bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Career Counseling Using a Trait and Factor Approach to Help Students in Making Career Decisions
Authors: Heriani Avira , Firman Firman , Rahman Mohd Nazri Abdul , Netrawati Netrawati
Published: March 2024

This research explores group counseling with a trait and factor approach in supporting students in making career decisions. This approach emphasizes the identification of personal characteristics and factors related to career choice, providing a solid foundation for the decision-making process. The literature study method was used to collect data. The research results show that the trait and factor approach is able to provide a deeper understanding of students' strengths, interests and values, which positively influences their ability to make informational career decisions based on self-reflection.
Developing Descriptive Writing Materials by Using Padlet Application in the Tenth Grade Students at SMK AL Washliyah 3 Medan
Authors: Ningsih Rini Surya , Hasibuan Ahmad Laut , Asnawi Asnawi , Arfanti Yulia
Published: March 2024

The aim of this research is to develop descriptive writing material, determine the validation of descriptive writing material and to increase the effectiveness of descriptive writing material by using the padlet application in teaching writing for class X students at SMK AL Washliyah 3 Medan. The research was carried out using the Development Research method, and the evaluator was an English subject teacher, and the subjects were class X students. Pre-test and post-test were carried out to determine the effectiveness of the results. The pre-test results obtained an average score of 70.15% in the satisfactory category; The post-test results show an average score of 82.15% in the very good category. The process of developing teaching materials includes three aspects of assessment: 1) development of descriptive writing materials; 2) validation of descriptive writing material and; 3) effectiveness of descriptive writing materials. Material expert validation includes content with an average score of 3.15% and percentages 4.35% in the superior category. Feasibility of presenting teaching materials has an average score of 5.67% in the superior category, and linguistic elements have an average score of 4.25% in the superior category. The conclusion shows that the design for developing descriptive text teaching materials using a scientific approach in English subjects is very effective.
Educational Revolution in Era 5.0 Towards Improving Education Quality
Authors: Nisak Khoirun , Febrianti Yeni Elviza , Febrianti Yeni Elviza , Darajat Mulkan , Lubis Leli Hasanah , Endayana Bestari
Published: March 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui konsep Revolusi Pendidikan di Era 5.0 Menuju Peningkatkan Kualitas Pendidikan. Metode penelitan ini adalah Library Research. Hasil penelitian ini yaitu Revolusi pendidikan di Era 5.0 menawarkan peluang besar untuk meningkatkan kualitas pendidikan secara menyeluruh. Dengan pemanfaatan teknologi yang tepat, perubahan paradigma pembelajaran, dan langkah-langkah konkret untuk meningkatkan aksesibilitas dan inklusi, kita dapat menciptakan sistem pendidikan yang lebih adaptif, inklusif, dan relevan dengan kebutuhan masa depan. Untuk mencapai hal ini, diperlukan komitmen dan kerjasama dari berbagai pihak, termasuk pemerintah, sekolah, industri, dan masyarakat. Hanya dengan bekerja sama, kita dapat menciptakan masa depan pendidikan yang lebih cerah bagi generasi mendatang. Sebagai individu, kita juga memiliki peran penting dalam mendukung perubahan ini, baik sebagai guru, siswa, orang tua, atau anggota masyarakat. Dengan bersama-sama berkomitmen untuk menciptakan perubahan positif dalam pendidikan, kita dapat membawa bangsa ini menuju masa depan yang lebih cerah dan berdaya saing.
Bimodal vertical distribution of right whales Eubalaena glacialis in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
Authors: Wright AJ , Gabaldon J , Zhang D , Hamilton P
Published: March 2024

Critically endangered North Atlantic right whales Eubalaena glacialis have recently shifted their summer distribution from the Bay of Fundy to the Gulf of St. Lawrence (GSL), Canada. Entanglement in fishing gear and vessel strikes remain the main lethal threats. Foraging on deep aggregations of Calanus prey in the Bay of Fundy involves stereotyped deep ‘flat-bottom’ (U-shaped) dives, while foraging on sub-surface Calanus aggregations on the winter feeding grounds of Cape Cod Bay involves surface feeding. To explore North Atlantic right whale feeding behaviour in the GSL, 5 acoustic and biologging tags (DTAGs) were deployed using suction cups in 2019 and 2020. One whale knocked off the tag after 14 min. Diving behaviour of the other 4 whales with 2.0 to 4.7 h of data was mostly split between flat-bottom foraging dives at, or very close to, the sea floor, and near-surface activities, including logging, respirations, and potentially also sleeping. This biphasic vertical distribution not only places the whales at risk of being hit by vessels, but it may also put them at risk of coming into contact with groundlines used in various fishing industries in the GSL. Although additional research is needed as this limited dataset was restricted to hours of daylight, these results provide new information about right whale behaviour in the GSL that can help inform management actions to reduce human impacts on this endangered species.
Správne právo bez hraníc
Authors: Repiščáková Diana , Berníková Eva
Published: March 2024

