bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
QAL-BP: An Augmented Lagrangian Quantum Approach for Bin Packing
Authors: Cellini Lorenzo , Macaluso Antonio , Lombardi Michele 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The bin packing is a well-known NP-Hard problem in the domain of artificial intelligence, posing significant challenges in finding efficient solutions. Conversely, recent advancements in quantum technologies have shown promising potential for achieving substantial computational speedup, particularly in certain problem classes, such as combinatorial optimization.
In this study, we introduce QAL-BP, a novel Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) formulation designed specifically for bin packing and suitable for quantum computation. QAL-BP utilizes the augmented Lagrangian method to incorporate the bin packing constraints into the objective function while also facilitating an analytical estimation of heuristic, but empirically robust, penalty multipliers. This approach leads to a more versatile and generalizable model that eliminates the need for empirically calculating instance-dependent Lagrangian coefficients, a requirement commonly encountered in alternative QUBO formulations for similar problems. To assess the effectiveness of our proposed approach, we conduct experiments on a set of bin-packing instances using a real Quantum Annealing device. Additionally, we compare the results with those obtained from two different classical solvers, namely simulated annealing and Gurobi. The experimental findings not only confirm the correctness of the proposed formulation but also demonstrate the potential of quantum computation in effectively solving the bin-packing problem, particularly as more reliable quantum technology becomes available.
Computer-Aided Polyps Classification from Colonoscopy Using Deep Learning Models
Authors: Gangrade Shweta , Sharma Prakash Chandra , Sharma Akhilesh Kumar , Singh Yadvendra , Salehi Ahmeed Waleed 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Medical imaging has advanced to the extent that conditions including stomach ulcers, bleeding, and polyps can be diagnosed using video endoscopy. It takes a lot of time for doctors to follow up on all the images produced by medical video endoscopy. This complicates the use of labor. Automated diagnosis through computer aided approaches to analyze all the resulting images rapidly and accurately. The proposed methodology is innovative in that it seeks to create a system for diagnosing gastrointestinal disorders. The images that are sent into the deep learning networks have all been improved and have had the noise removed. The 5000 images in the Kvasir dataset are evenly split between five different categories affecting the digestive tract: dye-lifted polyps, dyed resection margins, normal cecum, polyps, and ulcerative coliti. Five finely tuned deep convolutional neural network architectures (Xception, ResNet-101, VGG-19, EfficientNetB2v3, and MobineNetV2) with weights from the ImageNet dataset. EffecientNetV2B3 outperformed and achieved accuracy of 96.0%.
Analysis of a Novel Virtual Pediatric Concussion Clinic in a Rural Setting
Authors: Bales Natalie J. , Perera Dinukie-Chantal , Foerster Ruth , Poirier Leanne , Ducis Katrina 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Children and adolescents who sustain concussion in rural communities are lost to follow-up after initial evaluation more often than their urban counterparts. Thus, this study aims to determine the feasibility and accessibility of a novel virtual pediatric concussion clinic in a rural setting.
Methods: Data regarding patients referred to a virtual concussion clinic at a rural Pediatric Level 2 Trauma Center over a 16-month period was prospectively collected. Patients experiencing concussive symptoms were referred to the pediatric neurosurgery clinical registered nurse and received a phone call following an injury. Referrals to therapy were made based on symptoms reported.
Results: Data from 44 patients was collected: 9 did not follow-up in concussion clinic despite leaving a voicemail. 43 were referred from the emergency department. The median time from referral placed to completing a virtual follow up was 4.5 days. Among the referrals, 3 (8.6%) were to pediatric neurology, 10 (28.6%) to occupational therapy (OT), 6 (17.1%) to physical therapy (PT), 4 (11.4%) to speech-language pathology, and 25 (71.4%) did not receive referrals as their symptoms had abated. Patients followed with pediatric neurology post-injury for an average of 75.9 days, OT for an average of 52.7 days, and PT for an average of 2.3 days.
