bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Each part of Coronary Artery Calcification Detection from non-contrast CT images using Real-time Segmentation by Spatial Attention and Parallel Convolution
Authors: Asakawa Tetsuya , Hashimoto Masashi , Miyaji Takeshi , Nomura Kei , Shimizu Kazuki , Aono Masaki 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In medical imaging diagnosis, specialists take images of patients and make a diagnosis from the images. In particular, to detect calcification in the coronary arteries, coronary angiography is used. This method places a great physical burden on the patient because it uses contrast agents. Therefore, we attempt to detect calcification using real-time semantic segmentation of the coronary arteries using non-contrast CT images. And, semantic segmentation is an image recognition technique that classifies each pixel in an image. This technique plays an important role in the fields of automated driving and medicine. However, the computational resources available for its application are limited. The current challenge is to develop models that are not only accurate, but also lightweight and fast. DDRNet (Deep Dual-Resolution Net) is a real-time segmentation method inspired by HRNet, (High-Resolution Net), a highly accurate method with a multi-resolution substructure. DDRNet aims to achieve both accuracy 1 and real-time performance by by reducing the number of resolutions used in the subnetworks and by performing feature extraction more efficiently than HRNet. However, DDRNet is less accurate than non-lightweight models, especially in small object recognition. Therefore, this research aimed to improve the accuracy of DDRNet while maintaining its lightweight and high computation speed. We conducted experiments on a coronary calcification dataset using DDR-SAPC-U as our proposed model, which is a modified version of the proposed method specialized for medical imaging with the addition of a skip connection. Results, DDR-SAPC-U as our proposed used a self-created non-contrast coronary artery calcification dataset Dataset to evaluate IoU, mIoU, number of model parameters , and computational complexity (GFLOPs), and demonstrated superiority over conventional methods. In particular, DDR-SAPC-U as our proposed model improved the accuracy of left anterior descending artery calcification by 7.59 points compared to the conventional method. In addition, we visually confirmed the improvement in detection accuracy by visualizing the detection results.
Assessing the impact of group antenatal care on uptake of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy in Atlantique Department, Benin, 2021-2023: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gutman Julie R , Onikpo Faustin , Alao Manzidatou , Niemczura Julie , Suhowatsky Stephanie , Buekens Julie , Adeyemi Marie , Wolf Katherine , Dentinger Catherine , Binazon Alexandre , Amoussou Eunice , Alihounou Odette Aimee , Emerson Courtney , Hassani Ahmed Saadani , Houetohossou Camille , Affoukou Cyriaque D. , Winch Peter J , Ogouyèmi-Hounto Aurore 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In 2022, an estimated 35.4 million pregnancies occurred in malaria endemic sub-Saharan Africa, but only 42% received the WHO recommended ≥3 doses of intermittent preven tive treatment (IPTp3). Group Antenatal Care (G-ANC) is a service delivery model associated with higher quality of and greater retention in ANC, in which pregnant women are enrolled into groups at their first ANC visit and subsequent care is provided in groups. A cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted in Atlantique Department, Benin, to assess whether G-ANC improved ANC retention and IPTp3 uptake at community level.
Forty purposively selected health facilities (HF) were randomized 1:1 to control (individual ANC) or G-ANC. Cross-sectional household surveys to measure uptake of ANC and IPTp were conducted in each HF catchment area before and after implementation among randomly selected women who had given birth in the previous 12 months. Changes in coverage were assessed using a difference-in-difference approach, adjusting for HF clustering.
At baseline (N=1259), coverage of at least 4 ANC visits (ANC4) and IPTp3 was 52.8% and 48.0%, respectively, in the intervention catchment, and 44.9% and 49.4% in the control catchment. Coverage of ANC4 improved in both arms by endline (N= 1280), to 56.7% in the intervention and 46.1% in the control, but the difference in the increase was not significant between arms (p=0.51). Coverage of IPTp3 increased non-significantly (p=0.26), to 53.2% (intervention) and 49.7% (control). Overall, only 140 (10.6%) surveyed women reported participating in G-ANC. Participation improved coverage of both ANC4 (65.0% vs 50.5%, p=0.002; odds ratio (OR) 1.9, 95% CI 1.4-2.5) and IPTp3 (64.0 vs 50.6%, p=0.004; OR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.6).
