bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frontal Deactivation and the Efficacy of Statistical Learning: Neural Mechanisms Accompanying Exposure to Visual Statistical Sequences
Authors: Brylka Martyna , Wojciechowski Jakub , Wolak Tomasz , Cygan Hanna B. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Statistical learning is the cognitive ability to rapidly identify structure and meaning in unfamiliar streams of sensory experience, even in the absence of feedback. Despite extensive studies, the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying this phenomenon still require further clarification under varying cognitive conditions. Here, we examined neural mechanisms during the first exposure to visually presented sequences in 47 healthy participants. We used two types of visual objects: abstract symbols and pictures of cartoon-like animals. This allowed us to compare informational processing mechanisms with defined distinguishing features. Participants achieved better performance for sequences with easy-to-name than difficult-to-name abstract stimuli. fMRI results revealed greater activation in widespread brain regions in response to random versus statistical sequences for all stimuli types. Behavioral accuracy was associated with increased deactivation of the ventromedial PFC for easy-to-name statistical versus random sequences. For difficult-to-name statistical versus random sequences, performance correlated with dorsomedial prefrontal cortex deactivation. ROI analysis showed a generally positive involvement of the caudate head in sequence processing with significantly stronger activity during the first run of performing the task. Functional connectivity analysis of prefrontal deactivation regions revealed significant connectivity with nodes of the salience network for both object types and inverse connectivity with the caudate head only for easy-to-name objects. The results indicated that distinct subregions of PFC modulate task performance depending on the visual stimulus characteristic. They also showed that among striatal regions, only the head of the caudate was sensitive to initial exposure to visual statistical information.
How Linguistic and Nonlinguistic Vocalizations Shape the Perception of Emotional Faces—An Electroencephalography Study
Authors: Liang Junyu , Zhang Mingming , Yang Lan , Li Yiwen , Li Yuchen , Wang Li , Li Hongying , Chen Jun , Luo Wenbo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Vocal emotions are crucial in guiding visual attention toward emotionally significant environmental events, such as recognizing emotional faces. This study employed continuous EEG recordings to examine the impact of linguistic and nonlinguistic vocalizations on facial emotion processing. Participants completed a facial emotion discrimination task while viewing fearful, happy, and neutral faces. The behavioral and ERP results indicated that fearful nonlinguistic vocalizations accelerated the recognition of fearful faces and elicited a larger P1 amplitude, whereas happy linguistic vocalizations accelerated the recognition of happy faces and similarly induced a greater P1 amplitude. In recognition of fearful faces, a greater N170 component was observed in the right hemisphere when the emotional category of the priming vocalization was consistent with the face stimulus. In contrast, this effect occurred in the left hemisphere while recognizing happy faces. Representational similarity analysis revealed that the temporoparietal regions automatically differentiate between linguistic and nonlinguistic vocalizations early in face processing. In conclusion, these findings enhance our understanding of the interplay between vocalization types and facial emotion recognition, highlighting the importance of cross-modal processing in emotional perception.
A Fast Algorithm for the Real-Valued Combinatorial Pure Exploration of the Multi-Armed Bandit
Authors: Nakamura Shintaro , Sugiyama Masashi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
We study the real-valued combinatorial pure exploration problem in the stochastic multi-armed bandit (R-CPE-MAB). We study the case where the size of the action set is polynomial with respect to the number of arms. In such a case, the R-CPE-MAB can be seen as a special case of the so-called transductive linear bandits. We introduce the combinatorial gap-based exploration (CombGapE) algorithm, whose sample complexity upper-bound-matches the lower bound up to a problem-dependent constant factor. We numerically show that the CombGapE algorithm outperforms existing methods significantly in both synthetic and real-world data sets.
Open access journals lack image accessibility guidelines
Authors: Stack Whitney Kaitlin , Perrone Julia , Bahlai Christie A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
In recent decades, there has been a move to “open” science and research. One component of open access is “accessibility,” often used to mean that data and other products are free to use by others. However, accessibility also refers to considering and meeting the needs of people with disabilities. Our objective was to evaluate how open access journals incorporate disability accessibility as part of publishing. Using a random sample of 300 English-language journals and image accessibility as a lens, we assessed author guidelines. Of 289 journals with guidelines, 38 (13%) included color choice, six (∼2%) included contrast ratios, and none included alternative text. We also assessed the open access statements for the same 300 journals to understand how they conceive of openness and accessibility. Of the 298 journals with open access statements, 228 (∼77%) included the words access or accessibility. Yet none included disability or disabled and only two journals (&lt;1%) mentioned inclusive or inclusion. Our findings indicate that the open access journals sampled are not considering disability accessibility in their submission guidelines or open access frameworks. Incorporating disability accessibility into open scholarship considerations is critical to bridge, and not exacerbate, information inequalities for people with disabilities.
Transforming fly ash into value: Sustainable LLDPE-fly ash composites via rotational molding
Authors: Yadav Jitender , Ramkumar PL. , Parwani Ajit Kumar 
Published: December 2024

