bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computer‐aided diagnosis of cystic lung diseases using CT scans and deep learning
Authors: Zhu Zhibin , Xing Wenyu , Yang Yanping , Liu Xin , Jiang Tao , Zhang Xingwei , Song Yuanlin , Hou Dongni , Ta Dean 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundAuxiliary diagnosis of different types of cystic lung diseases (CLDs) is important in the clinic and is instrumental in facilitating early and specific treatments. Current clinical methods heavily depend on accumulated experience, restricting their applicability in regions with less developed medical resources. Thus, how to realize the computer‐aided diagnosis of CLDs is of great clinical value.PurposeThis work proposed a deep learning‐based method for automatically segmenting the lung parenchyma in computed tomography (CT) slice images and accurately diagnosing the CLDs using CT scans.MethodsA two‐stage deep learning method was proposed for the automatic classification of normal cases and five different CLDs using CT scans. Lung parenchyma segmentation is the foundation of CT image analysis and auxiliary diagnosis. To meet the requirements of different sizes of the lung parenchyma, an adaptive region‐growing and improved U‐Net model was employed for mask acquisition and automatic segmentation. The former was achieved by a self‐designed adaptive seed point selection method based on similarity measurement, and the latter introduced multiscale input and multichannel output into the original U‐Net model and effectively achieved the lightweight design by adjusting the structure and parameters. After that, the middle 30 consecutive CT slice images of each sample were segmented to obtain lung parenchyma, which was employed for training and testing the proposed multichannel parallel input recursive MLP‐Mixer network (MPIRMNet) model, achieving the computer‐aided diagnosis of CLDs.ResultsA total of 4718 and 16 290 CT slice images collected from 543 patients were employed to validate the proposed segmentation and classification methods, respectively. Experimental results showed that the improved U‐Net model can accurately segment the lung parenchyma in CT slice images, with the Dice, precision, volumetric overlap error, and relative volume difference of 0.96 ± 0.01, 0.93 ± 0.04, 0.05 ± 0.02, and 0.05 ± 0.03, respectively. Meanwhile, the proposed MPIRMNet model achieved appreciable classification effect for normal cases and different CLDs, with the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and F1 score of 0.8823 ± 0.0324, 0.8897 ± 0.0325, 0.9746 ± 0.0078, and 0.8831 ± 0.0334, respectively. Compared with classical machine learning and convolutional neural networks‐based methods for this task, the proposed classification method had a preferable performance, with a significant improvement of accuracy of 10.74%.ConclusionsThe work introduced a two‐stage deep learning method, which can achieve the segmentation of lung parenchyma and the classification of CLDs. Compared to previous diagnostic tasks targeting single CLD, this work can achieve various CLDs’ diagnosis in the early stage, thereby achieving targeted treatment and increasing the potential and value of clinical applications.
Strategies to increase response rates for patient‐reported outcome measures in orthopaedics: A scoping review
Authors: Stern Brocha Z. , Park Jiwoo , Banashefski Bryana , Chaudhary Saad B. , Poeran Jashvant 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPurposeLow response rates remain a challenge for collecting patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs). This review aimed to identify and synthesise the strategies to increase PROM response rates in orthopaedic populations or settings that have been evaluated in the peer‐reviewed literature. Such a synthesis can guide future research and provide a structure for future implementation evaluations.MethodsWe completed a scoping review of English‐language articles in peer‐reviewed journals published from 1 January 2013 to 30 October 2023 in PubMed, Embase via Ovid, and Scopus. Eligible articles had a primary focus on patients with orthopaedic conditions and/or described activities in an orthopaedic practice setting and had to present numeric data on response rates for (a) two or more strategies or (b) before and after a specific strategy.ResultsAcross 27 papers, the largest category of evaluated strategies was ‘administration modality’ (n = 16). Other categories of strategies included ‘administration setting’ (n = 5), ‘manual effort’ (n = 5), ‘reminder’ (n = 4), ‘invitation’ (n = 3), ‘automation’ (n = 3), ‘education and training’ (n = 3), ‘measure characteristic’ (n = 3), ‘incentive’ (n = 2), and ‘administration frequency’ (n = 1). Eighteen of 23 studies that completed significance testing identified a significant difference in favour of an intervention, but there were mixed findings across studies within categories.ConclusionOpportunities exist to evaluate categories of strategies beyond the technical modality of administration (e.g. paper vs. electronic) to increase response rates. Additionally, the review findings highlight the need for increased standardisation of terminology and improved specification of strategies and response rate outcomes for systematic implementation evaluations and cross‐institutional comparisons.
