bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Topology‐preserving segmentation of abdominal muscle layers from ultrasound images
Authors: Liao Feiyang , Li Dongli , Yang Xiaoyu , Cao Weiwei , Xiang Dehui , Yuan Gang , Wang Yingwei , Zheng Jian 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn clinical anesthesia, precise segmentation of muscle layers from abdominal ultrasound images is crucial for identifying nerve block locations accurately. Despite deep learning advancements, challenges persist in segmenting muscle layers with accurate topology due to pseudo and weak edges caused by acoustic artifacts in ultrasound imagery.PurposeTo assist anesthesiologists in locating nerve block areas, we have developed a novel deep learning algorithm that can accurately segment muscle layers in abdominal ultrasound images with interference.MethodsWe propose a comprehensive approach emphasizing the preservation of the segmentation's low‐rank property to ensure correct topology. Our methodology integrates a Semantic Feature Extraction (SFE) module for redundant encoding, a Low‐rank Reconstruction (LR) module to compress this encoding, and an Edge Reconstruction (ER) module to refine segmentation boundaries. Our evaluation involved rigorous testing on clinical datasets, comparing our algorithm against seven established deep learning‐based segmentation methods using metrics such as Mean Intersection‐over‐Union (MIoU) and Hausdorff distance (HD). Statistical rigor was ensured through effect size quantification with Cliff's Delta, Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) for multivariate analysis, and application of the Holm‐Bonferroni method for multiple comparisons correction.ResultsWe demonstrate that our method outperforms other industry‐recognized deep learning approaches on both MIoU and HD metrics, achieving the best outcomes with 88.21%/4.98 () on the standard test set and 85.48%/6.98 () on the challenging test set. The best&worst results for the other models on the standard test set were (87.20%/5.72)&(83.69%/8.12), and on the challenging test set were (81.25%/10.00)&(71.74%/16.82). Ablation studies further validate the distinct contributions of the proposed modules, which synergistically achieve a balance between maintaining topological integrity and edge precision.ConclusionsOur findings validate the effective segmentation of muscle layers with accurate topology in complex ultrasound images, leveraging low‐rank constraints. The proposed method not only advances the field of medical imaging segmentation but also offers practical benefits for clinical anesthesia by improving the reliability of nerve block localization.
Layer‐parallel training of residual networks with auxiliary variable networks
Authors: Sun Qi , Dong Hexin , Chen Zewei , Sun Jiacheng , Li Zhenguo , Dong Bin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractGradient‐based methods for training residual networks (ResNets) typically require a forward pass of input data, followed by back‐propagating the error gradient to update model parameters, which becomes time‐consuming as the network structure goes deeper. To break the algorithmic locking and exploit synchronous module parallelism in both forward and backward modes, auxiliary‐variable methods have emerged but suffer from communication overhead and a lack of data augmentation. By trading off the recomputation and storage of auxiliary variables, a joint learning framework is proposed in this work for training realistic ResNets across multiple compute devices. Specifically, the input data of each processor is generated from its low‐capacity auxiliary network (AuxNet), which permits the use of data augmentation and realizes forward unlocking. Backward passes are then executed in parallel, each with a local loss function derived from the penalty or augmented Lagrangian (AL) method. Finally, the AuxNet is adjusted to reproduce updated auxiliary variables through an end‐to‐end training process. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method on ResNets and WideResNets across CIFAR‐10, CIFAR‐100, and ImageNet datasets, achieving speedup over the traditional layer‐serial training approach while maintaining comparable testing accuracy.
Reachable set estimation of delayed Markovian jump neural networks based on an augmented zero equality approach
Authors: Kim S. H. , Kim Y. J. , Lee S. H. , Kwon O. M. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis article suggests the methods to estimate the reachable set of Markovian jump neural networks (MJNNs) with time‐varying delays. By building up improved Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals, the conditions that have less conservatism for the delay‐dependent can be obtained. Integral inequalities are employed to estimate the reachable set of MJNNs, resulting in more effective and conservative outcomes regarding time delays. Moreover, some mathematical techniques, the augmented zero equality approach, improve the results and eliminated the free variables. Two numerical examples and figures demonstrated that the proposed method was effective and provided less conservative results than previous research.
