bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Time‐resolved emission spectroscopy to elucidate the functional nature of heat‐stable transcription factor
Authors: Kutumbarao Nidamarthi H. V. , Karthikeyan Subramani , Ganesan Singaravelu , Velmurugan Devadasan 
Published: June 2022

AbstractA 22 kDa protein from Thermus thermophilus is characterised as a DNA binding transcription regulator and its function is established using the fluorescence spectroscopy technique. The steady‐state fluorescence spectroscopy result shows significant binding of calf thymus DNA and protein molecule. To confirm, the DNA quenching effect in real‐time, a time‐resolved emission spectroscopy study was performed and the result shows good agreement with steady‐state quenching analysis.
An improved deep convolutional neural network architecture for chromosome abnormality detection using hybrid optimization model
Authors: Nimitha N. , Ezhumalai P. , Chokkalingam Arun 
Published: June 2022

AbstractChromosomes are thread‐like structures located in the cell nucleus that contains the human body blueprint. Chromosome analysis is also known as karyotyping is the test taken to detect the abnormalities identified in the human chromosome. The two types of widely known chromosome abnormalities are structural and numerical abnormalities. Manual karyotyping is complex, time‐consuming, and error‐prone. To overcome these complexities, automated chromosome karyotype architecture is proposed using the deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) architecture. Training the DCNN architecture from scratch needs a huge dataset and to overcome this problem a generative adversarial networks is used to create adversarial samples that resemble the images in the actual dataset. The time‐consuming hyperparameter tuning in the DCNN architecture is overcome using the hybrid moth‐flame optimization integrated with the hill‐climbing strategy (HMFOHC). The HMFOHC algorithm is mainly utilized in this article to minimize the huge number of parameters associated with the DCNN architecture. The efficiency of the proposed methodology is evaluated using two datasets namely the BioImLab chromosome dataset and hospital dataset. The proposed HMFOHC optimized DCNN architecture is mainly utilized for multiclass classification where it differentiates five numerical chromosome abnormalities, namely Trisomy 13, Trisomy 18, Trisomy 21, Trisomy XXY syndrome, and Monosomy X. The proposed model offers an accuracy, F1‐score, and kappa coefficient value of 98.65%, 98.86%, and 0.9894, respectively. The results obtained show that the proposed model achieves higher classification accuracy when compared with the different state‐of‐art techniques such as deep learning, random forest, and CNN. The inference time of the proposed methodology is 12.5 s which is relatively lower than the state‐of‐art techniques. The proposed approach can help cytogenetics forensic experts make better decisions and save time by automating manual karyotyping.Research Highlights
Manual karyotyping is complex, time‐consuming, and error‐prone. To overcome these complexities, automated chromosome karyotype architecture is proposed using the DCNN architecture
The proposed method is mainly applied for multiclass classification where the different types of numerical abnormalities are addressed such as Trisomy 13, Trisomy 18, Trisomy 21, Trisomy XXY syndrome, and Monosomy X.
Efficacy and safety of oral semaglutide in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease complicated by type 2 diabetes mellitus: A pilot study
Authors: Arai Taeang , Atsukawa Masanori , Tsubota Akihito , Ono Hirotaka , Kawano Tadamichi , Yoshida Yuji , Okubo Tomomi , Hayama Korenobu , Nakagawa‐Iwashita Ai , Itokawa Norio , Kondo Chisa , Nagao Mototsugu , Iwakiri Katsuhiko 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackground and AimThis study aimed to clarify the efficacy and safety of oral semaglutide treatment in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) complicated by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).MethodsThis was a single‐arm, open‐label pilot study. Sixteen patients with NAFLD who received oral semaglutide for T2DM were included in the analysis. Oral semaglutide was initiated at a dose of 3 mg once daily, and the dose was sequentially increased to 7 mg at 4 weeks and 14 mg at 8 weeks (maintenance dose) until the end of the 24‐week trial.ResultsBody weight and levels of liver‐related biochemistry, plasma glucose, and hemoglobin A1c decreased significantly from baseline to 12 weeks. These significant decreases were maintained until the end of the trial. Additionally, levels of the homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance and triglyceride significantly decreased at 24 weeks. Controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) values significantly decreased from baseline to 24 weeks. Changes in body weight were correlated with those in levels of alanine aminotransferase (r = 0.52) and CAP (r = 0.72). As for liver fibrosis markers, significant decreases from baseline to 24 weeks in levels of the fibrosis‐4 index, ferritin, and type IV collagen 7 s were found; however, the liver stiffness measurement did not significantly decrease. Most adverse events were grade 1–2 transient gastrointestinal disorders.ConclusionsOral semaglutide treatment in patients with NAFLD complicated by T2DM improved impaired liver function, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis, as well as improving diabetic status and reducing body weight.
