bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiclass classification of diseased grape leaf identification using deep convolutional neural network(DCNN) classifier
Authors: Prasad Kerehalli Vinayaka , Vaidya Hanumesh , Rajashekhar Choudhari , Karekal Kumar Swamy , Sali Renuka , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy
Published: April 2024

The cultivation of grapes encounters various challenges, such as the presence of pests and diseases, which have the potential to considerably diminish agricultural productivity. Plant diseases pose a significant impediment, resulting in diminished agricultural productivity and economic setbacks, thereby affecting the quality of crop yields. Hence, the precise and timely identification of plant diseases holds significant importance. This study employs a Convolutional neural network (CNN) with and without data augmentation, in addition to a DCNN Classifier model based on VGG16, to classify grape leaf diseases. A publicly available dataset is utilized for the purpose of investigating diseases affecting grape leaves. The DCNN Classifier Model successfully utilizes the strengths of the VGG16 model and modifies it by incorporating supplementary layers to enhance its performance and ability to generalize. Systematic evaluation of metrics, such as accuracy and F1-score, is performed. With training and test accuracy rates of 99.18 and 99.06%, respectively, the DCNN Classifier model does a better job than the CNN models used in this investigation. The findings demonstrate that the DCNN Classifier model, utilizing the VGG16 architecture and incorporating three supplementary CNN layers, exhibits superior performance. Also, the fact that the DCNN Classifier model works well as a decision support system for farmers is shown by the fact that it can quickly and accurately identify grape diseases, making it easier to take steps to stop them. The results of this study provide support for the reliability of the DCNN classifier model and its potential utility in the field of agriculture.
Prediction of jumbo drill penetration rate in underground mines using various machine learning approaches and traditional models
Authors: Heydari Sasan , Hoseinie Seyed Hadi , Bagherpour Raheb
Published: April 2024

Estimating penetration rates of Jumbo drills is crucial for optimizing underground mining drilling processes, aiming to reduce costs and time. This study investigates various regression and machine learning methods, including Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Random Forests (RF), to predict the penetration rates (ROP) using multivariate inputs such as operation parameters and rock mass characteristics. The Rock Mass Drillability Index (RDi), incorporating both intact rock properties and structural parameters, was utilized to characterize the rock mass. The dataset was split into 80% for training and 20% for testing. Performance metrics including correlation coefficient (R2), variance accounted for (VAF), mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and root mean square error (RMSE) were calculated for each method to evaluate the accuracy of the predictions. SVR exhibited the best prediction performance for ROP, achieving the highest R2, lowest RMSE, MAE, and MAPE, as well as the largest VAF values of 0.94, 0.15, 0.11, 4.84, and 94.13 during training, and 0.91, 0.19, 0.13, 6.02, and 91.11 during testing, respectively. With this high accuracy, we conclude that the proposed machine learning algorithms are valuable and efficient predictors for estimating jumbo drill penetration rates in underground mining operations.
A simple and rapid colorimetric detection of Staphylococcus aureus relied on the distance-dependent optical properties of silver nanoparticles
Authors: Anh Thu Phan Ngoc , Men Nguyen Hoang , Thi Vo Cam-Duyen , Van Toi Vo , Truong Phuoc Long
Published: April 2024

The method utilizes AgNPs immobilized with two DNA probes that specifically recognize the target DNA. Sandwich hybridization of target DNA with DNA probes induced colour change and spectral shifts of AgNPs, whereas the plank kept the initial colour.
Omics-based approaches for discovering active ingredients and regulating gut microbiota of Actinidia arguta exosome-like nanoparticles
Authors: Chen Chunping , Xia Guangjun , Zhang Song , Tian Yuxin , Wang Yuchen , Zhao Duanduan , Xu Hongyan
Published: April 2024

This study highlights that active ingredients and regulating gut microbiota of Actinidia arguta exosome-like nanoparticles.
Facile grinding method synthesis of SnS2@HKUST-1 and SnS2@Ni-MOF for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Cui Hongtao , Gong Lige , Lv Hongyan , Dong Limin , Wang Jihua , Zhang Jingyu , Mu Yitong , Gu Yunhao , Li Hui , Yang Binghe , Wang Meijia
Published: April 2024

The synthesis of SnS2@Ni-MOF and SnS2@HKUST-1 with high HER performance.
Exploring peptidomes of by-products generated duringchhurpiproduction usingLactobacillus delbrueckiiWS4 for identification of novel bioactive peptides
Authors: Chourasia Rounak , Dabrha Gayatri , Abedin Md Minhajul , Phukon Loreni Chiring , Singh Ashish Kumar , Sahoo Dinabandhu , Singh Sudhir P. , Rai Amit Kumar
Published: April 2024