Zborník príspevkov z medzinárodnej vedeckej konferencie vznikol v rámci medzinárodnej vedeckej konferencie pod názvom „Správne právo bez hraníc“ konanej v dňoch 19. a 20. októbra 2023 na Tokaji v súvislosti s riešením vedeckého projektu s názvom „Extrateritoriálne účinky cudzích správnych rozhodnutí v podmienkach Európskej únie“ podporeného grantom Vedeckej grantovej agentúry pod č. 01/187/2022. Hlavným cieľom uvedeného projektu je vedecké skúmanie extrateritoriálneho pôsobenia správnych rozhodnutí členských štátov Európskej únie na území iných členských štátov za účelom poznania ako i následného posúdenia potreby a rozsahu harmonizácie právnej úpravy členských štátov Európskej únie, vnímajúc narastajúcu nevyhnutnosť zvyšovania miery voľného pohybu administratívnych rozhodnutí v podmienkach Európskej únie. V rámci riešenia výskumného projektu sa uskutočnila medzinárodná vedecká konferencia pod názvom ,,Správne právo bez hraníc“. Na konferencii boli prezentované príspevky členov riešiteľského kolektívu, ktorí sú zároveň členmi Katedry ústavného práva a správneho práva Právnickej fakulty Univerzity Pavla Jozefa Šafárika v Košiciach, ako aj ich kolegov z celého Slovenska, Českej republiky a Maďarska. Hlavným cieľom konferencie bola prezentácia a konfrontácia poznatkov v oblasti cezhraničných účinkov správnych aktov (predovšetkým v podmienkach Európskej únie), vnímajúc čoraz väčšiu narastajúcu globalizáciu práva, v dôsledku ktorej už nie je možné vnímať vnútroštátne právo oddelene, ale vo vzájomných súvislostiach s právnymi poriadkami iných štátov, príp. s právom nadnárodných, resp. medzinárodných organizácií, ako aj záväzkami, vyplývajúcimi pre jednotlivé štáty z uzatvorených medzinárodných zmlúv. Tomuto cieľu zodpovedali i jednotlivé sekcie a bloky konferencie, v rámci ktorých odzneli nielen poznatky z pozitívno-právnych disciplín, ale i poznatky teoreticko-právneho a historicko-právneho charakteru.
Culturally Specific Elements in Russian Translations of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Authors: Vid Natalia Kaloh
Published: March 2024

This comparative corpus analysis is based on ten twentieth-century Russian translations of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The concept of acknowledging different cultural needs in translating is at the centre of this study, which addresses the questions of how the translators approached the English text, how they selected culturally acceptable equivalents for their translations, and how they adapted or changed these equivalents in seeking to produce meanings and effects they found in their source. Overall the translators use similar strategies, but their treatment varies according to what kind of cultural specifics are in question, and they take different approaches to what could be called the choice between ‘the Russian Alice’ and ‘the Victorian British Alice’. Trends can also be observed over time, so that, for example, foreignizing translations are a later tendency.
GelMA synthesis and sources comparison for 3D multimaterial bioprinting
Authors: Gaglio Cesare Gabriele , Baruffaldi Désireé , Pirri Candido Fabrizio , Napione Lucia , Frascella Francesca
Published: March 2024

Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) is one of the most used biomaterials for a wide range of applications, such as drug delivery, disease modeling and tissue regeneration. GelMA is obtained from gelatin, which can be derived from different sources (e.g., bovine skin, and porcine skin), through substitution of reactive amine and hydroxyl groups with methacrylic anhydride (MAA). The degree of functionalization (DoF) can be tuned by varying the MAA amount used; thus, different protocols, with different reaction efficiency, have been developed, using various alkaline buffers (e.g., phosphate-buffered saline, DPBS, or carbonate-bicarbonate solution). Obviously, DoF modulation has an impact on the final GelMA properties, so a deep investigation on the features of the obtained hydrogel must be carried on. The purpose of this study is to investigate how different gelatin sources and synthesis methods affect GelMA properties, as literature lacks direct and systematic comparisons between these parameters, especially between synthesis methods. The final aim is to facilitate the choice of the source or synthesis method according to the needs of the desired application. Hence, chemical and physical properties of GelMA formulations were assessed, determining the DoFs, mechanical and viscoelastic properties by rheological analysis, water absorption by swelling capacity and enzymatic degradation rates. Biological tests with lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549) were performed. Moreover, since 3D bioprinting is a rapidly evolving technology thanks to the possibility of precise deposition of cell-laden biomaterials (bioinks) to mimic the 3D structures of several tissues, the potential of different GelMA formulations as bioinks have been tested with a multi-material approach, revealing its printability and versatility in various applications.
Inhibition of macrophage infectivity potentiator in Burkholderia pseudomallei suppresses pro-inflammatory responses in murine macrophages
Authors: Iwasaki Jua , Bzdyl Nicole M. , Lin-Sullivan Dion J. M. , Scheuplein Nicolas J. , Dueñas Maria Emilia , de Jong Emma , Harmer Nicholas J. , Holzgrabe Ulrike , Sarkar-Tyson Mitali
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Melioidosis, caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, is a disease endemic in many tropical countries globally. Clinical presentation is highly variable, ranging from asymptomatic to fatal septicemia, and thus the outcome of infection can depend on the host immune responses. The aims of this study were to firstly, characterize the macrophage immune response to B. pseudomallei and secondly, to determine whether the immune response was modified in the presence of novel inhibitors targeting the virulence factor, the macrophage infectivity potentiator (Mip) protein. We hypothesized that inhibition of Mip in B. pseudomallei would disarm the bacteria and result in a host beneficial immune response.

