bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MccSTN: Attention and Multiscale Contrast Based Style Transfer of Artistic Images
Authors: Zou Jingjing , zhao honggang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In the realm of image processing today, creative image alteration plays a significant role. Recent work on the subject of style transfer has employed attention processes to access the aesthetic-artistic expression of style images. This method converts style images into tokens by first determining the level of attention and then using a decoder to transfer the image’s artistic style. Nevertheless, this leads to the discarding of many fine-grained style elements because of the extremely low semantic similarity between the original image and the style image. Discordant or blatant artifacts may result from this. We suggest MccSTN, a novel framework for style representation and transfer that may be tailored to work with current arbitrary picture style transfers, as a solution to this issue. To be more precise, we first present the Mccformer feature fusion module, which fuses fine-grained features from content photos with aesthetic characteristics from style images. Mccformer is used to obtain feature maps. The desired image is subsequently obtained by feeding the feature map into the decoder. We take into account the relationship between individual styles and the general style distribution in order to lighten the model and train it quickly. We describe a multi-scale augmented contrast module that uses a vast number of image pairs to learn style representations. Code will be posted on https://github.com/haizhu12/MccSTN
The Metaverse: An Appropriate Setting for Mental Health Care?
Authors: Gloeckler Sophie , Ford TJ , Biller-Andorno Nikola 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Metaverse-based mental health services may be poised to increase access and augment treatment; doing so ethically requires anticipating risks and actively shaping how this emerging setting supports care. With limited means to directly evaluate the Metaverse’s potential role in the provision of appropriate mental health care, there is value in conceptual expert input. Methods: The aim of the present Delphi study was to gather global academic experts to explore where opinions converged and diverged regarding three foundational topics: 1) A working definition of the Metaverse; 2) A conception of appropriate care in the Metaverse that identifies key potential challenges; and 3) Conditions that may help align mental health offerings in the Metaverse with tenets of appropriate care. The study was carried out in an e-Delphi format – asynchronously online – in three rounds with statements divided according to the study aims. Panelists rated agreement with statements, suggested modifications, provided commentary on their position, suggested additional statements, and reviewed panelist-generated statements. Results: The 14 panelists, identified through literature review, represented top universities and cutting-edge research labs in the field. Of the 27 original statements, all reached consensus by Round Three. 27 new statements were generated based on panel suggestion, of which 20 reached consensus. Panelists produced a working definition of the Metaverse, exhibited clarity regarding the possible suitability of the Metaverse as a setting for appropriate mental health care, identified challenges to providing such care, and identified interventions that may meaningfully address Metaverse-specific care concerns. Conclusion: Additional research building on the identified issues and solutions is needed to responsibly shape the form and content of both future mental health offerings and the Metaverse itself. Next steps should involve service users to voice their perspective; clinicians to shape best clinical practice; and policymakers to build upon the suggested regulatory measures.
Synthetic data in Multiple Sclerosis: replicating the results of a clinical trial with artificially generated data.
Authors: Carmisciano Luca , Montobbio Noemi , Signori Alessio , Sedel Frederic , Cree Bruce A. C. , Sormani Maria Pia 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Collecting high quality, patient level data demands significant efforts and resources. A potential solution, well-suited for exploratory hypothesis testing, gathering evidence, and assessing the heterogeneity and generalizability of estimates, is the usage of synthetic data. Synthetic data are newly generated data from real, original data. They share a fundamental set of statistical properties, which is sufficient to replicate statistical analysis findings. Aim of this work is to explore the feasibility of obtaining clinically relevant insights from analyses on synthetic data.
Methods
We used baseline characteristics and follow-up data from the 641 subjects with progressive multiple sclerosis enrolled in the SPI2 randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating the effect of high dose biotin on disability improvement. We used four strategies (noise addition, chains of conditional distributions, multivariate modeling, and generative adversarial networks) to generate artificial data from the original SPI2 data. We simulated six research scenarios with different methodology, complexity, and data usage level. For each strategy we generated multiple samples and averaged the results of each scenario. Then, we compared synthetic-data-analysis results with original-data-analysis results by standardized mean difference (SMD) and percentage of confidence interval overlap (CIO). All the Python and R code used to produce these findings is available and public.
