bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential diagnosis of thyroid nodule capsules using random forest guided selection of image features
Authors: Eftimie Lucian G. , Glogojeanu Remus R. , Tejaswee A. , Gheorghita Pavel , Stanciu Stefan G. , Chirila Augustin , Stanciu George A. , Paul Angshuman , Hristu Radu 
Published: December 2022

AbstractMicroscopic evaluation of tissue sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin is the current gold standard for diagnosing thyroid pathology. Digital pathology is gaining momentum providing the pathologist with additional cues to traditional routes when placing a diagnosis, therefore it is extremely important to develop new image analysis methods that can extract image features with diagnostic potential. In this work, we use histogram and texture analysis to extract features from microscopic images acquired on thin thyroid nodule capsules sections and demonstrate how they enable the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Targeted thyroid nodules are benign (i.e., follicular adenoma) and malignant (i.e., papillary thyroid carcinoma and its sub-type arising within a follicular adenoma). Our results show that the considered image features can enable the quantitative characterization of the collagen capsule surrounding thyroid nodules and provide an accurate classification of the latter’s type using random forest.
Graph neural network-based cell switching for energy optimization in ultra-dense heterogeneous networks
Authors: Tan Kang , Bremner Duncan , Le Kernec Julien , Sambo Yusuf , Zhang Lei , Imran Muhammad Ali 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe development of ultra-dense heterogeneous networks (HetNets) will cause a significant rise in energy consumption with large-scale base station (BS) deployments, requiring cellular networks to be more energy efficient to reduce operational expense and promote sustainability. Cell switching is an effective method to achieve the energy efficiency goals, but traditional heuristic cell switching algorithms are computationally demanding with limited generalization abilities for ultra-dense HetNet applications, motivating the usage of machine learning techniques for adaptive cell switching. Graph neural networks (GNNs) are powerful deep learning models with strong generalization abilities but receive little attention for cell switching. This paper proposes a GNN-based cell switching solution (GBCSS) that has a smaller computational complexity than existing heuristic algorithms. The presented performance evaluation uses the Milan telecommunication dataset based on real-world call detail records, comparing GBCSS with a traditional exhaustive search (ES) algorithm, a state-of-the-art learning-based algorithm, and the baseline without cell switching. Results indicate that GBCSS achieves a 10.41% energy efficiency gain when compared with the baseline and achieves 75.76% of the optimal performance obtained with ES algorithm. The results also demonstrate GBCSS’ significant scalability and generalization abilities to differing load conditions and the number of BSs, suggesting this approach is well-suited to ultra-dense HetNet deployment.
Exposome approach for identifying modifiable factors for the prevention of colorectal cancer
Authors: Chen Nanqian , Liang Hailun , Huang Tao , Huang Ninghao 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPrevious studies have shown certain exposure factors (such as lifestyle and metabolism) are associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) events. However, the application of the exposome theoretical frame and the extent to which the exposome domain can modulate the risk of CRC remain unknown. Our study aimed to construct valid exposome measurements and examine the relationship between exposome counts and the risk of CRC. This study included 335,370 individuals in the UK Biobank. We used exploratory factor analysis to identify a valid construct of exposome factors. We then summed the exposome counts within each domain. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals of CRC risk related to the exposome factors and counts. During an 8.69 year median follow-up, 10,702 CRC cases were identified. Five domains were extracted from 12 variables, including ecosystem, lifestyle, tobacco and alcohol use, social economics, and social support. The Cox model results showed that the ecosystem was positively related to the reduced CRC risk (HR = 0.970; 95% CI 0.952–0.989). Similar results were also found among the domains of healthy lifestyles (HR = 0. 889; 95% CI 0.871–0.907), and no tobacco and alcohol use (HR = 0.892; 95% CI 0.876–0.909). The disadvantageous social economic (HR = 1.081; 95% CI 1.058–1.105) and insufficient social support domains (HR = 1.036; 95% CI 1.017–1.056) were associated with an increased risk of CRC. Similar risk trends were also observed across the exposome count groups with CRC incidence. Our findings suggest that certain exposure domains are related to the incidence of CRC. Ecosystem, lifestyle, and social factors can be incorporated into prediction models to identify individuals at high risk of CRC.
