bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Transfer Learning Approach for Detecting Infected and Healthy Maize Crop Using Leaf Images
Authors: Tanveer Muhammad Usama , Munir Kashif , Raza Ali , Abualigah Laith , Garay Helena , Gonzalez Luis Eduardo Prado , Ashraf Imran
Published: January 2025

Maize is a staple crop worldwide, essential for food security, livestock feed, and industrial uses. Its health directly impacts agricultural productivity and economic stability. Effective detection of maize crop health is crucial for preventing disease spread and ensuring high yields. This study presents VG‐GNBNet, an innovative transfer learning model that accurately detects healthy and infected maize crops through a two‐step feature extraction process. The proposed model begins by leveraging the visual geometry group (VGG‐16) network to extract initial pixel‐based spatial features from the crop images. These features are then further refined using the Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB) model and feature decomposition‐based matrix factorization mechanism, which generates more informative features for classification purposes. This study incorporates machine learning models to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. By comparing VG‐GNBNet's performance against these models, we validate its robustness and accuracy. Integrating deep learning and machine learning techniques allows VG‐GNBNet to capitalize on the strengths of both approaches, leading to superior performance. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed VG‐GNBNet+GNB model significantly outperforms other models, achieving an impressive accuracy score of 99.85%. This high accuracy highlights the model's potential for practical application in the agricultural sector, where the precise detection of crop health is crucial for effective disease management and yield optimization.
Prevalence of infertility and the effect of covariates on survival time to pregnancy: A nationally representative population based cross sectional study
Authors: Teklemicheal Ashebir Getachew , Gebreyohannes Rahel Demissew
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study sought to estimate population level prevalence of infertility and explored whether time to pregnancy is related to selected factors.

Methods

This study's analysis was based on data collected from 2081 women who were sampled from participants of the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey based on risk of pregnancy criteria: age between 15 and 49 years, currently married or cohabitating, sexually active, not used contraception method during the 5 years before interview, not menopausal, and not pregnant. We used a current duration (CD) approach in which for each woman we calculated the length of time‐at‐risk of pregnancy (CD value) in months. A parametric survival model was fitted to CD values from which the median time to pregnancy (TTP) and prevalence of infertility were estimated. To explore variables associated with a longer TTP accelerated failure time, regression models were built to estimate time ratios.

Results

The median TTP was 4 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.9–4.1). The 12‐month prevalence of overall, primary, and secondary infertility were 29.5% (95% CI 27.50–31.47), 31.1% (95% CI 27.85–34.48), and 27.7% (95% CI 25.30–30.23), respectively. A longer TTP was observed for women aged 35 to 49 (P = 0.001), nulliparous (P = 0.00), when the usual residence of the husband is outside the home (P = 0.001), for women who want to give birth soon (P = 0.00), for cigarette smokers (P = 0.027), for rich women (P = 0.002), and for tertiary (P = 0.00) and primary educated women (P = 0.00).

Conclusion

This study suggests 30% of reproductive‐age women experience infertility, which indicates that large numbers of Ethiopian women need fertility services.
Enhanced Reed–Solomon Error Correction Framework for Reliable Data Transmission in Noisy Communication Systems
Authors: Almazmomi Najah Kalifah
Published: January 2025

In modern communication systems, reliable data transmission in noisy, and interference environments is a tough problem. However, conventional error control techniques, like Reed–Solomon (RS) codes, often fail to achieve performance under high dimensional noise and burst errors. To overcome these limitations, this study presents a new framework that incorporates advanced optimization algorithms and adaptive error correction techniques, to extend the RS method. The improved RS encoding scheme starts with multi‐layered encoding, adaptive symbol interleaving, and list decoding to increase resilience against severe noise. We use a multi‐verse optimizer (MVO) for global exploration and a differential evolution with adaptive chaos (DEAC) algorithm for local refinement of the system parameters to optimize the system parameters. The hybrid optimization approach proposed here achieves an appropriate trade‐off between exploration and exploitation, avoiding local optima risk and enhancing convergence. Turbo‐enhanced Reed–Soloman decoding is realized with the optimized parameters to decode corrupted data in a challenging communication environment. On multiple noisy transmission scenarios, the proposed framework was found to outperform conventional RS methods and hybrid error correction schemes. Experimental results show that the proposed approach reduces bit error rate (BER) by 30% and decoding latency by 25% versus baseline methods. In addition, the system demonstrated higher throughput and more robust error correction in the presence of varying noise levels. Finally, a highly efficient and reliable error correction solution in modern communication systems is achieved by integrating MVO and DEAC with the improved RS method for parameter optimization.
Function and Regulation of Age‐Associated B Cells in Diseases
Authors: Geng Zi , Cao Yejin , Zhao Longhao , Wang Likun , Dong Yingjie , Bi Yujing , Liu Guangwei
Published: January 2025

