bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climatic Controls on Hydrological Landslide Triggering in the Northern Himalayas
Authors: Fan Linfeng , Kuang Xingxing , Ouyang Chaojun , Chen Kewei , Zheng Chunmiao
Published: February 2025

Hydrologically‐induced landslides are ubiquitous natural hazards in the Himalayas, posing severe threat to human life and infrastructure. Yet, landslide assessment in the Himalayas is extremely challenging partly due to complex and drastically changing climate conditions. Here we establish a mechanistic hydromechanical landslide modeling framework that incorporates the impacts of key water fluxes and stocks on landslide triggering and risk evolution in mountain systems, accounting for potential climate change conditions for the period 1991–2100. In the drainage basin of the largest river in the northern Himalayas– the Yarlung Zangbo River Basin (YZRB), we estimate that rainfall, glacier/snow melt and permafrost thaw contribute ∼38.4%, 28.8%, and 32.8% to landslides, respectively, for the period 1991–2019. Future climate change will likely exacerbate landslide triggering primarily due to increasing rainfall, whereas the contribution of glacier/snow melt decreases owing to deglaciation and snow cover loss. The total Gross Domestic Productivity risk is projected to increase continuously throughout the 21st century, while the risk to population shows a general declining trend. The results yield novel insights into the climatic controls on landslide evolution and provide useful guidance for disaster risk management and resilience building under future climate change in the Himalayas.
Panama Canal Logistics Are at the Mercy of Weather and Climate
Authors: Kornei Katherine
Published: February 2025

Regional weather variability and climate change make operating the canal a challenge.
γδ T-cell autoresponses to ectopic membrane proteins: a new type of pattern recognition
Authors: You Hongqin , Zhang Xiangjin , Chen Hui , Liu Chang , Teng Da , Han Jiajia , Chen Ming , Pang Yongsheng , Zhang Jianmin , Cai Menghua , Zhao Yueqi , Dong Qingqing , Wang Shuli , Xu Yi , Hu Yu , Dong Peng , He Wei
Published: February 2025

T-cell receptor (TCR) γδ-expressing cells are conserved lymphocytes of innate immunity involved in first-line defense and immune surveillance. TCRγδ recognizes protein/nonprotein ligands without the help of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), especially via direct binding to protein ligands, which is dependent primarily on the δ chain complementary determining region 3 (CDR3δ). However, the mechanism of protein‒antigen recognition by human γδ TCRs remains poorly defined. We hypothesize that γδ TCRs recognize self-proteins expressed ectopically on the cell membrane that are derived from intracellular components under stress. Here, we mapped 16 intercellular self-proteins among 21,000 proteins with a huProteinChip as putative ligands for Vδ1/Vδ2 TCRs, 13 for Vδ1 TCRs and 3 for Vδ2 TCRs. Functional tests confirmed that ectopic nucleolin (NCL) is a ligand for the Vδ1 TCR, whereas protein-glutamine γ-glutamyltransferase K (TGM1) is a ligand for the Vδ2 TCR. In the context of radiation exposure, the ectopic expression of intracellular proteins on the tumor cell surface is related to the increased antitumor cytotoxicity of γδ T cells both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, the recognition of intracellular proteins that are ectopically expressed on somatic cells by human γδ TCRs is a basic interaction mechanism that enables new types of immune pattern recognition and a novel γδ TCR-ligand-based strategy for tumor immunotherapy.
The systemic lupus erythematosus-associated NCF190H allele synergizes with viral infection to cause mouse lupus but also limits virus spread
Authors: Li Yanpeng , Coelho Ana , Li Zhilei , Alsved Malin , Li Qixing , Xu Rui , Luo Huqiao , Liang Dongxia , Xu Jing , Nandakumar Kutty Selva , Meng Liesu , Löndahl Jakob , Holmdahl Rikard
Published: February 2025

Studying how single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) crosstalk with non-autologous factors to cause complex autoimmune diseases is challenging. An amino acid replacement in the neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 (NCF1-339/NCF1

R90H
) leading to lower reactive oxygen species induction has been reported as the major SNP for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here we show that infection with the murine norovirus (MNV) contributes to the induction of lupus in Ncf1

90H
mice. Mutant NCF190H upregulates the IFN-α/JAK1/STAT1 pathway in macrophages and anti-MNV-antibody production. In parallel, the MNV infection of NCF190H mice upregulates Toll-like receptor 7 in macrophages, plasmacytoid dendritic cells and B220+ splenocytes, thereby promoting germinal center formation and lupus-associated autoantibodies production. These compounded effects lead to protection against MNV infection but also glomeruloneph ritis with proteinuria and lupus arthritis in the absence of chemical inducers such as pristane. Our data thus suggest that this SLE-associated SNP, NCF190H, synergizes with MNV infection to induce the development of mouse lupus.
Neural adaptations in short-term learning of sign language revealed by fMRI and DTI
Authors: Alotaibi Sahal , Alamri Sultan , Alsaleh Alanood , Meyer Georg
Published: February 2025

