bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compact artificial neurons with time-to-first-spike coding for fast and energy-efficient federated neuromorphic computing
Authors: Yang Rui , Li Zhiyuan , Yao Jiaping , Zhang Beining , Li Zhongshao , Tang Wei , Gong Junjie , Li Yongfei , Cao Xun , Wang Zhongrui , Miao Xiangshui 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Federated learning combined with Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) provides a reliable and lightweight solution for privacy and energy constraints in billions of edge devices. However, the current rate-coding in SNNs has high latency and leads to increased power consumption. In this study, we develop a federated neuromorphic learning (FNL) system based on temporal coding to process edge information quickly and efficiently using compact neurons with time-to-first spike (TTFS) coding. These neurons are demonstrated using the volatile threshold switching characteristics of VO2 memristors. We implemented an FNL system for edge pattern recognition in hardware using these compact neurons. Notably, the memristor-based edge device with TTFS-coding shows 330× and 76× improvements in interference speed and energy consumption, respectively, compared to the conventional rate-coding scheme. Furthermore, a multimodal FNL system with TTFS-coding is demonstrated to process audio-visual vehicle signals from edge traffic scenes, with spike numbers for each iteration of edge devices being 26× lower compared to the rate-coding scheme. Our system, incorporating FNL and TTFS-coding, can facilitate the development of next-generation edge artificial intelligence requiring extremely low latency and power.
Tanzanian midwives’ clinical practices and experiences in caring for women with antepartum hemorrhage: A critical incident technique study
Authors: Dinho Anastazia Emil , Mårtensson Lena B. , Georgsson Mattias , Laisser Rose , Knutsson Susanne 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Antepartum hemorrhage (APH) is an obstetric emergency that complicates pregnancy worldwide and continues to lead to hemorrhagic conditions in parts of Tanzania. Midwifery students receive theoretical knowledge on the subject but with no or minimal practical skills in the laboratory, which may reduce their practical capacity as graduated midwives. This study therefore aimed to explore midwives’ clinical actions and experiences regarding the care of women with APH.
Method
Data were analysed using the critical incident technique, and a question guide consisting of eleven open-ended questions was used to collect data from 44 midwives. A total of 522 critical incidents, with 199 actions and 323 experiences, were identified and categorized into five main areas.
Results
Midwives’ clinical actions and experiences in caring for women with APH are affected by the knowledge and skills obtained during training at school. They have insufficient theoretical knowledge and practical skills, leading to inadequate identification of the problem and the implementation of care. A need for additional preventive care is described and structural issues, such as co-operation, referral to other instances, access to equipment and relevant treatments need to be improved.
Conclusion
The actions taken to provide care for women with APH were related to their ability to identify problems, implement care and carry out structural initiatives. However, the midwives’ experience was influenced by an attempt to understand the seriousness of the situation and the existence of an organizational challenge. The results can provide knowledge and tools to improve midwives’ education and clinical practice and in the long run, prevent complications, improves health and minimize suffering in women with APH.