Results
Median SMD was 0.73 with inter-quartile range from 0.28 to 2.25. Median CIO was 77.3% with inter-quartile range from 46.4–89.2%. Bias direction was an underestimate 66.7% of the times (16/24) but largely differed accordingly to the research scenario. In 75% of the cases (18/24) the formal test of the null hypothesis of the corresponding scenario on synthetic data offered the same answer of the original data.
Conclusion
Although the selected synthesis approaches may not be exhaustive or state-of-the-art, and methods were minimally optimized, it is feasible to obtain clinically relevant insights from synthetic data, particularly for exploratory purposes, albeit with certain caveats. Assessing the quality of synthetic data before initiating any analysis is crucial. While a consistent underestimation of an association may occur, the bias inconsistency by synthesis strategy implies that a combination of these methods could enhance future synthetic generation strategies.
Gis Based Groundwater Potential Assessment in Lower Omo Valley Sub-basin፡ in the Case of Selamago Woreda, Ethiopia
Authors: Mogiso Tamene Mojira , Tadewos Yohannes 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Water is the pillar of socio-economic activity and environmental functions. Groundwater is the most important natural resource found beneath the earth‘s surface. A systematic evaluation of groundwater is essential for the proper utilization and management. This study is mainly aimed at identifying and mapping the groundwater potential zones of the lower Omo sub-basin in the case of Selamago Woreda. ArcGIS overlay analysis was conducted to obtain the groundwater potential zone map. A total of nine thematic layers were used in Arc GIS, including geology, slope, rainfall, lineament density, geomorphology, soil, land use land cover, drainage density, and elevation used for overlay analysis. Weights were assigned for each thematic layer, and then each thematic layer was compared using the AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) tool. The identified factors affecting groundwater potential were geology (27%), slope (21%), rainfall (14%), geomorphology (10%), lineament density (9%), soil (5%), land use land cover (5%), drainage density (5%), and digital elevation model (4%). The first four thematic layers were the most influencing parameters of groundwater in the study area. There were five groundwater potential zones identified and mapped in the study area: very low, low, moderate, high, and very high. The high potential zones correspond to alluvial plains, lacustrine sediments, fracture valleys, and valley fills, which coincide with the low slope and high lineaments density areas. The low zones mainly comprise structural hills and an escarpment. Compared with an independent set of groundwater point data (existing drilled wells), the qualitative results partially validate the result. The validation analysis showed a good agreement between the observed well data and groundwater potential zone map. Therefore, this research demonstrates that GIS and remote sensing techniques are an efficient and robust method for delineating and mapping groundwater potential zones. This groundwater potential information will be useful for water resources management in the study area
Evidence-based Practice Attitude Scale for Latinx mental health professionals: A novel application of confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Giraldo-Santiago Natalia , Hernández Julian M. , McNeish Daniel , Gearing Robin E. , Aarons Gregory A. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background The Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS) is a widely used measurement tool to assess mental health providers’ attitudes toward adopting research-based interventions. To date, this scale has yet to be used or validated among mental health professionals in Latin America. This study investigated the factor structure, psychometric properties, cross-cultural validity, and model fit of the EBPAS in an interdisciplinary sample of social workers, counselors, and psychologists. Methods The original 15-item EBPAS scale was administered to a sample (N = 237) of Puerto Rican mental health professionals (e.g., social workers, counselors, and psychologists) working in diverse settings, such as schools, clinics, and community settings, child protection and welfare services, etc. The EBPAS’s scores are derived from four distinct constructs involving willingness to adopt EBPs (i.e., requirements, openness to innovation, appeal, and divergence from research). A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to examine the psychometric properties of the EBPAS scale. Several first and second-order factor models were specified. A global and approximate fit examination of the measurement model and composite reliability estimation for each subscale was conducted. RStudio version 4.3.1 software was used for the CFA. Results The CFA supported a first-order factor model. Most subscales were found to have strong reliability coefficients ranging between 0.83 and 0.91, except for the divergence subscale. After allowing for covariance between two items in the appeal dimension, the correlated factor model was found to adequately fit the data, although some misspecification was observed. Conclusions The EBPAS-15 has adequate psychometric properties in a Latinx sample of mental health professionals, suggesting that the factor structure and reliability may be useful in a Spanish-speaking and Caribbean sample of mental health professionals working in a variety of settings and contexts. Findings contribute to the scant literature on culturally validated measures examining attitudes toward EBPs in Latin America.
