bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Segmentation of lung nodules based on a refined segmentation network
Authors: Chen Yang , Hou Xuewen , Yang Yifeng , Zhou Yichen , Xie Yuanzhong , Nie Shengdong 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundAccurate segmentation of lung nodules is of great significance for early screening and diagnosis of lung cancer.PurposeHowever, the heterogeneity of lung nodules and the similarities between them and other lung tissues make it difficult to accurately segment these nodules. As regards the use of deep learning to segment lung nodules, convolutional neural networks would gradually lead to errors accumulating at the network layer due to the presence of multiple upsampling and downsampling layers, resulting in poor segmentation results.MethodsIn this study, we developed a refined segmentation network (RS‐Net) for lung nodule segmentation to solve this problem. Accordingly, the proposed RS‐Net was first used to locate the core region of the lung nodules and to gradually refine the segmentation results of the core region. In addition, to solve the problem of misdetection of small‐sized nodules owing to the imbalance of positive and negative samples, we devised an average dice‐loss function computed on nodule level. By calculating the loss of each nodule sample to measure the overall loss, the network can address the misdetection problem of lung nodules with smaller diameters more efficiently.ResultsOur method was evaluated based on 1055 lung nodules from Lung Image Database Consortium data and a set of 120 lung nodules collected from Shanghai Chest Hospital for additional validation. The segmentation dice coefficients of RS‐Net on these two datasets were 85.90% and 81.13%, respectively. The analysis of the segmentation effect of different properties and sizes of nodules indicates that RS‐Net yields a stable segmentation effect.ConclusionsThe results show that the segmentation strategy based on gradual refinement can considerably improve the segmentation of lung nodules.
Targeting Thbs1 reduces bladder remodeling caused by partial bladder outlet obstruction via the FGFR3/p‐FGFR3 pathway
Authors: Long Jun , Yang Yafei , Yang Jin , Chen Lin , Wang Song , Zhou Xin , Su Yao , Liu Chenhuan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundPartial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) may lead to bladder remodeling, including fibrosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Despite the extensive research on the mechanisms underlying pBOO, potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of pBOO require further research. Dysregulated expression of thrombospondin‐1 (Thbs1) has been reported in various human fibrotic diseases; however, its relationship with pBOO remains unclear.AimsInvestigate the effects of Thbs1 on bladder remodeling caused by pBOO.MethodsWe established a pBOO model in Sprague–Dawley rats and performed urodynamic analyses to estimate functional changes in the bladder, validated the histopathological changes in the bladder by using haematoxylin–eosin and Masson's trichrome staining, identified key target genes by integrating RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) and bioinformatics analyses, validated the expression of related factors using Western blot analysis and RT‐qPCR, and used immunofluorescence staining to probe the potential interaction factors of Thbs1.ResultsUrodynamic results showed that pressure‐related parameters were significantly increased in rats with pBOO. Compared with the sham group, the pBOO group demonstrated significant increases in bladder morphology, bladder weight, and collagen deposition. Thbs1 was significantly upregulated in the bladder tissues of rats with pBOO, consistent with the RNA‐seq data. Thbs1 upregulation led to increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2, MMP9, and fibronectin (Fn) in normal human urinary tract epithelial cells (SV‐HUC‐1), whereas anti‐Thbs1 treatment inhibited the production of these cytokines in TGF‐β1‐treated SV‐HUC‐1. Further experiments indicated that Thbs1 affected bladder remodeling in pBOO via the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) pathway.ConclusionsThbs1 plays a crucial role in bladder remodeling caused by pBOO. Targeting Thbs1 might alleviate ECM damage. Mechanistically, Thbs1 may function via the FGFR signaling pathway by regulating the FGFR3 receptor, identified as the most relevant disease target of pBOO, and FGF2 may be a mediator. These findings suggest that Thbs1 plays a role in BOO development and is a therapeutic target for this condition.