The considerable value of whey is evident from its significant potential applications and contributions to the functional food and nutraceutical market.
Vacancy engineering in MoS2 nanolayers coupled with dual-carbon confinement for potassium storage
Authors: Wei Xiaotong , Tian Shuang , Wang Tengteng , Zhang Xue , Huang Jingyi , Gao Peibo , Feng Yu , Zhang Huanian , Zhou Jin , Zhou Tong
Published: April 2024

The SEM image and the rate capability curve of C–MoS2−x@CNTs.
Incorporation of a one-dimensional electron-rich chain in viologen-based coordination polymers for super photochromic properties and improved optical applications in polyvinyl alcohol film
Authors: Shi Yong-Sheng , Xiao Tong , Yang Dong-Dong , Zheng Xiang-Jun
Published: April 2024

1D electron-rich complex chain was incorporated to the viologen complex (1), resulting in robust photochromic properties, distinct ET pathways, and applications in optics. And 1-PVA film can improve the photochromism of viologen complexes.
Thiourea as a precatalyst for the electron donor–acceptor complex photoactivation platform of oxime esters
Authors: Mao Haichen , Zhang Yuting , Cao Hengrong , Shi Qianqian , Lan Yu , Chang Junbiao , Zhu Bo
Published: April 2024

A novel electron donor–acceptor (EDA) complex catalysis strategy has been developed using thiourea as a precatalyst under blue LED irradiation. Using 2–5 mol% of thiourea, various nitrogen-containing compounds were successfully synthesized.
Dielectric and thermal properties characterisation and evaluation of novel epoxy materials for high‐voltage power module packaging
Authors: Wang Zhengdong , Yang Ganqiu , Cao Xiaolong , Li Mengli , Zhang Tong , Liu Chenxin , Zhou Yuanhang , Cheng Yonghong
Published: April 2024

Internal insulation of high‐voltage power modules is facing interesting failure risks, including high temperature overheating, breakdown fault, material cracking etc., so it is imperative to urgently develop new dielectric materials with high thermal conductivity (λ), outstanding electrical insulation, and thermal stability properties. A method to construct controllable liquid crystalline cross‐linking networks based on the synthesis of biphenyl epoxy monomer and the change of curing agent structures and curing temperature is proposed. The uniform nematic rod‐like liquid crystalline domains were obtained by using 4,4‐diaminodiphenylmethane as a curing agent under a pre‐curing temperature of 105°C. The resulting film (abbreviated as TD‐105) exhibited λ up to 0.53 W m−1 K−1 and a dielectric breakdown strength of 57.69 kV mm−1, which showed a simultaneous enhancement of 178% and 16%, respectively, compared to traditional bisphenol A epoxy resin. Moreover, it also exhibited lower dielectric loss and magnitude of partial discharge while having higher glass‐transition temperature (190°C). A novel idea for the development of high‐performance epoxy insulating materials for the application of high‐voltage and large‐power electrical equipment is provided.
Practical Teaching Improvement of Hydrology Stimulation Majoring in Water Conservancy
Authors: Li Qingguo
Published: April 2024

According to the characteristics of the education of professional degree postgraduates and the teaching objectives of hydrologic simulation courses, the practical teaching requirements in the Cultivation of hydraulic engineering professional degree postgraduates are discussed. Based on the analysis of the current teaching problems, the reform direction of practical teaching for hydraulic engineering master’s degree students is discussed from the aspects of adjusting course teaching content, increasing practical teaching content, optimizing classroom teaching method, improving assessment and evaluation.
Mapping civil society elites: multi-dimensional measure of resource stratification in civil society (MMRSC)
Authors: Scaramuzzino Roberto , Lee Jayeon
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a novel methodological approach, multi-dimensional measure of resource stratification in civil society (MMRSC). The method aims at mapping civil society organisations based on different types of resources for studying resource stratification in civil society. The approach is based on six indicators consisting of economic, political, and media resources, internal and external to civil society. The MMRSC is a development and adaptation of the positional method within the elite research tradition aiming at identifying individuals holding central positions in powerful organisations. To be able to apply the positional method to civil society studies, the paper argues for a multi-dimensional understanding of resources taking into account diverse organisational forms and goals within civil society. The method is presented in a systematic step-by-step structure with exemplifications based on how it has been used in a study of civil society elites in four European countries and at the EU level.
Coupled mode theory for plasmonic couplers
Authors: Tuniz Alessandro , Song Alex Y. , Della Valle Giuseppe , de Sterke C. Martijn
Published: April 2024