Cold and vibration for children undergoing needle‐related procedures: A non‐inferiority randomized clinical trial
Authors: Ballard Ariane , Khadra Christelle , Fortin Olivier , Guingo Estelle , Trottier Evelyne D. , Bailey Benoit , Poonai Naveen , Le May Sylvie 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe use of a rapid, easy‐to‐use intervention could improve needle‐related procedural pain management practices in the context of the Emergency Department (ED). As such, the Buzzy device seems to be a promising alternative to topical anesthetics. The aim of this study was to determine if a cold vibrating device was non‐inferior to a topical anesthetic cream for pain management in children undergoing needle‐related procedures in the ED. In this randomized controlled non‐inferiority trial, we enrolled children between 4 and 17 years presenting to the ED and requiring a needle‐related procedure. Participants were randomly assigned to either the cold vibrating device or topical anesthetic (4% liposomal lidocaine; standard of care). The primary outcome was the mean difference (MD) in adjusted procedural pain intensity on the 0–10 Color Analogue Scale (CAS), using a non‐inferiority margin of 0.70. A total of 352 participants were randomized (cold vibration device n = 176, topical anesthetic cream n = 176). Adjusted procedural pain scores' MD between groups was 0.56 (95% CI:−0.08–1.20) on the CAS, showing that the cold vibrating device was not considered non‐inferior to topical anesthetic. The cold vibrating device was not considered non‐inferior to the topical anesthetic cream for pain management in children during a needle‐related procedure in the ED. As topical anesthetic creams require an application time of 30 min, cost approximately CAD $40.00 per tube, are underused in the ED setting, the cold vibrating device remains a promising alternative as it is a rapid, easy‐to‐use, and reusable device.
Screening a knowledge‐based library of low molecular weight compounds against the proline biosynthetic enzyme 1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate 1 (PYCR1)
Authors: Meeks Kaylen R. , Bogner Alexandra N. , Tanner John J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractΔ1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate reductase isoform 1 (PYCR1) is the last enzyme of proline biosynthesis and catalyzes the NAD(P)H‐dependent reduction of Δ1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate to L‐proline. High PYCR1 gene expression is observed in many cancers and linked to poor patient outcomes and tumor aggressiveness. The knockdown of the PYCR1 gene or the inhibition of PYCR1 enzyme has been shown to inhibit tumorigenesis in cancer cells and animal models of cancer, motivating inhibitor discovery. We screened a library of 71 low molecular weight compounds (average MW of 131 Da) against PYCR1 using an enzyme activity assay. Hit compounds were validated with X‐ray crystallography and kinetic assays to determine affinity parameters. The library was counter‐screened against human Δ1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate reductase isoform 3 and proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) to assess specificity/promiscuity. Twelve PYCR1 and one PRODH inhibitor crystal structures were determined. Three compounds inhibit PYCR1 with competitive inhibition parameter of 100 μM or lower. Among these, (S)‐tetrahydro‐2H‐pyran‐2‐carboxylic acid (70 μM) has higher affinity than the current best tool compound N‐formyl‐l‐proline, is 30 times more specific for PYCR1 over human Δ1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate reductase isoform 3, and negligibly inhibits PRODH. Structure‐affinity relationships suggest that hydrogen bonding of the heteroatom of this compound is important for binding to PYCR1. The structures of PYCR1 and PRODH complexed with 1‐hydroxyethane‐1‐sulfonate demonstrate that the sulfonate group is a suitable replacement for the carboxylate anchor. This result suggests that the exploration of carboxylic acid isosteres may be a promising strategy for discovering new classes of PYCR1 and PRODH inhibitors. The structure of PYCR1 complexed with l‐pipecolate and NADH supports the hypothesis that PYCR1 has an alternative function in lysine metabolism.
