bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving Malaria diagnosis through interpretable customized CNNs architectures
Authors: Ahamed Md. Faysal , Nahiduzzaman Md , Mahmud Golam , Shafi Fariya Bintay , Ayari Mohamed Arselene , Khandakar Amith , Abdullah-Al-Wadud M. , Islam S. M. Riazul 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Malaria, which is spread via female Anopheles mosquitoes and is brought on by the Plasmodium parasite, persists as a serious illness, especially in areas with a high mosquito density. Traditional detection techniques, like examining blood samples with a microscope, tend to be labor-intensive, unreliable and necessitate specialized individuals. To address these challenges, we employed several customized convolutional neural networks (CNNs), including Parallel convolutional neural network (PCNN), Soft Attention Parallel Convolutional Neural Networks (SPCNN), and Soft Attention after Functional Block Parallel Convolutional Neural Networks (SFPCNN), to improve the effectiveness of malaria diagnosis. Among these, the SPCNN emerged as the most successful model, outperforming all other models in evaluation metrics. The SPCNN achieved a precision of 99.38
$$\pm$$
0.21%, recall of 99.37
$$\pm$$
0.21%, F1 score of 99.37
$$\pm$$
0.21%, accuracy of 99.37 ± 0.30%, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 99.95 ± 0.01%, demonstrating its robustness in detecting malaria parasites. Furthermore, we employed various transfer learning (TL) algorithms, including VGG16, ResNet152, MobileNetV3Small, EfficientNetB6, EfficientNetB7, DenseNet201, Vision Transformer (ViT), Data-efficient Image Transformer (DeiT), ImageIntern, and Swin Transformer (versions v1 and v2). The proposed SPCNN model surpassed all these TL methods in every evaluation measure. The SPCNN model, with 2.207 million parameters and a size of 26 MB, is more complex than PCNN but simpler than SFPCNN. Despite this, SPCNN exhibited the fastest testing times (0.00252 s), making it more computationally efficient than both PCNN and SFPCNN. We assessed model interpretability using feature activation maps, Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) visualizations for all three architectures, illustrating why SPCNN outperformed the others. The findings from our experiments show a significant improvement in malaria parasite diagnosis. The proposed approach outperforms traditional manual microscopy in terms of both accuracy and speed. This study highlights the importance of utilizing cutting-edge technologies to develop robust and effective diagnostic tools for malaria prevention.
Assessing hydrogen as an alternative fuel for rail transport – a case study
Authors: Marjani S. Rahim , Motaman Shahed , Varasteh Hirbod , Yang Zhiyin , Clementson Jenny 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Diesel trains play a vital role in the UK’s rail passenger transport. Despite efforts to expand electrification, over 10% of the UK’s rail routes will remain non-electrified. To reduce emissions and phase out diesel trains by 2040, the UK rail network is actively exploring alternative fuels. This paper presents a comprehensive technical, economic, and environmental analysis of converting diesel trains to hydrogen-powered trains using a hydrogen combustion engine for the first time. A simulation-based methodology has been developed to assess train performance, fuel consumption, and emissions for both hydrogen and diesel engines. The developed methodology has been validated by comparing the predictions against the available experimental data and a very good agreement has been obtained. A case study involving British Class 195 diesel-powered regional trains on the Manchester Airport to Barrow-in-Furness route is analysed. The simulation results show that hydrogen-powered trains achieve zero carbon emissions and exhibit similar NOx emissions to diesel, with a similar performance. Over the train’s 30-year lifespan, green hydrogen can reduce CO2-equivalent emissions by up to 187.4 kt. The study clearly demonstrates that hydrogen combustion engines offer a practical, mid-term solution for decarbonizing regional rail, with much lower conversion costs compared with fuel cell technology.
