bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heavy metal pollution in the surface sediments off the Vedaranyam coast, Southern India
Authors: Gopal Veeramalai , Krishnamurthy Ramasamy Ramasamy , Vignesh Ravichandran , SabariNathan Chellamuthu , Anshu Raju , Kalaivanan Rajaram , Mohana Perumal , Magesh Nochyil Sivan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The marine sediments off Vedaranyam coast, southern India was examined for heavy metal pollution contributed by man-made activities. Sediment samples were collected and assessed for metals such as chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and cobalt (Co). To assess the natural and anthropogenic contamination as well as to know the sediment quality, various indices such as the geo-accumulation index, enrichment factor, pollution load index and contamination factor were computed. The enrichment factor result shows that the heavy metals are primarily from anthropogenic sources. There is a high positive correlation among the heavy metals, indicating a similar origin.
How Does Random Spike Timing Code Anything?
Authors: Gilbert Mike 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Nerve cells send signals to each other by discharging action potentials (spikes), the fast and brief depolarisation of cell membrane potential which propagates away from the cell body (soma). Traditionally, the two main candidates to code information in signals are spike frequency (firing rate) and spike timing. However, some cells – including Purkinje cells in the cerebellum – spike with unpredictably irregular timing, so that it is not obvious how it could be either, or indeed how it codes anything at all. Purkinje cells powerfully modulate firing of the output cells of the cerebellum. This paper argues that information is coded in the millisecond-to-millisecond probability of a Purkinje cell spike. Coded this way, firing of a single cell is meaningless, but the probability is synchronised at the level of functional groups of Purkinje cells – microzones – which form part of the cerebellar circuit. Around forty Purkinje cells converge on a cerebellum output cell. Because spike probability, but not timing, is synchronised among microzone-grouped Purkinje cells, the combined spike rate received by an output cell accurately and smoothly represents the group-coded probability. In this manner, irregular spike timing of single Purkinje cells is turned into analog modulation of output somatic polarity.
Prediction of oxygen requirement in patients with COVID-19 using a pre-trained chest radiograph xAI model: Efficient development of auditable risk prediction models via a fine-tuning approach
Authors: Chung Joowon , Kim Doyun , Choi Jongmun , Yune Sehyo , Song Kyungdoo , Kim Seonkyoung , Chua Michelle , Succi Marc D. , Conklin John , Longo Maria G. Figueiro , Ackman Jeanne B. , Petranovic Milena , Lev Michael H. , Do Synho 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Clinical risk prediction requires comprehensive integration of clinical information and concurrent radiological findings. We present an upgraded chest radiograph (CXR) explainable artificial intelligence (xAI) model, which was trained on 241,723 well-annotated CXRs obtained prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for detection of 20 radiographic features was 0.955 (95% CI 0.938-0.955) on PA view and 0.909 (95% CI 0.890-0.925) on AP view. Coexistent and correlated radiographic findings are displayed in an interpretation table, and calibrated classifier confidence is displayed on an AI scoreboard. Retrieval of similar feature patches and comparable CXRs from a Model-Derived Atlas provides justification for model predictions. To demonstrate the feasibility of a fine-tuning approach for efficient and scalable development of xAI risk prediction models, we applied our CXR xAI model, in combination with clinical information, to predict oxygen requirement in COVID-19 patients. Prediction accuracy for high flow oxygen (HFO) and mechanical ventilation (MV) was 0.953 and 0.934 at 24 hours and 0.932 and 0.836 at 72 hours from the time of emergency department (ED) admission, respectively. Our CXR xAI model is auditable and captures key pathophysiological manifestations of cardiorespiratory diseases and cardiothoracic comorbidities. This model can be efficiently and broadly applied via a fine-tuning approach to provide fully automated risk and outcome predictions in various clinical scenarios in real-world practice.