CRISPR-mediated generation and characterization of a Gaa homozygous c.1935C>A (p.D645E) Pompe disease knock-in mouse model recapitulating human infantile onset-Pompe disease
Authors: Kan Shih-hsin , Huang Jeffrey Y. , Harb Jerry , Rha Allisandra , Dalton Nancy D. , Christensen Chloe , Chan Yunghang , Davis-Turak Jeremy , Neumann Jonathan , Wang Raymond Y. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPompe disease, an autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficient lysosomal acid α-glucosidase (GAA), is characterized by accumulation of intra-lysosomal glycogen in skeletal and oftentimes cardiac muscle. The c.1935C>A (p.Asp645Glu) variant, the most frequent GAA pathogenic mutation in people of Southern Han Chinese ancestry, causes infantile-onset Pompe disease (IOPD), presenting neonatally with severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, profound muscle hypotonia, respiratory failure, and infantile mortality. We applied CRISPR-Cas9 homology-directed repair (HDR) using a novel dual sgRNA approach flanking the target site to generate a Gaaem1935C>A knock-in mouse model and a myoblast cell line carrying the Gaa c.1935C>A mutation. Herein we describe the molecular, biochemical, histological, physiological, and behavioral characterization of 3-month-old homozygous Gaaem1935C>A mice. Homozygous Gaaem1935C>A knock-in mice exhibited normal Gaa mRNA expression levels relative to wild-type mice, had near-abolished GAA enzymatic activity, markedly increased tissue glycogen storage, and concomitantly impaired autophagy. Three-month-old mice demonstrated skeletal muscle weakness and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy but no premature mortality. The Gaaem1935C>A knock-in mouse model recapitulates multiple salient aspects of human IOPD caused by the GAA c.1935C>A pathogenic variant. It is an ideal model to assess innovative therapies to treat IOPD, including personalized therapeutic strategies that correct pathogenic variants, restore GAA activity and produce functional phenotypes.
Dip-coating electromechanically active polymer actuators with SIBS from midblock-selective solvents to achieve full encapsulation for biomedical applications
Authors: Rinne Pille , Põldsalu Inga , Zadin Veronika , Johanson Urmas , Tamm Tarmo , Põhako-Esko Kaija , Punning Andres , van den Ende Daan , Aabloo Alvo 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSoft and compliant ionic electromechanically active polymer actuators (IEAPs) are a promising class of smart materials for biomedical and soft robotics applications. These materials change their shape in response to external stimuli like the electrical signal. This shape-change results solely from the ion flux inside the composite and hence the material can be miniaturized below the centimeter and millimeter levels—something that still poses a challenge for many other conventional actuation mechanisms in soft robotics (e.g., pneumatic, hydraulic, or tendon-based systems). However, the components used to prepare IEAPs are typically not safe for the biological environment, nor is the environment safe for the actuator. Safety concerns and unreliable operation in foreign liquid environments have been some of the main obstacles for the widespread adoption of IEAPs in many areas, e.g., in biomedical applications. Here we show a novel approach to fully encapsulate IEAP actuators with the biocompatible block copolymer SIBS (poly(styrene-block-isobutylene-block-styrene)) dissolved in block-selective solvents. Reduction in the bending amplitude due to the added passive layers, a common negative side-effect of encapsulating IEAPs, was not observed in this work. In conclusion, the encapsulated actuator is steered through a tortuous vasculature mock-up filled with a viscous buffer solution mimicking biological fluids.
Examining time–frequency mechanisms of full-fledged deep sleep development in newborns of different gestational age in the first days of their postnatal development
Authors: Kiselev Anton R. , Drapkina Oxana M. , Novikov Mikhail Yu. , Panina Olga S. , Chernenkov Yuri V. , Zhuravlev Maksim O. , Runnova Anastasiya E. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractEarly age-related changes in EEG time–frequency characteristics during the restful sleep of newborns of different gestational ages result in the development of conventional EEG signs of deep sleep already during the first postnatal week of their life. Allocating newborns to different groups based on their gestational age and duration of postnatal period allowed demonstrating substantial intergroup differences in brain activity during sleep and wakefulness, along with significant variability in the time–frequency characteristics of brain activity. The process of conventional deep sleep development in infants born prior to the week 35 of gestation is associated with an increase in the power of alpha activity in the sensorimotor cortex of the brain.