Gene–Dose–Dependent Reduction Fshr Expression Improves Spatial Memory Deficits in Alzheimer’s Mice
Authors: Frolinger Tal , Korkmaz Funda , Sims Steven , Sen Fazilet , Sultana Farhath , Laurencin Victoria , Cullen Liam , Pallapati Anusha Rani , Liu Avi , Rojekar Satish , Pevnev Georgii , Cheliadinova Uliana , Vasilyeva Darya , Burganova Guzel , Macdonald Anne , Saxena Mansi , Goosens Ki , Rosen Clifford , Barak Orly , Lizneva Daria , Gumerova Anisa , Ye Keqiang , Ryu Vitaly , Yuen Tony , Zaidi Mone 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a major progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the aging population. High post–menopausal levels of the pituitary gonadotropin follicle–stimulating hormone (FSH) are strongly associated with the onset of AD, and we have shown recently that FSH directly activates the hippocampal Fshr to drive AD–like pathology and memory loss in mice. To establish a role for FSH in memory loss, we used female 3xTg;Fshr+/+, 3xTg;Fshr+/– and 3xTg;Fshr–/– mice that were either left unoperated or underwent sham surgery or ovariectomy at 8 weeks of age. Unoperated and sham–operated 3xTg;Fshr–/– mice were implanted with 17β-estradiol pellets to normalize estradiol levels. Morris Water Maze and Novel Object Recognition behavioral tests were performed to study deficits in spatial and recognition memory, respectively, and to examine the effects of Fshr depletion. 3xTg;Fshr+/+ mice displayed impaired spatial memory at 5 months of age; both the acquisition and retrieval of the memory were ameliorated in 3xTg;Fshr–/– mice and, to a lesser extent, in 3xTg;Fshr+/– mice––thus documenting a clear gene–dose–dependent prevention of hippocampal–dependent spatial memory impairment. At 5 and 10 months, sham–operated 3xTg;Fshr–/– mice showed better memory performance during the acquasition and/or retrieval phases, suggesting that Fshr deletion prevented the progression of spatial memory deficits with age. However, this prevention was not seen when mice were ovariectomized, except in the 10–month–old 3xTg;Fshr–/– mice. In the Novel Object Recognition test performed at 10 months, all groups of mice, except ovariectomized 3xTg;Fshr–/– mice showed a loss of recognition memory. Consistent with the neurobehavioral data, there was a gene–dose–dependent reduction mainly in the amyloid β40 isoform in whole brain extracts. Finally, serum FSH levels < 8 ng/mL in 16–month–old APP/PS1 mice were associated with better retrieval of spatial memory. Collectively, the data provide compelling genetic evidence for a protective effect of inhibiting FSH signaling on the progression of spatial and recognition memory deficits in mice, and lay a firm foundation for the use of an FSH–blocking agent for the early prevention of cognitive decline in postmenopausal women.
hsa_circ_0009618 sponges miR-152-3p to promote lung adenocarcinoma progression
Authors: Lu Guojun , Zhou Ying , Zhang Chenxi , Zhang Yu , Wu Xiaoyuan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Accumulating evidence suggests circular RNAs (circRNAs) act as regulators in cancer progression. However, the function of circRNAs in lung adenocarcinoma is still uncertain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the function of hsa_circ_0009618 in lung adenocarcinoma progression.
Methods
CircRNA microarray was performed to screen circRNA expression profiles of lung adenocarcinoma. hsa_circ_0009618 was identified for further study and verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and cell lines. Cell proliferation was examined by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)- 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and cell cycles assay, cell migration were detected by wound-healing assay and transwell assays. Tumorigenesis in nude mice was performed to assess the effect of hsa_circ_0009618 on lung adenocarcinoma. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assay were used to demonstrate the mechanism of hsa_circ_0009618.
Results
Hsa_circ_0009618 was upregulated in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and cells. Functional experiments suggested that knockdown of hsa_circ_0009618 could inhibit the lung adenocarcinoma cell viability, migration and invasion.The down-regulation of hsa_circ_0009618 increased the number of cells in S phase and decreased the number of cells in G1.hsa_circ_0009618 knockdown also inhibited the volume and weight of tumors than those in the control group. In addition, we demonstrated that hsa_circ_0009618 could bind to miR-153-3p and targets Hmga2 expression to promote the progression of lung adenocarcinoma.
Conclusion
Our results suggested that hsa_circ_0009618 promotes the progression of lung adenocarcinoma through targeting the miR-153-3p / Hmga2 axis, and it might serve as a potential therapy target for lung adenocarcinoma.
