bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artificial intelligence for direct-to-physician reporting of ambulatory electrocardiography
Authors: Johnson L. S. , Zadrozniak P. , Jasina G. , Grotek-Cuprjak A. , Andrade J. G. , Svennberg E. , Diederichsen S. Z. , McIntyre W. F. , Stavrakis S. , Benezet-Mazuecos J. , Krisai P. , Iakobishvili Z. , Laish-Farkash A. , Bhavnani S. , Ljungström E. , Bacevicius J. , van Vreeswijk N. L. , Rienstra M. , Spittler R. , Marx J. A. , Oraii A. , Miracle Blanco A. , Lozano A. , Mustafina I. , Zafeiropoulos S. , Bennett R. , Bisson J. , Linz D. , Kogan Y. , Glazer E. , Marincheva G. , Rahkovich M. , Shaked E. , Ruwald M. H. , Haugan K. , Węcławski J. , Radoslovich G. , Jamal S. , Brandes A. , Matusik P. T. , Manninger M. , Meyre P. B. , Blum S. , Persson A. , Måneheim A. , Hammarlund P. , Fedorowski A. , Wodaje T. , Lewinter C. , Juknevicius V. , Jakaite R. , Shen C. , Glotzer T. , Platonov P. , Engström G. , Benz A. P. , Healey J. S.
Published: February 2025

Developments in ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) technology have led to vast amounts of ECG data that currently need to be interpreted by human technicians. Here we tested an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm for direct-to-physician reporting of ambulatory ECGs. Beat-by-beat annotation of 14,606 individual ambulatory ECG recordings (mean duration = 14 ± 10 days) was performed by certified ECG technicians (n = 167) and an ensemble AI model, called DeepRhythmAI. To compare the performance of the AI model and the technicians, a random sample of 5,235 rhythm events identified by the AI model or by technicians, of which 2,236 events were identified as critical arrhythmias, was selected for annotation by one of 17 cardiologist consensus panels. The mean sensitivity of the AI model for the identification of critical arrhythmias was 98.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 97.7–99.4), as compared to 80.3% (95% CI = 77.3–83.3%) for the technicians. False-negative findings were observed in 3.2/1,000 patients for the AI model versus 44.3/1,000 patients for the technicians. Accordingly, the relative risk of a missed diagnosis was 14.1 (95% CI = 10.4–19.0) times higher for the technicians. However, a higher false-positive event rate was observed for the AI model (12 (interquartile range (IQR) = 6–74)/1,000 patient days) as compared to the technicians (5 (IQR = 2–153)/1,000 patient days). We conclude that the DeepRhythmAI model has excellent negative predictive value for critical arrhythmias, substantially reducing false-negative findings, but at a modest cost of increased false-positive findings. AI-only analysis to facilitate direct-to-physician reporting could potentially reduce costs and improve access to care and outcomes in patients who need ambulatory ECG monitoring.
Initiation of ERAD by the bifunctional complex of Mnl1/Htm1 mannosidase and protein disulfide isomerase
Authors: Zhao Dan , Wu Xudong , Rapoport Tom A.
Published: February 2025

Misfolded glycoproteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen are translocated into the cytosol and degraded by the proteasome, a conserved process called ER-associated protein degradation (ERAD). In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the glycan of these proteins is trimmed by the luminal mannosidase Mnl1 (Htm1) to generate a degradation signal. Interestingly, Mnl1 is associated with protein disulfide isomerase (Pdi1). Here we used cryo-electron microscopy, biochemical and in vivo experiments to elucidate how this complex initiates ERAD. The Mnl1–Pdi1 complex first demannosylates misfolded, globular proteins that are recognized through the C-terminal domain (CTD) of Mnl1; Pdi1 causes the CTD to ignore completely unfolded polypeptides. The disulfides of these globular proteins are then reduced by the Pdi1 component of the complex. Mnl1 blocks the canonical oxidative function of Pdi1, allowing it to function as a disulfide reductase in ERAD. The generated unfolded polypeptides can then be translocated across the membrane into the cytosol.
The optimization of calcareous soil cation exchange capacity via the feather hydrolysate and N-P fertilizers integration
Authors: Goda Doaa A. , El-Gamal Eman H. , Rashad Mohamed , Abdel-Fattah Yasser R.
Published: February 2025

Adding organic amendments to agricultural systems as sustainable practices is one of the most important stages toward creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly food system. By increasing soil fertility and nutritional content, organic fertilizers increase plant productivity. Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) is a vital indicator of soil fertility and plant nutrient availability, which is considered one of the most significant chemical parameters that affect agricultural soil quality. The main goals of the present study were to generate protein lysate from discarded feathers (enriched in different amino acids) through solid-state fermentation using Box-Behnken design (BBD). Then, assess the efficacy of hydrolyzed feather product (as an organic amendment), time, and N-P fertilizers on soil-CEC planted with maize in calcareous soil utilizing an optimization strategy that employed the central composite design and the response surface methodology (RSM). The results revealed that the protein concentration in the customized conditions was 1173.53 µg ml−1. With a predicted CEC of 31.416 cmolc kg−1, the ideal circumstances for the three variables under investigation of feather hydrolysate, time, and chemical fertilizer were 20.147 ml kg−1 soil, 27 days, and 42.3% of the recommended dose, respectively. Using keratin hydrolysate (20 ml kg−1 soil) as a soil amendment significantly improved the growth parameters of maize. The leaf surface area (SA, m2 gm−1) was increased by 695% and 37% compared to the control (without any addition) and N-P fertilizer treatments (100% of the recommended dose), respectively. Keratin hydrolysate as a sustainable production of value-added organic fertilizer applied to calcareous soil shows a synergistic effect on soil-CEC and plant growth parameters.
Efficacy and safety of the enhanced monofocal intraocular lens in glaucoma of varying severity
Authors: Kim Heesuk , Ahn Junyeong , Seo Minju , Bae Hyoung Won , Kim Chan Yun , Choi Wungrak
Published: February 2025