The aging process often leads to immune‐related diseases, including infections, tumors, and autoimmune disorders. Recently, researchers identified a special subpopulation of B cells in elderly female mice that increases with age and accumulates prematurely in mouse models of autoimmune diseases or viral infections; these B cells are known as age‐related B cells (ABCs). These cells possess distinctive cell surface phenotypes and transcriptional characteristics, and the cell population is widely recognized as CD11c+CD11b+T‐bet+CD21‐CD23‐ cells. Research has shown that ABCs are a heterogeneous group of B cells that originate independently of the germinal center and are insensitive to B‐cell receptor (BCR) and CD40 stimulation, differentiating and proliferating in response to toll‐like receptor 7 (TLR7) and IL‐21 stimulation. Additionally, they secrete self‐antibodies and cytokines to regulate the immune response. These issues have aroused widespread interest among researchers in this field. This review summarizes recent research progress on ABCs, including the functions and regulation of ABCs in aging, viral infection, autoimmune diseases, and organ transplantation.
New Findings in Developmental Studies of Laryngeal Mound With a Reference to Its Attached Structures in Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica)
Authors: Khalifa Mahmoud Osman , Gaber Wafaa , Saleh Abdelmohaimen Mostafa
Published: January 2025

The laryngeal mound (LM) formed the caudal part of the pharyngeal floor, which varied in position, shape, and length at different ages. This work aimed to study the morphogenesis of the LM in the embryonic and post hatching periods grossly, histologically, and by scanning electron microscopy using forty‐eight Japanese quails. The LM primordia appeared on the 8th day of incubation as a raised elevation carried on a deep median symmetrical sulcus (glottis primordium). As a result of rapid differential LM parts growth, LM took different shapes with advanced ages, finally ending in a heart shape. Internally, LM was supported by hyaline laryngeal cartilages; a C‐shaped cricoid cartilage that had two wings, paired fork‐like two arytenoids, and a comma‐shaped procricoid that had four articulations. The glottis appeared as a central longitudinal opening on the 13th day of incubation. With age advancing, it was characterized as a wide rostral commissure and a caudal narrow one that was supported on either side by arytenoid cartilages. Additionally, on the 13th day, a bilateral sagittal row to the glottis developed, consisting of 8–9 small caudally directed papillae. At that time, rostral and caudal transverse laryngeal papillary rows appeared. LM had compound tubuloalveolar submucosal laryngeal glands that were situated between M. dilator glottidis and cricohyoideus and opened on the dorsal surface of LM. Histochemically, the early post‐hatching stages of the glandular secretion were PAS‐positive while late post‐hatching ages had alcinophilic reactions. In conclusion, the LM had rapid morphological developmental events in the early ages other than the adult ages.
Investigating the Synergistic Interactions Between AgNPs and NiCl2 on the Morpho‐Physiological Trajectories of Zea mays L. Through Comprehensive Characterization at Seedling Stage
Authors: Hussain Riaz , Mushtaq Nadia , Ahmed Mushtaq , Hameed Hajra , Badshah Saboor , Sher Naila , Badshah Farhad , Waheed Abdul , Ali M. Ajmal , Elshikh Mohamed S.
Published: January 2025

Green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) is preferred for its affordability and environmentally friendly approach. This study explored the synthesis and characterization of silver NPs (AgNPs) and examined their impact on the growth of Zea mays, both alone and in combination with nickel chloride (NiCl2). A methanolic leaf extract was combined with silver nitrate to synthesize AgNPs. Characterization of NPs was carried out through UV–vis spectroscopy, FT‐IR, x‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Eleven treatments (T1–T11) were made, and Z. mays seeds were subjected to NiCl2 in pots after being soaked in AgNPs solution. Treatments were arranged to evaluate the effects of NiCl2 (T1–T3), AgNPs (T4 and T5), and the interactive effects of AgNPs and NiCl2 (T6–T11) on the planted seeds. UV–vis peaks at 410 nm confirmed the presence of AgNPs. The crystalline nature of AgNPs was confirmed through XRD analysis, and the presence of functional groups from biomolecules and capping agents was shown in FT‐IR. The morphology of the NPs and elemental analysis were conducted using SEM and EDS, respectively. The size of the NPs was found 25–50 nm using Nano Measurer software. Growth inhibition was noticed in NiCl2‐treatments T1–T3. Maximum growth and 100% seed germination were observed in NP‐treated seeds (T4 and T5). These two treatments also showed the highest germination index, root/shoot growth, and fresh/dry weights. In treatments T6–T11, the interaction between NiCl2 and AgNP‐soaked seeds showed that while AgNP concentrations alone promoted growth, this enhancement was suppressed by the presence of NiCl2 in the soil. The inhibited values of T6–T11 were still greater than the control, indicating that soaking Z. mays seeds in AgNPs enhanced growth and mitigated nickel stress in the soil. Pigments, carbohydrates, and protein contents were highest in T4 and T5, whereas NiCl2 reduced these values. Synthesized AgNPs could enhance Z. mays growth and reduce nickel stress at the applied amounts. Further investigation is required to determine the mechanisms of action of AgNPs and NiCl2 in enhancing or reducing Z. mays seedling growth and yield.
Evaluating the efficacy of hinged elbow braces in reducing passive valgus forces after ulnar collateral ligament injury—A biomechanical study
Authors: Hoffeld Kai , Wahlers Christopher , Hockmann Jan P. , Wegmann Sebastian , Ott Nadine , Wegmann Kilian , Müller Lars Peter , Hackl Michael
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This biomechanical study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a hinged elbow orthosis in reducing passive valgus forces following medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries of the elbow joint. The hypothesis tested was that a hinged elbow orthosis reduces these passive valgus forces.

