bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pan‐cancer image segmentation based on feature pyramids and Mask R‐CNN framework
Authors: Wang Juan , Zhou Jian , Wang Man 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundCancer, a disease with a high mortality rate, poses a great threat to patients' physical and mental health and can lead to huge medical costs and emotional damage. With the continuous development of artificial intelligence technologies, deep learning‐based cancer image segmentation techniques are becoming increasingly important in cancer detection and accurate diagnosis. However, in segmentation tasks, there are differences in efficiency between large and small objects and limited segmentation effects on objects of individual sizes. The previous segmentation frameworks still have room for improvement in multi‐scale collaboration when segmenting objects.PurposeThis paper proposes a method to train a deep learning segmentation framework using a feature pyramid processing dataset to improve the average precision (AP) index, and realizes multi‐scale cooperation in target segmentation.ObjectivePan‐Cancer Histology Dataset for Nuclei Instance Segmentation and Classification (PanNuke) dataset was selected to include approximately 7500 pathology images with cells from 19 different types of tissues, including five classifications of cancer, non‐cancer, inflammation, death, and connective tissue.MethodsFirst, the method uses whole‐slide images in the pan‐cancer histology dataset for nuclei instance segmentation and classification (PanNuke) dataset, combined with the mask region convolutional neural network (Mask R‐CNN) segmentation framework and improved loss function to segment and detect each cellular tissue in cancerous sections. Second, to address the problem of non‐synergistic object segmentation at different scales in cancerous tissue segmentation, a scheme using feature pyramids to process the dataset was adopted as part of the feature extraction module.ResultsExtensive experimental results on this dataset show that the method in this paper yields 0.269 AP and a boost of about 4% compared to the original Mask R‐CNN framework.ConclusionsIt is effective and feasible to use feature pyramid to process data set to improve the effect of medical image segmentation.
The analysis of response surface optimization and performance of cross‐linked starch/tannic acid adhesive reinforced by phragmites fibers
Authors: Yu Hongjian , Xia Ying , Jin Zhixiang , Zhang Le , Liu Xueting , Chen Haozhe , Wang Zhichao , Wang Shuwei , Shi Shenglun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe present study utilizes starch as the primary raw material for preparing a water‐resistant biomass adhesive to replace formaldehyde‐based resin adhesive, which is subsequently used in plywood production. The preparation process of starch‐based adhesive (SBA) was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM), and the effects of the mass ratio of starch to tannic acid, the dosages of phragmites fiber and boric acid on wet‐bond strength were studied. The quadratic regression model of SBA showed significant results (p < 0.0001). The optimal preparation condition was that the mass ratio between starch and tannic acid was 5:2, in the dosages of 2.9% for phragmites fibers and 3.2% for boric acid. The wet‐bond strength of the plywood prepared with this adhesive was 1.73 MPa. Characterization analysis showed that the hydroxyl group on the surface of starch and tannic acid had complexation with boric acid, which improved the wet‐bond strength, water resistance, and, thermal stability of the adhesive. The alkali‐treated phragmites fibers had better compatibility with the starch matrix than the original fiber, which improved the cohesion of the SBA and increased the wet‐bond strength by 26%.Highlights
The phragmites fibers have been used to reinforce starch‐based adhesives.
Boric acid facilitates the formation of crosslinked structures.
The phenolic hydroxyl group in tannins provides excellent water resistance.
Phragmites fiber exhibits good compatibility with the adhesive matrix.
The cured starch‐based adhesive has excellent wet‐bond strength.
Herbicidal proteins from Bacillus wiedmannii isolate ZT selectively inhibit ryegrass (Lolium temulentum L.)
