bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
C3N nanodots inhibits Aβ peptides aggregation pathogenic path in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Yin Xiuhua , Zhou Hong , Zhang Mengling , Su Juan , Wang Xiao , Li Sijie , Yang Zaixing , Kang Zhenhui , Zhou Ruhong 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDespite the accumulating evidence linking the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to the aggregation of Aβ peptides and the emergence of Aβ oligomers, the FDA has approved very few anti-aggregation-based therapies over the past several decades. Here, we report the discovery of an Aβ peptide aggregation inhibitor: an ultra-small nanodot called C3N. C3N nanodots alleviate aggregation-induced neuron cytotoxicity, rescue neuronal death, and prevent neurite damage in vitro. Importantly, they reduce the global cerebral Aβ peptides levels, particularly in fibrillar amyloid plaques, and restore synaptic loss in AD mice. Consequently, these C3N nanodots significantly ameliorate behavioral deficits of APP/PS1 double transgenic male AD mice. Moreover, analysis of critical tissues (e.g., heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney) display no obvious pathological damage, suggesting C3N nanodots are biologically safe. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations also reveal the inhibitory mechanisms of C3N nanodots in Aβ peptides aggregation and its potential application against AD.
Hydrodynamic tearing of bacteria on nanotips for sustainable water disinfection
Authors: Peng Lu , Zhu Haojie , Wang Haobin , Guo Zhenbin , Wu Qianyuan , Yang Cheng , Hu Hong-Ying 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWater disinfection is conventionally achieved by oxidation or irradiation, which is often associated with a high carbon footprint and the formation of toxic byproducts. Here, we describe a nano-structured material that is highly effective at killing bacteria in water through a hydrodynamic mechanism. The material consists of carbon-coated, sharp Cu(OH)2 nanowires grown on a copper foam substrate. We show that mild water flow (e.g. driven from a storage tank) can efficiently tear up bacteria through a high dispersion force between the nanotip surface and the cell envelope. Bacterial cell rupture is due to tearing of the cell envelope rather than collisions. This mechanism produces rapid inactivation of bacteria in water, and achieved complete disinfection in a 30-day field test. Our approach exploits fluidic energy and does not require additional energy supply, thus offering an efficient and low-cost system that could potentially be incorporated in water treatment processes in wastewater facilities and rural communities.
First fully-automated AI/ML virtual screening cascade implemented at a drug discovery centre in Africa
Authors: Turon Gemma , Hlozek Jason , Woodland John G. , Kumar Ankur , Chibale Kelly , Duran-Frigola Miquel 
Published: September 2023

AbstractStreamlined data-driven drug discovery remains challenging, especially in resource-limited settings. We present ZairaChem, an artificial intelligence (AI)- and machine learning (ML)-based tool for quantitative structure-activity/property relationship (QSAR/QSPR) modelling. ZairaChem is fully automated, requires low computational resources and works across a broad spectrum of datasets. We describe an end-to-end implementation at the H3D Centre, the leading integrated drug discovery unit in Africa, at which no prior AI/ML capabilities were available. By leveraging in-house data collected over a decade, we have developed a virtual screening cascade for malaria and tuberculosis drug discovery comprising 15 models for key decision-making assays ranging from whole-cell phenotypic screening and cytotoxicity to aqueous solubility, permeability, microsomal metabolic stability, cytochrome inhibition, and cardiotoxicity. We show how computational profiling of compounds, prior to synthesis and testing, can inform progression of frontrunner compounds at H3D. This project is a first-of-its-kind deployment at scale of AI/ML tools in a research centre operating in a low-resource setting.
Deep guided transformer dehazing network
Authors: Zhang Shengdong , Zhao Liping , Hu Keli , Feng Sheng , Fan En , Zhao Li 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSingle image dehazing has received a lot of concern and achieved great success with the help of deep-learning models. Yet, the performance is limited by the local limitation of convolution. To address such a limitation, we design a novel deep learning dehazing model by combining the transformer and guided filter, which is called as Deep Guided Transformer Dehazing Network. Specially, we address the limitation of convolution via a transformer-based subnetwork, which can capture long dependency. Haze is dependent on the depth, which needs global information to compute the density of haze, and removes haze from the input images correctly. To restore the details of dehazed result, we proposed a CNN sub-network to capture the local information. To overcome the slow speed of the transformer-based subnetwork, we improve the dehazing speed via a guided filter. Extensive experimental results show consistent improvement over the state-of-the-art dehazing on natural haze and simulated haze images.