Methods

Eight fresh frozen cadaveric elbow specimens were prepared and tested under three scenarios: intact ligaments, simulated UCL rupture and application of a hinged elbow brace after simulated UCL rupture. Valgus instability was assessed using a custom testing set‐up and the Optotrak motion capture system. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the results across scenarios.

Results

Intraclass correlation (ICC) calculation showed that the testing set‐up was reliable in investigating valgus deflection across all levels of applied force. The hinged elbow brace reduced passive valgus forces after UCL rupture. The reduction in valgus instability was consistent with close approximation to the native state, although not reaching its level.

Conclusion

The hypothesis—that a hinged elbow orthosis significantly reduces passive valgus forces in the elbow following UCL injuries—is not supported by the data and therefore has to be rejected. Nevertheless, the study demonstrates a tendency that a hinged elbow brace could mitigate these forces, at least in an experimental cadaveric model with static study conditions.

Level of Evidence

The level of evidence of this study is level IV.
Varus alignment of the hip and knee 2 years after anterior cruciate ligament injury is associated with medial tibiofemoral osteoarthritis 3 years later
Authors: Nilsson Henrik , Englund Martin , Frobell Richard , Lohmander L. Stefan , Struglics André , Swärd Per
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To investigate if hip and knee alignment assessed 2 years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is associated with compartment‐specific radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA) 3 years later.

Methods

An exploratory analysis was conducted in the knee ACL, nonsurgical versus surgical treatment (KANON) trial (ISRCTN84752559); 115 subjects with acute ACL injury were assessed at the 2‐year follow‐up; full‐limb images of the injured leg were acquired, and the neck‐shaft angle (NSA) and hip‐knee‐ankle angle (HKA) were measured. At the 5‐year follow‐up, weight‐bearing tibiofemoral and patellofemoral radiographs were obtained. Radiographs were graded according to the OA Research Society International Atlas and Radiographic OA was defined as approximating Kellgren & Lawrence grade 2 or worse. Analysis of covariance adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, randomization and partial meniscectomy recorded at the 2‐year follow‐up was performed.

Results

In patients who had developed medial tibiofemoral OA at the 5‐year follow‐up, the NSA and the HKA at the 2‐year follow‐up were smaller (NSA, mean difference = −4.6° [95% confidence interval {CI} −7.9° to −1.1°]; HKA, mean difference = −2.3° [95% CI −4.2° to −0.4°]). No association was observed between the NSA or HKA at the 2‐year follow‐up and lateral tibiofemoral OA, nor patellofemoral OA at the 5‐year follow‐up.

Conclusion

A smaller NSA and HKA angle of the ACL injured leg (i.e., more varus hip and varus knee alignment) 2 years after the injury was associated with medial tibiofemoral radiographic OA 3 years later.

Level of Evidence

Level II exploratory post hoc analysis of an RCT.
Aquatic nitrogen source elucidation using stable isotope analysis in the North Carolina Coastal Plain
Authors: Chaffin Adam G. , Cahoon Lawrence B. , Mallin Michael A. , Lane Chad , Mapes Kerry
Published: January 2025

Eastern North Carolina has been subjected to widespread water quality degradation for decades, notably throughout the Cape Fear River Watershed, owing largely to the magnitude of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in the region. Long‐term nutrient monitoring data from numerous locations throughout southeastern North Carolina have shown significantly elevated organic nitrogen (Org‐N) concentrations starting around the year 2000—a concerning development, as labile Org‐N can stimulate algal blooms and subsequent bacterial production, thus enhancing eutrophication in freshwater systems. By measuring the stable isotope signatures (δ13C, δ15N) of particulate organic matter sampled from a range of southeastern North Carolina waters, the predominant sources to the observed Org‐N loadings were elucidated. Isotope data from across the Cape Fear River watershed indicated a large gradient of livestock waste‐N contributions, with hog waste‐N contributions consistently higher in the Northeast Cape Fear River watershed and with fertilizer‐N contributions higher in the Black River watershed—findings that are consistent with each sub‐basin's land usage. %N sediment content was positively correlated with hog waste‐N contributions in the Black River watershed, indicating that sediments in CAFO‐dense regions are reservoirs for agricultural nutrient pollution. Hog waste‐N source contributions and %N sample contents for Black River sediments were strongly correlated with regional swine and poultry CAFO densities, establishing a strong connection between industrial animal production and stream sediment nutrient loads. Collectively, these findings suggest a major role of livestock waste, as well as human sewage, in driving the long‐term Org‐N increase in eastern North Carolina water bodies.
How Psychology Can Benefit From the Academic Study of Esotericism
Authors: Gyimesi Júlia
Published: January 2025