While vocal articulation is a unique feature of spoken languages, signed languages use facial expressions and hand movements for communication. Despite this substantial difference, neuroimaging studies show that spoken and sign language rely on similar areas of the brain in the frontal and parietal regions. However, little is known about the specific roles of these areas and how early they get involved. In the present study, we investigate the impact of short-term training-related changes in learners of British sign language (BSL). Pre- and post-training functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging scans were taken from twenty-six right-handed healthy volunteers. During the training course, participants were taught to discriminate and sign basic sentences using BSL for three consecutive days (1 h per day). fMRI results show increasing brain activity in the right cerebellum and cerebral brain areas including bilateral middle temporal gyrus, left angular gyrus, left middle and inferior frontal gyrus. Moreover, functional connectivity increased significantly after training between these areas. Microstructural findings show significant mean diffusivity and radial diffusivity reductions in the left angular gyrus, which are significantly correlated with behavioural improvement. These results reveal a high degree of similarity in the neural activity underlying signed and spoken languages. The rapid microstructural changes, identify the left angular gyrus as a structure that rapidly adapts to newly learnt visual-semantic associations.
Understanding the mechanism of water splitting on (111) and (001) surfaces of CsPbI2Br: time-domain ab initio analysis and DFT study
Authors: Singh Harjot , Minhas Neelam , Mustafa Gh , Singh Gurinder , Kaura Aman , Goswamy J. K.
Published: February 2025

NAMD results reveal that photocatalytic splitting of water is possible in CsPbI2Br. The splitting occurs due to the shifting of p-orbitals of the oxygen atom in the presence of light.
Functional monomer design for synthetically accessible polymers
Authors: Kim Seonghwan , Schroeder Charles M. , Jackson Nicholas E.
Published: February 2025

Active learning combined with quantum chemistry reveals the nature of functional monomer design across a diverse chemical space of 12M synthetically accessible polymers.
A Ni-added polyoxometalate: synthesis, structure and catalytic performance
Authors: Zhang Zheng-Ge , Wang Zhen-Wen , Wang Yu , Chen Juan , Wang Yue-Lin , Yang Guo-Yu
Published: February 2025

Due to “lacunary-directed” effect, two SiW10 fragments induce Ni2+ ions and further react H3BO3 to form [{BO(OH)2}2Ni6(OH)(H2O)6(SiW10O37)2]9− cluster, catalyzing Knoevenagel condensation efficiently.
Highly stable bismuth-chloride perovskite X-ray direct detectors with an ultralow detection limit
Authors: Chen Haoyu , Han Qingyun , Qin Haoming , Shen Yueqi , Lv Huijun , Liu Yan , Du Liping , Wang Yong , He Yihui , Ning Weihua
Published: February 2025

By dimension manipulation and composition strategy, we achieve effective detection of X-ray with an ultralow detection limit of 59.4 nGy s−1 with long-term radiation operation. Our findings among Bi-based perovskites provide new insights for the further development in X-ray detectors.
Dynamic programming in package Mathematica
Authors: Stanimirović Predrag S. , Stupin Artem
Published: February 2025

Dynamic programming (DP) is a powerful algorithmic technique for solving optimization problems by breaking them down into simpler subproblems. This paper presents an implementation of DP algorithms for two classic optimization problems: the Knapsack problem and the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP). The solutions are developed and demonstrated using the Mathematica® programming language. For the Knapsack problem, we present two variants: with and without item repetition. The paper describes the mathematical formulation of each variant and provides detailed Mathematica code for their implementation. Examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the algorithms in finding optimal solutions. The TSP implementation demonstrates how DP can be applied to find the shortest Hamiltonian contour in a given network. The paper outlines the mathematical model, recurrent formula, and step-by-step solution process. An example with a four-node network is provided to showcase the algorithm's application. This work highlights the versatility of dynamic programming in solving complex optimization problems and demonstrates the effectiveness of Mathematica as a tool for implementing and visualizing these solutions. The presented algorithms and code snippets serve as valuable resources for researchers and practitioners working on similar optimization challenges.
Evolvement of artificial intelligence and hybrid methods for modeling and optimization in complex systems
Authors: Malsagov Bekhan , Ketova Fardiana , Makienko Danila
Published: February 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved to become an integral part of our daily lives, with its absence potentially causing significant disruptions. This paper examines the current trajectory of AI development and its projected impact on society in the near future. We explore the fundamental aspects of AI technology, its applications across various sectors, and the associated challenges and opportunities. The study also investigates the integration of hybrid methods for modeling and optimization in complex systems, highlighting their synergistic relationship with AI advancements. By combining analytical and data-driven approaches, these hybrid methods enhance AI's capabilities in addressing multifaceted problems across diverse domains. Our analysis encompasses the potential societal implications of AI, including job market transformations, ethical considerations, and the need for regulatory frameworks. Through this comprehensive examination, we aim to provide insights into the possible future states of AI technology and its far-reaching effects on human society.
The importance of structural or physical design to meet the compliance of artificial intelligence
Authors: Aleroev Muslim , Georgieva Maryana , Sokolov Vladislav
Published: February 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force across various industries, but its effectiveness heavily relies on its integration with other technologies. This paper explores the critical role of structural and physical design in maximizing the potential of AI, with a particular focus on mechanical engineering applications. The study examines how the design of components and systems must be carefully considered to ensure optimal AI functionality and data collection. By investigating the synergy between AI and mechanical engineering, the research highlights the importance of compliance between design elements and AI capabilities. The paper discusses various applications of AI in mechanical engineering, including automation, design optimization, and manufacturing processes. Ultimately, this work emphasizes the necessity of a holistic approach to design that considers AI integration from the outset, enabling more efficient and effective technological solutions.
Nonlinear audio processing when creating excursion material using AI content
Authors: Blinnikov Alexander , Blinnikov Ivan , Kadirov Erkin , Tsybov Nikolay
Published: February 2025