Methods

Murine macrophage J774A.1 cells were infected with B. pseudomallei K96243 in the presence of small-molecule inhibitors targeting the Mip protein. RNA-sequencing was performed on infected cells four hours post-infection. Secreted cytokines and lactose dehydrogenase were measured in cell culture supernatants 24 hours post-infection. Viable, intracellular B. pseudomallei in macrophages were also enumerated 24 hours post-infection.

Results

Global transcriptional profiling of macrophages infected with B. pseudomallei by RNA-seq demonstrated upregulation of immune-associated genes, in particular a significant enrichment of genes in the TNF signaling pathway. Treatment of B. pseudomallei-infected macrophages with the Mip inhibitor, AN_CH_37 resulted in a 5.3-fold reduction of il1b when compared to cells treated with DMSO, which the inhibitors were solubilized in. A statistically significant reduction in IL-1β levels in culture supernatants was seen 24 hours post-infection with AN_CH_37, as well as other pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely IL-6 and TNF-α. Treatment with AN_CH_37 also reduced the survival of B. pseudomallei in macrophages after 24 hours which was accompanied by a significant reduction in B. pseudomallei-induced cytotoxicity as determined by lactate dehydrogenase release.

Discussion

These data highlight the potential to utilize Mip inhibitors in reducing potentially harmful pro-inflammatory responses resulting from B. pseudomallei infection in macrophages. This could be of significance since overstimulation of pro-inflammatory responses can result in immunopathology, tissue damage and septic shock.
Minor envelope proteins from GP2a to GP4 contribute to the spread pattern and yield of type 2 PRRSV in MARC-145 cells
Authors: Bai Yuan-Zhe , Sun Yue , Liu Yong-Gang , Zhang Hong-Liang , An Tong-Qing , Wang Qian , Tian Zhi-Jun , Qiao Xinyuan , Cai Xue-Hui , Tang Yan-Dong
Published: March 2024

In China, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccines are widely used. These vaccines, which contain inactivated and live attenuated vaccines (LAVs), are produced by MARC-145 cells derived from the monkey kidney cell line. However, some PRRSV strains in MARC-145 cells have a low yield. Here, we used two type 2 PRRSV strains (CH-1R and HuN4) to identify the genes responsible for virus yield in MARC-145 cells. Our findings indicate that the two viruses have different spread patterns, which ultimately determine their yield. By replacing the viral envelope genes with a reverse genetics system, we discovered that the minor envelope proteins, from GP2a to GP4, play a crucial role in determining the spread pattern and yield of type 2 PRRSV in MARC-145 cells. The cell-free transmission pattern of type 2 PRRSV appears to be more efficient than the cell-to-cell transmission pattern. Overall, these findings suggest that GP2a to GP4 contributes to the spread pattern and yield of type 2 PRRSV.
Study on the optimal elastic modulus of flexible blades for right heart assist device supporting patients with single-ventricle physiologies
Authors: Chen Tong , Cheng Xiaoming , Liu Xudong , Zhang Huifeng , Wang Shengzhang
Published: March 2024

Background

Patients with single-ventricle physiologies continue to experience insufficient circulatory power after undergoing palliative surgeries. This paper proposed a right heart assist device equipped with flexible blades to provide circulatory assistance for these patients. The optimal elastic modulus of the flexible blades was investigated through numerical simulation.

Methods

A one-way fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulation was employed to study the deformation of flexible blades during rotation and its impact on device performance. The process began with a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation to calculate the blood pressure rise and the pressure on the blades’ surface. Subsequently, these pressure data were exported for finite element analysis (FEA) to compute the deformation of the blades. The fluid domain was then recreated based on the deformed blades’ shape. Iterative CFD and FEA simulations were performed until both the blood pressure rise and the blades’ shape stabilized. The blood pressure rise, hemolysis risk, and thrombosis risk corresponding to blades with different elastic moduli were exhaustively evaluated to determine the optimal elastic modulus.

Results

Except for the case at 8,000 rpm with a blade elastic modulus of 40 MPa, the pressure rise associated with flexible blades within the studied range (rotational speeds of 4,000 rpm and 8,000 rpm, elastic modulus between 10 MPa and 200 MPa) was lower than that of rigid blades. It was observed that the pressure rise corresponding to flexible blades increased as the elastic modulus increased. Additionally, no significant difference was found in the hemolysis risk and thrombus risk between flexible blades of various elastic moduli and rigid blades.