The underestimated role of myopia in uncorrectable visual impairment in the United States
Authors: Bullimore Mark A. , Brennan Noel A. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWe estimate the US prevalence of uncorrectable visual impairment in 2050 accounting for the changing distribution of both age and myopia. Age projections of the US population (from an estimated total of 379 million in 2050), were taken from the US census website. The distribution of myopia, by severity, was calculated from literature-derived prevalence estimates of 58.4% (≤ − 0.50 D, 2050 projection) and 33.1% (≤ − 1.00 D, 1999–2004 estimate) to provide predicted and conservative estimates, respectively. Uncorrectable visual impairment as a function of age and refractive error was modelled by multiple linear regression. Finally, the likely number of individuals in the US with visual impairment in 2050 was calculated. For a projected myopia prevalence of 58.4%, 222 million are projected to be myopic and 48 million will have high myopia (− 5 D or worse). The projected total number with uncorrectable visual impairment is 11.4 million of which 4.9 million cases (43%) of visual impairment will be directly attributed to increased risk of eye disease associated with myopia. For a projected myopia prevalence of 33.1%, 8.9 million are projected to have uncorrectable visual impairment of which 2.4 million cases (27%) will be directly attributed to myopia. It is predicted that between 27 and 43% of uncorrectable visual impairment in the US population in 2050 will be directly attributable to myopia. Failure to account for the increasing prevalence of myopia among the aging population leads to a substantial underestimate of the prevalence of visual impairment.
Automatic and efficient pneumothorax segmentation from CT images using EFA-Net with feature alignment function
Authors: Liu Yinghao , Liang Pengchen , Liang Kaiyi , Chang Qing 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPneumothorax is a condition involving a collapsed lung, which requires accurate segmentation of computed tomography (CT) images for effective clinical decision-making. Numerous convolutional neural network-based methods for medical image segmentation have been proposed, but they often struggle to balance model complexity with performance. To address this, we introduce the Efficient Feature Alignment Network (EFA-Net), a novel medical image segmentation network designed specifically for pneumothorax CT segmentation. EFA-Net uses EfficientNet as an encoder to extract features and a Feature Alignment (FA) module as a decoder to align features in both the spatial and channel dimensions. This design allows EFA-Net to achieve superior segmentation performance with reduced model complexity. In our dataset, our method outperforms various state-of-the-art methods in terms of accuracy and efficiency, achieving a Dice coefficient of 90.03%, an Intersection over Union (IOU) of 81.80%, and a sensitivity of 88.94%. Notably, EFA-Net has significantly lower FLOPs (1.549G) and parameters (0.432M), offering better robustness and facilitating easier deployment. Future work will explore the integration of downstream applications to enhance EFA-Net’s utility for clinicians and patients in real-world diagnostic scenarios. The source code of EFA-Net is available at: https://github.com/tianjiamutangchun/EFA-Net.
A feasibility study of 5G positioning with current cellular network deployment
Authors: Camajori Tedeschini Bernardo , Brambilla Mattia , Italiano Lorenzo , Reggiani Simone , Vaccarono Davide , Alghisi Marianna , Benvenuto Lorenzo , Goia Alessandro , Realini Eugenio , Grec Florin , Nicoli Monica 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis research examines the feasibility of using synchronization signals broadcasted by currently deployed fifth generation (5G) cellular networks to determine the position of a static receiver. The main focus lies on the analysis of synchronization among the base stations of a real 5G network in Milan, Italy, as this has a major impact on the accuracy of localization based on time of arrival measurements. Understanding such properties, indeed, is fundamental to characterize the clock drifts and implement compensation strategies as well as to identify the direct communication beam. The paper shows how the clock errors, i.e., inaccurate synchronization, among 5G base stations exhibit a significant bias, which is detrimental for precise cellular positioning. By compensating the synchronization errors of devices’ clocks, we demonstrate that it is in principle possible to localize a static user with an accuracy of approximately 8–10 m in non-obstructed visibility conditions, for urban and rural scenarios, using the deployed 5G network operating at 3.68 GHz and relying on broadcast signals as defined by 5G Release 15 standard. This work has been funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) Navigation Innovation and Support Program (NAVISP) Element 2 pillar which aims at improving the competitiveness of the industry of the participating States in the global Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) market.
