bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation of deep neural ensembles toward malaria parasite detection in thin-blood smear images
Authors: Rajaraman Sivaramakrishnan , Jaeger Stefan , Antani Sameer K. 
Published: May 2019

Background
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium parasites that infect the red blood cells (RBCs). Manual identification and counting of parasitized cells in microscopic thick/thin-film blood examination remains the common, but burdensome method for disease diagnosis. Its diagnostic accuracy is adversely impacted by inter/intra-observer variability, particularly in large-scale screening under resource-constrained settings.

Introduction
State-of-the-art computer-aided diagnostic tools based on data-driven deep learning algorithms like convolutional neural network (CNN) has become the architecture of choice for image recognition tasks. However, CNNs suffer from high variance and may overfit due to their sensitivity to training data fluctuations.

Objective
The primary aim of this study is to reduce model variance, improve robustness and generalization through constructing model ensembles toward detecting parasitized cells in thin-blood smear images.

Methods
We evaluate the performance of custom and pretrained CNNs and construct an optimal model ensemble toward the challenge of classifying parasitized and normal cells in thin-blood smear images. Cross-validation studies are performed at the patient level to ensure preventing data leakage into the validation and reduce generalization errors. The models are evaluated in terms of the following performance metrics: (a) Accuracy; (b) Area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC); (c) Mean squared error (MSE); (d) Precision; (e) F-score; and (f) Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC).

Results
It is observed that the ensemble model constructed with VGG-19 and SqueezeNet outperformed the state-of-the-art in several performance metrics toward classifying the parasitized and uninfected cells to aid in improved disease screening.

Conclusions
Ensemble learning reduces the model variance by optimally combining the predictions of multiple models and decreases the sensitivity to the specifics of training data and selection of training algorithms. The performance of the model ensemble simulates real-world conditions with reduced variance, overfitting and leads to improved generalization.
Effect of Storage Conditions (Relative Humidity, Packaging Materials and Time) on the Chemical Properties of Maize-soy Flour Blend
Authors: Akpapunam S. O. , Ikya J. A. , Gernah D. I. 
Published: May 2019

Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of storage conditions on the of maize-soy flour blend.
Study Design: Preliminary studies were conducted using ratio blends of 70:30, 75:25, 80:20, 85:15, 90:10, 95:5 and 100:0 of maize flour to soy flour. This was to ascertain the best blend formulation for the study. The sensory attributes showed that the ratio 85:15 of maize-soy flour blend was preferred. It was packaged in low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE) and stored at 30.5 ± 3°C with relative humidity of 57% and 82% for 4 months. Analysis of proximate composition, pH, total titratable acidity (TTA), thiobarbuturic acid (TBA) was carried out on the samples at a monthly interval respectively.
Results: Packaging significantly (p > 0.05) affected the chemical qualities of “soy-fermented maize” flour during storage. Moisture content, titratable acidity (TTA) and thiobarbuturic acid (TBA) increased with the storage period (9.46% - 23.5%, 0.12% - 0.21%, and 0.06 - 0.12 respectively) while all other chemical qualities of the soy-fermented maize flour decreased significantly (p > 0.05) (pH: 5.18 - 3.45, protein: 15.21% - 12.18% fat: 7.45% - 5.36%, fibre: 3.27% - 1.65%, ash: 1.12% - 0.89% and carbohydrate: 62.97% - 56.87%.
Conclusion: The samples packaged in HDPE were more acceptable than those in other packaging materials due to its considerable maintenance of the flour’s quality during and after storage.