Photonic integrated circuits play an increasingly important role in several emerging technologies. Their functionality arises from a combination of integrated components, e.g., couplers, splitters, polarization rotators, and wavelength selective filters. Efficient and accurate simulation of these components is crucial for circuit design and optimization. In dielectric systems, design procedures typically rely on coupled-mode theory (CMT) methods, which then guide subsequent refined full-wave calculations. Miniaturization to deep sub-wavelength scales requires the inclusion of lossy plasmonic (metal) components, making optimization more complicated by the interplay between coupling and absorption. Even though CMT is well developed, there is no consensus as to how to rigorously and quantitatively implement it for lossy systems. Here we present an intuitive coupled-mode theory framework for quantitative analysis of dielectric–plasmonic directional and adiabatic couplers, whose large-scale implementation in 3D is prohibitively slow with full-wave methods. This framework relies on adapting existing coupled mode theory approaches by including loss as a perturbation. This approach will be useful in designing dielectric–plasmonic circuits, providing a first reference point for anyone using techniques such as inverse design and deep learning optimization methods.
Solution-processed 2D van der Waals networks: Fabrication strategies, properties, and scalable device applications
Authors: Rhee Dongjoon , Jariwala Deep , Cho Jeong Ho , Kang Joohoon
Published: April 2024

Solution-based processing of two-dimensional (2D) materials has garnered significant interest as a facile and versatile route for the large-scalable production of 2D material films. Despite the benefits in process, these films were not considered suitable for device applications during the early stages of research because their electronic properties were far from those of 2D materials obtained through micromechanical exfoliation or chemical vapor deposition. Due to the small lateral dimensions and polydisperse thickness of constituent 2D nanosheets, the resulting film tends to be porous and exhibits numerous inter-sheet junctions, primarily contacting edge-to-edge. This nanosheet morphology leads to poor electrical conductivity of the network, and also hinders the film functioning as a semiconductor or an insulator. To produce ultrathin 2D nanosheets with narrow thickness distribution and large lateral sizes, various chemical exfoliation strategies have been explored, but these are limited by long process times, involvement of harsh chemicals, and/or undesired structural damage or phase changes. Recent breakthroughs in electrochemical exfoliation using tetraalkylammonium intercalants enabled the production of high-quality 2D nanosheets with structural characteristics favorable for producing ultrathin, conformal films of 2D materials, which allow for scalable production of high-performance electronic components that can readily be assembled into functional devices via solution-processing. In this review article, we aim to offer an extensive introduction solution-based processing techniques for acquiring 2D nanosheets, their subsequent assembly into thin films, and their diverse applications, primarily focusing on electronics and optoelectronics but also extending to other fields. Remaining challenges and potential avenues for advancement will also be discussed.
Properties and ceramic transformation of Si–Zr–O–C precursor ceramics with porous structure
Authors: Lin Jia , Wang Shuai , Jin Hua , Cui Shuyuan , Wang Rongwen , Yang Yihang , Huang Guimei , Wang Jinhuo
Published: April 2024

The preparation of ceramic materials with complex porous structures through photopolymerization-based 3D printing requires the development of stable and printable slurries. In this study, zirconium acetylacetonate was incorporated into the thiol vinyl organosilicon prepolymer to create a photosensitive Si–Zr–O–C slurry. Regarding the natural bone structures and the Tyson polygon principle, a gradient pore structure was designed and then printed using a digital light processing 3D printer. After printing, the effects of sintering temperatures on the phase composition and structure of Si–Zr–O–C ceramics were systematically investigated. Subsequently, a comparative analysis of structure and properties was performed on sintered samples with different zirconium acetylacetonate contents. The results revealed that the sample containing 30 wt. % zirconium acetylacetonate exhibited a higher compressive strength of 9.70 ± 0.28 MPa and a lower room temperature thermal conductivity of 0.528 W m−1 K−1. This study confirmed the significant potential of using 3D printing technology to prepare Si–Zr–O–C precursor ceramics with a porous structure.
Shrub leaf area and leaf vein trait trade-offs in response to the light environment in a vegetation transitional zone
Authors: Liu Dingyue , Zhao Chengzhang , Li Geyang , Chen Zhini , Wang Suhong , Huang Chenglu , Zhang Peixian
Published: April 2024

The leaf is an important site for energy acquisition and material transformation in plants. Leaf functional traits and their trade-off mechanisms reflect the resource utilisation efficiency and habitat adaptation strategies of plants, and contribute to our understanding of the mechanism by which the distribution pattern of plant populations in arid and semi-arid areas influences the evolution of vegetation structure and function. We selected two natural environments, the tree–shrub community canopy area and the shrub–grass community open area in the transition zone between the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and the Loess Plateau. We studied the trade-off relationships of leaf area with leaf midvein diameter and leaf vein density in Cotoneaster multiflorus using the standardised major axis (SMA) method. The results show that the growth pattern of C. multiflorus, which has small leaves of high density and extremely small vein diameters, in the open area. The water use efficiency and net photosynthetic rate of plants in the open area were significantly greater than those of plants growing in the canopy area. The adaptability of C. multiflorus to environments with high light and low soil water content reflects its spatial colonisation potential in arid and semiarid mountains.
Both external and internal factors induce heterogeneity in senescing leaves of deciduous trees
Authors: Mattila Heta , Khorobrykh Sergey , Tyystjärvi Esa
Published: April 2024

