bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma And Aqueous Levels Of Alarin And Adipsin In Patients With and Without Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Gül Fatih Cem , Kobat Sabiha Gungor , Celik Fatih , Aydin Suleyman , Akkoc Ramazan Fazil 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Backround: Diabetic retinopathy is a disease seen with microvascular complications as a result of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Alarin and Adipsin are molecules with a role in energy and glucose metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine plasma and aqueous levels of Alarin and Adipsin in patients with and without diabetic retinopathy to evaluate their potential roles in diabetic retinopathy. Methods: The study included one eye from each of 20 cataract patients without diabetes (C), 20 cataract patients with diabetes and without diabetic retinopathy (DM+C), and 20 cataract patients with diabetes and diabetic retinopathy (DR+C). Plasma and aqueous humour samples were taken from all patients during the cataract operation. Alarin and Adipsin levels were examined with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Results: Both plasma and aqueous Alarin levels were significantly higher in the patients with diabetic retinopathy than in the control group (p<0.001, p=0.006). Adipsin levels were found to be significantly higher in plasma in the control group than in the DR+C group and significantly higher in aqueous in the DR+C group than in the control group (p<0.001, p<0.001). Conclusion: These findings suggest that Alarin and Adipsin may play important role in diabetic retinopathy.
Feasibility and reproducibility of the fully-automated strain analysis in a healthy population: a comparative study with the manual analysis
Authors: Liu Yingying , Peng Guijuan , Luo Shuyu , Zhong Xiaofang , Lin Xiaoxuan , Yingqi Zheng , Xu Jinfeng , Chen Lixin 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Purpose: The feasibility of strain analysis in clinical practice was hindered by two reasons: time-consuming and a lack of specific analytic packages for the right ventricle and atria. A novel software called Autostrain automatically tracks the myocardium for strain analysis. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and reproducibility of the automatic analysis method in a healthy population and compare it with the manual method. Methods: Two trained doctors performed strain analysis of the left ventricle (LV), left atrium (LA), right ventricle (RV), and right atrium (RA) using automatic and manual methods (Qlab software) in 159 healthy volunteers. The reproducibility of automatic analysis between two consecutive cardiac cycles was assessed. Results: The feasibility of automatic analysis in LV, LA, RV, and RA were 145/152(95.4%), 151/152(99.3%), 143/152(94.1%), 149/152(98.0%), respectively. For the measurement of global longitudinal strain (GLS), a good correlation was shown between the automatic results of two consecutive cardiac cycles (r=0.742-0.854, P＜0.001). No significant differences in LV-GLS between the two methods were shown (-21.1%±2.4% vs. -20.8%±2.4%, P=0.05). The RV free-wall, LA, and RA global longitudinal strain measured by the automatic software significantly differed from the manual analysis. The automated method had a significantly shorter analysis time than the manual method. Conclusion: The novel, fully-automatic myocardium strain analysis software can provide a rapid assessment with high reproducibility, which is more feasible and adaptable in clinical practice. It should be noted that strain values measured by automatic and manual analysis cannot be used interchangeably.
Fabrication of Slow Release Fertilizer Based on Urea – Saw Dust and Gelatin Binder
Authors: Hosny Nasser , Nasser Asmaa , Hassan Nader , Moalla Sayed 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The increasing usage of slow release fertilizers has become an essential demand to save fertilizer consumption and reduce the environmental pollution. In this study, two different techniques were used to prepared slow release urea fertilizers (SRUFX and SRUFY) composed of urea, sawdust and gelatin as a binding material. The two prepared fertilizers were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD). Urea static release was studied and indicated a prolongation of the release pattern of urea with approximately three times by incorporating saw dust and gelatin. The kinetics of the static release showed that SRUFX and SRUFY follow non-fickian release. The effect mechanical stress (1, 1.5 and 2 MPa) on the release time of urea was studied and indicated an increase in time of release as the stress increases.
Modifiable Hospital Factors Associated With Survival of Infants Born at Periviable Gestation: the US National Database
Authors: Qattea Ibrahim , Farghaly Mohsen , Quatei Amani , Abdalla Alshimaa , Mohamed Mohamed , Aly Hany 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Objective:To determine modifiable hospital factors associated with survival of infants with GA ≤24 weeks and birth weight <500gm in the USA. And to assess the trend for the timing of postnatal mortality in these periviable infants.Design: National data were analyzed for the years 2010-2018. Hospitals were categorized according to delivery volume, US regions, and teaching status.Results: We identified 33,998,014 infants born during the study period; 76,231 infants were ≤24 weeks. Survival was greatest in urban teaching hospitals in infants <24 weeks and completed 24 weeks, respectively. The Northeast region has the lowest survival rate. There was a significant delay in the postnatal day of mortality in periviable infants.Conclusions: Hospital factors are associated with increased survival rates. Improved survival in large teaching hospitals supports the need for regionalization of care in infants born at the limits of viability. There was a significant delay in the postnatal mortality day.