This article examines the process of creating audio guides for the “Museum of Our Childhood” which is a unique interactive project dedicated to the engineering glory of Yenisei Siberia. Special attention is given to the stages of recording voice-overs, audio editing, and mastering of three audio tours. The paper describes approaches to non-linear processing of audio material, selection of equipment and software, as well as the specifics of integrating audio tours with museum exhibits. The importance of the audio format for preserving historical memory, engaging youth, and popularizing engineering achievements through the digitalization of cultural heritage is emphasized.
Evolutionary search algorithm for learning activation function of an artificial neural network
Authors: Yurshin Viacheslav
Published: February 2025

Neural networks require careful selection of activation functions to optimize performance. Traditional methods of choosing activation functions through trial and error are time-consuming and resource-intensive. This paper presents a novel approach to automatically design activation functions for artificial neural networks using genetic programming combined with gradient descent. The proposed method aims to enhance the efficiency of the search process for optimal activation functions. Our algorithm employs genetic programming to evolve the general form of activation functions, while gradient descent optimizes their parameters during network training. This hybrid approach allows for the exploration of a wide range of potential activation functions tailored to specific tasks and network architectures. The method was evaluated on three datasets from the KEEL repository: Iris, Titanic, and Phoneme. The results demonstrate the algorithm's ability to generate and optimize custom activation functions, although improvements in network accuracy were not observed in this initial study. This work contributes to the ongoing research in neural network optimization and opens avenues for further investigation into the automatic design of activation functions.
Credit approval classification through a WASD neuronet
Authors: Mourtas Spyridon D.
Published: February 2025

Because the banking business is growing, more people are seeking for bank loans, although banks can only lend to a certain number of applicants because they have a limited amount of assets to lend to. Hence, in order to save a lot of bank resources, the industry of banking is particularly concerned in developing ways to lower the risk element involved in selecting the safe applicant. These days, selecting the safe applicant requires a lot less work thanks to machine intelligence. In light of this, a new weights and structure determination (WASD) neuronet has been developed to address the two issues of credit approval mentioned above, as well as to manage its particular features. We improve the learning process of the WASD algorithm with a novel activation function for optimal adaptation to the credit approval model, motivated by the finding that WASD neuronets perform better than traditional back-propagation neuronets in terms of slow training speed and trapping in a local minima. An experimental study with an insurance company dataset demonstrates superior performance and adaptability to issues.
Discrepancies in Aggregate Patient Data between Two Sources with Data Originating from the Same Electronic Health Record: A Case Study
Authors: Yiu Allen J. , Stephenson Graham , Chow Emilie , O'Connell Ryan
Published: February 2025

Background Data exploration in modern electronic health records (EHRs) is often aided by user-friendly graphical interfaces providing “self-service” tools for end users to extract data for quality improvement, patient safety, and research without prerequisite training in database querying. Other resources within the same institution, such as Honest Brokers, may extract data sourced from the same EHR but obtain different results leading to questions of data completeness and correctness.

Objectives Our objectives were to (1) examine the differences in aggregate output generated by a “self-service” graphical interface data extraction tool and our institution's clinical data warehouse (CDW), sourced from the same database, and (2) examine the causative factors that may have contributed to these differences.

Methods Aggregate demographic data of patients who received influenza vaccines at three static clinics and three drive-through clinics in similar locations between August 2020 and December 2020 was extracted separately from our institution's EHR data exploration tool and our CDW by our organization's Honest Brokers System. We reviewed the aggregate outputs, sliced by demographics and vaccination sites, to determine potential differences between the two outputs. We examined the underlying data model, identifying the source of each database.

Results We observed discrepancies in patient volumes between the two sources, with variations in demographic information, such as age, race, ethnicity, and primary language. These variations could potentially influence research outcomes and interpretations.

