bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cervical lesion segmentation via transformer-based network with attention and boundary-aware modules
Authors: Shen Nanyan , Lu Wei , Li Jing , Gao Huayu , Yang Ying 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Colposcopic diagnosis and directed biopsy is the foundation of cervical cancer screening. In the procedure of colposcopy, automatic segmentation of cervical lesion in colposcopic images can provide great assistance and convenience especially in underdeveloped region. However, the existing methods based on Convolutional Neural Networks only differentiate the abnormality from healthy tissue, which is hard to further subdivide the lesion. In this paper, a Transformer-based network TABNet is proposed which can precisely extract the cervical lesion and recognize the corresponding category of each lesion. Unlike the other CNN-based methods, a more powerful vision transformer is adopted as the encoder. Three effective modules in decoder are constructed to integrate the advance in attention mechanism and boundary-aware prior knowledge. Extensive experiments on a large clinical colposcopic image dataset show that TABNet outperforms the existing state-of-art methods and achieves great improvement. Compared with nnUNet, our proposed model improves the mean DSC by 7.74% and mean IoU by 8.51%, respectively.
Degradation of Cationic Polyacrylamide Flocculants upon Contact with Metal Surfaces during Rheological Measurements
Authors: Loukili N. , Chitanu Ana , Jossic L. , Karrouch M. , Oliveira M. , Guerin S. , Fayolle Y. , Ginisty P. , Magnin A. , Rharbi Yahya 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) flocculants, commonly employed in wastewater treatment plants, experience degradation when in contact with various surfaces. This study investigates the degradation process of several CPAMs upon contact with metal surfaces during rheological measurements. The study focuses on observing changes in the rheological properties of CPAM, transitioning from elastic to viscous behavior under the influence of shear and oscillatory solicitations within metallic Couette systems. A detailed examination of how the degradation process is affected by various factors like Couette material, polymer composition, concentration, and temperature is presented. Key findings suggest that degradation predominantly results from chemical interactions rather than mechanical stress, leading to changes in molecular weight, hydrolysis of cationic groups, and alterations in ionic strength. Techniques including Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis, and polyelectrolyte titration were utilized to analyze these molecular changes. This study provides essential insights into the behavior of CPAM in contact with metal surfaces, offering implications for its application in various environmental and industrial processes.
Polyaniline/Reduced Graphene Oxide Doping Induced Abundant Active Sites in Enset Fiber as an Efficient Adsorbent Material for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Lera Israel Leka 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Analysis of physicochemical properties and treatment of water is vital to the environment and living standard of society. In this study, polyaniline (PANI)/enset fiber (EF), reduced graphene oxide/EF, and PANI/rGO/EF composites as adsorbent material s were prepared via facile in situ chemical oxidative polymerization techniques. The as-synthesized materials were characterized using XRD, FTIR, UV-VIS, TGA, and FTIR spectroscopy. The physical characterization reveals the deposition of PANI and rGO on the surface of the EF confirmed by cloudy and wrinkled fibrous morphology from SEM image. After physical characterization, the adsorption performance of the proposed materials was tested using the batch method. A result shows maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions by PANI/rGO coated EF (EF) was 10.11 mg/g and 13.4 mg/g, respectively which is higher than pristine EF, PANI/EF, and rGO/EF. When all parameters were optimized, adsorptive removal efficiency of PANI/rGO/EF composite material towards Pb2+ and Cu2+ ions was 99% and 97.77%, respectively. The Freundlich isotherm data for Cu2+ and Pb2+ have a good fit with the experimental data (R2 = 0.99 and 0.98), and Langmuir isotherm data for Cu2+ and Pb2+ (RL = 0.18 & 0.19), respectively. The pseudo-second-order kinetic isothermal was more fit with physiosorption at R2 = 0.99 for Cu2+ and R2 = 1 for Pb2+. Therefore, a synthesized novel material PANI/rGO/EF shows a remarkable adsorption performance compared with EF, PANI/EF, and rGO/EF due to doping-induced abundant active sites of composite material makes it a promising candidate for wastewater treatment techniques.
"Exploring the Impact of Preoperative Radiographic Arthritis Severity on Total Hip Arthroplasty Outcomes" Can patients with less radiographic hip disease still do well after a THA?
