bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The knowledge and attitudes of primary care physicians about acromegaly: a survey study with multinational participation
Authors: Fenercioglu Aysen Kutan , Demircan Ebru Unur , Can Gunay , Sulu Cem , Sipahioglu Nurver Turfaner , Ozkaya Hande Mefkure , Kadioglu Pinar 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Acromegaly is a disease with a high morbidity and mortality rate. The role of primary care physicians is very important in the early diagnosis of acromegaly. This study aims to determine the knowledge and attitudes of primary care physicians about acromegaly in different countries of the world.
Methods: The survey, consisting of 33 questions prepared in English and Turkish, was applied to a total of 396 primary care physicians, 280 of whom were from Turkey, 84 from European countries, 28 from Asian countries, and 4 from Nigeria. Mostly, the survey was administered via Google Forms sent to social media groups of primary care physicians. Some of the surveys were applied face-to-face. The survey included 12 questions about the clinical manifestations, six questions about the diagnosis, 12 questions about the comorbidities, one question about the treatment, and two questions about the prognosis of acromegaly. Data about acromegaly knowledge and attitudes of physicians were evaluated using the Chi-square test.
Results: The presence of acral findings in acromegaly was better known by Turkish physicians (96.8%) compared to Asian/African (84.4%) and European (84.5%) physicians (p<0.001). The presence of generalized visceromegaly and excessive sweating in acromegaly was better known by Asian/African physicians (p=0.01 and p=0.009). “Old photographs can be informative in patients suspected to have acromegaly”, the rate of correct answers to this question was higher in Turkish and Asian/African groups (p<0.001). Only 36.1% of Turkish physicians, 29.8% of European physicians, and 31.3% of Asian/African physicians knew that serum GH and IGF-1 levels were diagnostic tests for acromegaly. Although 64.3% of Turkish physicians knew that serum IGF-1 level was the single best test to be chosen in patients suspected to have acromegaly, the rate of the correct answers to this question was low in European (36.9%) and Asian/African (46.9%) physicians (p<0.001). Only 18.6% of Turkish and 13% of European physicians knew that surgery was the treatment of choice in acromegaly. The rate of correct answers to this question was higher in Asian/African physicians (59.4%) (p=0.003).
Conclusion: The knowledge of primary care physicians about acromegaly should be increased through workshops, seminars, and subject-focused courses.
A Linear Matric Inequality based Multi-loop PI control Design for Coupled Multivariable Liquid Level System
Authors: Mahapatro Soumya Ranjan , Roy Chandramauleshwar , Patel Raju , Das Satyajit 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This paper presents design and development of a optimal robust PI controller design based on a linear matrix inequalities for a typical industrial process control system.In this method, the design problem has been transformed into a state feedback controller design problem for an augmented uncertainty MIMO system and further, the control problem can be solved by employing constraint optimization problem by satisfying defined LQ cost objective function. To illustrate robust stability, the study incorporates multiplicative input and output uncertainty. Simulation results verify the efficacy of the proposed controller , presenting its effectiveness in achieving both set-point accuracy and disturbance attenuation. Furthermore, the study employs disk margin analysis to ascertain safe ranges for gain and phase margin.
Metals and metalloids as binding antigens in a new variant of endemic pemphigus in El Bagre, Colombia, South America
Authors: Velez Ana Maria Abreu , Howard Michael S , Permyakov Eugene A. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We have previously described an autoimmune orphan disease, a new variant of endemic pemphigus in El Bagre, Colombia. The disease is present in a geological area most rich in polluting metals and metalloids and specifically contaminated by mercury and cyanide widely used for gold and other metals mining. Our aim was to identify potential metal-binding sequences in the canonical antigenic proteins of this disease. We performed a thorough web search for putative metal binding sites in the canonical antigenic proteins of the desmoglein familyusing the machine learning-based methodmebipred and the UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot (UniProt), Uniprot.org and the Protein Data Base (PDB). We have found that basically all of these antigens may possess metal binding sites (p<0.05): Desmoglein 1 (Ca, Zn, 2Fe-2S, 3Fe-4S, 4Fe-4S sites); Desmoplakin (Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe binding sites); Myocardium-enriched zonula occlusans-1 associated protein (K, Mg binding sites); Armadillo Repeat Protein deleted in velo-cardio-facial syndrome (Ca, Co, Fe, Ni, Zn binding sites); envoplakin (Co, Mg, K, Mn, K, Ni, Zn binding sites); periplakin (Ca, Mg, Mn, Ni binding sites); Bullous pemphigoid antigen 2 (BP230) (Co, Mg, Mn, Ni, Zn binding sites); plakophilin-4 (Co, Mg, Mn, Na binding sites).The FASTA sequences for all known antigens for people affected by endemic pemphigus in El Bagre have putative metal binding sites. Experimental studies of these proteins are needed to confirm these predictions.