This study evaluates the safety and visual outcomes of enhanced monofocal intraocular lenses compared to standard monofocal intraocular lenses in patients with varying severities of glaucoma. Utilizing data from surgeries performed in 2021, the study involved patients aged 40 and older with visually significant cataracts and diagnosed glaucoma or glaucoma suspects. The findings indicate that both enhanced and standard monofocal lenses lead to significant improvements in best-corrected visual acuity, visual field index, mean deviation, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness postoperatively. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in the extent of these improvements, suggesting that enhanced monofocal lenses may offer a viable alternative for patients with glaucoma, providing significant visual benefits and potentially better intermediate vision while preserving overall visual function.
99mTc-labeled benzenesulfonamide derivative-entrapped gold citrate nanoparticles as an auspicious tumour targeting
Authors: Selim Adli A. , Sakr Tamer M. , Essa Basma M. , Sayed Galal H. , Anwer Kurls E.
Published: February 2025

Sulfonamide derivatives are a significant class of medicinal compounds. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) offer precise cancer treatment through targeted delivery, boasting high drug-loading capacity and low toxicity. This study aimed to develop and evaluate 99mTc-labeled benzenesulfonamide derivative-entrapped gold citrate nanoparticles as a tumor-targeting agent. A novel benzenesulfonamide derivative bearing a pyridine moiety was synthesized. Compound 3 (4-((3-cyano-4-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-6-phenylpyridin-2-yl)amino)-N-(diaminomethylene)benzenesulfonamide) exhibited remarkable anti-cancer activity against MCF-7 cells. The chemical reduction method was employed to create compound 3-citrate-AuNPs. A comprehensive examination of the synthesized nano-platform was conducted, including zeta potential, size analysis, radiochemical yield, and in-vivo biodistribution in tumor-bearing mice. The nano-platform was successfully produced with good stability, optimal particle size (9 nm diameter for AuNPs), and high radiochemical purity for [99mTc]Tc-compound 3 (88.31 ± 2.14%). In-vivo investigations revealed that intravenously administered [99mTc]Tc-compound 3-citrate-AuNPs accumulated in tumors with a high target-to-non-target ratio. The findings validate the efficacy of the novel [99mTc]Tc-compound 3-citrate-AuNPs platform as a tumor-targeting agent.
Artificial neural network analysis of Jeffrey hybrid nanofluid with gyrotactic microorganisms for optimizing solar thermal collector efficiency
Authors: Kumar Anup , Sharma Bhupendra K. , Almohsen Bandar , Pérez Laura M. , Urbanowicz Kamil
Published: February 2025

This article investigates solar energy storage due to the Jeffrey hybrid nanofluid flow containing gyrotactic microorganisms through a porous medium for parabolic trough solar collectors. The mechanism of thermophoresis and Brownian motion for the graphene and silver nanoparticles are also encountered in the suspension of water-based heat transfer fluid. The gyrotactic microorganisms have the ability to move in an upward direction in the nanofluid mixture, which enhances the nanoparticle stability and fluid mixing in the suspension. Mathematical modeling of the governing equations uses the conservation principles of mass, momentum, energy, concentration, and microorganism concentration. The non-similar variables are introduced to the dimensional governing equations to get the non-dimensional ordinary differential equations. The Cash and Carp method is implemented to solve the non-dimensional equations. The artificial neural network is also developed for the non-dimensional governing equations using the Levenberg Marquardt algorithm. Numerical findings corresponding to the diverse parameters influencing the nanofluid flow and heat transfer are presented in the graphs. The thermal profiles are observed to be enhanced with the escalation in the Darcy and Forchheimer parameters. And the Nusselt number enhances with the escalation in the Deborah number and retardation time parameter. Entropy generation reduces with an enhancement in Deborah number and retardation time parameter. Solar energy is the best renewable energy source. It can fulfill the energy requirements for the growth of industries and engineering applications.
Densely vascularized thick 3D tissue shows enhanced protein secretion constructed with intermittent positive pressure
Authors: Katsuura Misako , Homma Jun , Higashi Yuhei , Sekine Hidekazu , Shimizu Tatsuya
Published: February 2025

Constructing a dense vascular endothelial network within engineered tissue is crucial for successful engraftment. The present study investigated the effects of air-compressing intermittent positive pressure (IPP) on co-cultured mesenchymal stem cells and vascular endothelial cells and evaluated the potential of IPP-cultured cell sheets for transplantation therapy. The results demonstrated that the IPP (+) group exhibited a denser vascular endothelial network and significantly increased cell sheet thickness compared to the IPP (-) group. Furthermore, in vivo experiments showed that IPP-cultured cell sheets enhanced the secretion of Gaussian luciferase by genetically modified mesenchymal stem cells. These findings highlight the IPP method as a technique that simultaneously enables the thickening of planar tissues and the construction of vascular networks. This approach demonstrates promise for fabricating functional, transplantable, and thick tissues with dense vascularization and a high capacity for protein secretion, paving the way for novel applications in regenerative medicine.
Narrowing the gap between machine learning scoring functions and free energy perturbation using augmented data
Authors: Valsson Ísak , Warren Matthew T. , Deane Charlotte M. , Magarkar Aniket , Morris Garrett M. , Biggin Philip C.
Published: February 2025