Authors: Amado Isabella , Bialazewski Ryan , Laboret Bretton , Gaddis John , Allala Ruthvik , Lopez Vanessa , Sevilla Cesar , Xi Yin , Wells Joel 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background As total hip arthroplasty (THA) indications continue to expand and longevity increases, it is important to understand the outcomes in different patient populations. Younger, more active patients are electing to proceed with THA with differing severity of disease. We aimed to investigate patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients who underwent THA with less severe radiographic hip arthrosis.Methods Pre- and post-operative PROMs and radiographic data (joint-space width, Tonnis grade) for patients undergoing THA between 9/16/2016 and 10/21/2021 by a single surgeon were collected. Baseline Tonnis grades were stratified, and PROMs, including Harris Hip Score (HHS), Hip Outcome Score (HOS), and Short-Form-12 Scale (SF-12), were compared pre- and post-operatively.Results Four-hundred and sixty-two hips underwent analysis. Pre-operative HHS following THA were ​​46.6 ± 11.9, 47.5 ± 11.4, 44.4 ± 9.6, and 42.1 ± 10.7 for Tonnis grades 0 (n = 27), 1 (n = 56), 2 (n = 73), and 3 (n = 306), respectively; while post-operative HHS were 86.4 ± 7.8, 88.4 ± 7.7, 89.5 ± 4.4, and 88.7 ± 5.4 Higher postoperative HOS scores were seen in Tonnis grade 0 and 1, when compared to Tonnis grades 2, and 3 (49.1 ± 27.9, and 50.1 ± 20.8 vs. 47.0 ± 22.2, and 44.0 ± 22.2, respectively; p = 0.003), however, no statistical difference was seen in mean difference HOS (p = 0.447). For SF-12, the mean improvement in order of increasing Tonnis grades was 16.7 ± 48.7, 9.2 ± 38.3, 6.6 ± 43.4, and 14.9 ± 45.2 with no statistical significance observed (p = 0.565).Conclusion In patients undergoing THA, post-operative HHS scores are similar regardless of baseline radiographic severity. Post-operative change in HOS and SF-12 scales was consistently higher across all baseline Tonnis grades prior to THA, while mean change remained comparable. These findings suggest although preoperative radiographic data aids in the evaluation of patients with hip pain, the severity of findings should not determine surgical candidacy. This study challenges radiographic severity for THA eligibility and adds to THA literature for those with less severe radiographic findings.
Evaluation of ChatGPT and Gemini Large Language Models for Pharmacometrics with NONMEM
Authors: Shin Euibeom , Yu Yifan , Bies Robert R. , Ramanathan Murali 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To assess the ChatGPT 4.0 (ChatGPT) and Gemini Ultra 1.0 (Gemini) large language models on tasks relevant to NONMEM coding in pharmacometrics and clinical pharmacology settings.
Methods
ChatGPT and Gemini performance on tasks mimicking real-world applications of NONMEM was assessed. The tasks ranged from providing a curriculum for learning NONMEM and an overview of NONMEM code structure to generating code. Prompts to elicit NONMEM code for a linear pharmacokinetic (PK) model with oral administration and a more complex one-compartment model with two parallel first-order absorption mechanisms were investigated. The prompts for all tasks were presented in lay language. The code was carefully reviewed for errors by two experienced NONMEM experts, and the revisions needed to run the code successfully were identified.
Results
ChatGPT and Gemini provided useful NONMEM curriculum structures combining foundational knowledge with advanced concepts (e.g., covariate modeling and Bayesian approaches) and practical skills, including NONMEM code structure and syntax. Large language models (LLMs) provided an informative summary of the NONMEM control stream structure and outlined the key NM-TRAN records needed. ChatGPT and Gemini were able to generate applicable code blocks for the NONMEM control stream from the lay language prompts for the three coding tasks. The control streams contained focal structural and NONMEM syntax errors that required revision before they could be executed without errors and warnings.
Conclusions
LLMs may be useful in pharmacometrics for efficiently generating an initial coding template for modeling projects. However, the output can contain errors that require correction.