Cervical Pre-cancerous Lesion Detection: Development of Smartphone-Based VIA Application Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Harsono Ali Budi , Susiarno Hadi , Suardi Dodi , Fauzi Hilman , Wahid Rizki Amalia , Carolina Johanna Sharon , Kireina Jessica , Mantilidewi Kemala Isnainiasih , Hidayat Yudi Mulyana 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
ObjectiveAbout 90% of deaths caused by cervical cancer in 2020 occurred in low-and middle-income countries, due to limited access to screening programs. Visual inspection of cervix after acetic acid application (VIA) has been considered an alternative to Pap smear in resource-limited settings. However, VIA tends to be subjective and depends on examiner’s experience. We aimed to develop an Android-based application for determining VIA results based on AI.ResultA total of 159 women who underwent VIA test was studied. Images of cervix before and after VIA test were taken with smartphone, then evaluated and labelled by oncologist as VIA positive or negative. Image processing was done by detecting the pattern, texture, and colour of acetowhite lesion around the cervix. The extracted features were then passed to the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). Java programming language was used to develop the application. Based on oncologist evaluation, 77 patients (48.4%) had positive VIA result and 82 (51.6%) had negative result. The AI model predicted 68 positive results and 65 negative results correctly, generating a sensitivity of 88.3%, specificity of 79.2%, and accuracy of 83.64%. The developed Android-ba
Optical-resolution functional gastrointestinal photoacoustic endoscopy based on optical heterodyne detection of ultrasound
Authors: Liang Yizhi , Fu Wubing , Li Qiang , Sun Huojiao , Wang Lidai , Jin Long , Huang Wei , Guan Bai-Ou 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Photoacoustic endoscopy shows promise in the detection of gastrointestinal cancer, inflammation, and other lesions. However, imaging the hemodynamic response in disease at high spatial resolution is hindered by the ultrasound detection capability. Here we developed a miniaturized, optical-resolution photoacoustic endoscope to image an inflamed rat rectum and the hemodynamic response in terms of oxygen-saturation change, which can hardly be seen with other imaging modalities. This was achieved by detecting the optically-induced ultrasound waves with a dual-frequency laser sensor, which boosts the sensitivity by a gain factor ω0/Ω (the frequency ratio of the laser light and measured ultrasound) to the upper limit of a frequency measurement system. A noise-equivalent pressure density (NEPD) below 1.5 mPa·Hz-1/2 over the measured range of 5 to 25 MHz was achieved, comparable to that of the most sensitive state-of-the-art optical sensors. The heterodyne detection stabilizes the sensor output using the dual-frequency laser beams, which offers resistance to thermal drift and gastrointestinal peristalsis.
Kidney absorbed radiation doses for [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 and [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&amp;T determined by 3D clinical dosimetry
Authors: Uijen Maike J.M. , Privé Bastiaan Michael , Herpen Carla M.L. Van , Westdorp Harm , Gemert Willemijn A. van , de Bakker Maarten , Gotthardt Martin , Konijnenberg Mark , Peters Steffie M.B. , Nagarajah James 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose: For prostate-specific membrane antigen directed radioligand therapy (PSMA-RLT), [177Lu]Lu‑PSMA‑617 and [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T are the currently preferred compounds. Recent preclinical studies suggested ~30x higher kidney absorbed dose for [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T compared to [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617, which may lead to an increased risk of kidney toxicity. We performed two single center, prospective dosimetry studies with either [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 or [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T, using an identical dosimetry protocol. We evaluated the absorbed doses of both 177Lu labeled radioligands in human kidneys.Methods: 3D SPECT/CT imaging of the kidneys was performed after PSMA-RLT in cancer patients with PSMA-positive disease and an adequate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (≥50 mL/min). Ten metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer patients (mHSPC) were treated with [177Lu]Lu‑PSMA‑617 and ten advanced salivary gland cancer (SGC) patients were treated with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T. SPECT/CT imaging was performed at 5 time points (1h, 24h, 48h, 72h, and 168h post injection). In mHSPC patients SPECT/CT imaging was performed after cycles 1 and 2 (cumulative activity: 9 GBq) and in SGC patients only after cycle 1 (activity: 7.4 GBq). Kidney absorbed dose was calculated using organ-based dosimetry. Results: The median kidney absorbed dose was 0.49 Gy/GBq (range: 0.34-0.66) and 0.73 Gy/GBq (range: 0.42-1.31) for [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 and [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T, respectively (Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney; p=0.002). Conclusion: This study shows that the kidney absorbed dose for [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 and [177Lu]Lu‑PSMA-I&T differs, with a ~1.5x higher median kidney absorbed dose for [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T. This difference in the clinical setting is considerably smaller than observed in preclinical studies and may not hamper treatments with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-I&T.
A semi-analytical temperature solution for multi-segment deep coaxial borehole heat exchangers
Authors: Wangen Magnus 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Tóth and Bobok [1, 2] developed an attractive model for the temperature of deep coaxial borehole heat exchangers with a constant flow rate. The model is based on Ramey’s approximate solution for the thermal interaction of a well with the surrounding rocks [3]. Their temperature solution for the fluid in the annulus and the inner tube involves four coefficients that are given by four boundary conditions. It appears that a numerical method is required to obtain these four coefficients. This article provides a new temperature solution for the same model, which is complete. It demands only two boundary conditions – the first is the given injection temperature, and the second is that the temperature is the same in the annulus as in the inner tube at the base of the well. The new solution is extended to a multi-segment solution, where each segment may have different properties, such as casing, the width of the annulus, radius of the inner tubing, material properties, rock properties and the geothermal gradient. The multi-segment model is demonstrated with a deep coaxial borehole heat exchanger with three different parts. The temperature difference between the outlet and the inlet is studied regarding two dimensionless numbers. It is found that the maximum temperature difference occurs when the dimensionless heat transfer coefficient for the casing-rock is much larger than one. A second necessary condition is that the dimensionless heat transfer coefficient for the insulator between the inner tube and the annulus must be much less than one. The power leakage from the inner tubing to the annulus is also at a maximum at these conditions.
