bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Insect Short Neuropeptide sNPF Peptidomimetic Insecticide: Rational Design, Synthesis, and Aphicidal Activity Study
Authors: Zhou Yuanlin , Wang Chunyue , Lin Tong , Ji Qingdong , Han Qin , Liu Anzhi , Chen Jiajia , Liu Tong , Ran Wenyi
Published: January 2025

Short neuropeptide F (sNPF) is an insect‐specific neuropeptide named for its C‐terminal phenylalanine. It consists of 6–19 amino acids with a conserved RLRFa structure, regulating feeding, growth, circadian rhythms, and water‐salt balance in insects. Its receptor belongs to GPCR‐As and binds sNPF to regulate the insect nervous system. Many research groups are evaluating sNPF for plant protection and pest control. In this study, the natural sNPF from the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) was used as a lead compound. Five novel sNPF analogs were designed and synthesized through molecular docking and peptidomimetics, altering the N‐terminal amino acid to Ser, Thr, Tyr, Leu, or Gln. Aphid bioassays showed that the analog I‐3 (YLRLRFa, LC50 = 1.820 mg/L) was more active than the natural Acypi‐sNPF‐1 and pymetrozine. The structure–activity relationship analysis indicated that N‐terminal tyrosine incorporation, combined with increased ClogP and TPSA, enhanced aphidicidal activity. Furthermore, Toxtree's toxicity predictions suggest a low risk for all compounds, and a toxicity assay conducted on the honeybee (Apis mellifera) for I‐3, which exhibits high aphidicidal activity, indicates that I‐3 does not pose a toxicity risk to non‐target organisms. Thus, I‐3 can be utilized as a selective and environmentally friendly insecticide to manage pea aphids.
Interaction Tests With Covariate‐Adaptive Randomization
Authors: Zhang Likun , Ma Wei
Published: January 2025

Treatment‐covariate interaction tests are commonly applied by researchers to examine whether the treatment effect varies across patient subgroups defined by baseline characteristics. The objective of this study is to explore treatment‐covariate interaction tests involving covariate‐adaptive randomization. Without assuming a parametric data‐generating model, we investigate usual interaction tests and observe that they tend to be conservative: specifically, their limiting rejection probabilities under the null hypothesis are typically strictly lower than the nominal level. To address this problem, we propose modifications to the usual tests to obtain corresponding valid tests with limiting rejection probabilities equal to the nominal level. Moreover, we introduce a novel class of stratified‐adjusted interaction tests that are simple, more powerful than the usual and modified tests, and broadly applicable to most covariate‐adaptive randomization methods. The results encompass two types of interaction tests: one involving stratification covariates and the other involving additional covariates that are not used for randomization. Our study clarifies the application of interaction tests in clinical trials and offers valuable tools for revealing treatment heterogeneity, crucial for advancing personalized medicine.
A Novel Approach for APT Detection Based on Ensemble Learning Model
Authors: Cuong Nguyen Hoa , Do Xuan Cho , Long Vu Thanh , Dat Nguyen Duy , Anh Tran Quang
Published: January 2025

In recent years, the number and complexity of advanced persistent threat (APT) attacks have significantly increased, posing major challenges for organizations in effectively detecting and mitigating these threats. Although various APT detection methods have been developed, current approaches still face limitations, such as poor generalization leading to high false alarm rates. To address these challenges, this article proposes a novel ensemble learning model called MCG, based on the combination of three main components: multilayer perceptron (MLP), correlated recursion (CR) layer, and graph attention network (GAT). The MLP component extracts flow features from network traffic, the CR layer constructs the IP information network by grouping and linking network behaviors, and finally, the GAT layer analyzes relationships between IPs through an attention mechanism. The MCG model proposed in this article has demonstrated superior performance in APT detection by effectively leveraging the strengths of each component, enabling more accurate identification of abnormal behaviors and reducing false alarms. The experimental results, presented in Section 4.4, show that the MCG model significantly improves accuracy and outperforms traditional methods. This demonstrates that the proposed model not only makes significant theoretical contributions but also offers practical value, providing a more reliable and effective solution for early detection and warning of APT attacks.
BayesMultiomics: An R Package for Bayesian Shrinkage Models for Integration and Analysis of Multi‐Platform High‐Dimensional Genomics Data
Authors: Cho Mansoo , Dey Tanujit , Xue Hao , Chakraborty Sounak
Published: January 2025

