bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deep learning segmentation of non-perfusion area from color fundus images and AI-generated fluorescein angiography
Authors: Masayoshi Kanato , Katada Yusaku , Ozawa Nobuhiro , Ibuki Mari , Negishi Kazuno , Kurihara Toshihide 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe non-perfusion area (NPA) of the retina is an important indicator in the visual prognosis of patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). However, the current evaluation method of NPA, fluorescein angiography (FA), is invasive and burdensome. In this study, we examined the use of deep learning models for detecting NPA in color fundus images, bypassing the need for FA, and we also investigated the utility of synthetic FA generated from color fundus images. The models were evaluated using the Dice score and Monte Carlo dropout uncertainty. We retrospectively collected 403 sets of color fundus and FA images from 319 BRVO patients. We trained three deep learning models on FA, color fundus images, and synthetic FA. As a result, though the FA model achieved the highest score, the other two models also performed comparably. We found no statistical significance in median Dice scores between the models. However, the color fundus model showed significantly higher uncertainty than the other models (p < 0.05). In conclusion, deep learning models can detect NPAs from color fundus images with reasonable accuracy, though with somewhat less prediction stability. Synthetic FA stabilizes the prediction and reduces misleading uncertainty estimates by enhancing image quality.
Dapagliflozin added to metformin reduces perirenal fat layer in type 2 diabetic patients with obesity
Authors: Cuatrecasas Guillem , De Cabo Francisco , Coves M. José , Patrascioiu Ioana , Aguilar Gerardo , Cuatrecasas Gabriel , March Sonia , Calbo Marta , Rossell Olga , Balfegó Mariona , Benito Camila , Di Gregorio Silvana , Garcia Lorda Pilar , Muñoz Elena 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSodium-glucose co-transporters type 2 inhibitors (SLGT2i) are highly effective in controlling type 2 diabetes, but reported beneficial cardiovascular effects suggest broader actions on insulin resistance. Weight loss may be initially explained by glycosuria-induced net caloric output and secondary volumetric reduction, but its maintenance could be due to loss of visceral fat mass. Structured ultrasound (US) imaging of abdominal adipose tissue (“eco-obesity”) is a recently described methodology used to measure 5 consecutive layers of abdominal fat, not assessable by DEXA or CT scan: superficial subcutaneous (SS), deep subcutaneous (DS), preperitoneal (PP), omental (Om) and right perirenal (RK). PP, Om and RK are predictors of metabolic syndrome (MS) with defined cut-off points. To assess the effect of SLGT2i on every fat depot we enrolled 29 patients with type 2 Diabetes (HbA1c 6.5–9%) and Obesity (IMC > 30 kg/m2) in an open-label, randomized, phase IV trial (EudraCT: 2019-000979-16): the Omendapa trial. Diabetes was diagnosed < 12 months before randomization and all patients were treatment naïve. 14 patients were treated with metformin alone (cohort A) and 15 were treated with metformin + dapaglifozin (cohort B). Anthropometric measures and laboratory tests for glucose, lipid profile, insulin, HOMA, leptin, ultrasensitive-CRP and microalbuminuria (MAL) were done at baseline, 3rd and 6th months. At 6th month, weight loss was −5.5 ± 5.2 kg (5.7% from initial weight) in cohort A and −8.4 ± 4.4 kg (8.6%) in cohort B. Abdominal circumference showed a −2.7 ± 3.1 cm and −5.4 ± 2.5 cm reduction, respectively (p = 0.011). Both Metformin alone (−19.4 ± 20.1 mm; −21.7%) or combined with Dapaglifozin (−20.5 ± 19.4 mm; −21.8%) induced significant Om fat reduction. 13.3% of cohort A patients and 21.4% of cohort’s B reached Om thickness below the cut-off for MS criteria. RK fat loss was significantly greater in cohort B group compared to cohort A, at both kidneys. Only in the Met + Dapa group, we observed correlations between Om fat with leptin/CRP/MAL and RK fat with HOMA-IR. US is a useful clinical tool to assess ectopic fat depots. Both Metformin and Dapaglifozin induce fat loss in layers involved with MS but combined treatment is particularly effective in perirenal fat layer reduction. Perirenal fat should be considered as a potential target for cardiovascular dapaglifozin beneficial effects.