Autumn senescence is characterised by spatial and temporal heterogeneity. We show that senescing birch (Betula spp.) leaves had lower PSII activity (probed by the FV/FM chlorophyll a fluorescence parameter) in late autumn than in early autumn. We confirmed that PSII repair slows down with decreasing temperature, while rates of photodamage and recovery, measured under laboratory conditions at 20°C, were similar in these leaves. We propose that low temperatures during late autumn hinder repair and lead to accumulation of non-functional PSII units in senescing leaves. Fluorescence imaging of birch revealed that chlorophyll preferentially disappeared from inter-veinal leaf areas. These areas showed no recovery capacity and low non-photochemical quenching while green veinal areas of senescing leaves resembled green leaves. However, green and yellow leaf areas showed similar values of photochemical quenching. Analyses of thylakoids isolated from maple (Acer platanoides) leaves showed that red, senescing leaves contained high amounts of carotenoids and α-tocopherol, and our calculations suggest that α-tocopherol was synthesised during autumn. Thylakoids isolated from red maple leaves produced little singlet oxygen, probably due to the high antioxidant content. However, the rate of PSII photodamage did not decrease. The data show that the heterogeneity of senescing leaves must be taken into account to fully understand autumn senescence.
Co-designing a Health Journey Mapping resource for culturally safe health care with and for First Nations people
Authors: Cormick Alyssa , Graham Amy , Stevenson Tahlee , Owen Kelli , O’Donnell Kim , Kelly Janet
Published: April 2024

Background Many healthcare professionals and services strive to improve cultural safety of care for Australia’s First Nations people. However, they work within established systems and structures that do not reliably meet diverse health care needs nor reflect culturally safe paradigms. Journey mapping approaches can improve understanding of patient/client healthcare priorities and care delivery challenges from healthcare professionals’ perspectives leading to improved responses that address discriminatory practices and institutional racism. This project aimed to review accessibility and usability of the existing Managing Two Worlds Together (MTWT) patient journey mapping tools and resources, and develop new Health Journey Mapping (HJM) tools and resources. Method Four repeated cycles of collaborative participatory action research were undertaken using repeated cycles of look and listen, think and discuss, take action together. A literature search and survey were conducted to review accessibility and usability of MTWT tools and resources. First Nations patients and families, and First Nations and non-First Nations researchers, hospital and university educators and healthcare professionals (end users), reviewed and tested HJM prototypes, shaping design, format and focus. Results The MTWT tool and resources have been used across multiple health care, research and education settings. However, many users experienced initial difficulty engaging with the tool and offered suggested improvements in design and usability. End user feedback on HJM prototypes identified the need for three distinct mapping tools for three different purposes: clinical care, detailed care planning and strategic mapping, to be accompanied by comprehensive resource materials, instructional guides, videos and case study examples. These were linked to continuous quality improvement and accreditation standards to enhance uptake in healthcare settings. Conclusion The new HJM tools and resources effectively map diverse journeys and assist recognition and application of strengths-based, holistic and culturally safe approaches to health care.
Perceptions of general practitioners towards managing dental presentations in Australia: a qualitative study
Authors: Biezen Ruby , Leong Angel , Teoh Leanne
Published: April 2024

Background Patients presenting with dental pain are common in general practice, despite dental infections being most appropriately managed with dental treatment to address the cause of the infection. Although antibiotics are not appropriate for the management of localised toothache without signs of systemic spread, general practitioners (GPs) often prescribe antibiotics and analgesics for the management of dental pain. The aim of this study was to explore GPs’ perceptions and management of dental presentations in Australia. Methods Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs across Victoria, Australia, between October 2022 and January 2023. Data were thematically analysed. Results The study found that dental pain was the most common presenting complaint for patients attending general practice with a dental problem. Five major themes were identified in this study: knowledge, beliefs about capabilities, emotion, environmental context and resources, and social influences/social professional role and identity. In terms of knowledge and capabilities, GPs would advise patients to seek dental care, as they are aware that antibiotics would not resolve the underlying issue. Challenges for GPs included limited training in oral and dental treatment, as well as emotions, such as patient anxiety and phobia resulting in patients seeking dental care through a GP rather than a dentist. Barriers due to the context, such as access to dental care, long waiting lists within the public dental system and cost, were some of the reasons patients present to general practice rather than a seeing a dentist. Furthermore, issues that influenced GPs’ antibiotic prescribing included patients’ expectations for antibiotics to treat their dental pain, as well as dentists advising their patients to attend their GP for antibiotics prior to dental treatment. Conclusions This study identified factors that influenced GPs’ management of patients with dental conditions. To address these issues, it is imperative to develop interventions addressing patients’ knowledge around oral health, as well as providing improved access to dental care for these patients.
Non-destructive three-dimensional imaging of artificially degraded CdS paints by pump-probe microscopy
Authors: Zhou Yue , Grass David , Warren Warren S , Fischer Martin C
Published: April 2024