Machine learning offers great promise for fast and accurate binding affinity predictions. However, current models lack robust evaluation and fail on tasks encountered in (hit-to-) lead optimisation, such as ranking the binding affinity of a congeneric series of ligands, thereby limiting their application in drug discovery. Here, we address these issues by first introducing a novel attention-based graph neural network model called AEV-PLIG (atomic environment vector–protein ligand interaction graph). Second, we introduce a new and more realistic out-of-distribution test set called the OOD Test. We benchmark our model on this set, CASF-2016, and a test set used for free energy perturbation (FEP) calculations, that not only highlights the competitive performance of AEV-PLIG, but provides a realistic assessment of machine learning models with rigorous physics-based approaches. Moreover, we demonstrate how leveraging augmented data (generated using template-based modelling or molecular docking) can significantly improve binding affinity prediction correlation and ranking on the FEP benchmark (weighted mean PCC and Kendall’s τ increases from 0.41 and 0.26 to 0.59 and 0.42). These strategies together are closing the performance gap with FEP calculations (FEP+ achieves weighted mean PCC and Kendall’s τ of 0.68 and 0.49 on the FEP benchmark) while being  ~400,000 times faster.
Universal relations and bounds for fluctuations in quasistatic small heat engines
Authors: Ito Kosuke , Xu Guo-Hua , Jiang Chao , Roldán Édgar , Rica-Alarcón Raúl A. , Martínez Ignacio A. , Watanabe Gentaro
Published: February 2025

The efficiency of any heat engine, defined as the ratio of average work output to heat input, is bounded by Carnot’s celebrated result. However, this measure is insufficient to characterize the properties of miniaturized heat engines carrying non-negligible fluctuations, and a study of higher-order statistics of their energy exchanges is required. Here, we generalize Carnot’s result for reversible cycles to arbitrary order moment of the work and heat fluctuations. Our results show that, in the quasistatic limit, higher-order statistics of a small engine’s energetics depend solely on the ratio between the temperatures of the thermal baths. We further prove that our result for the second moment gives universal bounds for the ratio between the variances of work and heat for quasistatic cycles. We test this theory with our previous experimental results of a Brownian Carnot engine and observe the consistency between them, even beyond the quasistatic regime. Our results can be exploited in the design of thermal nanomachines to reduce their fluctuations of work output without marginalizing its average value and efficiency.
Advances in conducting nanocomposite hydrogels for wearable biomonitoring
Authors: Roy Arpita , Afshari Ronak , Jain Saumya , Zheng Yuting , Lin Min-Hsuan , Zenkar Shea , Yin Junyi , Chen Jun , Peppas Nicholas A. , Annabi Nasim
Published: February 2025

Recent advancements in wearable biosensors and bioelectronics highlight biocompatible conducting nanocomposite hydrogels as key components for personalized health devices and soft electronics.
How plutonium “brown” peroxo complex emerges from electrolysis experiments
Authors: Husar Richard , Hervy Quentin , Dumas Thomas , Guilbaud Philippe , Virot Matthieu , Moisy Philippe
Published: February 2025

An electrolysis experiment on a plutonium solution led to a transient signal that was isolated through chemometrics. The transient species has been identified as a tetravalent plutonium peroxide complex.
Selective synthesis of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes from allylic alcohols using oxidatively supplied hydrogen peroxide from electrochemical two-electron water oxidation
Authors: Kon Yoshihiro , Kimishima Yuka , Murata Kazuhisa , Sayama Kazuhiro
Published: February 2025

This paper highlights the selective oxidation of allylic alcohols to α,β-unsaturated aldehydes using hydrogen peroxide that is oxidatively supplied from the electrochemical two-electron water oxidation of an aqueous carbonate solution.
Chemoselective and laser cleavable probes for in situ protein lipoylation detection by laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Du Qiuyao , Yu Xi , Jia Ke , Qu Yijiao , Han Jing , Sun Jiameng , Shen Duo , Liu Huihui , Nie Zongxiu
Published: February 2025

Chemoselective probe is connected with gold nanoparticles modified with laser cleavable mass tags by click chemistry for in situ protein lipoylation detection by laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.
Single-layer group III-IV-VI semiconductors: potential photocatalysts for water splitting with high carrier mobilities
Authors: Yang Qiu , Hao Qi-Dong , Hu Cui-E , Geng Hua-Yun , Chen Xiang-Rong
Published: February 2025

Strong optical absorption, high carrier mobility, and potential photocatalytic water splitting properties of MSiX (M = Ga, In; X = S, Se, Te) monolayers.
Broadband photoluminescence toward the NIR II region and stable green ceramic pigments based on a novel NaBaScSi2O7:xCr silicate phosphor
Authors: Wang Xuejiao , Yang Sihan , Jiang Feng , Wang Jiantong , Gong Changshuai , Li Ji-Guang
Published: February 2025