Conclusion This case study underscores the need for a thorough examination of data quality and the implementation of comprehensive user education to ensure accurate data extraction and interpretation. Enhancing data standardization and validation processes is crucial for supporting reliable research and informed decision-making, particularly if demographic data may be used to support targeted efforts for a specific population in research or quality improvement initiatives.
Nickel-Catalyzed Deuteroalkylation Using Thianthrenium Salts
Authors: Zhang Jie , Shi Zhuangzhi
Published: February 2025

Isotopically labeled compounds are essential both in organic and pharmaceutical chemistry. The standard synthetic method of such molecules often involves the utilization of deuterated building blocks, allowing functional groups and the incorporation of deuterium into the target molecule in a one step. Herein, taking D2O as a cheap deuterium source, we highlight our approach to access various α-deuterated alkyl thianthrenium (TT) salts via a pH-dependent hydrogen isotope exchange (HIE) process. Through the in situ formation of isotopically labeled alkyl halides these TT salts exhibit exceptional compatibility in a range of nickel-catalyzed hydrodeuteroalkylation of unactivated olefins and nickel-catalyzed cross-electrophile coupling reactions with alkyl, alkenyl and (hetero)aryl bromides. This technique proves to be invaluable accessing a range of deuterium-labeled compounds, particularly those of pharmaceutical significance.
Rapid Assembly of Oxatricyclo[3.2.1.02,7]octanes
Authors: Xu Lixia , Liu Shuxuan , Han Zhengyu , Huang Hai , Sun Jianwei
Published: February 2025

Cyclopropane-incorporated oxapolycyclic bridged molecules are often architecturally intriguing, synthetically useful and biologically important. However, strategies for constructing such complex structures are relatively limited. This paper reviews the existing representative methods for the rapid access to a specific class of oxatricyclooctane frameworks containing cyclopropane, oxatricyclo[3.2.1.02,7]octane. A recent example of enantioselective construction of such a complex oxatricyclooctane structure is presented.
Synthesis of Sparsomycin via Regioselective Oxidation of Disulfide Intermediate Employing Titanium Mandelate Complex
Authors: Kano Taichi , Hata Shogo , Senoh Shizuku , Gotoh Nina , Okamoto Ryusuke , Kato Yamato , Matsugi Masato
Published: February 2025

The total synthesis of sparsomycin, a natural bioactive compound with both antitumor and antibiotic activities, was achieved using a titanium-mandelate complex that regioselectively oxidizes one of the sulfide moieties in a synthetic intermediate containing a disulfide structure. This oxidation process exhibited a regioselectivity of 73:27, preferentially oxidizing the sterically hindered sulfur atom at the desired internal position. Using the single diastereomer of the purified mono-sulfoxide, the synthesis of sparsomycin was then accomplished.
Use of Muscle Interpolation Flap as a Reconstructive Option in Soft Tissue Coverage of Limbs: A Novel Technique
Authors: Swain Bharatendu , Sampreethi Shalini
Published: February 2025

Background In injuries of the hand or forearm with vascular compromise due to a single vessel supplying blood distally or difficulty in donor vessel access, a pedicled flap is preferred. Skin flaps like the groin flap are commonly used as an interpolation flap. Muscle flaps used as interpolation flaps have scarcely been reported in the literature. However, muscle has been a component of composite flaps used as interpolation flaps like the tongue flap. The authors have used pedicled, interpolated muscle flaps successfully in hand and heel reconstructions.

Materials and Methods Five patients with soft tissue loss due to trauma, in single vessel limbs or difficult donor vessel access, were taken up for interpolation muscle flap. Four of these patients underwent inferiorly based, upper rectus abdominis muscle flap delivered at the umbilicus, by endoscopy or the open method. One patient underwent a proximally based, medial head of the gastrocnemius, cross-leg flap. The muscle flaps were skin grafted. One month later, the flaps were delayed and divided shortly thereafter. The divided end of the muscle was dressed till it healed. All the patients were followed up for healing time, additional procedures, and long-term results.

Results Five documented cases of reconstruction in single vessel limbs or difficult donor vessel access were reviewed. All five cases achieved good healing and intended reconstructive outcomes without any complications.

Conclusion An interpolation muscle flap is a safe and effective method for reconstructing limb defects. Both types of interpolation muscle flaps described are novel applications in reconstructive surgery.
Enhancing organizational performance: how gender diversity enhances employee engagement and commitment
Authors: Adam Nawal , Alfawaz Areej
Published: February 2025

This study examines the multifaceted relationship between gender diversity, employee engagement, employee commitment, and organizational performance in the context of Saudi Arabia. Data from 1233 employees working in 19 organizations were collected using random sampling techniques. Using SMARTpls structural equation modeling, the study demonstrates that gender diversity significantly and positively influences employee commitment and engagement in organizations. Furthermore, the study identifies a substantial association between employee commitment, engagement, and organizational performance. The research underscores the pivotal role of gender diversity as a catalyst for enhancing organizational performance. Moreover, it highlights the essential significance of employee commitment and engagement as pivotal elements in the complex relationship between gender diversity and organizational performance. It emphasizes that organizations aspiring to achieve superior performance must prioritize cultivating and nurturing high levels of employee commitment and engagement.
Research on aircraft/engine Co-simulation based on the EOEI-Kriging model
Authors: Chen Chao , Shang Linkuan , An Weiyu , Zhang Hang
Published: February 2025