Conclusion: This is a feasible model to follow patients and place referrals for additional therapeutic services in a rural community. With 79.5% of patients completing a follow-up, the clinic demonstrates easy accessibility and reliable adherence.
Effect of Si Doping and Active Carbon Surface Modifications on the Electrical and Structure Performance of Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Kuang Huan , Xiao Li , Lai Yuan , Shen Li , Zhou Anni , Wu Juan , Zhu Yirong 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Li4Ti5O12, as a spinel lithium-ion batteries anode material , exhibits stable cycling and is less prone to lithium dendrites and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) films. However, its theoretical capacity and conductivity are low within the electrochemical window of 1.0-2.5 V. In this study, active carbon coated and Silicon-doped Li4Ti5O12 crystals were used, and an electrochemical window of 0.01-3.0 V was applied during cycling to enhance the material’s capacity and conductivity. The investigation revealed that the capacity of bare Li4Ti5O12 samples and those with single silicon doping or carbon coating exhibited rapid decay during high-rate long cycling. By contrast, the capacity of composite LSiAC samples (comprising 87 wt% Li4Ti5O12+3 wt% AC+10 wt% Si) after 1000 cycles at a 5C rate reached 196.56 mAh/g, with a great capacity retention rate (89.37%). This improvement can be attributed to two factors. Firstly, the active carbon coating enhances material conductivity and simultaneously acts as a barrier isolating Li4Ti5O12 from the electrolyte LiPF6, thereby preventing structural degradation. Secondly, Si doping between Li4Ti5O12 crystals leads to an appropriate amount of Si expansion during cycling, effectively increasing the crystal plane spacing and facilitating lithium-ion migration. The proposed modification process is both simple and environmentally friendly, making it suitable for industrial-scale production. This approach holds promise in bolstering the competitiveness of spinel Li4Ti5O12 as an anode material in the lithium-ion battery market.
A pilot study of pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms concomitant with coeliac artery stenosis: Using computational haemodynamics to better understand a rare disease
Authors: Blom Dirk , Chidambaram Rama , Caddy Harrison , Soares Julian , Bappoo Nikhilesh , Kelsey Lachlan , Jansen Shirley , Doyle Barry 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms have been associated with coeliac artery stenosis or occlusion. These aneurysms are rare, and their size may not be predictive of rupture risk. Wall shear stress has a potential role in the initiation, development and rupture of aneurysms. We investigated the influence of coeliac artery stenosis on wall shear stress in developing PDA aneurysm and in both ruptured and intact aneurysms to determine if ruptured aneurysms experience low WSS compared to intact cases. Computed tomography imaging was retrospectively collected and reconstructed into three-dimensional geometries with which blood flow simulations were performed to compare aneurysm wall shear stress between ruptured vs intact groups. Aneurysm initiation was investigated by digitally augmenting a case to represent a healthy geometry, with incremental coeliac artery stenosis then virtually applied. Coeliac artery stenosis resulted in gastroduodenal artery flow reversal and increased wall shear stress in the inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries, where wall shear stress reached reaching 7.55 Pa at 80% stenosis. Wall shear stress was lower in ruptured aneurysms compared to intact cases (0.23(0.25) Pa vs. 0.37(0.26) Pa). Aneurysm WSS was not correlated to diameter (rs = 0.196, p = .564). Our results suggest 70% to 80% CA stenosis as a threshold for flow reversal through the inferior PDA and GDA, with corresponding high levels of WSS in the IPDA which may be responsible for the aneurysm initiation.
Association between motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and swallowing disorders
Authors: Nakamori Masahiro , Toko Megumi , Yamada Hidetada , Hayashi Yuki , Ushio Kai , Yoshikawa Kohei , Haruta Azusa , Hiraoka Aya , Yoshikawa Mineka , Nagasaki Toshikazu , Mikami Yukio , Maruyama Hirofumi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Parkinson's disease (PD) presents with motor symptoms that hinder physical activity. This study thoroughly investigated swallowing dysfunction in patients with PD using videofluoroscopy (VF) and the Movement Disorder Society (MDS)-Unified PD Rating Scale (UPDRS) sub-scores.
