bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artificial Feature Maps using Fractals: A New Data Augmentation Strategy for Deep Learning-based Whole-Slide Image Analysis
Authors: Robles Willmer Rafell Quiñones , Noree Sakonporn , Ko Young Sin , Yi Mun Yong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background:
A histopathological analysis of whole-slide images is essential for deep learning based cancer diagnosis. However, the large amount of annotated data required for training Deep Convolutional Networks (DCNs) is costly and time-consuming to obtain. This study proposes a novel method to artificially augment data for cancer classification using DCNs, aiming to address the challenges associated with limited annotated data.
Methods:
We introduce a novel approach that leverages prior knowledge of actual data to generate Artificial Class Activation Maps, using tissue-resembling fractals and assigning patch-level scores based on a known probability distribution. This method contrasts with existing approaches that rely on generative adversarial networks to create synthetic images. The proposed method was evaluated on real-world datasets of stomach cancer and validated on colorectal cancer whole-slide images.
Results:
The results demonstrate that adding artificially generated activation maps significantly enhances the performance of DCNs for whole-slide image classification. The most significant performance gains are observed in scenarios where the number of real maps is low. Notably, with only 25 real maps, adding 150 fractals boosts accuracy from 62.86% to 92.35%, and the Area Under the ROC Curve from 82.34% to 96.92%. This approach effectively reduces the dependence on real data and improves the generalization performance of deep convolutional networks.
Conclusion:
The proposed method provides a robust solution for accurate and efficient cancer classification in histopathology images, especially when annotated data is scarce. This advancement could lead to more reliable diagnostic tools in clinical settings where data availability is constrained.
Synergy between SDGs 12.3 and 2.1 in lower-middle-income countries through the lens of food waste and energy imbalance
Authors: Okadera Tomohiro , Tsuchiya Kazuaki , Hanaoka Tatsuya , Nishina Kazuya 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Halving food wastage at retail and consumer levels by 2030 is a target for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3. Although previous studies have indicated that the food wastage extent differs with the national income level, the relevance between them is debatable owing to the controversial quantification of food wastage, usually performed using two methods based on actual generation or gaps for human calorific requirements. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate this issue by analyzing the correlation between food energy imbalance and per capita income using food wastage generation data for 51 comparable counties. The results revealed possible practical synergy between SDG 12.3 and improvement of food security (SDG 2.1) in certain lower-middle-income countries, because the per capita food wastage in countries facing food energy deficit is remarkably higher than that in countries that have resolved their food energy deficit. Additionally, it is presumed that prolonging food shelf-life could be the key factor. Furthermore, as the lack of reliable data in lower-middle-income countries hinders the verification of the synergy, we propose 19 lower-middle-income countries for future investigation to verify the synergy between SDGs 12.3 and 2.1.
Layer-By-Layer-Structured Silicon-Based Electrode Design for Ultrafast Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Ko Keun-Young , Sung Ki-Wook , Ahn Hyo-Jin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Silicon has attracted attention as a high-capacity material capable of replacing graphite as a battery anode material. However, silicon exhibits poor cycling stability owing to particle cracking and unstable SEI formation owing to large volume changes during charging and discharging. Therefore, we report the electrode design of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) anode structure composed of laminated layers of silicon and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which significantly increases the cycling life and delivers ultrafast performance. Unlike previously commercialized casting methods that use ultrasonic spraying, the Si- and CNT-layered architecture aims to solve engineering limitations that include non-uniform coatings, unclear active materials, conductive materials, and binder distribution. The laminated-Si/CNT electrode exhibited an excellent specific capacity of 157.58 mAh/g after 500 cycles at an ultrafast current density of 2000 mA/g; it also exhibited a cycling stability of 20.02% after 10 cycles at a current density of 100 mA/g and 190 cycles at 200 mA/g. This performance is due to the following effects that complement the shortcomings of the Si electrode through CNT-layer stacking. Firstly, the top CNT-layer coating prevents direct contact between the Si-active material and the electrolyte, thereby reducing side reactions. Secondly, the laminated-Si/CNT electrode with its layer-by-layer structure suppresses the overall volume expansion of the electrode owing to the buffering effect of the CNT layer. Thirdly, the CNT layers are highly electrically and ionically conductive, unlike silicon layers, thereby enhancing ultrafast cycling performance.
