bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Generalizable Denoising of Microscopy Images using Generative Adversarial Networks and Contrastive Learning
Authors: Fuentes-Hurtado Félix , Sibarita Jean-Baptiste , Viasnoff Virgile 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Microscopy images often suffer from high levels of noise, which can hinder further analysis and interpretation. Content-aware image restoration (CARE) methods have been proposed to address this issue, but they often require large amounts of training data and suffer from over-fitting. To overcome these challenges, we propose a novel framework for few-shot microscopy image denoising. Our approach combines a generative adversarial network (GAN) trained via contrastive learning (CL) with two structure preserving loss terms – Structural Similarity Index and Total Variation loss – to further improve the quality of the denoised images using little data. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method on three well-known microscopy imaging datasets, and show that we can drastically reduce the amount of training data while retaining the quality of the denoising, thus alleviating the burden of acquiring paired data and enabling few-shot learning. The proposed framework can be easily extended to other image restoration tasks and has the potential to significantly advance the field of microscopy image analysis.
Genetic diversity of yam (Dioscorea sp.) through morphological and molecular markers
Authors: Santos Crislaine Alves , Gois Itamara Bomfim , Prata Laura Catharine Doria , Calazans Crislaine Costa , Silva Ana Veruska Cruz da , Silva-Mann Renata , Blank Arie Fitzgerald , Arrigoni-Blank Maria de Fatima 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of genotypes of Dioscorea sp. originating from states of the Brazilian Northeast region (Sergipe, Bahia, Alagoas, and Paraíba) through morphological and molecular characterization. For this evaluation, 52 yam genotypes were collected from market locations and directly from rural growers. Morphological characterization made use of 31 morphological descriptors for the yam crop. The environmental coefficient of variation (CVe) of most of the descriptors evaluated was greater than the genotypic coefficient of variation (CVg), and heritability was high only for stem color (86.86%). The highest significant positive correlation was between the presence of the tuber and the presence of roots on the surface of the tuber (r = 1; p < 0.001). The genotypes were clustered in seven different groups based on the morphological descriptors evaluated. For molecular characterization, SSR (9) and ISSR (16) primers were used. The primers used were considered informative, showing high polymorphic information content; and 100% of the bands were polymorphic. Genetic diversity was estimated by the following parameters: number of alleles (2.00), effective number of alleles (1.30), expected heterozygosity (0.211), and the Shannon index (0.351). The 52 genotypes were clustered in seven groups according to the Jaccard distance. The genetic structure of the population in K = 2 reveals shared alleles among the genotypes of different geographic origins. Morphological and molecular characterization reveals the high genetic diversity among the 52 genotypes of Dioscorea sp. and low diversity among the collection sites.
Bioaccumulation of Microplastics in Decedent Human Brains Assessed by Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Campen Matthew , Nihart Alexander , Garcia Marcus , Liu Rui , Olewine Marian , Castillo Eliseo , Bleske Barry , Scott Justin , Howard Tamara , Gonzalez-Estrella Jorge , Adolphi Natalie , Gallego Daniel , Hayek Eliane El 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Rising global concentrations of environmental micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) drive concerns for human exposure and health outcomes. Applying pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) methods to isolate and quantify MNPs from human samples, we compared MNP accumulation in kidneys, livers, and brains. Autopsy samples from the Office of the Medical Investigator in Albuquerque, NM, collected in 2016 and in 2024, were digested for Py-GC/MS analysis of 12 polymers. Brains exhibited higher concentrations of MNPs than liver or kidney samples. All organs exhibited significant increases from 2016 to 2024. Polyethylene was the predominant polymer; the relative proportion of polyethylene MNPs was greater in brain samples than in liver or kidney. Transmission electron microscopy verified the nanoscale nature of isolated particles, which largely appeared to be aged, shard-like plastics remnants across a wide range of sizes. Results demonstrate that MNPs are selectively accumulated into the human brain and concentrations are rising over time.
Foreign Direct Investment and Military Expenditure in the Face of Terrorism: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa.
Authors: Alhaji Kabiru 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between military expenditure and foreign direct investment (FDI) amid terrorism. The study used Mean Group, Pooled Mean Group, Dynamic Fixed Effect, and Panel Quantile estimations techniques on 23 terrorized countries in Sub-Sharan Africa from 1999 to 2019. The outcome of the estimate discovered that military expenditure in the absence of terrorism negates FDI flow. But, amid terrorism, military expenditure has a significant positive impact on FDI inflow. Also, the results show that the effect varies at different quantiles. The results are robust using death from terrorism attacks to measure terrorism on a different model. The study suggests that countries should desist from high military spending in the absence of terrorism to facilitate FDI flow. Countries in mid-life terrorism should enhance military spending and augment military strategy with other options to boost investors' confidence in the economy's high influx of FDI.
JEL Classification: C33, F21, F52, H53
