bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Research on a soft saturation nonlinear SSVEP signal feature extraction algorithm
Authors: Liu Bo , Gao Hongwei , Jiang Yueqiu , Wu Jiaxuan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) based on steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP) have received widespread attention due to their high information transmission rate, high accuracy, and rich instruction set. However, the performance of its identification methods strongly depends on the amount of calibration data for within-subject classification. Some studies use deep learning (DL) algorithms for inter-subject classification, which can reduce the calculation process, but there is still much room for improvement in performance compared with intra-subject classification. To solve these problems, an efficient SSVEP signal recognition deep learning network model e-SSVEPNet based on the soft saturation nonlinear module is proposed in this paper. The soft saturation nonlinear module uses a similar exponential calculation method for output when it is less than zero, improving robustness to noise. Under the conditions of the SSVEP data set, two sliding time window lengths (1s and 0.5s), and three training data sizes, this paper evaluates the proposed network model and compares it with other traditional and deep learning model baseline methods. The experimental results of the nonlinear module were classified and compared. A large number of experimental results show that the proposed network has the highest average accuracy of inter-subject classification on the SSVEP data set, improves the performance of SSVEP signal classification and recognition, and has higher decoding accuracy under short signals, so it has huge potential ability to realize high-speed SSVEP-based for BCI.
Research on Efficient Matching Method of Coal Gangue Recognition Image and Sorting Image
Authors: Ye Zhang , Hongwei Ma , Peng Wang , Wenjian Zhou , Xiangang Cao , Mingzhen Zhang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The coal gangue sorting robot may encounter variations in the pose of the target coal gangue due to belt slippage, deviation, and speed fluctuations, leading to failed or missed grasping attempts during the sorting process of coal gangue. In response to this issue, we propose a special two-stage network coal gangue image fast matching method to re-obtain the target coal gangue pose information, further improving the grasping accuracy and efficiency of the robot. In the first stage, we use SuperPoint to enhance the scene adaptability and credibility of feature point extraction. The improved Multi-scale Retinex with Color Restoration enhancement algorithm is used to further enhance the ability of Superpoint to detect feature points. In the second stage, we introduce SuperGlue for feature matching to improve the robustness of the matching network. Integrating the Progressive Sample Consensus algorithm to further eliminate erroneous feature matching point pairs and improve the accuracy of image matching. We conducted matching experiments of coal gangue under different object distances, scales, and rotation angles using various methods on the double-manipulator truss-type coal gangue sorting robot experimental platform independently developed by our team. The results showed that the matching rate of the proposed method was 98.2%, with a matching time of 84.6ms. It has the characteristics of a high matching rate, good real-time performance, and strong robustness, and can meet the requirements of efficient and accurate matching between coal gangue recognition images and sorting images.
Interhemispheric connectivity during spontaneous switches in visual perceptual coherence as revealed by fMRI at multiple temporal resolutions
Authors: Sayal Alexandre , Direito Bruno , Sousa Teresa , Duarte João , Afonso Sónia , Castelo-Branco Miguel 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) allows to observe neural activity in real-time but tracking the neural correlates of perceptual decision as a function of interhemispheric connectivity has remained difficult. Recent advances in image acquisition, namely with the surfacing of multiband sequences, have led us to investigate this mechanism using higher temporal resolution approaches. We were able to better capture the hemodynamic responses to rapid changes in neural activity concomitantly with a task requiring either perceptual interhemispheric segregation or integration, shortening the gap to other neuroimaging techniques, which is particularly significant when considering the study of dynamic connectivity patterns. Here, we tested the hypothesis whether interhemispheric connectivity in the visual cortex relates to interhemispheric integration, when presented with bistable moving stimuli at four distinct temporal resolutions. Based on this connectivity metric, we could discern perceptual state transitions related to connectivity. First, we found that activation response metrics to visual motion in our target region of interest, the human visual motion complex hMT+, are stable across temporal resolutions. Then, we investigated interhemispheric connectivity between homologous hMT + in response to bistable moving stimuli, for all resolutions, which was critical for replication of perception related interhemispheric synchrony. The established relation between perceptual coherence and increased synchrony across the hemispheres suggests the feasibility of a real-time fMRI neurofeedback based on interhemispheric connectivity. Accordingly, we could infer perceptual states based on this connectivity metric while designing a rule that could even be used to generate feedback. We further showed that higher resolution sequences are beneficial when implementing feedback interfaces based on interhemispheric functional connectivity, both regarding the delay and the accuracy of the feedback itself. Regarding the use of real time fMRI and neurofeedback strategies, higher resolution sequences are likely needed, when relying on connectivity metrics.