ATYCO is a crucial factor for thylakoid formation and photosynthesis regulation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhu Lixia , Qin Xiaochun , Li Xiuxiu , Yang Zonghui , Hao Chengyang , Li Hui 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Chloroplast development underpins plant growth, by not only enabling photosynthesis but also facilitating other essential biochemical processes. Despite this, the regulatory mechanisms and functional components of chloroplast development remain largely uncharacterized due to their complexity. In this study, we identified a plastid-targeted gene, ATYCO, as a critical factor in early chloroplast development of Arabidopsis. ATYCO knock-out mutant (yco) exhibited a seedling-lethal, albino phenotype, resulting from dysfunctional chloroplasts lacking thylakoid membranes. In contrast, YCO knock-down mutants produced a chlorophyll-deficient cotyledon and normal leaves when supplemented with sucrose, suggesting a differential role of ATYCO in cotyledons and true leaves. Transcription analysis revealed that ATYCO deficiency could be partially compensated by sucrose supplementation. In the YCO mutant, the transcript levels of plastid-encoded polymerase (PEP)-dependent genes and nuclear-photosynthetic genes, as well as the accumulation of photosynthetic proteins, were significantly reduced. Moreover, the chlorophyll-deficient phenotype in YCO knock-down line can be effectively suppressed by inhibition of PSI cyclic electron transport activity, implying an interaction between YCO and PSI cyclic electron transport. Taken together, our findings de underscore the vital role of ATYCO in early chloroplast development and photosynthesis.
Surface functionalization of cellulose derived from hemp by tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and poly vinylidene fluoride-based composite separator membrane for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs)
Authors: Sirichaibhinyo Thanakrit , Thiangtham Satita , Saito Nagahiro , Ummartyotin Sarute 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Separators played a crucial role in enhancing the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, achieving separators with outstanding electrochemical performance and high stability proved to be a challenge. Herein, composite membranes based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with variable contents of microcrystalline cellulose/tetraethyl orthosilicate (MCC/TEOS) incorporated into PVDF matrices were carefully designed. These MCC/TEOS-based PVDF separator membranes were subsequently deployed as separators in LIBs. Notably, the 3 wt% MCC/TEOS-based PVDF separator membrane exhibited a remarkable porosity of 92.3%, representing a substantial enhancement compared to the pristine PVDF membrane with a porosity of 82.5%. This heightened porosity, in conjunction with heightened hydrophilicity, endowed the PVDF membrane with 3 wt% MCC/TEOS with superior electrolyte absorption and reduced resistance, resulting in an impressive ionic conductivity of 0.5144 mS/cm. Moreover, the LIB cell employing the 3 wt% MCC/TEOS-based PVDF separator membrane consistently demonstrated stable charge/discharge profiles at a rate of 0.2C, achieving a specific capacity of 98 mAh/g, while the PVDF membrane in isolation only reached 43 mAh/g. These findings underscored the considerable potential of MCC/TEOS as a biofiller for biomembranes, rendering it an optimal choice for applications in LIBs.
Diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis by 18 F-fdg Pet/ct in Patients on Glucocorticoid Therapy: Importance of Delayed Imaging
Authors: Aldasoro Vicente , Betech-Antar Vicky , Castañeda Santos , Miguel Eugenio , Enguita Mónica , Rosales Juan José , Garcia-Velloso María Jose 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study is to analyse the diagnostic value of positron emission tomography (PET) in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) despite glucocorticoid (GC) therapy before PET acquisition.
Materials and methods
Consecutive patients with strongly suspected GCA according to 2022 EULAR/ACR criteria were included. Physician diagnosis of GCA after 6 months of follow-up was the gold standard. PET was performed at baseline and 6 months later. In patients with negative results at 60 min, delayed imaging was performed at 180 min.
Results
Twenty-six patients were included with a median (IQR) age of 70.5 (57–88) years. Baseline PET was positive in all but one: 18 patients at 60 min and 7 patients after delayed imaging at 180 min. The median (IQR) GC dose at the time of baseline PET was 45 mg/d (26.2–45) of prednisone equivalent with a median exposure of 14 days (7-76.2). At 6 months of follow-up, PET was performed in 22 patients, with positive results in 16. Delayed imaging was performed in 6 patients due to negative PET at 60 min, with positive results in all cases, despite treatment with GC and/or biological therapy.