Cadmium sulfide (CdS) pigments have degraded in several well-known artworks, but the influence of pigment properties and environmental conditions on the degradation process have yet to be fully understood. Traditional non-destructive analysis techniques primarily focus on macroscopic degradation, whereas microscopic information is typically obtained with invasive techniques that require sample removal. Here, we demonstrate the use of pump-probe microscopy to nondestructively visualize the three-dimensional structure and degradation progress of CdS pigments in oil paints. CdS pigments, reproduced following historical synthesis methods, were reproduced as oil paints and artificially aged by exposure to high relative humidity and light. The degradation of CdS to CdSO4·xH2O was confirmed by both FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared) and XPS (x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) experiments. During the degradation process, optical pump-probe microscopy was applied to track the degradation progress in single grains, and volumetric imaging revealed early CdS degradation of small particles and on the surface of large particles. This indicates that the particle dimension influences the extent and evolution of degradation of historical CdS. In addition, the pump-probe signal decrease in degraded CdS is observable before visible changes to the eye, demonstrating that pump-probe microscopy is a promising tool to detect early-stage degradation in artworks.
The Quebec Semantic Memory Battery: Development, Standardization, and Psychometric Assessment of a Semantic Memory Battery in French
Authors: Monetta Laura , Boland Angela , Macoir Joël , Sheppard Christine L , Taler Vanessa
Published: April 2024

Objective

People with aphasia often experience semantic memory (SM) impairment. To improve diagnostic outcomes, SM tasks should recruit various sensory input channels (oral, written, and pictographic), permitting accessible, complete evaluation. There is a need for SM batteries for French-speaking Quebecers that use multiple input channels. The present study, therefore, describes the development of a novel French-language semantic battery: la Batterie québécoise de la mémoire sémantique (BQMS), the assessment of the BQMS’s psychometric properties, and the establishment of normative data for the BQMS.

Method

We first developed eight SM tasks. Following a pilot validation study, we determined the BQMS’s reliability and validity, to ensure consistent, accurate detection of SM impairment. Among French-speaking Quebecers with cerebrovascular aphasia (n = 10), people with the semantic variant of Primary Progressive Aphasia (n = 4), and healthy controls (n = 14), we examined its convergent validity, concurrent validity, test–retest reliability, and internal consistency. Finally, we established normative data for the BQMS by calculating cut-off scores per task that indicate SM impairment (in 93 cognitively healthy French-speaking Quebecers), stratified by sociodemographic variables associated with performance.

Results

The BQMS shows high concurrent, discriminant, and convergent validity, as well as good test–retest reliability and internal consistency. The cut-off score indicating SM impairment ranged from the 2nd to 25th percentiles (stratified by task, age, and sex).

Conclusions

The BQMS’s psychometric properties indicate that it could be a valuable clinical tool for detecting SM impairment. Our normative data will help clinicians detect such impairments.
A Case Report of Autoimmune Encephalitis after Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination: The Role of Cognitive Impairments in the Diagnostic Process
Authors: Di Tella Marialaura , Nahi Ylenia Camassa , Paglia Gabriella , Geminiani Giuliano Carlo
Published: April 2024

Objective

Autoimmune encephalitis includes a heterogeneous group of rare and complex diseases, usually presenting with severe and disabling symptoms, such as behavioral changes, cognitive deficits, and seizures.

Method

This report presents the case of a 26-year-old man who was diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (<40 days). Symptoms first appeared in February 2022 with a temporal seizure, associated with confusion and memory loss. Psychiatric manifestations such as disorientation and altered thought contents emerged soon after.

Results

Neuroimaging testing showed signs of hypometabolism in occipital, prefrontal, and temporal regions, whereas an extensive neuropsychological assessment revealed the presence of multiple alterations in memory, executive, and visuoconstructive processes.

Conclusions

In this case, a combination of neuroimaging testing, psychiatric evaluation, and neuropsychological assessment provided evidence for a diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis post-vaccination. Early recognition is essential in order to prevent clinical progression; avoid intractable epilepsy, brain atrophy, and cognitive impairment; and improve prognosis.
Impact of Family Group Conference Referrals at Pre-Proceedings Stage on Child Outcomes: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Taylor Sarah , Blackshaw Emily , Dorsett Richard , Lawrence Hannah , Stern Daniel , Gilbert Lizzie , Raghoo Nilesh
Published: April 2024