With the growing availability of multi‐platform biomedical data—such as epigenomics, gene expression, and clinical features—there is an increasing need for methods that jointly analyze these datasets. We present BayesMultiomics, an R package for integrating and analyzing gene expression, DNA methylation, gene function annotations, and clinical variables using a two‐stage hierarchical Bayesian model. Built with user‐friendliness in mind, the package caters to multidisciplinary researchers without extensive programming expertise in Bayesian hierarchical models. Its application is demonstrated using an illustrative Glioblastoma (GBM) dataset.
Low‐Power Optoelectronic Synaptic Transistors with Multimodal Neuromorphic Computation and Retinal‐Inspired Multiband Optical Binary Communication
Authors: Huang Bo , Lan Linfeng , Pan Jiayi , Qi Fuzheng , Li Jing , Wang Churou , Li Yaping , Zeng Dechun , Huang Jiale , Xu Jintao , Peng Junbiao
Published: January 2025

Biomimetic neuromorphic optoelectronics exude tempting attraction in multimodal interaction and visual applications because of their capability of integrating sensing, memorizing, and processing in a single device. Herein, a natural dextran film that is intrinsically green and transparent is employed as the dielectric of the optoelectronic synaptic transistors (OSTs). The resulting dextran‐OSTs that operate at an ultralow energy consumption (15.89 aJ) exhibit multimodal neuromorphic computation ability with excellent synaptic plasticity, including pair‐pulse facilitation (PPF, as high as 494%), spike voltage/frequency/duration/number‐dependent plasticity, and a high recognition accuracy of 89.95% by handwritten digital datasets. Furthermore, the device exhibits visual self‐adaptation ability and audiovisual fusion effect, showcasing the immense potential in self‐adaptation and synergy sensing. More importantly, the dextran‐OSTs can significantly advance the capabilities of binary optical information processing and memorizing. This demonstrates the great advantages of dextran‐OSTs in multimodal neuromorphic computation, visual self‐adaptation, synergy sensing, and multiband optical communication.
Quasi‐Static Closed‐Loop Wind‐Farm Control for Combined Power and Fatigue Optimization
Authors: Sood Ishaan , et d'Espierres Christophe del Fosse , Meyers Johan
Published: January 2025

To counteract detrimental turbine–turbine aerodynamic interactions within large farms and increase overall power production, closed‐loop wind‐farm control strategies such as wake steering have emerged as a popular means to facilitate real‐time wind‐farm flow control. The optimal wake steering set points to maximize farm power production for a given inflow condition are generally determined using fast engineering models. However, due to a lack of fast structural models, influence of wind‐farm flow control on turbine structural fatigue and loading is generally not considered. In this work, we develop a methodology for combined power and loads optimization by coupling a surrogate loads model with an analytical quasi‐static Gaussian wake merging model. The look‐up table‐based fatigue model is developed offline through a series of OpenFast simulations, covering different operational states of a DTU 10‐MW reference wind turbine, and verified against large eddy simulations with aeroelastic coupling. Subsequently, optimal control set points for the TotalControl reference wind power plant are obtained using the analytical model and tested in a wind‐farm emulator that is based on large eddy simulations. The wake model is calibrated online using in a quasi‐static closed‐loop manner. Benefits of the closed‐loop controller are exhibited via comparison of farm performance against greedy operation and against open‐loop control results obtained without feedback or calibration. Results show that the closed‐loop control out performs open‐loop control, with farm configurations with deep turbine arrays showcasing the highest gains. Inclusion of fatigue in the cost function through the developed LUT also leads to interesting insights, with reduced blade root fatigue loading without significant decrease in power production when compared to open‐loop control. A case study is also performed, which showcases real‐world applications for the developed closed‐loop controller and the load LUT, in which the closed‐loop controller is shown to react to scenarios with turbine operation shutdown, optimizing the yaw angles online to maximize performance for the new layout.
Traveling Front Solutions of Dimension n Generate Entire Solutions of Dimension $$(n-1)$$ in Reaction–Diffusion Equations as the Speeds Go to Infinity
Authors: Ninomiya Hirokazu , Taniguchi Masaharu
Published: January 2025

Multidimensional traveling front solutions and entire solutions of reaction–diffusion equations have been studied intensively. To study the relationship between multidimensional traveling front solutions and entire solutions, we study the reaction–diffusion equation with a bistable nonlinear term. It is well known that there exist multidimensional traveling front solutions with every speed that is greater than the speed of a one-dimensional traveling front solution connecting two stable equilibria. In this paper, we show that the limit of the n-dimensional multidimensional traveling front solutions as the speeds go to infinity generates an entire solution of the same reaction–diffusion equation in the

$$(n-1)$$

(
n
-
1
)

