bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of endothelial progenitor cell subtypes as clinical biomarkers for elderly patients with ischaemic stroke
Authors: Kadir Rais Reskiawan A. , Rakkar Kamini , Othman Othman A. , Sprigg Nikola , Bath Philip M. , Bayraktutan Ulvi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractEndothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), expressing markers for stemness (CD34), immaturity (CD133) and endothelial maturity (KDR), may determine the extent of post-stroke vascular repair. Given the prevalence of stroke in elderly, this study explored whether variations in plasmatic availability of certain EPC subtypes could predict the severity and outcome of disease in older patients. Blood samples were collected from eighty-one consented patients (≥ 65 years) at admission and days 7, 30 and 90 post-stroke. EPCs were counted with flow cytometry. Stroke severity and outcome were assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Barthel Index and modified Rankin Scale. The levels of key elements known to affect EPC characteristics were measured by ELISA. Diminished total antioxidant capacity and CD34 + KDR + and CD133 + KDR + counts in early phases of stroke were associated with disease severity and worse functional outcome at day 90 post-stroke. Baseline levels of angiogenic agent PDGF-BB, but not VEGF, positively correlated with CD34 + KDR + numbers at day 90. Baseline LDL-cholesterol levels were inversely correlated with CD34 + KDR+, CD133 + KDR + and CD34 + CD133 + KDR + numbers at day 90. Close correlation between baseline CD34 + KDR + and CD133 + KDR + counts and the outcome of stroke proposes these particular EPC subtypes as potential prognostic markers for ischaemic stroke.
Central emotions and hubs in a colexification network
Authors: Fukuya Mitsuki , Matsumoto Tomoko , Shimada Yutaka , Ikeguchi Tohru 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBy focusing on colexification, we detected central emotions sharing semantic commonalities with many other emotions in terms of a semantic relationship of both similarity and associativity. In analysis, we created colexification networks from multiple languages by assigning a concept to a vertex and colexification to an edge. We identify concepts of emotions with a large weight in the colexification network and specify central emotions by finding hub emotions. Our resultant central emotions are four: “GOOD,” “WANT,” “BAD,” and “LOVE.”
Reinforcement learning optimisation for graded metamaterial design using a physical-based constraint on the state representation and action space
Authors: Rosafalco Luca , De Ponti Jacopo Maria , Iorio Luca , Craster Richard V. , Ardito Raffaele , Corigliano Alberto 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe energy harvesting capability of a graded metamaterial is maximised via reinforcement learning (RL) under realistic excitations at the microscale. The metamaterial consists of a waveguide with a set of beam-like resonators of variable length, with piezoelectric patches, attached to it. The piezo-mechanical system is modelled through equivalent lumped parameters determined via a general impedance analysis. Realistic conditions are mimicked by considering either magnetic loading or random excitations, the latter scenario requiring the enhancement of the harvesting capability for a class of forcing terms with similar but different frequency content. The RL-based optimisation is empowered by using the physical understanding of wave propagation in a such local resonance system to constrain the state representation and the action space. The procedure outcomes are compared against grading rules optimised through genetic algorithms. While genetic algorithms are more effective in the deterministic setting featuring the application of magnetic loading, the proposed RL-based proves superior in the inherently stochastic setting of the random excitation scenario.
Advanced platelet-rich fibrin promotes healing of induced corneal ulcer in donkeys (Equus asinus)
Authors: Hosny Omar H. , Abd-Elkareem Mahmoud , Ali Magda M. , Ahmed Ahmed F. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractUlcerative keratitis is a common disease in horses which may cause blindness. To prevent secondary bacterial and fungal infections and promote quick re-growth of the epithelial layer, different treatment approaches have been employed. This study aimed to examine the effects of advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) gel on the healing process of experimentally induced corneal ulcers in donkeys. Nine healthy adult donkeys were used for the study. The donkeys were divided into two groups: the control group, where no medication was applied to the corneal ulcer, and the A-PRF gel group, where A-PRF gel was applied once a day on specific days after ulcer induction. The healing process was evaluated through various examinations and analyses. The results demonstrated that the A-PRF gel group showed significant improvement in the corneal ulcer area, with epithelial and stromal regeneration. At day 35, about 60% of the A-PRF group showed negative fluorescein uptake. Additionally, fewer complications were observed during the healing process compared to the control group. In conclusion, A-PRF gel is an important and safe therapeutic option for controlling ocular surface infection and promoting corneal healing. We recommend using A-PRF gel as an alternative approach, avoiding eyelid suturing, and minimizing corneal irritation.
Fully-automated, CT-only GTV contouring for palliative head and neck radiotherapy
Authors: Gay Skylar S. , Cardenas Carlos E. , Nguyen Callistus , Netherton Tucker J. , Yu Cenji , Zhao Yao , Skett Stephen , Patel Tina , Adjogatse Delali , Guerrero Urbano Teresa , Naidoo Komeela , Beadle Beth M. , Yang Jinzhong , Aggarwal Ajay , Court Laurence E. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPlanning for palliative radiotherapy is performed without the advantage of MR or PET imaging in many clinics. Here, we investigated CT-only GTV delineation for palliative treatment of head and neck cancer. Two multi-institutional datasets of palliative-intent treatment plans were retrospectively acquired: a set of 102 non-contrast-enhanced CTs and a set of 96 contrast-enhanced CTs. The nnU-Net auto-segmentation network was chosen for its strength in medical image segmentation, and five approaches separately trained: (1) heuristic-cropped, non-contrast images with a single GTV channel, (2) cropping around a manually-placed point in the tumor center for non-contrast images with a single GTV channel, (3) contrast-enhanced images with a single GTV channel, (4) contrast-enhanced images with separate primary and nodal GTV channels, and (5) contrast-enhanced images along with synthetic MR images with separate primary and nodal GTV channels. Median Dice similarity coefficient ranged from 0.6 to 0.7, surface Dice from 0.30 to 0.56, and 95th Hausdorff distance from 14.7 to 19.7 mm across the five approaches. Only surface Dice exhibited statistically-significant difference across these five approaches using a two-tailed Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test (p ≤ 0.05). Our CT-only results met or exceeded published values for head and neck GTV autocontouring using multi-modality images. However, significant edits would be necessary before clinical use in palliative radiotherapy.
Estimating chronological age through learning local and global features of panoramic radiographs in the Korean population
Authors: Yeom Han-Gyeol , Lee Byung-Do , Lee Wan , Lee Taehan , Yun Jong Pil 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study suggests a hybrid method based on ResNet50 and vision transformer (ViT) in an age estimation model. To this end, panoramic radiographs are used for learning by considering both local features and global information, which is important in estimating age. Transverse and longitudinal panoramic images of 9663 patients were selected (4774 males and 4889 females with a mean age of 39 years and 3 months). To compare ResNet50, ViT, and the hybrid model, the mean absolute error, mean square error, root mean square error, and coefficient of determination (R2) were used as metrics. The results confirmed that the age estimation model designed using the hybrid method performed better than those using only ResNet50 or ViT. The estimation is highly accurate for young people at an age with distinct growth characteristics. When examining the basis for age estimation in the hybrid model through attention rollout, the proposed model used logical and important factors rather than relying on unclear elements as the basis for age estimation.
Metabolomic profile of acute myeloid leukaemia parallels of prognosis and response to therapy
Authors: Bolkun Lukasz , Pienkowski Tomasz , Sieminska Julia , Godzien Joanna , Pietrowska Karolina , Kłoczko Janusz , Wierzbowska Agnieszka , Moniuszko Marcin , Ratajczak Mariusz , Kretowski Adam , Ciborowski Michal 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe heterogeneity of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a complex hematological malignancy, is caused by mutations in myeloid cells affecting their differentiation and proliferation. Thus, various cytogenetic alterations in AML cells may be characterized by a unique metabolome and require different treatment approaches. In this study, we performed untargeted metabolomics to assess metabolomics differences between AML patients and healthy controls, AML patients with different treatment outcomes, AML patients in different risk groups based on the 2017 European LeukemiaNet (ELN) recommendations for the diagnosis and management of AML, AML patients with and without FLT3-ITD mutation, and a comparison between patients with FLT3-ITD, CBF-AML (Core binding factor acute myelogenous leukemia), and MLL AML (mixed-lineage leukemia gene) in comparison to control subjects. Analyses were performed in serum samples using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC–MS). The obtained metabolomics profiles exhibited many alterations in glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid metabolism and allowed us to propose biomarkers based on each of the above assessments as an aid for diagnosis and eventual classification, allowing physicians to choose the best-suited treatment approach. These results highlight the application of LC–MS-based metabolomics of serum samples as an aid in diagnostics and a potential minimally invasive prognostic tool for identifying various cytogenetic and treatment outcomes of AML.
General Movements trajectories and outcome at 12 months in very preterm infants: An analysis of tendencies and pathological persistence
Authors: Teschler Uta , Dathe Anne-Kathrin , Heuser-Spura Katharina Maria , Bialas Johanna , Cordier Larissa Jane , Albayrak Bilge , Felderhoff-Mueser Ursula , Huening Britta Maria 
Published: December 2023

