bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonequal-length image encryption based on bitplane chaotic mapping
Authors: Zhang Ruqing , Zhou Rigui , Luo Jia 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn recent years, extensive research has focused on encryption algorithms for square images, with relatively little attention given to nonsquare images. This paper introduces a novel encryption algorithm tailored for nonequal length images, integrating bit-plane chaotic mapping and Arnold transformation. To effectively implement the algorithm, the plain image is initially transformed into two equal-sized binary sequences. A new diffusion strategy is then introduced to mutually diffuse these sequences, followed by the use of a chaotic map to control the swapping of binary elements between them, enabling permutation of bits across different bitplanes. Finally, the positional information of the image is scrambled using the Arnold transform, resulting in the generation of the encrypted image. By utilizing nonequal Arnold transformation parameters and the initial value of the Lorenz chaotic map as keys, the transmission of keys is simplified, and the cryptosystem gains infinite key space to resist brute force attacks. Experimental results and security analysis confirm the effectiveness of the proposed quantum image encryption algorithm in encrypting nonsquare images, demonstrating good performance in terms of nonstatistical properties, key sensitivity, and robustness. Furthermore, simulation experiments based on Qiskit successfully validate the correctness and feasibility of the quantum image encryption algorithm.
Recombinant mycobacterial DNA-binding protein 1 with post-translational modifications boosts IFN-gamma production from BCG-vaccinated individuals’ blood cells in combination with CpG-DNA
Authors: Ozeki Yuriko , Yokoyama Akira , Nishiyama Akihito , Yoshida Yutaka , Ohara Yukiko , Mashima Tsukasa , Tomiyama Chikako , Shaban Amina K. , Takeishi Atsuki , Osada-Oka Mayuko , Yamaguchi Takehiro , Tateishi Yoshitaka , Maeyama Jun-ichi , Hakamata Mariko , Moro Hiroshi , Kikuchi Toshiaki , Hayashi Daisuke , Suzuki Fumiko , Yamamoto Toshiko , Iho Sumiko , Katahira Masato , Yamamoto Saburo , Matsumoto Sohkichi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTuberculosis remains a large health threat, despite the availability of the tuberculosis vaccine, BCG. As BCG efficacy gradually decreases from adolescence, BCG-Prime and antigen-booster may be an efficient strategy to confer vaccine efficacy. Mycobacterial DNA-binding protein 1 (MDP1, namely Rv2986c, hupB or HU) is a major Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein that induces vaccine-efficacy by co-administration with CpG DNA. To produce MDP1 for booster-vaccine use, we have created recombinant MDP1 produced in both Escherichia coli (eMDP1) and Mycolicibacterium smegmatis (mMDP1), an avirulent rapid-growing mycobacteria. We tested their immunogenicity by checking interferon (IFN)-gamma production by stimulated peripheral blood cells derived from BCG-vaccinated individuals. Similar to native M. tuberculosis MDP1, we observed that most lysin resides in the C-terminal half of mMDP1 are highly methylated. In contrast, eMDP1 had less post-translational modifications and IFN-gamma stimulation. mMDP1 stimulated the highest amount of IFN-gamma production among the examined native M. tuberculosis proteins including immunodominant MPT32 and Antigen 85 complex. MDP1-mediated IFN-gamma production was more strongly enhanced when combined with a new type of CpG DNA G9.1 than any other tested CpG DNAs. Taken together, these results suggest that the combination of mMDP1 and G9.1 possess high potential use for human booster vaccine against tuberculosis.