Use solar energy for turning seawater into freshwater serving for off-shore fishing
Authors: Nguyen Van Mui , Nguyen Huyen Khanh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Renewable energy has been paid attention to in Vietnam in particular and and worldwide in general. Besides wind energy, solar energy is one of the top-priority energy sources. For offshore fishing vessels, freshwater source serving daily fishermen's activities is one of the most crucial and necessary factors. This article presents the calculated results of equipment design and manufacture, which converts seawater into freshwater with a capacity of 5 liters per hour to meet the domestic water demand of fishing vessels and about 20 fishermen using renewable energy (solar energy). This equipment helps offshore fishing vessels and fishermen be proactive in water sources, saving the capacity and load of the ship as well as the cost of fishing trips. The research result is a system turning seawater into freshwater used for small and medium-sized fishing vessels. This is the basis for calculating the water filtration system in general, seawater desalination system and renewable energy system in particular, applied to seafood fishing, offshore fishing and actual production.
Reproductive factors and risk of cardiovascular outcomes in women with ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Rouhani Sina , Soleimani Azam , Jamalian Marjan , Sadeghi Masoumeh 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
There are many sex-specific factors affecting myocardial infarction (MI) outcomes in males and females. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between reproductive factors and cardiovascular outcomes in women after ST-elevation MI.
Method
This retrospective cohort study was initiated in 2016–2017 at Chamran Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. One hundred eighty women with a diagnosis of ST-elevation MI were followed up for 3 years, and any occurrence of cardiovascular events (CVs) was recorded. All information regarding reproductive factors was recorded via questionnaire. This information was compared between women with cardiovascular events and women without adverse events using a sample t test, chi-square test, and multiple backward logistic regression analysis.
Result
Sixty-four women with a mean age of 65.81 ± 13.14 years experienced CV events, and 116 women with a mean age of 65.51 ± 10.88 years did not experience CV events. A history of ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus were more prevalent in women with CV events (P = 0.024 and P = 0.019). After adjusting for ischemic heart disease and diabetes mellitus, oral contraceptive pill (OCP) usage was more prevalent in women with CV events than in women without CV events (60.9% vs 40.4%, P = 0.008). There was a greater chance of CV events in women with OCP usage (OR = 3.546, P = 0.038) and a lower chance of CV events in women with greater age at menarche (OR = 0.630, P = 0.009) and longer breastfeeding duration (OR = 0.798, P = 0.041) according to multiple backward logistic regression models.
Conclusion
Based on this study, OCP consumption is a risk factor, while older age at menarche and longer duration of breastfeeding are protective factors for cardiovascular outcomes in women after STEMI.
Effectiveness of smartphone application as a tool to improve functional vision and quality of life of visually impaired people
Authors: Tharaniy VE , Ramamurthy Dharani 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Visually impaired people are facing difficulties to do their day to day activities. Smartphone application as a low-vision devices help visually impaired people to do their functional activity. Thus, it improve the quality of life of visually impaired people.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Special interest group discussion was conducted to shortlist the selected apps which help visually impaired people to do their day to day activities. Low Vision Quality Of Life questionnaire was used to assess the low-vision management and rehabilitation. The questionnaire was translated into Tamil language. Face validation and cognitive verification was done. The questionnaire was rephrased. English and final version Tamil questionnaires were administered to 21 visually-impaired people. Participants (n=8) familiar with the smartphone applications namely Lookout Google and Sullivan+ were included. Tamil LVQOL questionnaire and feedback about the usefulness of the smartphone application were obtained from the app users.
Results: From the experts opinion, two apps were selected namely Lookout Google and Sullivan+. For questionnaire, the mean age of the 21 visually impaired people was 25.76 ± 8.6 (age ranges from 17-56). The median quality of life score was statistically insignificant (p=0.47) between English and Tamil questionnaire. The overall Cronbach’s alpha value for Tamil LVQOL was 0.95. The overall Intraclass correlation coefficient value of English and Tamil questionnaire was 0.82. The mean age of the eight smartphone applications users were 22.12 ± 3.51 (age ranging from 17-29). The mean quality of life score was statistically insignificant (p=0.32) between the smartphone application non-user and user. From the feedback about 75% of the participants said that Lookout google and Sullivan+ apps were useful for their day to day activities. Reading was the most commonly used feature in both the apps. These apps were also useful for doing day to day activities.