Primary astrocytes as a cellular depot of polystyrene nanoparticles
Authors: Adamiak Kamil , Sidoryk-Węgrzynowicz Marta , Dąbrowska-Bouta Beata , Sulkowski Grzegorz , Strużyńska Lidia 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The continuous increase in plastic production has resulted in increased generation of microplastic particles (MPs), and nanoplastic particles (NPs). Recent evidence suggests that nanoplastics may be a potent neurotoxin because they are able to freely cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the brain. Therefore, the cytotoxic effects of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) on cellular systems of cerebral origin should be thoroughly investigated. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of 25 nm PS-NPs on in vitro cultured cells such as primary astrocytes, neurons and their co-cultures established from the cerebral cortex of Wistar pups. The results show that PS-NPs are internalized in both neurons and astrocytes, inducing time- and concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects. However, quantification of fluorescence intensity indicates cell type-dependent differences in the efficiency of PS-NPs uptake. Astrocytes are several times more efficient at accumulating PS-NPs than neurons, and this is a phagocytosis-dependent process. Moreover, the high rate of PS-NPs internalization during prolonged exposure (72 h) promotes astroglial activation, as assessed by analysis of GFAP expression and immunocytochemical imaging. The results show that astroglia act as a cellular depot of PS-NPs to protect neurons. However, once the critical threshold is exceeded, astroglia become overactivated and can lose their protective functions. These results highlight the importance of further research on the mechanisms underlying nanoplastic-induced cellular toxicity, which may have implications for understanding the broader impact of plastic pollution on neurological functions.
Reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels are associated with increased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in Chinese women
Authors: Zeng Shuai , Liu Qingqing , Wu Yujie , Bai Huai , Fan Ping , Liu Xinghui 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Lipid levels in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have been extensively studied, whether low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a risk factor for GDM development remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between serum LDL-C levels and the risk of GDM. A case–control study was conducted. Glycolipid metabolic and oxidative stress indicators were measured in 696 women with GDM and 1048 healthy pregnant women. Serum LDL-C levels were significantly lower in the GDM group than in the control group (P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated that reduced LDL-C levels were associated with an increased risk of GDM after adjusting for differences in maternal age, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational age at sampling, fasting glucose and insulin levels, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (odds ratio [OR] 1.372, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.050–1.794, P = 0.021 for medium-LDL-C subgroup; OR 1.672, 95% CI 1.219–2.294, P = 0.001 for low-LDL-C subgroup). The risk of GDM decreased by 17.6% per 1 mmol/L increase in LDL-C level (OR 0.824, 95% CI 0.733–0.926, P = 0.001). Furthermore, apolipoprotein (apo) A1 and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were lower, whereas pre-pregnancy and delivery BMI, triglyceride (TG)/HDL-C ratios, and second-trimester fasting glucose levels were higher in the low-LDL-C GDM subgroup than those in the high- and/or medium-LDL-C GDM subgroups (P < 0.05). ApoA1 and HDL-C levels were lower but TG/HDL-C ratios were higher in the medium-LDL-C GDM subgroup than those in the high-LDL-C GDM subgroup (P < 0.05). We concluded that reduced LDL-C levels were associated with an elevated risk of GDM in the study population. Low LDL-C levels correlated with increased BMI and unfavorable TG, HDL, and glucose metabolism.
The association between variation of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and post-thrombolysis early neurological outcomes in patients with stroke of different TOAST classification
Authors: Fu Xinyi , Shi Xinyan , Yin Ruihua , Xing Chengfeng , Ma Aijun 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Recent studies have shown that the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) can predict short-term and long-term outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. However, the relationship of the variation of NLR (ΔNLR) with hemorrhage transformation (HT) and early neurological improvement (ENI) after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of ΔNLR on HT and ENI at 24 h post-IVT and its association with different TOAST classifications. AIS patients undergoing IVT between October 2021 and October 2023 were enrolled and classified by TOAST criteria. Patients were grouped based on the presence or absence of HT and ENI. Our study demonstrated that both HT and ENI were associated with ΔNLR, which was an independent influencing factor for HT and ENI following IVT. Specifically, the ΔNLR in the small artery occlusion (SAO) group was higher than that in the minor stroke of large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) subtype. Thus, ΔNLR may serve as a useful biomarker to assist in diagnosis and monitor the outcomes of thrombolytic therapy in AIS patients.