Previous evidence on the impact of Family Group Conferencing in the UK cannot establish causality. This article presents results from the first UK randomised controlled trial of Family Group Conferences. All families entering pre-proceedings between September 2020 and May 2022 in twenty-one local authorities in England were eligible for inclusion in the trial. In total, 1,511 families were randomised and child outcomes were collected from administrative data until up to twenty-one months post-referral. Half of the families were randomly allocated to be referred for a Family Group Conference, on top of usual practice during pre-proceedings. The (pre-registered) primary outcome is the child’s looked-after status twelve months after the pre-proceedings letter. This was 8.6 percentage points lower among referred families (36.2 percent vs 44.8 percent). Children were also less likely to have care proceedings issued (59.2 percent vs 71.7 percent) and spent less time in care (87 vs. 115 days). However, there was no significant difference in whether a child’s living arrangement remained the same or changed in the months after the decision. These findings have implications for the support given to families during pre-proceedings; they provide evidence in favour of Family Group Conferences as a way to reduce the chances of children going into care.
Abortion Pills: Killing or Letting Die?
Authors: Hershenov David
Published: April 2024

Christian pro-lifers often respond to Thomson’s defense of abortion that the violinist is allowed to die while the embryo is killed. Boonin and McMahan counter that this distinction does not provide an objection to extraction abortions that disconnect embryos and allow them to die. I disagree. I first argue that letting die and killing are not to be distinguished by differences between acts and omissions, moral and immoral motives, intentional or unintentional deaths, and causing or not causing a pathology. I offer a taxonomy in which hysterotomies turn out to be killings. I then argue that if either the placenta is considered an organ of the embryo or the embryo is construed as a part of the pregnant woman, then abortion pills kill rather than allow death. So, assuming that killing people is morally worse than letting them die, extraction abortions can be condemned to the same degree as other abortions.
Cortical-cerebellar circuits changes in preschool ASD children by multimodal MRI
Authors: Yi Ting , Ji Changquan , Wei Weian , Wu Guangchung , Jin Ke , Jiang Guihua
Published: April 2024

Objective

To investigate the alterations in cortical-cerebellar circuits and assess their diagnostic potential in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods

We utilized diffusion basis spectrum imaging approaches, namely DBSI_20 and DBSI_combine, alongside 3D structural imaging to examine 31 autism spectrum disorder diagnosed patients and 30 healthy controls. The participants’ brains were segmented into 120 anatomical regions for this analysis, and a multimodal strategy was adopted to assess the brain networks using a multi-kernel support vector machine for classification.

Results

The results revealed consensus connections in the cortical-cerebellar and subcortical-cerebellar circuits, notably in the thalamus and basal ganglia. These connections were predominantly positive in the frontoparietal and subcortical pathways, whereas negative consensus connections were mainly observed in frontotemporal and subcortical pathways. Among the models tested, DBSI_20 showed the highest accuracy rate of 86.88%. In addition, further analysis indicated that combining the 3 models resulted in the most effective performance.

Conclusion

The connectivity network analysis of the multimodal brain data identified significant abnormalities in the cortical-cerebellar circuits in autism spectrum disorder patients. The DBSI_20 model not only provided the highest accuracy but also demonstrated efficiency, suggesting its potential for clinical application in autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.
Intolerance of uncertainty affects the behavioral and neural mechanisms of higher generalization
Authors: Wu Qi , Xu Lei , Wan Jiaming , Yu Zhang , Lei Yi
Published: April 2024

Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is associated with several anxiety disorders. In this study, we employed rewards and losses as unconditioned positive and negative stimuli, respectively, to explore the effects of an individual’s IU level on positive and negative generalizations using magnetic resonance imaging technology. Following instrumental learning, 48 participants (24 high IU; 24 low IU) were invited to complete positive and negative generalization tasks; their behavioral responses and neural activities were recorded by functional magnetic resonance imaging. The behavior results demonstrated that participants with high IUs exhibited higher generalizations to both positive and negative cues as compared with participants having low IUs. Neuroimaging results demonstrated that they exhibited higher activation levels in the right anterior insula and the default mode network (i.e. precuneus and posterior cingulate gyrus), as well as related reward circuits (i.e. caudate and right putamen). Therefore, higher generalization scores and the related abnormal brain activation may be key markers of IU as a vulnerability factor for anxiety disorders.
Identifying suicide attempter in major depressive disorder through machine learning: the importance of pain avoidance, event-related potential features of affective processing
Authors: Li Huanhuan , Wei Shijie , Sun Fang , Wan Jiachen , Guo Ting
Published: April 2024

How to achieve a high-precision suicide attempt classifier based on the three-dimensional psychological pain model is a valuable issue in suicide research. The aim of the present study is to explore the importance of pain avoidance and its related neural features in suicide attempt classification models among patients with major depressive disorder. By recursive feature elimination with cross-validation and support-vector-machine algorithms, scores from the measurements and the task-based EEG signals were chosen to achieve a suicide attempt classification model. In the multimodal suicide attempt classifier with an accuracy of 83.91% and an area under the curve of 0.90, pain avoidance ranked as the top one in the optimal feature set. Theta (reward positive feedback minus neutral positive feedback) was the shared neural representation ranking as the top one of event-related potential features in pain avoidance and suicide attempt classifiers. In conclusion, the suicide attempt classifier based on pain avoidance and its related affective processing neural features has excellent accuracy among patients with major depressive disorder. Pain avoidance is a stable and strong indicator for identifying suicide risks in both traditional analyses and machine-learning approaches. A novel methodology is needed to clarify the relationship between cognitive and affective processing evoked by punishment stimuli and pain avoidance.
Tracking the habituation of the event-related EEG potential in automatic change detection using an auditory two-tone oddball paradigm
Authors: Wagner-Altendorf Tobias A , Rein Marlitt , Skeries Valentina M , Cirkel Anna , Münte Thomas F , Heldmann Marcus
Published: April 2024