Clearing The Air: Underestimation of Youth Smoking Prevalence Associated with Proxy-Reporting Compared to Youth Self-Report
Authors: Barrett Eden M , Maddox Raglan , Thandrayen Joanne , Banks Emily , Lovett Raymond , Heris Christina , Thurber Katherine A 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Smoking remains a leading cause of disease burden globally. Falling youth smoking prevalence is critical to tobacco control; however, accurate data are required to assess progress. This study investigates bias in youth smoking prevalence estimates by respondent type (proxy-reported, self-report with parent present, or self-report independently) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and total populations of Australia. Methods: Repeated cross-sectional analysis of representative Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and National Health Surveys, 2007-2019. Data were restricted to participants aged 15-17 years. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) for ever-smoking by respondent type were calculated using Poisson regression with robust standard errors. National youth current-smoking prevalence was estimated if all data were collected by youth self-report; estimates and trends were compared to observed estimates.Results: Over 75% of all smoking status data were reported by proxy or with parent present. Ever-smoking prevalence among youth self-reporting independently versus proxy-reported was 1.29 (95% CI:0.96-1.73) to 1.99 (95% CI:1.39-2.85) times as high for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth, and 1.83 (95% CI:0.92-2.63) to 2.72 (95% CI:1.68-4.41) times as high for total population youth. Across surveys, predicted national current-smoking prevalence if all youth self-reported independently was generally higher than observed estimate.Conclusions: Estimates of youth smoking prevalence are likely inaccurate and underestimated if data are collected by proxy or with parent present. Increased reliance on data reported by youth independently is crucial to improve data accuracy, including to enable accurate assessment of national prevalence.
Hardware Acceleration of Bayesian Network based on Two-dimensional Memtransistors
Authors: Zheng Yikai , Ravichandran Harikrishnan , Schranghamer Thomas , Trainor Nicholas , Redwing Joan , Das Saptarshi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Long before Bayes proposed his landmark theorem on the probability of an event, based on prior knowledge of other events, natural intelligence has adopted Bayesian inference as a tool to ensure survival for almost all species. The fact that living beings must make critical decision for finding food, avoiding predators, and locating mates, based on information gathered by their sensory organs with limited sensitivity and under noisy surroundings, emphasizes the importance of probabilistic computing for evolutionary success. While the anatomy of neural hardware that accomplishes such task is far from being known, it is clear that stochastic computing is a fundamental aspect of natural intelligence, and Bayesian networks (BNs) are powerful mathematical constructs for the same. Interestingly, BNs also find widespread application in many real-world probabilistic problems including diagnostics, forecasting, computer vision, etc. While the concept of BN is well known, there are very limited hardware realizations of BN. CMOS [1, 2] based BNs require massive hardware resources (thousands of transistors), whereas, memristor [3-5] and spintronics [6-8] based BNs necessitate hybrid design with CMOS peripherals limiting the area and energy efficiency [9]. Here, we circumvent these challenges by introducing a compact and low-power BN architecture embedded in memory based on 2D memtransistors.
Analysis of Waxy Maize Germplasm Resources In Southwest China Based On SNP Markers
Authors: Zhang Caibo , Zhang Shuya , Chen Lei , Yu Tingyue , Zhang Wei , Wen Shouyun 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Waxy maize (Zea mays L. var. ceratina) is an important economic crop in China, most of which are distributed in Southwestern China. In this study, 30 main waxy maize inbred lines in Southwest China were used as materials, and genetic analysis of the tested waxy corn materials was carried out using high-quality single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker technology. A total of 15111 SNPs were obtained from 30 test materials, and the genetic similarity coefficient varied from 0.4568 to 0.9974. The results of population genetic structure and principal component analysis showed that the tested waxy maize materials and the commonly used common maize classification representative inbred lines (B73, ZI330, Mo17, Huangzao 4, etc.) could not be effectively aggregated. The 30 waxy corn materials can be divided into five groups separately. The application of the genetic relationship between materials identified by SNP analysis will enable breeders to select different parents to develop high-yield varieties with improved quality traits.