Obtaining the characteristic parameters of the aircraft platform is the main blocking point that takes a long time in aircraft/engine co-simulation, so a fast co-simulation modeling method is proposed. In this paper, the kriging model based on the improved EOEI sampling function is used to quickly fit the lift-drag characteristics of aircraft. Combined with the lift-drag data verification test of typical high-speed aircraft shape, the flight performance of the aircraft is evaluated. The simulation results show that under the condition that the average relative error of lift-drag characteristics is not more than 5%, only 22 to 24 CFD solutions are needed to complete the construction of lift-drag characteristics for the speed range of Mach 0 to Mach 6, and the angle of attack range of-4° to 8°.
The influence mechanism of transmission stiffness on mechanical resonance of aircraft rudder servo system
Authors: Xu Zhiwei , Tang Dejia , Xu Dufeng , Fang Li , Fu Yiyong
Published: February 2025

Regarding the mechanical resonance problem caused by the coupling of flexible characteristics and transmission stiffness, this typical problem is faced by aircraft rudder servo systems under the requirement of lightweight design. A model of the aircraft rudder servo system considering flexible coupling links is established, and the influence of transmission stiffness on the open-loop transfer function of the rudder servo system is analyzed. Increasing the transmission stiffness increases both the anti-resonance frequency and the resonance frequency of the rudder servo system, and the system performance changes depending on the change in open-loop gain margin. When the load-motor rotational inertia and product are small, and the resonant frequency is still much lower than the natural frequency of the current loop after increasing the transmission stiffness, the system open-loop gain margin will decrease and mechanical resonance will intensify. When the load-motor rotational inertia and product are relatively large, increasing the transmission stiffness to make the resonant frequency close to or even greater than the natural frequency of the current loop will increase the system’s open-loop gain margin and weaken mechanical resonance. The correctness of the research conclusion was verified through system simulation and experimental validation.
Optimization and simulation of multilevel inventory strategy for repairable aviation materials considering demand forecasting
Authors: Fan Leiyi , Shen Danyang
Published: February 2025

With the support of modern industrial technology, prediction algorithms can provide advance information about spare parts demand, which brings new optimization possibilities for inventory management. In this paper, the multi-level inventory strategy of repairable aviation materials under the demand forecast is studied. The traditional multi-level inventory strategy is modeled by the multi-level inventory control model, which takes the inventory cost minimization as the goal and the inventory satisfaction rate as the constraint. On this basis, the inventory strategy is optimized by considering the pre-demand information of spare parts inventory. Through the simulation and comparative analysis of the traditional multi-stage inventory and optimized inventory strategy of repairable parts of aviation materials, the optimization effect of the optimization inventory strategy of demand prediction is explored under different conditions such as false negative and false positive demand prediction signals. The research shows that the high accuracy and timeliness of demand prediction plays a significant role in reducing inventory cost and reducing inventory shortage.
Experimental study on fireproof properties of aviation cables
Authors: Wu Bin , Liu Xiaojie , Zeng Tai , Su Zhengliang , Xie Fei
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the fire protection capability of Engine Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS) components, focusing on the performance of typical aviation cables under fire conditions. Using an oil burner to simulate fire environments, key parameters such as flame resistance, insulation resistance, and leakage current were monitored. The results show that shielded cables exhibit up to 35% higher leakage currents compared to unshielded cables under identical conditions, indicating a higher propensity for insulation breakdown and short circuits. These findings provide theoretical support for improving fire protection designs in aviation cable components.
A tunable and polarization insensitive wideband THz absorber using a perturbed fractal patterned metasurface augmented with graphene
Authors: Bindai Sayani , Ranwa Sapana , Ghatak Rowdra
Published: February 2025

In this work, a graphene-based perturbed box fractal-patterned metasurface absorber is proposed for terahertz (THz) sensing applications. The broadband metamaterial absorber (MA) is composed of a periodic arrangement of a perturbed box fractal-patterned graphene top layer on a dielectric substrate (Al2O3) with a gold ground layer (Au) to improve the absorptance. The top graphene layer pattern, evolves by perturbing a second iteration box fractal structure, which exhibits an increase in the absorptance bandwidth. The detailed evolution of the top graphene pattern is presented. The wideband THz absorption was optimized by tuning the graphene chemical potential of the designed perturbed box fractal absorber. The absorption spectrum across various polarization conditions indicates that the proposed THz graphene MA structure remains unaffected by changes in polarization and incident angles. The designed absorber exhibits a broadband absorption above 80% in 5.91–8.87 THz frequency range with a 2.96 THz bandwidth and 2.45 THz for more than 90% absorption. The absorbance was also obtained by invoking the interference theory model, with close agreement between the theoretical and simulated results. To illustrate the absorber performance efficacy over the band, a 12 × 12 array was modeled and excited with a plane wave.
EffNet: an efficient one-dimensional convolutional neural networks for efficient classification of long-term ECG fragments
Authors: Ashraf Bilal , Ali Husan , Khan Muhammad Aseer , Albogamy Fahad R
Published: February 2025