Conclusion:The translated and validated Tamil version of the LVQOL showed a good reliability. Smartphone applications such as Lookout Google and Sullivan+ applications can help visually impaired people to do their day to day activities
A Multilingual Intelligent System for Objectionable Text Recognition Utilizing an Explainable AI-Supported Deep Learning Model on Bengali, Bengali Transliteration, and English Embedded Text
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammad Sayem , Sultan Tofayet , Jahan Nusrat , Ali Md. Asraf , Hasan Khandaker Tabin , Ahmed N 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
We live in a global society that has benefited greatly from the rise of social media, which has become a potent agent of social change. However, toxic use of text or images may damage online communities and even spark intergroup confrontations. A precise approach is needed to deal with harmful or offensive information that specifically targets people or groups. Existing literature has generally focused on a particular language of hate speech detection using typical machine learning algorithms, where a few applied deep learning, resulting in a comparatively better outcome. However, not enough work has been dedicated to Bengali or transliterating Bengali text. This means the creation of a multilingual intelligent system that is able to recognize slang and abusive language from text or photographs is the current challenge that has to be addressed for Bengali users. Based on the crisis and deep technical comparison, our research proposed the robust multilingual expert system using mBERT as a baseline model with updates utilizing global average pooling and dense dropout. Here, we received an accuracy of 92\%, higher than any of the competing methods. Then, the inclusion of OCR also evaporated the issue from the image. Additionally, we utilized LIME explainable AI to demonstrate the transparency of our model.
Native liver T1 mapping on magnetic resonance imaging for an evaluation of congestive liver injury in children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Tao Katsuo , Ishikawa Yuichi , Suzuki Sayo , Muraji Shota , Kuraoka Ayako , Sato Masaki , Yamamura Kenichiro , Sagawa Kouichi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD) may be caused by chronic liver congestion due to high central venous pressure (CVP). Recently, the usefulness of liver native T1 mapping in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in adulthood has been reported.
Objective
To evaluate the usefulness of native liver T1 mapping in children with congenital heart disease (CHD), we investigated the utility of native liver T1 relaxation time (LT1) in pediatric Fontan patients in comparison to other CHDs. Correlations between LT1 and laboratory biomarkers or hemodynamic data were also assessed.
Materials and methods
A total of 155 patients with CHD (biventricular repair, n = 42; bidirectional Glenn circulation, n = 38; and Fontan circulation, n = 75) underwent blood tests, cardiac catheterization, and cardiac MRI within 48 h.
Results
Both CVP and LT1 levels were higher in Fontan patients than in bidirectional Glenn and biventricular patients. There were significant correlation in the overall population and weak correlation in Fontan patients between CVP and LT1(correlation coefficient 0.644 [0.541–0.728] and 0.244 [0.0179–0.446], P < 0.001 and 0.035, respectively). Among the laboratory data, the multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the albumin-bilirubin score and alanine aminotransferase were significantly correlated with LT1 in the overall population (both P = 0.015), and the fibrosis-4 index was correlated with LT1 in Fontan patients (P = 0.019).
Conclusion
LT1 could be a noninvasive predictor of CVP and a useful marker of liver injury in children with CHD.
Design and Analysis of Quantum Transfer Fractal Priority Replay with Dynamic Memory (QTFPR-DM) algorithm to Enhancing Robotic Decision-Making by Quantum computing
Authors: Palanivel R. , Muthulakshmi P. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In the field of robotics, efficient decision-making is essential for navigating complex environments and accomplishing diverse tasks. Quantum Reinforcement Learning (QRL) has emerged as a promising approach to address these challenges, leveraging quantum principles to enhance decision-making processes. However, existing QRL algorithms often face limitations in terms of sample efficiency and convergence speed. To overcome these limitations, we propose a novel algorithm, Quantum Transfer Fractal Priority Replay with Dynamic Memory (QTFPR-DM), designed specifically for robotic decision-making tasks. QTFPR-DM integrates quantum circuits for action selection within a QRL framework. It utilizes a replay buffer to store past experiences and dynamic memory to adaptively update based on experience access frequency. Additionally , a novel priority formula is introduced to prioritize experiences for learning, focusing on those with high learning potential. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of QTFPR-DM in various robotic environments. The algorithm shows significant improvements in convergence speed and sample efficiency compared to conventional approaches. Furthermore, analysis of the exploration-exploitation trade-off reveals how dynamic memory management enhances exploration capabilities while maintaining exploitation efficiency in robotic contexts. QTFPR-DM represents a promising advancement in ro-botic decision-making, offering improved performance and efficiency. By lev-eraging quantum principles alongside dynamic memory and priority replay mechanisms, QTFPR-DM demonstrates its potential to revolutionize decision-making processes in robotics. The insights gained from this study pave the way for the development of more adaptive and efficient robotic systems, with broad implications for real-world applications.