Methods: This study was part of an intervention project to evaluate the effectiveness of cervical percutaneous interferential current stimulation in patients with Hoehn and Yahr stages 2–4 PD. Baseline data, including swallowing-related indicators such as VF, were obtained and compared to the MDS-UPDRS sub-scores including rigidity, tremor, postural instability/gait difficulty, and limb scores.
Results: Twenty-seven patients were included in this study. In the VF analysis, laryngeal penetration/aspiration, oral cavity residue, epiglottic vallecular residue, and pharyngeal residue were observed with remarkable frequency. The multivariate analysis revealed that the mean rigidity score of UPDRS was an independent and significantly correlated factor with laryngeal penetration/aspiration during the ingestion of 10 mL of water (odds ratio 1.294, 95% confidence interval 1.035–1.617; p = 0.024).
Conclusion: This study revealed a correlation between muscle rigidity and laryngeal penetration or aspiration risk. The detailed comparative analysis of various individual PD symptoms and swallowing disorders was substantial, which enables early detection of the risk of swallowing disorder and the implementation of appropriate measures.
Trial Registration number: jRCTs062220013
Designing, Docking, Molecular Dynamics of Several Aminocoumarin Analogues to Predict Solution of Aminocoumarin Derivatives Issues: Poor Oral-Bioavailability, Low Solubility, and Toxicity
Authors: Al-Amin Md. , Haque Md. Anawarul 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Aminocoumarin derivatives such as Novobiocin, Coumermycin, and Clorobiocin have several issues: poor oral bioavailability, low solubility, and toxicity. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) withdrew Novobiocin sodium from the market for safety and efficacy issues in 2009. Adding selective moieties to the aminocoumarin skeleton may make it possible to design effective aminocoumarin analogues that will solve the issues of the aminocoumarin derivatives. Based on the drug design criterion, we designed several aminocoumarin analogues by adding alicyclic and aliphatic moieties at the modifiable positions of the aminocoumarin skeleton, trifluoroethylamine as bioisosteres of the amide bond of the aminocoumarin skeleton, and added fluorine to the metabolic sites of the aminocoumarin skeleton. After docking, it was understood that the designed aminocoumarin analogues effectively blocked the active site's amino acids such as Asn54, Asp81, and Arg84 of the DNA gyrase of Staphylococcus aureus.
Moreover, molecular dynamics data suggested that the designed analogue-3 had good stability compared to Novobiocin. In addition, the designed analogues-2 and 3 followed Lipinski's rule of five, which predicts that they will contain an excellent oral bioavailability profile. Furthermore, the solubility and toxicity analysis indicated that the designed analogues had good solubility and less toxicity.
A novel nomogram for the prediction of perforation during endoscopic submucosal dissection for colorectal neoplasms
Authors: Zhang Yuxin , Liu Xun , Gu Fang , Ding Shigang 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Purpose
High perforation risk hinders the widespread adoption of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for colorectal neoplasms. This study was performed to determine the predictors of colorectal ESD-induced perforation and develop a predictive model.
Methods
A total of 1020 colorectal neoplasms in 963 patients were retrospectively enrolled from January 2011 to December 2021 in a single tertiary center as the derivation cohort. We identified independent risk factors for perforation using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. A nomogram was developed based on the logistic regression model and prospectively applied to 266 colorectal neoplasms as the validation cohort. The performance of the predictive model was evaluated with the receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration plot, and decision curve analysis.
Results
Independent predictors for colorectal ESD-induced perforation were tumor located in the colon (left colon, odds ratio [OR] 2.96, P = 0.006; right colon, OR 2.14, P = 0.040), tumor size ≥ 40 mm (OR 2.27, P = 0.012), LST type (OR 2.57, P = 0.016), submucosal fibrosis (OR 2.96, P < 0.001) and procedure time ≥ 60 min (OR 3.05, P = 0.001). The nomogram model incorporating the above predictors performed well in both the derivation and validation cohorts (area under the curve of 0.796 and 0.797, respectively). Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the clinical benefit of the nomogram was favorable.
