bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bivariate, high-content screening of Brugia malayi microfilariae
Authors: Wheeler Nicolas J. , Zamanian Mostafa , Ryan Kaetlyn T. , Gallo Kendra J. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The following protocol is for performing bivariate (motility and viability) phenotypic drug screens against Brugia spp. microfilariae (mf). It has been heavily optimized for utilization with an ImageXpress high-content imager, but only small adaptations will be necessary for usage with similar imaging platforms.Mf are used immediately after receipt/extraction, and the experiment should not be run longer than 48 hours, after which mf health rapidly deteriorates. We have had success recording motility at 12 hours post-treatment (hpt) and again at 36 hpt, after which mf are immediately stained for viability, as well as 24/48 hpt time points.The two phenotypes could be assayed separately, but we have found that not every compound that causes reduction in mf motility causes a concomitant loss of viability. Thus, the discriminatory power of the pipeline is increased by running both assays in parallel, using the same plates. We have run the experiment using 16 plates at a time which will necessitate several hours of imaging at the desired time points. If several plates are planned, drug addition will need to be staggered every 5-6 minutes in accordance with the time taken to completely image each plate.Image data can be analyzed via a variety of software, but we have designed wrmXpress for this purpose (1).
Identification and validation of microbial biomarkers from cross-cohort datasets using xMarkerFinder
Authors: Gao Wenxing , Chen Wanning , Yin Wenjing , Zhu Xinyue , Gao Sheng , Liu Lei , Wu Dingfeng , Zhu Ruixin , Jiao Na 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Microbial signatures have emerged as promising biomarkers and targets for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and remission. However, these biomarkers exhibit contradictory results in different studies, necessitating the identification of universally robust microbial biomarkers. Therefore, we introduce xMarkerFinder, a four-stage computational framework for microbial biomarker identification with comprehensive validations from cross-cohort datasets, including differential signature identification, model construction, model validation, and biomarker interpretation. xMarkerFinder enables the identification and validation of reproducible biomarkers for cross-cohort studies, along with the establishment of classification models and potential microbiome-induced mechanisms. Although xMarkerFinder is initially developed for gut microbiome study, it is generalizable to different omics layers, as well as other habitats. Execution time varies depending on the sample size, selected algorithm, and computational resource. xMarkerFinder can be accessed at https://github.com/tjcadd2020/xMarkerFinder. FAQs, detailed tutorials, issue boards, and a ready-to-use Docker image are provided for users with no prior bioinformatics or statistics training.
A novel evaluation model based on fuzzy logic for distance learning
Authors: Özseven Beyza Esin , Çağman Naim 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Distance learning is an education model in which the educator and the student come together independently of time and place and the learning process is continued. Although it has positive aspects in terms of time and space, it has limitations such as weak interaction and poor functioning of evaluation processes. Assessment systems often include multiple-choice or open-ended questions. That is, in solving a given problem, the result is evaluated, and the student's actions can be ignored until he reaches the result. In this study, while evaluating the student’s performance, the student's behavior during the semester and the distractor weight coefficient for the multiple-choice exams were added, and the performance assessment was based on the wrong answers of the student. The proposed model was created based on fuzzy logic, and the uncertainties in the evaluation were attempted to be eliminated.
Frame Comparison Network for Video Event Recognition
Authors: henni nadir , Bouzenada Mourad , Talbi Hichem 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Automatic recognition of actions in videos taken in uncontrolled environments is one of the most challenging tasks in computer vision. The most successful recent methods are based on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and use a variant of optical flow alongside the video frames to extract the information hidden in the variation of images. We propose a method that provides a neural network with the means to learn to extract features from local frame-to-frame variations, in addition to the global variation from a set of frames. The proposed method does not need to use any variant of pre-computed hand-crafted optical flow. We propose also a mechanism to raise the two limitations of CNNs when dealing with videos instead of single images: their inability to capture the difference between the video frames, and being optimized to find patterns regardless of their positions in space, i. e. insensitive to the occurrence order of features. The architecture we propose provides the possibility of reusing pre-trained image classification CNNs as feature extractors, allowing to take advantage of them with minimal tuning. The computational cost is mostly dependent on the choice of feature extractors. By taking the most efficient state-of-the art image classification CNNs, the proposed approach reaches impressive computational efficiency and at the same time outperforms all the state-of-art real-time methods in term of accuracy.