Circulating inflammatory proteins and risk of Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Zhichun , Li Guanglu , Zhou Liche , Zhang Lina , You Yong , Liu Jun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Accumulating studies have suggested associations between peripheral inflammation and neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Objective: To evaluate the causal associations between 91 plasma inflammatory proteins and 4 neurodegenerative disorders.
Methods: Two-sample Mendelian randomization studies were performed using summary statistics extracted from genome-wide association studies of 91 plasma inflammatory proteins and 4 neurodegenerative disorders.
Results: Genetically proxied tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 9 levels were causally associated with reduced risk of PD (odds ratio [OR] = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.74-0.92, p = 4.18 x 10-4, Bonferroni-corrected p < 0.05 for 91 proteins). Additionally, we identified potential causal associations between the levels of C-C motif chemokine 20 (OR = 1.14, 95%CI = 1.03-1.25, p = 1.29 x 10-2) and Alzheimer’s disease, between levels of leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (OR = 0.91, 95%CI = 0.84-0.98, p = 1.12 x 10-2) and tumor necrosis factor-β (OR = 0.95, 95%CI = 0.93-0.98, p = 1.01 x 10-3) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, between levels of adenosine deaminase (OR = 0.81, 95%CI = 0.71-0.94, p = 5.14 x 10-3) and interleukin-18 (OR = 0.81, 95%CI = 0.69-0.96, p = 1.68 x 10-2) and multiple sclerosis.
Conclusions: Our study unveils plausible causal associations between circulating inflammatory factors and risk of 4 neurodegenerative disorders. These findings hold promise for promoting risk assessment and prevention of neurodegenerative disorders, meriting further exploration.
Cassiterite and Sn mineralization in the giant Bayan Obo Fe-Nb-REE deposit, Northern China
Authors: Xu Ya-Ting , Wang Ru-Cheng , Zhou Mei-Fu , Wu Fu-Yuan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Critical rare metal deposits are strategic resources as these metals have numerous applications in high-tech industries. Among the critical rare metals, natural stannum (Sn) is mainly found in the Sn-oxide mineral cassiterite (SnO2) and is closely associated with granite or pegmatite. Carbonatite and alkaline rocks are more likely to contain vast amounts of critical rare metals, especially REEs and niobium (Nb). Here we report the presence of abundant cassiterite (SnO2) and evaluate potential Sn mineralization in the Bayan Obo Fe-Nb-REE deposit in northern China, the largest REE deposit worldwide. This represents the first reported evidence of Sn enrichment in a carbonatite-hosted REE deposit.
REE-Fe ores are dominantly mined in the Bayan Obo deposit. Disseminated, banded, and massive ores contain tens to hundreds of parts per million Sn, and vein-type ores are notably rich in Sn (up to 1500 ppm). In-situ micro-zonation mineralogical analyses identified two occurrences of cassiterite and several Sn-rich minerals in these REE-Fe ores. Abundant early-stage nanoscale cassiterite inclusions are present within magnetite grains in banded and massive REE-Fe ores, and ubiquitous late-stage granular cassiterite, Sn-rich rutile, titanite, and bafertisite are present in vein-type REE-Fe ores. Multiple U-Th-Pb dating of monazite and columbite-Mn in association with cassiterite yields peak ages of 425 Ma and 419 ± 18 Ma, respectively, revealing coeval Sn and Nb mineralization. We conclude that Sn was derived from carbonatitic magmas, and the dense distribution of cassiterite inclusions in magnetite marked the pre-enrichment of Sn in the Bayan Obo deposit. Subsequent Early Paleozoic hydrothermal events led to reactivation and further Sn mineralization. Similar to Nb, Sn was mineralized in the Bayan Obo deposit, possibly forming economically important resources. Our study highlights the potential of Sn mineralization associated with carbonatite-hosted REE deposits.
Mushroom-shaped growth of crystals on the Moon
Authors: Xi Jiaxin , Yang Yiping , He Hongping , Xian Haiyang , Li Shan , Lin Xiaoju , Zhu Jianxi , Teng H. Henry 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Over the past three decades, advances in crystal nucleation and growth have led to the understanding that crystallization proceeds through various pathways, ranging from the conventional atom-by-atom model to the particle aggregation- or amorphous transformation-based non-classical modes. Here, we present a novel mineralization mechanism exemplified by a lunar chromite formed via solid-liquid interface reactions through investigations of a lunar breccia returned by the Chang’e 5 mission. The chromite occurs in the middle of a whisker-shaped intergrowth structure made by olivine at the bottom and nanospheres of troilite and metallic iron at the top. Morphological observation and size statistics of the nanospheres, including those within the whisker structure and the others dispersed in glass, suggest the nanophases attached to olivine with coherent crystallographic orientations, possibly through an oriented aggregation process. The chromium deficiency in the olivine near the interface between olivine and chromite suggests that Cr in chromite originated from olivine, but the significantly reduced ferrous concentration in the glass surrounding chromite indicates the iron was derived from surrounding impact-induced glass. Based on laboratory observations and simulated calculations of energy and lattice mismatch, we propose that chromite crystallized at the interface between troilite and olivine in the impact melts, during which the nanospheres were lifted and transported away from olivine surface and formed a mushroom-shaped structure. This finding suggests that oriented attachment growth, chiefly confined to homogeneous systems thus far, can also occur in heterogeneous systems far from equilibrium, such as that produced by the impacts. It is conceivable that the studied crystallization pathway occurring on the heterogeneous interfaces may have been a common mineralization mode at highly nonequilibrium conditions.
A mechanistic deterioration point assignment model for water pipe condition assessment
Authors: Zhu Ziyi , Wang Chenwan , Feng Yijie , Xie Jialun 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

