bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multimodal Deep Learning for Classifying Diabetes: Analyzing Carotid Ultrasound Images from UK and Taiwan Biobanks and Their Cardiovascular Disease Associations
Authors: Chung Ren-Hua , Onthoni Djeane , Lin Hong-Ming , Li Guo-Hung , Hsiao Yu-Ping , Zhuang Yong-Sheng , Onthoni Ade , Lai Yi-Hsuan , Chiou Hung-Yi 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objective Clinical evidence has shown that carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a robust biomarker for determining the thickness of atherosclerosis, which in turn increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Additionally, diabetes mellitus (DM) is linked to the acceleration of atherosclerosis. Thus, as measured by carotid ultrasound (US), CIMT exhibits a significant association with both DM and CVD. This study examines the potential of US image features, beyond CIMT, in enhancing DM classification and their subsequent association with CVD risks. Specifically, we aimed to determine if these US image features could contribute to DM classification in conjunction with traditional predictors such as age, sex, CIMT, and body mass index (BMI). Additionally, we evaluated the relationship between the probabilities derived from the DM classification model and the prevalence and incidence of CVD in DM patients.Materials and Methods Utilizing carotid US image data from the UK Biobank (UKB) and Taiwan Biobank (TWB), we developed and trained a custom multimodal DM classification model. This model employed a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) deep learning approach, using data from the UKB. We assessed the model's performance by comparing it with traditional models that incorporate only clinical features (age, sex, CIMT, BMI). The same comparative analysis was performed on the TWB data. Logistic regression was utilized to analyze the associations between the DM classification model's probability outcomes and CVD status.Results Our comprehensive performance evaluation across both the UKB and TWB datasets revealed that the multimodal DM classification model, which considers both image and clinical features (Age, Sex, CIMT, BMI), outperformed models that rely solely on clinical features. This was evidenced by an improved average precision of 0.762, recall of 0.655, specificity of 0.79, and accuracy of 0.721. Furthermore, in the UKB dataset, we identified a statistically significant association between the probabilities derived from the DM model and CVD status in DM patients, both prevalent (P-value: 0.006) and incident (P-value: 0.058), particularly on the left side.Conclusions The study provides robust evidence that carotid US image features, in addition to traditional parameters like CIMT, significantly enhance the capability of the multimodal DM classification model. The probability outcomes from this model could serve as a promising biomarker for assessing CVD risk in DM patients, offering a novel approach in the medical imaging field.
Circulating Subpopulations Of Non-Cytotoxic ILCs In Diffuse Large B- Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Chwieduk Agata , Smagur Andrzej , Głowala-Kosińska Magdalena , Borzdziłowska Paulina , Fidyk Wojciech , Mitrus Iwona , Wilkiewicz Marcin , Hadryś Agata , Cortez Alexander Jorge , Giebel Sebastian 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Non-cytotoxic innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) have been added to the list of immune cells that may contribute to the tumor microenvironment. Elevated levels of total ILCs and their subgroups have been reported in peripheral blood and tissue samples from patients with solid tumors, but their frequency in non-Hodgkin lymphomas, particularly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), has not been clearly established. This study examined frequency and subset distribution in newly diagnosed DLBCL patients (nodal and extra-nodal) and compared it with blood specimens from healthy donors. The percentage of total ILCs (Lin − CD127+) was assessed by flow cytometry, as well as the four ILC subsets, defined as ILC1 (Lin − CD127 + cKit − CRTH2−), ILC2 (Lin − CD127 + cKit+/- CRTH2+), ILCp NCR- (Lin − CD127 + cKit + CRTH2- NKp46-) and NCR + ILC3 (Lin − CD127 + cKit + NKp46+). In the studied group of patients (n = 54), significantly lower levels of circulating total ILCs, ILC1, and ILCp NCR- were observed compared to the control group (n = 43). Similarly, there was a statistically significant decrease in the median frequency of NKp46 + ILC3 cells in lymphoma patients. Analysis of the ILC2 subpopulation showed no significant differences. The correlation of the distribution of individual subpopulations of ILCs with the stage and location of the tumor was also demonstrated. Our results suggest that circulating ILCs are activated and differentiated and/or differentially recruited to the lymph nodes or tumor microenvironment where they may be involved in antitumor defense. However, our observations require confirmation in functional studies.