Invasive genetic rescue: Dispersal following repeated culling reinforces the genetic diversity of an invasive mammal
Authors: Synnott Rebecca , Shuttleworth Craig , Everest David , Stevenson-Holt Claire , O'Reilly Catherine , McDevitt Allan , O'Meara Denise 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Since its introduction from the United States in 1876 the invasive North American Eastern grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) has contributed to the decline of the native Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) in Britain. Consequently, grey squirrel populations are often subjected to extensive control efforts in order to reduce local abundance and prevent spread, particularly within habitats containing red squirrels. Grey squirrel removal from the island of Anglesey off the coast of north Wales began in 1998 and was completed in 2013. A parallel successful red squirrel reinforcement translocation project also took place. The narrow sea-channel, road and rail bridge connection has meant that the adjacent mainland grey squirrel population has been controlled in subsequent years to reduce the probability of re-invasion. The aim of this study was to assess the overall impact of repeated culling efforts carried out between 2011 and 2020 on the genetic diversity of the grey squirrel population in north Wales to inform future adaptive management plans. Using a combination of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellite DNA analysis, we found high genetic diversity in both marker types, with six diverse mtDNA haplotypes found and relatively high levels of nuclear genetic diversity, even after repeated culling efforts. Our results suggest that ongoing culling efforts may not adequately reduce genetic diversity to a level where it contributes to a long-term population decline.
Preparation of CaFeAl Layered double hydroxides from polyaluminum chloride residue and adsorption properties of Cr(VI) in water—A new application of a by-product of water treatment reagent production
Authors: Han Xiaogang , Meng Xin , Yang Tingchao , Wei Ming , zhang xiaohang 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Polyaluminium chloride as an efficient inorganic polymer water purification material inorganic flocculant which is widely used in China water treatment. About 15% of the waste residue is produced when production of polyaluminium chloride. Traditional treatment technology (landfill or dumping) of waste resiude will cause pollution of non-point source and groundwater. Meanwhile, in the field of water treatment where the polyaluminium chloride are most used widely, drinking water Cr(VI) pollution caused by industrial pollution occurs frequently when the improvement of China’s industrialization. How to remove Cr(VI) pollution in drinking water while increasing the utilization rate of polyaluminium chloride residue has excellent environmental and economic benefits. In this study, the CaFeAl Layered doubled hydroxides was prepared by calcination crystallization method using polyaluminum chloride residue as raw material. The adsorption effect and adsorption mechanism of the new material were characterized. The results showed that the optimal pH value was in the range of 4 to 6; with the increase of adsorbents dosage, the removal rates increased and adsorption capacity decreased of both adsorbents. Based on XRD and SED analyses, the new material not only could provide a larger specific surface area and more active sites, but also could maintain the stability of its structure. According to a comprehensive analysis of the SEM and BET analysis results, the surface area of the new material was almost 6 times higher than polyaluminum chloride residue, which indicated the new material has a high surface area and large pores. The FTIR results could verify the new material has greater adsorption performance and better stability. The second-order adsorption kinetic model and Langmuir adsorption isotherm model could describe the Cr(VI) adsorption process well. The Cr(VI) adsorption by the new material is a spontaneous endothermic process. The regeneration experiment showed that the new material could be regenerated 5 times and maintain a high removal rate, indicating that the material could not only solve the polyaluminium chloride residue problems but also has excellent engineering application potential.