Recycling of waste coffee grounds as a photothermal material modified with ZnCl2 for water purification
Authors: Gabisa Elias Wagari , Ratanatamskul Chavalit 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to develop a photothermal material modified with carbonization and ZnCl2 impregnation and supported by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for water purification using the waste coffee grounds. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization of the prepared material revealed that a significant surface modification was achieved due to the carbonization and ZnCl2 impregnation. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) pattern of the samples showed two broad peaks at 18.4° and 22.2°, this is due to the crystal planes of β-crystal phase structure, which indicates the existence of strong hydrogen bonds between the micro-structures and therefore less suspectable to chemical attack. Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) result suggests a slight mass reduction between the temperature range of 65–75 °C implying the thermal stability of the prepared material. The produced modified material had a photothermal conversion efficiency of 74% and could produce vapor at a rate of 1.12 kg/m2h under 980 W/m2 irradiation at 1 sun. A significant reduction in Cu2+ ion concentration (83%), turbidity (91%), total dissolved solids (TDS) (61%), microbial load (95.6%), and total hardness (41.2%) were achieved. Therefore, waste coffee grounds can be considered as a future eco-friendly and low-cost candidate for water purification.
Thermal modal analysis of hypersonic composite wing on transient aerodynamic heating
Authors: Wang Kangjie , Wang Junli , Liu Zhiyuan , Zhang Sheng , Zhang Baosheng , Quan Wenyong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractConsidering the influence of thermal stress and material property variations, this study employs the Navier–Stokes equations and Fourier heat conduction law to establish a semi-implicit time-domain numerical analysis method for hypersonic aerothermal-structural coupling. Study the temporal variation pattern of different regions of the composite material wing under aerodynamic heating. Using the obtained transient temperature field of the wing, the thermal modal of the wing at different time points is calculated using the finite element method. Additionally, it conducts an analysis and discussion on the factors influencing the thermal modal. Composites can be effectively utilized as thermal protection materials for aircraft. During the aerodynamic heating process, the leading edge temperature reaches thermal equilibrium first, followed by the trailing edge, and the belly plate experiences a slower thermal response. Temperature rise significantly affects higher-order modes, with the change in material properties during the early stages of heating being the dominant factor. This leads to a faster decrease in natural frequency. As heat conduction progresses, the influencing factors of thermal stresses gradually increase, and the natural frequency decreases slowly or even rises.
Carbon carrying capacity in primary forests shows potential for mitigation achieving the European Green Deal 2030 target
Authors: Keith Heather , Kun Zoltàn , Hugh Sonia , Svoboda Miroslav , Mikoláš Martin , Adam Dusan , Bernatski Dmitry , Blujdea Viorel , Bohn Friedrich , Camarero Jesús Julio , Demeter László , Di Filippo Alfredo , Dutcă Ioan , Garbarino Matteo , Horváth Ferenc , Ivkovich Valery , Jansons Āris , Ķēņina Laura , Kral Kamil , Martin-Benito Dario , Molina-Valero Juan Alberto , Motta Renzo , Nagel Thomas A. , Panayotov Momchil , Pérez-Cruzado César , Piovesan Gianluca , Roibu Cătălin-Constantin , Šamonil Pavel , Vostarek Ondřej , Yermokhin Maxim , Zlatanov Tzvetan , Mackey Brendan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCarbon accounting in the land sector requires a reference level from which to calculate past losses of carbon and potential for gains using a stock-based target. Carbon carrying capacity represented by the carbon stock in primary forests is an ecologically-based reference level that allows estimation of the mitigation potential derived from protecting and restoring forests to increase their carbon stocks. Here we measured and collated tree inventory data at primary forest sites including from research studies, literature and forest inventories (7982 sites, 288,262 trees, 27 countries) across boreal, temperate, and subtropical Global Ecological Zones within Europe. We calculated total biomass carbon stock per hectare (above- and below-ground, dead biomass) and found it was 1.6 times larger on average than modelled global maps for primary forests and 2.3 times for all forests. Large trees (diameter greater than 60 cm) accounted for 50% of biomass and are important carbon reservoirs. Carbon stock foregone by harvesting of 12–52% demonstrated the mitigation potential. Estimated carbon gain by protecting, restoring and ongoing growth of existing forests equated to 309 megatons carbon dioxide equivalents per year, additional to, and higher than, the current forest sink, and comparable to the Green Deal 2030 target for carbon dioxide removals.