Zbtb48 is a regulator of Mtfp1 expression in zebrafish
Authors: Goh Sho Yee Carisa , Fradera-Sola Albert , Wittkopp Nadine , Şerifoğlu Naz , Godinho Ferreira Miguel , Ketting Rene F. , Butter Falk 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
ZBTB48 (also known as TZAP) is a transcription factor that has previously been reported to bind to telomeres and act as a negative regulator of telomere length in human cell lines. To explore whether transcription factor activity and telomere length regulation are conserved at the organismal level in vertebrates, we generate a zbtb48

−/−
zebrafish line via CRISPR‒Cas genome editing. The zbtb48

−/−
mutants display no obvious physical or behavioral abnormalities in the first two generations. We find no statistically significant changes in telomere length in first-generation adults. However, for the gene regulatory aspect of Zbtb48, similar to that in human cancer cell lines, we observe downregulation of mtfp1 at both the mRNA and protein levels in the zbtb48

−/−
mutants. This suggests that mtfp1 is an evolutionarily conserved regulatory target of Zbtb48. Further investigation of the spatiotemporal expression of zbtb48 in previously published zebrafish data reveals low transcript expression in diverse tissues, except in germline stem cells and gametocytes of the gonads. Notably, Mtfp1 protein downregulation is detected in the ovaries of 40 dpf zbtb48

−/−
mutants and in the testes of both 40 dpf and 10.5-month-old zbtb48

−/−
mutants.
Female mice exhibit resistance to disease progression despite early pathology in a transgenic mouse model inoculated with alpha-synuclein fibrils
Authors: Tullo Stephanie , Park Janice , Gallino Daniel , Park Megan , Mar Kristie , Novikov Vladislav , Sandoval Contreras Rodrigo , Patel Raihaan , del Cid-Pellitero Esther , Fon Edward A. , Luo Wen , Shlaifer Irina , Durcan Thomas M. , Prado Marco A. M. , Prado Vania F. , Devenyi Gabriel A. , Chakravarty M. Mallar 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Despite known sex differences in human synucleinopathies such as Parkinson’s disease, the impact of sex on alpha-synuclein pathology in mouse models has been largely overlooked. To address this need, we examine sex differences in whole brain signatures of neurodegeneration due to aSyn toxicity in the M83 mouse model using longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI; T1-weighted; 100 μm3 isotropic voxel; -7, 30, 90 and 120 days post-injection [dpi]; n ≥ 8 mice/group/sex/time point). To initiate aSyn spreading, M83 mice are inoculated with recombinant human aSyn preformed fibrils (Hu-PFF) or phosphate buffered saline in the right striatum. We observe more aggressive neurodegenerative profiles over time for male Hu-PFF-injected mice when examining voxel-wise trajectories. However, at 90 dpi, we observe widespread patterns of neurodegeneration in the female Hu-PFF-injected mice. These differences are not accompanied by any differences in motor symptom onset between the sexes. However, male Hu-PFF-injected mice reached their humane endpoint sooner. These findings suggest that post-motor symptom onset, despite accelerated disease trajectories for male Hu-PFF-injected mice, neurodegeneration may appear sooner in the female Hu-PFF-injected mice (prior to motor symptomatology). These findings suggest that sex-specific synucleinopathy phenotypes urgently need to be considered to improve our understanding of neuroprotective and neurodegenerative mechanisms.
