bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Segmentation and Classification of Breast Masses From the Whole Mammography Images Using Transfer Learning and BI‐RADS Characteristics
Authors: Oudjer Hayette , Cherfa Assia , Cherfa Yazid , Belkhamsa Noureddine 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBreast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women worldwide, highlighting the critical need for its accurate detection and early diagnosis. In this context, the segmentation of breast masses (the most common symptom of breast cancer) plays a crucial role in analyzing mammographic images. In addition, in image processing, the analysis of mammographic images is very common, but certain combinations of mathematical tools have never been exploited. We propose a computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) system designed with different and new algorithm combinations for the segmentation and classification of breast masses based on the Breast Imaging‐Reporting and Data System (BI‐RADS) lexicon. The image is initially divided into superpixels using the simple linear iterative clustering (SLIC) algorithm. Fine‐tuning of ResNet50, EfficientNetB2, MobileNetV2, and InceptionV3 models is employed to extract features from superpixels. The classification of each superpixel as background or breast mass is performed by feeding the extracted features into a support vector machine (SVM) classifier, resulting in an accurate primary segmentation for breast masses, refined by the GrabCut algorithm with automated initialization. Finally, we extract contour, texture, and shape parameters from the segmented regions for the classification of masses into BI‐Rads 2, 3, 4, and 5 using the gradient boost (GB) classifier while also examining the impact of the surrounding tissue. The proposed method was evaluated on the INBreast database, achieving a Dice score of 87.65% and a sensitivity of 87.96% for segmentation. For classification, we obtained a sensitivity of 88.66%, a precision of 90.51%, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 97.8%. The CAD system demonstrates high accuracy in both the segmentation and classification of breast masses, providing a reliable tool for aiding breast cancer diagnosis using the BI‐Rads lexicon. The study also showed that the surrounding tissue has an impact on classification, leading to the importance of choosing the right size of ROIs.
A COMPUTER GRAPHICS HUMAN FIGURE SYSTEM APPLICABLE TO KINESEOLOGY*
Authors: Fetter William A. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTA study of improved graphic representation of the human figure is being conducted which should be useful to teaching and research in kineseology. Special emphasis is given to applications requiring graphic representation and a variety of levels of detail as an aid to understanding any kineseological process in contest currently, a one thousand point figure data base has been developed in a degree of detail sufficient for displaying many types of motion as driven by a teacher/researcher own programs. Also for simpler gross body motion, a one hundred point figure has been developed for smaller display purposes. Similarly, a 10 and 1 point figure permits contextual situations such as groups of figures in interaction, queuing and for statistical display purposes.
A Deep Learning‐Based Approach to Characterize Skull Physical Properties: A Phantom Study
Authors: Aggrawal Deepika , Saint‐Martin Loïc , Manwar Rayyan , Siegel Amanda , Schonfeld Dan , Avanaki Kamran 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTTranscranial ultrasound imaging is a popular method to study cerebral functionality and diagnose brain injuries. However, the detected ultrasound signal is greatly distorted due to the aberration caused by the skull bone. The aberration mechanism mainly depends on thickness and porosity, two important skull physical characteristics. Although skull bone thickness and porosity can be estimated from CT or MRI scans, there is significant value in developing methods for obtaining thickness and porosity information from ultrasound itself. Here, we extracted various features from ultrasound signals using physical skull‐mimicking phantoms of a range of thicknesses with embedded porosity‐mimicking acoustic mismatches and analyzed them using machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models. The performance evaluation demonstrated that both ML‐ and DL‐trained models could predict the physical characteristics of a variety of skull phantoms with reasonable accuracy. The proposed approach could be expanded upon and utilized for the development of effective skull aberration correction methods.