This study focuses on reducing pollution and promoting sustainability by exploring the use of fly ash (FA), an industrial byproduct, in polymer composites through rotational molding. By incorporating FA into a polymer matrix, the research evaluates the performance of these composites. Results show that the tensile strength increased slightly from 16.54 MPa for pure LLDPE to 17.2 MPa with 5% FA but decreased to 13.5 MPa at 10% FA. The modulus significantly improved, rising from 5.1% to 31.3% with 5% to 20% FA content. Hardness also increased, with a maximum rise of 10.25% at 5% FA and 6.2% at 10% FA. However, elongation at break, bending, and impact strength decreased with higher FA content. The density of the composites increased with up to 10% FA, indicating effective integration of FA particles. These findings demonstrate that FA can be successfully used to develop polymer composites in rotational molding, supporting both environmental sustainability and innovative production practices.
Hippocampal long-term potentiation is modulated by exercise-induced alterations in dopaminergic synaptic transmission in mice selectively bred for high voluntary wheel running
Authors: Phan Jessica Mai-Phuong , Yi Jiwon , Foote Julia Hope Amor , Ayabe Asia Rei Katsura , Guan Kevin , Garland Theodore , Parfitt Karen Diane 
Published: December 2024

Background High-Runner (HR) mice, selectively bred for increased voluntary wheel running behavior, exhibit heightened motivation to run. Exercise has been shown to influence hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) and memory, and is neuroprotective in several neurodegenerative diseases. Objective This study aimed to determine the impact of intense running in HR mice with wheel access on hippocampal LTP, compared to HR mice without wheels and non-selected control (C) mice with/without wheels. Additionally, we investigated the involvement of D1/D5 receptors and the dopamine transporter (DAT) in LTP modulation and examined levels of these proteins in HR and C mice. Methods Adult female HR and C mice were individually housed with/without running wheels for at least two weeks. Hippocampal LTP of extracellular field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) was measured in area CA1, and SKF-38393 (D1/D5 receptor agonist) and GBR 12909 (DAT inhibitor) were used to probe the role of D1/D5 receptors and DAT in LTP differences. Western blot analyses assessed D1/D5 receptor and DAT expression in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum. Results HR mice with wheel access showed significantly increased hippocampal LTP compared to those without wheels and to C mice with/without wheels. Treatment with SKF-38393 or GBR 12909 prevented the heightened LTP in HR mice with wheels, aligning it with levels in C mice. Hippocampal D1/D5 receptor levels were lower, and DAT levels were higher in HR mice compared to C mice. No significant changes were observed in other brain regions. Conclusions The increased hippocampal LTP seen in HR mice with wheel access may be related to alterations in dopaminergic synaptic transmission that underlie the neurophysiological basis of hyperactivity, motor disorders, and/or motivation.
Diabetic retinopathy detection via deep learning based dual features integrated classification model
Authors: Devi T.M. , Karthikeyan P. , Muthu Kumar B. , Manikandakumar M. 
Published: December 2024