Switching threshold event-triggered estimation and control for unmeasured oxygen excess ratio of automotive PEMFC air feeding system with input and prescribed performance constraints
Authors: Zhang Chunlei , Zhang Zhijin , Li He , Li Mingxin 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The oxygen excess ratio (OER) significantly affects the output efficiency and durability of the polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC), which is unmeasurable and difficult to control reliably. This paper comprehensively considers various practical limitations of the automotive PEMFC air feeding subsystem, including time-varying load, unavailable variables, actuator saturation, performance constraints and limited controller area network communication resources, to specially address the event-triggered estimation and control problems for OER. First, a switching threshold event-triggered mechanism (STETM) based extended state observer (termed STET-ESO) is developed to exactly estimate the unmeasured cathode pressure and OER, in which an adaptive observer bandwidth ensures a dynamic balance between disturbance rejection and noise immunity. Similarly, another STET-ESO is constructed to simultaneously approximate the unavailable lumped disturbance and the derivative of OER tracking error. Then, a prescribed performance sliding mode function and an auxiliary system are designed to deal with the tracking error constraints and input saturation, respectively. Further, a switching threshold event-triggered anti-saturation prescribed performance sliding mode controller is proposed to guarantee superior OER regulation under uncertainties, disturbances and constraints, moreover, the chattering and jump phenomena of control signal can be greatly attenuated. It is worth mentioning that different STETMs embed in the sensor-to-controller and controller-to-actuator channels can not only save communication resources, but also better compromise between estimation/control performance and communication frequency, besides, the unexpected Zeno behavior can be strictly excluded. Finally, the adaptability, effectiveness and superiority of the proposed scheme in different operating scenarios are verified by numerous comparative simulations.
Coexistence of tree species promotes the similarity of elementome in soil profiles
Authors: Wu Xiaochang , Zhang Huayong , Huang Tousheng , Yu Chengfeng , Zhang Shijia , Tian Yonglan 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Purpose: The soil elementome has been recently proposed as a promising novel approach for describing the response of soil bioelemental composition to tree species. Using bioelement stoichiometry, we explored the effects of soil biogeochemical processes and tree species coexistence on soil elementome.Methods: Soil bioelements were analyzed at three soil layers (A, B and C horizons) in four forests (Picea asperata (PA), Larix principis-rupprechtii (LP), Betula Platyphylla (BP), and Betula Platyphylla - Larix principis-rupprechtii (L-B) mixed forest) in Chongli District, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province, China., The soil elementomes of 11 bioelements (C, N, P, O, S, K, Ca, Na, Mg, Mn and Cr) were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) based on soil C:N:P stoichiometry. We calculated elementome distance (ED) to examine differences between soil horizons and forests.Results: We found that soil elementomes in the soil layers decreased with depth and that ED between the B and C horizons was larger than that between A and B horizons. Moreover, differences in soil elementomes were smaller for tree species that often coexist compared to those that rarely live together.Conclusions: Our results suggest that tree species coexistence promotes similarity in soil elementomes probably due to creation of similar soil conditions. The findings of this research provide a new understanding about the relationship between tree species coexistence and soil bioelemental composition or stoichiometry.
Strong Motion Estimation in Costa Rica at Non-Record Sites Using Spectral Inversion Method
Authors: Esqu Nathalie Chavarria , Yokoi Toshiaki , Hayashida Takumi 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
We performed the spectral inversion to separate the source, path, and site effects using strong ground motion records from essential facilities such as powerhouses and hydroelectric dams, distributed all over Costa Rica. The spectral inversion technique was adapted to a sparsely observed strong-motion data set. We used the results to estimate strong ground motions at sites where there were no observation records in and around the intensity anomaly that appeared during the 2012 Sámara earthquake of Mw 7.6. To ensure the quality, we incorporated a broadband station to estimate levels of acceleration source spectra for six events 5.3 <= Mw >=6.5, using them as the reference events for the spectral inversion. In this paper, we introduced two consistency checks: confirmation of the correctness of the input data, and verification of the output using synthetic spectra. We used them as an iterative implementation of sequences of elimination of suspicious data and inversions. We regulated the source spectra of the reference events for the final inversion, considering the estimate of site effect for one-dimensional SH-wave propagation at the site of the lowest site amplification. We obtained the frequency-dependent quality factor Q=179f0.5598 for the northern and central parts of Costa Rica. From the output of the spectral inversion, we reproduced the acceleration spectra of earthquakes in the sites where the event was not recorded. We applied this formulation using the earthquake mentioned above. The resulting synthetic spectra are consistent with the anomalous intensity distribution reported at that time.