Development and validation of a multicultural counseling competency scale for Malaysian professional counselors
Authors: Jaladin Rafidah Aga Mohd , Amit Noh , Aziz Nabeel Abedal 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThis study describes the development and validation of a 32‐item instrument to assess the multicultural counseling competencies of 508 Malaysian professional counselors. Exploratory factor analysis identified five underlying factors of multicultural counseling competency (MCC), and this five‐factor model of MCC, confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis, has more than the three dimensions proposed in the literature. These findings provide strong evidence for construct validity and encourage the use of this instrument among counselors.
Pediatric Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Reference Values for Biventricular Volumes Derived From Different Contouring Techniques
Authors: Voges Inga , Caliebe Amke , Hinz Sophia , Boroni Grazioli Simona , Gabbert Dominik D. , Daubeney Piers E. F. , Uebing Anselm S. , Pennell Dudley J. , Krupickova Sylvia 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundMeasurement of ventricular volumes and function using MRI is an important tool in pediatric congenital heart disease. However, normal values for children are sparce and analysis methods are inconsistent.PurposeTo propose biventricular reference values in children for two MRI postprocessing (contouring) techniques.Study TypeRetrospective.SubjectsA total of 154 children from two institutions (13.9 ± 2.8 years; 101 male) that were referred for a clinical MRI study.Field Strength/Sequence1.5 T; balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) sequence.AssessmentLeft ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) end‐diastolic and end‐systolic volumes (LVEDV, LVESV, RVEDV, RVESV) and end‐diastolic and end‐systolic myocardial mass (LVEDMM, LVESMM, RVEDMM, RVESMM) were measured from short‐axis images using two contouring techniques: 1) papillary muscles, trabeculations and the moderator band were included in the ventricular blood volume and excluded from the myocardial mass, 2) papillary muscles, trabeculations and the moderator band were excluded from the ventricular volume and included in the ventricular mass.Statistical TestsUnivariable and multivariable linear regression models were used to evaluate relationships between sex, weight, height, body surface area (BSA) and age and volumetric results. Reference graphs and tables were created with the LMS‐method. Contouring techniques were compared by intraclass correlation, regression analysis and Bland–Altman plots. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsHeight and BSA were significantly associated with LVESV (method 1) and with LVEDV and RVEDV (method 2). LVESV (method 2), RVESV (both methods), RVEDV (method 1), and LVEDMM and RVEDMM (both methods), showed significant associations with height and weight. LVSV and RVSV (both methods) were significantly associated with BSA and weight. RVESV (method 1) was significantly associated with age. Gender showed significant associations for all parameters.Data ConclusionThe proposed pediatric reference values can be used in the diagnosis and follow‐up of congenital or acquired heart disease and for research purposes.Evidence Level3Technical EfficacyStage 2
Molecular aspects of Omicron, vaccine development, and recombinant strain XE: A review
Authors: K Akash , Sharma Avinash , Kumar Deepak , Singh Sachin K. , Gupta Gaurav , Chellappan Dinesh K. , Dua Kamal , Nagraik Rupak 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe global pandemic of COVID‐19 began in December 2019 and is still continuing. The past 2 years have seen the emergence of several variants that were more vicious than each other. The emergence of Omicron (B.1.1.529) proved to be a huge epidemiological concern as the rate of infection of this particular strain was enormous. The strain was identified in South Africa on November 24, 2021 and was classified as a “Variant of Concern” on November 26, 2021. The Omicron variant possessed mutations in the key RBD region, the S region, thereby increasing the affinity of ACE2 for better transmission of the virus. Antibody resistance was found in this variant and it was able to reduce vaccine efficiency of vaccines. The need for a booster vaccine was brought forth due to the prevalence of the Omicron variant and, subsequently, this led to targeted research and development of variant‐specific vaccines and booster dosage. This review discusses broadly the genomic characters and features of Omicron along with its specific mutations, evolution, antibody resistance, and evasion, utilization of CRISPR‐Cas12a assay for Omicron detection, T‐cell immunity elicited by vaccines against Omicron, and strategies to decrease Omicron infection along with COVID‐19 and it also discusses on XE recombinant variant and on infectivity of BA.2 subvariant of Omicron.