Background The primary recognition of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a pivotal requirement to prevent blindness and vision impairment. This deadly condition is identified by highly qualified professionals by examining colored retinal images. Objective The physical diagnostics for this condition was time-consuming and prone to fault. The development of computer-vision based intelligent systems has develop a main research area to effectually diagnosis the pathologies from an image. Methods In this research, a novel Deep learning based Dual Features Integrated classification (DD-FIC) framework is designed to detect the DR from a color retinal image. Initially, the fundus images are denoised by Wavelet integrated Retinex (WIR) algorithm to remove the noise artifacts which provide high contrast image. This DD-FIC model contains two phases of feature extraction module to evaluation of several retinal areas. Initially, global features of the fundus image are retrieved by the assist of attention fused efficient model, whereas the attention module dynamically highlights the important features. Afterwards, the segmented retinal vessels data is converted into features for learning the local features. Results Finally, the collective of features is processed into the Random Forest based feature selection model for the optimal prediction with five different classes using multi-class support vector machine (MCSVM). The efficacy of the proposed DD-FIC framework is estimated by Kaggle dataset with the detection accuracy of 98.6%. Conclusions The proposed framework rises the accuracy of 1.54%, 3.65%, 13.79% and 6.28% for Multi-channel CNN, CNN, VGG NiN and Shallow CNN respectively.
Prognostic value of neurotensin in experimental terminal ileitis
Authors: Zhou Hongyu , He Quan , Xiao Rong , Chen Yeqing , Zhu Feifei , Zhu Haojuan , Han Mingwei , Zhou Guohua 
Published: December 2024

Background Terminal ileitis (TI) is an inflammatory condition of the distal portion of the ileum. Objective To investigate the changes and significance of neurotensin (NT) in the course of experimental terminal ileitis (ETI). Methods A total of 90 Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into the control, model, and suture groups (30 rats in each group). After 2, 4, and 8 weeks of surgery, 10 TI tissues were taken for endoscopic observation in each group. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to detect the pathological changes. The NT levels in serum and terminal ileum mucosa were detected by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Acute inflammatory changes were observed in the suture and the model groups after 2-week of operation. At 4 weeks, compared to the control group, the inflammatory damage in the model group became heavier, but it was reduced in the suture group. At 8 weeks, the model group showed chronic inflammation. However, there was no obvious inflammatory cell infiltration in both the suture group and control group. NT levels were increased in the suture and model groups at 2 weeks, particularly in the model group, and they were significantly higher in the suture and model groups than those in the control group ( P < 0.05). At 4 weeks, the NT levels in the model group continued to rise, while they decreased in the suture group ( P < 0.05). After 8 weeks, NT levels in the model group were significantly higher than those in the suture and control groups ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, from 2 weeks to 8 weeks, the NT concentration in the model group gradually increased, and the suture group increased for 2 weeks, followed by a downward trend. Conclusions In the ETI, the changes in NT concentration in serum and TI mucosa were positively correlated with the degree of inflammation.
Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles and their protective effect towards diabetic nephropathy by inhibition of oxidative stress
Authors: Qu Bo , He Yuhua , Liu Shanlin , Huang Yulian , Bai Yingchun 
Published: December 2024