The association between Plant-Based Diets and Diabetic Polyneuropathy: a case-control study
Authors: Aminianfar Azadeh , Haghighat_Lari Mohammad Mehdi , Asoudeh Farzaneh , Mirzae Khadijeh , Qorbani Mostafa , Asadi Sara 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Aim: DSPN is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, contributing to significant morbidity. This study investigates the relationship between adherence to a PBD and the prevalence of DSPN.
Methods: A total of 185 subjects with DSPN and 185 sex- and age-matched controls were selected in this case-control study. PBD was calculated based on FFQ. Binary logistic regression was used to estimate the ORs and 95% CIs of PBD in relation to DSPN.
Results: Three dietary score were obtained from the analysis including: plant-based diet index (PDI), healthy plant-PDI (hPDI) and unhealthy-PDI (uPDI). First, all participants were categorized based on the quantiles of the PDI, hPDI and uPDI. Based on our results, participants in the highest adherence to hPDI had significantly 85% lower odds for DSPN (95% CI: 0.07, 0.33) compared to people with the lowest adherence. In addition, participants in the highest quintile of uPDI had significantly seven-fold increase odds to have DSPN (OR: 7.19; 95% CI: 3.32, 15.5) compared to lowest quintile.
Conclusion: This study provides robust evidence supporting an inverse relationship between adherence to hPDI and the odds of DSPN. In addition, uPDI patterns revealed a positive association to DSPN.
Analysis of the performance of the GCM-ACCESS-CM2 model under different shared socioeconomic trajectories (SSPs), using climate variables in the city of Quelimane, on the coast of Mozambique, from 1970 to 2040
Authors: João Cristécio Eduardo Mundulai , de Paulo Sergio , Alves Keylyane Santos da Silva , Sanches Luciana 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The research focuses on analyzing of GCM-ACCESS-CM2 model in different socioeconomic pathways trajectories (SSPs) through climate variables from 1970 to 2040 in the city of Quelimane, located on the coast of Mozambique. Statistical variables such as p-value, RMSE, median, and confidence interval were used to compare temperature and rainfall data from ERA5-Land (2000 to 2020) and WorldClim version 2 (1970 to 2000) with predictions of the GCM-ACCESS-CM2 model under four scenarios SSPs. The results of the first comparison indicated a temperature range of 12.66°C and a median rainfall of ≥ 77 mm, aligning closely with the SSP3 scenario, which suggests high CO2 emissions. In the second comparison, the temperature range was 5.8°C, and the median rainfall was ≥ 39.9 mm, aligning with the SSP1 scenario, indicating low CO2 emissions. Rainfall estimates showed errors of 10% and 3.3%, suggesting good accuracy, despite limitations in forecasting extreme events, highlighting the need for improvements to enhance precision in regions vulnerable to such events. In contrast, temperature estimates showed moderate correlation and lower reliability, with errors of 14% and 10%, indicating challenges in simulating thermal variations. It was concluded that the GCM-ACCESS-CM2 model, under the four projection scenarios SSPs, performed well in estimating rainfall when compared to reference data from ERA5-Land and WorldClim version 2.1. However, temperature estimates were less accurate, with greater discrepancies relative to ERA5-Land and acceptable accuracy compared to WorldClim version 2.1. From 1970 to 2000, the patterns of rainfall and temperature were closer to the SSP3 scenario, indicating high emissions. Between 2000 and 2021, the patterns aligned more with the SSP1 scenario, which suggests low CO2 emissions. From 2021 to 2041, the trends are expected to approach the SSP2 scenario, characterized by intermediate emissions. Given the region’s vulnerability to unpredictable climate events, there is an urgent need to implement effective global climate change adaptation and mitigation policies.