Depressive feelings as mediator in the relation between adverse childhood events and lower urinary tract symptoms in males and females
Authors: Mahjoob Dina M. , Teunissen Doreth A. M. , van Koeveringe Gommert A. , Leusink Peter , Blanker Marco H. , Knol‐de Vries Grietje E. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundAdverse childhood events (ACEs) are prevalent and lead to well‐established adverse health sequelae in adulthood. Recent literature has claimed that exposure to trauma in early life may worsen lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) because emotion can alter the perception of bodily distress in the brain. Specifically, depressive symptoms might influence the association between ACEs and LUTS. We aimed to describe the associations between ACEs and LUTS among males and females and to determine whether depressive symptoms mediated these associations.MethodsThis study was a secondary analysis of the Coevorden observational cohort study (n = 1691, age ≥16 years). For this observational study participants filled in the male or female modules of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire for LUTS (ICIQ‐MLUTS and ICIQ‐FLUTS, respectively), the NEMESIS Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (emotional neglect, psychological abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse within the family), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) for depression.ResultsOverall, 564 males and 811 females answered all required items related to LUTS and ACEs. A series of regression models were then estimated to test for mediation: LUTS on ACEs, depression on ACEs, and LUTS on both ACEs and depression. The models were also adjusted for the following covariates: age, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, current smokers, educational level, and vaginal delivery (if female). Depressive symptoms were shown to mediate the association between ACEs and LUTS in both males and females.ConclusionChildhood adversity and depression are areas of interest during the clinical assessment of patients with LUTS. Early detection of these conditions might help to manage risk, aid in the prevention of LUTS, and facilitate trauma‐informed care.
Improved back propagation neural network based on the enrichment for the crack propagation
Authors: Wang Lihua , Ye Wenjing , Yang Fan , Zhou Yueting 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNumerical methods have been extensively applied to fracture mechanics, while they cannot simulate the problems without the mechanical models or constitutive equations. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) can be utilized to predict complex fracture problems, but these approaches require large amounts of data for the training. Therefore, in this paper, to combine the advantages of the numerical methods and the ANNs, an improved back propagation neural network (BPNN) is proposed by introducing the enrichment used in the numerical methods into the activation function utilized in the neural networks. The enrichment is able to represent the crack tip field which can accelerate the convergence. At the field near the crack tip, the improved BP solution can converge to the analytical solutions which validate the high accuracy of the proposed method. Without sufficient data, especially the data are missing in the near field of the crack tip, the improved BP method can also achieve high accuracy and convergence, while the conventional BP method may not converge to the predetermined error bound. Numerical simulations of the quasi‐static and fatigue crack problems demonstrate that the improved BP method can accurately predict the crack propagation and its growth rate with relatively little data.
Evaluating the Association of Obesity and Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Hoying David , Miller Katherine , Tanzo Julia , Kim Jaehee , Bena James , Burguera Bartolome , Chaaban Mohamad R. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this Meta‐analysis and systematic review was to perform a comprehensive assessment of the association of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with overweight/obesity, leptin hormone, and its associated metabolic dysregulation.Data SourcesOvid MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were searched for studies from 1946 to October 2022, using predefined syntax.Review MethodsOutcome data for the meta‐analysis were extracted on odds ratios (OR) of CRS prevalence based on the presence of overweight/obesity and mean serum leptin levels. A Meta‐analysis was performed using the DerSimonian‐Laird estimator to pool extracted data by the generalized inverse variance approach. Random effect models were utilized due to the small sample size. A qualitative synthesis was performed on articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria for the Meta‐analysis.ResultsThirty‐six studies met the systematic review inclusion criteria out of 1113 articles screened. A total of 6 studies were included in the pooled Meta‐analysis of the various outcome variables. Our pooled meta‐analysis observed a positive association between overweight/obesity and the prevalence of CRS (OR = 1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17‐1.51). The pooled ratio of the means analysis of the mean serum leptin levels between CRS with nasal polyposis and control patients was 2.21 (95% CI: 1.45; 3.36).ConclusionOur pooled Meta‐analysis indicates a positive association between overweight/obesity and CRS. Future prospective studies are needed to explore the association between CRS and obesity with an understanding of potential confounding comorbidities, including studies focused on assessing the underlying immunologic mechanism of this association.