A pipe condition assessment model is required to implement effective and economical planned maintenance of the water distribution system. The application of such a model requires sufficient accuracy, which, however, is limited by the complexity of the pipe deterioration process and data storage capacity of the water utility. The majority of previous studies have focused on the improvement of assessment algorithms for data mining. In this study, a mechanistic deterioration point assignment (MDPA) model is developed to make advancements in the modes of data input and result output to enhance the model's accuracy and application scope for cast iron and steel pipes. In this MDPA model, (1) indicators/sub-indicators on external corrosion, external load, internal corrosion, and internal load are constructed and can be obtained by data estimation or techniques and (2) assessment results include both pipe overall condition and detailed conditions on corrosion and load, offering evidence for primary maintenance measures. The weights of the indicators/sub-indicators are estimated using the Bayesian statistics theory. The modelling results of pipe samples demonstrate that this MDPA model is an effective tool for pipe condition assessment.
Caste and class interactions in inequality in access to sanitation and hygiene services in India
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Kharb Suman 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTGiven moderate access to WASH services at the national level, widespread socio-economic inequality still exists in India. This study assesses the status of access to different types of sanitation and hygiene services in India and how the caste and class interactions are associated with them. We use nationally representative household survey data and the Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) sanitation and hygiene framework. For descriptive analysis, frequency distribution is used. Multivariable logistic regression is applied, and caste interactions are used to estimate the probabilities. Overall, 51.2 and 71.8% of the households have access to safe sanitation and hygiene services. However, among the Scheduled Tribe households, only 36.6 and 58.7% have access to safe sanitation and hygiene. Findings show that class and caste interactions are strongly associated with WASH services. The probability of access to safe sanitation and hygiene is 16 and 15% points lower for the poorest Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes compared to ‘Other’ socially privileged but economically poor, after adjusting for other household sociodemographic characteristics. The finding suggests that an upscaling of the existing policies and programs alongside considering the caste and class intersectionality is required for equitable access to sanitation and hygiene services and to achieve SDG-6.
Changes in precipitation and air temperature over Turkey using innovative trend pivot analysis method
Authors: Ceyhunlu Ahmet Iyad , Ceribasi Gokmen 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