AbstractVery preterm infants (VPI) < 32 weeks are at increased risk of developmental disorders detectable using the Prechtl General Movements Assessment (GMA) and the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition (BSID-III). The aim of this study was to investigate General Movements (GMs) trajectories from preterm to fidgety age including GMs tendencies and their association with cognitive and motor outcome. Retrospective analysis of VPI with GMA at preterm (35 ± 2 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA), T1) and fidgety age (12 ± 3 weeks corrected age CA), T2), and BSID-III (12 ± 3 months CA, T3) is performed. Data are analysed using Pearson χ2-test, Fisher-Freeman-Halton Exact test, and residual analyses. This study found significant associations between (a) GMs (T1) and (b) persistent pathological GMs (T1 + T2) with cognitive outcomes at 12 months (T3) considering the tendencies of GMs in addition to the global character (p = 0.007, p = 0.022, respectively), representing medium-sized effects. There were no significant associations between GMs or persistence of pathological GMs and gross and fine motor outcomes, regardless of GMs tendencies. Findings indicate that considering tendencies of GMs and the persistence of pathological GMs may be important in identifying children at risk of cognitive impairments early. This additional assessment parameter may have the potential for early identification of infants with milder motor and/or cognitive impairments. However, more research is needed using larger sample cohorts to generalise the results and to be able to recommend sequential GMA for clinical routine.
Proposed physical mechanism that gives rise to cosmic inflation
Authors: Law Bruce M. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractEarly in the Universe a chemical equilibrium exists between photons and electron–positron ($$e^{ - } e^{ + }$$