Uncovering the face of acinic cell carcinoma of the breast with high-grade morphology: evidences from case report
Authors: Ge Yunjie , Wei Xianping , Liu Jing-Nan , Sun Ping-Li , Gao Hongwen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Acinic cell carcinoma (AciCC) of the breast is a rare subtype of breast cancer. It was regarded as a low-grade triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with the potential to progress or transform to a high-grade lesion due to the molecular similarities with conventional aggressive TNBC in several genetic studies. Microscopically, the coexistence of classical low-grade and high-grade triple-negative components in breast AciCC is not uncommon. Nevertheless, the comparative histopathological and genetic study on both components is rarely reported at present.
Case Presentation
We present the case of a 34-year-old woman diagnosed initially on the preoperative biopsy with malignant small round cell tumor (undifferentiated or poorly differentiated carcinoma) that was later identified as breast AciCC with a high-grade solid component. The breast AciCC consisted of a classical acinic component and a high-grade component. The high-grade lesion in the tumor showed a solid sheet-like pattern characterized by large, round, pleomorphic or vesicular nuclei, prominent nucleoli, frequent mitotic activities. Classical acinic architectures focally merged together to form solid nests and underwent a gradual transition into high-grade areas. Notably, in the high-grade lesion, conventional immunochemical markers for breast AciCC, such as, AAT, EMA, CK, SOX10, S100, GATA3, Periodic acid–Schiff-diastase (PASD), E-cadherin were lost while CyclinD1, Vimentin were diffusely expressed. Next‑generation sequencing (NGS) analysis revealed that 43.5% of variants were identical in both classical and high-grade components. Additionally, PAK5 mutation, copy number loss of CDH1, CHEK1, MLH1, copy number gains of CDK6, HGF, FOXP1 were identified in the high-grade component.
Conclusions
The case offers a comparative analysis of the histopathology and genetic characteristics of classical low-grade and high-grade components within the same breast AciCC. This may serve as a morphological and molecular basis for further investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying high-grade lesions in breast AciCC.
Complete Mitochondrial Genome Analysis Unveils Genomic Variability and Phylogenetic Insights of Fasciola gigantica from Sudan
Authors: Salim Bashir , Mohamed Nouh S. , Ibrahim Kamal , Alasmari Saeed , Chatanga Elisha , Ohari Yuma , Nonaka Nariaki , Almathen Faisal , Nakao Ryo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The utilization of complete mitochondrial (mt) genomes as molecular markers for exploring phylogenetic relationships is increasingly prevalent. Here, we conducted sequencing of the complete mt genome of Fasciola gigantica from 16 samples sourced from cattle, sheep, and goats in Sudan, employing the Illumina MiSeq platform. The resultant mt genome of F. gigantica measured 14,483 bp in length, presenting a circular configuration and comprising 36 genes, including 12 protein-coding genes, 2 subunit ribosomal RNA genes (rRNA), and 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNA). Notably, the start and stop codons of the 12 protein-coding genes were consistently ATG and TAG, respectively, matching reference mt genomes, with the exception of the ND5 gene's start codon (GTG) and the ND4 gene's stop codon (TAA). While the lengths of ten protein-coding genes remained identical between the reference and Sudan isolates, variations were observed in ND4L and COX1. Specifically, the ND4L gene in the reference was 12 bp longer, measuring 273 bp compared to the Sudan isolates, which were 261 bp long. Conversely, COX1 in the reference was 9 bp shorter, measuring 1,533 bp, in contrast to the Sudan isolates, which were 1,542 bp long. These discrepancies highlight specific genomic differences between the reference and Sudan isolates of Fasciola gigantica, potentially indicative of evolutionary divergence or genetic adaptation within distinct populations. Evaluation of non-coding region lengths further revealed disparities between Sudan isolates and the reference. Sliding window analysis unveiled notable nucleotide variability within the mt genome of F. gigantica from Sudan compared to the reference. Phylogenetic analysis, based on concatenated amino acid sequences of all 12 protein-coding genes, depicted distinct clustering of F. gigantica from Sudan. Noteworthy insights into the evolutionary process affecting host specificity, particularly in sheep and goats, were gleaned from stem-loop analysis of non-coding regions. In conclusion, the novel complete mt genomes of F. gigantica from diverse host species serve as valuable genetic markers for investigating epidemiology, population genetics, phylogeography, and host-species interactions. .
Nesfatin-1 mitigates calcific aortic valve disease via suppressing ferroptosis mediated by GSH/GPX4 and ZIP8/SOD2 axes
Authors: Wang Song , Gu Jiaxi , Bian Jinhui , He Yuqiu , Xu Xiufan , Wang Chen , Li Geng , Zhang Hui , Ni Buqing , Chen Si , Shao Yongfeng , Jiang Yefan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective: Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a prevalent condition in the elderly population, lacking effective medical treatments. Nesfatin-1, a hypothalamic peptide generated from Nucleobindin 2 processing, has been implicated in both physiological and pathological calcification. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of Nesfatin-1 in facilitating the transformation of aortic valve interstitial cells (AVICs) in relation to CAVD.