Ultrasound imaging of core muscles activity in multiparous women with vaginal laxity: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hady Doaa A. Abdel , Mabrouk Omar M. , Osman Doaa A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractVaginal laxity (VL) is a common condition among multiparous women, especially those who have delivered vaginally. Since pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) work synergistically with other core muscles, physical therapy protocols that aim to treat VL should train the PFMs in combination with other core muscles. To investigate the activity of core muscles in multiparous women with and without VL, and its relation to sexual function. An observational, cross-sectional study. The study included 100 multiparous women, who were divided into two groups according to their scores on the vaginal laxity questionnaire (VLQ). Women who scored between 1 and 3 on the VLQ were categorized as having VL (n = 48), while those who scored between 5 and 7 were placed in the control group (n = 52). The primary outcomes were PFM displacement, diaphragmatic excursion, transversus abdominis activation ratio, and lumbar multifidus thickness measured by ultrasound imaging. The secondary outcome was sexual functioning, evaluated using the Arabic female sexual function index (ArFSFI). The VL group had significantly lower PFM displacement (mean difference (MD) − 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI) − 0.49 to − 0.33; p = 0.001), diaphragmatic excursion (MD − 2.75; 95% CI − 2.95 to − 2.55; p = 0.001), lumbar multifidus thickness (MD − 10.08; 95% CI − 14.32 to − 5.82; p = 0.02), and ArFSFI scores (MD − 9.2; 95% CI − 10.59 to − 7.81; p = 0.001) in comparison to the control group (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, the transversus abdominis activation ratio demonstrated no significant difference between the two groups (MD 0.06; 95% CI − 0.05 to 0.17; p = 0.33). Multiparous women with VL had significantly lower PFM displacement, diaphragmatic excursion, lumbar multifidus thickness, and sexual function index scores than women in the control group. The only exception was transversus abdominis activation, which did not differ significantly between the VL and control groups.
Remnant cholesterol trajectory and subclinical arteriosclerosis: a 10-year longitudinal study of Chinese adults
Authors: Yang Ping-ting , Tang Li , Yang Sai-qi , Shi Qiu-ling , Wang Ya-qin , Qin Yue-xiang , Wang Jian-gang , Li Ying 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe aimed to identify different trajectories of remnant cholesterol (RC) and investigate the association of RC trajectories with vascular endothelial function and atherosclerosis progression in a longitudinal cohort of the Chinese population. A total of 521 participants were included in the flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) subcohort study, and 7775 participants were included in the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) subcohort study. All participants had ≥ 3 medical examinations during the 10-year follow-up period. In the FMD subcohort study, three distinct RC trajectories were identified according to the RC range and changing pattern over time: “low” (57.58%), “moderate” (30.90%) and “high” (11.52%). The proportion of the three groups with vascular endothelial dysfunction (FMD < 7.0%) was 20.00%, 39.75% and 60.00% respectively. Taking the low group as a reference, participants in the moderate and high groups had over 1.88 and 2.94 times the odds of vascular endothelial dysfunction (P = 0.048). In the baPWV subcohort study, three distinct RC trajectories were also identified: “low” (54.29%), “moderate” (38.97%) and “high” (6.74%). The proportion of the three groups with atherosclerosis (baPWV > 1400 cm/s) was 38.79%, 51.26% and 59.01% respectively. Taking the low group as a reference, participants in the moderate and high groups had over 1.46 and 2.16 times the odds of atherosclerosis (P < 0.001). The findings indicated that distinct RC trajectories are significantly associated with vascular endothelial function and atherosclerosis. Regular monitoring to identify persistent increases in RC may be more helpful in identifying individuals with a high risk of cardiovascular disease.
Spallation and particles infusion into the extracorporeal circuit during CRRT: a preventable phenomenon
Authors: Ruffa Maria Cristina , Bignante Giacomo , Bocciero Vittorio , Fabbri Sergio , Degl’Innocenti Dario , Cauda Valentina , Villa Gianluca 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPatients in intensive care are exposed to the risk of microparticle infusion via extracorporeal lines and the resulting complications. A possible source of microparticle release could be the extracorporeal circuit used in blood purification techniques, such as continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Disposable components of CRRT circuits, such as replacement bags and circuit tubing, might release microparticles such as salt crystals produced by precipitation in replacement bags and plastic microparticles produced by spallation. In-line filtration has proven effective in retaining microparticles both in in-vitro and in-vivo studies. In our study, we performed an in-vitro model of CRRT-treatment with the aim of detecting the microparticles produced and released into the circuit by means of a qualitative and quantitative analysis, after sampling the replacement and patient lines straddling a series of in-line filters. Working pressures and flows were monitored during the experiment. This study showed that microparticles are indeed produced and released into the CRRT circuit. The inclusion of in-line filters in the replacement lines allows to reduce the burden of microparticles infused into the bloodstream during extracorporeal treatments, reducing the concentration of microparticles from 14 mg/mL pre in-line filter to 11 mg/mL post in-line filter. Particle infusion and related damage must be counted among the pathophysiological mechanisms supporting iatrogenic damage due to artificial cross-talk between organs during CRRT applied to critically ill patients. This damage can be reduced by using in-line filters in the extracorporeal circuit.