Authors: Eigharlou Mahsa , Hashemi Zeinabalsadat , Mohammadi Ali , Khelghatibana Fatemeh , Nami Yousef , Sadeghi Akram 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe widespread use of chemical herbicides and the growing issue of weed resistance pose significant challenges in agriculture. To address these problems, there is a pressing need to develop biological herbicides based on bacterial metabolites.RESULTSIn this study, we investigated the impact of the cell‐free culture filtrate (CFCF) from the ZT isolate, a bacilliform bacterium obtained from diseased wheat seeds, on the germination and seedling growth of various plant species, including wild oat, ryegrass, redroot, wheat, and chickpea. The results revealed that CFCF had a detrimental effect on the fresh and dry weight of stems and roots in most of the studied plants, except chickpeas. The CFCF was further subjected to separation into aqueous and organic phases using chloroform, followed by the division of the aqueous phase into 13 fractions using an alumina column. Notably, both the aqueous phase (20%) and all 13 fractions (ranging from 50% to 83%) displayed the ability to reduce the root length of ryegrass, a monocotyledonous weed. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis identified that fractions 3 and 7, which were effective against ryegrass but not redroot, contained Cry family proteins, including Cry10 Aa, Cry4 Ba, and Cry4 Aa. Additionally, 16s rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the ZT isolate is closely related (98.27%) to Bacillus wiedmannii.CONCLUSIONConclusively, metabolites from the ZT bacterium hold promise for monocotyledonous weed‐targeted herbicides, providing a constructive strategy to confront agricultural issues tied to chemical herbicides and weed resistance. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Second trimester maternal serum progesterone and estradiol concentrations with live and demised fetuses: Secondary analysis results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Allanson Emma R. , Copson Sean , Spilsbury Katrina , Criddle Sonya , Jennings Belinda , Doherty Dorota A. , Wong Antonia M. , Dickinson Jan E. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo provide data on maternal levels of estradiol and progesterone in the second trimester of pregnancy with a live foetus and those complicated by a spontaneous foetal demise.MethodsWithin a randomised trial to assess efficacy of mifepristone in termination following foetal demise from 14 to 28 weeks of gestation, we measured progesterone and estradiol levels in trial patients and in women undergoing termination with a live foetus. Women admitted to King Edward Memorial Hospital (Western Australia) from 2013 to 2016 were considered for eligibility and enroled. Scatter plots with 95% confidence intervals were generated for hormone levels by gestation. Generalised linear models were used to estimate mean values of estradiol and progesterone, accounting for maternal age, gestation and parity.ResultsOverall, women with a foetal demise had lower estradiol levels compared to women with a live foetus, (mean difference of 10 460 pmol/L). With a live foetus, higher levels of estradiol were observed with increasing gestations: with a mean of 17 010 pmol/L at 14 ≤ 17 weeks, 31 180 pmol/L at 23–28 weeks and similarly progesterone with a mean of 113 nmol/L at 14 ≤ 17 weeks and 183 nmol/L at 23–28 weeks. Progesterone levels in women with foetal demise were 37 nmol/L higher than women in the live foetus group. In all women, each unit increase in parity was associated with a decrease of 10nmol/l of progesterone (95% confidence interval: 4–16, p = 0.001).ConclusionsEstradiol and progesterone levels in the second trimester vary between pregnant women with a live and demised foetus.
The value of an extended postnatal program for contraceptive use during the first year postpartum
Authors: Kedfors Kajsa S. , Hognert Helena , Milsom Ian , Molin Mattias , Lindh Ingela 
Published: March 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate if earlier and repeated postpartum care visits (PPCVs) (3 and 7 weeks) compared to a standard visit (7 weeks) would increase early initiation of contraception and contraceptive use at 1‐year postpartum.DesignComparative clinical trial.SettingSix maternity clinics in Gothenburg, Sweden.PopulationThere were 447 women in the intervention group and 511 in the standard group.MethodsComparing standard postpartum care with an intervention model of care.Main Outcome MeasuresInitiation of contraception and method used.ResultsFrom January 2019 to June 2020, 1159, participants were enrolled. Analyses included 958 subjects where the intervention group had higher use of contraception (55.5%) compared to the standard group (48.5%), (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.4–13.5), p = 0.037. Long‐acting reversible contraceptives were higher among users in the intervention group (56.9%) compared to the standard group (48%), (95% CI: −0.3 to 18.0), p = 0.059. Condom use was higher in the standard group (19%) compared to the intervention group (12.1%), (95% CI: 0.1–13.6), p = 0.047. Contraceptive use 1‐year postpartum was higher in the intervention group (55.7%) compared to the standard group (47.2%), (95% CI: 1.2–15.9), p = 0.023 and more pregnancies were reported in the standard group (7.8%) compared to the intervention group (4.1%), (95% CI: 0.5–7.0), p = 0.040.ConclusionThese results indicate the importance of earlier and additional PPCVs to increase early start‐up of contraception and to obtain a higher frequency of contraceptive use 1‐year postpartum to reduce pregnancies close to delivery.