-dimensional space.
Left atrial functional impairment as a predictor of atrial fibrillation: insights from cardiac CT
Authors: Aronson Doron , Perlow Daniel , Abadi Sobhi , Lessick Jonathan
Published: January 2025

Objectives

A strong association exists between left atrial (LA) structural remodeling and the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). The role of LA function in AF prediction remains unclear. We studied the relationship between LA function and incident AF using cardiac CT.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent multiphasic cardiac CT. LA volumes and parameters of LA global, reservoir and booster function were calculated. The association between measures of LA function and incident AF was analyzed using multivariable Cox regression adjusting for clinical variables, LA volume and left ventricular function.

Results

1025 patients (age 64 years ± 14) were evaluated. Over a median of 3.9 years, 90 patients developed AF. There was a significant association between LA total emptying fraction (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02–1.05 per 1% decrease, p < 0.001), LA reservoir function (HR 1.04; 95% CI: 1.02–1.06 per 1 mL/m2 decrease in LA expansion index, p < 0.001) and passive LA emptying (HR 1.08; 95% CI: 1.03–1.13 per 1% decrease in LA passive emptying fraction, p < 0.001) with incident AF, but no association with LA booster function. Incorporating LA function into predictive models improved risk stratification beyond clinical variables and LA volume. Mediation analysis demonstrated that 46% of the effect of LA volume on AF was mediated via LA dysfunction.

Conclusion

LA functional impairment is common even in patients with normal LA volume and provides additional prognostic information for AF risk. The findings underscore the significance of LA mechanical dysfunction in the pathogenesis of AF.

Key Points

Question

A strong association exists between left atrial structural remodeling and incident atrial fibrillation. The role of left atrial function in atrial fibrillation prediction remains unclear.

Findings

Left atrial reservoir and passive emptying function (but not booster function) predict incident atrial fibrillation independent of left atrial volume and clinical risk factors.

Clinical relevance

Left atrial functional impairment precedes the development of atrial fibrillation. Measures of left atrial reservoir and passive emptying function are independent predictors of incident atrial fibrillation.

Graphical Abstract
Prognostic value of CT-based skeletal muscle and adipose tissue mass and quality parameters in patients with liver metastases and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma undergoing Yttrium-90 radioembolization
Authors: Zhao Yan , Becce Fabio , Balmer Romain , do Amaral Ricardo H. , Alemán-Gómez Yasser , Uldry Emilie , Fraga Montserrat , Tsoumakidou Georgia , Villard Nicolas , Denys Alban , Digklia Antonia , Schaefer Niklaus , Duran Rafael
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To investigate baseline patient characteristics associated with the risk of computed tomography (CT)-based sarcopenia and assess whether sarcopenia and other morphometric parameters influence survival outcomes in patients with liver metastases and cholangiocarcinoma after Yttrium-90 radioembolization.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed 120 cancer patients (mean age, 62 ± 13.3 years, 61 men) who underwent preprocedural CT. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) was measured at the L3 vertebral level to identify sarcopenia. The Cox proportional hazard model was performed to assess the prognostic value of the variables, and Kaplan–Meier analysis with log-rank text was used for overall survival (OS) assessment.

Results

Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 70 patients (58.3%). The multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that male sex, body mass index (BMI), visceral fat radiation attenuation (VFRA), skeletal muscle radiation attenuation (SMRA), and subcutaneous fat radiation attenuation (SFRA) were associated with the incidence of sarcopenia with the odds ratio of 8.81 (95% CI, 2.09–37.1, p = 0.003), 0.64 (95% CI, 0.48–0.85, p = 0.002), 1.23 (95% CI, 1.06–1.42, p = 0.006), 0.79 (95% CI, 0.69–0.91, p = 0.001) and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.76–0.93, p = 0.001), respectively. Age, skeletal muscle index, and tumor subtypes were independent prognostic factors for OS with the hazard ratio of 1.03 (95% CI, 1.01–1.05, p = 0.01), 0.92 (95% CI, 0.86–0.99, p = 0.021) and 2.09 (95% CI, 1.31–3.33 p = 0.002), respectively. In patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, median OS was significantly longer in the non-sarcopenic group than in the sarcopenic patient (25.9 versus 6.5 months, p = 0.029).