A novel method to eliminate the symmetry dependence of fiber coils for shupe mitigation
Authors: Andac Senol Tugba , Akcaalan Onder , Yertutanol Aylin , Ozbay Ekmel 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIt is a well-known fact that interferometric fiber optic gyroscopes (IFOGs) are easily distorted by thermal effects and distortion results in the degradation of the performance of these sensors. Changing the fiber coil geometry, increasing the winding symmetry, adding fiber buffer layers around the fiber coil, using different modulation methods for multifunctional integrated optic chips, and using special types of fibers, such as photonic crystal fibers, are some alternative solutions for preventing this degradation. This paper, theoretically and experimentally, investigates not only how different types of fiber coil winding methods behave under different rates of temperature change but also presents a novel method, to the best of our knowledge, to eliminate the Shupe effect, without violating the simplest IFOG scheme. This method rules out the importance of the winding symmetry epochally and the need of any extra treatment for the fiber coil to increase the thermal performance of the system. Regardless of the symmetry of the fiber coil winding, the rate error due to the Shupe effect can be reduced to about $$\pm 0.05^\circ /$$

±
0
.

05
∘

/

h for any rate of temperature change with this new method according to the experimental results.
Influence of age and cognitive demand on motor decision making under uncertainty: a study on goal directed reaching movements
Authors: Krüger Melanie , Puri Rohan , Summers Jeffery J. , Hinder Mark R. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn everyday life, we constantly make decisions about actions to be performed subsequently. Research on motor decision making has provided empirical evidence for an influence of decision uncertainty on movement execution in young adults. Further, decision uncertainty was suggested to be increased in older adults due to limited cognitive resources for the integration of information and the prediction of the decision outcomes. However, the influence of cognitive aging on decision uncertainty during motor decision making and movement execution has not been investigated, yet. Thus, in the current study, we presented young and older adults with a motor decision making task, in which participants had to decide on pointing towards one out of five potential targets under varying cognitive demands. Statistical analyses revealed stronger decreases in correctly deciding upon the pointing target, i.e. task performance, from low to higher cognitive demand in older as compared to young adults. Decision confidence also decreased more strongly in older adults with increasing cognitive demand, however, only when collapsing across correct and incorrect decision trials, but not when considering correct decision trials, only. Further, older adults executed reaching movements with longer reaction times and increased path length, though the latter, again, not when considering correct decision trials, only. Last, reaction time and variability in movement execution were both affected by cognitive demand. The outcomes of this study provide a differentiated picture of the distinct and joint effects of aging and cognitive demand during motor decision making.
Interleukin-1α links peripheral CaV2.2 channel activation to rapid adaptive increases in heat sensitivity in skin
Authors: Salib Anne-Mary N. , Crane Meredith J. , Lee Sang Hun , Wainger Brian J. , Jamieson Amanda M. , Lipscombe Diane 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNeurons have the unique capacity to adapt output in response to changes in their environment. Within seconds, sensory nerve endings can become hypersensitive to stimuli in response to potentially damaging events. The underlying behavioral response is well studied, but several of the key signaling molecules that mediate sensory hypersensitivity remain unknown. We previously discovered that peripheral voltage-gated CaV2.2 channels in nerve endings in skin are essential for the rapid, transient increase in sensitivity to heat, but not to mechanical stimuli, that accompanies intradermal capsaicin. Here we report that the cytokine interleukin-1α (IL-1α), an alarmin, is necessary and sufficient to trigger rapid heat and mechanical hypersensitivity in skin. Of 20 cytokines screened, only IL-1α was consistently detected in hind paw interstitial fluid in response to intradermal capsaicin and, similar to behavioral sensitivity to heat, IL-1α levels were also dependent on peripheral CaV2.2 channel activity. Neutralizing IL-1α in skin significantly reduced capsaicin-induced changes in hind paw sensitivity to radiant heat and mechanical stimulation. Intradermal IL-1α enhances behavioral responses to stimuli and, in culture, IL-1α enhances the responsiveness of Trpv1-expressing sensory neurons. Together, our data suggest that IL-1α is the key cytokine that underlies rapid and reversible neuroinflammatory responses in skin.