Conclusion

Except for one specific case, deformation of the flexible blades within the studied range led to a decrease in the impeller’s functionality. Notably, rotational speed had a more significant impact on hemolysis risk and thrombus risk compared to blade deformation. After a comprehensive analysis of blade compressibility, blood pressure rise, hemolysis risk, and thrombus risk, the optimal elastic modulus for the flexible blades was determined to be between 40 MPa and 50 MPa.
Exploring dermoscopic structures for melanoma lesions' classification
Authors: Malik Fiza Saeed , Yousaf Muhammad Haroon , Sial Hassan Ahmed , Viriri Serestina
Published: March 2024

Background

Melanoma is one of the deadliest skin cancers that originate from melanocytes due to sun exposure, causing mutations. Early detection boosts the cure rate to 90%, but misclassification drops survival to 15–20%. Clinical variations challenge dermatologists in distinguishing benign nevi and melanomas. Current diagnostic methods, including visual analysis and dermoscopy, have limitations, emphasizing the need for Artificial Intelligence understanding in dermatology.

Objectives

In this paper, we aim to explore dermoscopic structures for the classification of melanoma lesions. The training of AI models faces a challenge known as brittleness, where small changes in input images impact the classification. A study explored AI vulnerability in discerning melanoma from benign lesions using features of size, color, and shape. Tests with artificial and natural variations revealed a notable decline in accuracy, emphasizing the necessity for additional information, such as dermoscopic structures.

Methodology

The study utilizes datasets with clinically marked dermoscopic images examined by expert clinicians. Transformers and CNN-based models are employed to classify these images based on dermoscopic structures. Classification results are validated using feature visualization. To assess model susceptibility to image variations, classifiers are evaluated on test sets with original, duplicated, and digitally modified images. Additionally, testing is done on ISIC 2016 images. The study focuses on three dermoscopic structures crucial for melanoma detection: Blue-white veil, dots/globules, and streaks.

Results

In evaluating model performance, adding convolutions to Vision Transformers proves highly effective for achieving up to 98% accuracy. CNN architectures like VGG-16 and DenseNet-121 reach 50–60% accuracy, performing best with features other than dermoscopic structures. Vision Transformers without convolutions exhibit reduced accuracy on diverse test sets, revealing their brittleness. OpenAI Clip, a pre-trained model, consistently performs well across various test sets. To address brittleness, a mitigation method involving extensive data augmentation during training and 23 transformed duplicates during test time, sustains accuracy.

Conclusions

This paper proposes a melanoma classification scheme utilizing three dermoscopic structures across Ph2 and Derm7pt datasets. The study addresses AI susceptibility to image variations. Despite a small dataset, future work suggests collecting more annotated datasets and automatic computation of dermoscopic structural features.
The association between music training and executive function in 6–7-year-old children
Authors: Bayanova Larisa , Chichinina Elena , Aslanova Margarita
Published: March 2024

Executive function development is especially important in the last year of the preschool period because this period precedes the transition to school. Therefore, it is relevant to study extracurricular activities that can positively impact the development of executive function in 6–7-year-old children. According to earlier research, executive function development might be positively influenced by music training. The current cross-sectional study aimed to explore differences in executive function among 6–7-year-old preschoolers depending on participation in music training. In the current research, children were divided into two groups of 37 participants each: children who received music training for at least half a year and children who did not receive music training. Children in both groups did not participate in dance training because music is also actively used during dance training. Background variables such as participation in extracurricular activities, screen time, family singing activities, maternal education, and family income level did not differ between the groups. The study revealed that the children who received music training had a higher level of motor inhibitory control compared to the children who did not receive music or dance training. This study offers further support for the association between executive function and music training in preschoolers.
Relationship between autoimmune thyroid antibodies and anti-nuclear antibodies in general patients
Authors: Ruan Yi , Heng Xian-pei , Yang Liu-qing , He Wei-dong , Li Liang , Wang Zhi-ta , Huang Su-ping , Chen Qi-wei , Han Zhuang
Published: March 2024

Background

There is no doubt that both Hashimoto thyroiditis and Graves’ disease are autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs), but the relationship between anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) and AITDs is poorly studied. The association between thyroid autoantibody levels and ANA positivity was evaluated to assess the role of ANA in AITDs.

Methods

We conducted an analysis using data from 1,149,893 patients registered at our hospital and 53,021 patients registered in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey databases. We focused on patients with data for thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb)/ANA, TPOAb/immunoglobulin G (IgG), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor antibody (TRAb)/ANA, TRAb/IgG, TSH/ANA, or TSH/IgG.

Results

ANA positivity rates were 12.88% and 21.22% in TPOAb/ANA and TSH/ANA patients, respectively. In TPOAb/IgG and TSH/IgG data, high IgG levels (≥15 g/L) were detected in 2.23% and 4.06% of patients, respectively. There were significant differences in ANA positivity rates and high IgG proportions among patients with different TPOAb and TSH levels. TPOAb level was correlated with ANA positivity rate and high IgG proportion, and TSH level was correlated with ANA positivity rate. Regression analysis showed positive correlations between TPOAb levels and ANA positivity risk or high IgG risk, TSH levels and high IgG risk, and elevated TSH and ANA positivity risk. Of patients with TRAb/ANA data, 35.99% were ANA-positive, and 13.93% had TRAb levels ≥1.75IU/L; 18.96% of patients with TRAb/IgG data had high IgG levels, and 16.51% had TRAb levels ≥1.75IU/L. ANA positivity rate and high IgG proportion were not significantly different among different TRAb levels. TRAb levels, ANA positivity risk and high IgG risk were not correlated.