G-ANC increased ANC attendance and IPTp3 uptake among women who participated, but participation was limited. Understanding and addressing the barriers to participation is critical if G-ANC is to be used more widely to increase IPTp coverage.
Trial Registration: PACTR202405487752509 (retrospectively registered)
Hybrid ML-DL Approach for Android Malware Detection
Authors: Kumar Harsh , Chopan Aijaz Ahmad 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Since the proliferation of Android malware has posed a major threat to mobile security in recent years, robust detection solutions need to be created. The main tool being utilized in this research to detect Android malware is app permissions. Information about the permissions that Android applications request is the primary signal in the dataset for distinguishing between malicious and benign applications. Through the use of a machine learning model developed by analyzing the connection between specific permissions and malware activity, apps are categorized as either safe or possibly dangerous. By using supervised learning approaches to evaluate the prediction potential of permission patterns, the proposed method offers a portable and efficient malware detection solution. Experimental results show that the model may accurately detect malware, providing a potential avenue to enhance permission-based Android security solutions.
Early peak of tannin content and gene expression related to tannin biosynthesis in table grape skin during berry development
Authors: Kang Yurim , Huh Sun Mi , Mun Jeong-Hwan , Kwon Ye-Eun , Im Dongjun , Kim Jiin , Choi Byung-Jae , Yim Bomi , Hur Youn Young , Yu Hee-Ju 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Low astringency, a consumer-preferred trait of table grapes, is primarily influenced by the type and concentration of condensed tannins in the skins and seeds of grape berries. Tannin biosynthesis in grapevines involves complex enzymatic processes and the expression of genes encoding these enzymes is temporally and spatially regulated during berry development. Since table grapes are consumed with their skins, the development of efficient tools to select table grape accessions with less astringent skins is of great benefit to breeding programs.
Results
To develop biochemical and molecular tools for rapid and accurate selection of less astringent grape genotypes, we investigated changes in polymeric tannin content (PTC) and the transcriptome in the berry skins of two table grape cultivars with different astringencies: Tano Red (non-astringent) and Ruby Seedless (astringent), throughout berry development at four time points. Using the methylcellulose precipitation assay, we found that Ruby Seedless had consistently higher total PTC than Tano Red at all developmental stages, peaking two weeks after full bloom (2 WAFB) and gradually decreasing until 15 WAFB. These patterns were also observed in two hybrid progenies from a cross between Tano Red and Ruby Seedless, as well as in four additional table grape cultivars. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the genes related to the tannin biosynthesis pathway were most highly expressed at 2 WAFB in Ruby Seedless compared to Tano Red, and these genes were correlated within a co-expression network. qPCR analysis confirmed early and elevated expression of genes involved in flavan-3-ol monomer formation (ANR and LAR) and its galloylation (SCPL-AT) at 2 WAFB in astringent table grape cultivars.
Conclusions
These results show that tannin accumulation and expression of tannin pathway genes in the berry skin peak in the early stage of berry development in the astringent table grapes. The correlation between total PTC and the expression levels of ANR, LAR, and SCPL-AT suggests that the combination of total PTC measurement with the expression levels of marker genes in the berry skin could serve as a practical selection tool for breeding less astringent grape cultivars.