The paper reviews and summarizes the historical research that has been carried out in recent decades to explore the connections between esotericism and psychology while highlighting the typical historical and contemporary ways in which psychology and esotericism are linked. This examination underscores why academic research on esotericism is relevant to psychology, including why a substantive definition of esotericism made within the context of psychology is essential. Based on the sources currently at our disposal, it is asserted that the influences of esotericism have never been peripheral to psychology. The foundations and basic features of “esoteric psychology” unfolding within various theoretical frameworks are described. With this paper, the author aims to contribute to the emergence of a critical yet open and flexible discourse that recognizes the impact of esotericism on psychology and is ready to evaluate these influences in an objective way.
Wild‐Type and rtA181T/sW172* Mutant Strains of Hepatitis B Virus Drive Hepatocarcinogenesis via Distinct GRP78‐Mediated ER Stress Pathways
Authors: Liu Miao , Yuan Man , Ma Yuanji , Wang Jiayi , Cheng Xing , Shi Ying , Shang Jin , He Min , Bai Lang , Du Lingyao , Tang Hong
Published: January 2025

Glucose‐regulated protein 78 kDa (GRP78), a key marker of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), is upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues, but its role in hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐induced tumorigenesis remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of GRP78 to HBV‐associated tumor development and explore the ERS pathways involved. The results showed that increased GRP78 expression in patients with HBV‐related HCC was associated with a poor prognosis within the first 2 years following diagnosis. Furthermore, using wild‐type HBV strain and the oncogenic HBV rtA181T/sW172* mutant, this study demonstrated that the HBV‐induced GRP78 expression correlated with elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Moreover, GRP78 expression enhanced hepatocyte proliferation and resistance to apoptosis. In wild‐type HBV‐infected hepatocytes, GRP78 suppressed apoptosis by inhibiting the PERK/p38 pathway. In contrast, the HBV rtA181T/sW172* mutation led to increased GRP78 expression and inhibition of cell apoptosis through activation of the IRE‐1α/XBP1/BCL‐2 pathway. In conclusion, GRP78 plays a pivotal role in HBV‐induced hepatocarcinogenesis by modulating distinct ERS pathways. Targeting these pathways may aid in the therapeutic management of HBV‐associated hepatocarcinogenesis.
Can Satellite Products Recognise Extreme Precipitation Over Southeastern South America?
Authors: Benítez Victoria D. , Müller Gabriela V. , Doyle Moira E. , Forgioni Fernando P. , Lovino Miguel A.
Published: January 2025

Extreme precipitation events (EPEs) are becoming increasingly frequent and intense in southeastern South America (SESA). The limited rain gauge network in SESA could be overcome using satellite‐based synthetic precipitation data. This study analyses the capability of satellite products IMERG Final Run V06, PERSIANN, PERSIANN CCS‐CDR and PDIR‐NOW in capturing extreme precipitation characteristics over SESA in the 2001–2020 period. EPEs were characterised by annual maximum values, maximum monthly values, and the 95th and 99th percentiles of precipitation time series. Statistical metrics were applied to evaluate the efficiency of satellite products in representing EPEs compared to observational data. Extreme events characterised by the number of very wet days (R95p), extremely wet days (R99p), and the simple daily intensity index (SDII) were also evaluated. Our results suggest that IMERG and PERSIANN CCS‐CDR accurately represent the annual maximum precipitation averages and provide the best estimates of the maximum precipitation and the average number of events across various precipitation thresholds. IMERG exhibits the lowest BIAS and RMSE for the 95th percentile and performs well in representing R95p and R99p indices. IMERG also accurately represents the average number of events across various precipitation thresholds, although it overestimates precipitation at the 0.1–5 mm threshold. In contrast, uncalibrated products like PERSIANN and PDIR‐NOW exhibit less consistent performance, often underestimating lower‐intensity events (< 50 mm) and overestimating higher‐intensity events (> 50 mm). PERSIANN tends to overestimate SDII values and displays higher error rates for the 95th percentile, while PDIR‐NOW overestimates R95p and R99p indices and estimates SDII with poor performance. Although there are challenges in high‐altitude areas and coastal regions, IMERG and PERSIANN CCS‐CDR show promise in detecting extreme events, particularly for precipitation thresholds above 100 mm. Our findings provide a basis for developing Intensity‐Duration‐Frequency (IDF) curves, essential for hydrological planning, in future work using combined satellite datasets.
Effect of BMI and symptoms at celiac disease diagnosis on serology normalization after 2 years of a gluten‐free diet in children
Authors: Hornik Ezra , Imdad Sameer , Chawla Anupama , Zhang Xiaoyue , Small‐Harary Lesley
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To determine if after 2 years of consuming a gluten‐free diet post celiac disease diagnosis, pediatric patients who were overweight or obese at diagnosis are less likely to normalize celiac disease serologies as compared with those who were normal weight or underweight at diagnosis. Secondary aims include characterizing how initial symptoms at presentation predict body mass index (BMI) change and serology improvement over the first 2 years of being on a gluten‐free diet following diagnosis of celiac disease.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed that included all biopsy‐proven celiac disease patients followed at Stony Brook Children's Hospital's Celiac Disease Center diagnosed between the years 2007–2022. This included all patients between 2 and 18 years of age who had their BMI documented at the time of diagnosis and at least one additional BMI documented 2 years ± 12 months after starting the gluten‐free diet. Data collected included BMI and celiac serology at and 2 years ± 12 months after diagnosis as well as symptoms, sex, age, race, and ethnicity at diagnosis.