Facile synthesis of novel bi-heteroatom functionalized hyper-crosslinked porous polymers with efficient adsorption methylene blue and methyl orange
Authors: Fu Xiao , He Yan , Guo Zhulei , Chen Mingfan , Du Wenlong , Zeng Yuqin , Yuan Dingzhong , Na Bing 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this work, we designed and synthesized two novel bi-heteroatom functionalized hyper-crosslinked porous polymers (HCP-CT and HCP-CF) through a simple one-step Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction. The resulted polymers N/S bi-heteroatom functionalized polymer HCP-CT and N/O bi-heteroatom functionalized polymer HCP-CF both have good adsorption properties for organic dyes such as methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution due to its rich pore structure, high specific surface area and rich-heteroatoms of pore surface. It is worth mentioned that the maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of cationic dye MB by the polymer HCP-CT at room temperature was reached up to 1571.46 mg/g, which is much higher than that of most reported porous materials. Furthermore, the adsorption capacity of HCP-CT for the cationic dye MB was more than seven times that of the anionic dye MO (qmax=212.77 mg/g). Also, the polymer HCP-CF for the MB adsorption capacity (qmax=352.11 mg/g) was more than twice higher than that of anionic dye MO (qmax=131.75 mg/g). The above trends may be because of the stronger electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged N-S/O bi-heteroatom of HCP-CT and HCP-CF with the cationic dye MB than that of MO. In addition, the removal percentage of polymers HCP-CT and HCP-CF still remained above 80% after five adsorption-desorption cycles. Hence, this work provided a convenient synthetic route to develop a novel hyper-crosslinked polymer with high capacity for the entrapment of dyes from aqueous solution.
Antibiotics-use in utero and early-life and risk of chronic childhood conditions in New Zealand: a methods protocol using linked data
Authors: Ram Sharan , Corbin Marine , Douwes Jeroen , Kvalsvig Amanda , Baker Michael G , Mannetje Andrea 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The incidence of many common chronic childhood conditions has increased globally in the past few decades. A potential role for antibiotic-(over)-use has been suggested with dysbiosis of the gut microbiome hypothesised to play a key role. This linkage study aims to assess the role of antibiotic-use in utero and in early-life in the development of Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Methods
The study design involves several retrospective cohort studies using linked administrative health and social data from Statistics New Zealand’s Integrated Data Infrastructure. It uses data for all children, and their mothers, born in New Zealand between October 2005 and December 2010 (n = 334,204). Children’s antibiotics-use are identified for four time periods (pregnancy, ≤ 1 year, ≤ 2 years, and ≤ 5 years) and the development of T1D, ADHD, and IBD is measured from the end of the antibiotics-use periods until death, emigration, or the end of the follow-up period (2021), whichever came first. Children who emigrated or died before the end of the antibiotics-use period are excluded. Cox proportional hazards regression models are used whilst adjusting for a range of potential confounders.
Discussion
These studies, using detailed, complete, and systematically collected antibiotic prescription data, will provide critical new knowledge regarding the role of antibiotics in the development of common chronic childhood conditions. Thus, it has the potential to contribute to the development of primary prevention strategies, through, for example, targeted changes in antibiotic-use.
Exploring the Asymmetric Body’s Influence on Interval Timing Behaviors of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Liu Zhiqi , Sun Dongyu , Song Yutong , Zhang Tianmu , Kim Woo Jae 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The roles of brain asymmetry in Drosophila are diverse, encompassing the regulation of behavior, the creation of memory, neurodevelopment, and evolution. A comprehensive examination of the Drosophila brain has the potential to enhance our understanding of the functional significance of brain asymmetry in cognitive and behavioral processes, as well as its role in evolutionary perspectives. This study explores the influence of brain asymmetry on interval timing behaviors in Drosophila, with a specific focus on the asymmetric body (AB) structure. Despite being bilaterally symmetric, the AB exhibits functional asymmetry and is located within the central complex of the fly brain. Interval timing behaviors, such as rival-induced prolonged mating duration: longer mating duration behavior (LMD) and sexual experience-mediated shorter mating duration behavior (SMD), are essential for Drosophila. We utilize genetic manipulations to selectively activate or inhibit AB neurons and evaluates their impact on LMD and SMD behaviors. The results indicate that specific populations of AB neurons play unique roles in orchestrating these interval timing behaviors. Notably, inhibiting GAL4R38D01-labeled AB neurons disrupts both LMD and SMD, while GAL4R42C09 neuron inhibition affects only LMD. Moreover, hyperexcitation of GAL4R72A10-labeled AB neurons perturbs SMD. Our study identifies NetrinB (NetB) and Abd-B as marker genes for AB neurons and highlights the role of 5-HT1B neurons in generating LMD through peptidergic Pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) signaling. In summary, this study underscores the importance of AB neuron asymmetry in mediating interval timing behaviors and provides insights into the underlying mechanisms of memory formation and function in Drosophila.