Optimizing vitiligo diagnosis with ResNet and Swin transformer deep learning models: a study on performance and interpretability
Authors: Zhong Fan , He Kaiqiao , Ji Mengqi , Chen Jianru , Gao Tianwen , Li Shuli , Zhang Junpeng , Li Chunying 
Published: April 2024

AbstractVitiligo is a hypopigmented skin disease characterized by the loss of melanin. The progressive nature and widespread incidence of vitiligo necessitate timely and accurate detection. Usually, a single diagnostic test often falls short of providing definitive confirmation of the condition, necessitating the assessment by dermatologists who specialize in vitiligo. However, the current scarcity of such specialized medical professionals presents a significant challenge. To mitigate this issue and enhance diagnostic accuracy, it is essential to build deep learning models that can support and expedite the detection process. This study endeavors to establish a deep learning framework to enhance the diagnostic accuracy of vitiligo. To this end, a comparative analysis of five models including ResNet (ResNet34, ResNet50, and ResNet101 models) and Swin Transformer series (Swin Transformer Base, and Swin Transformer Large models), were conducted under the uniform condition to identify the model with superior classification capabilities. Moreover, the study sought to augment the interpretability of these models by selecting one that not only provides accurate diagnostic outcomes but also offers visual cues highlighting the regions pertinent to vitiligo. The empirical findings reveal that the Swin Transformer Large model achieved the best performance in classification, whose AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity are 0.94, 93.82%, 94.02%, and 93.5%, respectively. In terms of interpretability, the highlighted regions in the class activation map correspond to the lesion regions of the vitiligo images, which shows that it effectively indicates the specific category regions associated with the decision-making of dermatological diagnosis. Additionally, the visualization of feature maps generated in the middle layer of the deep learning model provides insights into the internal mechanisms of the model, which is valuable for improving the interpretability of the model, tuning performance, and enhancing clinical applicability. The outcomes of this study underscore the significant potential of deep learning models to revolutionize medical diagnosis by improving diagnostic accuracy and operational efficiency. The research highlights the necessity for ongoing exploration in this domain to fully leverage the capabilities of deep learning technologies in medical diagnostics.
NET-related gene signature for predicting AML prognosis
Authors: Wang Jiajia , Wang Huiping , Ding Yangyang , Jiao Xunyi , Zhu Jinli , Zhai Zhimin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAcute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a malignant blood cancer with a high mortality rate. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) influence various tumor outcomes. However, NET-related genes (NRGs) in AML had not yet received much attention. This study focuses on the role of NRGs in AML and their interaction with the immunological microenvironment. The gene expression and clinical data of patients with AML were downloaded from the TCGA-LAML and GEO cohorts. We identified 148 NRGs through the published article. Univariate Cox regression was used to analyze the association of NRGs with overall survival (OS). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator were utilized to assess the predictive efficacy of NRGs. Kaplan–Meier plots visualized survival estimates. ROC curves assessed the prognostic value of NRG-based features. A nomogram, integrating clinical information and prognostic scores of patients, was constructed using multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression models. Twenty-seven NRGs were found to significantly impact patient OS. Six NRGs—CFTR, ENO1, PARVB, DDIT4, MPO, LDLR—were notable for their strong predictive ability regarding patient survival. The ROC values for 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 0.794, 0.781, and 0.911, respectively. In the training set (TCGA-LAML), patients in the high NRG risk group showed a poorer prognosis (p < 0.001), which was validated in two external datasets (GSE71014 and GSE106291). The 6-NRG signature and corresponding nomograms exhibit superior predictive accuracy, offering insights for pre-immune response evaluation and guiding future immuno-oncology treatments and drug selection for AML patients.