H-atom site exchange in an iridium trans-dihydrogen/hydride complex, trans-[Ir(H)(η2-H2)(iPr)4(POCOP)(DMAP)]+
Authors: Agrawal Nisha K. , Gayathridevi S. , Dash Soumya R. , Vanka Kumar , Jagirdar Balaji R. 
Published: September 2023

Treatment of trans-[Ir(H)(N)2(iPr)4(POCOP)(DMAP)][BAr4f] (2) with H2 (1 bar) under ambient conditions (298 K) results in the formation of a trans-[Ir(H)(η2-H2)(iPr)4(POCOP)(DMAP)][BAr4f] (3) complex. H-atom site exchange between the H2 and the hydride sites takes place in this complex.
Linking Language to Action: Enhancing Preschoolers' Communicative Abilities Within Language Stimulation
Authors: Freeman Max R. 
Published: September 2023

Purpose:Children's vocabulary and syntactic skills vary upon school entry in depth and breadth, persistently influencing academic performance, including reading. Enhancing early communicative abilities through multisensory, playful, and conversational experiences is essential and will benefit children's school readiness. This study investigated whether a language-to-action link created during language stimulation, which combines multisensory input, play, and conversation using clay, improves preschoolers' communicative abilities in terms of vocabulary, syntactic, and pragmatic language abilities more than traditional toy-based language stimulation.Method:Language skills were examined in a pre- to posttest design in which 43 typically developing participants, ages 3–5 years, were randomly assigned to clay-based (n= 24) or traditional play-based (n= 19) language stimulation for 8 weeks.Results:Receptive and expressive vocabulary knowledge for items introduced in the language stimulation program, mean length of utterance (MLU), and conversational initiations improved for participants in the clay condition, whereas significant language skill growth was not observed for participants in the traditional play-based stimulation condition with toys.Conclusions:A language-to-action link is created when children engage with open-ended materials, such as clay, as they craft target objects hands on and step by step, affording additional opportunities for language input and output. Results preliminarily suggest that using open-ended materials may enhance children's communicative abilities in receptive and expressive vocabulary, syntax/MLU, and pragmatics (i.e., conversational initiations) more than prefabricated toy objects during language stimulation.Supplemental Material:https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24093780
Scene flow estimation from 3D point clouds based on dual‐branch implicit neural representations
Authors: Zhai Mingliang , Ni Kang , Xie Jiucheng , Gao Hao 
Published: September 2023

AbstractRecently, online optimisation‐based scene flow estimation has attracted significant attention due to its strong domain adaptivity. Although online optimisation‐based methods have made significant advances, the performance is far from satisfactory as only flow priors are considered, neglecting scene priors that are crucial for the representations of dynamic scenes. To address this problem, the authors introduce a dual‐branch MLP‐based architecture to encode implicit scene representations from a source 3D point cloud, which can additionally synthesise a target 3D point cloud. Thus, the mapping function between the source and synthesised target 3D point clouds is established as an extra implicit regulariser to capture scene priors. Moreover, their model infers both flow and scene priors in a stronger bidirectional manner. It can effectively establish spatiotemporal constraints among the synthesised, source, and target 3D point clouds. Experiments on four challenging datasets, including KITTI scene flow, FlyingThings3D, Argoverse, and nuScenes, show that our method can achieve potential and comparable results, proving its effectiveness and generality.
Economic‐environmental operation of a CHHP energy hub considering uncertainties and demand response programs
Authors: Ghappani Seyyed Aliasghar , Karimi Ali 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAccording to the necessity of cost‐effectiveness, improving efficiency, and decreasing emissions to supply the various demands, the concept of energy hubs (EHs) has emerged in recent years. This paper aims to ensure the optimal operation of an EH to meet electrical, thermal, and hydrogen demands, considering the issues of pollutant emission and operating costs. In the proposed structure for the EH, an solid oxid fuel cell (SOFC) converter with ammonia fuel is used, and thus a combined hydrogen, heat, and power (CHHP) system is formed. Moreover, a basic EH structure is also examined and compared to show the capability of the presented structure. The proposed economic‐environmental framework for the operation of the EH is multi‐objective as a stochastic mixed‐integer linear programming (MILP). Also, in addition to modelling the uncertainty of renewable sources production as stochastic scenarios, demand response programs (DRPs) have been implemented for electrical and thermal demands. The ε‐constraint method is used to solve the multi‐objective problem, and the fuzzy technique is applied to select the best solution among the Pareto solutions. The simulation results of the proposed EH compared to the basic EH show that the operation cost and emission are decreased by 15.14% and 5.9%, respectively, in the presence of ammonia and DRP.