Acoustic Emission Characteristics and Damage Constitutive Model of Fractured Sandstone under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Liu Qiang , Pan Chao , Li Shujian , Cao Juncai , Wang Xuguang , Yan Lin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

To investigate the statistical laws of acoustic emission energy (AEE) avalanche dynamics of sandstone under varying fracture lengths and dip angles, as well as to determine the relationship between acoustic emission (AE) parameters and damage variables, we studied the mechanical properties and AE characteristics of sandstone with a single fracture subjected to uniaxial compression with the aid of the Shimadzu AG-IS test system and the PCI-2 AE system. The AEE characteristics of fractured sandstone under load were analyzed based on the statistical method of avalanche dynamics, with emphasis on AEE distribution, aftershock sequence, and waiting time distribution. The Weibull distribution function that incorporates a correction coefficient β was employed to optimize the Weibull parameters based on the strain equivalent hypothesis theory, which led to the establishment of a statistical damage constitutive model for fractured rock. The results indicated that the peak strength of rock samples initially decreases and then increases with increasing fracture dip angle, and decreases with increasing fracture length. The AEE of the rock sample followed a power-law distribution, with a power-law index ranging from 1.62 to 1.81, which was independent of fracture length and dip angle. The aftershock sequence also adhered to a power-law distribution, whereas the waiting time exhibited a multi-power-law distribution. The proposed statistical damage constitutive model aligned more closely with the experimental curves compared to previous models that normalizes AEE.
Role of Non-ionic surfactant on the interaction of drugs with Bovine serum albumin (BSA)
Authors: Karunanithi Prakash , Senthilkumar M. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Serum albumins are the soluble protein part in the circulatory system. They have a significant role in transport and delivery of drug in blood. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is generally used as model protein which is structurally similar to human serum albumin (HSA). Interaction of drug at the protein binding level can induce many changes like distribution rate, elimination of drug or most importantly solubilization of a hydrophobic drug. Protein-surfactant interaction employed to cause conformational changes in protein by change of polarity and on many occasions help in stabilization of protein. Generally, nonionic surfactants are used for these purposes and hence are widely studied. The studies on drug binding with BSA in presence of nonionic surfactant are however, rare in literature. In this study, we have taken four drugs for analyzing their binding with BSA in presence of a nonionic, hydrophobic surfactant, pluronic L-81 and investigate their role in the system. The drugs are Tinidazole (TNZ), Piroxicam (PY), Methylparaben (MP) and Propylparaben (PP). The characterizations were done using UV-visible spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. The UV-spectroscopic measurements were conducted for BSA-drug mixtures without and with pluronic L-81. The absorbance values were used for determining the binding constant values using Benesi-Hildebrand (B-H) plot. Fluorimetry studies of the BSA + L-81 + drug mixtures were carried out at room temperature which showed that there was quenching effect on addition of drug to BSA + L-81 mixture. Further, the quenching was of dynamic nature. The fluorescence data were analyzed using Stern-Volmer and Lineweaver-Burk equations. With the data, association constant KA for all the systems were determined. The docking studies confirmed the binding of the drugs with BSA.
The Exploration of Anti-Hyperlipidemic Potential of Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton Leaves: Analysis of Serum-Accessible Ingredients, Machine Learning Predictions, and Pharmacodynamic Validation
Authors: Yao Lihao , Yang Qi , Zhan Yuanfei , Wang Xiaodong , Lin Cuiying , Jia Fang , He Yaoyao , Deng Jiagang , Hou Xiaotao , Fan Lili 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Hyperlipidemia is a prevalent chronic metabolic disorder typically treated with statins, which have significant limitations. Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton Leaves (Jasmine Leaves), a traditional Chinese medicine, are known for their heat-clearing and analgesic properties. Given these traditional uses and recent research, we hypothesize their potential in treating hyperlipidemia. To develop a machine learning model based on structure-activity relationships to predict the efficacy of chemical components in treating hyperlipidemia. The study also aims to identify key active components in Jasmine Leaves through serum-accessible ingredients and efficacy validation. Machine Learning Model Development: An AI-based model predicting the anti-hyperlipidemic potential of chemical components was developed using the ChEMBL database. In Vivo Component Analysis: UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was used to qualitatively analyze the serum-accessible ingredients in the ethanol extract of Jasmine Leaves in rats. Efficacy Validation: Mice were administered Jasmine Leave ethanol extract at 6.5g×kg⁻¹ and 13.0g×kg⁻¹ doses, followed by a 75% egg yolk emulsion to induce acute hyperlipidemia. The lipid profile was then measured to assess the extract’s anti-hyperlipidemic effects. All four predictive models performed well, with the RF model achieving the highest accuracy at 0.89. Six serum-accessible ingredients, including Betaine and L-Malic acid, were identified. The efficacy validation showed that the Jasmine Leave extract significantly countered changes in TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels in hyperlipidemic mice, confirming its therapeutic potential. Jasmine Leaves have shown efficacy against acute hyperlipidemia in mice. Key pharmacophores contributing to this effect include short chains and carboxyl groups, while closed six-membered rings may reduce efficacy.