Conclusion

ANA positivity and high IgG are related to Hashimoto thyroiditis but not Graves’ disease, which implies distinct pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the AITDs.
Regulatory SVA retrotransposons and classical HLA genotyped-transcripts associated with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Kulski Jerzy K. , Suzuki Shingo , Shiina Takashi , Pfaff Abigail L. , Kõks Sulev
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative and polygenic disorder characterised by the progressive loss of neural dopamine and onset of movement disorders. We previously described eight SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA) retrotransposon-insertion-polymorphisms (RIPs) located and expressed within the Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA) genomic region of chromosome 6 that modulate the differential co-expression of 71 different genes including the HLA classical class I and class II genes in a Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) cohort.

Aims and methods

In the present study, we (1) reanalysed the PPMI genomic and transcriptomic sequencing data obtained from whole blood of 1521 individuals (867 cases and 654 controls) to infer the genotypes of the transcripts expressed by eight classical HLA class I and class II genes as well as DRA and the DRB3/4/5 haplotypes, and (2) examined the statistical differences between three different PD subgroups (cases) and healthy controls (HC) for the HLA and SVA transcribed genotypes and inferred haplotypes.

Results

Significant differences for 57 expressed HLA alleles (21 HLA class I and 36 HLA class II alleles) up to the three-field resolution and four of eight expressed SVA were detected at p<0.05 by the Fisher’s exact test within one or other of three different PD subgroups (750 individuals with PD, 57 prodromes, 60 individuals who had scans without evidence of dopamine deficits [SWEDD]), when compared against a group of 654 HCs within the PPMI cohort and when not corrected by the Bonferroni test for multiple comparisons. Fourteen of 20 significant alleles were unique to the PD-HC comparison, whereas 31 of the 57 alleles overlapped between two or more different subgroup comparisons. Only the expressed HLA-DRA*01:01:01 and -DQA1*03:01:01 protective alleles (PD v HC), the -DQA1*03:03:01 risk (HC v Prodrome) or protective allele (PD v Prodrome), the -DRA*01:01:02 and -DRB4*01:03:02 risk alleles (SWEDD v HC), and the NR_SVA_381 present genotype (PD v HC) at a 5% homozygous insertion frequency near HLA-DPA1, were significant (Pc<0.1) after Bonferroni corrections. The homologous NR_SVA_381 insertion significantly decreased the transcription levels of HLA-DPA1 and HLA-DPB1 in the PPMI cohort and its presence as a homozygous genotype is a risk factor (Pc=0.012) for PD. The most frequent NR_SVA_381 insertion haplotype in the PPMI cohort was NR_SVA_381/DPA1*02/DPB1*01 (3.7%). Although HLA C*07/B*07/DRB5*01/DRB1*15/DQB1*06 was the most frequent HLA 5-loci phased-haplotype (n, 76) in the PPMI cohort, the NR_SVA_381 insertion was present in only six of them (8%).

Conclusions

These data suggest that expressed SVA and HLA gene alleles in circulating white blood cells are coordinated differentially in the regulation of immune responses and the long-term onset and progression of PD, the mechanisms of which have yet to be elucidated.
Advancements in acne detection: application of the CenterNet network in smart dermatology
Authors: Zhang Daojun , Li Huanyu , Shi Jiajia , Shen Yue , Zhu Ling , Chen Nianze , Wei Zikun , Lv Junwei , Chen Yu , Hao Fei
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Acne detection is critical in dermatology, focusing on quality control of acne imagery, precise segmentation, and grading. Traditional research has been limited, typically concentrating on singular aspects of acne detection.

Methods

We propose a multi-task acne detection method, employing a CenterNet-based training paradigm to develop an advanced detection system. This system collects acne images via smartphones and features multi-task capabilities for detecting image quality and identifying various acne types. It differentiates between noninflammatory acne, papules, pustules, nodules, and provides detailed delineation for cysts and post-acne scars.

Results

The implementation of this multi-task learning-based framework in clinical diagnostics demonstrated an 83% accuracy in lesion categorization, surpassing ResNet18 models by 12%. Furthermore, it achieved a 76% precision in lesion stratification, outperforming dermatologists by 16%.

Discussion

Our framework represents a advancement in acne detection, offering a comprehensive tool for classification, localization, counting, and precise segmentation. It not only enhances the accuracy of remote acne lesion identification by doctors but also clarifies grading logic and criteria, facilitating easier grading judgments.
Genomic and phenotypic analyses reveal Paenibacillus polymyxa PJH16 is a potential biocontrol agent against cucumber fusarium wilt
Authors: Yang Fan , Jiang Huayan , Ma Kai , Hegazy Abeer , Wang Xin , Liang Shen , Chang Gaozheng , Yu Liqin , Tian Baoming , Shi Xuanjie
Published: March 2024