The Relationship between 100% Fruit Juice Consumption and Myopia in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on NHANES
Authors: Chu Zhang , Xianglei Chen , Liu Yong , Hui Wang 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objective
Given the increasing prevalence of myopia among the youth worldwide and the complex, unclear pathogenic mechanisms, this study delves into the potential connection between 100% fruit juice consumption and the risk of myopia. It aims to provide crucial scientific evidence for effective myopia prevention strategies, thus safeguarding visual health in this demographic.
Methods
This cross-sectional observational study is based on data from the 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the United States. We included 906 adolescents and young adults, aged 12 to 25, who completed a non-cycloplegic vision examination. Participants were categorized into three groups based on their 100% fruit juice consumption: "never," "moderate," and "high" consumption groups. Using multivariable logistic regression models and adjusting for potential confounders such as age, gender, height, birthplace, family income, education level, race, and body mass index (BMI), we analyzed the association between 100% fruit juice consumption and the risk of myopia.
Results
Adjusted multivariate analysis revealed that both moderate and high consumption of 100% fruit juice were significantly associated with an increased risk of myopia (P < 0.05). Subgroup analysis indicated that this association was particularly significant among males and the 12–17 age group (P < 0.05). Additionally, interaction analysis suggested that birthplace, BMI, and race might be important moderators in the relationship between 100% fruit juice consumption and myopia risk (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
This study demonstrates a significant association between 100% fruit juice consumption and an increased risk of myopia in adolescents and young adults, with this link being more pronounced in specific populations such as males and younger age groups. These findings provide essential evidence for developing myopia prevention strategies, highlighting the impact of dietary factors on visual health and the necessity of targeted interventions for high-risk groups. The results underscore the importance of incorporating dietary guidance into comprehensive myopia prevention strategies.
Effects of ferulic acid and senkyunolide A on cytochrome P450 isoforms activity in rats in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Qin Mengnan , Shi Xuepeng , Wei Lin , Sun Jiahui , Shao Bing , Yang Chunjuan , Li Qian , Liu Gaofeng 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives：Chuanxiong Rhizoma is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Ferulic acid and senkyunolide A are active compounds of Chuanxiong Rhizoma. The possibility of a drug-drug interaction mediated by cytochrome P450 resulting from ferulic acid and senkyunolide A has not been investigated.This study aims to explore the effects of ferulic acid and senkyunolide A on CYP1A2, CYP2C11, CYP2D1, and CYP3A1/2 activities in rats both in vitro and in vivo.
Methods: In the in vivo study, rats were administered probe drugs of the four isoforms including caffeine, tolbutamide, metoprolol, and dapsone. Blood samples were collected at setting times and determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). In the in vitrostudy, probe drugs phenacetin, tolbutamide, dextromethorphan, and testosterone were used for incubation with rat liver microsomes, and their metabolites were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Results: In the in vivo study, both ferulic acid and Senkyunolide A accelerated the metabolism of dapsone but had no significant effect on other probe drugs. In the rat liver microsome incubation system in vitro, the concentrations of 6β-hydroxytestosterone in the ferulic acid-treated group and senkyunolide A-treated group were higher than those in the control group respectively, but the concentrations of other metabolites were not significantly changed.
Discussion and conclusions: Both the in vivo and in vitro results demonstrated that ferulic acid and senkyunolide A can increase the activity of CYP3A1/2, but do not significantly affect the activities of CYP1A2, CYP2C11, and CYP2D1 in rats. This suggests that traditional Chinese medicine containing ferulic acid and senkyunolide A may decrease the curative effects of the drugs metabolized by CYP3A4 in humans.
Impact of Gonadotrophin Dose Used on Ovarian Stimulation for IVF on Embryo Ploidy Status
Authors: Schuffner Alessandro , Schuffner Gabriela , Francisquini Camila Dutra De Souza , Carneiro Matheus Campos , Kozlowski Isadora Ferreira , Giacomin Samara Artuso , Rosa Vinicius Bonato Da 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Does the amount of gonadotrophin used during an IVF cycle affect the the number of euploid embryos by patients of different ages?
Methods
A descriptive, retrospective, observational study with 245 patients divided in two experimental groups considering the total gonadotropin dose used (≤ 3000 IU n = 150 or > 3000 IU n = 45).