Early Diagnosis of Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is essential to prevent a person from death in case of a cardiac arrhythmia. Automated ECG classification is required because manual classification by cardiologists is laborious, time-consuming, and prone to errors. Efficient ECG classification has been an active research problem over the past few decades. Earlier ECG classification techniques didn’t perform satisfactorily with greater accuracy and efficiency. An efficient 12-layer deep One-Dimensional Convolutional Neural Network (1D-CNN) titled EffNet is proposed in this research paper to automatically classify five distinct categories of heartbeats present in ECG signals. A unique collection of five different PhysioNet databases with ECG recordings of five different classes is created to enhance the dataset. These databases are segmented into ECG Fragments (long-term ECG signals of length 10 s) to capture the ECG features between successive beats effectively. These ECG fragments are then concatenated to form a merged dataset. Initially, sampling of the merged dataset is done. The Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) is used to balance the dataset. Afterwards, 1D-CNN is employed with different sets of hyperparameters for the efficient classification of the ECG dataset. Classification of ECG of five different classes is also done through two deep Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), namely GoogLeNet and SqueezeNet, and Support Vector Machines (SVM). The statistical results obtained proved the dominance of EffNet over the transfer learning techniques (SqueezeNet and GoogLeNet) and SVM. Furthermore, a comparison is also made with the existing literature work carried out for ECG classification, and the statistical results dominated over all others in terms of performance metrics.
Textile hybrid electronics for monolithically multimodal wearable monitoring and therapy
Authors: Luo Huayu , Yang Geng , Jin Ziguan , Cai Zimo , Li Yibo , Lu Yuyao , Wang Jian , Yang Huayong , Zheng Yinfei , Xu Kaichen
Published: February 2025

Textiles with electronic components offer a portable and personalized approach for health monitoring and therapy. However, there is a lack of reliable strategy to integrate layered circuits and high-density chips on or inside textiles, which hinders system-level functionality and untethered user experiences. Herein, we propose monolithically integrated textile hybrid electronics (THE) on a textile platform, with multimodal functions and reliable performances. The textile system encompasses flexible electrodes, laser-induced sensors, and surface-mount devices, along with double-layer circuits interconnecting all of them. Vertical conductive paths are rendered by liquid metal composites infiltrated into textiles, which allows resistances less than 0.1 Ω while reserving intact textile structures. The assembled THE exhibits endurance to handwashing and crumpling, as well as bendability. We customize a wireless textile patch for synchronously tracking multiple physiological indicators during exercise. Furthermore, a textile band is elaborated for monitoring and alleviating muscular fatigue, demonstrating potential in closed-loop diagnosis and treatment.
Electrothermal-responsive flexible actuator of paper-based MWCNTs/PEDOT:PSS composites and PLA using 4D printing
Authors: Wu Mengjie , Wu Ting , Zhang Libing , Tang Xiuwen
Published: February 2025

Based on the traditional additive manufacturing, four-dimensional (4D) printing technology combines structure and shape memory effect (SME), which provides an effective way for the evolution of three-dimensional (3D) printing structure in shape, property and function. However, most of the current researches focus on the influence of printing process parameters on the mechanical properties of parts, and the actuation performance of hybrid conductive polymers is poor. Herein, a method combining 3D printing and coating is proposed to fabricate the electrothermal-responsive three-layer structural flexible actuator of paper-based Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composites and polylactic acid (PLA) using 4D printing. The paper-based flexible layer is used as the support layer, the PLA layer made by 3D printing on one side of the paper-based layer is used as the active deformation layer, the MWCNTs/PEDOT:PSS conductive layer coated on the other side of the paper-based layer is used as the electrical actuation layer. The 4D deformation principle of the electrothermal-responsive flexible actuator was analyzed. The influence of printing parameters on the deformation angle of the flexible actuator was analyzed by orthogonal experiment. The experimental results show that the optimal printing parameters are the printing thickness of 0.1 mm, the printing speed of 50 mm s−1, the filling rate of 58%, and the substrate temperature of 60 °C. Under the optimal parameters, the fabricated three-layer structural flexible actuator of paper-based PEDOT:PSS/MWCNTs composites and PLA achieves a larger bending angle of 472.54° under a driving voltage of 25 V. Therefore, the prepared flexible actuator has excellent actuation performance. Moreover, the fabricated flexible actuators are applied in the fields of the flexible hand and the flexible manipulator, which demonstrates the great potential of the flexible actuator in the fields of human-computer interaction and flexible robot.
Ruptured infectious intracranial aneurysm related to infective endocarditis: report of a successfully treated case
Authors: Qing Hongkun , Wang Weiteng , Teng Yun , Jimei Chen , Jian Xuhua
Published: February 2025

Background

Intracranial infectious aneurysm (IIA) is a rare but highly dangerous complication of infective endocarditis (IE), associated with a significant risk of rupture, particularly when anticoagulation is involved. Managing IE patients with IIA poses a significant challenge for both cardiac surgeons and neurologists.

Case Summary

We report a complex case of IIA related to IE in a 9-year-old girl with a history of patent ductus arteriosus ligation and aortic valvuloplasty. The patient was admitted for recurrent fever over three months despite irregular antibiotic therapy. Transthoracic echocardiography identified IE with vegetations on the aortic valve, and cerebral magnetic resonance angiography revealed an IIA. The patient experienced a sudden intracranial hemorrhage while awaiting intervention, requiring emergency craniotomy with hematoma removal and aneurysm resection. After four weeks of neurological rehabilitation and antimicrobial therapy, she recovered well without major neurological impairment. However, a recurrent IIA with hemorrhage was detected at the previously operated site. Following a multidisciplinary discussion, a one-stage procedure combining transcatheter aneurysm embolization and mechanical aortic valve replacement was performed successfully. Three years post-discharge, the patient maintained good cardiac and neurological function.