Intratumoral administration of poly‐ICLC enhances the antitumor effects of anti‐PD‐1
Authors: Liu Shin‐Yun , Hsu Chia‐Lang , Yang Shih‐Feng , Lee Hsuan‐Shu , Sheu Jin‐Chuan , Weng Meng‐Tzu 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundImmune checkpoint inhibitors are effective to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) yet only successful in a small part of patients. This study aimed to investigate whether poly‐ICLC, an immune stimulant, can enhance the antitumor effects of anti‐PD‐1 on mouse HCC.MethodsWe established two syngeneic HCC mouse models with BNL cells in BALB/c mice and Hep‐55.1 C cells in C57BL/6 J mice. Mice with subcutaneous HCC tumors received one of five treatments: control, anti‐PD‐1, intratumoral (IT) poly‐ICLC, anti‐PD‐1 plus intramuscular (IM) poly‐ICLC, or anti‐PD‐1 plus IT poly‐ICLC. Tumor volumes were measured, CD8+ T lymphocytes in tumors and spleen were analyzed, and interferon‐γ activity was assessed by ELISpot. Immune cell types and abundance were evaluated with NanoString nCounter IO360 panels.ResultsCotreatment with poly‐ICLC significantly enhanced the antitumor effects of anti‐PD‐1, with IT administration being more effective than IM. IT poly‐ICLC also induced more significant CD8+ T cell infiltration and interferon‐γ activity in the tumor and spleen, and more upregulation of both interferon‐γ and M1 macrophage signals in the tumor microenvironment while downregulating several cancer‐promoting pathways.ConclusionsCombination therapy with poly‐ICLC, especially through IT route, and anti‐PD‐1 provides significantly greater antitumor effects than anti‐PD‐1 monotherapy in syngeneic mouse models of HCC.
Effects of biochar, N‐enriched biochar and urea on tomato seed germination, vegetative growth, and fruit traits
Authors: Fornes Fernando , Castejón‐del Pino Raúl , Cayuela María L , Sánchez‐García María , Lidón Antonio , Belda Rosa M , Sánchez‐Monedero Miguel A 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDAgronomic uses of biochar have been intensely explored in the last 15 years. Recently, a new generation of biochar‐based fertilizers has been developed. Raw biochar (BCH), nitrogen‐enriched biochar (N + BCH) or urea were added to a coir fiber‐based substrate for tomato cultivation, to assess seed germination, growth and fruiting of two cultivars (Cuarenteno and Moneymaker).RESULTSBCH stimulated seed germination and early radicle growth, possibly because of the presence of karrikins detected in both BCH and N‐BCH (0.039 and 0.044 mg kg−1, respectively). However, BCH reduced growth in adult plants in both cultivars, probably because of ammonium retention, causing low‐N‐stress‐related symptoms such as accumulation of flavonoids in the leaf. Urea was toxic for seed germination because of the fast release of ammonium, but caused a positive effect on adult plant growth and yield, increasing chlorophyll in both cultivars, quantum yield and ascorbic acid in cv. Cuarenteno, and decreasing flavonoids and peroxide in leaves of both cultivars. Unlike urea, N + BCH showed a positive impact on plant growth and yield, but without releasing high amounts of ammonium or negatively affecting seed germination. Nitrogen‐rich amendments reduced phosphorus and increased iron leaf content in both cultivars.CONCLUSIONBCH can be effectively used as a growth medium constituent in nurseries for seedling production, whereas N + BCH offers a promising alternative to urea or other nitrogen mineral fertilizers for crop cultivation. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Inter‐tow toughness modification of carbon fiber reinforced cyanate resin matrix composites
Authors: Xue Junjie , Wu Fan , Zeng Changyi , Fan Jian , Guo Xinliang , Liu Ronghai , Chen Xiaoming , Xu Peijun 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCarbon fiber‐reinforced cyanate ester resin matrix composites (CF/CE) are widely used in aerospace for their high‐temperature resistance and wave‐absorbing properties. However, CF/CE is prone to interlaminar delamination during the curing molding process or practical applications due to the brittleness of CE resin. In this study, we use polyether sulfone (PES) as a toughening layer through the inter‐tow toughening method to prepare PES inter‐tow toughened CF/CE (CF/CE‐P) and to investigate their thermal, mechanical, and microscopic morphology. We find that CF/CE‐P has a higher glass transition temperature (Tg) and a lower coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) than those of CF/CE composites. The flexural strength, flexural modulus, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), and impact toughness of CF/CE‐P with 15 wt% PES is increased by 34%, 15%, 34%, and 45%, respectively, compared to CF/CE. In addition, the mode I interlaminar fracture toughness (GIC) of CF/CE‐P with 15 wt% PES is 1.86 times that of CF/CE.Highlights
The inter‐tow toughening technique on a three‐dimensional scale is proposed.