Canaries in the Baltic Sea “Coal Mine”:
Cod Otoliths Document Accelerating Climate Impacts
Authors: Heimbrand Yvette , Limburg Karin , Hüssy Karin , Naeraa Tomas , Casini Michele 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Anthropogenic deoxygenation of the Baltic Sea caused major declines in demersal and benthic habitat quality with consequent impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services. We employed Baltic cod as “canaries in the coal mine,” using otolith chemical proxies of hypoxia, salinity, and fish metabolic status and growth to track changes from baseline conditions in the late Neolithic (4500 YBP) and early 20th century to the present. Otolith hypoxia proxies (Mn:Mg) increased with expanding anoxic water volumes, but decreased with increasing salinity indexed by otolith Sr:Ca. Metabolic status proxied by otolith Mg:Ca and reconstructed growth were positively related to dissolved oxygen percent saturation, with particularly severe declines since 2010. This long-term record provides further evidence of a profound state change in oxygen for the worse, in one of the world’s largest inland seas. Spreading hypoxia will likely impair fish populations globally and evidence can be tracked with otolith chemical biomarkers.
Biomechanical behavior of implant retained prostheses in the posterior maxilla using different materials: A finite element study
Authors: Aboelfadl Ahmad , Keilig Ludger , Ebeid Kamal , Ahmed Mohamed Abdel Moniem , Refaie Ashraf , nouh ingy , bourauel Christoph 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: In this study, the biomechanical behavior of the mesial and distal off-axial extensions of implant-retained prostheses in the posterior maxilla with different prosthetic materials were investigated using FEA.
Methods: 3D finite element models with three implant prosthetic designs: fixed-fixed, mesial cantilever, and distal cantilever were designed depending upon cone beam CT images of an intact maxilla of an anonymous patient. The 3D modeling software Mimics Innovation Suite (Mimics 14.0 / 3-matic 7.01; Materialise, Leuven, Belgium) was used. All the models were imported into the FE package Marc/Mentat (ver. 2015; MSC Software, Los Angeles, Calif). The material properties of the implant, bone, monolithic zirconia, and polyetherketoneketone polymer (PEKK) were taken from literature. Then, individual models were subjected to separate axial loads of 300 N. Stress values were computed for the prosthesis, bone, and implant under axial loading.
Results: Distal off-axial extension designs generated the maximum von Mises stresses (105 MPa) while the fixed-fixed designs generated the minimum von Mises stresses (35 MPa). The zirconia distal cantilever model yielded the most elevated levels of von Mises stresses within the prosthesis (105 MPa), with concentrated patterns at the implant prosthesisinterface near the offset extension. The von Mises stresses were highest in the implant (112 MPa) and compact bone (100 MPa) for the PEKK distal cantilever model. On the other hand, the zirconia fixed-fixed model exhibited the minimum von Mises stresses in the implant (49 MPa) and compact bone (20 MPa).
Conclusions: The fixed-fixed prosthetic design showed the lowest von Mises stresses. In clinically challenging conditions Mesial cantilever design together with a rigid prosthetic material is suggested as a second alternative with acceptable biomechanical behavior.
Predictive Indicators in Peripheral Blood and Left Atrium Blood for Left Atrial Spontaneous Echo Contrast in Atrial Fibrillation Patients
Authors: Ding Bing , Zhou Jing , Dai Yunlang , He Linyan , Zou Cao 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the discriminating predictive indicators in peripheral blood and left atrium blood for predicting the risk of left atrial spontaneous echo contrast (LASEC) in atrial fibrillation patients underwent catheter ablation.