In recent years, bacterial-based biocontrol agents (BCA) have become a new trend for the control of fungal diseases such as fusarium wilt that seriously threaten the yield and quality of cucumber, which are transmitted through infested soil and water. This study was set out with the aim of figuring the mechanism of the isolated rhizobacterial strain Paenibacillus polymyxa PJH16 in preventing Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum (Foc). Biocontrol and growth-promoting experiments revealed that bacterial strain causes effective inhibition of the fungal disease through a significant growth-promoting ability of plants, and had activities of β-1,3-glucanase, cellulase, amylase and protease. It could produce siderophore and indole-3-acetic acid, too. Using the high-throughput sequencing tool PacBio Sequel II system and the database annotation, the bacterial strain was identified as P. polymyxa PJH16 and contained genes encoding for presence of biofilm formation, antimicrobial peptides, siderophores and hydrolyases. From comparing data between the whole genome of P. polymyxa PJH16 with four closely related P. polymyxa strains, findings revealed markedly the subtle differences in their genome sequences and proposed new antifungal substances present in P. polymyxa PJH16. Therefore, P. polymyxa PJH16 could be utilized in bioengineering a microbial formulation for application as biocontrol agent and bio-stimulant, in the future.
Hexose/pentose ratio in rhizosphere exudates-mediated soil eutrophic/oligotrophic bacteria regulates the growth pattern of host plant in young apple–aromatic plant intercropping systems
Authors: Zhao Mengnan , Sun Yue , Dong Meilin , Zhang Kui , Zhang Jie , Qin Xiaoxiao , Yao Yuncong
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The positive effect of intercropping on host plant growth through plant–soil feedback has been established. However, the mechanisms through which intercropping induces interspecific competition remain unclear.

Methods

In this study, we selected young apple trees for intercropping with two companion plants: medium growth-potential Mentha haplocalyx Briq. (TM) and high growth-potential Ageratum conyzoides L. (TA) and conducted mixed intercropping treatment with both types (TMA) and a control treatment of monocropping apples (CT).

Results

Our findings revealed that TM increased the under-ground biomass of apple trees and TA and TMA decreased the above-ground biomass of apple trees, with the lowest above-ground biomass of apple trees in TA. The above- and under-ground biomass of intercrops in TA and TMA were higher than those in TM, with the highest in TA, suggesting that the interspecific competition was the most pronounced in TA. TA had a detrimental effect on the photosynthesis ability and antioxidant capacity of apple leaves, resulting in a decrease in above-ground apple biomass. Furthermore, TA led to a reduction in organic acids, alcohols, carbohydrates, and hydrocarbons in the apple rhizosphere soil (FRS) compared to those in both soil bulk (BS) and aromatic plant rhizosphere soil (ARS). Notably, TA caused an increase in pentose content and a decrease in the hexose/pentose (C6/C5) ratio in FRS, while ARS exhibited higher hexose content and a higher C6/C5 ratio. The changes in exudates induced by TA favored an increase in taxon members of Actinobacteria while reducing Proteobacteria in FRS compared to that in ARS. This led to a higher eutrophic/oligotrophic bacteria ratio relative to TM.

Discussion

This novel perspective sheds light on how interspecific competition, mediated by root exudates and microbial community feedback, influences plant growth and development.
Circadian rhythm mechanism in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and its relation to the olfactory system
Authors: Tsuno Yusuke , Mieda Michihiro
Published: March 2024

Animals need sleep, and the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the center of the circadian rhythm, plays an important role in determining the timing of sleep. The main input to the suprachiasmatic nucleus is the retinohypothalamic tract, with additional inputs from the intergeniculate leaflet pathway, the serotonergic afferent from the raphe, and other hypothalamic regions. Within the suprachiasmatic nucleus, two of the major subtypes are vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-positive neurons and arginine-vasopressin (AVP)-positive neurons. VIP neurons are important for light entrainment and synchronization of suprachiasmatic nucleus neurons, whereas AVP neurons are important for circadian period determination. Output targets of the suprachiasmatic nucleus include the hypothalamus (subparaventricular zone, paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, preoptic area, and medial hypothalamus), the thalamus (paraventricular thalamic nuclei), and lateral septum. The suprachiasmatic nucleus also sends information through several brain regions to the pineal gland. The olfactory bulb is thought to be able to generate a circadian rhythm without the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Some reports indicate that circadian rhythms of the olfactory bulb and olfactory cortex exist in the absence of the suprachiasmatic nucleus, but another report claims the influence of the suprachiasmatic nucleus. The regulation of circadian rhythms by sensory inputs other than light stimuli, including olfaction, has not been well studied and further progress is expected.
Linguistic changes in neurodegenerative diseases relate to clinical symptoms
Authors: Gumus Melisa , Koo Morgan , Studzinski Christa M. , Bhan Aparna , Robin Jessica , Black Sandra E.
Published: March 2024

Background

The detection and characterization of speech changes may help in the identification and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases. However, there is limited research validating the relationship between speech changes and clinical symptoms across a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases.

Method

We analyzed speech recordings from 109 patients who were diagnosed with various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Vascular Cognitive Impairment, in a cognitive neurology memory clinic. Speech recordings of an open-ended picture description task were processed using the Winterlight speech analysis platform which generates >500 speech features, including the acoustics of speech and linguistic properties of spoken language. We investigated the relationship between the speech features and clinical assessments including the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (DRS), Western Aphasia Battery (WAB), and Boston Naming Task (BNT) in a heterogeneous patient population.