Results

The charts of 229 pediatric patients with Celiac Disease were reviewed. Out of 229 patients, 89 had BMIs and celiac serologies available at diagnosis and at 2‐year follow‐up which were included. Based on multivariable logistic regression model, patients with overweight or obese BMI at baseline were not less likely (odds ratio [OR] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.29–3.27) to normalize their celiac serologies at 2‐year follow‐up visit as compared with patients who were normal weight or underweight at baseline. Patients with GI symptoms at diagnosis were more likely (OR = 3.86, 95% CI: 1.29, 11.54) to normalize their celiac serologies at 2‐year follow‐up visit as compared with patients without GI symptoms at diagnosis.

Conclusions

Rate of normalization of celiac serologies 2 years after initiating a gluten‐free diet showed no difference between the overweight or obese and normal weight or underweight pediatric populations. However, patients with GI symptoms at diagnosis were more likely to normalize their celiac serologies by 2‐year follow‐up visit, suggesting they may be more likely to comply with the gluten‐free diet.
Raman Microspectroscopy of Hair Cuticle With Polarized Excitation: Problem of Protein Secondary and Tertiary Structure
Authors: Travkina E. I. , Chikishev A. Yu , Brandt N. N.
Published: January 2025

Raman spectra of human hair cuticle measured in two experimental configurations with linearly polarized radiation focused on the lateral surface of the hair and on its cross section are compared. The bands at ~150, 220–230, 900, 935, 1321, 1338, and 1652 cm−1 are found to be polarization‐sensitive and assigned to the skeletal vibrations of α‐helices of hair keratins. However, different Raman spectra depending on the relative direction of signal collection can be obtained under identical polarization conditions for excitation. Several markers of the secondary structure of keratins (in particular, ~150, 935, and 1338 cm−1) may also be sensitive to the changes in the tertiary structure.
Highly Efficient Acousto‐Optic Modulation Driven by Ultra‐Low Power in Integrated Photonic–Phononic Waveguides
Authors: Zhang Liang , Xue Yongzhou , Chen Zewei , Guo Yanan , Wang Junxi , Li Jinmin , Yan Jianchang
Published: January 2025

Acousto‐optic modulation (AOM) can tailor acoustic and optical domains, promising applications from signal processing to quantum transduction. Advances in integrated circuits technologies have facilitated minimization and integration of acousto‐optic devices, paving ways for their applications in large‐scale hybrid integrated photonic‐phononic systems. Recently, integrated AOM is demonstrated with promising performance on various integrated piezoelectric materials. However, their optical conversion efficiencies remain significantly below unity. Achieving high efficiency necessitates strong mode‐coupling over long interaction space, which requires strong confinement and minimizing losses for both acoustic and optical fields in integrated structures. This is challenging for most integrated material platforms. In this work, efficient AOM is demonstrated using semi‐insulating gallium nitride (GaN) on sapphire. By leveraging the sub‐wavelength confinement of both optical and acoustic fields within GaN waveguides, while minimizing optical (0.35 dB ) and acoustic (0.4 dB ) propagation losses, complete optical mode conversion of AOM driven by a 1.67‐mW radio frequency power, setting a benchmark for integrated acousto‐optical modulators, is achieved. Furthermore, the AOM non‐reciprocity is also performed with high non‐reciprocal contrast (10 dB) across a 4‐GHz optical bandwidth. The work offers a robust and efficient acousto‐optic platform, opening new opportunities for integrated quantum transduction, signal processing, and non‐magnetic optical isolation.
Facial Lymphedema Following Head and Neck Tumor Resection: Preliminary Experience of Supermicrosurgical Treatment With LVA—Report of Three Cases
Authors: Kaciulyte Juste , Giacomini Giorgio , Garutti Leonardo , Spadoni Davide , Velazquez‐Mujica Jonathan , Torto Federico Lo , Ciudad Pedro , Chang Chad , Marcasciano Marco , Chen Hung Chi
Published: January 2025

Facial lymphedema (FL) is a potential complication following head‐and‐neck tumor (HNT) therapy. Conservative management is often difficult, and there is limited literature on surgical treatments for FL. This report presents three cases of FL treated with lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA). All three patients were male with ISL stage 2 FL following treatment for oral squamous cell carcinoma, aged 59, 45, and 55 years. In each case, double end‐to‐end LVAs were performed in the preauricular region (right side in cases 1 and 3, left side in case 2). Follow‐up was 12 months for cases 1 and 2 and 9 months in case 3, with no post‐operative complications. Case 1 showed a 4% reduction in two of three anthropometric parameters, case 2 demonstrated an 8% reduction in all the parameters along with quality‐of‐life improvement, and case 3 had a 6% reduction in all parameters with improvement in both pinch test and quality‐of‐life. LVA supermicrosurgery appears to be an effective treatment for FL, improving quality of life with minimal complications and no need for further surgical interventions.
Research Progress of All‐Fiber Optic Current Transformers in Novel Power Systems: A Review
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Cui Jiuxi , Chen Haoyu , Lu Heping , Zhou Feng , Rocha Paulo R. F. , Yang Chenyi
Published: January 2025