Conclusion

Male sex, BMI, VFRA, SMRA, and SFRA were associated with the incidence of sarcopenia. SMI value could be used as a biomarker for OS in patients treated with Yttrium-90 radioembolization.

Key Points

Question

The prognostic significance of CT-based sarcopenia and other morphometric parameters in patients with liver metastases and cholangiocarcinoma undergoing Yttrium-90 radioembolization remains unclear.

Findings

A high skeletal muscle index has been identified as an independent protective factor for overall survival in cancer patients treated with Yttrium-90 radioembolization.

Clinical relevance

The negative impact of CT-based sarcopenia has been confirmed in the context of Yttrium-90 radioembolization. Clinicians should strive to prevent the progression of sarcopenia or maintain skeletal muscle index in perioperative management.
Systemic vasculitis with latent tuberculosis infection and associated factors: a cross-sectional multicenter study
Authors: Zhong Jingjing , Li Yuanchun , Chen Yan , Shi Xiaochun , Zhou Baotong , Ruan Guiren , Zhang Lifan , Liu Xiaoqing ,   for the ETHERTB study team
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Systemic vasculitis patients are at a higher risk of developing latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). However, there is currently no literature elucidating the positivity rate and risk factors for LTBI in systemic vasculitis patients.

Methods

Our study is a multi-center, cross-sectional study that enrolled systemic vasculitis patients from 13 comprehensive hospitals in China. T-SPOT.TB as the screening method for LTBI, the study investigated the positivity rate of LTBI in systemic vasculitis patients and the factors associated with T-SPOT.TB results.

Results

A total of 191 systemic vasculitis patients were included and the positive rate of T-SPOT.TB was 31.4%. The highest T-SPOT.TB positivity rate was observed in Behçet’s syndrome (BD) (72/191, 37.7%). There were statistically significant differences between the LTBI group and non-LTBI group in terms of systemic vasculitis type (P = 0.010), albumin levels (P = 0.034), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P = 0.016), and corticosteroid dosage (P = 0.047). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that smoking history (aOR = 3.809, 95%CI: 1.341–10.817) and BD (aOR = 2.106, 95%CI: 1.042–4.254) were independent risk factors of T-SPOT.TB postive results, besides decreased lymphocyte count (aOR = 0.114, 95%CI: 0.013–0.973), and high-dose glucocorticoids use (aOR = 0.386, 95%CI: 0.149–1.003) were independent risk factors of T-SPOT.TB negative results.

Conclusions

The prevalence of LTBI is high in systemic vasculitis patients, especially those with BD or smoking history. Patients with decreased lymphocyte counts and high-dose glucocorticoid use are more likely to have a negative T-SPOT.TB results. Therefore, LTBI screening should be performed based on the characteristics of the patient during the diagnosis and treatment of systemic vasculitis.

Key Points• We explored the positivity rate and risk factors of LTBI in systemic vasculitis patients from 13 hospitals in China.• There were 191 systemic vasculitis patients in our study. The positive rate of T-SPOT.TB was 31.4%. The predominant type of systemic vasculitis was BD, with a T-SPOT.TB positive rate of 44.4%. The second type was TA, with a T-SPOT.TB positive rate of 25.0%.• The prevalence of LTBI is high in systemic vasculitis patients, especially those with Behçet’s syndrome or smoking history. Decreased lymphocyte counts and high-dose glucocorticoid use are more likely to have a negative T-SPOT.TB results.• LTBI screening using T-SPOT.TB should be conducted during the diagnosis and treatment of systemic vasculitis.
Optimising Instrumented Mouthguard Data Analysis: Video Synchronisation Using a Cross-correlation Approach
Authors: Tooby James , Rowson Steve , Till Kevin , Allan David , Bussey Melanie Dawn , Cazzola Dario , Falvey Éanna , Friesen Kenzie , Gardner Andrew J. , Owen Cameron , Roe Gregory , Sawczuk Thomas , Starling Lindsay , Stokes Keith , Tierney Gregory , Tucker Ross , Jones Ben
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Head acceleration events (HAEs) are a growing concern in contact sports, prompting two rugby governing bodies to mandate instrumented mouthguards (iMGs). This has resulted in an influx of data imposing financial and time constraints. This study presents two computational methods that leverage a dataset of video-coded match events: cross-correlation synchronisation aligns iMG data to a video recording, by providing playback timestamps for each HAE, enabling analysts to locate them in video footage; and post-synchronisation event matching identifies the coded match event (e.g. tackles and ball carries) from a video analysis dataset for each HAE, this process is important for calculating the probability of match events resulting in HAEs. Given the professional context of iMGs in rugby, utilising commercial sources of coded match event datasets may expedite iMG analysis.