Potential intervariant and intravariant recombination of Delta and Omicron variants
Authors: Wang Lulan , Zhou Hang‐Yu , Li Jia‐Ying , Cheng Ye‐Xiao , Zhang Shilei , Aliyari Saba , Wu Aiping , Cheng Genhong 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAmong numerous severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) variants of concerns, Omicron is more infectious and immune‐escaping, while Delta is more pathogenic. Here, we provide evidence for both intervariant and intravariant recombination of the rapidly evolving new SARS‐CoV‐2 genomes, including XD/XE/XF and BA.3, raising concerns of potential more infectious, immune‐escaping, and disease‐causing Omicron and Delta–Omicron variants.
Topology optimization for a station class surge arrester model
Authors: Zhang Dudu , Kasolis Fotios , Clemens Markus 
Published: June 2022

AbstractHigh‐voltage stress can cause partial discharges, which in turn result in deterioration of high‐voltage equipment, and hence, in increased maintenance costs. To this end, corona rings are used as means to capacitive field‐grading. In this work, topology optimization is employed for designing alternative layouts for capacitive field‐grading in a station class surge arrester. The objective of the formulated optimization problem is to homogenize the electric field strength along the axis of symmetry of the considered surge arrester. The resulting layout exhibits an improved electric field strength homogeneity profile, when compared to the standard IEC60099‐4:2004 design.
Career mapping for international students: A critical‐constructivist approach
Authors: Anandavalli S. , Harrichand John J. S. , Mathew Shalini 
Published: June 2022

AbstractDespite rapidly increasing presence of international students seeking career guidance and opportunities in the United States, existing counseling literature offers limited perspectives on how counselors can support this community using strengths‐based and culturally responsive approaches. Addressing this long‐standing gap, we offer this conceptual scholarship discussing career mapping as a dialogical and critical‐constructivist strategy for career counselors to help international students understand their life story, strengths, and barriers in the context of career development, and plan their actions accordingly. Implications for practice are also offered.
Fine‐scale habitat associations of Oklahoma's longspurs
Authors: Muller John A. , Ross Jeremy D. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractOverwintering is a key demographic stage for migratory birds but remains poorly understood, especially among multiple declining grassland bird species. The non‐breeding ranges all 4 species of longspur (i.e., chestnut‐collared [Calcarius ornatus], Smith's [C. pictus], Lapland [C. lapponicus], thick‐billed [Rhynchophanes mccownii]) overlap in Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle, USA, making this region ideal to study their wintering ecology. We evaluated the relationship between wintering longspur occurrence and fine‐scale habitat characteristics using a combination of standardized bird surveys and vegetation plot sampling. Our study encompassed large, representative tracts of 3 prairie ecosystems (i.e., shortgrass, mixed‐grass, and tallgrass prairies) that intersect within the Southern Great Plains, during winters of 2018–2019 and 2019–2020. Using randomization tests and classification trees, we characterized longspur habitats and compared these associations across the 3 prairie ecosystems. Fine‐scale winter habitats (horizontal structure, vertical structure, and species compositions) varied among all 4 longspur species, varied at very fine scales, and differed between grassland types. Our findings can be applied to the management of grasslands such as decreasing vegetation height in mixed‐grass prairies for chestnut‐collared longspurs or removing woody vegetation in shortgrass prairies for thick‐billed longspurs to help develop full‐life cycle conservation for longspurs, which have experienced population declines.