Cr3+ shows broadband near infrared luminescence towards the NIR II region in NaBaScSi2O7 due to the strong charge polarisation effect, and the proposed materials show promising applications in NIR pc-LEDs and green ceramic pigments.
[2Fe–2S] clusters supported by N-heterocyclic carbene ligands
Authors: Ye Yuwei , Jiang Xuebin , Liu Qing , Ye Shengfa , Deng Liang
Published: February 2025

The use of N-heterocyclic carbenes as ligands leads to the preparation of neutral di-ferrous [2Fe–2S]0 clusters that allow detailed structural and spectroscopic characterization.
The LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey: Deep Fields Data Release 2. I. The ELAIS-N1 field
Authors: Shimwell T.W. , Hale C.L. , Best P.N. , Botteon A. , Drabent A. , Hardcastle M.J. , de Jong J.M.G.H. , Kondapally R. , Röttgering H.J.A. , Tasse C. , van Weeren R.J. , Williams W.L. , Bonafede A. , Bondi M. , Brunetti G. , Callingham J.R. , De Gasperin F. , Duncan^ K.J. , Horellou C. , Iyer S. , de Ruiter I. , Małek^ K. , Nair D.G. , Morabito L.K. , Prandoni I. , Rowlinson A. , Sabater J. , Shulevski A. , Smith D.J.B. , Sweijen F.
Published: February 2025

We present the final 6arcsec resolution data release of the ELAIS-N1 field from the LOw-Frequency ARray (LOFAR) Two-metre Sky Survey Deep Fields project (LoTSS Deep). The 144,MHz images are the most sensitive achieved to date at this frequency and were created from 290,TB of data obtained from 505,hrs on-source observations taken over 7.5 years. The data were processed following the strategies developed for previous LoTSS and LoTSS Deep data releases. The resulting images span 24.53 square degrees, and using a refined source detection approach, we identified 154,952 radio sources formed from 182,184 Gaussian components within this area. The maps reach a noise level of 10.7,μJy beam^-1 at 6arcsec resolution, where approximately half of the noise is due to source confusion. In about 7.4% of the image, our limited dynamic range around bright sources results in a further $>5%$ increase in the noise. The images have a flux density scale accuracy of about 9%, and the standard deviation of offsets between our source positions and those from Pan-STARRS is 0.2arcsec in RA and Dec for high significance detections. We searched individual epoch images for variable sources, identifying 39 objects with considerable variation. We also searched for circularly polarised sources, achieving three detections of previously known emitters (two stars and one pulsar) whilst constraining the typical polarisation fraction plus leakage to be less than 0.045%.
Diagnostic and safety value of ultrasound-guided transthoracic core needle biopsy for mediastinal masses: a single-center experience
Authors: Poisa Paolo , Malerba Paolo , Orsini Anna , Sabbadini Linda , De Tavonatti Maria Grazia , Cecchinel Stefania , Orizio Paola , Caletti Stefano , Saifi Erkin Saeed , Nardin Matteo , Pelizzari Giovanni
Published: February 2025

US-guided (Ultrasound-guided) percutaneous transthoracic core needle biopsy (CNB) is a favorable method for establishing the correct diagnosis of mediastinal masses. However, studies in this area are scant and often include small samples, thus making it difficult to provide robust evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of this procedure. Thus, we aimed to report on the 20 years of experience at our center with regard to US-guided CNB.

We included all consecutive patients referred to our center to undergo US-guided percutaneous transthoracic CNB for a mediastinal mass between 1999 and 2022. Descriptive statistics were used to display data. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to inquire about predictors of diagnostic sampling.

The final cohort included 140 patients with a median age of 37 years. In 20.7% of the cases, the mediastinal mass was an incidental finding. The parasternal approach was used most often. US-guided CNB was diagnostic in 84.3% of the patients and most of the diagnoses included hematological neoplasms. The reasons for non-diagnostic sampling included firm lesion consistency, low quantity of samples, and lesion necrosis. The parasternal approach resulted in an independent predictor of diagnostic sampling (AOR 4.16, 95% CI 1.14–15.23, p=0.031), while a bulky feature revealed only a trend for diagnostic sampling. One non-severe adverse event occurred, with spontaneous resolution.

US-guided percutaneous transthoracic CNB is an effective and safe procedure that allows the diagnosis of mediastinal masses. The identification of patients that could benefit from this technique should be the next step in researching this topic.
Therapierefraktäre chronische Depression bei einem CADASIL-Patienten mit körperlich asymptomatischem Verlauf: ein Fallbericht
Authors: Wurthmann Sebastian , Kastrup Oliver , Wurthmann Cornelius , Scherbaum Norbert , Roser Patrik
Published: February 2025