Methods

Accuracy and validity of the methods were assessed via video verification during 60 rugby matches. The accuracy of cross-correlation synchronisation was determined by calculating synchronisation error, whilst the validity of post-synchronisation event matching was evaluated using diagnostic accuracy measures (e.g. positive predictive value [PPV] and sensitivity).

Results

Cross-correlation synchronisation yielded mean synchronisation errors of 0.61–0.71 s, with all matches synchronised within 3 s’ error. Post-synchronisation event matching achieved PPVs of 0.90–0.95 and sensitivity of 0.99–1.00 for identifying correct match events for SAEs.

Conclusion

Both methods achieved high accuracy and validity with the data sources used in this study. Implementation depends on the availability of a dataset of video-coded match events; however, integrating commercially available video-coded datasets offers the potential to expedite iMG analysis, improve feedback timeliness, and augment research analysis.
Geographic distance shapes morphological and molecular disparities in a common diatom species as revealed by geometric morphometry and metabarcoding
Authors: Borrego-Ramos María , Becares Eloy , Blanco Saúl
Published: January 2025

Diatoms, a highly diverse group, are sensitive indicators of aquatic environmental conditions, yet doubts persist regarding species distribution and distance-based factors influencing their populations. This study explores the relationship between geographical distance and the morphological and genetic differences among Achnanthidium minutissimum populations in freshwater ecosystems. Cell outlines were objectively captured by means of geometric morphometry, whereas rbcL marker was used for molecular approach. Our results indicate that the geographical factors significantly influence the morphological and molecular disparities among populations. Despite the absence of evident physical barriers, persistent spatial distance contributes to the observed differentiation among diatom populations. This emphasizes the crucial role of geographical isolation in shaping genetic divergence and morphological disparities, highlighting the need to consider spatial factors in understanding diatom diversity and distribution. Additionally, the study emphasizes the significance of molecular tools in revealing hidden genetic patterns and exploring evolutionary dynamics within diatom species.
Decoding Palaeolithic Hand Stencils: Age and Sex Identification Through Geometric Morphometrics
Authors: Navarro V. Fernández , Casares D. Fidalgo , Martínez D. García , Maidagan D. Garate
Published: January 2025

This study pioneers the application of geometric morphometrics to Palaeolithic hand stencils, offering new insights into the problematics of classic rock art using innovative methodology. Employing a triple approach encompassing contemporary, experimental, and archaeological populations, the research achieves a precise estimation of age and biological sex through hand morphometry, enhancing our anthropometric understanding of the individuals whose hands were stencilled. The results of the analysis of the archaeological sample reveals a notable presence of sub-adults, indicating children’s participation in the creation of hand stencils. The findings also suggest a balanced, mixed participation between sexes across age groups and cave locations, reflecting cohesive social behaviour among Upper Palaeolithic human groups. Statistical analysis indicates that finger width in the Palaeolithic population is larger than in the modern sample, possibly due to a more active lifestyle. Most importantly, the study demonstrates the methodology’s repeatability across various chronologies and geographies, especially in well-preserved samples, underscoring its applicability worldwide. Overall, this research represents a significant methodological advancement in our ability to understand Palaeolithic rock art, shedding light on lifestyle and cultural dynamics of hunter-gatherer societies.
Resilience factors in parents of children in need of care
Authors: Broll Jan , Schäfer Sarah K. , Lüdecke Daniel , Nickel Stefan , Lieb Klaus , Helmreich Isabella
Published: January 2025

Parents of children in need of care, such as those caring for chronically ill and disabled children, are exposed to significant stress associated with caregiving, placing them at risk for mental disorders. Resilience factors, as psychological resources, can help mitigate the negative effects of stress for both parents and their children, ultimately promoting resilient outcomes. However, little is known about the relationship between resilience factors and resilient outcomes in this highly stressor-exposed population. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between resilience factors and resilient outcomes in parents of children in need of care, thereby contributing to a better understanding of how these factors can influence parents’ quality of life. A sample of 202 German-speaking parents of children in need of care from a non-randomized controlled trial (ID: NCT05418205) completed measures assessing resilience-related outcomes, including indicators of mental distress, well-being, perceived stress, and the ability to recover from stressors. Using k-means cluster analysis, two clusters were identified, differentiating burdened and unburdened individuals based on their responses. Logistic regression was subsequently conducted to examine the predictive role of psychological resilience factors—self-efficacy, social support, optimism, internal locus of control, and family cohesion—in distinguishing between the two groups. Results from the logistic regression analysis revealed that self-efficacy, social support, optimism, and family cohesion were significant predictors of cluster membership. These findings contribute to the understanding of the influence of resilience factors on resilient outcomes in parents of children in need of care.
Synthesis and characterization of zirconium oxide-based catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction via the heat treatment of zirconium polyacrylate in an ammonia atmosphere
Authors: Ueno Atsuhiro , Seino Satoshi , Tamaki Yushi , Uetake Yuta , Nagai Takaaki , Monden Ryuji , Ishihara Akimitsu , Nakagawa Takashi
Published: January 2025