Conclusion
In patients on GC therapy, delayed imaging protocols applying procedural recommendations for vascular quantification could improve diagnostic accuracy. Therefore, we suggest performing imaging only at 180 min in patients who have been on GCs for more than 3 days as well as in those with highly suspected GCA but negative findings in baseline PET at 60 min.
Distribution of moniliformin in industrial maize milling and flaking process
Authors: Bertuzzi Terenzio , Abate A. , Giorni P. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Moniliformin (MON) is a widespread emerging mycotoxin often occurring in maize at not negligible levels. Few published studies investigated MON redistribution in maize derived products for human consumption; to better understand this issue, 5 maize lots with different level of MON contamination were processed following an industrial milling process to evaluate the redistribution of the mycotoxin in final products (grits), by-products destined to feed (bran and flour) and cleaning waste. A relevant MON reduction was obtained after sieve cleaning, scourer process and optical sorting, achieving a decrement of the concentration level close to 70%. The following other milling procedures showed a limited reduction from cleaned maize to small and large grits; considering the entire industrial process, the reduction percentage of MON contamination in the final products was 80.9 ± 9.3% and 81.0 ± 6.7% for small and large grits, respectively. The flaking process showed a very limited reduction of MON, close to 10%. Considering the widespread of MON occurrence in maize, the study highlights the importance of cleaning steps to achieve a low risk of exposure for the consumer.
Genomic surveillance of malaria parasites in an indigenous community in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Cabrera-Sosa Luis , Nolasco Oscar , Kattenberg Johanna H. , Fernandez-Miñope Carlos , Valdivia Hugo O. , Barazorda Keare , Rios Silvia Arévalo de los , Rodriguez-Ferrucci Hugo , Vinetz Joseph M. , Rosanas-Urgell Anna , geertruyden Jean-Pierre Van , Gamboa Dionicia , Delgado-Ratto Christopher 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Hard-to-reach communities represent Peru's main challenge for malaria elimination, but information about transmission in these areas is scarce. Here, we assessed Plasmodium vivax (Pv) and P. falciparum (Pf) transmission dynamics, resistance markers, and Pf hrp2/3 deletions in Nueva Jerusalén (NJ), a remote, indigenous community in the Peruvian Amazon with high population mobility. We collected samples from November 2019 to May 2020 by active (ACD) and passive case detection (PCD) in NJ. Parasites were identified with microscopy and PCR. Then, we analyzed a representative set of positive-PCR samples (Pv = 68, Pf = 58) using highly-multiplexed deep sequencing assays (AmpliSeq) and compared NJ parasites with ones from other remote Peruvian areas using population genetics indexes. The ACD intervention did not reduce malaria cases in the short term, and persistent malaria transmission was observed (at least one Pv infection was detected in 96% of the study days). In Nueva Jerusalen, the Pv population had modest genetic diversity (He = 0.27). Pf population had lower diversity (He = 0.08) and presented temporal clustering, one of these clusters linked to an outbreak in February 2020. Moreover, Pv and Pf parasites from NJ exhibited variable levels of differentiation (Pv Fst = 0.07–0.52 & Pf Fst = 0.11–0.58) with parasites from other remote areas. No artemisin resistance mutations but chloroquine (57%) and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (35–67%) were detected in NJ's Pf parasites. Moreover, pfhrp2/3 gene deletions were common (32–50% of parasites with one or both genes deleted). The persistent Pv transmission and the detection of a Pf outbreak with parasites genetically distinct from the local ones highlight the need for tailored interventions focusing on mobility patterns and imported infections in remote areas to eliminate malaria in the Peruvian Amazon.
