bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non-layered communication protocol for multi-chainwireless sensor network
Authors: Guo Xiaochun , Tang Zhiwei , Yan Xijun 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

To reduce channel conflicts, lower network energy consumption, and data delay, a non-layered communication protocol suitable for multi-chain network structures for farmland monitoring, named RBP, is proposed. The sink node schedules the entire network by sending command frames, and sensor nodes complete synchronization, data transmission, routing, and other processes according to the different command frames received. Simulation experiments show that the protocol not only reduces energy consumption and avoids link conflicts, but also reduces data delay and improves network reliability.
Image Deduplication Using Efficient Visual Indexing and Retrieval: Optimizing Storage, Time and Energy for Deep Neural Network Training
Authors: Rahman M M Mahabubur , Biswas Debojyoti , Chen Xiao , Tešić Jelena 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Deep Neural Networks (DNNs) have gained widespread popularity for tasks related to visual processing due to their superior performance and the wealth of images and videos available. Rich concept representation in the training dataset is crucial for the effectiveness of the trained deep neural network model. Often, images of the same object taken from slightly different angles or with minor variations are present, and this redundancy is wasteful as the bandwidth, storage, and processing power are limited. Near duplicate images contribute very little to the effectiveness of the model, and here we propose a novel framework for Visual Indexing and Retrieval-based image Deduplication (VIRD). VIRD effectively eliminates redundant data and maintains information quality in the training corpus through visual indexing and retrieval. VIRD balances the tradeoff between a large deduplication ratio and a stable mAP by adjusting the deduplication threshold for graph-based approximate retrieval of near-duplicate images from given target corpora. The effectiveness of VIRD is validated through extensive experiments on well-known Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) benchmarks. While preserving the same validation mean Average Precision (mAP), VIRD can reduce the corpus size by 25.13%. Moreover , by streamlining the training process, VIRD can lower the energy consumption of DNN training by 27.17%, leading to more practical and sustainable DNN training practices.
Prediction of rotator cuff muscle fibre orientations using a population-averaged atlas generated with anatomical and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images
Authors: Zhang Yilan , Lloyd Robert , Herbert Robert D. , Bilston Lynne E. , Bolsterlee Bart 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Measurements of muscle architecture are crucial for understanding muscle function but are often difficult to obtain in human muscles in vivo. This study aimed to create population-averaged atlases of human rotator cuff muscle shape and muscle fibre orientations from anatomical magnetic resonance images (MRI) and diffusion-weighted images (DWI), and to utilize these atlases to predict muscle fibre orientations from anatomical MRI data alone. An image registration framework was applied to co-register anatomical MRI and DWI data of 11 male and 9 female subjects into sex-specific common spaces, forming the basis for the atlases. The accuracy of registration was quantified using Dice coefficients, angular correlation coefficients (ACCs), and angular differences. The same metrics were used to assess the capability of the atlases to predict fibre orientations for subjects not included in the atlas construction, via leave-one-out cross-validation. The results showed that individual male and female image data were accurately registered into their respective atlas spaces, with high Dice coefficients (0.888 ± 0.002 for males, 0.856 ± 0.021 for females) and consistent angular alignment as evidenced by the ACCs and angular differences. Predicted fibre orientations for out-of-sample subjects closely matched those derived from DWI images, exhibiting improved smoothness and coverage (ACC: 0.909 ± 0.011 for males, 0.942 ± 0.011 for females; angular difference: 13.8 ± 1.3° for males, 11.2 ± 1.2° for females). These findings demonstrate that population-averaged atlases not only enhance muscle architecture reconstructions but also enable the accurate prediction of muscle fibre orientations using only anatomical MRI scans.
Assessment of exercise tolerance using CPET in COPD-PH patients treated with Sildenafil versus those receiving only standard-of-care
Authors: Darwish Darwish Ibrahim , Moustafa Yasser , Abdel-Hamid Hossam M , Mohammed Rehab Maher 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Pulmonary Arterial hypertension (PAH) is a common complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which can lead to shorter survival and poor clinical outcomes. Patients suffering from PAH display a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) profile with several atypical factors, such as decreased work rate, limited ability to do aerobic activities, and ventilatory insufficiency.
Objectives
To assess and compare exercise tolerance by CPET in COPD patients with secondary PAH receiving cGMP specific phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor (Sildenafil) versus those who are receiving standard-of -care only.
Patients and Methods:
This is a prospective, cross-sectional research in which a total of 30 COPD patients with mild to severe obstruction & secondary PAH were recruited, all patients were treated with standard -of -care treatment for COPD, moreover, half of the recruited patients were also on sildenafil 60mg/day for at least 3 months at the time of recruitment (sildenafil users) as specific therapy for PAH while the other half were not (non-users). All patients underwent CPET to assess their exercise capacity.
Results
No significant statistical differences were observed between sildenafil users and non-users in all CPET parameters except in respiratory exchange ratio (RER) during both exercise and recovery with sildenafil users showing a lower RER in both phases compared to non-users (p = 0.02,0.01 respectively). Also, resting diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was significantly lower in sildenafil users (p = 0.02). In addition, sildenafil users did not exhibit significant differences compared to non-users in terms of COPD assessment test (CAT) score, modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) score, or spirometric parameters.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that there was no significant differences in overall exercise capacity, nor symptoms or spirometric parameters between COPD patients with secondary PAH receiving sildenafil and those who were not.
Broadband perfect absorption achieved by double-square-slotted Ti3 C2 Tx layer
Authors: Liu Dong Mei , Ji Sheng Wei , Ruan Jiu Fu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