Collective quantum enhancement in critical quantum sensing
Authors: Alushi Uesli , Coppo Alessandro , Brosco Valentina , Di Candia Roberto , Felicetti Simone 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Critical systems represent a valuable resource in quantum sensing and metrology. Critical quantum sensing (CQS) protocols can be realized using finite-component phase transitions, where criticality arises from the rescaling of system parameters rather than the thermodynamic limit. Here, we show that a collective quantum advantage can be achieved in a multipartite CQS protocol using a chain of parametrically coupled critical resonators in the weak-nonlinearity limit. We derive analytical solutions for the low-energy spectrum of this unconventional quantum many-body system, which is composed of locally critical elements. We then assess the scaling of the quantum Fisher information with respect to fundamental resources. We demonstrate that the coupled chain outperforms an equivalent ensemble of independent critical sensors, achieving quadratic scaling in the number of resonators. Finally, we show that even with finite Kerr nonlinearity or Markovian dissipation, the critical chain retains its advantage, making it relevant for implementing quantum sensors with current microwave superconducting technologies.
Cooperative agreement between countries of the North Atlantic Ocean reduces marine plastic pollution but with unequal economic benefits
Authors: Beaumont Nicola J. , Börger Tobias , Clark James R. , Hanley Nick , Johnston Robert J. , Meginnis Keila , Stapenhurst Christopher , de Vries Frans P. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Plastic pollution in the world’s oceans threatens ecosystems and biodiversity. The connected nature of the marine environment suggests that coordinated actions by countries sharing an ocean border may provide more effective pollution control than unilateral actions by any one country. However, countries often fail to cooperate, even when joint economic benefits would be higher under cooperation. Here we present a modelling framework to determine the potential economic benefits of cooperative marine plastic pollution management. The framework integrates an estimated plastic transfer matrix from a particle tracking model with game theory to derive the economic benefits of international cooperation for 16 countries bordering the North Atlantic Ocean. Subject to modelling uncertainties, a fully cooperative agreement yields aggregate annual net benefits of around $36 billion and a 64% reduction in emissions. The net benefits of cooperation persist over alternative scenarios and considering the impact of uncertainties but vary in magnitude and distribution.
Language measures correlate with other measures used to study emotion
Authors: Munin Shaina , Ong Desmond C. , Okland Sydney , Freedman Gili , Beer Jennifer S. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Researchers are increasingly using language measures to study emotion, yet less is known about whether language relates to other measures often used to study emotion. Building on previous work which focuses on associations between language and self-report, we test associations between language and a broader range of measures (self-report, observer report, facial cues, vocal cues). Furthermore, we examine associations across different dictionaries (LIWC-22, NRC, Lexical Suite, ANEW, VADER) used to estimate valence (i.e., positive versus negative emotion) or discrete emotions (i.e., anger, fear, sadness) in language. Associations were tested in three large, multimodal datasets (Ns = 193–1856; average word count = 316.7–2782.8). Language consistently related to observer report and consistently related to self-report in two of the three datasets. Statistically significant associations between language and facial cues emerged for language measures of valence but not for language measures of discrete emotions. Language did not consistently show significant associations with vocal cues. Results did not tend to significantly vary across dictionaries. The current research suggests that language measures (in particular, language measures of valence) are correlated with a range of other measures used to study emotion. Therefore, researchers may wish to use language to study emotion when other measures are unavailable or impractical for their research question.
A Measurement‐Based SSO Probability Assessment Approach Considering Multiple Uncertainties
Authors: Lei Zhenyu , Hou Kaiyuan , Chen Lei , Guo Feng , Liu Qingchen , Min Yong 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTSub‐synchronous oscillation (SSO) of wind power system has long plagued grid operators and researchers. It is affected by different uncertain factors such as wind speed and its probability assessment is crucial for SSO prevention and emergency control. The black box characteristics of wind turbines impede the precise modelling and stability analysis. Meanwhile, researchers concentrated on the uncertainty of wind speed and ignored the impact of grid strength variation. This paper proposed a measurement‐based SSO probability assessment approach considering multiple uncertainties. First, a method is proposed to precisely estimate damping ratios of SSO mode based on measured impedance‐frequency curves. Then, probabilistic collocation method (PCM) theory is introduced to construct an approximate function between the damping ratio and multiple uncertain inputs. In SSOs induced by interaction between full power convert of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator and weak grid, both wind speed and grid impedance are set as uncertain inputs, while only wind speed is considered in SSOs induced by Doubly Fed Induction Generator. For common truncated distribution in power grid, the significant advantages of PCM over other analytical methods are pointed out. Finally, the efficiency and accuracy of proposed approaches, compared with Monte Carlo and other approaches, are validated by simulation.