Methods and Results: In vitro experiments demonstrated that Nesfatin-1 treatment attenuated osteogenic differentiation of AVICs, while in vivo studies showed that it slowed down CAVD progression. RNA-sequencing analysis of AVICs treated with or without Nesfatin-1 revealed enrichment of the Ferroptosis pathway among the top 15 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. Further investigations confirmed increased ferroptosis in calcified valves and osteoblast-like AVICs, with Nesfatin-1 treatment reducing ferroptosis in AVICs. Among the genes involved in the Ferroptosis pathway, ZIP8 exhibited the most significant change upon Nesfatin-1 treatment. Silencing ZIP8 enhanced ferroptosis and osteogenic differentiation in AVICs. Additionally, silencing ZIP8 reduced intracellular Mn2+ concentration, as well as the expression and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD2). Concordantly, silencing SOD2 further enhanced ferroptosis and osteogenic differentiation in AVICs. Moreover, Nesfatin-1 treatment increased glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression and glutathione (GSH) levels in AVICs, as confirmed by Western blotting and GSH concentration estimation.
Conclusion: In summary, Nesfatin-1 inhibits osteogenic differentiation of AVICs by attenuating ferroptosis. This reduction in ferroptosis levels is mediated by the GSH/GPX4 and ZIP8/SOD2 axes.
Generation of a mouse model of thyroid storm induced by exogenous thyrotoxicosis and lipopolysaccharide: preliminary investigation of the therapeutic effects of ghrelin
Authors: Kurimoto Chiaki , Furukawa Yasushi , Akamizu Takashi , Doi Asako , Takeshima Ken , Morita Shuhei , Iwakura Hiroshi , Ariyasu Hiroyuki , Furuta Hiroto , Nishi Masahiro , Matsuoka Taka-Aki 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Thyroid storm (TS), a life-threatening condition that can damage multiple organs, has limited therapeutic options. Hypercytokinemia is a suggested background, but the pathological condition is unclear and there are no appropriate animal models. We aimed to develop a TS model mouse by administration of triiodothyronine and lipopolysaccharide, and then to examine the effects of ghrelin on this model.
Methods
We evaluated the use of serum IL-6 levels as a representative marker of hypercytokinemia in patients with TS. As a TS model, C57BL/6 mice were titrated with triiodothyronine (subcutaneously, once daily for seven consecutive days) and lipopolysaccharide (intraperitoneally, on day 7) to develop a lethal model with approximately 30% survival on day 8. We assessed the survival ratio, mouse sepsis scores and blood biomarkers (IL-6, metanephrine, alanine aminotransferase) and evaluated the effects of ghrelin on these parameters.
Results
Serum IL-6 was increased in patients with TS compared with those with Graves' disease without TS (18.2 vs. 2.85 pg/mL, P < .05, n = 4 each). The dosage for the murine TS model was triiodothyronine 1.0 mg/kg and lipopolysaccharide 0.5 mg/kg. The TS model group had increased mouse sepsis score, serum IL-6, metanephrine and alanine aminotransferase. In this model, the ghrelin improved the survival rate to 66.7% (P < .01, vs. 0% [saline-treated group]) as well as the mouse sepsis score, and it decreased the serum IL-6 and metanephrine.
Conclusion
We established an animal model of TS that exhibits pathophysiological states similar to human TS with induction of serum IL-6 and other biomarkers by administration of T3 and LPS. The results suggest the potential effectiveness of ghrelin for TS in humans.
QAFI: A Novel Method for Quantitative Estimation of Missense Variant Impact Using Protein-Specific Predictors and Ensemble Learning
Authors: Ozkan Selen , Padilla Natàlia , Cruz Xavier de la 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized genetic diagnostics, yet its application in precision medicine remains incomplete, despite significant advances in computational tools for variant annotation. Many variants remain unannotated, and existing tools often fail to accurately predict the range of impacts that variants have on protein function. This limitation restricts their utility in relevant applications such as predicting disease severity and onset age. In response to these challenges, a new generation of computational models is emerging, aimed at producing quantitative predictions of genetic variant impacts. However, the field is still in its early stages, and several issues need to be addressed, including improved performance and better interpretability. This study introduces QAFI, a novel methodology that integrates protein-specific regression models within an ensemble learning framework, utilizing conservation-based and structure-related features derived from AlphaFold models. Our findings indicate that QAFI significantly enhances the accuracy of quantitative predictions across various proteins. The approach has been rigorously validated through its application in the CAGI6 contest, focusing on ARSA protein variants, and further tested on a comprehensive set of clinically labeled variants, demonstrating its generalizability and robust predictive power. The straightforward nature of our models may also contribute to better interpretability of the results.