D3A-TS: Denoising-Driven Data Augmentation in Time Series
Authors: Solís-Martín David , Galán-Páez Juan , Borrego-Díaz Joaquín 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

It has been demonstrated that the amount of data is crucial in data-driven machine learning methods. Data is always valuable, but in some tasks, it is almost like gold. This occurs in engineering areas where data is scarce or very expensive to obtain, such as predictive maintenance, where faults are rare. In this context, a mechanism to generate synthetic data can be very useful. While in fields such as Computer Vision or Natural Language Processing synthetic data generation has been extensively explored with promising results, in other domains such as time series it has received less attention. Previous works have proposed techniques like geometric transformations, interpolation, and generative models like GANs and VAEs for time series data augmentation. However, the use of denoising models, particularly Diffusion Probabilistic Models (DPMs), remains largely unexplored in this context. This work specifically focuses on studying and analyzing the use of different techniques for data augmentation in time series for classification and regression problems. The proposed D3A-TS methodology involves the use of DPMs, which have recently achieved successful results in the field of Image Processing, for data augmentation in time series. Additionally, the use of meta-attributes to condition the data augmentation process is investigated. The results highlight the high utility of this methodology in creating synthetic data to train classification and regression models. To assess the results, six different datasets from diverse domains were employed, showcasing versatility in terms of input size and output types. Finally, an extensive ablation study is conducted to further support the obtained outcomes.
GDNF alleviates depression in Parkinson's disease by inhibiting α-synuclein aggregation and facilitating DA transmission from VTA to NAc
Authors: Chen J , Ling Z , Lv MK , Xu W , Chen SZ , Shao L , Ma ZF , Wang CX , Song YJ , Tang CX 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background Dopamine (DA) transmission from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is strongly implicated in the development of depression in Parkinson's disease (PD). We have observed a decrease in DA levels caused by alpha-synuclein (α-syn) aggregation, which has received limited attention regarding its association with depression in PD. This study investigated the role of VTA-related α-syn aggregation in depression of PD, and explored whether gial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) can inhibit α-syn aggregation thereby improving depressive symptoms.
Methods Here, α-syn aggregation and GDNF overexpression were induced in the VTA of C57BL/6J mice using adeno-associated viruses (AAV-SNCA, AAV-GDNF). Depression-like behavior was then evaluated, and the distribution of VTA- and NAc-related proteins, along with DA levels, were quantified. Subsequently, AAV-SNCA, AAV-GDNF, and cis-tracer virus were delivered into the VTA of DAT-cre mice via a cannula. The fluorescence intensity of the tracer in the VTA and NAc, as well as its colocalization with glutamate decarboxylase 67 isoforms (GAD67), were observed. Finally, in D2-cre mice, AAV-SNCA was injected into the VTA, and chemogenetic virus was infused into the ipsilateral NAc; depression-like behavior was then assessed before and after intraperitoneal administration of Clozapine N-oxide (CNO) in these mice.
Results The mice with increased phosphorylated-α-syn (p-α-syn) in the VTA exhibited depressiion-like behavior, along with decreased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the VTA, reduced expression of synapse-associated proteins and dopamine D2-type receptor (D2R) in the NAc, and diminished levels of DA in both the VTA and NAc. However, GDNF overexpression in the VTA, led to a decrease in p-α-syn expression and reversed the aforementioned phenomena. Furthermore, results from cis-tracer virus and Immunofluorescence (IF) assay revealed a reduction in transmission of DA from the VTA to the NAc in mice with α-syn aggregation, which can be reversed by GDNF overexpression. Additionally, chemogenetic virus-induced activation of D2R in the NAc significantly ameliorated depression-like behavior due to α-syn aggregation in the VTA.
Conclusions The aggregation of α-syn within the VTA may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of depression in PD, while GDNF can alleviate depression by inhibiting α-syn aggregation.
Synthesis and structural analysis of dinucleotides containing 2′,3′-trans-bridged nucleic acids (2′,3′-trans-BNAs) with trans-5,6- or 5,7-fused ring skeleton
Authors: Obika Satoshi , Osawa Takashi , Nakasishi Ryota 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Artificial nucleic acids in which the conformation of the sugar or phosphate backbone of the oligonucleotide is appropriately fixed can form stable duplexes. In this study, we designed dinucleotides containing 2′,3′-trans-bridged nucleic acids (2′,3′-trans-BNAs) based on the idea that the sugar conformation and torsions angles δ, ε, ζ, α, and β of the backbone can be controlled by a 5,6- or 5,7-membered trans-fused ring skeleton cyclized between the 2′- and 3′-positions of the sugar moiety. Given that the construction of trans-5,6-fused ring skeletons is synthetically challenging, the synthesis was optimized and a detailed structural analysis of these new bridged 2′,3′-trans-BNA systems was conducted. The 2′,3′-trans-BNAs could be synthesized from a commercially available D-glucose derivative with the key intramolecular gold-catalyzed cyclization reaction achieved using a cyclization precursor bearing an intramolecular hydroxy group and an internal alkyne. Structural analysis of the 2′,3′-trans-BNAs showed an N-type sugar conformation for all the derivatives, which is similar to that in RNA-duplex, and the ζ and α torsion angles for the 2′,3′-trans-BNAs were a characteristic feature of the compounds that differ from the corresponding angles of the natural duplexes.