Enantio-divergent epoxidation of alkenes with a photo-switchable phosphate manganese-salen complex
Authors: Nolte Roeland , chen Xiaofei , Gilissen Pieter , Tinnemans Paul , Vanthuyne Nicolas , Rutjes Floris , Feringa Ben , Elemans Johannes 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The development of enantio-divergent catalysts capable of producing in a controlled fashion each of the two enantiomeric products from one substrate, is highly challenging. It requires the implementation of a switching function into the catalyst, which can reversibly change the chiral reaction environment during catalysis. Here we report a photo-switchable phosphate ligand derived from 2,2’-biphenol, which axially coordinates as the counter ion to an achiral manganese(III) salen catalyst, providing the latter with the ability to dynamically switch stereoselectivity in the epoxidation of alkenes. Both enantiomers of the chiral ligand exist as a pair of pseudo-enantiomers, which can be efficiently interconverted by irradiation with light of different wavelengths. The opposite axial chiralities of these pseudo-enantiomers are efficiently transferred to the manganese(III) salen catalyst. With this switchable ion-paired catalyst, the enantioselectivity of the epoxidation of a variety of alkenes can be controlled, resulting in opposite enantiomeric excesses of the epoxide products. This dynamic transfer of chirality from a photo-switchable counter ion to a metal complex will greatly broaden the scope of supramolecular catalysts. In future studies this photo-switchable catalyst will be used to write digital information in the form of chiral epoxides on single polymer chains.
177Lu-Labeled Near-infrared Upconversion Nanoparticles for targeted theranostics of Breast Cancer Lymphatic Metastases
Authors: Zhang Chuan , Zhang Yujuan , Liang Maolin , Shi Xiumin , Fan Longfei , Yang Kai , Wang Feng , Li Wei , Zhu Ran 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The theranostics of lymph node metastasis has always been one of the major obstacles to defeating breast cancer and an important decisive factor in the prognosis of patients. Herein, we design NaGdF4:Yb,Tm@NaLuF4 upconversion nanoparticles with PEG and anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody (trastuzumab, Herceptin) (NP-mAb) conjugation for targeting lymphatic metastasis. Radionuclides 177Lu could be chelated by the bisphosphate groups of NP-mAb. The obtained 177Lu-NP-mAb exhibited excellent radiolabeling stability and show high accumulation and prolong retention in the lymph node metastasis after intratumoral injection into the footpad by SPECT/CT imaging. Utilizing the β rays released by 177Lu, 177Lu-NP-mAb could not only decrease the number of lymph node metastasis, but also significantly improve therapeutic efficiency of lymph node metastasis. Additionally, 177Lu-NP-mAb induce no obvious toxicity to treated mice through blood routine, live and spleen function assay. Therefore, 177Lu-NP-mAb we designed could be acted as excellent theranostics agents for lymph node metastasis, providing a potential alternative treatment option for lymph node metastasis therapy.
Integrated surface-groundwater modelling for assessment of aquifer recharge and groundwater availability in a semi-arid region in the context of inter-basin water transfer
Authors: Costa Alexandre C. , Dupont Fanny , Bier George , Oel Pieter van , Walker David W. , Martins Eduardo S.P.R. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The São Francisco River (SFR) flow has been partially transferred to dryland catchments in Northeastern Brazil (NEB), to help deal with recurrent regional water shortages. However, the influence of this water transfer on overexploited aquifer systems had not been investigated. Our goal was to assess the groundwater recharge and the potential of the SFR water transfer to increase groundwater availability by channel transmission losses in the Medium aquifer (2,166 km²) in the state of Ceará (NEB). We developed integrated surface-groundwater modelling to improve estimations of the groundwater resources (GR), considering the spatio-temporal variability of infiltrated rainfall for aquifer recharge. Surface hydrology and aquifer recharge were simulated by a process-oriented hydrological model (WASA), and groundwater flow by MODFLOW. The annual recharge (66 mm/y) was approximately twice the amount of water abstracted (1990-2016). This abstraction rate indicates a sustainable use of groundwater. However, the annual recharge dropped to 13.9 mm/y from 2012 to 2016, a drought period. MODFLOW accurately reproduced the decrease of groundwater level, driven by both low recharge and high pumping rates during the drought. We found that SFR transfer could decrease the stress on GR during a prolonged drought. However, this additional recharge (6.89x106 m³/y) did not compensate for the relevant decrease of the hydraulic heads in areas that do not surround the receiving streams. Therefore, the water transfer would represent an additional recharge source, but it would not alone solve the issue of the unsustainable management of GR.
Electrode potential dominates the reversibility of lithium metal anodes
Authors: Yamada Atsuo , Ko Seongjae , Obukata Tomohiro , Shimada Tatau , Takenaka Norio , Nakayama Masanobu , Yamada Yuki 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Li metal batteries are a promising technology for satisfying the emerging demands of high-energy-density storage systems. However, their pragmatic utilisation encounters a low Coulombic efficiency (CE) with the unceasing reductive decomposition of an electrolyte on Li metal with strong reducing ability. By improving the CE based on the chemistry of passivation films (i.e. solid electrolyte interphase, SEI), suppression of reductive decomposition has been achieved in a kinetic manner. However, the vague correlation between the CE and SEI has hampered further electrolyte development. Here, we report that in diverse electrolytes, the large shift (>0.6 V) in the Li electrode potential and its correlation with the Li+ coordination state are ‘hidden factors’ that dominate the CE. Vibrational spectroscopy and machine learning hierarchal analysis revealed that the formation of ion pairs is essential for upshifting the Li electrode potential, that is, for weakening the reducing ability of Li, which would lead to a high CE with diminished electrolyte decomposition. Based on these criteria, various electrolytes enabling a significantly improved CE (>99%) were easily discovered. The findings of this study provide insights for the development of next-generation electrolytes for Li metal batteries.