The mismatch negativity and the P3a of the event-related EEG potential reflect the electrocortical response to a deviant stimulus in a series of stimuli. Although both components have been investigated in various paradigms, these paradigms usually incorporate many repetitions of the same deviant, thus leaving open whether both components vary as a function of the deviant’s position in a series of deviant stimuli—i.e. whether they are subject to qualitative/quantitative habituation from one instantiation of a deviant to the next. This is so because the detection of mismatch negativity/P3a in the event-related EEG potential requires an averaging over dozens or hundreds of stimuli, i.e. over many instantiations of the deviant per participant. The present study addresses this research gap. We used a two-tone oddball paradigm implementing only a small number of (deviant) stimuli per participant, but applying it to a large number of participants (n > 230). Our data show that the mismatch negativity amplitude exhibits no decrease as a function of the deviant’s position in a series of (standard and) deviant stimuli. Importantly, only after the very first deviant stimulus, a distinct P3a could be detected, indicative of an orienting reaction and an attention shift, and thus documenting a dissociation of mismatch negativity and P3a.
The identification of novel schizophrenia-related metabolites using untargeted lipidomics
Authors: Shi Mengyao , Du Xiangdong , Jia Yiming , Zhang Yonghong , Jia Qiufang , Zhang Xiaobin , Zhu Zhengbao
Published: April 2024

Human lipidome still remains largely unexplored among Chinese schizophrenia patients. We aimed to identify novel lipid molecules associated with schizophrenia and cognition among schizophrenia patients. The current study included 96 male schizophrenia patients and 96 gender-matched healthy controls. Untargeted lipidomics profiling was conducted among all participants. Logistic regression models were used to assess metabolite associations with schizophrenia. We further assessed the incremental predictive value of identified metabolites beyond conventional risk factors on schizophrenia status. In addition, identified metabolites were tested for association with cognitive function among schizophrenia patients using linear regression models. A total of 34 metabolites were associated with schizophrenia. Addition of these identified metabolites to age, body mass index, smoking, and education significantly increased the risk reclassification of schizophrenia. Among the schizophrenia-related metabolites, 10 were further associated with cognition in schizophrenia patients, including four metabolites associated with immediate memory, two metabolites associated with delayed memory, three metabolites associated with visuospatial, four metabolites associated with language, one metabolite associated with attention, and two metabolites associated with the total score. Our findings provide novel insights into the biological mechanisms of schizophrenia, suggesting that lipid metabolites may serve as potential diagnostic or therapeutic targets of schizophrenia.
From fever to action: diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of acute undifferentiated febrile illnesses
Authors: Barathan Muttiah
Published: April 2024

Acute Undifferentiated Febrile Illness (AUFI) presents a clinical challenge, often characterized by sudden fever, non-specific symptoms, and potential life-threatening implications. This review highlights the global prevalence, types, challenges, and implications of AUFI, especially in tropical and subtropical regions where infectious diseases thrive. It delves into the difficulties in diagnosis, prevalence rates, regional variations, and potential causes, ranging from bacterial and viral infections to zoonotic diseases. Furthermore, it explores treatment strategies, preventive measures, and the critical role of the One Health approach in addressing AUFI. The paper also addresses the emerging zoonotic risks and ongoing outbreaks, including COVID-19, Rickettsia spp., and other novel pathogens, emphasizing their impact on AUFI diagnosis and management. Challenges in resource-limited settings are analyzed, highlighting the need for bolstered healthcare infrastructure, enhanced diagnostics, and collaborative One Health strategies. Amidst the complexity of emerging zoonotic threats, this review underscores the urgency for a multifaceted approach to mitigate the growing burden of AUFI, ensuring early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and effective prevention strategies.
The last gasp of the Rogaland Igneous Complex, Norway: a palaeopole for the 920 Ma Tellnes intrusion
Authors: Brown Laurie L , McEnroe Suzanne A , Robinson Peter
Published: April 2024