Depressive Störungen sind sehr häufige psychische Erkrankungen, die normalerweise gut behandelbar sind. Besondere Aufmerksamkeit ist jedoch erforderlich, wenn sich die depressive Symptomatik trotz leitliniengerechter Therapie nicht verbessert und hirnstrukturelle Veränderungen in der Bildgebung feststellbar sind. Wir berichten über einen humangenetisch neu diagnostizierten 63-jährigen Patienten mit zerebraler autosomal-dominanter Arteriopathie mit subkortikalen Infarkten und Leukenzephalopathie (CADASIL) mit einem zwei Jahrzehnte langen Verlauf schwerer affektiver Symptome ohne klassische somatische CADASIL-Krankheitsmerkmale, obwohl eine pathogene Variante in der EGFr-4-Domäne des NOTCH3-Proteins gefunden wurde. CADASIL ist eine seltene Erbkrankheit der kleinen Hirngefäße, die durch Mutationen im NOTCH3-Gen verursacht wird. Die Krankheit beginnt typischerweise im jungen Erwachsenenalter und ist durch ischämische Schlaganfälle, migräneartige Kopfschmerzen, psychiatrische Störungen und kognitiven Verfall gekennzeichnet. Pathogene Varianten in den NOTCH3 EGFr-Domänen 1-6 sind mit einem schwereren somatischen Phänotyp verbunden. Unser Fallbericht unterstreicht die phänotypische Heterogenität von CADASIL mit ausschließlich psychiatrischen Symptomen trotz Mutation in der EGFr-Domäne 4; daher sollte CADASIL bei Vorliegen von affektiven Störungen, fehlendem Ansprechen auf Antidepressiva und typischen MR-Veränderungen in Betracht gezogen werden.
Successful Trial of Labor After Two Caesarean Sections (TOLA2C): Analysis of a Delivery Protocol with Feto-Maternal Outcome
Authors: Brandstetter Maximilian , Brandstetter Andreas , Kainz-Schultes Sabine , Jacobs Volker R. , Fazelnia Claudius , Fischer Thorsten , Bogner Gerhard
Published: February 2025

The majority of obstetrical clinics do not offer a trial of labor after two Caesarean sections (TOLA2C) due to concerns about fetal and maternal complications such as uterine rupture or asphyxia. This study aimed to establish a delivery protocol for safely undergoing TOLA2C and analyzed predictors for a successful vaginal delivery.

Analysis of retrospectively collected data of all pregnant women after two consecutive Caesarean sections was performed at the Obstetrics Department of a tertiary community hospital from January 2013 until December 2022. Those who desired TOLA2C were screened by a senior obstetrician and had to consent to a delivery protocol consisting of five pre- and eight peripartum criteria. Maternal demographic data, indications for previous Caesarean sections and feto-maternal outcome parameters were compared between the successful TOLA2C group and the intrapartum Third-Caesarean section group.

In the study period, 385 women planned a delivery after two consecutive CS. Following the protocol, 358 patients (93.0%) were scheduled as elective repeat CS, while 27 (7.0%) attempted vaginal delivery. In this TOLA2C group, 17 women (63.0%) successfully delivered vaginally. In contrast, ten failed vaginal attempts (37.0%) resulted in nine intrapartum repeat CS and one intrapartum emergency CS. Women with prior vaginal delivery had a higher chance of a successful TOLA2C (p = 0.04). In comparison, women with a previous CS due to the indication of arrested labor had a higher risk for intrapartum repeat CS (p = 0.02). No fetal or maternal death occurred, and no major complications were observed.

Under the specified conditions, TOLA2C is safe for mother and fetus, and successful vaginal delivery is feasible.
Risk of first venous thrombosis by comparing different thrombin generation assay conditions: results from the MEGA case-control study.
Authors: Winckers Kristien , Biguzzi Eugenia , Thomassen Stella , Heinzmann Alexandra , Rosendaal Frits R. , Hackeng Tilman Mathias , van Hylckama Vlieg Astrid
Published: February 2025

Background: Hypercoagulability is a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Thrombin generation (TG) is a global coagulation assay that measures an individual’s clotting tendency. We hypothesise that slow onset TG (achieved by using a low procoagulant stimulus or an inhibitor of coagulation) is optimal responsive to detect hypercoagulability.
Objectives: To compare different TG assay conditions with respect to VTE risk and to assess the risk of first VTE.
Methods: Basal TG at low tissue factor (TF) concentration and high TF concentration in the presence and absence of activated protein C (APC) were measured in plasma samples from 2,081 patients with first VTE and 2,908 healthy controls from the MEGA study. TG parameters and nAPCsr were categorised into quartiles as measured in the controls. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals of a first VTE for different TG categories.
Results: Under all assay conditions the thrombin peak height was associated with VTE risk: peak height > 75th percentile, at low TF odds ratio (OR) 6.8 (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.5 – 8.3), at high TF, odds ratio 3.0 (95% CI 2.5 – 3.6) and at high TF + APC, OR 3.8 (95% CI 3.2 - 4.5), all compared with a peak height < 25th percentile obtained in controls. An increased nAPCsr (higher resistance to APC) was also associated with VTE risk, odds ratio 3.4 (95% CI 2.8 – 4.1).
Conclusions: increased TG is associated with the risk of first VTE, particularly when triggered with a low procoagulant stimulus.
Divergent Two-Step Total Synthesis of Sclerotioloid A and B
Authors: Karta Minttu , Pallerla Rajanish Reddy , Siitonen Juha
Published: February 2025

A two-step divergent total synthesis of the structurally unique N-propargylated alkaloids sclerotioloid A and sclerotioloid B has been achieved. The synthesis relies on a robust aldol-propargylation domino reaction yielding the key divergent intermediate. Single crystal x-ray structure studies of the natural product sclerotioloid A shows that it exists as a helically chiral racemate in the solid state.
Negative emotions, projection bias, and the vote choice in South Korea
Authors: Chang Kiyoung , Park Jeeyoung
Published: February 2025