Design of standalone wireless impedance matching (SWIM) system for RF coils in MRI
Authors: Kandala Sri Kirthi , Sohn Sung-Min 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe radio frequency (RF) power transfer efficiency of transmit coils and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the receive signal chain are directly dependent on the impedance matching condition presented by a loaded coil, tuned to the Larmor frequency. Sub-optimal impedance condition of receive coils significantly reduces coil sensitivity and image quality. In this study we propose a Standalone Wireless Impedance Matching (SWIM) system for RF coils to automatically compensate for the impedance mismatch caused by the loading effect at the target frequency. SWIM uses a built-in RF generator to produce a calibration signal, measure reflected power as feedback for loading change, and determine an optimal impedance. The matching network consists of a capacitor array with micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) RF switches to electronically cycle through different input impedance conditions. Along with automatic calibration, SWIM can also perform software detuning of RF receive coils. An Android mobile application was developed for real-time reflected power monitoring and controlling the SWIM system via Bluetooth. The SWIM system can automatically calibrate an RF coil in 3 s and the saline sample SNR was improved by 24% when compared to a loaded coil without retuning. Four different tomatoes were imaged to validate the performance of SWIM.
Wound healing approach based on excretory-secretory product and lysate of liver flukes
Authors: Kovner Anna V. , Tarasenko Alena A. , Zaparina Oxana , Tikhonova Olga V. , Pakharukova Maria Y. , Mordvinov Viatcheslav A. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractExogenous bioactive peptides are considered promising for the wound healing therapy in humans. In this regard, parasitic trematodes proteins may potentially become a new perspective agents. Foodborne trematode Opisthorchis felineus is widespread in Europe and has the ability to stimulate proliferation of bile duct epithelium. In this study, we investigated skin wound healing potential of O. felineus proteins in mouse model. C57Bl/6 mice were inflicted with superficial wounds with 8 mm diameter. Experimental groups included several non-specific controls and specific treatment groups (excretory-secretory product and lysate). After 10 days of the experiment, the percentage of wound healing in the specific treatment groups significantly exceeded the control values. We also found that wound treatment with excretory-secretory product and worm lysate resulted in: (i) inflammation reducing, (ii) vascular response modulating, (iii) type 1 collagen deposition promoting dermal ECM remodeling. An additional proteomic analysis of excretory-secretory product and worm lysate samples was revealed 111 common proteins. The obtained data indicate a high wound-healing potential of liver fluke proteins and open prospects for further research as new therapeutic approaches.
Topological random fractals
Authors: Ivaki Moein N. , Sahlberg Isac , Pöyhönen Kim , Ojanen Teemu 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe search for novel topological quantum states has recently moved beyond naturally occurring crystalline materials to complex and engineered systems. In this work we generalize the notion of topological electronic states to random lattices in non-integer dimensions. By considering a class D tight-binding model on critical clusters resulting from a two-dimensional site percolation process, we demonstrate that these topological random fractals exhibit the hallmarks of topological insulators. Specifically, our large-scale numerical studies reveal that topological random fractals display a robust mobility gap, support quantized conductance and represent a well-defined thermodynamic phase of matter. The finite-size scaling analysis further suggests that the critical properties are not consistent with the expectations of class D systems in two dimensions, hinting to the nontrivial relationship between fractal and integer-dimensional topological states. Our results establish topological random fractals as the most complex systems known to support nontrivial band topology with their distinct unique properties.
Effects of Cognitive Stress on Voice Acoustics in Individuals With Hyperfunctional Voice Disorders
Authors: Dahl Kimberly L. , Stepp Cara E. 
Published: December 2022