Involvement of Piezo 1 mechanoceptors in vascular stiffness in isolated small resistance arteries of male and female Dahl salt‐sensitive hypertensive rats
Authors: Mensah Eric A. , Daneshtalab Noriko , Tabrizchi Reza 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPiezo are mechanosensitive non‐selective cation channels that are suggested to be involved in vascular development and function. The aim of our study was to determine any sex‐specific contributions of the mechanosensitive Piezo 1 channels on blood vessel wall stiffness. Composite Young modulus (CYM) was determined using pressure myograph experimental approach using third‐order mesenteric arteries (intact and denuded) from Dahl salt‐sensitive male and female normotensive and hypertensive rats (n = 6–8). The effects of Piezo 1 agonist (Yoda 1; 10 μM), and antagonist (GsMTx‐4; 2 μM) were studied in intact and denuded vessels. The distribution of Piezo 1 was identified using immunohistochemistry. In intact blood vessels, there were no differences in CYM between the experimental groups, however, removal of the endothelium unmasked significant increases in CYM in normotensive males and female groups compared to hypertensive males. The presence of Yoda 1 did not affect CYM in any groups. In the intact tissues, GsMTx‐4 led to significant increases in CYM in hypertensive females, and normotensive males and females, but not in hypertensive males. In the denuded vessels, GsMTx‐4, produced a significant increase in CYM but only in the female normotensives. Differential expression of Piezo 1 were found in male versus female blood vessels. Our findings support a greater contribution of Piezo 1 mechanoceptors to vascular biomechanics of male hypertensive compared to male normotensive or female groups. The evidence also points to a possible differential vasoregulatory role for Piezo 1 in endothelial versus vascular smooth cells, with a greater contribution in males than females.
Flea Burden on Rodents and Its Associated Determinants in Plague‐Endemic Localities of Karatu District, Tanzania: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Jakoniko Joshua Reuben , Massawe Apia , Mwega Elisa Daniel , Kessy Stella Thadeus 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundFleas infest rodents and other small mammals, serving as vectors for zoonotic diseases such as plague. This study investigates the flea burden on rodents and its associated determinants within the plague‐endemic localities of Karatu district, Tanzania.MethodsA repeated cross‐sectional design was employed to capture rodents with Sherman traps in farmland, peridomestic area, bush land, and forest buffer zones across the wet and dry seasons of 2022 in plague and nonplague foci villages. Captured rodents were anaesthetized and thoroughly brushed to collect fleas, which were then identified using a dichotomous key.ResultsA total of 291 rodents (9 species) were captured, from which 190 fleas (4 species) were collected. The collected fleas were Dinopsyllus lypusus (46.32%), Ctenophthalmus sp (26.84%), Xenopsylla brasiliensis (16.32%), and Xenopsylla cheopis (10.53%). Approximately 38.42% of fleas were found on Mastomys natalensis, 22.63% on Lemniscomys striatus, and 18.42% on Rattus rattus. High flea abundance was recorded in farmland and peridomestic areas. The specific flea index (SFI) of X. cheopis on R. rattus was 1.0 in plague foci and <0.5 in nonplague foci. A generalized linear model revealed significant influences of rodent species, season, habitats, rodent weight, sex, and plague locations on flea abundance. Significant variation was observed between rodent sexes (p = 0.009), and a weak positive correlation existed between rodent weight and flea abundance (R = 0.17, p < 0.05).ConclusionVillages in plague foci exhibited higher abundances of fleas in comparison to nonplague foci villages. The SFI results for X. cheopis on rats in both types of villages did not surpass critical thresholds. Factors such as dry season, farmlands, and rodent characteristics influenced flea abundance on rodents in the study area.