TLC‐bioautography‐guided identification and assessment of the antibacterial compounds from Feijoa sellowiana
Authors: Xu Wenliang , Shi Danxia , Chen Kuanmin , Popovich David G. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntroductionA rapid procedure was developed for the targeted isolation and assessment of antibacterial compounds from plant‐based materials. The effectiveness of this method was demonstrated using Feijoa sellowiana fruit peels.ObjectiveThe objectives of this study are as follows: develop an efficient procedure utilizing direct thin‐layer chromatography (TLC)‐bioautography to facilitate the targeting, identification, and purification of antibacterial compounds from plant extracts and delineate a method based on TLC‐bioautography to determine the minimum effective dose (MED), alongside a colorimetric broth microdilution aided by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for evaluating the isolated active compounds.MethodologyActive compounds were targeted using TLC‐bioautography against Staphylococcus aureus, and the identification was achieved through liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) combined with Compound Discoverer. Purification was carried out using a customized separation method. The structure was confirmed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The MED, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by two enhanced antibacterial assays.ResultsThe main antibacterial compound identified was flavone. A TLC‐bioautography‐based antibacterial assay and a colorimetric broth microdilution assisted by HPLC were described as the enhanced antibacterial assay protocols. The MED, MIC, and MBC of flavone against S. aureus were found to be 4.2–5.2 μg/cm2, 225–275 μg/mL, and 550–650 μg/mL, respectively. Similarly, the MED, MIC, and MBC against Escherichia coli were determined to be 5.2–6.1 μg/cm2, 325–375 μg/mL, and 375–425 μg/mL, respectively.ConclusionThis study proposed an enhanced bioassay‐guided separation technique for the isolation of antibacterial compounds from plants, along with two improved methods for assessing the antibacterial efficacy of insoluble or colored compounds.
Risk of Genetic Abnormality in Fetuses With Unilateral Versus Bilateral Pleural Effusions
Authors: Burnett Brian , Parobek Christian , Shanahan Matthew , Mitts Matthew , Albrecht Kelly , Munoz Jessian L. , Buskmiller Cara , Nassar Ahmed A. , Sanz Cortes Magdalena , Belfort Michael A. , Donepudi Roopali V. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveFetal pleural effusions are often associated with underlying genetic etiologies; however, data describing the incidence of genetic abnormalities are limited. We evaluated the rate of genetic abnormalities in pregnancies affected by primary unilateral and bilateral fetal pleural effusion.MethodsThis study is a retrospective cohort study of all patients evaluated at our center with a prenatal diagnosis of primary fetal pleural effusion from 2010 to 2022. All patients with a singleton pregnancy and diagnostic genetic testing were included. Patients were separated into two groups: those with unilateral or bilateral effusions at initial diagnosis. Genetic diagnoses, fetal interventions, and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated.ResultsAmong 229 cases of fetal pleural effusion, 30 met the inclusion criteria. Unilateral effusion was seen in 14/30 cases (47%) and bilateral effusion in 16/30 cases (53%). Genetic abnormalities were present in 7/14 (50%) unilateral and 2/14 (14%) bilateral effusions (p = 0.046). Cases of bilateral effusion had higher rates of fetal intervention with thoracoamniotic shunt (69% vs. 14%; p = 0.004) and earlier delivery (33 vs. 36 weeks, p = 0.002). Bilateral effusions were found to have higher rates of respiratory distress syndrome and neonatal death (p = 0.03 and 0.04), respectively.ConclusionPregnancies affected by primary fetal pleural effusion have a high rate of genetic abnormalities. Although bilateral fetal pleural effusions have worse perinatal outcomes, unilateral fetal pleural effusions have a high rate of genetic diagnosis and both unilateral and bilateral fetal pleural effusions warrant comprehensive prenatal genetic testing.