Results
Patients from group ≤ 3000 IU had a shorter stimulation period, higher number of follicles, oocytes and MII retrieved, zygotes, number of blastocysts and euploid blastocysts. Regarding the kind of protocol, patients in rFSH-only group were younger, with more follicles, total and MII retrieved oocytes, zygotes, number of blastocysts and euploid blastocysts. When evaluating infertility diagnosis, the number of follicles, total and MII retrieved oocytes and zygotes were greater in the male factor group and unexplained factor compared to female plus male and mainly with female factor group. Moreover, the number of euploid blastocysts was greater in the unexplained factor group, and the female plus male group showed the lowest euploidy. A positive correlation was found between IVF outcomes and euploidy. A negative correlation was observed between embryo euploidy and maternal age and gonadotropin dose.
Conclusions
Lower doses of gonadotropin are more likely to produce more euploid blastocysts when comparing to higher dose group. The use of rFSH is related to younger patients and more euploid embryos. When female factor is present there was lower euploidy. It was also observed a positive correlation between embryo production and euploidy.
The extract of Hypoxylon spp. Sj18 kills the pinewood nematode through nematode-associated bacteria
Authors: qi quanying , Jin Qunying , Peng Huazheng , Ye Hualin , Zhu Tangjun , Liu Xifan , Liu Xinyue 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Pine wilt disease, caused by the pinewood nematode (PWN), is a highly contagious and serious coniferous tree disease worldwide, resulting in considerable economic and environmental losses. Chemical insecticides are effective, but they lead to drug resistance and environmental pollution, which makes them inadvisable for widespread use by spraying. The extract of Hypoxylon spp. Sj18 (a fungus genus) demonstrated strong nematicidal effects on PWN in the laboratory, resulting in more than 96% nematode mortality within eight hours. Effective nematicidal compounds A and B were separated from the water extract of the Sj18 dry powder by resin, activated carbon and Sephadex. A+B had no significant nematicidal effect in the presence of antibiotic or when used for aseptic PWN, suggesting that it works through PWN-associated bacteria. The nematicidal effect of A+B on different PWN-associated strains revealed that Serratia marcescens, was an important vector strain for killing PWN. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and subsequent experiments revealed that the molecular formula of A was C19H44N19O12S2 and contained peptide bond. In addition, B proved to be maltose.
Association between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the risk of incident diabetes in the prediabetic and the normoglycemic Japanese men: A population-base longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Xuan Xiuping , Kong Lijuan , Hu Qian , Zhou Lan , Zhu Hai , Okamura Takuro , Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Obora Akihiro , Kojima Takao , Fukui Michiaki , Hamaguchi Masahide , Liao Jixiang , Zhang Jie , Huang Song , He Songqing , Xie Xuemei 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
While many studies indicate a negative correlation between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and the occurrence of diabetes, there are still some inconsistent findings. The contentious relationship between the two may be partially due to the undistingushement between the pre-diabetic and the normoglycemic participants in the previous studies, which may confound the association. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the baseline HDL-C and incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in a Japanese cohort with normoglycemia or with prediabetes, respectively.
Method
In total, 10120 men (6791 with normoglycemia and 3329 with prediabetes) were enrolled from the NAGALA cohort from Jan 5th, 2004 to Dec 26th, 2015. Cox proportional hazards models were conducted to explore the association between baseline HDL-C levels and incident T2DM. A two-piecewise linear regression model was performed to evaluate the threshold effect of the baseline HDL-C concentration on T2DM incidence by using a smoothing function.
Results
During the median 5.95-year follow-up duration for participants with normoglycemia and 4.33-year follow-up period for prediabetes, 88 participantes with normoglycemia and 494 participantes with prediabetes developed T2DM. In the crude model and partly adjusted model, the risk of T2DM decreased significantly in both normoglycemia and prediabetes with increment in baseline HDL-C concentration. Howerver, the associations became nonsignificant after fully adjusting for possible confounders. Interestingly, in prediabetes, an L-shaped relationship between baseline HDL-C and risk of incident T2DM with a threshold HDL-C concentration of 32.4mg/dl was determined: the T2DM risk sharply decreased by 62% with the each 10mg/dl increment in HDL-C levels (HR = 0.377, 95%CI = 0.191–0.743) and the decline reaches a near plateau when the HDL-C concentration is higher than 32.4 mg/dl (HR = 0.986, 95%CI = 0.895–1.085).
Conclusions
Among a Japanese male population, an L-shape relationship between baseline HDL-C concentration and the risk of incident T2DM was explored in prediabetes, while no significant association was detected in men with normoglycemia.