Can corruption scandals change voters’ perceptions of candidates’ ideological positions? While it is well established that competence shocks, such as corruption scandals, influence voters’ affective attachment to political elites and their perceived capacity to address social issues, this study explores how such shocks may also lead voters to perceive some candidates as more ideologically extreme. This phenomenon, known as the contrast effect, occurs when voters interpret signals of low competence as indicators of greater ideological distance from their preferred positions. This study focuses on a major corruption scandal in South Korea and examines its impact on voters’ perceptions of presidential candidates’ ideological positions. The findings reveal that during the election period, voters’ negative emotions towards the ex-president’s corruption led them to perceive greater ideological distance from certain candidates. Specifically, most centrist voters and those from one side of the political spectrum perceived the ‘corrupt’ party as moving further from their own ideological positions. This study highlights the importance of considering emotional responses to political events in shaping voters’ ideological perceptions and subsequent electoral choices.
Excess density as a descriptor for electrolyte solvent design
Authors: Kelly Celia , Annevelink Emil , Dave Adarsh , Viswanathan Venkatasubramanian
Published: February 2025

Electrolytes mediate interactions between the cathode and anode and determine the performance characteristics of batteries. The mixtures of multiple solvents are often used in electrolytes to achieve the desired properties, such as viscosity, dielectric constant, boiling point, and melting point. Conventionally, multi-component electrolyte properties are approximated with linear mixing, but in practice, significant deviations are observed. Excess quantities can provide insights into the molecular behavior of the mixture and could form the basis for designing high-performance electrolytes. Here, we investigate the excess density of commonly used Li-ion battery solvents, such as cyclic carbonates, linear carbonates, ethers, and nitriles with molecular dynamics simulations. We additionally investigate electrolytes consisting of these solvents and a salt. The results smoothly vary with mole percent and are fit to permutation-invariant Redlich–Kister polynomials. The mixtures of similar solvents, such as cyclic–cyclic carbonate mixtures, tend to have excess properties that are lower in magnitude compared to the mixtures of dissimilar substances, such as carbonate–nitrile mixtures. We perform experimental testing using our automated test stand, Clio, to provide validation to the observed simulation trends. We quantify the structure similarity using smooth overlap of atomic position fingerprints to create a descriptor for excess density, enabling the design of electrolyte properties. To a first approximation, this will allow us to estimate the deviation of a mixture from ideal behavior based solely upon the structural dissimilarity of the components.
Out of randomness: How evolution benefits from modularity
Authors: Liu Chunxiuzi , Tang Shaohua , Liu Jingxi , Ye Jiashuo , Ma Lanxin , Liu Bingning , Peng Lu , Dong Jiaxin , Que Linjie , Hong Binbin , Liu Yu
Published: February 2025

Brute force random search, effective in exploring solution spaces, often becomes inefficient or infeasible in real-world scenarios with vast solution spaces. A more effective method, akin to natural evolution, involves recombining existing modules into new ones, a concept known as “evolution as tinkering” introduced by François Jacob. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for comprehending evolution and designing evolution-inspired algorithms. This study employs genetic algorithms (GAs) to quantitatively explore how evolution-like processes, marked by mutation and crossover, search for complex solutions. Compared to random search, GAs significantly improve the probability of finding solutions, especially complex ones. This improvement varies, showing biases toward more intricate solutions, likely due to the crossover process in GAs that facilitates the recombination of smaller modules into larger, more complex ones. Our experiments reveal that grouping module components rather than scattering them aids in forming larger, more complex solutions. This mirrors a pattern observed in real biological systems, where the sequences encoding individual genes are clustered together in all prokaryotic organisms. These findings highlight the importance of spatial correlations in the development of larger, more intricate modules and solutions, underscoring how modularity and modular recombination enhance solution space exploration.
Surface polarization strongly influences electrostatics in a nonlocal medium
Authors: Behjatian Ali , Blossey Ralf , Krishnan Madhavi
Published: February 2025

Electrostatics in the solution phase is governed by free electrical charges such as ions, as well as by bound charges that arise when a polarizable medium responds to an applied field. In a local medium, described by a constant dielectric permittivity, the sign of the far-field electrostatic potential distribution around an object is governed by its electrical charge. We demonstrate significant departures from this expectation in a nonlocal medium characterized by a wave vector-dependent dielectric function. Here, surface polarization due to the solvent, or indeed non-solvent dipoles, may wield significant influence at large distances. The polarization correlation length may not only significantly augment the effective screening length but we also show that the electrical contribution from polarization can compete with and even invert the sign of the electrical potential and the field arising from charge alone. These results hold ramifications for a range of apparently anomalous electrically governed observations, such as underscreening, electrophoretic mobilities of charge-neutral objects, and long-ranged attraction between like-charged entities in water and other solvents.
Stochastic resonance in vibrational polariton chemistry
Authors: Ke Yaling
Published: February 2025

In this work, we systematically investigate the impact of ambient noise intensity on the rate modifications of ground-state chemical reactions in an optical cavity under vibrational strong-coupling conditions. To achieve this, we utilize a numerically exact open quantum system approach—the hierarchical equations of motion in twin space, combined with a flexible tree tensor network state solver. Our findings reveal a stochastic resonance phenomenon in cavity-modified chemical reactivities: an optimal reaction rate enhancement occurs at an intermediate noise level. In other words, this enhancement diminishes if ambient noise, sensed by the cavity–molecule system through cavity leakage, is either too weak or excessively strong. In the collective coupling regime, when the cavity is weakly damped, rate enhancement strengthens as more molecules couple to the cavity. In contrast, under strong cavity damping, reaction rates decline as the number of molecules grows.
Neural networks for the analysis of traced particles in kinetic plasma simulations
Authors: Torralba Paz G. , Bohdan A. , Niemiec J.
Published: February 2025