Therapie der Inflammation in der Nephrologie
Authors: Sievers Laura Katharina , Schmitt Roland 
Published: February 2025

Was ist neu?Während Nierenerkrankungen, die mit akuter nicht infektiöser Entzündung einhergehen, wie bspw. Glomerulonephritiden, bereits seit Jahrzehnten erfolgreich primär antiinflammatorisch behandelt werden, ist die Low-Grade-Inflammation in der Nephrologie bisher noch wenig beachtet.Nun rückt jedoch die pathophysiologische Bedeutung der chronischen systemischen Low-Grade-Inflammation für die Progression der chronischen Nierenerkrankung (CKD) und die damit verbundenen kardiovaskulären Komplikationen in den Vordergrund.Antiinflammatorische Strategien haben in klinischen Studien bereits eine Effektivität in der Sekundär- und Tertiärprävention kardiovaskulärer Ereignisse gezeigt. Aktuelle Veröffentlichungen demonstrieren, dass eine Adressierung der Low-Grade-Inflammation mittels Inhibition der Interleukin-1- und Interleukin-6-Signalwege auch bei CKD-Patienten vorteilhafte Effekte auf die renale Anämie, die Progression der Nierenerkrankung sowie auf Komplikationsraten hat, ein todesursachenunabhängiger Mortalitätsvorteil zeigte sich jedoch bisher nicht.
CT Motion-Analysis of Implant Loosening in Total Wrist Arthroplasty: A Pilot Study
Authors: Reiser Daniel , Kakar Sanj , Sandberg Olof , Wretenberg Per , Sagerfors Marcus 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Introduction Total wrist arthroplasty (TWA) is a motion-preserving treatment option for wrist arthritis. High-precision measurement methods for implant migration such as computed tomography motion-analysis (CTMA) can potentially detect poor implant fixation. The aim of this pilot study was to assess CTMA as a complementary method to diagnose aseptic loosening of TWA.
Materials and Methods Three patients with a TWA and wrist pain during activity underwent induced displacement CT (CTMA) with alternated provocations as a complement to plain radiographs.
Results Two of the three patients had displacement of the carpal component on CTMA. The radial component was stable in all cases. The tool was adapted to clinical routine use.
Conclusions CT motion-analysis could be a valuable adjunct to plain radiographs in assessing component loosening in TWA.
Interannual differences in pollinator contributions to pollen transfer are mainly driven by changes in pollinator abundance
Authors: Freudenfeld Martin , Štenc Jakub , Hadrava Jiří , Mikát Michael , Matoušková Eva , Daňková Klára , Jor Tomáš , Ryšan Tadeáš , Koupilová Klára , Simon-Pražák Jan , Dvořák Tomáš , Janovský Zdeněk 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
With the rising threat to insect pollinators and the upcoming pollinator crisis, it is important to know how pollinators contribute to pollen transfer. The contributions of individual pollinator taxa to pollen transfer depend both on their abundance and on how much pollen each individual can carry, with overall importance being a multiplication of these two values. Here, we quantified pollen load across a diverse spectrum of insect pollinator taxa and variation in their abundance over 11 years. We found that, while variation in pollen load was relatively small among pollinator taxa (compared to relatively high variability among individuals within each insect taxon), the visitation levels changed significantly over the years, resulting in a high degree of variation in pollinator contributions to pollen transfer of each insect taxon at the community level. Thus, we conclude that the overall importance of pollinator taxa for pollen transfer is determined further by their abundances than by their taxon-specific capability for carrying various pollen loads. As the insect abundances vary over time and may change dramatically from year to year, our results highlight the importance of diverse and species-rich pollinator communities, as the population decline of one pollinator can be buffered by an increase in another pollinator taxa.