Direct evidence on the impact of organic amendments on carbon stabilization in soil microaggregates
Authors: Pitumpe Arachchige Pavithra S. , Hettiarachchi Ganga M. , Rice Charles W. , Dynes James J. , Maurmann Leila , Kilcoyne A. L. David , Attanayake Chammi P. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDirect evidence‐based approaches are vital in understanding the involvement of abiotic/biotic factors and evaluating the newly proposed theories on soil carbon (C) stabilization. Microaggregates (150–250 µm) collected from a corn system (>22 years; Kansas, USA), which had been under no‐till with different nitrogen (N) treatments were analyzed (N treatments: manure/compost, urea, zero fertilizer). We studied C stabilization in free soil microaggregates (with preserved aggregate architecture), directly using scanning transmission X‐ray microscopy coupled with near edge X‐ray absorption fine structure (STXM‐NEXAFS) spectroscopy. Submicron scale findings were complemented with bulk chemical analysis. The STXM‐NEXAFS analysis revealed soil organic carbon (SOC) preservation inside nano‐ and micro‐pores and organo–mineral association, various degrees of humification, and high molecular diversity. The presence of microbial‐derived C was found in manure‐/compost‐added microaggregates highlighting the contribution of organic amendments in facilitating microbial diversity. The incidence of aragonite‐like minerals suggested the biologically/chemically active nature of microaggregate cores. Bulk analysis of free microaggregates showed a higher concentration of SOC (6.5%), ammonium oxalate extractable Fe/Al/Si), and higher aliphaticity of humic acid in manure‐/compost‐added soils compared to inorganic fertilizer (3% SOC) and control (2.7% SOC) treatments. The co‐existence of elements (calcium [Ca]/C, iron [Fe]/N, Fe/C, aluminum [Al]/C, and silicon [Si]/C) was partially supported by bulk chemical analysis that indicated a strong association between ammonium oxalate extractable Fe/Al/Si and SOC (R2 = 0.63—0.77). Overall, our study provided direct/indirect evidence for the complex and interactive involvement of chemical, mineralogical, and biological mechanisms that may have been stimulated by the long‐term addition of compost/manure in stabilizing SOC.
Contrasting soil management systems had limited effects on soil health and crop yields in a North Central US Mollisol
Authors: Crespo Cecilia , O'Brien Peter L. , Nunes Márcio R. , Ruis Sabrina J. , Emmett Bryan D. , Rogovska Natalia , Malone Rob W. , Cambardella Cindy , Kovar John L. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractManagement practices such as relay cropping, cover crops, and no‐tillage may promote soil health in the North Central United States. However, soil health indicators in corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] systems involving multiple management practices are not well documented. The objective of this study was to determine the sensitivity of soil health metrics and the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) to contrasting management systems with different tillage, crops, and fertilization in a North Central US Mollisol. Different management systems, including conservation tillage and nitrogen fertilization strategies, cover cropping, and camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] relay intercropping, were compared to a conventional corn–soybean system. Different systems did not affect most soil health indicators compared to the conventional system. Aggregate stability was the only indicator to change due to management, where no‐till with cover crops increased aggregate stability by 38% compared with camelina relay cropping. The SMAF scores for all the soil quality indices were unaffected by treatments but displayed high values of over 90%. Overall, crop yields were more closely related to weather conditions and management systems than to soil health indicators. Soybean yields were decreased (between 1 and 2 Mg ha−1) in the camelina relay cropping system, while corn yields were lower (up to 70%) in the treatment that received no N fertilization. Ultimately, these findings suggest that soil health indicators are resilient to change due to management in these highly productive Mollisols and may not be closely associated with crop yields.
How does soil organic matter affect potato productivity on sandy soil?
Authors: Rawal Ashmita , Lankau Richard A. , Ruark Matthew D. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractWhile many studies note the positive effects of soil organic matter (SOM) on crop yields, there is limited quantitative information on the influence of increased SOM on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) productivity in sandy soil. This study estimated the impact of varying SOM on potato productivity in sandy soils and explored whether nitrogen (N) mineralization served as a primary mediator. Soil from nine fields in Wisconsin (SOM range of 1.1%–3.8%) was collected for a greenhouse study. Both NH4‐N and NO3‐N extracted from ion strips and potentially mineralizable nitrogen (PMN) were used as the proxies for N mineralization. Linear mixed effect models indicated that fresh matter whole biomass and dry matter vine biomass were 0.45 and 0.54 times greater at 3.8% SOM compared to 1.1% SOM at an optimal soil pH of 5.2, respectively. Similarly, total N uptake in the whole and vine biomass was 0.51 and 1.0 times higher at 3.8% SOM than 1.1% SOM, respectively. While PMN demonstrated a positive correlation with SOM, it only partially mediated the effect of SOM on productivity, specifically in N uptake in the vines. However, for most productivity measures, including PMN with SOM in the models did not substantially reduce the estimated SOM effect on productivity, indicating that SOM affected productivity mostly through mechanisms other than N acquisition by plants available through mineralization of OM. The study underscored the complex interplay between SOM and potato productivity, urging further research into the multifaceted roles of SOM in sandy soils.