e
-

e
+

) pairs. In the electron Born self-energy (eBse) model the $$e^{ - } e^{ + }$$

e
-

e
+

plasma falls out of equilibrium above a glass transition temperature $$T_{G} = 1.06 \times 10^{17} K$$

T
G

=
1.06
×

10
17

K

determined by the maximum electron/positron number density of $$1/(2R_{e} )^{3}$$

1
/

(
2

R
e

)

3

where $$R_{e}$$

R
e

is the electron radius. In the glassy phase ($$T > T_{G}$$

T
>

T
G

) the Universe undergoes exponential acceleration, characteristic of cosmic inflation, with a constant potential energy density $$\psi_{G} = 1.9 \times 10^{50} J/m^{3}$$

ψ
G

=
1.9
×

10
50

J
/

m
3

. At lower temperatures $$T < T_{G}$$

T
<

T
G

photon-$$e^{ - } e^{ + }$$

e
-

e
+

chemical equilibrium is restored and the glassy phase gracefully exits to the $$\Lambda CDM$$

Λ
C
D
M

cosmological model when the equation of state $$w = 1/3$$

w
=
1
/
3

, corresponding to a cross-over temperature $$T_{X} = 0.94 \times 10^{17} K$$

T
X

=
0.94
×

10
17

K

. In the eBse model the inflaton scalar field is temperature $$T$$
T
where the potential energy density $$\psi (T)$$