Conserved role of hnRNPL in alternative splicing of epigenetic modifiers enables B cell activation
Authors: Subramani Poorani Ganesh , Fraszczak Jennifer , Helness Anne , Estall Jennifer L , Möröy Tarik , Di Noia Javier M 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe multifunctional RNA-binding protein hnRNPL is implicated in antibody class switching but its broader function in B cells is unknown. Here, we show that hnRNPL is essential for B cell activation, germinal center formation, and antibody responses. Upon activation, hnRNPL-deficient B cells show proliferation defects and increased apoptosis. Comparative analysis of RNA-seq data from activated B cells and another eight hnRNPL-depleted cell types reveals common effects on MYC and E2F transcriptional programs required for proliferation. Notably, while individual gene expression changes are cell type specific, several alternative splicing events affecting histone modifiers like KDM6A and SIRT1, are conserved across cell types. Moreover, hnRNPL-deficient B cells show global changes in H3K27me3 and H3K9ac. Epigenetic dysregulation after hnRNPL loss could underlie differential gene expression and upregulation of lncRNAs, and explain common and cell type-specific phenotypes, such as dysfunctional mitochondria and ROS overproduction in mouse B cells. Thus, hnRNPL is essential for the resting-to-activated B cell transition by regulating transcriptional programs and metabolism, at least in part through the alternative splicing of several histone modifiers.
Electron transport chain capacity expands yellow fever vaccine immunogenicity
Authors: Mok Darren ZL , Tng Danny JH , Yee Jia Xin , Chew Valerie SY , Tham Christine YL , Ooi Justin SG , Tan Hwee Cheng , Zhang Summer L , Lin Lowell Z , Ng Wy Ching , Jeeva Lavanya Lakshmi , Murugayee Ramya , Goh Kelvin K-K , Lim Tze-Peng , Cui Liang , Cheung Yin Bun , Ong Eugenia Z , Chan Kuan Rong , Ooi Eng Eong , Low Jenny G 
Published: May 2024

AbstractVaccination has successfully controlled several infectious diseases although better vaccines remain desirable. Host response to vaccination studies have identified correlates of vaccine immunogenicity that could be useful to guide development and selection of future vaccines. However, it remains unclear whether these findings represent mere statistical correlations or reflect functional associations with vaccine immunogenicity. Functional associations, rather than statistical correlates, would offer mechanistic insights into vaccine-induced adaptive immunity. Through a human experimental study to test the immunomodulatory properties of metformin, an anti-diabetic drug, we chanced upon a functional determinant of neutralizing antibodies. Although vaccine viremia is a known correlate of antibody response, we found that in healthy volunteers with no detectable or low yellow fever 17D viremia, metformin-treated volunteers elicited higher neutralizing antibody titers than placebo-treated volunteers. Transcriptional and metabolomic analyses collectively showed that a brief course of metformin, started 3 days prior to YF17D vaccination and stopped at 3 days after vaccination, expanded oxidative phosphorylation and protein translation capacities. These increased capacities directly correlated with YF17D neutralizing antibody titers, with reduced reactive oxygen species response compared to placebo-treated volunteers. Our findings thus demonstrate a functional association between cellular respiration and vaccine-induced humoral immunity and suggest potential approaches to enhancing vaccine immunogenicity.
Inferring causal protein signalling networks from single‐cell data based on parallel discrete artificial bee colony algorithm
Authors: Liu Jinduo , Zhai Jihao , Ji Junzhong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractInferring causal protein signalling networks from human immune system cell data is a promising approach to unravel the underlying tissue signalling biology and dysfunction in diseased cells, which has attracted considerable attention within the bioinformatics field. Recently, Bayesian network (BN) techniques have gained significant popularity in inferring causal protein signalling networks from multiparameter single‐cell data. However, current BN methods may exhibit high computational complexity and ignore interactions among protein signalling molecules from different single cells. A novel BN method is presented for learning causal protein signalling networks based on parallel discrete artificial bee colony (PDABC), named PDABC. Specifically, PDABC is a score‐based BN method that utilises the parallel artificial bee colony to search for the global optimal causal protein signalling networks with the highest discrete K2 metric. The experimental results on several simulated datasets, as well as a previously published multi‐parameter fluorescence‐activated cell sorter dataset, indicate that PDABC surpasses the existing state‐of‐the‐art methods in terms of performance and computational efficiency.