Abnormal Magnetic Phase Transition in Mixed‐Phase (110)‐Oriented FeRh Films on Al2O3 Substrates via the Anomalous Nernst Effect
Authors: Choi Jae Won , Park Chanho , Kim Gil‐Sung , Cho Jung‐Min , Park No‐Won , Kim Yun‐Ho , Jung Min Young , Chang Seo Hyoung , Akhanda Md Sabbir , Shivaram Bellave , Bennett Steven P. , Zebarjadi Mona , Lee Sang‐Kwon 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIron rhodium (FeRh) undergoes a first‐order anti‐ferromagnetic to ferromagnetic phase transition above its Curie temperature. By measuring the anomalous Nernst effect (ANE) in (110)‐oriented FeRh films on Al2O3 substrates, the ANE thermopower over a temperature range of 100–350 K is observed, with similar magnetic transport behaviors observed for in‐plane magnetization (IM) and out‐of‐plane magnetization (PM) configurations. The temperature‐dependent magnetization–magnetic field strength (M–H) curves revealed that the ANE voltage is proportional to the magnetization of the material, but additional features magnetic textures not shown in the M‐H curves remained intractable. In particular, a sign reversal occurred for the ANE thermopower signal near zero field in the mixed‐magnetic‐phase films at low temperatures, which is attributed to the diamagnetic properties of the Al2O3 substrate. Finite element method simulations associated with the Heisenberg spin model and Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation strongly supported the abnormal heat transport behavior from the Al2O3 substrate during the experimentally observed magnetic phase transition for the IM and PM configurations. The results demonstrate that FeRh films on an Al2O3 substrate exhibit unusual behavior compared to other ferromagnetic materials, indicating their potential for use in novel applications associated with practical spintronics device design, neuromorphic computing, and magnetic memory.
Freeze‐Casting Mold‐Based Scalable Synthesis of Directional Graphene Aerogels with Long‐Range Pore Alignment for Energy Applications
Authors: Joshi Dhavalkumar N , Han Seunghun , Kim Duckjong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn various applications, the pore structure of a porous medium must be controlled to facilitate heat and mass transfer, which considerably influence the system performance. Freeze‐casting is a versatile technique for creating aligned pores; However, because of the complexity of the associated equipment and the energy inefficiency of liquid‐nitrogen‐based cooling in a room‐temperature environment, limits scalability for industrial applications. This study is aimed at establishing a novel freeze‐casting strategy with a simple mold design combining heat‐conductive and insulating materials for long‐range pore alignment via directional ice growth under deep‐freezing conditions, rendering it feasible for large‐scale production. Using this technique, axially aligned (Axial‐GA) is developed, radially aligned (Radial‐GA), and randomly distributed (Random‐GA) pore structures within NaBr‐impregnated graphene aerogel (GA‐NaBr) configurations, demonstrating enhanced ammonia adsorption for thermal energy management. The pore structure exerted notable effects on the ammonia adsorption behavior, with Radial‐GA exhibiting a higher adsorption rate due to reduced ammonia transit distance. The Radial‐GA‐NaBr structure demonstrated unique adsorption characteristics, retaining ≈85% of the adsorption capacity and achieving a ≈270% adsorption rate gain compared with pure NaBr powder. Overall, this research demonstrates the fabrication of aerogels with various configurations and orientations using facile and scalable methods, thereby expanding their industrial applications.
Cyclic loading test for prefabricated ultra‐high performance concrete columns with bellows grouting connection
Authors: Fu Jundong , Wan Shui , Xiao Jie , Wang Xiao , Zhou Peng , Dekemele Kevin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAccelerated bridge construction is crucial in bridge engineering. In order to improve the seismic performance of prefabricated columns, this study proposes using ultra‐high performance concrete (UHPC) in the plastic hinge areas of prefabricated columns with bellows grouting connections. In particular, cyclic loading tests are carried out on four 1/3‐scaled columns, including two cast‐in‐place columns and two bellows grouting connection columns. The results show that columns with UHPC in the plastic hinge areas exhibit larger lateral and ultimate bearing capacity, ductility, cumulative energy dissipation, and stiffness compared to those with conventional concrete. Additionally, bellows grouting connection column with UHPC shows superior seismic performance compared to cast‐in‐place column with conventional concrete. The proposed finite element analysis model is in a good agreement with the test results. Through using finite element analysis, three key parameters influencing the seismic performance of bellows grouting columns are examined, and the optimal combination of these parameters is identified.