A Near‐IR Fluorimetric Chemosensing System for the Turn‐On Detection of Hydrogen Sulfate Anion
Authors: Teknikel Efdal 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe report a near‐IR fluorescence turn‐on chemosensing system for the selective detection of HSO4−anion in aqueous media. This system utilizes the equilibrium between the fluorescent pyrylium salt and its non‐fluorescent diketone form. The pyrylium compound we synthesized (λflo=674 nm) rapidly converts to its diketone form in the aqueous medium (ethanol‐water 4 : 1). HSO4−anion provides proton to diketone form inducing its conversion to pyrylium. Therefore, the sensor system responds to the presence of HSO4−by an increase in fluorescence. The change in the fluorescence increase is linear within the 20–55 μM range with a limit of detection of 12.8 μM. The system demonstrates high selectivity for HSO4−over other anions, as validated through fluorimetric titration studies. Additionally, interference studies highlight the minimal impact of common anions on bisulfate detection. Reversibility tests reveal the pronounced reversibility of the sensor system, with over 90 % recovery of fluorescence intensity achieved in subsequent iterations.
Efficient Solar‐Driven Interfacial Water Evaporator using Hydrogel Modified Carbon‐Based Biomass with Abundant Microchannels
Authors: Ge Yumeng , Wang Le , Su Zewen , Ivan Md. Nahian Al Subri , Wang Congcong , Han Keyu , Tsang Yuen Hong , Xu Shiqing , Bai Gongxun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe conventional sea water desalination technologies are not yet adopted worldwide, especially in the third world countries due to their high capital cost as well as large energy requirement. To solve this issue in a sustainable way an interfacial solar water evaporation device is designed and proposed in this article using the branches of Prunus serrulata (PB). The PB has abundant microchannels and shows excellent photothermal conversion capability after carbonization. Moreover, the easy access to raw materials and the facile fabrication process makes the solar water evaporating device very cost effective for seawater desalination application. Experiments show that in the presence of the fabricated evaporator the evaporation rate of water can reach 3.5 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 sun, which is superior to many similar experimental devices. In addition, its advantages, such as effective sewage purification capability, low cost, and environmental friendliness, make this evaporator highly competitive in the extensive promotion of this technology and can be considered as a new sustainable solution for seawater desalination with great application potential and prospects.
Implantation of Gallium into Layered WS2 Nanostructures is Facilitated by Hydrogenation
Authors: Martínez José Ignacio , Laikhtman Alex , Zak Alla , Sezen Meltem , Alonso Julio A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBombarding WS2 multilayered nanoparticles and nanotubes with focused ion beams of Ga+ ions at high doses, larger than 1016 cm−2, leads to drastic structural changes and melting of the material. At lower doses, when the damage is negligible or significantly smaller, the amount of implanted Ga is very small. A substantial increase in the amount of implanted Ga, and not appreciable structural damage, are observed in nanoparticles previously hydrogenated by a radio‐frequency activated hydrogen plasma. Density functional calculations reveal that the implantation of Ga in the spaces between adjacent layers of pristine WS2 nanoparticles is difficult due to the presence of activation barriers. In contrast, in hydrogenated WS2, the hydrogen molecules are able to intercalate in between adjacent layers of the WS2 nanoparticles, giving rise to the expansion of the interlayer distances, that in practice leads to the vanishing of the activation barrier for Ga implantation. This facilitates the implantation of Ga atoms in the irradiation experiments.