Model I interlaminar fracture toughness increased by 86% after inter‐tow toughness modification carbon fiber‐reinforced cyanate ester resin matrix composites.
The composite material exhibits improved toughness and thermal performance.
The prepreg preparation process is suitable for continuous industrial production.
Use of Prenatal Exome Sequencing: Opinion Statement of the French Federation of Human Genetics Working Group
Authors: Cogan Guillaume , Troadec Marie‐Bérengère , Devillard Françoise , Saint‐Frison Marie‐Hélène , Geneviève David , Vialard François , Rial‐Sebbag Emmanuelle , Héron Delphine , Attie‐Bitach Tania , Benachi Alexandra , Saugier‐Veber Pascale 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTObjectivePrenatal whole exome sequencing (pES) is increasingly prescribed for fetuses with ultrasound anomalies. Starting from the local French prenatal medicine practice, healthcare system and legal landscape, we aimed to address the broad medical and ethical issues raised by the use of pES for women and couples as well as for prenatal care providers.MethodThe French Federation of Human Genetics established a working group composed of clinicians and biologists from all over France to discuss pES challenges. A literature review was also performed.ResultsWe emphasize the importance of non‐directive information that helps couples make a decision that is consistent with their personal values and ideas. We address the difficulty of obtaining informed consent that respects the couple's autonomy, despite the complexity of the information and regardless of their level of education and cultural background. We address whether variants of uncertain significance and unsolicited results should be reported. We emphasize the need for national harmonization of access to pES and the need for multidisciplinary meetings in complex situations. We point out that the specific French context of healthcare financing and the French law have a major influence on medical care organization and support for couples. The outcome of the working group is the development of 12 proposals.ConclusionThis opinion statement, dedicated to prenatal care providers worldwide although linked to the French context, will provide food for thought and assist them in understanding the complexity and implications of pES.
Exome Sequencing in Fetuses With Bilateral Renal Agenesis Identified on Second Trimester Ultrasound: A Single Referral Center Experience
Authors: Yu Qiu‐Xia , Zhen Li , Xiao Zhi‐Qing , Wen Yun‐Jing , Li Dong‐Zhi 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo determine the exome sequencing results in fetuses with bilateral renal agenesis (BRA).MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 14 cases with BRA diagnosed on second trimester anatomy ultrasound. All cases underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis. Genetic investigations were performed by chromosomal microarray analysis and trio exome sequencing. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and reviewed for these cases, including maternal demographics, prenatal sonographic findings, molecular sequencing results, and pregnancy outcomes.ResultsPathogenic and likely pathogenic variants in three genes (FRAS1, PBX1, and KMT2D) were detected by exome sequencing in 6 (6/14) cases. One gene (FRAS1) is inherited in an autosomal recessive (AR) manner and two (PBX1 and KMT2D) are autosomal dominant (AD); both AD variants were de novo. Only the FRAS1 variants were detected in more than one case. Variants in five cases were believed to be the cause of BRA, and the variants detected in PBX1 and KMT2D were likely the cause of fetal phenotype suggesting that the two genes can present with BRA. The yield of exome sequencing in our series is one third (4/12) after excluding two families with a previous family history.ConclusionFraser syndrome, resulting from FRAS1 variants, is the most common cause of genetic BRA identified in this specific cohort. The determination of genetic etiology will be valuable in the possible choices for pregnancy management and risk assessment of recurrence in future pregnancies.