There are a few reports on broadband optical MAs using a whole unpatterned Ti3C2Tx layer or patch-type Ti3C2Tx resonators, and this paper presents a broadband optical MA using the slotted 30-nm-thick Ti3C2Tx layer. The proposed MA can achieve the absorptivity over 90% in the wavelength range of 674–1021 nm. More significantly, the absorptivity beyond 98% is achieved in the wavelength range of 763–965 nm. The function of the slotted 30-nm-thick Ti3C2Tx layer is demonstrated by the comparison between the proposed MA and a similarly constructed structure with the top material replaced by gold. The absorption mechanism is investigated by the distribution of electric field, in which the local surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is quantitatively identified to contribute to the enhancement of absorption. Moreover, the proposed MA is insensitive to incident angles within 60°. Furthermore, the simulated results as well as the design robustness is demonstrated by the calculated ones using the multi-reflection interference theory.
Clinical utility of a novel triplex digital PCR assay for clone monitoring in sequential and relapsed pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients
Authors: Bhatia Prateek , Thakur Rozy , Sreedharanu Sreejesh , Singh Minu , Malhotra Meenakshi , Arora Swati , George Ashish , Trehan Amita 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Digital PCR studies for clonal disease monitoring in B-ALL patients are currently limited due to the heterogeneous nature of mutations, which limitscost-effective assay designs.
Materials and Methods: In the “DETECTOR study”, 70 samples (14 relapse and 56 sequential therapy samples) were tested for 13 mutations in the KRAS, NRAS, NT5C2, PMS2, UHRF1, KMT2D and TP53 genes via a novel triplex digital PCR assay.
The results & Discussion: A total of 7 major clones of NRAS[5] and NT5C2 [2] were noted in 6/14 (43%) patients, accounting for50% of very early-early relapses. In addition, 12 minor clones (PMS2[4], NRAS [4], NT5C2 [3], and TP53 [1]) were noted in 6/14 (43%) patients. In the 56 sequential therapy samples, 6 major clones were noted (NRAS [5], KRAS [1]) in 4/14 (28.5%) patients, with 2 increasing in size in maintenance samples, leading to relapse. In addition, therapy-acquired minor clones in NT5C2 [4] and PMS2 [1] emerged in maintenance samples in 4/14 (28.5%) patients, with concordant detection of such clones in unpaired relapse samples, indicating the need for active surveillance during therapy. Overall, digital PCR validated NRASand NT5C2 major clones in one-third (10/27; 37%) of our patients,driving 50% of very early-early relapses, thereby highlighting its utility for clonal monitoring in LMIC regions.
A global atlas of fungal biosynthetic gene clusters reveals the diversification of diketopiperazine biosynthesis
Authors: Wei Bin , Ying Ti-Ti , Lv Hua-Wei , zhou Zhen-Yi , Cai Hai , Hu Gang-Ao , Liang Hui-Min , Yu Wen-Chao , Yu Yan-Lei , Fan Ai-Li , Hong Kui , Li Xing-Nuo , Wang Hong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Fungi represent one of the largest and most promising reservoirs of structurally diverse natural products. However, the global biosynthetic potential of fungi significantly expanded but remains underexplored.
Results