Dendrite‐free Zn deposition initiated by nanoscale inorganic–organic coating‐modified 3D host for stable Zn‐ion battery
Authors: Dong Jiaming , Duan Junwen , Cao Ruirui , Zhang Wang , Fang Kangkang , Yang Hao , Liu Ying , Shen Zhitao , Li Fumin , Liu Rong , Jin Mengqi , Lei Longhui , Li Huilin , Chen Chong 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA 3D nanostructured scaffold as the host for zinc enables effective inhibition of anodic dendrite growth. However, the increased electrode/electrolyte interface area provided by using 3D matrices exacerbates the passivation and localized corrosion of the Zn anode, ultimately bringing about the degradation of the electrochemical performance. Herein, a nanoscale coating of inorganic–organic hybrid (α‐In2Se3‐Nafion) onto a flexible carbon nanotubes (CNTs) framework (ISNF@CNTs) is designed as a Zn plating/stripping scaffold to ensure uniform Zn nucleation, thus achieving a dendrite‐free and durable Zn anode. The introduced inorganic–organic interfacial layer is dense and sturdy, which hinders the direct exposure of deposited Zn to electrolytes and mitigates the side reactions. Meanwhile, the zincophilic nature of ISNF can largely reduce the nucleation energy barrier and promote the ion‐diffusion transportation. Consequently, the ISNF@CNTs@Zn electrode exhibits a low‐voltage hysteresis and a superior cycling life (over 1500 h), with dendrite‐free Zn‐plating behaviors in a typical symmetrical cell test. Additionally, the superior feature of ISNF@CNTs@Zn anode is further demonstrated by Zn‐MnO2 cells in both coin and flexible quasi‐solid‐state configurations. This work puts forward an inspired remedy for advanced Zn‐ion batteries.
Bio‐based nanomaterials for energy application: A review
Authors: Sezali Nur Atirah Afifah , Ong Hui Lin , Villagracia Al Rey , Hoang Tuan‐Dung 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBio‐nanomaterials have been gaining increased attention recently due to their special, nano‐specific properties such as their high specific area compared to their bulk materials and their environmentally friendly, and renewable properties. Overall, this review discusses recent advances of two nanomaterials derived from bio‐sources, which are nanocellulose and carbon‐based nanomaterials in the application of electrochemical energy storage devices, specifically batteries and supercapacitors. Besides, this review briefly analyses the challenges and perspectives of biomass utilization for the synthesis of nanomaterials. The emergence of another conductive nanomaterials such as MXene, which can be a challenge to the bio‐based nanomaterials for the application in energy storage devices, is also mentioned in this review.
The Climate Decision of the German Constitutional Court and Its Implications on Soil Management
Authors: Douhaire Caroline 
Published: March 2024

AbstractOn 24 March 2021, Germany’s highest court found the German Climate Change Act to be partly unconstitutional because it did not sufficiently mitigate the burden put on the future exercise of freedom rights by the emissions allowed until 2030. The ruling represents a milestone for climate protection in Germany and also deserves attention beyond Germany’s borders. In this ruling, the Constitutional Court sets a strong signal for more climate change, making clear that the protection of the climate is a constitutional obligation. Because of the close interactions between soil and climate change, the decision also recalls the importance of a better soil protection. This chapter summarizes the essential statements of the Court and analyses the consequences for soil protection.
Talking Privately in Utopia: Ideals of Silence and Dissimulation in Smeeks’ Krinke Kesmes (1708)
Authors: Benison Liam 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis chapter shows how reading a utopia from the perspective of social knowledge production can furnish new understanding of the practice of private conversation in early modern Europe in “Talking Privately in Utopia: Ideals of Silence and Dissimulation in Smeeks’ Krinke Kesmes (1708)”. Taking the example of Hendrik Smeeks’ Description of the Mighty Kingdom of Krinke Kesmes, the chapter explores how dissimulation and silence became tools of privacy within utopian writing. Benison’s findings on dissimulation as a virtue in the Kesmian society challenge the standard focus on the ethic of public transparency governing early modern utopias, as in Thomas More’s depiction of Utopia’s total lack of privacy.
“The Secret Sin That One Commits by Thought Alone”: Confession as Private and Public in Seventeenth-Century France
Authors: Nørgaard Lars Cyril 
Published: March 2024

AbstractInvestigating the theological implications of confessions as private conversations, this chapter delves into the debate between the Jesuit Denis Pétau (1583–1652) and Antoine Arnauld (1612–1694). In response to Arnauld’s work De la fréquente communion, Pétau voiced criticism of the understanding that modern-day Christians should practise public penitence like the ancient church fathers. The response to Arnauld, entitled De la Penitence publique et de la préparation à la communion, opts for a much more limited sense of penitence in public and insists that some forms of penitence require more private modes of confession and more personal acts of satisfaction. By focusing on this appeal to the private sphere of confession in Pétau and in Arnauld, Nørgaard shows how these two works offered different responses to the new attitudes towards private confession.