Habitat selection of nesting and fledgling salt marsh songbirds in northeast Florida
Authors: Schwarzer Amy C. , Cox W. Andrew , Tornwall Brett 
Published: June 2022

AbstractUnderstanding habitat selection by breeding birds and their newly fledged young can be an essential aspect of the conservation of vulnerable species. During 2015–2017, we examined nest site selection of Worthington's marsh wren (Cistothorus palustris griseus) and MacGillivray's seaside sparrow (Ammospiza maritima macgillivraii), and fledgling habitat use by Worthington's marsh wren, 2 imperiled species in northeast Florida, USA. We compared vegetation at unused points to vegetation at nests of both subspecies and at locations used by radio‐tagged marsh wren fledglings. Vegetation was taller and stem counts were greater at nest sites compared to unused points. Worthington's marsh wrens also used nest sites with a greater proportion of tall‐form smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) than was observed at unused points. Worthington's marsh wren fledglings also used locations with taller, denser vegetation, but vegetation use changed with fledgling age and tidal stage; older fledglings more frequently used areas with short‐form smooth cordgrass and bare ground (and more so during low tides). In contrast, so few nests and nestlings were in black needlerush (Juncus roemerianus) that we could not consider it in our analysis despite its prevalence within our study sites. Our results indicate that tall, dense cordgrass is an important habitat component for these subspecies during the nesting and fledgling life stages in southeastern Atlantic salt marshes.
Banding records of nestling barn owls reveal optimal timing for nest box maintenance in California
Authors: Bourbour Ryan P. , Martinico Breanna L. , Phillips Emily M. , Schlarbaum Jessica N. , Hawkins Michelle G. , Hull Joshua M. , Kross Sara M. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAmerican barn owls (Tyto furcata) often rely on nest box networks for breeding, especially within agricultural landscapes. Nest boxes are commonly installed for pest management purposes and require regular maintenance, such as removal of pellet debris and repairs, to remain functional and safe for breeding owls. Ideally, nest box maintenance should be conducted before the breeding season begins to minimize nest disturbance. The timing of the barn owl breeding season is especially important to understand in California, USA, which has a high diversity of ecoregions and expansive latitudinal range. Our objective was to describe the barn owl breeding season throughout California using nestling records to assist with data‐driven management recommendations. We queried 96 years of barn owl nestling banding records (n = 22,670) from the United States Geological Survey Bird Banding Lab to estimate egg laying dates across California and summarized 39 years of intake records (n = 1,741) from the California Raptor Center in the Central Valley. Our results suggest that barn owls typically begin to lay eggs in California in winter months; the median egg laying date for the state was 20 February. Based on these reports, planning for barn owl nest box maintenance to begin in fall (Sep–Nov) would align with the season that breeding activity and nest disturbance may be lowest, especially in the Central Valley and Southern Coast ecoregions.
Accidental Tracheostomy Decannulations in Children—A Prospective Cohort Study of Inpatients
Authors: Wynings Erin M. , Breslin Nathaniel , Brooks Rebecca L. , Brown Ashley F. , Bailey Candice H. , Whitney Cindy , Kou Yann‐Fuu , Johnson Romaine F. , Chorney Stephen R. 