The Rogaland Igneous Complex (RIC) in southern Norway intruded into Sveconorwegian granulite crust beginning ∼930 Ma. Three massif anorthosite bodies, Egersund–Ogna, Helleren and Åna-Sira, were intruded some 10 Myr later by the Bjerkreim–Sokndal layered intrusion. The Garsaknatt leuconorite and the ilmenite-rich Tellnes norite, one of the youngest rock in the complex at ∼920 Ma, intrude the anorthosite or nearby country rock. Magnetic mineralogy and palaeomagnetic studies carried out on the Tellnes norite, the Garsaknatt leuconorite and the surrounding Åna-Sira anorthosite, indicate the magnetization of all three bodies are dominated by hemo-ilmenite carrying the remanence as a thermochemical remanent magnetization, although magnetite is present in some samples. The three bodies yield steep negative inclinations with northwesterly declinations (Tellnes, I = −71.9°, D = 305.0°, α95 = 10.6°; Garsaknatt, I = −73.1°, D = 312.7°, α95 = 4.7°; and Åna-Sira, I = −81.2°, D = 326.3°, α95 = 6.7°). When combined with data from other bodies in the RIC, the older anorthosites have steeper inclinations, and higher palaeolatitudes, while the younger units have less steep inclinations and shallower palaeolatitudes by nearly 10°, indicating northward plate motion during cooling of the intrusions. Age of the remanence is difficult to determine precisely, however, best estimates are ∼910 Ma for the older anorthosites and ∼900 Ma for the younger intrusions. Although these differences are significant, a unified pole position (35.6° N, 215.1° E), combining all the 111 sites from the RIC, strongly supports the assumed position of southern Baltica in Rodinia at ∼900 MA.
Wind power error compensation prediction model based on CEEMD-SE-ELM-TCN
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Yang Mingjie , Liu Ning , Guo Rui , Gu Bingling
Published: April 2024

Wind power generation holds immense importance in addressing the issue of global energy shortage, while precise wind power forecasting proves essential for effective management and dependable operation of wind power networks. This study introduces a hybrid deep learning model, encompassing complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition (CEEMD), sample entropy (SE), extreme learning machine (ELM) and time convolutional network (TCN), for accurately predicting short-term wind power output. First, CEEMD decomposed the original wind power into multiple submodes, which effectively reduced the series volatility. Then, the SE of intrinsic mode function sequence is calculated, and the subsequences with similar complexity are superimposed to reduce the calculation cost, improve the simulation accuracy and reduce the noise of the original wind power sequence. Secondly, the ELM model is established for each submode, and the prediction error of BiLSTM is predicted again using TCN to improve the efficiency and prediction performance of the hybrid model. Finally, the outcomes of each individual submode are amalgamated to yield the ultimate prediction outcome. To showcase the efficacy and dominance of the error compensation technique, several comparison models were established in the experiment. The results demonstrated that the suggested hybrid model exhibits superior predictive accuracy in the domain of wind power prediction. Compared with the comparison model, the improvement in MAPE and RMSE was 60.50 and 77.74%, respectively.
Investigating the influence of the gut microbiome on cholelithiasis: unveiling insights through sequencing and predictive modeling
Authors: Boyang Hu , Yanjun Yao , Jing Zhuang , Chenxin Yan , Ying Mei , Shuwen Han , Qiang Yan
Published: April 2024

Background

Cholelithiasis is one of the most common disorders of hepatobiliary system. Gut bacteria may be involved in the process of gallstone formation and are, therefore considered as potential targets for cholelithiasis prediction.

Objective

To reveal the correlation between cholelithiasis and gut bacteria.

Methods

Stool samples were collected from 100 cholelithiasis and 250 healthy individuals from Huzhou Central Hospital; The 16S rRNA of gut bacteria in the stool samples was sequenced using the third-generation Pacbio sequencing platform; Mothur v.1.21.1 was used to analyze the diversity of gut bacteria; Wilcoxon rank-sum test and linear discriminant analysis of effect sizes (LEfSe) were used to analyze differences in gut bacteria between patients suffering from cholelithiasis and healthy individuals; Chord diagram and Plot-related heat maps were used to analyze the correlation between cholelithiasis and gut bacteria; six machine algorithms were used to construct models to predict cholelithiasis.

Results

There were differences in the abundance of gut bacteria between cholelithiasis and healthy individuals, but there were no differences in their community diversity. Increased abundance of Costridia, Escherichia flexneri, and Klebsiella pneumonae were found in cholelithiasis, while Bacteroidia, Phocaeicola, and Phocaeicola vulgatus were more abundant in healthy individuals. The top four bacteria that were most closely associated with cholelithiasis were Escherichia flexneri, Escherichia dysenteriae, Streptococcus salivarius, and Phocaeicola vulgatus. The cholelithiasis model based on CatBoost algorithm had the best prediction effect (sensitivity: 90.48%, specificity: 88.32%, and AUC: 0.962).

Conclusion

The identification of characteristic gut bacteria may provide new predictive targets for gallstone screening. As being screened by the predictive model, people at high risk of cholelithiasis can determine the need for further testing, thus enabling early warning of cholelithiasis.