Early vs late string networks from a minimal QCD Axion
Authors: Gorghetto Marco , Hardy Edward , Nicolaescu Horia , Notari Alessio , Redi Michele 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
We propose a new regime of minimal QCD axion dark matter that lies between the pre- and post-inflationary scenarios, such that the Peccei-Quinn (PQ) symmetry is restored only on sufficiently large spatial scales. This leads to a novel cosmological evolution, in which strings and domain walls re-enter the horizon and annihilate later than in the ordinary post-inflationary regime, possibly even after the QCD crossover. Such dynamics can occur if the PQ symmetry is restored by inflationary fluctuations, i.e. the Hubble parameter during inflation HI is larger than the PQ breaking scale fa, but it is not thermally restored afterwards. Solving the Fokker-Planck equation, we estimate the number of inflationary e-folds required for the PQ symmetry to be, on average, restored. Moreover, we show that, in the large parts of parameter space where the radial mode is displaced from the minimum by de Sitter fluctuations, a string network forms due to the radial mode oscillating over the top of its potential after inflation. In both cases we identify order one ranges in HI/fa and in the quartic coupling λ of the PQ potential that lead to the late-string dynamics. In this regime the cosmological dark matter abundance can be reproduced for axion decay constants as low as the astrophysical constraint 𝒪(108) GeV, corresponding to axion masses up to 10−2 eV, and with miniclusters with masses as large as 𝒪(10)M⊙.
Gravitational waves from supercooled phase transitions: dimensional transmutation meets dimensional reduction
Authors: Kierkla Maciej , Świeżewska Bogumiła , Tenkanen Tuomas V. I. , van de Vis Jorinde 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Models with radiative symmetry breaking typically feature strongly supercooled first-order phase transitions, which result in an observable stochastic gravitational wave background. In this work, we analyse the role of higher-order thermal corrections for these transitions, applying high-temperature dimensional reduction to a theory with dimensional transmutation. In particular, we study to what extent high-temperature effective field theories (3D EFT) can be used. We find that despite significant supercooling down from the critical temperature, the high-temperature expansion for the bubble nucleation rate can be applied using the 3D EFT framework, and we point out challenges in the EFT description. We compare our findings to previous studies and find that the next-to-leading order corrections obtained in this work have a significant effect on the predictions for GW observables, motivating a further exploration of higher-order thermal effects.
Potential of ion mobility mass spectrometry in cellulose ether analysis: substitution pattern of hydroxyethyl celluloses
Authors: Mischnick Petra , Schleicher Sarah 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIon mobility mass spectrometry (ESI-tims-ToF–MS, syringe pump infusion) has been applied to glucose and oligosaccharide ethers derived from hydroxyethyl-methyl celluloses (HEMC) and hydroxyethyl celluloses (HEC) after permethylation and partial depolymerization: by hydrolysis without or with subsequent reductive amination with m-amino benzoic acid (mABA) or by reductive cleavage. As model compounds without tandem substitution methoxyethylated methylcellulose was used. Regioisomeric glucose ethers were separated according to their ion mobility, and positions of substitution could be assigned. Glucose ethers including isomers with tandem substitution showed additional signals with a smaller collision cross-section (CCS) than core-substituted isomers. Positional isomers of cellobiose ethers were only partly resolved due to too high complexity but showed a characteristic fingerprint that might allow classifying samples. Relative intensities of signals of glucose ether isomers could only be quantified in case of ABA derivatives with its fixed charge, while sodium adducts of methoxyethyl ethers showed an influence of the MeOEt position on ion yield. Results were in very good agreement with reference analysis. [M + Na]+ adducts of α- and β-anomers of glucose derivatives were separated in IM, complicating position assignment. This could be overcome by reductive cleavage of the permethylated HE(M)C yielding 1,5-anhydroglucitol-terminated oligosaccharides, showing the best resolved fingerprints of the cellobiose ethers of a particular cellulose ether. With this first application of ion mobility MS to the analysis of complex cellulose ethers, the promising potential of this additional separation dimension in mass spectrometry is demonstrated and discussed.
Graphical abstract