Association Between Influenza Vaccination and Acute Kidney Injury Among the Elderly: A Self‐Controlled Case Series
Authors: Cho Haerin , Lim Eunsun , Kim Hee‐Jin , Jeong Na‐Young , Choi Nam‐Kyong 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundSeveral cases of renal complications, including acute kidney injury (AKI), after influenza vaccination have been reported, but the association remains unproven. We evaluated the association between influenza vaccination and AKI occurrence among the Korean elderly in the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 seasons.MethodsWe used a large database combining vaccination registration data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and claims data from the National Health Insurance Service. The study subjects were patients hospitalized with AKI for the first‐time following vaccination among those who received one influenza vaccine in the 2018–2019 or 2019–2020 season. Only those aged 65 or older at the date of vaccination were included. We performed a self‐controlled case series study, designating the risk period as 1 to 28 days post‐vaccination and the observation period as each influenza season. The adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) was calculated by adjusting for nephrotoxic drug use and influenza infection that may influence AKI occurrence using a conditional Poisson regression model.ResultsA total of 16 713 and 16 272 AKI events were identified during the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 seasons, respectively. The aIRR for AKI was 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.79–0.87) in the 2018–2019 season. The aIRR for the 2019–2020 influenza season was similar to the 2018–2019 season (aIRR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.82–0.90).ConclusionsInfluenza vaccination is associated with a lower risk of AKI in the elderly over 65. This evidence supports the recommendation of annual influenza vaccination for the elderly. Further studies are needed to determine the biological mechanisms linking the influenza vaccine and AKI.
Immunolocalization of hordein synthesis and transport in developing barley endosperm
Authors: Tanner Gregory , van de Meene Allison , Bacic Anthony 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe spatial accumulation of hordeins in the developing endosperm of barley grains was examined by immunofluorescence microscopy (immunolight microscopy [iLM]) and immunoelectron microscopy (iEM) to establish the timing and subcellular pattern of hordein synthesis and deposition. The pattern seen for hordeins was compared to other abundant grain proteins, such as serpin Z4 and lipid transfer protein 1 (LTP1). Hordein accumulates throughout grain development, from 6 to 37 days post‐anthesis (DPA). In contrast, serpin Z4 was present at 6 DPA, but the greatest synthesis and accumulation occurred during the middle of seed development, from 15 to 30 DPA. LTP1 accumulated later in seed development, from 15 to 30 DPA. Hordeins accumulated within the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), were exocytosed from the ER membrane, and accumulated in protein bodies, which then fused either with the protein storage vacuoles or with other protein bodies, which also later fused with the protein storage vacuoles. iEM showed hordein, and LTP1 appeared not to traverse the Golgi apparatus (GA). Hordein, LTP1, and serpin Z4 colocalized to the same protein bodies and were co‐transported to the protein storage vacuole in the same protein bodies. It is likely that this represents a general transport mechanism common to storage proteins in developing grains.
Impact of adenotonsillectomy and palatal expansion on the apnea‐hypopnea index and minimum oxygen saturation in nonobese pediatric obstructive sleep apnea with balanced maxillomandibular relationship: A cross‐over randomized controlled trial
Authors: Magalhães Maria Cecilia , Normando David , Soares Carlos José , Araujo Eustaquio , Novaes Ricardo Maurício O , Teodoro Vinicius Vasconcelos , Flores‐Mir Carlos , Kim Ki Beom , Almeida Guilherme A. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the impact and best management sequence between adenotonsillectomy (AT) and rapid palatal expansion (RPE) on the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) and minimum oxygen saturation (MinSaO2) in nonobese pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients presenting balanced maxillomandibular relationship.Study Design/MethodsThirty‐two nonobese children with balanced maxillomandibular relationship and a mean age of 8.8 years, with a graded III/IV tonsillar hypertrophy and maxillary constriction, participated in a cross‐over randomized controlled trial. As the first intervention, one group underwent AT while the other underwent RPE. After 6 months, interventions were switched in those groups, but only to participants with an AHI > 1 after the first intervention. OSA medical diagnosis with the support of Polysomnography (PSG) was conducted before (T0), 6 months after the first (T1) and the second (T2) intervention. The influence of sex, adenotonsillar hypertrophy degree, initial AHI and MinSaO2 severity, and intervention sequence were evaluated using linear regression analysis. Intra‐ and intergroup comparisons for AHI and MinSaO2 were performed using ANOVA and Tukey's test.ResultsThe initial AHI severity and intervention sequence (AT first) explained 94.9% of AHI improvement. The initial MinSaO2 severity accounted for 83.1% of MinSaO2 improvement changes. Most AHI reductions and MinSaO2 improvements were due to AT.ConclusionsInitial AHI severity and AT as the first intervention accounted for most of the AHI improvement. The initial MinSaO2 severity alone accounted for the most changes in MinSaO2 increase. In most cases, RPE had a marginal effect on AHI and MinSaO2 when adjusted for confounders.