Multi-scale in vivo imaging of tumour development using a germline conditional triple-reporter system
Authors: Dzien Piotr , Iraolagoitia Ximena Raffo , May Stephanie , Stevenson David , McGarry Lynn , Soloviev Dmitry , Brown Gavin , Nixon Colin , Kapeni Chrysa , Roche Maike De La , Blyth Karen , Lyons Scott , Bird Thomas , Strathdee Douglas , Fruhwirth Gilbert , Carlin Leo , Lewis David 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Imaging reporter genes are indispensable for visualising biological processes in living subjects, particularly in cancer research where they have been used to observe tumour development, cancer cell dissemination, and treatment response. Engineering reporter genes into the germline frequently involves single imaging modality reporters operating over limited spatial scales. To address these limitations, we developed an inducible triple-reporter mouse model (Rosa26LSL − NRL) that integrates reporters for complementary imaging modalities, fluorescence, bioluminescence and positron emission tomography (PET), along with inducible Cre-lox functionality for precise spatiotemporal control of reporter expression. We demonstrated robust reporter inducibility across various tissues in the Rosa26LSL − NRL mouse, facilitating effective tracking and characterisation of tumours in liver and lung cancer mouse models. We precisely pinpointed tumour location using multimodal whole-body imaging which guided in situ lung microscopy to visualise cell-cell interactions within the tumour microenvironment. The triple-reporter system establishes a robust new platform technology for multi-scale investigation of biological processes within whole animals, enabling tissue-specific and sensitive cell tracking, spanning from the whole-body to cellular scales.
Bone Tissue Remodeling and the Antioxidant System Potential in Early Gonarthrosis
Authors: Belova Svetlana V. , Gladkova Ekaterina V. , Blinnikova Veronika V. , Ulyanov Vladimir Yu. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The aim of this research was to study bone remodeling and antioxidant potential features in patients with early manifestations of primary gonarthrosis.
This research involved 53 patients (19 men and 34 women) aged 35-50 years with early manifestations of primary gonarthrosis. 24 donors of both genders without significant clinical symptoms of the disease made up the control group. All individuals included in the study underwent X-ray, ultrasound, and MRI examinations of their knee joints. The bone remodeling condition was assessed based on the serum concentrations of bone formation markers (osteocalcin (OC)) and resorption (pyridinoline (PYD)). The antioxidant serum potential was determined by catalase (CAT) activity, total superoxide dismutase activity (SOD/Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe) and totel antioxidant status/capacity(TAS/TAC). The intensity of free radical oxidation processes was assessed by the serum content of lipid hydroperoxides (LPO).
Our tests revealed higher PYD and OS concentrations compared with those in the controls. We also observed an increased of SOD/Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe activity as well as a decreased CAT activity along with a slight decrease in TAS/TAC indicators and an intensified free radical oxidation featured by higher LPO rates in the patients.
Thus, all examined patients featured the signs of negatively altered bone remodeling determined by the increased values ​​of bone formation (OS) and resorption (PYD) markers. We found the deficit of antioxidant potential that involved an increase in the total SOD/Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe activity, weakening of CAT functional capacity to neutralize the toxic properties of hydrogen peroxide along with a slight decrease in the overall TAS/TAC activity that suggests the presence of adaptive reserve in early gonarthrosis patients. This, in general, requires pathogenetic correction with antioxidant drugs.