A high‐resolution climatological study of explosive cyclones in the Mediterranean region: Frequency, intensity and synoptic drivers
Authors: Carniel Cosimo Enrico , Ricchi Antonio , Ferretti Rossella , Curci Gabriele , Miglietta Mario Marcello , Reale Marco , Serafini Piero , Wellmeyer Evan David , Davolio Silvio , Zardi Dino , Kantha Lakshmi 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn the complex context of climate change and in a heavily populated area like the Mediterranean region, understanding and studying explosive cyclones (ECs) is crucial because of their potential to cause extreme weather events, including strong winds, heavy rainfall, and significant disruptions to human activities and infrastructure, as happened in 2018 with the Vaia storm. The genesis and persistence of ECs, characterized by a rapid drop in central mean sea level pressure exceeding 12 hPa in 12 hours, are influenced by various physical processes and while water vapour convergence in the mid‐low troposphere is crucial, mid‐upper tropospheric cyclonic vorticity advection and upper tropospheric divergence also play significant roles. In this study, we used ERA5 hourly data of mean sea level pressure from 1979 to 2020 to analyse EC occurrences in the Mediterranean. The identification of EC events followed the 12‐hr deepening‐rate criterion introduced by Zhang et al. (2017), as shorter deepening rates definitions proved unreliable. A total of 80 ECs were identified and classified based on their spatial occurrence and magnitude, 34 of which were concentrated in the northwest of the basin, likely due to orographic deformation caused by the Alps on baroclinic waves originating from the Atlantic. The study also identified recurring synoptic patterns associated with the persistence of ECs over the sea, including the presence of potential vorticity (PV) streamers and mid‐tropospheric dry‐air intrusions. Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis highlighted the Scandinavian pattern as the primary driver, with blocking conditions over western Russia and Scandinavia, and composite analyses revealed the intrusion of PV to various atmospheric levels, extending up to 500 hPa. In summary, this study offers valuable insights into the complex mechanisms governing EC formation in the Mediterranean Basin, shedding light on the synoptic patterns, atmospheric dynamics, and potential impacts on regional weather systems.
The Association Between Male Viral Infections and Infertility: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Guo Yan , Zhou Guozhong , Feng Yun , Zhang Jie , Liu Yang , Yang Xianyao , Liu Pan , Feng Yue , Xia Xueshan 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTInfertility affects approximately one‐sixth of couples worldwide, with male factors contributing to half of all cases. However, infections, particularly those of reproductive tract, are increasingly recognized as important contributors to male infertility. Therefore, in this meta‐analysis, we focused on the impact of various viral infections on male infertility. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library on 20 October 2023. And included 135 studies involving 30,298 men of reproductive age. We found that the human papilloma virus (HPV)‐infected group had a significantly higher DNA fragmentation index (DFI) than the non‐infected group, with a mean difference (MD) of 5.64 (95% CI: 3.74–7.54). Conversely, the HPV‐infected group had significantly lower sperm count, concentration, viability and normal morphology. Other viruses that affect semen quality include hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). HBV significantly decreased fertilization rate, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.76–0.99). HPV associated with lower clinical pregnancy rate (OR: 0.31 [95% CI: 0.16–0.62]) and higher miscarriage rate (OR: 5.28 [95% CI: 2.02–13.78]). Additionally, the fertility treatment group had a significantly higher rate of HPV infection (OR: 1.85 [95% CI: 1.10–3.12]) and adeno‐associated virus (AAV) infection (OR: 8.49 [95% CI: 2.66–27.10]) than the fertility group. Conclusively, most viral infections affect semen quality, while HBV and HPV may affect assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. HPV and AAV are risk factors for infertility.