Patient‐reported barriers to prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defects: A mixed‐methods study
Authors: Woo Joyce L. , Burton Shelvonne , Iyengar Tara , Sivakumar Adithya , Spiewak Sarah , Wakulski Renee , Grobman William A. , Davis Matthew M. , Yee Lynn M. , Patel Angira , Johnson Joyce T. , Patel Sheetal , Gandhi Rupali 
Published: December 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo ascertain patient‐reported, modifiable barriers to prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart defects (CHDs).MethodsThis was a mixed‐methods study among caretakers of infants who received congenital heart surgery from 2019 to 2020 in the Chicagoland area. Quantitative variables measuring sociodemographic characteristics and prenatal care utilization, and qualitative data pertaining to patient‐reported barriers to prenatal diagnosis were collected from electronic health records and semi‐structured phone surveys. Thematic analysis was performed using a convergent parallel approach.ResultsIn total, 160 caretakers completed the survey, 438 were eligible for survey, and 49 (31%) received prenatal care during the COVID‐19 pandemic. When comparing respondents and non‐respondents, there was a lower prevalence of maternal Hispanic ethnicity and a higher prevalence of non‐English/Spanish‐speaking households. Of all respondents, 34% reported an undetected CHD on ultrasound or echocardiogram, while 79% reported at least one barrier to prenatal diagnosis related to social determinants of health. Among those social barriers, the most common were difficulty with appointment scheduling (n = 12, 9.5%), far distance to care/lack of access to transportation (n = 12, 9.5%) and difficulty getting time off work to attend appointments (n = 6, 4.8%). The latter two barriers were correlated.ConclusionWhile technical improvements in the detection of CHDs remain an important area of research, it is equally critical to produce evidence for interventions that mitigate barriers to prenatal diagnosis due to social determinants of health.
Development of warpage simulation for rotationally moulded parts and the analysis of process parameters
Authors: Seregar Jitendra , Martin Peter J. , Menary Gary , McCourt Mark , Kearns Mark 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThere are multiple factors that contribute to the warpage problems where molten part is distorted during solidification in rotational molding. A novel warpage simulation model is developed accounting for the effect of various process parameters like crystallinity change, temperature‐dependent polymer properties, and cooling rate. The polymer material properties were readily not available; they were constructed from literature data with adaptation to the process condition and their significance on simulation results is discussed in detail. A systematic detailed simulation analysis of warpage in box part was done and results were compared with experimental values published in literature. The warpage magnitude under seven different cooling methods are presented. It was found that externally water cooled parts exhibited maximum warpage which is also corroborated by literature data while the parts cooled by water on either sides of the part show reduction in warpage. The warpage simulation results show an agreement with deviation ranging from 1.2% to 69% with experimental values.Highlights
A novel thermal expansion coefficient approach was adopted for the first time to develop warpage simulation of rotationally moulded parts.
Inclusion of temperature‐dependent thermo‐mechanical properties of polymer in the simulation model.
The cooling rate is directly proportional to the warpage in the parts.
Validating warpage simulation results for seven different cooling methods with experimental measurements.
Maximum warpage is seen where the highest temperature difference exists between part and mould.
Exploring the conformational changes of the Munc18‐1/syntaxin 1a complex
Authors: Stefani Ioanna , Iwaszkiewicz Justyna , Fasshauer Dirk 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNeurotransmitters are released from synaptic vesicles, the membrane of which fuses with the plasma membrane upon calcium influx. This membrane fusion reaction is driven by the formation of a tight complex comprising the plasma membrane N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment receptor (SNARE) proteins syntaxin‐1a and SNAP‐25 with the vesicle SNARE protein synaptobrevin. The neuronal protein Munc18‐1 forms a stable complex with syntaxin‐1a. Biochemically, syntaxin‐1a cannot escape the tight grip of Munc18‐1, so formation of the SNARE complex is inhibited. However, Munc18‐1 is essential for the release of neurotransmitters in vivo. It has therefore been assumed that Munc18‐1 makes the bound syntaxin‐1a available for SNARE complex formation. Exactly how this occurs is still unclear, but it is assumed that structural rearrangements occur. Here, we used a series of mutations to specifically weaken the complex at different positions in order to induce these rearrangements biochemically. Our approach was guided through sequence and structural analysis and supported by molecular dynamics simulations. Subsequently, we created a homology model showing the complex in an altered conformation. This conformation presumably represents a more open arrangement of syntaxin‐1a that permits the formation of a SNARE complex to be initiated while still bound to Munc18‐1. In the future, research should investigate how this central reaction for neuronal communication is controlled by other proteins.