This study aims to investigate variability in precipitation and air temperature data of all provinces in Turkey. The Innovative Trend Pivot Analysis Method (ITPAM) was used to analyze the trend in precipitation (mm) and air temperature (oC) data of Turkey in this study. Analyzing the country as a whole using this method is one of the strengths of the study. 30-year data sets between 1991 and 2020 were analyzed. As a result of the study, trend analysis results of precipitation and air temperature data of 81 provinces in Turkey were obtained. The significance level in trends was determined as 5%. Forty-one percent of monthly total precipitation data of Turkey showed an increasing trend, 41% showed a decreasing trend, while 18% showed no trend in this study. In the standard deviation of precipitation data, 44% of the data showed an increasing trend, 42% showed a decreasing trend and 14% showed no trend. Moreover, it was concluded that there was an increasing trend of 67% in monthly average air temperature data and an increasing trend of 46% in the standard deviation data. According to these results, it is concluded that monthly average air temperature data has a largely increasing trend.
Double decomposition with enhanced least-squares support vector machine to predict water level
Authors: Someetheram Vikneswari , Marsani Muhammad Fadhil , Mohd Kasihmuddin Mohd Shareduwan , Mohd Jamaludin Siti Zulaikha , Mansor Mohd. Asyraf 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACTAs global climates undergo changes, the frequency of water-related disasters rises, leading to significant economic losses and safety hazards. During flood events, river water levels exhibit unpredictable fluctuations, introducing considerable noise that poses challenges for accurate prediction. A prediction of water level by using existing water level data makes a major contribution to forecasting flood. Enhanced least-squares support vector machine (ELSSVM) is utilized by integrating an additional extra bias error control term. In this study, least-squares support vector machine (LSSVM) and ELSSVM optimized by the genetic algorithm (GA) were chosen to be compared with the help of data decomposition methods to improve daily water level prediction accuracy. Double empirical mode decomposition (DEMD) will be integrated with LSSVM and ELSSVM. Thus, the models are named LSSVM-GA, ELSSVM-GA, empirical mode decomposition (EMD)-LSSVM-GA, EMD-ELSSVM-GA, DEMD-LSSVM-GA, and DEMD-ELSSVM-GA. The proposed models are used in forecasting the water level of Klang River in Sri Muda, Malaysia. The behavior proposed models are investigated and compared based on several performance metrics. The results demonstrated that the DEMD-ELSSVM-GA model outperformed the other models based on the performance analysis in forecasting the water level with RMSE = 0.2536 m and R2 = 0.8596 for testing data that indicate the forecasting accuracy.
Prediction of the flow resistance in non-prismatic compound channels
Authors: Kaushik Vijay , Naik Bandita , Kumar Munendra , Minocha Vijay K. 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT

Achieving an accurate estimation of the flow resistance in open channel flows is crucial for resolving several critical engineering difficulties. In instances when there is excessive flow on both banks of a river, it results in the breach of the primary channel, leading to the discharge of water into the adjacent floodplain. The alteration of floodplain geometry occurs as a consequence of agricultural and developmental practises, leading to the emergence of compound channels that exhibit converging, diverging, or skewed characteristics throughout the course of the flow. The efficacy of conventional equations in accurately forecasting flow resistance is limited due to their heavy reliance on empirical approaches. As a result of this phenomenon, there persists a significant need for methodologies that possess both novelty and precision. The objective of this work is to use the support vector machine (SVM) technique for the estimation of the Manning's roughness coefficient in a compound channel with converging floodplains. Statistical indicators are used to validate the constructed models in the experimental investigation, enabling the assessment of their performance and efficacy. The findings indicate a significant correlation between the Manning's roughness coefficient predicted by SVM and both experimental data and prior research outcomes.
Visceral Fat-associated Adipokines and Metabolic Variables in Central Obese
Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Shaheer Abid , Kumar Ashok , Jallo Mahir , Menon Palat 
Published: May 2024

Background::
The association between visceral obesity and insulin resistance establishes an alternative risk for the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The
infiltration of macrophages in the visceral fatty tissue and the unreliable generation of adipokines are associated with mechanisms directing the
progress of insulin resistance.

Objective::
The objective of the study was to observe the relationship between visceral fat-associated adipokines and biochemical variables in central obese
type 2 diabetic patients.

Methods::
This study included 100 central obese subjects (both genders) aged 30-60 years newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Out of the 100
participants, 73 were male and 27 were female. Serum adipokines were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Biochemical
parameters were assessed using the Cobas® 6000 analyzer, while HbA1c levels were determined through high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results::
The results showed a significant relationship (p < 0.05) between the adipokines and HbA1c, fasting, and postprandial blood glucose levels. The
results indicated a significant association (p < 0.05) between the adipokines and lipid profile with varying degrees in central obese type 2 diabetic
subjects.

Conclusion::
The relationship between visceral fat-associated adipokines and metabolic variables may influence the metabolic pathways in central obese type 2
diabetic patients. The adipokines are strong predictors for the intensification of diabetic risk and can be used as a diagnostic tool for risk
assessment in the central obese population.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Vesicular Nanocarrier Systems for Elimination of Skin Cancer
Authors: Kumar Lalit , Rana Ritesh , Komal Komal , Aggarwal Vikas , Kumar Sumit , Choudhary Neeraj , Fathima H. Aafreen , Lakhanpal Sorabh 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Skin cancer, a common malignancy worldwide, has increased incidence
and mortality. Thus, it is a public health issue and a significant illness burden, which increases
treatment costs. Chemotherapy and surgery are used to treat skin cancer. However, conventional
skin cancer treatments have several limitations, demanding the development of innovative, safe,
and effective methods. To overcome these limitations of conventional topical dosage forms, many
nanocarriers have been developed and tested for the targeted delivery of anticancer drugs.

Objective:
The main objective of the present review was to discuss the utility of various vesicular
nanocarrier systems to deliver anticancer drugs following topical administration to treat skin cancer.

Methods:
For this review article, we scoured the scholarly literature using Science Direct, Google
Scholar, and Pubmed.

Discussion:
The vesicular drug delivery system has been intensively explored and developed as
an alternative to conventional skin cancer drug delivery systems, especially for melanoma. They
improve the penetration of anticancer drugs via the skin, reaching the cancer area with enough and
killing cancer cells. Vesicles minimize skin irritation and drug degradation. This improves therapy
efficacy and reduces systemic toxicity.

Conclusion:
Utilizing the vesicular drug delivery system shows promise in treating skin cancer.
Therefore, further research and inquiries are necessary to explore the therapeutic potential of these
substances in treating skin cancer, intending to develop a personalized, efficient, and secure therapy
approach for patients with this condition.