Berufliche Teilhabe nach einer medizinischen Rehabilitation aufgrund
von kardiovaskulären Erkrankungen – Repräsentative
Analysen auf Basis der Routinedaten der Deutschen
Rentenversicherung
Authors: Streibelt Marco , Zollmann Pia , Völler Heinz , Falk Johannes , Salzwedel Annett 
Published: September 2023

Zusammenfassung
Ziel der Studie Kardiovaskuläre Erkrankungen stellen einen
großen Anteil der Krankheitslast der erwachsenen Bevölkerung in
Deutschland dar. Ihre Bedeutung in der Rehabilitation ist in den letzten Jahren
kontinuierlich gestiegen. Das aus der Sicht der Rentenversicherung relevante
Ziel der beruflichen Teilhabe im Anschluss an die Rehabilitation aufgrund
kardiovaskulärer Krankheiten wurde in einzelnen Studien untersucht.
Allerdings fehlen für den deutschen Raum repräsentative
Erkenntnisse zu den Erwerbsverläufen und ihren Einflussfaktoren.
Methodik Die Reha-Statistik-Datenbasis der Deutschen Rentenversicherung
(DRV) wurde verwendet. Eingeschlossen wurden Rehabilitand*innen mit
medizinischer Rehabilitation aufgrund einer kardiovaskulären Erkrankung
in 2017. Die Analysen wurden für die Gesamtgruppe sowie differenziert
nach relevanten Diagnosegruppen durchgeführt. Die berufliche Teilhabe
wurde über eine monatliche Zustandsvariable bis 24 Monate nach der
Rehabilitation und als Quote aller Personen, die nach 12 respektive 24 Monaten
im Erhebungsmonat und den 3 vorhergehenden Monaten sozialversicherungspflichtig
beschäftigt waren, operationalisiert. Für die Analyse der
Einflussfaktoren wurden multiple logistische Regressionsmodelle kalkuliert.
ErgebnisseDie Gesamtstichprobe umfasst 59.667 Rehabilitand*innen.
Das Durchschnittsalter liegt in allen Gruppen zwischen 53 und 56 Jahren.
Männer sind überproportional vertreten. 70% der
Leistungen wurden als Anschlussrehabilitationen und 88% im
stationären Setting erbracht. Die Quoten stabiler Beschäftigung
liegen in der Gesamtgruppe bei 66% nach einem bzw. 63% nach zwei
Jahren (Erkrankungsgruppen: 49% bis 71%). Die stärksten
Einflussfaktoren waren die Höhe des Entgeltes sowie die Anzahl der
Fehltage vor der Rehabilitation, eine Rehabilitation aus einer aktiven
Beschäftigung heraus sowie das Alter.
Schlussfolgerung Für die betrachteten Erkrankungsgruppen liegen
erstmals repräsentative Daten zur beruflichen Teilhabe im Anschluss an
eine Rehabilitation in Trägerschaft der DRV vor. Die Analysen
unterstreichen die Notwendigkeit einer alltagsnahen Schwerpunktsetzung der
beruflichen Perspektive bereits in der medizinischen Rehabilitation bzw. direkt
im Anschluss.