Conclusions
The novel nomogram, developed and prospectively validated, incorporating tumor size, location, morphology, submucosal fibrosis, and procedure time, can successfully predict perforation during endoscopic submucosal dissection for colorectal neoplasms.
Global boundedness and asymptotic behavior of solutions to a three-dimensional immune chemotaxis system
Authors: Gao Xiaoyan , Miao Liangying 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In a bounded smooth domain Ω ⊂ R 3 and with a positive parameter χ > 0, this paper is devoted to investigate the global boundedness and asymptotic behavior of solutions to a immune-chemotaxis system. By establishing the uniform boundedness of L ∞-norm for immune cells and the uniform boundedness of L q-norm with q ∈ (3, ∞) for the chemokines gradient, it is possible to identify a smallness condition on chemosensitivity χ that ensures global existence of classical solution to the model in a three-dimensional bounded domain. Moreover, building on this boundedness property, it is proved that if χ is appropriately small, as time tends to infinity, all the solution will decay exponentially to the spatially constant nontrivial equilibria in an appropriate sense.
Mathematics Subject Classification. 35B40, 35B65, 35K57, 35Q92, 92C17.
The genetic homogeneity of Uganda's East African Highland bananas does not match the extensive morphological variation identified in this group
Authors: Pillay Michael 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The East African Highland banana (EAHB) is a triploid (AAA) group of about 120 cooking and beer banana varieties that are adapted to the high altitudes of the Great Lakes region of East Africa. Banana production is affected by several biotic and abiotic factors. Breeding opportunities in bananas are limited due to female sterility and parthenocarpy. The genetic diversity of crops enables breeders to develop new germplasm. Molecular markers have been used widely to dissect crop plants' genetic diversity. This study assessed the genetic variation in 27 EAHB varieties using Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). No genetic variation was observed among the banana varieties, and the 18 ten-mer primers produced monomorphic banding profiles. The genetic homogeneity of the EAHBs is not congruent with the extensive morphological variation found in this banana group. Domestication and the bottleneck effect are often cited as the cause of reduced diversity in crop plants. On the other hand, several mechanisms, including somatic mutations, transposable elements, polyploidy, genome plasticity and epigenetic mechanisms, are known to increase plant phenotypic variability. Further in-depth research is needed to explain the puzzle between the genetic and morphological diversity in the East African Highland banana.
Identifying quality indicators for home care services: a modified Delphi and Analytic Hierarchy Process study
Authors: Zheng Qiu-Lan , Kong Ling-Na , Hu Ping , Liu Dun-Xiu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
As the recipients of home care services, patients have the most direct and profound experience of service quality. There is no knowledge as to quality indicators for home care services from the patients’ perspective. This study aimed to identify quality indicators for home care services based on Service Quality model, and determine the weight of these indicators.
Methods
A two-round online Delphi survey and Analytic Hierarchy Process consultation were conducted to gather opinions from national experts on quality indicators for home care services developed on the basis of the Service Quality model. Consensus was defined as at least 80% agreement on the importance (important and very important) of indicators and among experts. The Analytic Hierarchy Process was used to determine the relative importance of the identified indicators.
Results
The response rate was 95% in the first and 97.4% in the second round. After round two, five first-level and 23 second-level indicators were identified. The Kendall’s W values were 0.54 and 0.40 for the first-level and second-level indicators (p < 0.001). The weight coefficients for the first-level and second-level indicators were 0.110–0.298 and 0.019–0.088, respectively.
Conclusion
The quality indicators for home care services were developed based on the Service Quality model. These indicators will be useful to evaluate and improve the quality of home care services.
A self-printing Turing machine program with the possibility of containing any other program
Authors: Kicsiny Richárd , Varga Zoltán 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Despite of the primary theoretical and practical importance of self-replication and the Turing machine (TM), which is essentially the most basic/fundamental mathematical machine being able to realize/simulate any algorithm (and thus to model algorithmic mental processes), self-replication has not been realized yet in pure TM environment. In particular, the reproduction/printing of a TM program by itself (starting with the blank tape) has not been realized yet, despite of that the self-reproduction of a program is one of the key steps in the whole process of self-replication. Although, there exists so-called self-describing machines/automata, they print not their (full) program itself, only some unique (abbreviated) representation of it.