Enacting Reading Comprehension: Using Diverse Literature to Engage Children's Critical, Sociopolitical Knowledge
Authors: Johnson Wintre Foxworth , Vlach Saba Khan , Leija Maria 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe current climate of K‐12 education in the United States has seen a narrowing of literacy instructional practices, exponential amounts of book bans, and contrived hysteria about liberal indoctrination and Critical Race Theory (CRT). Yet, as the world becomes increasingly connected across difference, and as research increasingly demonstrates that we must engage young children from all backgrounds in discussions about sociopolitical issues, it is urgent that classroom teachers foreground children's experiential knowledge in comprehension instruction. In this article, we address the following question: In three early elementary literacy contexts, how did educators use culturally sustaining practices with diverse children's literature to enact reading comprehension and engage young children in critical, sociopolitical meaning making? Three teacher educators of Color share findings from qualitative studies in the United States Northeast and Southwest that examine this integration with the use of diverse children's literature. The first finding illustrates how teachers utilized book introductions to situate a diverse group of early elementary‐aged students in various sociopolitical issues and engage them in critical readings about texts. The second finding illustrates how a series of after‐school literature circle discussions enabled first‐grade African American children to make meaning dialogically and communally about enslavement. The third finding illustrates how the teacher created space for second‐grade Latinx students to translanguage as they drew on multiple reading comprehension strategies and made sense of immigration. The implications from these studies invite a rethinking of the dominant paradigm of reading comprehension instruction.
Instant and Synergistic Antibacterial Coating of Silver Loaded With Silica Nanoparticles for Different Applications
Authors: Gomaa Mona H. , Abdallah Samah S. , Ghayad Ibrahim M. , El‐Sayed Kh. , Hamid Z. Abdel 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe synthesis of antibacterial nanoparticles is one of the most promising strategies to get rid of the primary threat that pathogenic bacteria pose to public health. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are a promising antibacterial agent with robust and broad antibacterial characteristics that have the potential to resolve this issue. A straightforward reduction–impregnation approach for creating an Ag‐loaded SiO2 nanocomposite has been presented in the present study. First, the well‐known Stöber method was employed to produce silica nanoparticles, which were subsequently examined utilizing an X‐ray diffraction (XRD), a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM), and a high‐resolution transmission electron microscope (HR‐TEM). After that, a composite made of Ag@SiO2 was produced and examined. AgNPs, which are loaded with silica and exhibit instantaneous and synergistic antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive “Bacillus subtilis” (B. subtilis) bacteria, were demonstrated. The coating layer that was produced also showed strong adherence to the steel substrate, a high inhibitory effect against the (B. subtilis), and versatility in its application across various sectors.
Effect of Hierarchical Architecture of Nickel Modified Mesoporous Catalysts on the Knoevenagel Condensation Reaction
Authors: Carraro Paola M. , Nope Eliana , Sathicq Ángel G. , Romanelli Gustavo P. , Eimer Griselda A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractA series of ordered mesoporous silicas (MCM‐41, SBA‐15 and KIT‐6) were successfully synthesized and modified with nickel by incipient wetness impregnation method. The supports and catalysts were characterized by N2 adsorption‐desorption, XRD, TEM, H2‐TPR, UV vis‐DR, XPS, ICP and Py FT‐IR techniques. All the materials were evaluated in the Knoevenagel condensation reaction between vanillin and malononitrile under microwave irradiation. The catalytic results show the key role that the chosen porous structure plays in the deposition of the active phase and its catalytic behaviour. Thus, by designing a suitable mesoporous catalyst it was possible to carry out such Knoevenagel condensation to obtain 2‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxybenzylidene) malononitrile through a highly efficient and environmentally friendly process, without solvents and reducing reaction times by employing microwave heating.
Dipeptidic Proline Amide–Isothiouronium Salt Organocatalysts for Enantiodivergent Conjugate Addition Reactions Between Aldehydes and Nitroolefins
Authors: Yeo Hyoung Min , Kim Taek Hyeon 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe rationally designed and successfully developed novel dipeptidic proline amide–isothiouronium catalysts for asymmetric conjugate addition reactions between various aldehydes and nitroolefins, which generated 1,4‐addition products with up to 95% yields, 92:8 syn‐diastereoselectivity, and 96% enantiomeric excess. The catalysts, which were prepared via simple methylation of the corresponding thiourea, can provide the desired enantiomeric syn‐1,4‐adducts by exchanging the configuration of the N‐terminal proline moiety.