Ultrathin 3R-MoS2 metasurfaces with atomically
precise edges for efficient nonlinear nanophotonics
Authors: Shegai Timur , Zograf George , Kücüköz Betül , Polyakov Alexander , Bancerek Maria , Agrawal Abhay , Wieczorek Witlef , Antosiewicz Tomasz 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Dielectric metasurfaces that combine high-index materials with optical nonlinearities
are widely recognized for their potential in various quantum and classical
nanophotonic applications. However, the fabrication of high-quality metasurfaces
poses significant material-dependent challenges, as their designs are often susceptible
to disorder, defects, and scattering losses, which are particularly prone
to occur at the edges of nanostructured features. Additionally, the choice of the
material platforms featuring second-order optical nonlinearities, χ(2), is limited
to broken-inversion symmetry crystals such as GaAs, GaP, LiNbO3, and various
bulk van der Waals materials, including GaSe and NbOCl2. Here, we use
a combination of top-down lithography and anisotropic wet etching of a specially
stacked van der Waals crystal – 3R-MoS2, which exhibits both a high
refractive index and exceptional χ(2) nonlinearity, to produce metasurfaces consisting
of perfect equilateral triangle nanoholes with atomically precise zigzag
edges. Due to the geometry of the triangle, the etching process is accompanied
by a transition from an in-plane C4 symmetric structure to a broken-in-plane
symmetry configuration, thereby allowing for the realization of the quasi-bound-state-
in-the-continuum (q-BIC) concept. The resulting ultrathin metasurface (∼20-25 nm) demonstrates a remarkable enhancement in second-harmonic generation (SHG) – over three orders of magnitude at specific wavelengths and linear
polarization directions compared to a host flake.
Phase-1 study of vamotinib (PF-114), a 3rd generation BCR::ABL1 tyrosine kinase-inhibitor, in chronic myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Turkina Anna , Vinogradova Olga , Lomaia Elza , Shatokhina Evgeniya , Shukhov Oleg , Chelysheva Ekaterina , Shikhbabaeva Dzhariyat , Nemchenko Irina , Petrova Anna , Bykova Anastasiya , Siordiya Nadiya , Shuvaev Vasily , Mikhailov Ilya , Novikov Fedor , Shulgina Veronika , Hochhaus Andreas , Ottmann Oliver , Cortes Jorge , Gale Robert , Chilov Ghermes 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Vamotinib (PF-114) is a 3rd-generation, ATP-competitive oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) active against wild-type and mutated BCR::ABL1 isoforms including BCR::ABL1T315I. We present final results of a phase-1 vamotinib dose-escalation study to identify maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) followed by expansion cohorts. 51 subjects with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) failing ≥ 1 2nd generation TKI or with BCR::ABL1T315I were enrolled. Subjects received vamotinib, 50-750 mg/d, continuously. Median exposure was 6 months (range, <1 - 52 months). Median CML duration pre-study was 10 years (range, <1 - 23 years). 36 subjects received ≥ 3 prior TKIs and 16 had BCR::ABL1T315I. The MTD was 600 mg with the Grade-3 psoriasis-like skin toxicity as the DLT. There were no vascular occlusive events nor deviations of ankle-brachial index. Complete haematologic response (CHR) was achieved in 14 of 30 subjects, major cytogenetic response (MCyR) in 14 of 44 subjects, complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) in 10 of 50 and major molecular response (MMR) in 7 of 51 subjects who did not have a CHR, MCyR, CCyR or MMR at enrollment. The best safety/efficacy dose was 300 mg with MCyR achieved in 6 of 7 subjects, CCyR in 5 of 9 and MMR in 4 of 9 subjects who did not have a MCyR, CCyR or MMR at enrollment. 5 of 16 subjects with BCR::ABL1T315I responded including 3 achieving a CHR, 1, a MCyR, and 1,a CCyR. 2 of 5 subjects failing ponatinib achieved a CHR. Vamotinib dose for further phase-3 study is 300 mg/d.