Environmental impact and mitigation potentials in Greenhouse tomatoes production system in Yangtze River Delta
Authors: wu gang , Zhao Mingjiong , Liu Bin , Wang Xingbang , yuan manman , Wang Jiabao , Chen Xinping , Wang Xiaozhong , Sun Yixiang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Based on the farmer survey data and farmers’ grouping method, this study analyzed the resource input, environmental cost and mitigation potential of plastic-greenhouse tomato production, and to find out the reasonable mitigation measures in this region. Our results indicated that there was a large difference in Nr loss and GHG emission for tomato production among farmers. Compared with low-yield and low-efficiency, low-yield and high-efficiency, and high-yield and low-efficiency zones, the Nr loss and GHG emissions of high-yield and high-efficiency zone were lower by -21.3%~44.5% and − 15.7%~30.0% on per hectare basis; 15.5%~59.7% and 19.4%~50.4%on per tonne basis, respectively. Compared with the average of farmers, the Nr loss and GHG emissions of high-yield and high-efficiency were lower by 28.5% and 16.5% on per hectare basis; 43.6% and 34.1% on per tonne basis, respectively. Reducing the amount of nitrogen applied, using organic alternative methods, returning straw to the field, and reducing irrigation water are recommended to mitigate the environmental costs of greenhouse vegetable production.
Comparison of Levels of Heavy Metals in Nasal Concha Tissues in Rural and Urban Regions
Authors: Öner Fatih , Kurt Nezahat , Üçüncü Harun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Heavy metal exposure has recently become a problem due to the increasing environmental pollution as urbanization expands.
Objective: This prospective case control study was conducted to compare levels of heavy metals in the nasal concha of the patients living in urban and rural who underwent partial inferior concha resection.
Methods: Sixty-seven patients were divided into two groups: 38 rural patients and 29 urban patients. Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) levels were measured in inferior nasal concha by Inductively Coupled Plasma- Optical Emission Spectrometry.
Results: Significance was considered at p < 0.05. The levels of Cu (0.24± 0.048 vs. 0.06± 0.019 µg/g) and Zn (3.29± 0.69 vs. 0.44± 0.14µg/g) of the rural patients were significantly higher compared to urban patients (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in the Cd level between groups. Pb (0.024± 0.009 vs. 0.008± 0.0002 µg/g) and Mn (0.273± 0.01 vs. 0.174± 0.05 µg/g) levels of urban patients were significantly higher than rural patients (p<0.001).
Conclusions: Heavy metals accumulate in the nasal concha at different rates in rural and urban areas. Indicating the presence of heavy metals in turbinates and measuring their amount may be helpful for diagnostic purposes in diseases whose etiology is attributed to air pollution; however, the pathophysiology still needs to be clarified.
Assessing the Impact of Land Use and Climate Change on River Ravi Flows: A GIS and Hydrological Modeling Approach
Authors: Ullah Sami , Ali Usman , Rashid Muhammad , Haider Saif 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In the present study, the impact of Land Use and climate change on the flows of River Ravi has been assessed through GIS remote sensing and applying the hydrological model at the catchment scale. A Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model has been applied to simulate the hydrological response of River Ravi considering the current and future Land Use and climate changes. The model was calibrated and validated for the periods of 1999–2002 and 2003–2005, respectively. The good fit values of NSE, R2, and PBIAS for the calibrated model are 0.85, 0.83, and 10.01 while for the validated model are 0.87, 0.89, and 7.2. By supervised classification techniques current and future Land Use maps were prepared for the study area using Landsat images and the TerrSet model for the prediction of future change in the built-up area. The result showed that the built-up area increased by 15.8% over the period 1990 to 2020 and the Future built-up area is expected to increase by 31.7% over the period 2020–2100. Climate change projections of precipitation and temperature under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways SSP2 and SSP5 have been carried out, and statistical downscaling has been performed by the CMhyd model. The result indicated that over the period 2016–2100, precipitation is expected to increase by 10.9% under SSP2 and 14.9% under SSP5. Similarly, temperature is expected to increase by 12.2% under SSP2 and 15.9% under SSP5. The result of the SWAT model considering the increased precipitation over the period 2016–2100 shows the inflows of River Ravi are expected to increase by 19.4% by SSP2 and 25.4% by SSP5 in Scenario I. Similarly, the inflows of River Ravi are expected to increase by 22.4% by SSP2 and 28.4% by SSP5 in Scenario II. Based on the past observed data, it is found that average Groundwater depth decreased at a rate of 0.8 m per annum over the period from year 1996 to 2020.