Hyperexcitation of Monoaminergic Neurons in the Drosophila Mushroom Body Disrupts Memory for Visually Oriented Rival-induced Prolonged Mating
Authors: Zhou Xinyue , Sun Dongyu , Song Yutong , Zhang Tianmu , Kim Woo Jae 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Male individuals frequently require a prolongation of their mating duration in order to outcompete their rivals for few reproductive chances. This study looks into the roles of monoaminergic neurons in the Drosophila melanogaster mushroom body (MB) as major regulators of males' rival-induced prolonged mating duration (LMD) behavior. Activation screening experiments revealed that hyperexcitation of monoaminergic neurons in the MB, including serotonergic neurons and dopaminergic neurons, disrupts LMD without affecting copulation latency. The co-expression of MB-specific GAL80 (GAL80MB247) with the monoaminergic GAL4 drivers rescues LMD, confirming the involvement of monoaminergic neurons in the MB. The hyperexcitation of inhibitory GABAergic neurons disrupts mating, but this effect is alleviated by GAL80MB247 inhibitors, suggesting that critical GABAergic neurons for LMD reside within the MB. In summary, the activation of monoaminergic neurons in the MB disrupts LMD memory, while the hyperactivation of inhibitory GABAergic neurons in the MB impairs mating success. These findings implicate the MB as a crucial neural circuit for integrating visual and social cues to generate memory for LMD behavior.
Multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from free-range chickens in the Caatinga biome
Authors: Sousa Luise Canuto , Sobrinho José Diniz Souto , Godoy Bianca Lara Venâncio , Neto Domingos Andrade , Leandro Giliel Rodrigues , Casella Tiago , Azevedo Sérgio Santos , Sousa Carolina 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli is a global health challenge in a One Health perspective. However, data on its emergence in the Caatinga biome are limited. This biome is exclusive to the Brazilian Northeast and offers unique epidemiological conditions that can influence the occurrence of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance. In this study, we assessed the carriage proportion, the antimicrobial susceptibility, and the population structure of cephalosporin-resistant E. coli in 300 cloacal swab samples of free-range chickens from three Brazilian states covered by Caatinga biome. The results showed that 44 (14.7%) samples were positive for cephalosporin-resistant E. coli, and Paraíba (PB) state had the highest frequency of isolates (68.2%). Genes encoding CTX-M or AmpC enzymes were identified in 30 (68.2%) and eight isolates (18.2%), respectively, comprising 31 E. coli. Overall, molecular typing by XbaI-PFGE revealed four clusters from two properties of the PB state composed by ESBL- and AmpC-producing E. coli carrying blaCTX−M−1−like and blaMIR−1/ACT−1 genes and belonging to different phylogenetic groups. There is a need for controlling antimicrobial resistance taking into account the genetic diversity of the strains and their implications for animal and public health, especially in free-range chickens reared in the Brazilian Caatinga biome.
(-)-Epicatechin metabolites as a GPER ligands: a theoretical perspective
Authors: Ávila-Avilés Rodolfo Daniel , Bahena-Culhuac Erick , Hernández-Hernández J. Manuel 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Diet habits and nutrition quality significantly impact health and disease. Here is delve into the intricate relationship between diet habits, nutrition quality, and their direct impact on health and homeostasis. Focusing on (-)-Epicatechin, a natural flavanol found in various foods like green tea and cocoa, known for its positive effects on cardiovascular health and diabetes prevention. The investigation encompasses the absorption, metabolism, and distribution of (-)-Epicatechin in the human body, revealing a diverse array of metabolites in the circulatory system. Notably, (-)-Epicatechin demonstrates an ability to activate nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) through the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). While the precise role of GPER and its interaction with classical estrogen receptors (ERs) remains under scrutiny, the study employs computational methods, including density functional theory, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations, to assess the physicochemical properties and binding affinities of key (-)-Epicatechin metabolites with GPER. DFT analysis revealed distinct physicochemical properties among metabolites, influencing their reactivity and stability. Rigid and flexible molecular docking demonstrated varying binding affinities, with some metabolites surpassing (-)-Epicatechin. Molecular dynamics simulations highlighted potential binding pose variations, while MMGBSA analysis provided insights into the energetics of GPER-metabolite interactions. The outcomes elucidate distinct interactions, providing insights into potential molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of (-)-Epicatechin across varied biological contexts.