Stability of transcranial magnetic stimulation electroencephalogram evoked potentials in pediatric epilepsy
Authors: She Xiwei , Nix Kerry C. , Cline Christopher C. , Qi Wendy , Tugin Sergei , He Zihuai , Baumer Fiona M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractTranscranial magnetic stimulation paired with electroencephalography (TMS–EEG) can measure local excitability and functional connectivity. To address trial-to-trial variability, responses to multiple TMS pulses are recorded to obtain an average TMS evoked potential (TEP). Balancing adequate data acquisition to establish stable TEPs with feasible experimental duration is critical when applying TMS–EEG to clinical populations. Here we aim to investigate the minimum number of pulses (MNP) required to achieve stable TEPs in children with epilepsy. Eighteen children with Self-Limited Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes, a common epilepsy arising from the motor cortices, underwent multiple 100-pulse blocks of TMS to both motor cortices over two days. TMS was applied at 120% of resting motor threshold (rMT) up to a maximum of 100% maximum stimulator output. The average of all 100 pulses was used as a “gold-standard” TEP to which we compared “candidate” TEPs obtained by averaging subsets of pulses. We defined TEP stability as the MNP needed to achieve a concordance correlation coefficient of 80% between the candidate and “gold-standard” TEP. We additionally assessed whether experimental or clinical factors affected TEP stability. Results show that stable TEPs can be derived from fewer than 100 pulses, a number typically used for designing TMS-EEG experiments. The early segment (15–80 ms) of the TEP was less stable than the later segment (80–350 ms). Global mean field amplitude derived from all channels was less stable than local TEP derived from channels overlying the stimulated site. TEP stability did not differ depending on stimulated hemisphere, block order, or antiseizure medication use, but was greater in older children. Stimulation administered with an intensity above the rMT yielded more stable local TEPs. Studies of TMS-EEG in pediatrics have been limited by the complexity of experimental set-up and time course. This study serves as a critical starting point, demonstrating the feasibility of designing efficient TMS–EEG studies that use a relatively small number of pulses to study pediatric epilepsy and potentially other pediatric groups.
Identification of metabolism-related key genes as potential biomarkers for pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Xu Xiangmei , Zhang Jiamin , Xing Hongyun , Han Liying , Li Xiaoming , Wu Pengqiang , Tang Jirui , Jing Li , Luo Jie , Luo Jing , Liu Lin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractImmune thrombocytopenia (ITP), an acquired autoimmune disease, is characterized by immune-mediated platelet destruction. A biomarker is a biological entity that contributes to disease pathogenesis and reflects disease activity. Metabolic alterations are reported to be associated with the occurrence of various diseases. As metabolic biomarkers for ITP have not been identified. This study aimed to identify metabolism-related differentially expressed genes as potential biomarkers for pathogenesis of ITP using bioinformatic analyses.The microarray expression data of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GSE112278 download link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE112278). Key module genes were intersected with metabolism-related genes to obtain the metabolism-related key candidate genes. The hub genes were screened based on the degree function in the coytoscape sofware. The key ITP-related genes were subjected to functional enrichment analysis. Immune infiltration analysis was performed using a single-sample gene set enrichment analysis algorithm to evaluate the differential infiltration levels of immune cell types between ITP patient and control. Molecular subtypes were identified based on the expression of hub genes. The expression of hub genes in the ITP patients was validated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. This study identified five hub genes (ADH4, CYP7A1, CYP1A2, CYP8B1, and NR1H4), which were be associated with the pathogenesis of ITP, and two molecular subtypes of ITP. Among these hub genes, CYP7A1 and CYP8B1 involved in cholesterol metabolism,were further verified in clinical samples.