Layered Double Hydroxides Are Promising Nanomaterials for Tissue Bioengineering Application
Authors: Jr. da Costa Fernandes Célio , Pinto Thaís Silva , Kang Ha Ram , de Magalhães Padilha Pedro , Koh Ivan Hong Jun , Constantino Vera Regina Leopoldo , Zambuzzi Willian F. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractLayered double hydroxides (LDHs) have emerged as promising nanomaterials for human health and although it has achieved some progress on this matter, their application within bioengineering is not fully addressed. This prompted to subject fibroblasts to two compositions of LDHs (Mg2Al‐Cl and Zn2Al‐Cl), considering an acute response. First, LDH particles are addressed by scanning electron microscopy, and no significant effect of the cell culture medium on the shape of LDHs particles is reported although it seems to adsorb some soluble proteins as proposed by energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis. These LDHs release magnesium, zinc, and aluminum, but there is no cytotoxic or biocompatibility effects. The data show interference to fibroblast adhesion by driving the reorganization of actin‐based cytoskeleton, preliminarily to cell cycle progression. Additionally, these molecular findings are validated by performing a functional wound‐healing assay, which is accompanied by a dynamic extracellular matrix remodeling in response to the LDHs. Altogether, the results show that LDHs nanomaterials modulate cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration, delineating new advances on the biomaterial field applied in the context of soft tissue bioengineering, which must be explored in health disorders, such as wound healing in burn injuries.
Bright AIEgen–Protein Hybrid Nanocomposite for Deep and High‐Resolution In Vivo Two‐Photon Brain Imaging
Authors: Wang Shaowei , Hu Fang , Pan Yutong , Ng Lai Guan , Liu Bin 
Published: May 2019

AbstractTwo‐photon fluorescence imaging allows in vivo study of biological structures and activities in deep tissues, in which bright fluorophores with high photostability and good biocompatibility are highly desirable. Herein, a small‐molecule fluorogen with aggregation‐induced emission (AIEgen) is complexed with fetal bovine serum (FBS) proteins to develop a protein‐sized AIEgen–protein hybrid nanocomposite (TPEPy‐FBS) with bright far‐red/near‐infrared (NIR) emission, excellent photostability, and low phototoxicity for deep and high‐resolution in vivo two‐photon brain vasculature imaging. Upon complexation with FBS, the fluorescence of TPEPy is greatly intensified and a sixfold enhancement is observed with 10% FBS in aqueous media. The yielded TPEPy‐FBS shows good physical stability in aqueous media and the phototoxicity of TPEPy is dramatically inhibited after complexation with FBS. Moreover, TPEPy‐FBS exhibits bright two‐photon fluorescence in far‐red/NIR region and good photostability upon femtosecond laser excitation, which facilitates high performance in vivo imaging. A large imaging depth of 656 µm is obtained in brain vasculature network imaging with a high signal‐to‐background ratio of 234, where a small blood capillary of 1.05 µm can be resolved at an imaging depth of 656 µm. Highlighted is a simple and versatile strategy to develop efficient two‐photon probes for in vivo biological imaging.
RNA‐Binding Protein IGF2BP2/IMP2 is a Critical Maternal Activator in Early Zygotic Genome Activation
Authors: Liu Hong‐Bin , Muhammad Tahir , Guo Yueshuai , Li Meng‐Jing , Sha Qian‐Qian , Zhang Chuan‐Xin , Liu Hui , Zhao Shi‐Gang , Zhao Han , Zhang Hao , Du Yan‐Zhi , Sun Kang , Liu Kui , Lu Gang , Guo Xue‐Jiang , Sha Jiahao , Fan Heng‐Yu , Gao Fei , Chen Zi‐Jiang 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA number of genes involved in zygotic genome activation (ZGA) have been identified, but the RNA‐binding maternal factors that are directly related to ZGA in mice remain unclear. The present study shows that maternal deletion of Igf  2bp2 (also commonly known as Imp2) in mouse embryos causes early embryonic developmental arrest in vitro at the 2‐cell‐stage. Transcriptomics and proteomics analyses of 2‐cell‐stage embryos in mice reveal that deletion of IMP2 downregulates the expression of Ccar1 and Rps14, both of which are required for early embryonic developmental competence. IGF2, a target of IMP2, when added in culture media, increases the proportion of wild‐type embryos that develop successfully to the blastocyst stage: from 29% in untreated controls to 65% (50 × 10−9 m IGF2). Furthermore, in an experiment related to embryo transfer, foster mothers receiving IGF2‐treated embryos deliver more pups per female than females who receive untreated control embryos. In clinically derived human oocytes, the addition of IGF2 to the culture media significantly enhances the proportion of embryos that develop successfully. Collectively, the findings demonstrate that IMP2 is essential for the regulation and activation of genes known to be involved in ZGA and reveal the potential embryonic development‐related utility of IGF2 for animal biotechnology and for assisted reproduction in humans.