The study of Double-J stent free mode of flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy: A single center experience
Authors: Xu Ming , Han Xiaoyun , Zhu Jin , Sun Chuanyang , Tao Wei , Xue Boxin 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of flexible ureteroscopy in the treatment of kidney and upper ureteral calculi under the Double-J stent free mode.
Methods
We retrospectively collected the data of patients who underwent flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy from February 2018 to September 2021 in our hospital. Cases were divided into three groups according to used of the Double-J stent pre-operation and post-operation, namely, the Postoperative Double-J stent free (Post-F) group with pre-indwelling Double-J stent before operation and non-indwelling Double-J stent after operation, the Preoperative Double-J stent free (Pre-F) group with the Double-J stent not preset before operation and retained after operation, and the Routine group with the Double J stents placed in the ureter before and after operation. The data of all patients, including demographic and stone characteristics, perioperative data, postoperative outcomes and complications, were recorded, evaluated and compared.
Results
554 patients as per prescribed research criteria were included with 101 cases in the Post-F group, 154 cases in the Pre-F group and 299 cases in the Routine group. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics among the three groups, such as age, body mass index, the cumulative calculi maximum length diameter (CMD), average CT value of stones (p > 0.05). The average operation time among the three groups was also similar which demonstrated no statistical difference. The incidence of grade 0–1 ureteral injury in the Post-F group was higher than the other two groups, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the operation related complications such as bleeding, renal subcapsular effusion, urosepsis, and ureteral stricture. During the follow-up, the data showed there was a certain proportion of Double-J stent associated complications between the Pre-F group and the Routine group, while no risk of these complications were identified in the Post-F group. At the end of time intervals of one month, three months and six months after operation, the stone clearance rates of the three groups were (88.1% vs 87.7% vs89.6%), (91.5% vs 91.9% vs 93.8%), (93.1% vs 93.0% vs 94.9%) respectively, and the differences did not reach statistical significance. (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
It was a safe, feasible and effective management method to treat renal and upper ureteral calculi by flexible ureteroscopy using Double-J stent free mode. This model could avoid the stent associated complications after operation and is suggested to be widely used in clinic.
Maternal position during the second stage of labor and maternal-neonatal outcomes in nulliparous women: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Familiari Alessandra , Neri Caterina , Passananti Elvira , Marco Giulia Di , Felici Francesca , Ranieri Elisa , Flacco Maria Elena , Lanzone Antonio 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Actual evidences are insufficient to draw conclusions regarding the association between maternal position in labor and obstetrics outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of different maternal positions during the second stage of labor, with or without epidural analgesia, on important obstetric outcomes, in order to prevent perineal damage.
Methods
In this retrospective cohort study, we collected data of women undergoing a vaginal birth in a 2-years period. The associations between maternal and gestational characteristics and several obstetric outcomes were analyzed. We considered perineal damage as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were operative vaginal birth, duration of fetal descent, intrapartum blood loss, 1-minute and 5-minutes Apgar score.
Results
A total of 2240 nulliparous at term of pregnancy were included: 76.9% gave birth in a supine position and 23.1% gave birth in alternative positions. The results showed that, regardless of the use of epidural analgesia, free-birthing positions are associated to a significant reduction of risk in terms of both episiotomy and perineal damage of any degree (p < 0.0001) and to a reduction in the duration of fetal descent (Spearman rho = 9.17, CI (3.07; 15.32), p = 0.003). No statistically significant differences were found in operative vaginal birth, intrapartum blood loss and 1-minute and 5-minutes Apgar score between the two groups.
Conclusions
Our results shows that free-birthing positions are associated with a significant increase in having an intact perineum and a reduction of any perineal trauma and episiotomy regardless the use of epidural analgesia.