Discussion

Managing IIA in patients with IE poses significant challenges due to the limited availability of high-level evidence. Endovascular therapy presents a promising approach, given its minimally invasive nature and the ability to expedite the initiation of anticoagulation therapy. This strategy could facilitate earlier cardiac surgery and potentially improve outcomes in critically ill patients.
Optimizing diagnostic strategies for central adrenal insufficiency in pituitary disease
Authors: Haberbosch Linus , Meyer Nina M T , Lechner Lara , Jensen Marie , Soll Dominik , Kozarzewski Leonard , Hesse Linus , Blankenstein Oliver , Hubertus Vanessa , Vajkoczy Peter , Strasburger Christian J , Spranger Joachim , Maurer Lukas , Mai Knut
Published: February 2025

Objective

Central adrenal insufficiency (CAI) affects a significant number of patients with pituitary disease, and a missed diagnosis can be fatal. The optimal diagnostic algorithm, however, is still controversial. Here, we present a single-centre study with the systematic use of the overnight metyrapone test (OMT) and the short synacthen test (SST) in a large cohort of patients with pituitary disease.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 161 patients with pituitary disease or after pituitary surgery and suspected CAI. Data from OMT (n = 134), SST (n = 156), and long-term clinical outcomes (n = 97) were evaluated.

Results

Validated in the sub-cohort with available clinical outcome evaluation after a mean of 2.7 years, 11-desoxycortisol (11-DOF, cut-off >200 nmol/L) in the OMT achieved a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 94%. Adrenocorticotropic hormone measurement offered no additional diagnostic benefit. Cortisol in the SST (cut-off >450 nmol/L after 30 min) showed an inferior sensitivity of 75.0% and a specificity of 80.2%. To assess the usefulness of the tests in pre-classified risk groups according to the recently proposed CAI-Score, we calculated CAI subgroup prevalence as well as positive/negative predictive value (NPV) for the SST in each risk group. In the low-risk group (CAI-Score = 0), the SST achieved a high NPV (0.99), while showing no clear benefit in the other groups.

Conclusions

This study reaffirms the value of 11-DOF in the OMT as a reliable diagnostic tool for CAI, while confirming the limitations of the SST. These data indicate to consider SST as a single test procedure for low-risk patients.
Chemical pollution drives taxonomic and functional shifts in marine sediment microbiome, influencing benthic metazoans
Authors: Xu Lin-Lin , McIlroy Shelby E , Ni Yueqiong , Guibert Isis , Chen Jiarui , Rocha Ulisses , Baker David M , Panagiotou Gianni
Published: February 2025

Microbial communities in marine sediments contribute significantly to the overall health and resiliency of marine ecosystems. However, increased human disturbance undermines biodiversity and, hence, natural functionality provided by marine sediments. Here, through a deep shotgun metagenomics sequencing of the sediment microbiome and COI metabarcoding of benthic metazoans, we demonstrate that >50% of the microorganisms’ and metazoan’s taxonomic variation can be explained by specific chemical pollution indices. Interestingly, there was a significant correlation between the similarity in microbiome communities’ taxonomical and functional attributes and the similarity of benthic metazoans community composition. Furthermore, mediation analysis was conducted to evaluate the microbiome-mediated indirect effect, suggesting that microbial species and functions accounted for 36% and 26%, respectively, of the total effect of pollution on the benthic metazoans. Our study introduces a multi-level perspective for future studies in urbanized coastal areas to explore marine ecosystems, revealing the impact of pollution stress on microbiome communities and their critical biogeochemical functions, which in turn may influence macrofaunal composition.
Do trial benefits predict real-world gains in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Axeen Sarah , Chen Alice J , Lakdawalla Darius N , Masia Neal , Niyazov Alexander , Arondekar Bhakti , Freedland Stephen J
Published: February 2025

Background

It is important to understand the relationship between drug efficacy measured in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and real-world drug effectiveness. We estimate how RCT overall survival (OS) and RCT radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) benefits predict the association between treatments and real-world OS gains for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) drugs.

Methods

Using the National Cancer Institute list of approved cancer drugs and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Treatment Guidelines, we identified all pharmaceutical therapies for mCRPC approved between 2010 to 2019. We obtained RCT OS and rPFS hazard ratios from the pivotal trials used for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, and we estimated real-world OS hazard ratios using the Optum Clinformatics Extended DataMart Databases. We modeled real-world OS hazard ratios as a function of both RCT OS and RCT rPFS hazard ratios using Cox proportional hazard regressions, adjusted for year of diagnosis, age, race, and Elixhauser Comorbidity Index.

Results

When we did not account for non-random real-world selection of patients into receiving a newly approved therapy (ie, “treatment selection bias”), real-world OS gains were 15% lower than associated RCT OS and RCT rPFS benefits. However, after accounting for treatment selection bias in real-world settings, real-world OS gains were almost 28% greater than RCT OS and RCT rPFS benefits. Association between treatment and OS gains increased the longer a new therapy was on the market.