Cosmic-ray acceleration processes in astrophysical plasmas are often investigated with fully kinetic or hybrid kinetic numerical simulations, which enable us to describe a detailed microphysics of particle energization mechanisms. Tracing of individual particles in such simulations is especially useful in this regard. However, visually inspecting particle trajectories introduces a significant amount of bias and uncertainty, making it challenging to pinpoint specific acceleration mechanisms. Here, we present a novel approach utilizing neural networks to assist in the analysis of individual particle data. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach using the dataset from our recent particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations of non-relativistic perpendicular shocks, which consists of 252 000 electrons, each characterized by their position, momentum, and electromagnetic field at particle’s position, recorded in a time series of 1200 time steps. These electrons cross a region affected by the electrostatic Buneman instability, and a small percentage of them attain high energies. We perform classification, regression, and anomaly detection algorithms on the dataset by using a convolutional neural network, a multi-layer perceptron, and an autoencoder. Despite the noisy and imbalanced dataset, all methods demonstrate the capability to differentiate between thermal and accelerated electrons with remarkable accuracy. The proposed methodology may considerably simplify particle classification in large-scale PIC and hybrid simulations.
Controllable two-dimensional asymmetric diffraction grating via vortex light in semiconductor double quantum wells system
Authors: Zhao Kunpeng , Zhang Duo , Guo Junbing , Li Jiaqian
Published: February 2025

We present a theoretical scheme to realize two-dimensional (2D) asymmetric diffraction grating in a five-level inverted Y-typeasymmetric double semiconductor quantum wells (SQWs) structure with resonant tunneling. The SQW structure interacts with a weak probe laser field, a spatially independent 2D standing-wave (SW) field, and a Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) vortex field respectively. The results indicate that the diffraction patterns are high sensitive to amplitude modulation and phase modulation. Because of the existenceof vortex light, it is possible to realize asymmetric high-order diffraction in the SQW structure, and then a 2D asymmetric gratingis established. By adjusting the detunings of the probe field, vortex field and SW field, as well as the interaction length, diffraction intensity and direction of the 2D asymmetric electromagnetically induced grating (EIG) can be controlled effectively. In addition, thenumber of orbital angular momentum (OAM) and beam waist parameter can be used to modulate the diffraction intensity and energytransfer of the probe light in different regions. High-order diffraction intensity is enhanced and high efficiency 2D asymmetric diffraction grating with different diffraction patterns are obtained in the scheme. Such 2D asymmetric diffraction grating may be beneficial to the research of optical communication and innovative semiconductor quantum devices.
Observational Signatures of Traversable Wormholes
Authors: Chen Yiqian , Cheng Lang , WANG Peng , Yang Haitang
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we study the observational signatures of traversable Simpson-Visser wormholes illuminated by luminous celestial spheres and orbiting hot spots. We demonstrate that when light sources and observers are on the same side of the wormholes, the images of the wormholes mimic those of black holes. However, when the light sources are positioned on the opposite side from observers, photons traversing the wormhole throat generate distinct observational signatures. Specifically, unlike black hole images, the wormhole images are confined within the critical curve, resulting in smaller centroid variations. Furthermore, the light curve of hot spots can exhibit additional peaks.
Implication of shell quenching in the scandium isotopes around $N=20$
Authors: An Rong , Jiang Xiang 蒋翔 , Tang Na , Cao Li-Gang 曹李刚 , Zhang Feng-Shou 张丰收
Published: February 2025

Shell closure structures are commonly observed phenomena in nuclear charge radii throughout the whole nuclide chart. Inspired by the recent work that the abrupt change can be observed significantly in the charge radii of scandium isotopic chain across the neutron number $N=20$, we further review the underlying mechanism of the enlarged charge radii for $^{42}$Sc based on the covariant density functional theory. The pairing correlations are tackled by solving the state-dependent Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer equations. Meanwhile, the neutron-proton correlation around Fermi surface derived from the simultaneously unpaired proton and neutron is taken into account properly in describing the systematic evolution of nuclear charge radii. The calculated results suggest that the abrupt increase of charge radii across the $N=20$ shell closure seems to be improved along scandium isotopic chain if the strong neutron-proton correlation is expected appropriately.
The Center
Authors: Kubátová Hana
Published: February 2025

This chapter describes the ‘center’ of the wartime state and the expansions of and limitations on its authority. The center encompassed the newly formed capital city but also the structures and institutions under the fascist regime. I begin where the Slovak state was established, in Bratislava, and explore the various layers, political, national, and social, of the city and the regime. The chapter lays out the contours of the state, whether these were physical or institutional, domestic, or international. This chapter’s portrayal of the center reveals a landscape that is mired in uncertainty, marked by awkwardness, and plagued by anxiety. Despite being presented as the fulfillment of God’s plans and national will, the state’s survival was contingent on appeasing Hitler in Berlin and garnering popular support across a heterogenous countryside. As a result, to establish its legitimacy, the regime relied on not only violence and coercion but also indirect rule, inviting those situated at the edges to be its agents in implementing the new order of Christian and Slovak national social it created.
Toxicity of anti-cancer drugs: the imaging findings to watch out for in common cancers
Authors: Pulappadi Vishnu Prasad , Rangarajan Krithika , Pramanik Raja , Yadav Mukesh K , Thulkar Sanjay
Published: February 2025