Automatic Salt Segmentation Using Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Jadhav Gaurang , Shah Jeeya , Vaghani Dhruv , Wadmare Jyoti 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Detecting salt boundaries in seismic images is critical for subsurface reservoir characterization and oil and gas exploration. The presence of salt in seismic data often indicates the presence of valuable hydrocarbon resources, which could lead to significant oil discoveries. Traditional manual interpretation methods have limitations, prompting the industry to embrace deep learning techniques. Our proposed system extensively evaluates the effectiveness of deep learning models in salt boundary detection. Our approach involves developing a custom residual encoder-decoder model and comparing it against two existing models: Res-UNet and UNet. The advantage of our custom-built residual encoder-decoder model lies in its utilization of transposed convolutions for image segmentation. Unlike regular convolutions that extract features and reduce image size, transposed convolutions expand the image, potentially introducing new information from seismic data. The custom model emerges superior to UNet and Res-UNet models, exhibiting an accuracy of 94.28% and a precision score of 0.86. A series of comparative analysis is drawn with a main focus on transforming the automated salt segmentation process.
An Ensemble Clustering Method Based on Several Different Clustering Methods
Authors: Rezaei Sadegh , Malekhosseini Razieh , Yaghoubyan S. Hadi , Bagherifard Karamollah , Nejatian Samad 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

As an unsupervised learning method, clustering is done to find natural groupings of patterns, points, or objects. In clustering algorithms, an important problem is the lack of a definitive approach based on which users can decide which clustering method is more compatible with the input data set. This problem is due to the use of special criteria for optimization. Cluster consensus, as the reuse of knowledge, provides a solution to solve the inherent challenges of clustering. Ensemble clustering methods have come to the fore with the slogan that combining several weak models is better than a strong model. This paper proposed the optimal K-Means Clustering Algorithm (KMCE) method as an ensemble clustering method. This paper has used the K-Means weak base clustering method as base clustering. Also, by adopting some measures, the diversity of the consensus has increased. The proposed ensemble clustering method has the advantage of K-Means, which is its speed. Also, it does not have its major weakness, which is the inability to detect non-spherical and non-uniform clusters. In the experimental results, we meticulously evaluated and compared the proposed hybrid clustering algorithm with other up-to-date and powerful clustering algorithms on different data sets, ensuring the robustness and reliability of our findings. The experimental results indicate the superiority of the proposed hybrid clustering method over other clustering algorithms in terms of F1-score, Adjusted rand index, and Normal mutual information.
Analysis of kidney stones using Single Pulse Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (SP-LIBS) to determine the concentrations of elements
Authors: Raheem Safa , Habana Sami , Ali Alaa H. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The chemical structure of kidney stones was studied using single pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (SP-LIBS). This approach present the use of a high-resolution (CCD) spectrometer that covered a spectrum range of 165-820nm with an optical resolution of 0.5nm. The kidney stones were stimulated by a passively Q-Switch Nd:YAG laser operating at a pulse duration of 10 ns and a fundamental wavelength of 1,064nm. The electron temperature (Te) and plasma density (ne) for the SP-LIBS system were investigated for all elements in the sample. A novel statistical method was employed to calculate the concentration of each element. This technique presented a straight forward and efficient approach for estimating the rate of concentration for each element.
Assessing Visual Hallucinations in Vision-Enabled Large Language Models
Authors: Lu Pingping , Huang Liang , Wen Tan , Shi Tianyu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Recent advancements in vision-enabled large language models have prompted a renewed interest in evaluating their capabilities and limitations when interpreting complex visual data. The current research employs ImageNet-A, a dataset specifically designed with adversarially selected images that challenge standard AI models, to test the visual processing robustness of three prominent models: GPT-4 Vision, Google Gemini 1.5, and Anthropic Claude 3. Quantitative analyses revealed notable disparities in misclassification rates and types of errors among these models, indicating a variation in their ability to handle adversarial inputs effectively. GPT-4 Vision demonstrated a commendable robustness, whereas Google Gemini 1.5 excelled in processing speed and efficiency. Anthropic Claude 3, while showing intermediate accuracy levels, displayed a significant propensity for contextual misinterpretations. Qualitative evaluations further assessed the relevance and plausibility of the models' visual hallucinations, uncovering challenges in achieving human-like understanding of ambiguous or complex scenes. The findings emphasize the necessity for further improvements in semantic accuracy and contextual understanding. Future research directions include enhancing adversarial robustness, refining evaluation metrics to better capture the qualitative aspects of visual understanding, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations to develop AI systems with more nuanced interpretive abilities. The study underscores the ongoing journey towards AI models that can match human perceptual skills, highlighting both the progress made and the considerable challenges that remain.