On the Interference Cancellation by Reduced Channel Zero Forcing Class of Precodings in Massive MIMO Systems
Authors: Mineev Dmitry , Bobrov Evgeny , Kuznetsov Viktor 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
In this research, we study the interference cancellation capabilities of receivers and transmitters in multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems using theoretical calculations and numerical simulations in Quadriga. We study so-called Reduced Channel Zero-Forcing (RCZF) class of precoding as well as Minimum MSE Interference Rejection Combiner (MMSE-IRC) and QR Maximum Likelihood Detection (QR-MLD) receivers. The precodings from the RCZF class are widely used in practice and include for example Zero-Forcing (ZF), Regularized Zero-Forcing (RZF) and Iteratively Weighted MMSE precodings asymptotically. Our theoretical and experimental results confirm that MMSE-IRC and QR-MLD receivers in combination with the RCZF precoding provide complete interference suppression asymptotically.
The effect of silica-magnetite nanoparticles on the ecotoxicity of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin
Authors: Kiryushina Anastasiya , Bondarenko Lyubov , Dzeranov Artur Dzeranov , Kydralieva Kamila , Patsaeva Svetlana , Terekhova Vera 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Increasing production and application of engineered nanomaterials including nanoparticles (NPs) lead to their discharge into the environment, where they can interact with co-existing antibiotics from wastewaters, causing complicated joint effect to organisms that needs to be studied. Herein a typical engineered nanomaterial, silica-magnetite NPs modified with tetraethoxysilane and 3- aminopropyltriethoxysilane (MTA-NPs, 1-2 g/L), and a common antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CIP, 0–5 mg/L) were selected as the analytes. Their joint toxicity to a model ciliates infusoria Paramecium caudatum was specifically investigated. The impact of CIP, MTA-NPs and humic acids (HA) was tracked for 24 h individually and collectively on the survival of infusoria. The addition of MTA-NPs and HA at the studied concentrations lead to the survival of 60% of organisms. The combined presence of the MTA-NPs at a concentration of 1.5-2 mg/L and НА at a concentration of 20-45 mg/L has a multiplier effect and allows increasing the survival rate of ciliates > 70% due to the enhanced removal of CIP.
Assessing community access to healthy food in two school zones of Escambia County, FL.
Authors: Lanza John J. , Mishra Namita 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Introduction: Our obesogenic environment has affected obesity rates. The current study conceptualizes the association between the community food environment and the demographics, socioeconomic status, and the participants’ perception on access to healthy food.Methods: Using a cross-sectional study, we conducted, a Nutrition Environment Measures: Corner Store Measures (NEM:CSM) survey and a community-based Nutrition Environment Measures Perception Survey, between August 2017 and May 2018, in Escambia County, FL school zones to collect data on corner store (types, addresses, and the availability of healthy food items in the stores) and on participants’ demographics, socioeconomic status, shopping behavior, their concern about (nutritional value, quality, and cost of healthy items), and the importance given to (taste, nutrition value, cost of healthy items, convenience to shop and their weight). Univariate and bivariate analyzed participants’ perceptions was overlayed on the geospatial model of the stores to assess the food environment.Results: Most participants were low-income, African American, high school graduates, food aid recipients, who owned cars. The commonest commute time to the store was reported as less than 10 minutes and the small grocery store was the most frequently accessed store type. Demographic and socioeconomic status affected participants’ access to healthy food. Oakcrest school zone residents were more concerned about the quality of the fresh fruits and vegetables and considered cost as the important factor while making shopping decisions. Oakcrest school zone reported highest NEMS-CS scores.Conclusion: A community-based approach promotes participants awareness on healthy food access and consumption. Prevention programs with precise measurement tools, longitudinal studies, and inter-organizational collaborations could prevent obesity.