Here, we presented the most comprehensive fungal biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) atlas that comprised 303,983 BGCs predicted from 13,125 fungal genomes, revealing many less-explored taxa encoding large biosynthetic diversity. The fungal BGCs were organized into 43,984 gene cluster families (GCFs), with 99.6% remaining uncharacterized and 91.7% being genus-specific. Gene-centric analysis has revealed the presence of 359 cyclodipeptide synthases of three distinct subcategories and 9,482 nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) responsible for diketopiperazine biosynthesis in the fungal BGC atlas. Interestingly, 304 type one CDPSs with high homology to bacterial CDPSs were discovered in fungi for the first time, exclusively found in Fusarium. A mass spectrometry-guided approach resulted in the isolation of eighteen indole diketopiperazine alkaloids, including three novel ones, from an Aspergillus strain. Bioinformatics analysis confirmed that these compounds are synthesized by an NRPS protein and several post-modification enzymes.
Conclusions
The study presents the most comprehensive fungal BGC atlas and highlights the diversification of diketopiperazine biosynthesis in fungi, laying a crucial foundation for the exploration of specific types of natural products from fungi.
The RESILIENT Study of post-pandemic maternity care planning: A qualitative research protocol for in-depth interview with women, partners, healthcare professionals, and policy makers.
Authors: Silverio Sergio A. , Dasgupta Tisha , Easter Abigail , Horgan Gillian , Mistry Hiten D. , Boulding Harriet , Citters Aricca Van , Nelson Eugene C. , King Joel R. , von Dadelszen Peter , Magee Laura A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Maternity care is a core service provision of any healthcare system, delivering care for women and birthing people, and their wider family units. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, much of maternity care service provision was reconfigured with the aim of continuing care provision which could not otherwise be re-scheduled or delayed, but in-line with infection control measures instituted through social and physical distancing. The RESILIENT Study was designed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and pandemic-related reconfigurations to maternity care service delivery. It is particularly concerned with the experiences of minority ethnic groups and those with social or medical complexity. One of our specific objectives was to investigate the experiences of maternity care during the pandemic from the perspective of women and birthing people; fathers, partners, and non-gestational parents; healthcare professionals; and policy makers through the use of in-depth interviews. We will analyse data on virtual care, self-monitoring, and vaccination (each using thematic framework analysis); care-seeking and care experience (using template analysis); and on building an ethical future of maternity care (using grounded theory analysis). This is the focus of this protocol. Our findings about the experiences of care receipt, provision, and planning during the pandemic will complement existing literature and our impact will be broad, on: individual patients, NHS maternity providers, NHS policies, and wider society.
Association between Interleukin-6 and Multiple Acute Infarctions in Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease
Authors: Mo Jinglin , Chen Zimo , Wang Mengxing , Cheng Aichun , Li Jiejie , Pan Yuesong , Jiang Yong , Jing Jing , Wang Yongjun , Pu Yuehua , Li Zixiao 
Published: July 2024