A coding scheme to force the eavesdropper falling in error avalanche
Authors: Zhao Hang , Hu Aiqun , Yu Jiabao 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn recent years, key generation schemes based on the reciprocity of wireless channels have gained widespread attention in the field of wireless physical layer security. However, due to the openness of wireless channels, eavesdroppers may obtain partial legitimate keys by eavesdropping on the wireless channel. To address this issue, this paper proposes a wireless channel coding scheme that induces an “avalanche” of errors for eavesdroppers, which could maximize eavesdropper's bit error rate. The design of this scheme is based on the significant differences between the eavesdropping channel and the legitimate channel, and the average bit key disagreement ratio of the keys generated by the legitimate channel is around 8%. The scheme selects polar codes with strong error correction capabilities and chooses a coding rate matching the error level of the legitimate channel, forcing the eavesdropping channel's error rate into an “avalanche” state, where the error rate approaches 50%. This paper presents the structure of the encoder and determines the coding rate through simulation. Simulation results demonstrate that this scheme can significantly degrade the error rate of the eavesdropping channel while ensuring the prevention of eavesdroppers from obtaining secret information transmitted through the legitimate channel.
Dual‐ and triple‐passband coupled‐complementary FSSs based on the four‐arms star geometry
Authors: F. Mamedes Deisy , Bornemann Jens , Gomes Neto Alfredo , M. Sales Filho Sérgio L. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe authors propose a system of closely coupled‐complementary frequency‐selective surfaces (FSSs) based on the four‐arms star geometry with dual‐ and triple‐passbands responses for 5G applications. Four complementary structure configurations are presented, and depending on the chosen configuration, the structure can create two or three transmission bands in one or both polarisations of the electromagnetic waves. The designed FSSs are compact and have stable behaviour at different incident angles. The complementary FSS passes signals around 2.6 and 6.2 GHz, and a structural offset allows the transmission at a third frequency (4.2 GHz). To validate the proposed designs, four prototypes are fabricated and measured. Numerical and experimental characterisations are in good agreement.
Evidence of Pop III stars’ chemical signature in neutral gas at z ∼ 6
Authors: Sodini Alessio , D’Odorico Valentina , Salvadori Stefania , Vanni Irene , Bischetti Manuela , Cupani Guido , Davies Rebecca , Becker George D. , Bañados Eduardo , Bosman Sarah , Davies Frederick , Paolo Farina Emanuele , Ferrara Andrea , Keating Laura , Kulkarni Girish , Lai Samuel , Ryan-Weber Emma , Maria Sebastian Alma , Walter Fabian 
Published: May 2024

Aims. This study explores the metal enrichment signatures attributed to the first generation of stars (Pop III) in the Universe, focusing on the E-XQR-30 sample – a collection of 42 high signal-to-noise ratio spectra of quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) with emission redshifts ranging from 5.8 to 6.6. We aim to identify traces of Pop III metal enrichment by analyzing neutral gas in the interstellar medium of primordial galaxies and their satellite clumps, detected in absorption.
Methods. To chase the chemical signature of Pop III stars, we studied metal absorption systems in the E-XQR-30 sample, selected through the detection of the neutral oxygen absorption line at 1302 Å. The O I line is a reliable tracer of neutral hydrogen and allowed us to overcome the challenges posed by the Lyman-α forest’s increasing saturation at redshifts above ∼5 to identify damped Lyman-α systems (DLAs). We detected and analyzed 29 O I systems at z ≥ 5.4, differentiating between proximate DLAs (PDLAs) and intervening DLAs. Voigt function fits were applied to obtain ionic column densities, and relative chemical abundances were determined for 28 systems. These were then compared with the predictions of theoretical models.
Results. Our findings expand the study of O I systems at z ≥ 5.4 fourfold. No systematic differences were observed in the average chemical abundances between PDLAs and intervening DLAs. The chemical abundances in our sample align with literature systems at z >  4.5, suggesting a similar enrichment pattern for this class of absorption systems. A comparison between these DLA-analogs at 4.5 <  z <  6.5 with a sample of very metal-poor DLAs at 2 <  z <  4.5 shows in general similar average values for the relative abundances, with the exception of [C/O], [Si/Fe] and [Si/O] which are significantly larger for the high-z sample. Furthermore, the dispersion of the measurements significantly increases in the high-redshift bin. This increase is predicted by the theoretical models and indicates a potential retention of Pop III signatures in the probed gas.