Percolation Threshold Enables Optical Resistive‐Memory Switching and Light‐Tuneable Synaptic Learning in Segregated Nanocomposites
Authors: Jaafar Ayoub H. , O'Neill Mary , Kelly Stephen M. , Verrelli Emanuele , Kemp Neil T. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAn optical memristor where the electrical resistance memory depends on the history of both the current flowing through the device and the irradiance of incident light onto it is demonstrated. It is based on a nanocomposite consisting of functionalized gold nanoparticles in an optically active azobenzene polymer matrix. The composite has an extremely low percolation threshold of 0.04% by volume for conductivity because of the aggregation of the conducting nanoparticles into filamentary nanochannels. Optical irradiation results in photomechanical switching through expansion of the thin film from above to below the percolation threshold, giving a large LOW/HIGH resistance ratio of 103. The device acts as an artificial synapse, the conductivity or plasticity of which can be independently modulated, either electrically or optically, to enable tunable and reconfigurable synaptic circuits for brain‐inspired artificial intelligent or visual memory arrays. The lifetime of the resistive‐memory states is also optically controllable, which enables spatial modulation of long‐ and short‐term memory.
Excellent Device Performance of Sub‐5‐nm Monolayer Tellurene Transistors
Authors: Yan Jiahuan , Pang Hua , Xu Lin , Yang Jie , Quhe Ruge , Zhang Xiuying , Pan Yuanyuan , Shi Bowen , Liu Shiqi , Xu Lianqiang , Yang Jinbo , Pan Feng , Zhang Zhiyong , Lu Jing 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe merging 2D semiconductor tellurene (2D Group‐VI tellurium) is a possible channel candidate for post‐silicon field‐effect transistor (FETs) due to its high carrier mobility, high drive current, and excellent air stability. The performance limits of sub‐5‐nm ML tellurene metal‐oxide‐semiconductor FETs (MOSFETs) are explored by employing exact ab initio quantum transport simulations. An optimized p‐type ML tellurene MOSFET meets both the high performance (along both the armchair and the zigzag directions) and the low power (along the armchair direction) requirements of the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors (ITRS) at a gate length of 4 nm with a negative capacity dielectric. Hence, choosing ML tellurene as the channel material provides a novel route to continue the Moore's law to 4 nm.
The effects of bimetallic interactions for CO2‐assisted oxidative dehydrogenation and dry reforming of propane
Authors: Gomez Elaine , Xie Zhenhua , Chen Jingguang G. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe catalytic reduction of CO2 by propane may occur via dry reforming to produce syngas (CO + H2) or oxidative dehydrogenation to yield propylene. Utilizing propane and CO2 as coreactants presents several advantages over conventional methane dry reforming or direct propane dehydrogenation, including lower operating temperatures and less coke formation. Thus, it is of great interest to identify catalytic systems that can either effectively break the CC bond to generate syngas or selectively break CH bonds to produce propylene. In this study, several precious and nonprecious bimetallic catalysts supported on reducible CeO2 were investigated using flow reactor studies at 823 K to identify selective catalysts for CO2‐assisted reforming and dehydrogenation of propane.