Background:
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of
atherosclerosis. This study aimed to determine whether IL-6 is a crucial biomarker associated with
Multiple Acute Infarctions (MAIs), which indicate an important stroke mechanism of artery--
to-artery embolism with a high risk of stroke recurrence in symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic
Disease (sICAD). We tested the association between circulating IL-6 levels and the presence of
MAIs in a prospective population-based registry.

Methods:
We included 1,919 patients with sICAD and baseline IL-6 levels from the Third China
National Stroke Registry for the current analysis, The baseline IL-6 was centrally measured at Beijing
Tiantan Hospital, Images of the brain parenchyma and vascular structures were digitized and
then blindly and independently read by two groups of trained readers, The recruited patients were
divided into 3 groups according to IL-6 tertiles, The relationship between baseline IL-6 tertile levels
and the presence of MAIs was modeled using multivariate logistic regression.

Results:
Compared to patients in the first IL-6 tertile those in the second and third tertiles demonstrated
a significantly higher proportion of MAIs. The odds ratios were 1.81 [95% Confidence Interval
(CI), 1.42-2.30] for the second versus first tertile and 2.15 (95% CI 1.66-2.79) for the third versus
first tertile, The proportion of patients with MAIs increased with rising IL-6 tertiles observed
at 59.3%, 71.6% and 76.4% for the first, second and third tertiles, respectively (P for trend <
0.001). The association between higher IL-6 tertiles and increased proportion of MAIs was also
present in subgroups defined by age < 65 years, age ≥ 65 years, male, and high-sensitivity C-reactive
Protein (hs-CRP) ≥ 2 mg/L. Furthermore, a significant interaction was detected for the hs-
CRP subgroup (P = 0.038). In sensitivity analyses, the positive correlation between IL-6 levels
and the proportion of MAIs remained consistent.

Conclusion:
In patients with sICAD, higher IL-6 levels were associated with an increased proportion
of MAIs. IL-6 could be used as a biomarker and a potential therapeutic target for future
atherosclerosis treatment and prevention in patients with sICAD.
Fabrication and Characterization of Andrographolide-loaded Microsponges to Enhance Oral Bioavailability of Drug against Colon Cancer Using HT29 Cells
Authors: Archana  , Deshmukh Rohitas 
Published: July 2024

Background:
The current research aimed to determine ways to improve the bioavailability
of andrographolide (AGP) for use in colon cancer treatment by developing and evaluating microsponges
loaded with the drug.

Methods:
Utilising the quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion approach, microsponges containing AGP
were synthesised. A total of ten formulations were prepared using different concentrations of drug,
polymer and other excipients. Particle size, shape, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were
used to characterise the microsponges that were created. To find out the rate at which the microsponges
would expel their contents, researchers measured their release dynamics. In vitro anticancer
activity of formulation was determined using HT29 cells

Results:
Results showed that the percentage yield of the formulations ranged from 10.85-41.03%.
The highest drug concentration was achieved in formulation F8 with a particle size of 33.7 nm. SEM
analysis demonstrated that the particles were round and possessed a rough and porous surface. Increasing
the ratio of ethyl cellulose to AGP reduces surface roughness. The microsponge's DSC
difractogram reveals prominent peaks at 18°, 24°, and 38° (2 θ) with reduced intensity, suggesting
that the microsponges' crystalline character has diminished. In vitro drug release study showed
93.85% release upto 12 hours. Mathematical models showed normal release of the formulations with
“n” values greater than 0.90 of all the formulations. Formulation F8 decreased the HT-29 cells' ability
to survive. The percentage of cell cytotoxicity was 75.54 at 100μg/ml. Since AGP microsponges
had a detrimental effect on the survival of colorectal cancer cells.