Our present work is to fill this gap by means of proposing a new kind of TM that we call self-printing TM. In addition to printing their own program (starting with the blank tape), the possibility of printing any (other) TM program is built in the proposed self-printing TMs. It means that the self-printing TMs are able to print the program of any (other) TM as a part of their own program. As a practical contribution, a particular self-printing TM program is provided.
In the future, apart from the theoretical/mathematical and technological respects, the proposed self-printing TM may serve as a practical tool for studying fundamental life-like phenomena (like not only self-reproduction, but also mutation and evolution) in their pure (most direct) form, in the field of artificial and biological life. In the Conclusions, this important research possibility is detailed.
Human tripartite cortical network model for temporal assessment of alpha-synuclein aggregation and propagation in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Kapucu Fikret Emre , Tujula Iisa , Kulta Oskari , Sukki Lassi , Ryynänen Tomi , Gram Hjalte , Vuolanto Valtteri , Vinogradov Andrey , Kreutzer Joose , Jensen Poul Henning , Kallio Pasi , Narkilahti Susanna 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Previously, several in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that the pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD), malicious strains of alpha-synuclein (α-s) protein, are transferred between cells via different routes, thus participating in disease progression. The amplification of α-s and propagation of its aggregated forms are described as prion-like propagation widely supported by in vitro rodent and human cell studies. In this study, our focus was on temporal assessment of functional changes during α-s aggregation and propagation in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neuronal cultures and in engineered networks. Here, we report for the first time an engineered circular tripartite human neuronal network model in a microfluidic chip integrated with microelectrode arrays (MEAs) as a platform to study functional markers during α-s aggregation and propagation. We showed a progressive aggregation of α-s in conventional neuronal cultures and in the exposed (proximal) compartments of circular tripartite networks after we preformed α-s fibril (PFF) exposure. Moreover, aggregated forms propagated through axonal transportation to distal compartments of the circular tripartite networks. We observed impacts of α-s aggregation on both the structure and function of neuronal cells, such as in presynaptic proteins, mitochondrial motility, receptor channel expression, calcium oscillations and neuronal activity. The model enabled an assessment of the early, middle, and late phases of α-s aggregation and its propagation during a 13-day follow-up period. Taken together, this temporal analysis suggested a complex interplay of structural and functional changes during the in vitro propagation of α-s aggregates.
Masting ontogeny: the largest masting benefits accrue to the largest trees
Authors: Szymkowiak Jakub , Hacket-Pain Andrew , Kelly Dave , Foest Jessie , Kondrat Katarzyna , Thomas Peter , Lageard Jonathan , Gratzer Georg , Pesendorfer Mario , Bogdziewicz Michał 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Masting, variable and synchronized seed production across years by a population of perennial plants, enhances reproductive efficiency through increasing pollination efficiency and decreasing seed predation. Masting represents a population-level phenomenon generated from individual plant behaviors. While the developmental trajectory of individual plants influences their masting behavior, the translation of such changes into benefits derived from masting remains unexplored. We used 43 years of seed production monitoring in European beech (Fagus sylvatica) to address that gap. The largest improvements in reproductive efficiency from masting happen in the largest trees. Masting leads to a 49-fold reduction in seed predation in large, compared to 20-fold in small trees. Masting yields an 8-fold increase in pollination efficiency in large, compared to 1.8-fold in small trees. Paradoxically, although the largest trees show the biggest reproductive efficiency benefits from masting, large trees mast less strongly than small trees. That apparently suboptimal allocation of effort across years by large plants may be a consequence of anatomical constraints or bet-hedging. Ontogenetic shifts in individual masting behavior and associated variable benefits have implications for the reproductive potential of plant populations as their age distribution changes, with applications in plant conservation and management.