Prognostic value of circulating tumor cells in oligorecurrent hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer patients undergoing stereotactic body radiation therapy
Authors: Matrone Fabio , Del Ben Fabio , Montico Marcella , Muraro Elena , Steffan Agostino , Bortolus Roberto , Fratino Lucia , Donofrio Alessandra , Paduano Veronica , Zanchetta Martina , Turetta Matteo , Brisotto Giulia 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundStereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an effective metastasis‐directed therapy for managing oligometastatic prostate cancer patients. However, it lacks reliable biomarkers for risk stratification. Circulating Tumor Cells (CTC) show promise as minimally invasive prognostic indicators. This study evaluates the prognostic value of CTC in oligorecurrent hormone‐sensitive prostate cancer (orHSPC).MethodsorHSPC patients with 1‐3 nodal and/or bone metastases undergoing SBRT were enrolled (N = 35), with a median follow‐up time of 42.1 months. CTC levels were measured at baseline (T0), 1 month (T1), and 3 months (T2) post‐SBRT using a novel metabolism‐based assay. These levels were correlated with clinical outcomes through Cox‐regression and Kaplan‐Meier analyses.ResultsMedian CTC counts were 5 at T0, 8 at T1, and 5 at T2 with no significant variation over time. Multivariate analysis identified high (≥5/7.5 mL) T0 CTC counts (HR 2.9, 95% CI 1.3–6.5, p = 0.01, median DPFS 29.7 vs. 14.0 months) and having more than one metastasis (HR 3.9, 95% CI 1.8–8.6, p < 0.005, median DPFS 34.1 vs. 10.7 months) as independent predictors of distant progression‐free survival (DPFS). CTC assessment successfully stratified patients with a single metastasis (HR 3.4, 95% CI 1.1–10.2, p = 0.03, median DPFS 42.1 vs. 16.7 months), but not those with more than one metastasis. Additionally, a combined score based on CTC levels and the number of metastases effectively stratified patients.ConclusionThe study demonstrates that hypermetabolic CTC could enhance risk stratification in orHSPC patients undergoing SBRT, particularly in patients with limited metastatic burden, potentially identifying patients with indolent disease who are suitable for tailored SBRT interventions.
The scale, forms and distribution of volunteering amongst refugee youth populations in Uganda
Authors: Fadel Bianca , Baillie Smith Matt , Mills Sarah , Rogerson Daniel , Sahasranaman Aarti , Okech Moses , Turyamureeba Robert , Tukundane Cuthbert , Ahimbisibwe Frank , Boyle Owen , Kanyandago Peter 
Published: September 2024

AbstractGeographies of volunteering have examined the relationships between people, places and forms of voluntary action, but there has been limited geographical scholarship on the scales, forms and distribution of volunteering amongst specific populations in different settings, particularly in the global South. While in the global North there are some established quantitative data sets, often produced by humanitarian and development organisations, these are largely absent in the South. Where they do exist, they often reflect Western‐centric ideas and concepts, meaning that volunteering behaviours that do not fit Western norms—such as amongst young refugees in the global South—can be excluded, or captured in ways that are partial or unrepresentative. This paper provides an important challenge to existing geographies of volunteering, expanding them through an account of volunteering amongst young refugees in Uganda, and how it articulates with social inequalities within and between the spaces and places where young refugees live. We analyse quantitative data from 3053 young refugees surveyed on their volunteering experiences in rural and urban settings in Uganda. The data provides new evidence of who these volunteers are, beyond their refugee status, why, where and how they conduct their activities, and reveals how these are connected to livelihoods and community development. Through this survey analysis, the paper argues for the need to establish grounded conceptualisations of volunteering that consider the scales, distribution, and various forms of volunteering within specific groups. In doing so, the paper offers a new framework for better understanding the relationships between volunteering and refugee lives through four interlocking factors: place, (im)mobility, income and gender. The paper concludes by discussing the implications of these findings for wider geographies of volunteering and research on refugee youth and displaced populations.