A multitude of drugs are used for the treatment of various types of cancers. They consist of conventional cytotoxic agents and newer targeted agents. Both types of agents produce a variety of side effects by their effect on normal cells of the body. Regardless of whether they produce any symptoms or not, a proportion of these side effects can be visualized on imaging, and their identification is crucial for guiding further management. While some of the adverse effects are mild and tolerable, many others require dose reduction and even withdrawal of the drug. A few of these manifestations may resemble tumour progression or recurrence on imaging. Therefore, appropriate knowledge regarding the imaging manifestations of the adverse effects caused by the chemotherapeutic agents used for various types of cancers is an integral part of onco-radiology practice. In this review, the common adverse effects of various anti-cancer drugs have been described based on the type of malignancy in which they occur, rather than based on the organ affected. This would allow the radiologist to look for common side effects while reading the scan of a patient with a specific cancer.
An open-label Phase 2a study to assess the safety and tolerability of trimetazidine in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: van Eijk Ruben P A , Steyn Frederik J , Janse van Mantgem Mark R , Schmidt Angela , Meyjes Myrte , Allen Sally , Daygon Dara V , Loeffler Jean-Philippe , Al-Chalabi Ammar , van den Berg Leonard H , Henderson Robert D , Ngo Shyuan T
Published: February 2025

Metabolic imbalance is associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis progression. Impaired glucose oxidation and increased reliance on fatty acid oxidation contribute to reduced metabolic flexibility and faster disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We sought to evaluate the safety and tolerability, and explore the pharmacodynamic response of trimetazidine, a partial fatty acid oxidation inhibitor, on oxidative stress markers and energy expenditure in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The study was conducted between June 29, 2021 and May 24, 2023. People living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, recruited in Australia and the Netherlands, received open-label oral trimetazidine for 12 weeks after an initial 4-week lead-in period. The primary outcome measures were safety and tolerability, as well as the change from baseline in oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Secondary outcome measures were change from baseline in energy expenditure, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis functional rating scale—revised, and slow vital capacity (SVC). Linear mixed effects were used to estimate the mean difference in MDA and 8-OHdG between the on- and off-treatment periods. This trial is registered under ClinicalTrial.gov National Clinical Trial (NCT) number NCT04788745 and European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials (EudraCT) number 2020-005018-17. Twenty-one participants received trimetazidine; 19 (90%) completed the treatment period. Trimetazidine was well tolerated; there were 57 adverse events reported, of which 7 (11%) were deemed potentially drug-related, including hot flushes (2), nausea (2), paraesthesia (2) and fatigue (1). MDA was numerically lower during treatment [−0.29 uM; 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.90 to 0.33, P  = 0.36]; 8-OHdG was significantly lower during treatment (−0.12 nM; 95% CI −0.23 to −0.01, P = 0.0245). The decrease in oxidative stress markers was accompanied by a reduction in resting energy expenditure (95 kcal, 95% CI 36.8–154, P = 0.0014). The absence of a placebo group prevented the interpretation of the clinical parameters. Oral trimetazidine was safe and well tolerated among patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This, combined with the significant reduction in markers of oxidative stress and resting energy expenditure, warrants a larger double-blind placebo-controlled efficacy study.
Evaluation of Nafion Degradation Process using Clusteroluminescence
Authors: Sakai Hinari , Li Shih Han , Morii Shunsuke , Akiyama Nagi , Mine Mayu , Kinoshita Yakumo , Ohta Noboru , Sekiguchi Hiroshi , Kamitani Kazutaka , Fujikawa Shigenori , Fujii Syuji , Nakamura Yoshinobu , Li Ming-Chia , Hirai Tomoyasu
Published: February 2025

We have reported novel evaluation techniques for degradation process of Nafion membrane using clusteroluminescence. Degradation process of Nafion membrane with and without strain was traced using X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. During degradation, the side chain groups were decomposed and residue side chain starts to aggregate, leading to aggregation-induced emission caused by clusteroluminescence.
Left bundle branch area pacing from the iliac approach in a patient without superior access: a case report
Authors: Xu Lei , Su Yangang , Qin Shengmei , Ge Junbo
Published: February 2025

Background

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) emerges as an alternative to traditional right ventricular pacing, demonstrating safety and feasibility through superior access for implantation.

Case summary

An 89-year-old female, with a prior history of pacemaker pocket infection and a tricuspid endocarditis during follow-up, was referred to our hospital for management due to a sinus arrest. The patient underwent pacemaker removal due to a pocket infection in the right subclavian area, necessitating tricuspid valvuloplasty for infective endocarditis. Venography revealed occlusion in the left brachiocephalic vein. Subsequently, LBBAP pacemaker implantation via the right iliac vein was performed, with follow-up indicating proper functioning of the pacing system.

Discussion

The feasibility of the right iliac vein access for LBBAP implantation is highlighted, demonstrating good stability and offering a practical alternative. This approach mitigates unnecessary risks associated with thoracotomy and epicardial lead placement, providing a safer and effective option for cardiac pacing.