The new electric power system, dominated by renewable energy sources, demands current transformers with wide bandwidth and broad dynamic sensing capabilities. An all‐fiber optic that combines fiber optic sensing technology with the Faraday magneto‐optical effect offers an effective solution for precise dynamic current sensing. The paper first introduces the principle and basic optical path structure of the all‐fiber optic current transformer (AFOCT), followed by a discussion on the error factors affecting the measurement performance and operational reliability of AFOCT. It then summarizes and presents specific solutions developed over the past decade. Lastly, the paper concludes with a summary and future outlook on applying AFOCT in power grids. Optical current transformers are currently widely used in ultrahigh and extra‐high voltage transmission engineering. As optical current transformer technology matures, coupled with advancements in intelligence levels, the prospects in the field of current measurement are broad and promising.
Impact of particle size on R2* and fat fraction estimation for accurate assessment of hepatic iron overload and steatosis using MRI
Authors: Shrestha Utsav , Brasher Sarah , Abramson Zachary , Morin Cara E. , Tipirneni‐Sajja Aaryani
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To investigate the impact of iron particle size on and fat fraction (FF) estimations for coexisting hepatic iron overload and steatosis condition using Monte Carlo simulations and phantoms.

Methods

Three iron particle sizes (0.38, 0.52, and 0.71 μm) were studied using simulations and phantoms. Virtual liver models mimicking in vivo spatial distribution of fat droplets and iron deposits were created, and MRI signals were synthesized using Monte Carlo simulations for FF 1%–30% and liver iron concentration (LIC) 1–20 mg/g. Seventy‐five fat‐iron phantoms with varying iron (0–8 μg/mL) and fat (0%–40%) concentrations and particle sizes were constructed. Three‐way analysis of variance was used to assess the effect of iron particle size on and FF estimations.

Results

In simulations, estimated and true FF were in excellent agreement (slope: 0.93–1.09) for liver iron concentration ≤ 13 mg/g. For both simulations and phantoms, FF estimation bias increased as iron concentration increased and particle size decreased, with 0.71μm iron particle having the lowest bias (≤ 20%), and 0.52 μm and 0.38 μm iron particles producing higher bias (≥ 20%) for higher iron concentrations and lower FFs. Additionally, increased linearly with increasing iron concentration (r ≥ 0.87) and decreasing particle size. Iron particle size significantly influenced the estimated versus true FF (simulations: p = 0.04; phantoms: p = 0.03) and –iron concentration (simulations: p < 0.001; phantoms: p < 0.01) relationships. Heatmap demonstrated broader region with higher FF estimation bias as iron particle size decreased, especially at higher iron concentration.

Conclusion

and FF estimations are affected by iron particle size, with smaller particles leading to higher values and increased FF estimation bias.
Robust H2 and H∞ Filter Design for Polytopic Systems by Dilating Matrices
Authors: Cui Yuefeng , Wang Likui
Published: January 2025

In this article, the problem of robust and filter design for linear systems with polytopic parameters is studied. First, the dimensions of filter design matrices are dilated. For filter, the matrix is dilated from 3 to 4, and for filter, the corresponding matrix is dilated from 4 to 5, such that more slack variables can be introduced. Then, the polynomial parameter‐dependent method is applied to design the Lyapunov function and filter gains. In addition, an iteration algorithm is used to further reduce the conservativeness. Finally, the effectiveness and the superiority of the proposed conditions are shown by four examples.
Loss of Mist1 alters the characteristics of Paneth cells and impacts the function of intestinal stem cells in physiological conditions and after radiation injury
Authors: Huang Yujun , Tu Siyu , Xu Zhenni , Xu Lu , Wang Xi , Tian Hefei , He Qican , Huang Lingxiao , Lei Xudan , Wang Shubin , Qu Mingyue , Liu Dengqun
Published: January 2025

Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and Paneth cells (PCs) reside at the bottom of the crypts of Lieberkühn in the small intestine. Recent studies have shown that the transcription factor Mist1, also named BHLHA15, plays an important role in the maturation of PCs. Since there is an intimate interaction between PCs and ISCs, we speculated that the loss of Mist1 could impact these two neighboring cell types. Here, we report that mice lacking Mist1 had fewer but larger PCs with shrunken secretory granules, accompanied by an increase in goblet cells and tuft cells. Mist1 loss significantly decreased the number of proliferative crypt cells, especially columnar basal cells (CBCs). In addition, Mist1‐deficient enteroids needed supplemental Wnt3a to support their growth. Results from RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) demonstrated an apparent deficiency of innate immunity in Mist1‐knockout mice. Intriguingly, Mist1 loss increased the survival rate of mice subjected to whole abdominal irradiation (WAI). Moreover, radiation injury was ameliorated in Mist1‐knockout mice compared with their wild‐type littermates based on histological analysis and enteroid culture, which might be a consequence of increased contents of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the increased activity of mTORC1 in Paneth cells. In summary, our data uncover that Mist1 plays an important functional role in PCs and regulates the maintenance of ISCs and their response to radiation injury. © 2025 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses Provide Insights Into the Flavonoid Biosynthesis in Dangshen
Authors: Liu Xuxia , Ma Haitang , Liu Xiaoling , Wang Xin , Chen Zhengjun , Yang Jie , Luo Wenrong , Li Qin , Yang Fude , Li Fang
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Dangshen (DS) has been used for hundreds of years as a traditional Chinese medicine. It has a wide range of biological activities. Flavonoids are one of the important bioactive components with strong free radical scavenging and antioxidant capacity in DS. However, the biosynthesis process of flavonoids in DS remains unclear.