ψ
(
T
)

is a plateau potential, in agreement with Planck collaboration 2013 findings. There are no free parameters that require fine tuning to give cosmic inflation in the eBse model.
Beyond scale-free networks: integrating multilayer social networks with molecular clusters in the local spread of COVID-19
Authors: Fujimoto Kayo , Kuo Jacky , Stott Guppy , Lewis Ryan , Chan Hei Kit , Lyu Leke , Veytsel Gabriella , Carr Michelle , Broussard Tristan , Short Kirstin , Brown Pamela , Sealy Roger , Brown Armand , Bahl Justin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study evaluates the scale-free network assumption commonly used in COVID-19 epidemiology, using empirical social network data from SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant molecular local clusters in Houston, Texas. We constructed genome-informed social networks from contact and co-residence data, tested them for scale-free power-law distributions that imply highly connected hubs, and compared them to alternative models (exponential, log-normal, power-law with exponential cutoff, and Weibull) that suggest more evenly distributed network connections. Although the power-law model failed the goodness of fit test, after incorporating social network ties, the power-law model was at least as good as, if not better than, the alternatives, implying the presence of both hub and non-hub mechanisms in local SARS-CoV-2 transmission. These findings enhance our understanding of the complex social interactions that drive SARS-CoV-2 transmission, thereby informing more effective public health interventions.
Inversion study on elastic–plastic material parameters of red sandstone in uniaxial compression test
Authors: Wu Jianing , Yang Xiaobin , Song Yimin , Liu Shun , Li Shihao , Liu Jiawei 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn order to obtain the real material parameters of heterogeneous rock, the material parameters of red sandstone specimens under uniaxial compression tests are inverted based on the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) method and the Finite Element Model Updating (FEMU) method. The DIC method is employed to calculate the displacement field of red sandstone specimens during uniaxial compression loading. Concurrently, a uniaxial compression elastic–plastic finite element numerical model with non-uniform material parameters is developed based on the FEMU method. The model adopts the Mohr–Coulomb yield criterion and adjusts the boundary conditions in real-time to maintain consistency with the test. The vertical displacement field of the numerical model is juxtaposed with that of the test to construct the objective function. Optimization is achieved using the Artificial Fish Swarm algorithm, which enables the acquisition of the non-uniform distribution and evolution process of the material parameters of specimens at different loading moments. The results indicate that this method can spatially obtain the non-uniform distribution field of material parameters and temporally track the evolution of material parameters during the loading process. This research lays a solid foundation for enhancing the accuracy of intelligent coal mining and dynamic disaster monitoring and early warning in coal mines.
An analysis of bicycle accidents with respect to spatial heterogeneity
Authors: Chun Uibeom , Lim Joonbeom , Lee Soobeom , Park Shinhyoung 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBicycles are an eco-friendly mode of transportation, and in the capital city of South Korea, Seoul, efforts are being made to encourage citizens to use bicycles. However, without appropriate safety measures, these efforts can lead to an increase in bicycle-related traffic accidents. To promote bicycle usage while ensuring safety, this study identified various factors that influence bicycle accidents. Data were utilized that had not been properly considered in previous bicycle accident-related studies, including slope and the level of public transportation services. By considering the factors influencing bicycle traffic accidents, various models were constructed, and through comparisons of statistical indicators, the optimal model was selected geographically weighted negative binomial regression. Ultimately, three significant conclusions to ensure bicycle safety were drawn. First, across all areas of Seoul, an increase in road slope leads to a decrease in bicycle-related accidents. Furthermore, for certain Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZs), as the number of local buses (or neighborhood/community buses) increases, the bicycle traffic volume decreases, resulting in a reduction in bicycle accidents. Lastly, for some TAZs, an increase in bicycle lanes to be installed into the roadway was associated with an increase in bicycle accidents.
Exploration of the role of oxidative stress-related genes in LPS-induced acute lung injury via bioinformatics and experimental studies
Authors: Liu Yuanshui , Li Huamei , Ouyang Yanhong , Zhang Yan , Pan Pinhua 
Published: December 2023