Result

Linguistic features including lexical and syntactic features were significantly correlated with clinical assessments in patients, across diagnoses. Lower MMSE and DRS scores were associated with the use of shorter words and fewer prepositional phrases. Increased impairment on WAB and BNT was correlated with the use of fewer nouns but more pronouns. Patients also differed from healthy adults as their speech duration was significantly shorter with more pauses.

Conclusion

Linguistic changes such as the use of simpler vocabularies and syntax were detectable in patients with different neurodegenerative diseases and correlated with cognitive decline. Speech has the potential to be a sensitive measure for detecting cognitive impairments across various neurodegenerative diseases.
Motion sensitive network for action recognition in control and decision-making of autonomous systems
Authors: Gu Jialiang , Yi Yang , Li Qiang
Published: March 2024

Spatial-temporal modeling is crucial for action recognition in videos within the field of artificial intelligence. However, robustly extracting motion information remains a primary challenge due to temporal deformations of appearances and variations in motion frequencies between different actions. In order to address these issues, we propose an innovative and effective method called the Motion Sensitive Network (MSN), incorporating the theories of artificial neural networks and key concepts of autonomous system control and decision-making. Specifically, we employ an approach known as Spatial-Temporal Pyramid Motion Extraction (STP-ME) module, adjusting convolution kernel sizes and time intervals synchronously to gather motion information at different temporal scales, aligning with the learning and prediction characteristics of artificial neural networks. Additionally, we introduce a new module called Variable Scale Motion Excitation (DS-ME), utilizing a differential model to capture motion information in resonance with the flexibility of autonomous system control. Particularly, we employ a multi-scale deformable convolutional network to alter the motion scale of the target object before computing temporal differences across consecutive frames, providing theoretical support for the flexibility of autonomous systems. Temporal modeling is a crucial step in understanding environmental changes and actions within autonomous systems, and MSN, by integrating the advantages of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) in this task, provides an effective framework for the future utilization of artificial neural networks in autonomous systems. We evaluate our proposed method on three challenging action recognition datasets (Kinetics-400, Something-Something V1, and Something-Something V2). The results indicate an improvement in accuracy ranging from 1.1% to 2.2% on the test set. When compared with state-of-the-art (SOTA) methods, the proposed approach achieves a maximum performance of 89.90%. In ablation experiments, the performance gain of this module also shows an increase ranging from 2% to 5.3%. The introduced Motion Sensitive Network (MSN) demonstrates significant potential in various challenging scenarios, providing an initial exploration into integrating artificial neural networks into the domain of autonomous systems.
Image quality evaluation for a clinical organ-targeted PET camera
Authors: Baldassi Brandon , Poladyan Harutyun , Shahi Anirudh , Maa-Hacquoil Henry , Rapley Madeline , Komarov Borys , Stiles Justin , Freitas Vivianne , Waterston Michael , Aseyev Olexiy , Reznik Alla , Bubon Oleksandr
Published: March 2024

Introduction

A newly developed clinical organ-targeted Positron Emission Tomography (PET) system (also known as Radialis PET) is tested with a set of standardized and custom tests previously used to evaluate the performance of Positron Emission Mammography (PEM) systems.

Methods

Imaging characteristics impacting standardized uptake value (SUV) and detectability of small lesions, namely spatial resolution, linearity, uniformity, and recovery coefficients, are evaluated.

Results

In-plane spatial resolution was measured as 2.3 mm ± 0.1 mm, spatial accuracy was 0.1 mm, and uniformity measured with flood field and NEMA NU-4 phantom was 11.7% and 8.3% respectively. Selected clinical images are provided as reference to the imaging capabilities under different clinical conditions such as reduced activity of 2-[fluorine-18]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) and time-delayed acquisitions. SUV measurements were performed for selected clinical acquisitions to demonstrate a capability for quantitative image assessment of different types of cancer including for invasive lobular carcinoma with comparatively low metabolic activity. Quantitative imaging performance assessment with phantoms demonstrates improved contrast recovery and spill-over ratio for this PET technology when compared to other commercial organ-dedicated PET systems with similar spatial resolution. Recovery coefficients were measured to be 0.21 for the 1 mm hot rod and up to 0.89 for the 5 mm hot rod of NEMA NU-4 Image Quality phantom.