The analysis of foveal microvascular anomalies in retinopathy of prematurity after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy on optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Liu Wenbo , Guo Lili , Cai Yi , Xu Hua , Linghu Dandan , Zhu Xuemei , Cheng Yong , Deng Xun , Zhao Mingwei , Shi Xuan , Liang Jianhong 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the quantitative vascular or structural differences in the foveal section of the eyes in ROP children and healthy children using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).MethodsThis cross-sectional observational comparative study consisted of 75 eyes (44 subjects). Subjects were divided into 4 groups based on the diagnosis or treatment: diagnosed with ROP and treated by intravitreal injection of Conbercept, or Ranibizumab, lesions spontaneously regressed, and healthy age-matched term-born children. Central foveal thickness (CFT), foveal avascular zone (FAZ), superficial/deep capillary plexus (SCP/DCP), and choroidal vessel density (VD) at the foveal section were collected by spectral-domain OCT and OCTA. Correlations between foveal microvasculature, preterm status and visual acuity were also evaluated.ResultsThere were significant differences between the four groups in the FAZ area, CFT, VD-SCP (whole-image), and VD-SCP (parafoveal). The FAZ area of ROP children was significantly smaller than that in age-matched term-born healthy children (p=0.009). The CFT of group Conbercept was considerably lower than that of the group Ranibizumab (p=0.044). The FAZ area showed a positive correlation with choroid VD (p=0.012) and a negative correlation with CFT, VD-SCP (foveal), and VD-DCP (foveal)(p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.001), whilst the CFT was positively correlated with VD-SCP (foveal) and VD-DCP (foveal)(p=0.003, p=0.001).ConclusionROP children possess a smaller FAZ area, of which no significant difference is noted when comparing different anti-VEGF agents employed. Anti-VEGF treatment could reduce the CFT, and Conbercept had a better performance than Ranibizumab. Correlation between the microvascular anomalies and central foveal thickness also exists.
Ranitidine as adjuvant regulates macrophage polarization and activates CTL through PI3K-Akt2 signal pathway
Authors: Li Ling , Li Chenglin Li , Wang Shuang , Ma Xiaoran , Wang Tiantian , Jia Xihui , Lu Ran , Leng Zhe , Kong Xiaowen , Zhang Jinyu 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Adjuvant is an indispensable component of vaccines, but there are few adjuvants for human vaccines. It has been found that H2 receptor blockers, inhibiting gastric acid secretion, had immune enhancement effect. Ranitidine (RAN) is a water-soluble H2 receptor blocker, whether it has immune enhancing effect is still unknown. In this study, flow cytometry, western blot, immunofluorescence methods were used to analyzed whether RAN could activate macrophages polarization to M1 in vivo and vitro. Here, we found that the M1 inflammatory cytokine levels and surface markers in RAW264.7 cells were up-regulated by NF-κB activation possibly through PI3K-Akt2 signal pathway after RAN treated. Meanwhile, endocytosis function also been enhanced by feedback regulation of Akt2/GSK3β/Dynmin1 signal. Furtherly, to evaluate the adjuvant function of RAN, we used OVA plus RAN as a vaccine to inhibit the growth of B16-OVA tumors in mice. We also found that in the RAN adjuvant group, macrophage polarization to M1, Th1 cell differentiation, and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) activation were significantly up-regulated. The tumor growth of mice was inhibited, and the survival rate of mice was significantly improved. This study provided new evidence for the mechanism of RAN activating immune responding, and was expected to provide a new strategy for the research and development of tumor vaccine adjuvant.