala Kundan , G Thanuja , R Reddy Prakash 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Clustering is considered one of the practical approaches for boosting the lifespan of the Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). It involves in gathering the sensor nodes into groups and elects the cluster heads (CHs) in each group. CHs gather the data from cluster members and transfer the aggregate information to Base Station (BS). However, the most significant obligation in WSN is to elect the optimal CH to enhance the network's lifespan. This paper proposes an optimal cluster head election framework in WSN. A novel hybrid technique selects the optimal CHs: an oppositional grey wolf optimization (OGWO) algorithm that collaborates with generic GWO and opposition-based learning techniques. The hybrid OGWO algorithm dynamically balances between intensification and diversification search process in electing optimal CHs. In addition, the parameters like energy, distance, node degree, and node centrality aid in selecting the optimal CHs in the network. This CHs selection framework improves the efficacy of the network capability and enhances the network lifespan. Further, the superiority of the proposed OGWO technique is validated based on the various impacts like energy, alive nodes, BS location, and several packet delivery aspects. Accordingly, the proposed OGWO technique provides a better network lifetime of ~ 20%, ~ 30% and ~ 45% compared with GWO, ABC and LEACH techniques.
Principle of superposition versus CVFD approach in analyzing the step-drawdown test data
Authors: Gunawardhana Luminda Niroshana , Ahmed Sakina , Sana Ahmed , Baawain Mahad 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
A nonlinear partial differential equation is required for representing groundwater flow in an unconfined aquifer. In pumping tests, analytical models use linearized version of the Boussinesq's flow equation with the principle of superposition to incorporate the effects of time varying pumping rate and boundary conditions for estimating aquifer properties. This linearized assumption along with other simplified site conditions could generate significant errors in estimated aquifer properties. Numerical models often are capable of handling complex site conditions and used the control volume finite difference (CVFD) method for simulating groundwater flow. The objective of this study is to investigate the differences in estimations by these two methods when they are used with step-drawdown test (SDT) data. Pumping and recovery groundwater levels recorded in a pumping well and two monitoring wells were analyzed using analytical and numerical methods. The location of these wells near to a stream provided a unique opportunity to investigate the application of the principle of superposition in space. The analytical model performed well in calculating drawdown in individual wells but failed to produce a common set of aquifer properties for all three wells. In particular, transmissivity values show approximately 47% difference among three wells. Finer grid resolutions along with the CVFD method in numerical modeling were able to calibrate a set of aquifer properties that simulate drawdown curves during both pumping and recovery tests in all three wells. Moreover, the results depicted that boundary effect on estimated aquifer properties attenuates as the distance from the boundary increases.
Clinical Research Coordinators' Perceptions of Shared Decision-Making Implementation in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: FUJITA Miho , YONEKURA Yuki , NAKAYAMA Kazuhiro 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: In Japan, despite the support for informed consent from clinical research coordinators (CRCs), issues related to respect for autonomy, such as lack of patient understanding and the effect on the patient-physician relationship, have been identified. Therefore, it is desirable to implement shared decision-making (SDM) in clinical trials; however, the CRCs’ perceptions of SDM are unknown. This study aimed to ⅰ）determine the current status of SDM implementation and barriers among Japanese CRCs, and ⅱ） estimate factors affecting SDM implementation, and obtain suggestions for the implementation or facilitation of SDM in clinical trials.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a web questionnaire. SDM in clinical trials was defined according to the SDM-Q-Doc, and CRCs responded on the current status of implementation of the nine steps and the attitudes toward SDM. A newly developed questionnaire was used to assess barriers to autonomous decision-making. In addition, the participants were asked to choose steps that would be difficult to implement. Results: A total of 373 participants responded to the questionnaire. The current status of the nine-step SDM implementation ranged from 59.5% to 99.2%. However, 87.7% of participants chose seven or more steps as difficult. The variables that significantly influenced the current status of SDM implementation were the attitudes toward SDM (p < .001), the perception of barriers to respect for autonomy (p < .001), the number of difficult steps in the SDM process (p = .002), and experience years (EY) of CRCs (p = .003). Noteworthy barriers were lack of knowledge about patient participation in decision-making, difficulty explaining benefits and disadvantages, lack of decision support skills, pressure from sponsors and physicians to obtain consent, and lack of physician involvement.Conclusion: Many CRCs in Japan had positive perceptions of SDM, and can play an important role in facilitating SDM in clinical trials. However, several barriers need to be addressed. Therefore, our study proposes a structured tool for the SDM process that is not limited to a specific protocol and can be used widely.Trial registration: Not applicable
A banquet scene in a tomb of Cuma (southern Italy): the study of wall paintings to shed light on Roman technological skills in ‘building for eternity’
Authors: Germinario Chiara , Pagano Sabrina , Mercurio Mariano , Izzo Francesco , De Bonis Alberto , Morra Vincenzo , Munzi Priscilla , Leone Marcella , Conca Elisa , Grifa Celestino 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Excavations at the north-eastern side of the city Cumae (modern Cuma) brought to light the Tomba del Banchetto per l’Eternità, a hypogeum chamber tomb with vaulted ceiling built in tuff blocks dated back to the first decades of the 1st century BCE. The exceptional nature of the discovery, resembling an Oscan tradition, is due to the peculiar decorative scheme, reporting a banquet scene and three funerary beds along with a table, reproducing a sort of triclinium.The investigation performed on decorated plasters, in situ by a spectroscopic approach and in-lab via minero-petrographic techniques, allowed us to infer the production technology of wall paintings and mortar-based support, and the type of pigments used for decorating the tomb.The multi-layered plasters were made with specific mix-designs in the different part of the tomb; similarly, different painting techniques were adopted according to the architectural scheme. In the lower part of the walls, lime cocciopesto mortars adhere on the tuff blocks, likely to lend better hydraulic properties to the mortar-based supports in humid and wet environments. This part of the tomb, as well as the funerary beds, was painted in red using the fresco technique. On the other hand, in the upper part of walls and on the vault, the arriccio layer, containing volcanic sand, was covered with a thick and white intonachino layer composed of lime binder, constituting the support for the pictorial layer, applied with a mezzo fresco technique.The investigation on pigments used for wall paintings points out to the use of a characteristic Roman palette, consisting of pure, natural and synthetic pigments (calcite, red and yellow ochre, hematite, organic black pigments, Egyptian blue), and skilful mixtures of colouring materials (mixture of yellow ochre and organic carbon black for the brown, mixture of kaolinite-rich clay, Egyptian blue, and Fe-oxides for grey and mixture of organic –madder- and inorganic pigments for pink).Geographical Coordinates: 40°51’3.13’’N; 14°3’27.33’’E