Conclusion:
It can be concluded from the study that prepared formulations possess anticancer properties
against cancerous cells and can be used as an alternative anticancer drug.
Effect of 17β-Estradiol on Endothelial Cell Expression of Inflammation- Related MicroRNA
Authors: Levy Ma’ayan V. , Fandl Hannah K. , Hijmans Jamie G. , Stockelman Kelly A. , Ruzzene Samuel T. , Reiakvam Whitney R. , Goldthwaite Zoe A. , Greiner Jared J. , DeSouza Christopher A. , Garcia Vinicius P. 
Published: July 2024

Background:
Estrogen plays a protective role in vascular health due, in part, to its
regulation of endothelial inflammation. However, the mechanism(s) by which estrogen negatively
regulates inflammatory signaling pathways is not completely understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs)
are recognized as sensitive and selective regulators of cardiovascular function, inflammation, and
disease, yet the effects of 17β-estradiol on the endothelial miRNA profile are largely unknown.

Objective:
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 17β-estradiol on the expression of
inflammation-associated miRNAs in endothelial cells in vitro.

Methods:
Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with media in the
absence (control) and presence of 17β-estradiol (100 nM) for 24 hr. Thereafter, endothelial cell
release of cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8), the intracellular expression of the central protein inflammatory
mediator NF-κB, and the levels of inflammatory-associated miRNAs: miR-126, miR-146a,
miR-181b, miR-204, and miR-Let-7a, were determined.

Results:
17β-estradiol-treated cells released significantly lower levels of IL-6 (47.6±1.5 pg/mL
vs. 59.3±4.9 pg/mL) and IL-8 (36.3±2.3 pg/mL vs. 44.0±2.0 pg/mL). Cellular expression of total
NF-κB (26.0±2.8 AU vs. 21.2±3.1 AU) was not different between groups; however, activated
NF-κB (Ser536) (12.9±1.7 AU vs. 20.2±2.2 AU) was markedly reduced in 17β-estradiol-treated
cells as compared to untreated cells. Furthermore, cellular expressions of miR-126 (1.8±0.3 fold),
miR-146a (1.7±0.3 fold), miR-181b (2.1±0.4 fold), miR-204 (1.9±0.4 fold), and miR-Let-7a
(1.8±0.3 fold) were markedly increased in response to 17β-estradiol treatment.

Conclusion:
These data suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of 17β-estradiol in endothelial
cells may be mediated by miRNAs.
Exploring the Filling Related Defect in Vertical Centrifugal Castings for A413 and A356 Using 3D Transient Simulation
Authors: Mazloum Kamar , Al Njjar Ameen , Sata Amit 
Published: July 2024

Background:
Defects in casting related to the stage of the process, like filling or solidification
and related to many parameters (process, geometric, and material). In the casting field, extreme
temperatures refer to the high heat necessary to melt and maintain metals or other materials
in a liquid state, enabling them to be shaped into desired forms using molds. Extreme temperature
and other factors, such as die rotation speed play an important role in the formation of defects, as
their significant increase leads to excessive viscosity or instability in the flowing metal. The effective
method that takes the least time and cost to explore this defect is simulation.

Objective:
This study aims to predict the porosity defect for the 3D pattern in vertical centrifugal
casting during filling of A413 and A356.

Methods:
A three-dimensional transient simulation was done for flowing mode in five molds having
various aspects ratio from 1 to 2 in step 0.25 with change in pouring temperature and mold rotation
speed (700 − 800 °c and 50 − 150rpm with step 25 °c , 25 rpm) considering the existance
of air phase with fluid inside the mold.

Results:
The study's findings reveal that when the pouring temperature exceeds 750°C and the mold
rotation speed surpasses 100 RPM, porosity significantly decreases. Generally, increasing the rotation
speed from 50 to 150 RPM reduces defects, except when the pouring temperature is low, specifically
less than 725°C. Additionally, porosity decreases with an increase in the aspect ratio up to
2, accompanied by the lowest interface heat transfer coefficients observed at 6867.62 W/(m^2·K)
for A413 and 7703.89 W/(m^2·K) for A356.

Conclusion:
Determining the interface’s heat transfer coefficient at each moment ensures accuracy
and reliability in the obtained results. By following these simulations for any alloy, the quality of
the castings can be improved.