CTR: NCT02885766, August 26, 2016
Analysis of Fatigue Among the Older Adult Based on the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: WEI Qian , ZHANG Huaguo , SONG Mi , WU Hongyi , HE Yudi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Given the high prevalence and health hazards of fatigue in older adults, its importance is increasingly recognized and research on fatigue is accumulating. Therefore, we aimed to explore how fatigue, influencing factors and lower limb function interact with each other in older adults.
Methods：A sample of older adults was surveyed between September 2020 and March 2021 in grade A tertiary hospitals in China. Older adults completed a series of questionnaires. Hypothesized models were constructed using the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms (TOUS) as a guide, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesized models.
Results: Bodily Pain, depressed mood, anxious mood and social support all had a direct impact on fatigue. Both depressed mood and fatigue had a direct effect on lower limb function. Bodily pain, depressed mood, anxious mood and social support each had an indirect effect on lower limb function through fatigue. The structural model results were χ2 = 14.534 (df = 11, P =0.205), χ2/df= 1.321, GFI = 0.990, AGFI = 0.968, CFI = 0.983, NFI=0.937, RMSEA = 0.030 and SRMR = 0.023.
Conclusions:Healthcare professionals should enhance the management of fatigue symptoms in older adults, and the order of concern may be psychological, social, and physical factors. Meanwhile, as an important mediator, fatigue may provide new ideas for improving lower limb function in the elderly.
Interleukin-6 and Interferon-gamma Ratio as a Predictor of Immune State and Viral Suppression in HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Emunyu Jude , Ankunda Collins , Ssemugenze Patrick , Nabbanja Vivien , Bakunda Angela , Muhanguzi John Bosco , Wamutu Samuel , Nerima Barbara 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Cytokine dysregulation is a key feature of HIV-1 infection with plasma Interleukin 6 (IL-6) largely observed to enhance HIV-1 replication whereas Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) inhibits it. Notably, IL-6 inhibits IFN-γ secretion through the STAT3 pathway to support HIV-1 survival. High IL-6: IFN-γ ratios may thus be linked to HIV-1 persistence. Although these cytokines are often evaluated separately, we assessed IL-6: IFN-γ ratio as a predictor of HIV-1 immune state and viral suppression.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 240 people living with HIV on Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). Assessments included viral load, CD4 T-cell counts, IL-6, and IFN-γ, followed by the calculation of IL-6: IFN-γ ratios. Participants were categorized into viral suppressing (< 1000 copies) and non-suppressing (> 1000 copies) groups, as well as severe immune suppression (< 200 CD4 T-cells) and non-severe (> 200 CD4 T-cells). Correlations among HIV-1 viral load, CD4 counts, and cytokine levels were analyzed, and Welch’s T-test was used for comparisons.
Results
No significant correlations were found between HIV-1 viral load, CD4 counts, and the cytokine levels or ratios. However, IL-6 and IL-6: IFN-γ ratios were higher in viral suppressing patients (p = 0.024 and p = 0.017, respectively), while IFN-γ levels did not vary significantly. Among patients on ART for six months, IL-6 was elevated in viral non-suppressing individuals (p = 0.005). The classification accuracy of IL-6, IFN-γ, and their ratio varied, identifying 59%, 41%, and 65% of patients as viral suppressing or non-suppressing.
Conclusion
The IL-6: IFN-γ ratio enhances the classification accuracy of individuals living with HIV-1 compared to independent tests, though it is not a direct replacement for viral load or CD4 counts. Understanding IL-6 secretion patterns and their impact on IFN-γ may require a comprehensive cytokine profile and comparison with ART-naïve HIV-1 infected individuals.