Evaluation of the Age-Dependence of Conventional and Novel Photoplethysmography Parameters for the Identification of New Cardiovascular Ageing Indicators
Authors: Antali Flóra , Kulin Dániel , Kulin Sándor , Miklós Zsuzsanna 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background:Cardiovascular (CV) mortality increases with age partly due to physiological ageing of the CV system. Early vascular ageing raises CV risks. Personalizing CV risk assessment by defining CV age could reduce CV events. Photoplethysmography (PPG), analyzing the peripheral arterial pulse wave may be an effective method for estimating CV age. Ageing index and some other PPG parameters were proven to have age correlation; however, the age dependence of many other pulse wave parameters remains unclear. We aimed to identify age correlations of PPG indices and pulse rate variability (PRV) parameters including few novel parameters which were calculated to further investigate the various aspects of CV ageing.
Our study included 118 healthy (M/F:53/65, mean age:31.8±11.8SD) volunteers for PPG parameter calculation and 106 (M/F:44/62, mean age:32.6±12.2SD) for PRV parameters (age:19-74). 2-minute pulse wave recording was obtained using a pulse oximeter. An automated, proprietary software evaluated PPG and PRV parameter values, which were compared with age (Pearson’s correlation).
Results: PPG parameters describing cardiac ejection time positively correlated with age, while those indicating arterial elasticity showed negative correlation. Composite PPG parameters proposed as indicators of CV health and fitness had negative correlation. (p<0.001, IrI>0.4) Most PRV parameters exhibited negative correlation, indicating reduced adaptive capacity due to ageing. (p<0.05, IrI>0.3)
Conclusions: PPG-based pulse waveform analysis provides a wide range of age-related parameters, making it a promising method for estimating cardiovascular age. Future studies will include subjects with vascular ageing conditions beyond physiological values (e.g., hypertension, heart failure, coronary artery disease).
Nitrogen removal performance and changes in microbial community structure of a single-stage partial nitrification-anammox (PNA) process for treating municipal wastewater with an extremely low carbon- to-nitrogen ratio
Authors: Sun Yiqiang , Ma Yongguang , Cao Youwei , Liu Shiyue , Tian Xueyong , Dai Bowen 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The high operating costs and energy requirements of the nitrification-denitrification method in municipal wastewater treatment cannot meet the goal of sustainable development. Therefore, it has become a research hotspot to achieve efficient and energy-saving nitrogen removal through an Anammox-based autotrophic denitrification process in mainstream wastewater treatment. In this study, a single-stage partial nitrification-anaerobic ammonia oxidation process with continuous anaerobic/anoxic feeding and N2H4 control was established. The nitrogen removal performance of two types of reactors with flocs sludge- fixed biofilm and fixed biofilm was compared. The flocs sludge-fixed biological carrier PNA process successfully reduced total inorganic nitrogen to 13.6 mg/L, with a nitrogen removal efficiency of 73.58% and a nitrogen removal load of 0.176 kg-N/m3/d, in a hydraulic retention time of 4.58 h. The fixed-biological-carrier PNA process successfully reduced the total inorganic nitrogen to 7.6 mg/L, with a nitrogen removal efficiency of 77.58% and a nitrogen removal load of 0.24 kg-N/m3/d, within a hydraulic retention time of 3.67 h. Overall, this study confirms that fixed-biomass technology has more efficient nitrogen removal performance and more stable bacterial enrichment than flocs-sludge-fixed-biomass technology through continuous feeding mode. These findings are of great significance for the engineering application of the mainstream anaerobic ammonia oxidation process.