AbstractDuring the progression of acute lung injury (ALI), oxidative stress and inflammatory responses always promote each other. The datasets analyzed in this research were acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and limma package were used to obtain the ALI-related genes (ALIRGs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs), respectively. In total, two biological markers (Gch1 and Tnfaip3) related to oxidative stress were identified by machine learning algorithms, Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC), and differential expression analyses. The area under the curve (AUC) value of biological markers was greater than 0.9, indicating an excellent power to distinguish between ALI and control groups. Moreover, 15 differential immune cells were selected between the ALI and control samples, and they were correlated to biological markers. The transcription factor (TF)-microRNA (miRNA)-Target network was constructed to explore the potential regulatory mechanisms. Finally, based on the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), the expression of Gch1 and Tnfaip3 was significantly higher in ALI lung tissue than in healthy controls. In conclusion, the differences in expression profiles between ALI and normal controls were found, and two biological markers were identified, providing a research basis for further understanding the pathogenesis of ALI.
Identification and validation of telomerase related lncRNAs signature to predict prognosis and tumor immunotherapy response in bladder cancer
Authors: Chen Xiaoxu , Qin Zheng , Zhu Xiao , Wang Lili , Li Changying , Wang Haitao 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTelomerase allows eukaryotic cells to proliferate indefinitely, an important characteristic of tumor cells. Telomerase-related long no coding RNAs (TERLs) are involved in prognosis and drug sensitivity prediction; however, their association with bladder cancer (BLCA) is still unreported. The objective of this research is to determine a predictive prognostic TERL signature for OS and to provide an efficient treatment option for BLCA. The RNA sequence, clinical information, and mutational data of BLCA patients were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. With the help of the data from least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and Cox regression, a prognostic signature was established including 14 TERLs, which could divide BLCA patients into low-risk (L-R) and high-risk (H-R) cohorts. The time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve demonstrated the greater predictive power of the model. By combing the TERLs-based signature and clinical risk factors (age, sex, grade, and stage), a prognostic nomogram was constructed to forecast the survival rates of patients with BLCA at 1-, 3-, and 5-years, which was well matched by calibration plots C-index and Decision curve analysis (DCA). Furthermore, the L-R cohort showed higher tumor mutation burden (TMB) and lower tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) than the H-R cohort, as well as substantial variability in immune cell infiltration and immune function between the two cohorts was elucidated. As for external validation, LINC01711 and RAP2C-AS1 were identified as poor prognostic factors by survival analysis from the Kaplan–Meier Plotter database, which were validated in BLCA cell lines (EJ, 253J, T24, and 5637) and SV-HUC-1 cells as the control group using qRT-PCR. In addition, interference with the expression of RAP2C-AS1 suppresses the proliferation and migration of BLCA cells, and RAP2C-AS1 could affect the expression of CD274 and CTLA4, which could serve as prognostic markers and characterize the tumor microenvironment in BLCA. Overall, the model based on the 14-TERLs signature can efficiently predict the prognosis and drug treatment response in individuals with bladder cancer.
Weather induced post failure kinematics of a highway embankment founded on a marly sandstone slope
Authors: Comegna Luca , Mandolini Alessandro , Manna Denise , Rianna Guido , Reder Alfredo 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA highway embankment founded on a sloping tectonised marly-sandstone flysch formation located in the Apennines chain (Italy) has been affected for about 30 years by continuous slow movements. Given the strategic importance of the involved infrastructure, different investigation and monitoring campaigns have been carried out to get information about the properties of the involved soils and collect data about the displacements and piezometric regime. Field monitoring, in particular, reveals that the observed displacements result from a failure mechanism involving both the embankment and the foundation soils. However, significant gaps in monitoring jeopardize the possibility to assess the long-term trends in the displacements and piezometric regime and the significance of weather forcing in regulating the phenomena. To address such research questions, a procedure, easily transferable in different contexts, is proposed and applied to the test case: a simple hydrological proxy indeed permits evaluating the rate of movement featured by weatherinduced seasonal variability. Such a mechanical response has been confirmed by the results of a simplified numerical model aimed at finding out the main features of the observed kinematics accounting for a hydrological balance of the involved area.