Mechanisms behind the varying severity of Aleutian mink disease virus: comparison of three farms with a different disease status
Authors: Virtanen Jenni , Aaltonen Kirsi , Moisander-Jylhä Anna-Maria , Nordgren Heli , Paulin Lars , Peura Jussi , Vapalahti Olli , Kant Ravi , Sironen Tarja 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) is distributed widely among mink farms and wild mustelids despite ongoing attempts to stop the spread. The severity of Aleutian disease (AD) varies from subclinical to fatal but the reasons for its varying severity are complex and unclear. Recently, breeding of tolerant mink has drawn attention as the possible solution to reduce the effects of AD in farms. The aim of this study was to gather information on the effects of breeding based on overall health, production traits, and antibody titer on AD severity by comparing a positive farm (farm 1) that has been breeding for tolerance in mink to a farm recently infected, and an AMDV-free farm. During the 2.5-year follow-up, the mink in farm 1 remained mostly free of clinical AD, had normal pelt quality and litter size, and had low virus copy numbers in tissues and low antibody titers in ELISA. In histopathological studies, most of the farm 1 mink had no/mild lesions in their kidneys. 29-43% of the mink were ELISA negative but PCR positive throughout the follow-up and frequent changes in virus strains and coinfections were observed. Several differences in gene expression between animals from different farms were also detected. These results indicate that the disease burden of AMDV can be reduced, with seemingly normal health and production rates, despite continual circulation of ADMV in cases where eradication attempts are unsuccessful.
Quantitative Determination of Environmental Factors Governing The Snow Melting: A Geo-Detector Case Study In The Central Tienshan Mountains
Authors: Li Haixing , Liu Jinrong , Lei Xuelei , Ju Yumeng , Bu Xiangxu , Li Hongxing 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Because of the distinctive vertical climate and topography gradients in the alpine region, the snow cover of the Tienshan Mountains possesses complex spatial-temporal heterogeneity especially during the melting process. Quantifying the environmental factors is therefore crucial to understanding the melting process and for prediction and management of snowmelt runoff. In this study, the snow cover area, grain size, and contamination extent were determined to characterize the detailed melting status based on surface reflectance data of MOD09A1 in the central Tienshan Mountains from 2013 to 2017. The environmental factors collected include relief (elevation, slope, and aspect), meteorology (air temperature, land surface temperature, solar radiation, and wind speed), and land surface vegetation. Analysis of the Geo-detector results indicated the following. 1) The patterns of change in the overall dominant environmental variables were consistent for the pre-, mid-, and post-melting periods defined according to the decline of snow cover area over five years. 2) The overall major environmental factors were wind speed and radiation (pre-period), land surface temperature and elevation (mid-period), and elevation and land surface (post-period), respectively. 3) Regional distinctions were found in the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of the dominant environmental factors. In the pre-melting period, the effects of solar radiation and wind speed were noticeable in the north and south regions, respectively. The effects of elevation, land surface temperature, and land cover types became more prominent in all regions during the mid- and post-melting periods. 4) Interaction between the major environmental factors was significantly enhanced on both the overall and regional scales, thus affecting the snow melting process. Finally, the snowmelt is a response to an energy distribution mismatch. Multiple environmental factors substantially affect heat redistribution at different spatiotemporal scales, resulting in snow melt as a complex manifestation of the factors and their interactions. The findings highlighted regional differences in the various environmental factors of the melting process and offer a theoretical foundation for melting process at various scales over multiple years.
Uncovering the genealogy of GW170817 with self-consistent and detailed binary models
Authors: Stevance Heloise , Eldridge JJ , Stanway Elizabeth , Lyman Joe , McLeod Anna , Levan Andrew 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Binary neutron star mergers are one the ultimate events of massive binary star evolution, and are a key observable to test several unknowns in modern astrophysics. Our understanding of their parent system is in its infancy and primarily based on studies of the handful of known galactic binary neutron stars. Here we present the first systematic search for progenitors of a specific merger event (GW170817) and recover their full evolution from birth to death. We find with>99% confidence that GW170817 originated from a ∼8(+2\−5) Gyr old half-solar metallicity stellar population. Contrary to evolutionary channels previously suggested to explain Galactic binary neutron stars, we find that our most likely progenitor systems undergo common envelope evolution during the life of the primary and that of the secondary. Future observations will be key to untangle the diversity of binary neutron star genealogy, as well as test the accuracy of different evolutionary frameworks.