Background Diabetes is an emerging health issue on a global scale, with increasing prevalence rates reported in many countries. Many mechanisms are proposed for diabetic nephropathy, with oxidative stress being the most significant. The effectiveness of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in the attenuation of nephropathy and oxidative stress in diabetic mice was assessed in this study. Objective The aim of this study is to synthesize AuNPs and assess their protective effect towards diabetic nephropathy by inhibition of oxidative stress. Methods The aqueous extract of Allium sativum was employed to synthesize AuNPs. The prepared AuNPs were characterized using a variety of microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. In-vitro studies were conducted using mice. Streptozotocin (STZ) was employed to induce diabetes in rodents. After 7 days of administration of STZ, anesthesia was given to all animals and blood was collected for the assessment of creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) levels. Later, kidney tissue was removed at 4 °C and changes in pathology and oxidative stress were assessed. Results Nephropathy was confirmed in diabetic mice by the changes in the pathology of kidney tissue along with significant rise in the plasma levels of BUN and creatinine. Additionally, the peroxidation of lipids, formation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), oxidation of glutathione (GSH), concentration of carbonyl protein was also increased in the tissue of kidney of diabetic mice. Oxidative stress in kidney tissue and changes in the pathology of diabetic mice were inhibited significantly (p < 0.05) with the treatment of AuNPs. Conclusion This study revealed the protective effects of AuNPs over diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting the pathway of oxidative stress. Since, the prepared AuNPs showed improvement over complications of diabetes, they may be believed as a potential gratuitous treatment next to other drugs for reducing blood glucose.
Clinical Frailty Scale Predicts Outcomes After Elective Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tsushima Shingo , Shibata Tsuyoshi , Iba Yutaka , Nakajima Tomohiro , Nakazawa Junji , Miura Shuhei , Arihara Ayaka , Nakanishi Keitaro , Mizuno Takakimi , Mukawa Kei , Kawaharada Nobuyoshi 
Published: December 2024

Purpose: The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), used to define frail patients, is significantly associated with clinical outcomes. The CFS can predict postoperative prognosis after cardiovascular procedures. However, no reports exist on the relationship between frailty defined by the CFS and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) outcomes. Materials and Methods: We analyzed data obtained from patients who underwent TEVAR between January 2011 and December 2021. Frailty was assessed using the 9-point CFS and was defined as a score of ≥5 points. The primary outcome was the 5-year overall survival rate. The secondary outcomes included the rate of freedom from aneurysm-related death at 5 years, postoperative complications, length of stay, rate of nonhome discharge, need for mobility assistance, 30-day mortality rate, and re-intervention rate. Results: Of 331 patients who underwent TEVAR, 186 were included. The mean age of frail (n=36) and nonfrail (n=150) patients was 73.2 ± 7.3 years and 70.9 ± 9.0 years, respectively (p=0.15). The length of stay (17 [9–39] vs 11 [10–16] days; p=0.09) and re-intervention rate (8.3% vs 13.3%; p=0.58) were not significantly different, although frail patients had a higher rate of nonhome discharge (33.3% vs 4.7%; p<0.001), need for mobility assistance (38.9% vs 6.0%; p<0.001), and 30-day mortality (11.1% vs 0.7%; p=0.005) than nonfrail patients. The 5-year overall survival rate after TEVAR was 6.2 ± 5.5 and 84.5 ± 3.4% in frail and nonfrail patients (p<0.001). The median survival time was 22 (6–40) and 136 (87–138&x41; months, the number of recorded deaths in 5 years was 28 (77.8%) and 18 (12.0%; p<0.001), and the rate of freedom from aneurysm-related death at 5 years was 80.7%±11.2% and 96.9%±1.5% (p=0.01) in frail and nonfrail patients, respectively. The mean follow-up time was 53.3 ± 2.7 months. Multivariate Cox regression indicated that the CFS (hazard ratio, 10.14; 95% confidence interval, 5.06–20.32) was significantly associated with overall survival. Conclusion: The CFS is a valuable prognosis predictor, and TEVAR for frail patients with a high surgical risk could not improve the overall survival. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair in frail patients should be approached cautiously. Clinical Impact The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) could be a useful predictor of prognosis in patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). A significant difference was observed between frail and nonfrail patients in the 5-year overall survival rate following TEVAR. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair for frail patients (CFS was ≥5 points) could not improve overall survival because their death was attributed to their comorbidities. Thus, TEVAR in frail patients should be approached cautiously.
Reliability of a portable toe pressure photoplethysmography device compared to a stationary laser doppler flowmeter
Authors: Laamanen Perttu , Laivuori Mirjami , Noronen Katariina , Venermo Maarit 
Published: December 2024