Objective

The aim of this study was to understand the biosynthesis molecular mechanism of flavonoids in DS.

Methods

In this study, metabolomics research and transcriptome sequencing for DS were carried out. Transcript and metabolite profiles were generated by high‐throughput RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) data analysis and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, respectively.

Results

In total, 256 metabolites were identified in the root, stem, leaf, and flower of DS using untargeted metabolomics. Among them, 55 flavonoids, including pinobanksin, butein, fustin, pelargonidin, apigenin, luteolin, and eriodictyol, were closely related to flavonoid metabolism, and most of them were upregulated in different tissues of DS. Furthermore, the differentially expressed genes identified by transcriptomics were mainly enriched in the biosynthesis of flavonoid, isoflavonoid, flavone, and flavonol. A number of genes, including ANS, CCOAOMT, CHI, CHS, CYP75B1, CYP75A, CYP93B2_16, CYP98A/C3'H, DFR, F3H, FLS, and HCT, may regulate the production of flavonoids in different tissues of DS. An integrated analysis of transcriptome and metabolome revealed the flavonoid biosynthetic network in DS and elucidated the diversity of flavonoid biosynthetic pathway in roots, stems, leaves, and flowers of DS.

Conclusion

Our findings provide a molecular basis and new insights into flavonoid biosynthesis in DS and lay the foundation for breeding new valuable DS cultivars.
Prenatal Exome Sequencing Identifies Dual Maternal‐Fetal Diagnosis of HbF Mission Bay, a Novel HBG2 Variant Associated With Methemoglobinemia, Hypoxia and Hemolytic Anemia
Authors: Shear Matthew A. , Lianoglou Billie , Hodoglugil Ugur , Devine W. Patrick , Lal Ashutosh , Gonzalez Juan , Sparks Teresa N.
Published: January 2025

Prenatal exome sequencing (ES) can establish rare genetic diagnoses in a fetus but may also lead to occult genetic diagnosis in a biological parent. We present a case of dual fetal and maternal diagnosis by prenatal ES, in a fetus with unexplained anemia and in a pregnant patient with sickle cell disease (SCD) and recurrent unexplained hypoxia. ES identified a novel, likely pathogenic gamma globin variant, HbF Mission Bay HBG2 (c.86T > A, p.Leu29Gln), in both the fetus and mother. Deleterious variants in HBG2 have been associated with cyanosis, hypoxia, methemoglobinemia, and hemolytic anemia that are typically confined to infancy. In the pregnant patient who herself had a separate diagnosis of SCD, the HBG2 variant manifested with hypoxia as an infant herself, recurrent hypoxia in adulthood, and methemoglobinemia during pregnancy due to persistence of HbF. This same variant manifested in the fetus as anemia requiring multiple in utero transfusions as well as neonatal methemoglobinemia after birth.
Automated Scoring of Morphological Changes in Images of Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate
Authors: Beste Ariana , Bufford Daniel C. , Bolintineanu Dan S. , Potter Kevin M.
Published: January 2025

Recent advances in characterization techniques that generate large datasets of material microstructure images require robust, automated image‐processing. We applied an unsupervised anomaly detection method called feature anomaly detection system (FADS) to automatically detect and quantify microstructure changes in images of the explosive pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) aged at various temperatures. We demonstrated the FADS approach on two‐dimensional images extracted from computed tomography scans, but the same technique can be readily applied to other imaging modalities. FADS calculates anomaly scores on the basis of differences in filter activations of nominal and test data in pretrained convolutional neural networks. The FADS scores successfully differentiated between pristine PETN and PETN aged at a temperature where material coarsening occurred. Morphological metric analysis of segmented images verified observed trends in FADS scores as a function of aging temperature and aging time, specifically by calculating volume fractions, specific boundary lengths, two‐point correlation functions, and local thicknesses. The FADS technique has two important advantages compared to traditional morphological analysis: First, it uses grayscale images as input, rather than images that are segmented to separate the appropriate phases; and second, FADS scores capture any type of changes among image sets, rather than requiring prior knowledge or selection of a relevant set of metrics.
Sourcing the Kerr Geometry
Authors: Brustein Ram , Medved A.J.M.
Published: January 2025