Purpose:
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction has been implicated in the development and persistence of hyperfunctional voice disorders (HVDs). The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of cognitive stress, which is known to arouse the autonomic nervous system, on voice acoustics in female speakers with and without HVDs.

Method:

Adult female speakers—66 with HVDs, 66 without—were recorded while speaking with and without a cognitive stressor. Root-mean-square (RMS) of amplitude, fundamental frequency (
f
o
), low-to-high spectral energy ratio (L/H ratio), cepstral peak prominence (CPP), and relative
f
o
(RFF) were measured for each speaker and cognitive stress condition. Mixed-model analyses of variance and post hoc
t
tests were conducted to determine if cognitive stress affected voice acoustics and whether voice changes were greater for those with HVDs.

Results:

All measures differed significantly under cognitive stress for speakers with and without HVDs. RMS and CPP increased whereas
f
o
, CPP, and RFF decreased under cognitive stress. Changes in these measures were not greater in those with HVDs.

Conclusion:
Cognitive stress and presumed autonomic arousal affect voice similarly in female speakers with and without HVDs.
Estimation of large-scale deformations in VLBI radio source catalogs with mitigation of impact of outliers: A comparison between different L1- and L2-norm-based methods
Authors: Lambert S. , Malkin Z. 
Published: December 2022

Aims. In this study, we compare several methods of modeling large-scale systematic differences between catalogs of positions of extragalactic radio sources provided by very long baseline interferometry with an emphasis on mitigating the impact of outliers.
Methods. The coordinate difference between catalogs was parameterized by first and second order coefficients of vector spherical harmonics. We solved for these coefficients by using the least-squares method (L2-norm) and, alternatively, by L1-norm minimization. The problem of outliers was addressed either by rejecting them on the basis of their difference to the mean or by using the cell median (CM) method, consisting of reducing the difference field to median values in cells of equal area. The methods were applied to simulated catalogs exhibiting systematics of within 100 microarcseconds - for which we knew the expected results - and to real catalogs.
Results. In simulations, the L1 minimization appears practically insensitive to outliers and is within a few microarcseconds of the expected results. Least-squared fitting preceded by L1-norm-based outlier detection performed similarly. The CM method gets close to the true parameter values, within one microarcsecond. When applied to real catalogs, all methods provide close results within a few microarcseconds.
Conclusions. The study shows that all tested methods are consistent with each other within a few microarcseconds. Hybrid L2/L1 and iterative L2 methods proved to be very effective in eliminating outliers and showed the best accuracy of the estimated parameters of the mutual orientation of celestial reference frames.
First detailed study of two eccentric eclipsing binaries: TYC 5378-1590-1 and TYC 8378-252-1
Authors: Zasche P. , Sürgit D. , Erdem A. , Engelbrecht C. A. , Marang F. 
Published: December 2022

Aims. The analysis of combined photometry and spectroscopy of eccentric eclipsing binary systems facilitates the derivation of very precise values for a large ensemble of physical parameters of the component stars and their orbits, thereby providing stringent tests of theories of stellar structure and evolution. In this paper two eccentric eclipsing binary systems, TYC 5378-1590-1 and TYC 8378-252-1, are studied in detail for the first time.
Methods. Radial velocities were obtained using cross-correlation methods applied to mid-resolution spectra covering almost the entire orbital phase domains of these two systems. TESS photometry was used for the analysis of TYC 5378-1590-1, whereas ASAS-SN photometry was used for the analysis of TYC 8378-252-1.
Results. We obtained the first precise derivation of the physical parameters of these systems. Both systems display moderately eccentric orbits (e ∼ 0.3 and 0.2) with periods of 3.73235 and 2.87769 days, respectively. The apsidal motion is very slow, with a duration of several centuries for both systems. We present two models for the apsidal motion of TYC 5378-1590-1. The internal structure constant derived from observations for TYC 8378-252-1 is approximately 11% lower than theoretical predictions. We discuss possible reasons for this discrepancy. Our analysis indicates that the components of both systems are on the main sequence. The components of TYC 5378-1590-1 are relatively young stars (age ∼600 Myr) close to the ZAMS, whereas the components of TYC 8378-252-1 are relatively old stars (age ∼4 Gyr) close to the TAMS. Our finding that the circularization timescale for TYC 5378-1590-1 is ∼200 times longer than its evolutionary age is compatible with circularization theory; however, our finding that the evolutionary age of TYC 8378-252-1 is approximately ten times longer than the circulation age, while its orbital eccentricity is quite high (e ∼ 0.2), challenges the present theories of circularization.
Kosten-Effektivitäts-Analyse des Optifast 52 Programms bei
Patienten mit Adipositas Grad III und Diabetes mellitus Typ 2
Authors: Thiem Helena , Rychlik Reinhard P.T. , Weimann Arved 
Published: December 2022