Monitoring defects on products' surface by incorporating scan statistics into process monitoring procedures
Authors: Bersimis Sotirios , Sachlas Athanasios , Economou Polychronis 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMonitoring the number of defects in constant‐size units is a well‐defined problem in the industrial domain and usually, the control chart is used for monitoring the total number of defects in a product or a sample of products. The c‐chart tracks the total number of defects in each case by assuming that the underlying number of defects (single or several different types of defects) follows approximately the Poisson distribution. An interesting class of problems where the ‐chart is used is when the number of defects in a surface is of interest. Although the number of defects on the surface of products characterizes the quality of the products, it is especially important how concentrated the defects are in specific parts of the product. In this paper, we introduce a scan‐based monitoring procedure, which simultaneously combines control charts for monitoring the evolvement of the number of defects (in general, events) through time and scan statistics for exploring the spatial distribution of defects. The numerical illustration showed that the new procedure has excellent performance under different scenarios.
Development of an UPLC‐MS/MS approach to detect and quantify N‐nitroso mirabegron in mirabegron
Authors: Uppala Ravi , Prabhu Rakesh Chandrakant , Maruthapillai Arthanareeswari , Venkatasubbaiah Bandaru , Senadi Gopal Chandru , Devikala Sundaramurthy 
Published: September 2024

In the mirabegron (MIR) synthesis, the N‐nitroso mirabegron (NNM) is obtained during synthetic process of MIR; water is being used in reaction under acidic condition. Nitrite source is from water, and secondary amine source is from MIR as it has secondary amine; NNM is generated as an impurity during the synthesis of MIR. The presence of NNM in MIR could potentially affect its effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to establish a Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS) methodology to identify NNM in MIR samples. The method for NNM analysis was developed on Acquity HSS T3 (100*2.1) mm 1.8 μm column with gradient elution using mobile phase consisted of 0.1% formic acid in water (mobile phase A) and 0.1% formic acid in methanol (mobile phase B). Mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization operated in the MRM mode was used in the analysis of NNM (m/ z 426.20 → 170.00). The UPLC‐MS/MS methodology proposed showed a good linearity (0.02 to 0.72 ppm), good system precision (RSD = 0.57%), good method precision (RSD = 0.87%), acceptable accuracy (94.5–116.5%), low detection limit (0.006 ppm) and low quantification limit (0.02 ppm) for NNM. The UPLC‐MS/MS methodology proposed can be utilized to assess the quality of MIR sample for the presence of NNM impurity.
Research on anti‐saturation horizontal vibration model and neural network adaptive integral terminal sliding mode control strategy for high‐speed elevator car system
Authors: Zhao Zichun , Zhang Ruijun , Su Xiaolei , Zhang Shengnan , He Qin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractA neural network adaptive integral terminal sliding mode control method with input saturation is proposed for the horizontal vibration problem of high‐speed elevator car systems caused by uncertainties such as guideway excitation and shaft piston wind change. First, considering the input saturation problem existing in the elevator control actuator, a class of smooth functions is introduced to approximate the nonlinearity of switching saturation, and an eight‐degree‐of‐freedom asymmetric anti‐saturation nonlinear system model of the high‐speed elevator car is established; second, in order to solve the singularity problem existing in the terminal sliding‐mode control, a nonlinear term is introduced into the sliding‐mode design, and a neural network is utilized for the fitting of the complex unknown function, and the design of the an adaptive integral terminal sliding mode controller (AITSMC), which enables the state variables of the system to achieve finite time convergence and proves the stability of the system by using Lyapunov theory; finally, under the action of two typical guide excitations, the proposed controller is compared with the passive control and adaptive control (AC), and the results show that, after adopting the proposed control method, the vibration acceleration eigenvalue is reduced by more than 60%, which effectively suppresses the horizontal vibration of the car system and verifies the effectiveness of the proposed controller.