Conclusions. This work represents a significant advancement in the study of the chemical properties of highly neutral gas at z ≥ 5.4, shedding light on its potential association with the metal enrichment from Pop III stars. Future advancements in observational capabilities, specifically high-resolution spectrographs, are crucial for refining measurements and addressing current limitations in the study of these distant absorption systems.
Psychedelika in der Psychiatrie
Authors: Herwig Uwe 
Published: May 2024

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGPsychedelika stoßen in der Psychiatrie auf ein erneut zunehmendes fachliches und wissenschaftliches Interesse. Nach einer intensiveren Phase des Einsatzes im psychotherapeutischen Kontext Mitte des letzten Jahrhunderts kam die Forschung in dem Bereich nach gesetzlichen Verboten weitestgehend zum Erliegen. Erst seit wenigen Jahren wird das klinische Potenzial wieder mit modernen wissenschaftlichen Methoden erforscht. Die Eigenschaft der Psychedelika, qualitativ veränderte Bewusstseinszustände mit auch psychodynamischen Erfahrungen und Erkenntnissen hervorzurufen, legt die Möglichkeit nahe, sie zur Unterstützung von psychotherapeutischen Prozessen zu nutzen. Bisherige Indikationsgebiete von klinischen Studien betreffen vor allem den Einsatz bei therapieresistenten Depressionen, aber auch bei posttraumatischen Belastungsstörungen und Alkoholabhängigkeit. Allerdings muss festgehalten werden, dass eine spezifische Psychedelika-Psychotherapie im engeren Sinnen noch nicht erforscht wird. Neben dem Ausbau der Evidenzlage ist in diesem Feld noch einiges vor einem eventuellen breiteren klinischen Einsatz zu erarbeiten.
Evaluation of Peripheral Lymphadenopathies in Children in a Single
Center: Predictive Factors for Malignancy
Authors: Işık Pamir , Belen Apak Fatma Burcu , Demir Tuğba Acer 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background Lymphadenopathy (LAP) is a common finding in pediatric
patients. It was aimed to determine predictive factors in distinguishing cases
with malignant or benign lymphadenopathy in this study.
Subjects and methods Between January 2022 and January 2023, 101 patients
(1-16 years old) with lymphadenopathy were retrospectively examined.
Results LAP was localized in 80.2% (n=81) cases and generalized in 19.8%
(n=20) cases. In 60 cases (59.4%), lymph node sizes were found to be greater
than 20×20 mm in width and length. The most common infectious causative agent
was Epstein Barr Virus (EBV). Seven (6.9%) patients underwent biopsy and all
were diagnosed with malignancy. When the benign and malignant groups were
compared, age, lymph node length, and width on physical examination,
anteroposterior and longitudinal diameter of the lymph node on ultrasonography
(USG) were statistically significantly higher in the malignant group
(p<0.05). The presence of supraclavicular lymphadenopathy was found to be an
important factor in differentiating the malignant group (p<0.003). The most
important factors in distinguishing the groups are respectively were the
anteroposterior diameter of the lymph node on ultrasonography and the presence
supraclavicular lymph node in multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Conclusion It is not always easy to distinguish benign and malignant
etiologies in patients with lymphadenopathy. A detailed history, a careful
physical examination, laboratory studies, and excisional biopsy are guiding.
Substanz und Modalität
Authors: Bublitz Christoph , Böllinger Lorenz 
Published: May 2024

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGModelle für die künftige Regulierung von psychologischen oder psychiatrischen Behandlungen mit Psychedelika werden derzeit international diskutiert. Dabei wird nicht immer hinreichend beachtet, dass medizinische Therapieformen nicht einheitlich, sondern durch ein Netz aus Normen auf unterschiedlichen Ebenen reguliert werden, von völkerrechtlichen Verträgen über das Arzneimittelgesetz bis zum psychotherapeutischen Berufsrecht, die sich zudem von Land zu Land unterscheiden können. Dieser Aufsatz verschafft einen Überblick über die tangierten Ebenen sowie zentrale zu klärende Fragen aus deutscher Perspektive. Schwerpunkte liegen auf möglichen Schwierigkeiten der Arzneimittelzulassung von Psychedelika aufgrund der besonderen Kombination der Wirkungen von psychedelischer Substanz und psychotherapeutischer Behandlungsmodalität, Möglichkeiten zur Beschränkung der Verschreibungsfähigkeit, Aspekte des Off-label-Einsatzes sowie der Regulierung der Psychotherapie. Zudem werden erste Vorschläge für offene Regulierungsfragen unterbreitet.