Conclusions

After adjusting for treatment selection bias, RCT OS and RCT rPFS estimates serve as useful, or even conservative, predictors of RW OS gains.
Uncovering the Effects of Array Mutual Coupling in 21-cm Experiments with the SKA-Low Radio Telescope
Authors: O’Hara Oscar S D , Gueuning Quentin , de Lera Acedo Eloy , Dulwich Fred , Cumner John , Anstey Dominic , Brown Anthony , Fialkov Anastasia , Dhandha Jiten , Faulkner Andrew , Liu Yuchen
Published: February 2025

We investigate the impact of Mutual Coupling (MC) between antennas on the time-delay power spectrum response of the core of the SKA-Low radio telescope. Using two in-house tools - FAST (a fast full-wave electromagnetic solver) and OSKAR (a GPU-accelerated radio telescope simulator) - we simulate station beams and compute visibilities for various station layouts (regular, sunflower, and random). Simulations are conducted in an Epoch of Reionisation subband between 120â€“150 MHz, with a fine spectral resolution of 100 kHz, enabling the investigation of longer delays. Our results show that MC effects significantly increase foreground leakage into longer delays, especially for regular station layouts. For 21-cm science, foreground spill-over into the 21-cm window extends beyond k∥ ∼ 2 h−1Mpc for all station layouts and across all k⊥ modes, completely obscuring the detection window. We find that attempting to remove the foreground contribution from the visibilities using an approximated beam model - either based on the average embedded element pattern or by interpolating the embedded element patterns from a coarse channel rate of 781 kHz - results in residuals around ∼1011 mK2h−3Mpc3. This is still 7 orders of magnitude brighter than the expected level of the EoR signal (∼104 mK2h−3Mpc3). We also find that station beam models with at least 4-5 significant digits in the far-field pattern and high spectral resolution are needed for effective foreground removal. Our research provides critical insights into the role of MC in SKA-Low experiments and highlights the computational challenges of fully integrating array patterns that account for MC effects into processing pipelines.
Access to kidney transplantation and re-transplantation from childhood to adulthood: long-term data from the ERA Registry
Authors: Preka Evgenia , Bonthuis Marjolein , Marks Stephen D , Kramer Anneke , de Vries Aiko P J , Sørensen Søren S , Bakkaloğlu Sevcan A , Bistrup Claus , Jahnukainen Timo , Arévalo Olga L Rodriguez , Buchwinkler Lukas , Segelmark Mårten , Sanchez J Emilio , Arnol Miha , Ordóñez-Álvarez Flor A , de la Cerda-Ojeda Francisco , Plumb Lucy A , Methven Shona , Palsson Runolfur , Lundgren Torbjörn , Ríos Héctor , Ortiz Alberto , Stel Vianda S , Harambat Jerome , Jager Kitty J
Published: February 2025

Background and hypothesis

Knowledge regarding access to first kidney transplantation (KT) and subsequent KT in patients commencing kidney replacement therapy (KRT) in childhood is limited.

Methods

Using European Renal Association (ERA) Registry data, we investigated European patients who started KRT below 20 years of age between 1978 and 2019. Access and determinants to first, second and third KT were assessed using multivariable Cox regression.

Results

12 623, 4077, and 1186 patients were included while awaiting first, second and third KT, at median ages of 13.8 (IQR: 7.5–17.4), 20.9 (IQR: 16.5–26.1) and 26.6 (IQR: 20.3–32.8) years, respectively. During the study period, overall access was 87.8%, 72.7% and 60.5% for first, second and third KT, respectively, and median time to each KT was 0.9 (IQR: 0.2–2.1), 1.9 (0.6–4.5) and 2.6 (IQR: 1.0–5.3) years. Younger age at KRT initiation (aHR 0-4 vs. 10–14 years: 0.54; 95%CI: 0.51–0.57) and female sex (HR: 0.94; 95%CI: 0.90–0.98) were associated with lower access to first KT. KT candidates between 15–19 years had lower access to first and second KT (aHR: 0.69; 95%CI: 0.66–0.73, and aHR: 0.70; 95%CI: 0.61–0.81) compared to 10–14 year-olds. Compared to CAKUT, glomerulonephritis patients had lower access to KT (aHR: 0.75; 95%CI: 0.71–0.80 for first, aHR: 0.89; 95%CI: 0.81–0.98 for second and aHR: 0.80; 95%CI: 0.66–0.97 for third KT). Similarly, patients with primary renal diseases with high risk of recurrence, had lower chances of receiving a first and second KT (aHR: 0.80; 95%CI: 0.76–0.85 for first, aHR: 0.86; 95%CI: 0.78–0.95 for second KT). Access to re-transplantation was also higher with prior pre-emptive KT and previous graft survival exceeding five years.

Conclusion

Our study highlights KT access disparities particularly for females, the youngest recipients, high-risk age (15–19 years), and diseases with recurrence risk. Notably, pre-emptive transplants and enduring previous grafts offer advantages regarding re-transplantation.