Going More Deeper With Convolutions for Network in Network
Authors: kouka neji , khalfa jawaher ben , hajlaoui jalel eddine 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Network in Network is an important extension of the deep convolution neural network that uses a shallow multilayer perceptron (MLP), a nonlinear function, to replace the linear filter. In this article, we propose to replace convolution layers with convolution modules. The main feature of this architecture is the improved utilization of computing resources inside the network. This has been achieved through a carefully crafted design that allows for increased network depth and width while keeping the compute budget constant. The experimental results on the CIFAR10 dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method
On the Stability of Mathematical Modelling of Influenza
Authors: Maji Dipak , Ghosh Aditya 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In this work, a non-linear mathematical model is considered containing susceptible, Infected, vaccinated and recovered classes for influenza. Positivity and Boundedness is established for the model. The basic reproduction number is found for different equilibrium point and its effect on stability is established for disease free and endemic equilibrium point. An attempt has taken for global stability of the model also. Numerical simulation has been done for establishing the mathematical claim.
Potential causal relationships between leisure sedentary behavior, physical activity, and gastrointestinal diseases: a mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Yuxin , Yang Qingluo , Wang Mingming 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective: The present study aims to investigate the potential causal relationships between leisure sedentary behaviors (LSB), physical activity (PA), and gastrointestinal diseases (GDs) using Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. This will contribute to a better understanding of the effects of LSB and PA on gastrointestinal health.
Methods: Summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were utilized in a two-sample MR analysis to investigate the causal relationships between LSB and PA with 15 GDs. Three MR methods, including inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median (WM), and MR-Egger, were employed to assess the causal effects of PA and LSB on GDs. Sensitivity analyses, such as WM, MR-Egger intercept, Cochran's Q test, and MR-PRESSO, were conducted to enhance robustness and address pleiotropy.
Results: The study identified potential causal links between LSB and specific GDs. Leisure television viewing was linked to increased risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease, acute and chronic pancreatitis, cholelithiasis, and cholecystitis with cholelithiasis. In contrast, computer use showed potential protective effects against gastroesophageal reflux disease and acute gastritis. Moderate-to-vigorous PA was protective against diverticular disease, while vigorous PA was protective against acute pancreatitis, cholelithiasis, and cholecystitis with cholelithiasis. Seasonal variations in outdoor activity were associated with varying GDs risks.
Conclusion: This MR study provides evidence supporting potential causal relationships between LSB, PA, and various GDs. These findings highlight the importance of reducing LSB, engaging in moderate PA, and considering seasonal variations in outdoor activity to promote gastrointestinal health. Further studies are warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and inform public health interventions.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the efficacy of a modified live virus vaccine Ingelvac PRRS® MLV against Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus in Asia
Authors: Li Chaosi , Kunze Marius , Zhou Lei , Sun Yingfeng , Li Xiangdong , Chai Weidong , Fang Shuhe , Chen Kai , Qian Jie , Fan Aihua 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is an important swine pathogen affecting the global swine industry. The aim of this investigation was, through a meta-analysis, to review the published literature concerning the overall efficacy of Ingelvac PRRS® MLV in eastern and southeastern Asian countries. The review was restricted to studies investigating the efficacy of PRRSV vaccines in eastern and southeastern Asian countries published from 2014 to 2024. Important covariates were: type of challenge, age at vaccination, pathogenic PRRSV strains,the Lineage of PRRSV-2 infection, days of vaccine to and days of challenge to sacrifice (day 7, day 14, or day 21). A total of 18 papers met the inclusion criteria. Significant higher ADWG with an average of 116.81 g/ day and lower rectal temperature (-0.53 ℃) were observed in the vaccinated pigs than their unvaccinated counterparts. Overall MML score was significantly reduced by 19.05% points and the average maximum PRRSV RNA copies were 1.33 log10 lower in vaccinated pigs. These findings confirm the effectiveness of Ingelvac PRRS® MLV against heterologous PRRSV infection by improving growth performance, decreasing the duration of viremia, and reducing gross lung lesions under both experimental and field conditions.