A functional and structural comparative analysis of large tumor antigens reveals evolution of different importin α‐dependent nuclear localization signals
Authors: Cross Emily M. , Akbari Nasim , Ghassabian Hanieh , Hoad Mikayla , Pavan Silvia , Ariawan Daryl , Donnelly Camilla M. , Lavezzo Enrico , Petersen Gayle F. , Forwood Jade K. , Alvisi Gualtiero 
Published: December 2023

AbstractNucleocytoplasmic transport regulates the passage of proteins between the nucleus and cytoplasm. In the best characterized pathway, importin (IMP) α bridges cargoes bearing basic, classical nuclear localization signals (cNLSs) to IMPβ1, which mediates transport through the nuclear pore complex. IMPα recognizes three types of cNLSs via two binding sites: the major binding site accommodates monopartite cNLSs, the minor binding site recognizes atypical cNLSs, while bipartite cNLSs simultaneously interact with both major and minor sites. Despite the growing knowledge regarding IMPα‐cNLS interactions, our understanding of the evolution of cNLSs is limited. We combined bioinformatic, biochemical, functional, and structural approaches to study this phenomenon, using polyomaviruses (PyVs) large tumor antigens (LTAs) as a model. We characterized functional cNLSs from all human (H)PyV LTAs, located between the LXCXE motif and origin binding domain. Surprisingly, the prototypical SV40 monopartite NLS is not well conserved; HPyV LTA NLSs are extremely heterogenous in terms of structural organization, IMPα isoform binding, and nuclear targeting abilities, thus influencing the nuclear accumulation properties of full‐length proteins. While several LTAs possess bipartite cNLSs, merkel cell PyV contains a hybrid bipartite cNLS whose upstream stretch of basic amino acids can function as an atypical cNLS, specifically binding to the IMPα minor site upon deletion of the downstream amino acids after viral integration in the host genome. Therefore, duplication of a monopartite cNLS and subsequent accumulation of point mutations, optimizing interaction with distinct IMPα binding sites, led to the evolution of bipartite and atypical NLSs binding at the minor site.
Development and application of neonatal physiology‐based pharmacokinetic models of amikacin and fosfomycin to assess pharmacodynamic target attainment
Authors: Darlow Christopher A. , Parrott Neil , Peck Richard W. , Hope William 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance increasingly complicates neonatal sepsis in a global context. Fosfomycin and amikacin are two agents being tested in an ongoing multicenter neonatal sepsis trial. Although neonatal pharmacokinetics (PKs) have been described for these drugs, the physiological variability within neonatal populations makes population PKs in this group uncertain. Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models were developed in Simcyp for fosfomycin and amikacin sequentially for adult, pediatric, and neonatal populations, with visual and quantitative validation compared to observed data at each stage. Simulations were performed using the final validated neonatal models to determine drug exposures for each drug across a demographic range, with probability of target attainment (PTA) assessments. Successfully validated neonatal PBPK models were developed for both fosfomycin and amikacin. PTA analysis demonstrated high probability of target attainment for amikacin 15 mg/kg i.v. q24h and fosfomycin 100 mg/kg (in neonates aged 0–7 days) or 150 mg/kg (in neonates aged 7–28 days) i.v. q12h for Enterobacterales with fosfomycin and amikacin minimum inhibitory concentrations at the adult breakpoints. Repeat analysis in premature populations demonstrated the same result. PTA analysis for a proposed combination fosfomycin‐amikacin target was also performed. The simulated regimens, tested in a neonatal sepsis trial, are likely to be adequate for neonates across different postnatal ages and gestational age. This work demonstrates a template for determining target attainment for antimicrobials (alone or in combination) in special populations without sufficient available PK data to otherwise assess with traditional pharmacometric methods.