Root and Root Canal Morphology of Premolars in a Sample of the Lebanese Population: Clinical Considerations
Authors: Merhej Marie-Jose , Hachem Roula El , Sacre Hala , Salameh Pascale , Ghosn Nabil , Naaman Alfred 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Objectives: The aims of this study were to investigate the anatomy of the maxillary and mandibular premolars among a sample of the Lebanese population and to explore their incidence by sex and the symmetry between the left and right sides.Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of 250 CBCT images revealed 960 maxillary and 972 mandibular premolars. Roots, canals, and morphology types were recorded. Vertucci’s classification was used to categorize the canal morphologies. Fisher’s exact and chi-square tests (P≤.05) were applied.Results: The majority of maxillary first premolars had two roots (85.3%) with two canals (91.3%). Most of the maxillary second premolars showed one root (79.8%). Two-root canals (53.55%) were more common than one canal (44.2%). The three-root, three-canal morphology was rarely spotted in the maxillary first (0.4%) and second premolars (2.3%). The one-root and one-canal morphologies were most frequently located in the mandibular first (99.2%, 84.5%) and second premolars (100%, 88.6%), and two canals being less common (15.5%, 11.4%). The total prevalence of premolars with a complex root canal morphology was 62.4%, found in types II, III, and V to VIII. Men had significantly more roots and root canals in their maxillary first premolars than women (P≤.05). No significant differences were observed between the contralateral premolars (P>.5).Conclusions: Premolars displayed wide variations in root and root canal morphology and symmetry between the contralateral premolars.Clinical Relevance: CBCT scans showed the morphological complexity and bilateral symmetry of the premolars in a sample of the Lebanese population. Clinicians and researchers should consider these findings.
A multi-objective robust optimization method for quantification and propagation of different types of uncertainties
Authors: Wang Yongxing , Hamad Hazim , Voss Jochen , Thompson Harvey 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
A robust optimization formulates the uncertainties of a physical system into the objective functions and/or its constraints, and uncertainties are consequently quantified at the same time as minimizing the objectives, which therefore provides a robust solution to the corresponding physical system. In this paper, we present a general mathematical framework for data-driven robust optimization problems: first, the Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) method is used to create a surrogate model, which allows us to analyze and quantify uncontrollable uncertainties such as noise from the training dataset or finite/limited discrete data points; then, the Polynomial Chaos Expansion (PCE) method is used to propagate controllable uncertainties, such as a manufacturing tolerance, from the input to the output and create a probabilistic model; finally, three robust optimization problems are formulated and solved with a detailed analysis of the results. The proposed optimization framework is implemented in open-source Python libraries and assessed by validated dataset from a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) thermal flow system with consideration of uncertainties from manufacturing process.
The effect of file design and treatment type on the incidence of instrument separation and their subsequent management. A retrospective analysis among Post-Graduate students
Authors: Ravangard Ariyan , Azim Adham 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
AimThe aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate whether newly developed rotary NiTi instruments have reduced the incidence of instrument separation and/or have made the retrieval of the instrument following their separation more predictable in an endodontic post-graduate setting.Methodology: Teeth subjected to non-surgically endodontic treatment or retreatment in the endodontic post-graduate program were included in this study. Cases with SI were identified from our database and multiple variables (treatment type, tooth type and location, the position of the SI, file size, type, and core design, and the experience of the operator) were recorded. The management approach of the SI (remove, bypass, or unnegotiable) was also recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to establish an association between instrument separation and their management with the multiple variables.ResultsThe incidence of SI was 4.5%. 1.9% were hand files and 2.6% were rotary files. The SIs were primarily of a small tip size (≤ 20) and were separated mainly at the apical third of the canal. There was a significant association between molar teeth and SI (P < 0.001), while all the other factors were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Regarding management of SI, 53% were successfully managed either through retrieval or bypassing. There was a significant association between successful retrieval of the SI and the type of treatment, the SI file design, and the position of the SI in the canal (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe incidence of SI is very low among post-graduate students and has not changed with the improvement in rotary systems. Improvement in rotary instruments, however, appears to increase the odds of successful management of SI.Clinical RelevanceThe incidence of SI among post-graduate students is < 5%, SI can be successfully managed through retrieval or bypassing in around 50% of the cases. SI design and location appears to impact it successful management.
Sex-specific associations between coronary artery calcification and major adverse cardiovascular events: the NADESICO study
Authors: Wada Shinichi , Iwanaga Yoshitaka , Nakai Michikazu , Nakao Yoko M , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Noguchi Teruo 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
In a multicenter prospective cohort study of 1187 patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing coronary computed tomography, mutual relationships among cardiovascular risk factors, coronary artery calcification (CAC), and incident major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were examined, with emphasis on sex differences. The final analysis included 978 patients. Cox proportional hazards analyses indicated that smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia were associated with MACE in male patients, whereas no risk factors were associated with MACE in female patients. The C-statistics calculated using Framingham risk score for MACE were 0.639 and 0.656 in male and female patients, respectively. In male patients, the C-statistic significantly increased in combined models that added Agatston CAC scores of ≥ 200 to the Framingham risk score (+ 0.056, P = 0.045). In female patients, the C-statistic increased in the model that added an Agatston CAC score of ≥ 400 to Framingham risk score (+ 0.057, P = 0.08). CAC, cardiovascular risk factors, and incident MACE exhibited sex-specific differential associations in patients with suspected CAD. Agatston CAC scores of ≥ 200 in male patients significantly improved the MACE risk prediction over established cardiovascular risk factors, and an Agatston CAC score of ≥ 400 may improve it in female patients.