Complications Associated with Alloplastic Materials in Rhinoplasty and Their Operative Management
Authors: Storck Katharina , Kotz Sebastian , Riedel Frank , Veit Johannes 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWhereas rhinoplasty with a reduction of the dorsum and modification of the tip is a common procedure among Caucasians, augmentation of the dorsum remains a challenge in Asians. Choice of the ideal grafting material for dorsal augmentation is a matter of preference and remains under discussion. Autologous and alloplastic materials have their advantages and disadvantages. We report our experiences of the extrusion of alloplastic materials and their management. We report of 18 patients, who had rhinoplasty in the past for dorsal augmentation with alloplastic material. Augmentation rhinoplasty was performed in Asia (n = 15) and Germany (n = 3). All cases showed recurrent signs of foreign body infection and/or partial extrusion and therefore underwent revision surgery in our centers. Once all patients had been successfully treated with antibiotics, we performed a one-stage revision rhinoplasty with explantation of the alloplastic material and subsequent reconstruction with autologous rib cartilage. The nasal dorsum was augmented with either solid rib cartilage grafts, diced cartilage in fascia, or free diced cartilage in platelet-rich fibrin. All patients received pre-, peri-, and postoperative antibiotics. The outcome was screened via clinical examination, ultrasound examination pre- and postoperatively, two-dimensional/three-dimensional (3D) imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging scans.Alloplastic augmentation of the nasal dorsum runs the risk of foreign body reaction, recurrent infections, uncontrolled scarring, and unsatisfying long-term results. We have obtained a series of aesthetically and functionally satisfying results after single-stage revision surgery with autologous cartilage and demonstrate a variety of novel postoperative screening tools including 3D imaging and high-frequency ultrasound.
Level of Evidence N/A
Impact of Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography on Patent Ductus Arteriosus Management in a Canadian Tertiary Care Neonatal Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Homedi Abdulaziz , De La Hoz Andrea , Miller Michael R. , Lalitha Renjini , McClean Marisha , Bhattacharya Soume 
Published: September 2023

Objective Comprehensive assessment of hemodynamic significance of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common indication to perform targeted neonatal echocardiography (TNE). Impact of implementation of such an assessment on PDA management decisions remains to be reported. The objective of this study is to compare PDA-related hemodynamic information and PDA treatment decisions before and after introduction of TNE service.
Study Design This was a retrospective cohort study at a tertiary level neonatal intensive care unit in Southwestern Ontario. We investigated two time periods: Epoch-1 (non-TNE 2013–2016) versus Epoch-2 (TNE 2018–2021). We included neonates < 32 weeks with PDA. Data on baseline clinical characteristics, PDA-related echocardiographic parameters, PDA treatment details, and relevant long-term outcomes were collected. Primary outcome was defined as PDA treatment rates and need for multiple courses. Secondary outcomes included availability of PDA hemodynamic data and neonatal mortality/morbidity (PDA-related)
Results A total of 275 neonates were included. A total of 162 were assessed by conventional echocardiography in Epoch-1, whereas 113 were assessed by TNE in Epoch-2. Baseline clinical characteristics were similar. Epoch-2 had more echocardiographic assessments per patient of 2.7 (±1.8) versus 1.9 (± 1.3), p < 0.001 in Epoch1. The mean postnatal age at first echocardiographic assessment was higher in Epoch-2 (12.7 days [ ± 14.6]) than in Epoch-1 (7.9 days [ ± 10.4]), p < 0.001. Comprehensive hemodynamic assessment of PDA-related echocardiographic parameters such as PDA size, shunt pattern, effect on systemic circulation, and pulmonary circulation were higher in Epoch-2. Overall, PDA treatment rates were comparable in the two time periods. The use of multiple courses of treatment was higher in Epoch-1 than in Epoch-2 (47.8 vs. 31.7%, p = 0.047). In Epoch-1, neonates received PDA treatment earlier than in Epoch-2.
Conclusion With the implementation of the TNE service, increased echocardiographic evaluations per patient were completed with availability of more comprehensive hemodynamic information about PDA. PDA treatment rates were similar in the two epochs, but need for multiple courses were less in TNE era.
Key Points
Tumours Of The Hand
Authors: Sharma Professor S.N. , Tah Dr. R. , Bhatt Dr. H. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTen cases, treated over 4 years period are subject of this study. Of these, four cases are of implantation dermoid, three of giant cell tumour of tendon sheath, two of ganglia and one neurofibroma. Observations of the study are discussed.
Trapezius Myocuteneous Extended As Fasciocutaneous Flap For Neck Contracture
Authors: Banerjee Dr. Chanda , Ray Dr. C. , Karmakar Dr. S. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTen cases of severe post burn contracture are treated with extended horizontal trapezous myocutaneous flap during a period of two years, (1989 to 1991) at I.P.G.M.E. & R., Calcutta. This flap is designed and used, leaving submental area for cover by split skin graft for better asthetic appeal. Results, of this improvisation are superior and give a near normal neck chin contour.