POGZ‐related epilepsy: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ferretti Alessandro , Barresi Sabina , Trivisano Marina , Ciolfi Andrea , Dentici Maria L. , Radio Francesca C. , Vigevano Federico , Tartaglia Marco , Specchio Nicola 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
POGZ (# 614787) encodes a multidomain nuclear protein involved in transcriptional regulation and its defective function has been recently associated with a syndromic neurodevelopmental disorder, known as White‐Sutton syndrome (# 616364). While originally epileptic seizures were unreported, it seems that epilepsy represents a recurrent feature in affected subjects. Few data, however, are available on electroclinical features of POGZ‐related epilepsy. We report a 5‐year‐old girl with a de novo inactivating POGZ mutation with a complex neurological phenotype characterized by hypotonia, severe developmental delay, and paroxysmal epileptic and nonepileptic events. Comparing this patient with the previously reported nine cases exhibiting epilepsy as associated feature, we detected that epilepsy onset is mostly during infancy (1–4 years of age), with both focal and generalized seizures. EEGs reveal that epileptic abnormalities mainly are localized in the frontal regions, and seizure control might be reached with one or multiple antiepileptic drugs. Besides dysmorphic features and other comorbidities (microcephaly, intellectual disability, absent speech, sensorineural hearing loss, and autistic spectrum disorder) major brain MR features include cortical and cerebellar atrophy, delayed myelination, and brainstem hypoplasia. Although the small number of patients reported, we were able to delineate primary electroclinical epileptic phenotype related to POGZ mutations. This would be crucial for an early identification and management of the condition.
Pathogenic homozygous variations in ACTL6B cause DECAM syndrome: Developmental delay, Epileptic encephalopathy, Cerebral Atrophy, and abnormal Myelination
Authors: Yüksel Zafer , Yazol Merve , Gümüş Evren 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe extensive usage of next generation sequencing, particularly for the patients affected with neurodevelopmental disorders, has increased our understanding and enabled identifying novel disorder genes. Here, we report an extended consanguineous family having at least three affected children with ACTL6B‐related neurodevelopmental disorder and expand the known phenotypic spectrum by characterizing the clinical findings using a standardized vocabulary, Human Phenotype Ontology Terms.
An analysis of body proportions in children with CHARGE syndrome using photogrammetric anthropometry
Authors: Penders Bas , Dijk Dieuwerke R. , Bocca Gianni , Zimmermann Luc J. I. , van Ravenswaaij‐Arts Conny M. A. , Gerver Willem‐Jan M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundGrowth retardation is one of the main hallmarks of CHARGE syndrome (CS), yet little is known about the body proportions of these children. Knowledge of body proportions in CS may contribute to a better characterization of this syndrome. This knowledge is important when considering starting growth‐stimulating therapy.MethodsFor this cross‐sectional study, we selected 32 children with CS and a CHD7 mutation at the Dutch CHARGE Family Day in 2016 or 2017 and the International CHARGE conference in Orlando, Florida, in 2017. We used photogrammetric anthropometry—a measurement method based on digital photographs—to determine various body proportions. We compared these to measurements in 21 normally proportioned children with growth hormone deficiency, using independent‐samples t test, Mann–Whitney U test, or chi‐square test as appropriate.ResultsChildren with CS appear to have a shorter trunk in proportion to their height, head length, and arm length. Children with CS also had smaller feet proportional to tibia length compared to controls. The change of body proportions with age was similar in children with CS and controls.ConclusionBody proportions in children with CS are significantly different from those of normally proportioned controls, but a similar change of body proportions with age was noted for both groups.
Metal‐Free Oxidative Amidation of Aromatic Aldehydes using an Anthraquinone‐Based Organophotocatalyst
Authors: Inagawa Hisamori , Uchida Seiichiro , Yamaguchi Eiji , Itoh Akichika 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAn approach developed for the direct oxidative amidation of aldehydes with amines is described. This methodology is based on the use of an organic photocatalyst (anthraquinone), molecular oxygen, acting as the sole oxidant, and visible light irradiated by a fluorescent lamp. The photo‐oxidative amidation reaction shows broad functional group tolerance.