Methods: A total of 108 consecutive AF patients treated with radiofrequency ablation between July 2022 and July 2023 were enrolled and divided into two groups based on preprocedural transesophageal echocardiography: the non LASEC group (n=71) and the LASEC group (n=37). Circulating platelet and endothelial- derived MPs (PMPs and EMPs) in peripheral blood and left atrial blood were detected. Plasma soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were observed. Diagnostic efficiency was measured using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.
Results: Peripheral sP-selectin, vWF and EMPs expressions elevated in all subjects when compared to those in left atrium blood. Levels of sP-selectin and vWF were significantly higher in peripheral blood of LASEC group than those of non LASEC group (p=0.0018, p=0.0271). Significant accumulations of peripheral PMPs and EMPs were documented in LASEC group by comparison with non LASEC group (p=0.0395, p=0.018). The area under curve(AUC) of combined PMPs and sP-selectin in predicting LASEC was 0.769 (95%CI: 0.678–0.845, sensitivity: 86.49%, specificity: 59.15%)，significantly larger than PMPs or sP-selectin alone.
Conclusions: Expressionsof PMPs, sP-selectin, EMPs and vWF Increased in NVAF patients with LASEC and that might be potential biomarkers for LASEC prediction.
The Impact of Environmental Regulation on Green Investment Efficiency of Thermal Power Enterprises in China - Based on a Three-stage Exogenous Variable Model
Authors: Ren Fang-rong , Wu Tao-feng , Liu Xiao-yan , Yuan Xiaomei 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Due to the increased frequency of extreme weather events and the implementation of the China’s dual-carbon target, thermal power companies have been under pressure to construct green infrastructure and to actively pursue low-carbon transformation in response to stricter environmental regulations. This research thus selects 30 listed thermal power enterprises in China as study objects and assesses their green investment efficiency in the low-carbon transition process using a three-stage DEA evaluation model with environmental regulations as an exogenous variable. Simultaneously, we carry out analysis to compare the correlation between thermal power firms’ green investment efficiency and their focus on green investments. The results show in terms of total efficiency that environmental regulation significantly improves the total efficiency of 80% of thermal power enterprises compared to the absence of this exogenous variable. With the addition of environmental regulation, firms’ total efficiency declines gradually in general from 2018 to 2022, with the mean value of efficiency falling by 0.068. In terms of stage-specific efficiency, the efficiency of the green investment stage of the majority of firms is between 0.3 and 0.6, which is much lower than that of the operational stage and the market performance stage. In terms of sub-indicator efficiency, both green investment efficiency and social donation efficiency among thermal power enterprises show obvious polarization, with 30% of them having an efficiency of 1 and 30% less than 0.1. In terms of green investment focus, thermal power unit renovation has a more obvious role in boosting the green investment efficiency of thermal power enterprises than do wind power and photovoltaic projects. Therefore, both governmental departments and thermal power enterprises need to take active measures in order to achieve green transformation from the perspective of green investment efficiency.
Imaging and Ferroelectric Orientation Mapping of Photostriction in a Single Bismuth Ferrite Nanocrystal
Authors: Mokhtar Ahmed , Newton Marcus , Serban David , Porter Daniel , Nisbet Gareth , Collins Steve , Bombardi Alessandro 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The exploration of multiferroic materials and their interaction with light at the nanoscale presents a captivating frontier in materials science. Bismuth Ferrite (BiFeO3, BFO), a standout among these materials, exhibits room-temperature ferroelectric and antiferromagnetic behavior and magnetoelectric coupling. Of particular interest is the phenomenon of photostriction, the light-induced deformation of crystal structures, which enhances the prospect for device functionality based on these materials. Understanding and harnessing multiferroic phenomena holds significant promise in various technological applications, from optoelectronics to energy storage.