The Kerr metric is a vacuum solution of the Einstein equations outside of a rotating black hole (BH), but what interior matter is actually rotating and sourcing the Kerr geometry? Here, a rotating exotic matter is described, which can source the Kerr geometry for the entire acceptable range of its spin parameter and be shown to saturate the radial null‐energy condition at every point in the interior, while being free of any obvious pathologies. The rotating frozen star is introduced, whose compactness is controlled by a perturbative parameter and whose outer surface can be arbitrarily close to the horizon of a Kerr BH. The interior geometry modifies Kerr's such that there is neither an inner ergosphere nor an inner horizon. The geometry of each radial slice of the interior is a nearly null surface with the same geometry, but different radial size, as that of the would‐be horizon on the outermost slice. The integral of the energy density leads to a rest mass that is equal to the irreducible mass of a Kerr BH, and the integral of the angular‐momentum density confirms that the ratio of the angular momentum to the mass is equal to the Kerr spin parameter. Including the rotational energy in the standard way, the total gravitational mass and angular momentum of a Kerr BH with the same mass and spin parameters are obtained.
FTDMP: A Framework for Protein–Protein, Protein–DNA, and Protein–RNA Docking and Scoring
Authors: Olechnovič Kliment , Banciul Rita , Dapkūnas Justas , Venclovas Česlovas
Published: January 2025

FTDMP is a software framework for biomolecular docking and scoring. It can perform docking of subunits containing one or more protein, DNA, or RNA chains, followed by subsequent scoring of the resulting models. FTDMP can also be used for the ranking of user‐provided models of biomolecular complexes, generated by any structure prediction method. FTDMP evaluates models according to the consensus‐based method VoroIF‐jury, which combines individual scores derived from the Voronoi tessellation of biomolecular structures. In addition to the default scoring mode, FTDMP can easily adopt additional scores; thus, it may be used as a tool to assess newly developed scoring functions. FTDMP was evaluated during blind testing in recent CAPRI experiments and using protein–protein, protein–DNA, and protein–RNA docking benchmarks. It proved to be a useful tool for different research tasks, related to modeling biomolecular interactions. The software, cleaned docking benchmarks, and benchmarking results are available at https://bioinformatics.lt/software/ftdmp/.
Prediction of Equipment Remaining Useful Life Based on Graph Learning and Spatiotemporal Knowledge Graph
Authors: Men ChangHao , Han Yu , Huang Cheng‐Geng
Published: January 2025

As equipment structures and functionalities become more complex, ensuring safety and reliability has become increasingly critical. Hence, accurately predicting the remaining useful life (RUL) of equipment has gained significant importance. Recent advances in graph learning have contributed significantly to RUL prediction by leveraging monitoring signals to extract temporal features and build predictive models. However, a key challenge persists: structured prior knowledge that describes the spatiotemporal correlations between monitoring data and equipment structure is often lacking, and relational priors are not effectively incorporated in the modeling process. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a spatiotemporal knowledge graph (STKG) modeling method for equipment, combined with a graph‐based spatiotemporal feature learning algorithm for RUL prediction. The main contributions of this work are as follows: (1) The STKG models the hierarchical relationships among equipment, sensor signals, and state transitions across both spatial and temporal dimensions; (2) A graph attention convolution‐pooling network, incorporating relational priors, is proposed to extract spatial features from the STKG at different time points, constructing spatial graph aggregation mappings; (3) The informer network is employed to capture temporal decay patterns, generating cross‐time and sensor graph representations for RUL prediction. The proposed method is validated on a public dataset, demonstrating superior performance compared to existing models.
One‐Sided Modified EWMA Control Charts for Monitoring Time Between Events
Authors: Niaz Attiya , Khan Majid , Ijaz Muhammad
Published: January 2025

Adverse events are frequently encountered in manufacturing and service processes. Control charts are commonly used to monitor adverse events. In high‐quality processes, the adverse events count rate can be very low, with zero counts for multiple time intervals. As a result, control chart limits become narrower, which may increase the number of false alarms. Thus, in high‐quality processes, control charts for monitoring the time between events (TBE) are more effective than control charts for monitoring adverse events. This article presents one‐sided exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control charts, based on power transformation and model reset modification, that monitor the downward and upward shifts in the exponentially distributed TBE data. These control charts are called lower‐ and upper‐sided TBE control charts. The designs of lower‐ and upper‐sided TBE control charts are based on a two‐level optimal model that optimizes the parameters of the control charts by minimizing the expected average run length (EARL) and expected weighted run length (EWRL). In addition, comparisons based on average run length (ARL) of the TBE control charts against the existing TBE control charts reveal the superiority of the TBE control charts over the existing TBE control charts. Finally, two real‐life data applications are also provided to highlight the implementation and sensitivity of the TBE control charts, revealing the superiority of the TBE control charts over the existing TBE control charts.
Near‐Deterministic Quantum Search Algorithm Without Phase Design
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhang Kun , Korepin Vladimir
Published: January 2025

Grover's algorithm solves the unstructured search problem. Grover's algorithm can find the target state with certainty only if searching one out of four. Designing the deterministic search algorithm can avoid any repetition of the algorithm, especially when Grover's algorithm is a subroutine in other algorithms. Grover's algorithm can be deterministic if the phase of the oracle or the diffusion operator is delicately designed. The precision of the phases could be a problem. A near‐deterministic quantum search algorithm without the phase design is proposed. The algorithm has the same oracle and diffusion operators as Grover's algorithm. One additional component is the rescaled diffusion operator. It acts partially on the database. The success probability of Grover's algorithm is improved by the partial diffusion operator in two different ways. The possible cost is one or two more queries to the oracle. The deterministic search algorithm is also designed when searching one out of eight, sixteen, and thirty‐two.