Discriminating among inverse Weibull, lognormal, and inverse Gaussian distributions
Authors: Diyali Bishal , Kumar Devendra , Singh Sukhdev 
Published: December 2023

AbstractInverse Weibull, lognormal, and inverse Gaussian are some commonly used statistical distributions for modeling positively skewed failure lifetime data. These distributions share some interesting properties among themselves like they all have uni‐modal hazard rates. In this paper, we address the problem of discriminating among these statistical distributions to consider a more appropriate lifetime model. We first consider the complete samples and make use of the maximized log‐likelihood approach for choosing the correct model. We also obtain the expressions for logarithmic of defined test statistics, and associated asymptotic distributions. We then extend our discussion based on the observed sample in the presence of some censoring. We perform a simulation study in both cases to compare the probabilities of correct selection. Furthermore, for a given probability of correct selection and user‐specified protection level, we present a discussion to determine the minimum sample size required to discriminate among the three lifetime models. Finally, two real data sets are analyzed to illustrate the proposed methodology. In our findings, we observed that model parameters and methods of estimating unknown parameters play very important roles in the discrimination process, and sample size and the proportion of censoring become key factors to ensure a high probability of selecting a correct model.
Insight into the electronic, optical, thermodynamic, and thermoelectric properties of novel chalcogenides: An ab initio study
Authors: Mohamed Abdelhay Salah , Ahmad Hijaz 
Published: December 2023

AbstractTernary chalcogenides with direct band gaps are remarkable for being used in many optoelectronic applications. We investigated for structural, electronic, optical, and transport characteristics of new Ba2CdCh3 (Ch = S, Se, Te) semiconductors using the full‐potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP‐LAPW) approach. The band structures of these compounds confirm a direct type of band gap. The phonon dispersion plots along with the predicted negative formation energies suggest these compounds to be thermodynamically stable. Additionally, important optical characteristics were computed and thoroughly explained. The different ELF spectra were calculated in which strong peak correlate precisely with plasma resonance. Moreover, we also explored the thermodynamic characteristics of the ternary systems by employing the quasi‐harmonic Debye model. These compounds were also suitable for thermoelectric applications based on the detailed discussion of the computed significant thermoelectric properties. In general, the advancement of various and promising semiconducting devices and their applications will be supported by the present study.
FeOOH with Low Spin State Iron as Electron Acceptors for High Yield Rate Electrosynthesis of Urea from Nitrate and Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Wang Cheng , Yu Chang , Qian Bingzhi , Ren Yongwen , Wang Linshan , Xie Yuanyang , Tan Xinyi , He Xiaojun , Qiu Jieshan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCo electroreduction of carbon dioxide and nitrate to synthesize urea provides an alternative strategy to high energy‐consumption traditional methods. However, the complexity of the reaction mechanism and the high energy barrier of nitrate reduction result in a diminished production of urea. Herein, a convenient electrodeposition technique to prepare the FeOOH with low spin state iron that increases the yield rate of urea efficiently is employed. According to soft X‐ray Absorption Spectroscopy and theoretical calculations, the unique configuration of low spin state iron as electron acceptors can effectively induce electron pair transfer from the occupied σ orbitals of intermediate *NO to empty d orbitals of iron. This σ→d donation mechanism leads to a reduction in the energy barrier associated with the rate‐determining step (*NOOH→*NO + *OH), hence augmenting the urea generation. The low spin state iron presents a high urea yield rate of 512 µg h−1 cm−2, representing approximately two times compared to the medium spin state iron. The key intermediates (*NH2 and *CO) in the formation of C─N bond are detected with in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The coupling of *NH2 and *CO contributes to the formation of *CONH2, which subsequently endures multi‐step proton‐coupled electron transfer to generate urea.