Transdisciplinary approach to the characterisation and current status of Spanish karstic lakes on gypsum
Authors: Morant Daniel , Camacho-Santamans Alba , Hidalgo Rafael , Camacho Antonio 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Karstic lakes on gypsum are a very peculiar type of ecosystem declared as a Habitat Type of Community Interest (Type 3190) by the European Habitats Directive. They are usually small lakes but often displaying a high relative depth, located in active gypsum karst areas, with a high saturation of Ca2+ and SO42− in its waters. These lakes can usually stratify from spring to early autumn when the depth is high enough, then a sulphide-rich anoxic hypolimnion can develop in deep layers. So far, neither a comprehensive scientific definition of their ecological characteristics nor an exhaustive catalogue of their occurrence in a particular territory are available. This paper delves on their biotic and abiotic features needed for their identification as an ecosystem type. A proper methodology was also designed and applied for the evaluation of their conservation status, with the definition of reference values and assessment methods following the criteria of the Habitats Directive. The Spanish karstic lakes on gypsum (THCI 3190) were here identified, statistically representative sites were selected, and spatial GIS methods and multimetric indices were applied to assess the range, area, structure and function, and future prospects of this Habitat Type, as requested for the reporting according to Article 17 of the Habitats Directive. Results showed a favourable conservation status of this habitat type in the Alpine and Atlantic regions of Spain, but unfavourable-inadequate status in the Mediterranean, due to the pressures and impacts acting on some specific sites. A critical analysis of the methodologies and the values obtained for its conservation status was carried out.
Evaluation of a long-lasting microbial larvicide against Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti under laboratory and a semi-field trial
Authors: Rique Hyago Luiz , Menezes Heverly Suzany Gouveia , Santos Maria Alice Varjal Melo , Silva-Filha Maria Helena Neves Lobo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Microbial larvicides containing both Lysinibacillus sphaericus and Bacillus thuringiensis svar. israelensis (Bti) insecticidal crystals can display advantages for mosquito control. This includes a broader action against larvae that are refractory to the Binary (Bin) toxin from Lysinibacillus sphaericus, as Bin-resistant Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti larvae, that often co-habit urban areas of endemic countries for arboviruses. Our major goal was to assess the toxicity of a L. sphaericus/Bti larvicide (Vectomax FG™) to Cx. quinquefasciatus (susceptible CqS and Bin-resistant CqR) and Ae. aegypti (Aae) and to determine its persistence in the breeding sites with those larvae.
Methods
The toxicity of L. sphaericus/Bti to larvae was performed using bioassays, the persistence was evaluated in simulate field trials carried out under the shade and testing two label concentrations for twelve weeks. A laboratory strain SREC was established with CqS and CqR larvae and kept for four generations to evaluate the ability of the L. sphaericus /Bti to eliminate resistant larvae.
Results
The L. sphaericus/Bti showed toxicity to larvae from all strains with a decreasing pattern for CqS (LC50 = 0.006, LC90 = 0.030), CqR (LC50 = 0.009, LC90 = 0.069) and Aae (LC50 = 0.042, LC90 = 0.086). In a simulated field trial, the larvicide showed a persistence of six and eight weeks, controlling larvae from all strains, in containers with 100 L of water, using 2 g or 4 g per containers, respectively. The treatment of SREC larvae with L. sphaericus/Bti showed its capacity to eliminate the Bin-resistant larvae using suitable concentrations to target those larvae.
Conclusion
Our results showed the high efficacy and persistence of the L. sphaericus/Bti larvicide to control Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. aegypti that might cohabit breeding sites. These findings demonstrated that such larvicides can be an effective tool for controlling those species in urban areas with a low potential for selecting resistance.
Who Actualizes Postpartum Contraceptive Intentions? A Trajectory Cluster Analysis
Authors: O’Brien Michelle L. , Nur Aasli Abdi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Contraceptive intention is an important woman-centered indicator for family planning. Yet, few studies have examined the determinants of women or couples actualizing their contraceptive intentions. We leverage panel data from the Performance Monitoring for Action (PMA) survey in Ethiopia to examine these dynamics among a pregnancy cohort, over the first year postpartum. Using cluster analysis on intent-to-use trajectories, we find distinct patterns across wealth categories, education levels, and regions. Additionally, we find that receiving family planning counseling in both antenatal and postnatal care visits led to a higher likelihood of intending to use. However, counseling did not increase the odds of actualization. We argue that examining actualization through model-based approaches like cluster analysis generates better insight into woman-centered contraceptive demand and provides stronger evidence for strengthening postpartum family planning interventions, than quantifying contraceptive use alone. Modeling postpartum actualization trajectories can shed light on the barriers to women’s and couple’s reproductive autonomy and inform future investments in both upstream development of better contraceptive methods and downstream implementation.