The orientation of the ferroelectric axis is an important design parameter for devices formed from multiferroic materials. Determining its orientation in the laboratory frame of reference usually requires knowing multiple wavevector transfer (Q-Vector) directions, which can be challenging to establish due to the need for extensive reciprocal-space searches. Our study demonstrates a method to uniquely identify the ferroelectric axis orientation using Bragg Coherent X-ray Diffraction Imaging (BCDI) measurements at a single Q-vector direction. This method involves applying photostriction-inducing laser illumination across various laser polarizations.
Our findings reveal that photostriction primarily occurs as a surface phenomenon at the nanoscale. Moreover, a photo-induced crystal length change ranging from 30 to 60 nm was observed, consistent with earlier findings performed on bulk material.
Inter-individual variations in hormonal, physiological, and performance adaptations to various forms of high-intensity interval interventions in collegiate soccer players
Authors: Zhang Jun , Wei Aodong , Xie Chao 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

This study compared the inter-individual variability in adaptive responses of hormonal, physiological, and physical performance measures to various forms of high-intensity interval interventions in collegiate soccer players. Forty male players participated in this study and were randomly assigned to traditional running-based sprint interval training (SIT), small-sided games (SSGs), short sprint interval training (SSIT), and a control group (CON), each of 10. Before and after training period, hormonal (testosterone and cortisol), physiological (maximum oxygen uptake [V̇O2max], V̇O2/HR, first and second ventilatory threshold [VT1 and VT2], peak and average power output [PPO and APO]), and performance (Yo-Yo IR1, countermovement vertical jump, 20-m sprint, L-run, and maximal kicking distance [MKD]) variables were measured. Analyzing individual responses revealed significantly greater adaptive responses of Yo-Yo IR1, VT2, and cortisol levels (p < 0.05), as well as lower residuals in changes in Yo-Yo IR1, VO2max, VT1 and VT2, and PPO to SSIT compared to SIT and SSGs (p < 0.05). By contrast, the SSGs group resulted in greater adaptations (p = 0.002) in MKD than the SIT and SSIT. By diminishing inter-individual variability in adaptive responses, SSIT results in more homogenous adaptations in measures of cardiorespiratory fitness, hormonal adaptations and sport-specific performance than SIT and SSGs.
Potential distribution prediction of Ceracris kiangsu Tsai in China
Authors: Fu Chun , Wen Xuanye , Shi Zhaopeng , Rui Lin , Jiang Na , Zhao Gelin , Wang Rulin , Zhao Jinpeng , Yang YaoJun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

In order to find out the potential suitable areas of Ceracris Kiangsu Tsai in China, and do a good job in early monitoring. Based on 314 species distribution points of C.kiangsu which were obtained from Chinese herbaria, literatures and investigation, and data of three future climate scenarios presented by CMIP6, two niche models (Garp, Maxent) were used to predict the suitable area of C.kiangsu in China. The result shows that the main environmental factors affecting the distribution of C.kiangsu are precipitation of driest month (bio14) and min temperature of coldest month (bio6). No matter now and future, the potential distribution areas of C. kiangsu in China are mainly in the south of Qinling-Huaihe River. The southern part of Hubei, the western part of Jiangxi and the eastern part of Hunan are highly-suitable areas for C. kiangsu under current scenario. As the climate warms in the future scenarios, the southern part of Yunnan, the southeast of Sichuan and the southwest of Chongqing will also become highly-suitable areas. It can be seen that the local vegetation and climate conditions of these areas mentioned above are more suitable for the survival of C. kiangsu. It is recommended that the local forestry authorities strengthen the monitoring of bamboo forests to prevent the damage caused by the introduction of C. kiangsu.