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Adipositas stellt für eine Vielzahl weiterer
Erkrankungen einen wesentlichen Risikofaktor dar, darunter insbesondere Diabetes
mellitus Typ 2 (DMT2). DMT2 als Adipositas-assoziierte Folgeerkrankung bedeutet
sowohl aus medizinischer als auch ökonomischer Sicht eine hohe Belastung
für das deutsche Gesundheitssystem. Ziel therapeutischer
Maßnahmen zur Gewichtsreduktion bei Patienten mit DMT2 ist somit immer
auch die Verbesserung der diabetischen Stoffwechsellage. Bei Patienten mit
Adipositas Grad III (BMI≥40 kg/m2) kann
alternativ zu einer metabolischen bariatrischen Operation auch ein
strukturiertes, multimodales Therapieprogramm (Optifast 52 Programm) angeboten
werden.
Methodik In einer Kosten-Effektivitäts-Analyse sollen die
gesundheitsökonomischen Auswirkungen des Optifast 52 Programms im
Vergleich zur metabolischen Operation bei adipösen Patienten (BMI
40–50 kg/m2) mit DMT2 als
Adipositasassoziierter Begleiterkrankung ermittelt werden. Ziel beider
Therapieoptionen ist die Remission des DMT2 aufgrund von Gewichtsreduktion.
Mithilfe eines Entscheidungsbaum-Modells wird die Therapie des DMT2 für
einen Zeitraum von drei Jahren modelliert. Berücksichtigt werden die
direkten medizinischen Kosten aus Perspektive der gesetzlichen
Krankenversicherung in Deutschland.
Ergebnisse Die kumulierten Behandlungskosten des DMT2 liegen unter
Anwendung des Optifast 52 Programms bei durchschnittlich 9.425,01 Euro
für den Gesamtzeitraum von drei Jahren im Vergleich zu 13.727,94 Euro
für Patienten mit metabolischer Operation. Unter
Berücksichtigung der Effektivität der beiden Therapieoptionen
zeigt sich, dass das Optifast 52 Programm mit 11.536,33 Euro im Vergleich zu
14.908,56 Euro für eine metabolische Operation kosteneffektiv ist.
Schlussfolgerung Die Reduktion des Körpergewichts ist bei
Patienten mit Adipositas wesentlich für eine erfolgreiche Therapie des
DMT2. Die metabolische Operation kann dabei zu deutlichen Gewichtsverlusten
führen, ist jedoch aufgrund der vergleichsweise höheren
Komplikationsraten und der hohen finanziellen Belastung für das deutsche
Gesundheitssystem kritisch zu sehen. Aus gesundheitsökonomischer Sicht
stellt das Optifast 52 Programm deswegen eine kosteneffektive Alternative zur
metabolischen Operation dar.
Micropetrosis – Occlusion of Osteocyte
Lacunae
Authors: Kolibová Sofie Dragoun , Busse Björn , Jähn-Rickert Katharina 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThis article summarizes the current knowledge on micropetrosis –
osteocyte lacunar occlusion, while focusing on the latest data on osteocyte
viability and diabetic bone disease. The lacunae are fluid-filled ellipsoid
spaces where osteocytes reside within the mineralized matrix. During osteocyte
lifetime, the lacunar space is kept in a non-mineralized state. However, a dying
osteocyte appears to enable the initiation of lacunar mineralization –
creating a fossil within the living tissue. Elevated frequencies of
micropetrosis are observed with advanced age, but also type 1 diabetes mellitus.
The latter is a common health threat to our society with rising numbers of
patients suffering from the disease associated symptoms including a secondary
type of osteoporosis with an elevated risk of fragility fractures. While the
underlying mechanism of diabetic bone disease is not entirely understood, more
evidence is pointing towards a combinatory effect of loss of bone mass and an
impaired overall bone quality. The high number of micropetrotic osteocyte
lacunae leads to a more brittle bone tissue prone to microcracking. Further
investigations are required to determine the implications of elevated
micropetrosis as a reliable target of bone fragility.