Discussion

Demonstrated ability to accurately reconstruct activity in tumors as small as 5 mm suggests that the Radialis PET technology may be well suited for emerging clinical applications such as image guided assessment of response to neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NST) in lesions smaller than 2 cm. Also, our results suggest that, while spatial resolution greatly influences the partial volume effect which degrades contrast recovery, optimized count rate performance and image reconstruction workflow may improve recovery coefficients for systems with comparable spatial resolution. We emphasize that recovery coefficient should be considered as a primary performance metric when a PET system is used for accurate lesion size or radiotracer uptake assessments.
Using agro-ecological zones to improve the representation of a multi-environment trial of soybean varieties
Authors: Gilbert Catherine , Martin Nicolas
Published: March 2024

This research introduces a novel framework for enhancing soybean cultivation in North America by categorizing growing environments into distinct ecological and maturity-based zones. Using an integrated analysis of long-term climatic data and records of soybean varietal trials, this research generates a zonal environmental characterization which captures major components of the growing environment which affect the range of adaptation of soybean varieties. These findings have immediate applications for optimizing multi-environment soybean trials. This characterization allows breeders to assess the environmental representation of a multi-environmental trial of soybean varieties, and to strategize the distribution of testing and the placement of test sites accordingly. This application is demonstrated with a historical scenario of a soybean multi-environment trial, using two resource allocation models: one targeted towards improving the general adaptation of soybean varieties, which focuses on widely cultivated areas, and one targeted towards specific adaptation, which captures diverse environmental conditions. Ultimately, the study aims to improve the efficiency and impact of soybean breeding programs, leading to the development of cultivars resilient to variable and changing climates.
Early or synchronized gestures facilitate speech recall—a study based on motion capture data
Authors: Nirme Jens , Gulz Agneta , Haake Magnus , Gullberg Marianne
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Temporal co-ordination between speech and gestures has been thoroughly studied in natural production. In most cases gesture strokes precede or coincide with the stressed syllable in words that they are semantically associated with.

Methods

To understand whether processing of speech and gestures is attuned to such temporal coordination, we investigated the effect of delaying, preposing or eliminating individual gestures on the memory for words in an experimental study in which 83 participants watched video sequences of naturalistic 3D-animated speakers generated based on motion capture data. A target word in the sequence appeared (a) with a gesture presented in its original position synchronized with speech, (b) temporally shifted 500 ms before or (c) after the original position, or (d) with the gesture eliminated. Participants were asked to retell the videos in a free recall task. The strength of recall was operationalized as the inclusion of the target word in the free recall.

Results

Both eliminated and delayed gesture strokes resulted in reduced recall rates compared to synchronized strokes, whereas there was no difference between advanced (preposed) and synchronized strokes. An item-level analysis also showed that the greater the interval between the onsets of delayed strokes and stressed syllables in target words, the greater the negative effect was on recall.

Discussion

These results indicate that speech-gesture synchrony affects memory for speech, and that temporal patterns that are common in production lead to the best recall. Importantly, the study also showcases a procedure for using motion capture-based 3D-animated speakers to create an experimental paradigm for the study of speech-gesture comprehension.
Investigating the structural network underlying brain-immune interactions using combined histopathology and neuroimaging: a critical review for its relevance in acute and long COVID-19
Authors: Kikinis Zora , Castañeyra-Perdomo Agustin , González-Mora José Luis , Rushmore Richard Jarrett , Toppa Poliana Hartung , Haggerty Kayley , Papadimitriou George , Rathi Yogesh , Kubicki Marek , Kikinis Ron , Heller Carina , Yeterian Edward , Besteher Bianca , Pallanti Stefano , Makris Nikos
Published: March 2024

Current views on immunity support the idea that immunity extends beyond defense functions and is tightly intertwined with several other fields of biology such as virology, microbiology, physiology and ecology. It is also critical for our understanding of autoimmunity and cancer, two topics of great biological relevance and for critical public health considerations such as disease prevention and treatment. Central to this review, the immune system is known to interact intimately with the nervous system and has been recently hypothesized to be involved not only in autonomic and limbic bio-behaviors but also in cognitive function. Herein we review the structural architecture of the brain network involved in immune response. Furthermore, we elaborate upon the implications of inflammatory processes affecting brain-immune interactions as reported recently in pathological conditions due to SARS-Cov-2 virus infection, namely in acute and post-acute COVID-19. Moreover, we discuss how current neuroimaging techniques combined with ad hoc clinical autopsies and histopathological analyses could critically affect the validity of clinical translation in studies of human brain-immune interactions using neuroimaging. Advances in our understanding of brain-immune interactions are expected to translate into novel therapeutic avenues in a vast array of domains including cancer, autoimmune diseases or viral infections such as in acute and post-acute or Long COVID-19.
Can the household clean energy transition ameliorate health inequality? Evidence from China
Authors: Wu Lili , Liu Qin , Li Lin
Published: March 2024

China is actively encouraging households to replace traditional solid fuels with clean energy. Based on the Chinese Families Panel Survey (CFPS) data, this paper uses propensity scores matching with the difference-in-differences model to examine the impact of clean energy in the household sector on residents’ health status, and whether such an energy transition promotes health equity by favoring relatively disadvantaged social groups. The results show that: (1) The use of cleaner cooking fuels can significantly improve residents’ health status; (2) The older adult and women have higher health returns from the clean energy transition, demonstrating that, from the perspective of age and gender, the energy transition contributes to the promotion of health equity; (3) The clean energy transition has a lower or insignificant health impact on residents who cannot easily obtain clean energy or replace non-clean energy at an affordable price. Most of these individuals live in low-income, energy-poor, or rural households. Thus, the energy transition exacerbates health inequalities. This paper suggests that to reduce the cost of using clean energy and help address key issues in health inequality, Chinese government efforts should focus on improving the affordability, accessibility, and reliability of clean energy.