Published: June 2022

ObjectivesTo determine the incidence of tracheostomy accidental decannulations (AD) among pediatric inpatients and identify risks for these events.Study DesignProspective cohort.MethodsAll tracheostomy patients (≤18 years) admitted at a tertiary children's hospital between August 2018 and April 2021 were included. AD were recorded and patient harm was classified as no harm/minor, moderate, or severe. Monthly AD incidence was described as events per 1000 tracheostomy‐days.ResultsOne‐hundred seventeen AD occurred among 67 children with 33% (22/67) experiencing multiple events (median: 2.5 events, range: 2–10). Mean age at AD was 4.7 years (SD: 4.4). AD resulted from patient movement (32%, 37/117), performing tracheostomy care (27%, 31/117), repositioning or transporting (15%, 17/117), or unclear reasons (27%, 32/117). A parent or guardian was involved in 28% (33/117) of events. Nearly all AD resulted in no more than minor harm (84%, 98/117) but moderate (12%, 14/117) and severe (4%, 5/117) events did occur. There were no deaths. Tracheostomy care or repositioning were frequently responsible in acute versus subacute events (48% vs. 26%, p = 0.04). Mean monthly AD incidence was 4.7 events per 1000 tracheostomy‐days (95% CI: 3.7–5.8) and after implementation of safety initiatives, the mean rate decreased from 5.9 events (95% CI: 4.2–7.7) to 3.7 events (95% CI: 2.5–5.0) per 1000 tracheostomy‐days (p = 0.04).ConclusionsAD in children occur at nearly 5 events per 1000 tracheostomy‐days and often result in minimal harm. Quality initiatives targeting patient movement, provider education, and tracheostomy care might reduce the frequency of these complications.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 133:963–969, 2023
Effect of inner ear malformations on intraoperative ECAP thresholds and postoperative auditory performance
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Seo , Hong Sung Hwa , Moon Il Joon 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectivesThis study sought to characterize the influence of inner ear malformations (IEMs) on intraoperative electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) and auditory performance to better understand the underlying pathophysiology related to variabilities in cochlear implant (CI) outcomes that individuals with malformed cochlea may present.MethodsThe medical records of 222 ears implanted with Cochlear Nucleus CI were reviewed. Of the total, 64 ears had radiologic evidence of IEMs, and 158 ears were normal. Individuals with IEMs were grouped based on the severity of anomalies; 38 had mild IEMs (e.g., enlarged vestibular aqueduct, incomplete partition type II, etc.) and 26 had severe IEMs (e.g., cochlear nerve hypoplasia, common cavity, etc.). Intraoperative ECAP thresholds obtained via neural response telemetry (NRT) and the categories of auditory performance (CAP) scores measured at 12 months postoperative were compared and correlated.ResultsAbsent ECAP responses were more apparent in the IEM group. ECAP thresholds were significantly elevated in the severe IEM group, while the mild IEM group had ECAP thresholds comparable to the normal group. The mild IEM group achieved CAP scores similar to the normal control. Patients in the severe IEM group showed significantly lower CAP scores at 12 months postoperative. Significant negative relationships existed between ECAP thresholds and CAP scores obtained from all subjects.ConclusionMeasurable ECAP responses and NRT thresholds varied across groups. The inverse relationship between NRT thresholds and CAP scores may suggest that electrophysiological responses measured during surgery may potentially be indicative of postoperative performance in our CI population.Level of Evidence2b.
A New Molecular Mechanism for Understanding the Actuated Strain of Dielectric Elastomers and Their Impacts
Authors: Wu Wenjie , Wang Zhong Lin , Zhang Liqun 
Published: June 2022

AbstractDielectric elastomers (DEs) are a special material that deform responding to an electric field. The induced strain is known as actuated strain (AS). This phenomenon is totally different from electrostriction, for there is no crystal lattice in elastomers and the AS of DEs is much greater. The most accepted mechanism holds the view that the AS of DEs is induced by the Maxwell stress. According to this mechanism, materials exhibiting similar ratios of permittivity and Young's modulus should have similar ASs, while the experimental AS isn't relevant to the ideal value, contradicting this mechanism. The direction of uniaxial pre‐strained DE's AS cannot be explained by this mechanism either. The electric field and DE are only regarded as a source of stress and a deformable body respectively in this mechanism, which ignores the interaction between those two. Recently, a new molecular mechanism for AS is proposed, in which the electric field first orient dipoles of chains, therefore the conformation of chains will be changed, finally leading to AS. With thermodynamical derivation and experiment, entropy‐dominated elasticity is found to account for more during AS. This mechanism is systematically introduced in this perspective and presents current challenges and outlooks of DE.