Objective The study aimed to investigate the reliability of a portable toe pressure (TP) photoplethysmography device (PPG) by comparing it to a stationary laser Doppler flowmeter (LD) used in the Helsinki University Hospital. The study evaluated if lower limb arterial circulation could be reliably evaluated with the portable PPG which is more affordable and mobile than the stationary LD. Methods TPs were measured from 102 toes of 54 patients in the vascular surgery outpatient clinic, vascular surgery ward and interventional radiology recovery ward of Helsinki University Hospital. According to the study protocol TPs were measured twice with the PPG device. If the difference between the values was over 10 mmHg, a third measurement was done and two of the closest values were selected for the final analysis. The lowest value displayed by the PPG device was 30 mmHg. Lower than 30 mmHg values were reported as 25 mmHg in the analysis. The repeatability and reliability of the PPG measurements were compared to the LD with Bland Altman plots. Results Most patients had rest pain ( n = 29) or claudication ( n = 9). Prior to TP measurement, 24 patients had undergone lower limb revascularization through either a hybrid ( n = 3), open ( n = 10) or endovascular ( n = 11) procedure. The mean absolute difference between PPG and LD measurement values was 15 mmHg (95% confidence interval 12–18 mmHg). 87.5% of lower limbs with significant arterial insufficiency (TP <60 mmHg with LD, n = 49) had a PPG measurement value of <60 mmHg. Conversely, 84.8% of lower limbs that did not exceed the ischemia criterion of TP ≥60 mmHg with LD had a PPG measurement value of ≥60 mmHg. Mean absolute difference of two consecutive PPG measurement values was 4 mmHg (95% CI 3–5 mmHg). Conclusions The PPG device is a light and affordable option for the assessment of lower limb arterial circulation in primary health care. It is moderately reliable to exclude significant lower limb arterial insufficiency and may reduce unnecessary referrals to the vascular surgery clinic. The repeatability of the PPG device is satisfactory. However, it requires training to use, and the results must always be interpreted with consideration for the patient’s clinical status.
Expression quantitative trait loci influence DNA damage-induced apoptosis in cancer
Authors: Bigge Jessica , Koebbe Laura L. , Giel Ann-Sophie , Bornholdt Dorothea , Buerfent Benedikt , Dasmeh Pouria , Zink Alexander M. , Maj Carlo , Schumacher Johannes 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Background
Genomic instability and evading apoptosis are two fundamental hallmarks of cancer and closely linked to DNA damage response (DDR). By analyzing expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) upon cell stimulation (called exposure eQTL (e2QTL)) it is possible to identify context specific gene regulatory variants and connect them to oncological diseases based on genome-wide association studies (GWAS).

Results
We isolate CD8+ T cells from 461 healthy donors and stimulate them with high doses of 5 different carcinogens to identify regulatory mechanisms of DNA damage-induced apoptosis. Across all stimuli, we find 5,373 genes to be differentially expressed, with 85% to 99% of these genes being suppressed. While upregulated genes are specific to distinct stimuli, downregulated genes are shared across conditions but exhibit enrichment in biological processes depending on the DNA damage type. Analysis of eQTL reveals 654 regulated genes across conditions. Among them, 47 genes are significant e2QTL, representing a fraction of 4% to 5% per stimulus. To unveil disease relevant genetic variants, we compare eQTL and e2QTL with GWAS risk variants. We identify gene regulatory variants for KLF2, PIP4K2A, GPR160, RPS18, ARL17B and XBP1 that represent risk variants for oncological diseases.

Conclusion
Our study highlights the relevance of gene regulatory variants influencing DNA damage-induced apoptosis in cancer. The results provide new insights in cellular mechanisms and corresponding genes contributing to inter-individual effects in cancer development.