Exploration and verification of a separation method for fine grits and fine debris in sewage
Authors: Xia Zhiheng , Liu Shuai , Zhang Tongtong , Niu Xiaoxu , Luo Yunxiang , Liu Guo-hua , Qi Lu , Wang Hongchen 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This study proposed a separation method for fine grits (FG, 62.5–250 µm) and fine debris (FD, 62.5–1000 µm) in sewage. The core idea of the separation method was based on "organic matter removal + density separation", and boundary conditions of this method were explored based on the suspension solids contained in actual domestic sewage, and the accuracy of the separation method was confirmed using the recovery experiment of quartz sand. Compared to oxidation-treated samples, acidification-treated samples exhibited enhanced stability, and were less affected by the density separation medium. In addition, compared to when ZnCl2 was used as the separation medium, NaCl had no effect on the quality of the samples, and exerted less effect on the ISS/SS values of FG and FD. Further, the best FG and FD mixture separation effect was achieved when the density separation time was 30 min and the volume of sewage used for FG and FD separation is 10 L. The separation method was performed using exploratory experiments as follows: ① a mixture of FG and FD and organic matter was obtained by the filtration of domestic sewage using a 62.5 µm filter membrane; ② the organic matter was removed by acidification (1 M HCl) + heat treatment at 60 ℃ for 4 h; ③ After separation using a NaCl saturated solution, the particles were filtered to obtain FG and FD. The recovery of the mixed samples was 101.44 ± 0.54%, indicating the efficiency of the method in separating FG and FD from domestic sewage.
Absorption peak decomposition of an inhomogeneous nanoparticle ensemble of hexagonal tungsten bronzes using the reduced Mie scattering integration method
Authors: Machida Keisuke , Adachi Kenji 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Recent optical analyses of cesium-doped hexagonal tungsten bronze have accurately replicated the absorption peak and identified both plasmonic and polaronic absorptions in the near-infrared region, which have been exploited in various technological applications. However, the absorption peaks of tungsten oxides and bronzes have not generally been reproduced well, including those of the homologous potassium- and rubidium-doped hexagonal tungsten bronzes that lacked evidence of polaronic subpeaks. The present study reports a modified and simplified Mie scattering integration (MSI) method which incorporates the ensemble inhomogeneity effect and allows precise peak decomposition and determination of the physical parameters of nanoparticles. The decomposed peaks were interpreted in terms of electronic structures, screening effect, and modified dielectric functions. The analysis revealed that the plasma frequencies, polaron energies, and the number of oxygen vacancies decrease in the dopant order Cs → Rb → K. The coexistence of plasmonic and polaronic excitations was confirmed for all the alkali-doped hexagonal tungsten bronzes.
Comprehensive procedure for injecting Evusheld® for hematological diseases in a single institute
Authors: Imataki Osamu , Yoshida Shunsuke , Ishida Tomoya , Uemura Makiko , Fujita Haruyuki , Kadowaki Norimitsu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Tixagevimab and cilgavimab (EVA, Evusheld®), monoclonal antibody combination treatments, consisted of two neutralizing antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). EVA showed prophylactic and therapeutic effects against coronavirus disease 2019. The Japanese Society of Hematology recommended EVA for such patients with active treatment, but each institution decided on comprehensive administration. We develop a systematic procedure for comprehensive EVA injection in patients with hematological malignancies without any over/under-indication. We listed all patients with the required indications from November 2022 to March 2023. We included 178 cases, 84 females and 94 males, with a median age of 70 (range: 19–90) years. Underlying diseases are myeloid neoplasms in 36 (20%), lymphoid neoplasms in 75 (73%), and others. Indications were intensively hematological malignancy treatment, rituximab treatment within 12 months, burton kinase inhibitor treatment, after chimeric antigen receptor T cell immunotherapy, and after stem cell transplantation in 74 (41%), 73 (41%), 3 (2%), 5 (3%), and 23 (13%) cases, respectively. Of the 178 cases, 22 (12.4%) refused EVA injection. Further, 42 and 136 cases were administered outpatient and inpatient, respectively. Over 95% of the listed cases received EVA injection within 3 months. No severe toxicities were observed among them (N = 156), and 8 (5.2%) cases had breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection, which was significantly lower (P = 0.02) than those without EVA (4 [18.2%] of 22 cases). Both groups showed no moderate or severe infection cases. This single-center experience showed that comprehensive EVA injection management effectively generated safer completion with preferable clinical impact.