Experience using a portable X‐ray system at the scene transported by a physician‐staffed helicopter
Authors: Omori Kazuhiko , Yanagawa Youichi , Muramatsu Ken‐ichi , Nagasawa Hiroki , Takeuchi Ikuto , Madokoro Shunsuke , Jitsuiki Kei , Yatsu Shoichiro , Ohsaka Hiromichi , Ishikawa Kouhei 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundFujifilm (Tokyo, Japan) developed a portable X‐ray system called the CALNEO Xair, which can be carried by a physician. The X‐ray radiation machine weighs 3.5 kg. The dimensions are: height, 144 mm; length, 148 mm; width, 258 mm.Case PresentationWhen a 33‐year‐old woman driving a car made a right turn at a crossroad, her car hit another car, causing her vehicle to tip onto its side. Staff of the doctor helicopter checked her at the scene, and the findings of chest and pelvic X‐ray were all negative. She received a diagnosis of cervical sprain and pelvic contusion and was transferred to a local hospital by ambulance.ConclusionThis is the first report of a case evaluated by a portable X‐ray system at the scene, under transportation by a doctor helicopter. This system could be useful for undertaking prehospital assessment and medical treatment.
Organic–inorganic collagen/iota‐carrageenan/hydroxyapatite hybrid membranes are bioactive materials for bone regeneration
Authors: Nogueira Lucas F. B. , Maniglia Bianca C. , Blácido Delia R. T. , Ramos Ana P. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to produce biomembranes with controlled degradability for application in bone regeneration in order to stimulate biological reactions necessary to improve bone formation. Hydrogels were prepared by dissolving hydrolyzed collagen (HC) and iota‐carrageenan (ι‐Carr) in aqueous mixtures containing CaCl2 and H3PO4. A rise in pH by exposure to NH3(g) caused mineral precipitation into the hydrogel. Subsequently, the membranes were fabricated by solvent casting. Infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction attested hydroxyapatite formation. The crystallite size was close to 12 nm, which was smaller than the size reported for human bone apatite. The membranes induced bone‐like apatite precipitation in simulated body fluid. The carrageenan content modulated the membrane mechanical behavior. Membranes with controlled degradability were obtained by using higher amount of this polysaccharide. These membranes were able to release HC in physiological conditions. The surface properties were evaluated in terms of wettability and surface energy (γS) by means of contact angle (θc) measurements. Low θc (8.5–16.8) indicated that the hybrid membranes were hydrophilic, while higher γS values, around 70.6 mJ.m−2, could favor biomolecule incorporation into the surface. Our data set evidenced that these materials could potentially be used as a temporary guided tissue regeneration membrane with the possibility of inducing bone regeneration. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48004.
Can a cow save a newt? The role of cattle drinking troughs in amphibian conservation
Authors: Buono Vincenzo , Bissattini Alessandra Maria , Vignoli Leonardo 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Amphibians are the vertebrate group experiencing the steepest global population decline and species loss. Habitat alteration and loss caused by the intensification of agriculture is among the main causes; however, in the past, amphibians have been favoured by traditional agriculture and husbandry as more terrestrial and aquatic habitats became available through land‐use diversification and the construction of artificial facilities for cattle watering. Troughs for cattle watering may represent the only permanent water points for amphibian reproduction in human‐modified landscapes.
The present study focused on Lissotriton vulgaris meridionalis, a semi‐aquatic salamander, subendemic and widespread in Italy, capable of colonizing artificial aquatic habitats. The main goal was to determine the importance of drinking troughs for the ecology and conservation of the species in a hilly area (Latium region, Central Italy) subjected to traditional livestock farming (i.e. Maremmana cattle).
Specifically, generalized linear models (GLMs) were used to analyse the effects of drinking trough characteristics (i.e. size, substrate, aquatic vegetation), landscape features (distance to the forest, forest cover, percentage of cultivated lands and infrastructural development, terrestrial connectivity) and intensity of management practices on the occurrence and abundance of the target species.
In the light of the present results, it is suggested that drinking troughs represent suitable surrogates for pristine habitats for L. vulgaris meridionalis. Hence, even man‐made aquatic habitats, associated with traditional husbandry, may help to sustain amphibian populations in landscapes where natural wetlands are scarce. The present findings are timely because of the lack of empirical data on the role of drinking troughs in amphibian conservation within rural socio‐economic scenarios, which may have been neglected in research and policy in favour of lakes, rivers and streams.