Zirconium oxide-based catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in polymer electrolyte fuel cells were synthesized via heat treatment of zirconium polyacrylate in an NH3 atmosphere. The effects of gas atmosphere and heat treatment temperature on the material structure were systematically examined. The formation of zirconium oxide nanoparticles and carbon residues, which act as electron conduction paths, was observed in all samples. The structure of the material varied significantly depending on the heat treatment conditions. The samples heat-treated in the NH3 atmosphere showed greater exposure to zirconium oxide nanoparticles and an increase in the specific surface area of the carbon residue caused by NH3-induced etching. In addition, the conductivity of the carbon residue increased, and its quantity decreased with increasing heat treatment temperature. This trade-off was optimally controlled at 800 °C, which resulted in a high rest potential and a large ORR current density. This study demonstrates that the heat treatment of organometallic complexes in an NH3 atmosphere is highly effective for exposing metal oxide nanoparticles and increasing the specific surface area of the carbon residue, providing valuable insights into the design of electron conduction paths for metal oxide-based catalysts.

Graphical abstract
Investigation and predictive modeling of the optical behavior of chalcogenide thin film using different artificial neural network techniques
Authors: Lebda H. I. , Atyia H. E. , Mohamed R. A.
Published: January 2025

The

$${\text{Te}}_{72}{\text{Ge}}_{24}{\text{As}}_{4}$$

Te
72

Ge
24

As
4

samples were recently created in our laboratory in bulk form using the traditional melt-quench method. For its optical characterization. The studied thin film samples have been created using physical vapor deposition. By selecting the 400 nm to 2500 nm spectral range of wavelength, the spectral of the experimental transmission T(λ) and reflectance R(λ) for the studied film samples have been employed to examine optical characteristics. First, we have determined the extinction coefficient (

$$k$$

k

) and refraction index (

$$n$$

n

) indices and their spectral distribution of them. Using Tauc's theory, we then computed the optical band gap

$${E}_{\text{opt}}$$

E
opt

. Urbach energy

$${E}_{r}$$

E
r

is determined from the linear dependence of photon energy on the absorption coefficient which was taken as an indicator to identify the disorder degree in the films. The additional variables, like the dissipation and quality factors, the dielectric constant in complex form, optical, thermal, and electrical conductivity, and volume/surface energy were measured. A comprehensive analysis and predictive modeling using various artificial neural networks (ANNs) techniques were applied to examine the optical behavior of the film samples studied. Materials made of chalcogenide are well-known for having special optical properties, making them appropriate for applications in photonics and optoelectronics. We employed multiple architectures, including Feedforward Neural Networks (FNN) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), to model the extinction coefficient (

$$k$$

k

) and the refractive index (

$$n$$

n

) of these films using experimental data. The performance of each model was evaluated using metrics such as mean squared error MSE and correlation coefficients R
2. The optical parameters relevant to absorbance, refractive indices, and dielectric coefficients are computed rely on the modeling results and compared with those computed based on experimental measurements. Results demonstrate that FNN and RNN effectively capture the complex relationships between the optical parameters and exhibit small error rates. FFN shows superior accuracy in prediction. That highlights the potential of ANN techniques for advancing the understanding of chalcogenide materials and their applications in modern technology.
Autoradiography of Intracerebral Tumours in the Chick Embryo Model: A Feasibility Study Using Different PET Tracers
Authors: Krause Sandra , Florea Alexandru , Choi Chang-Hoon , Worthoff Wieland A. , Heinzel Alexander , Fischer Saskia , Burda Nicole , Neumaier Bernd , Shah N. Jon , Lohmann Philipp , Mottaghy Felix M. , Langen Karl-Josef , Stegmayr Carina
Published: January 2025

Purpose

In addition to rodent models, the chick embryo model has gained attention for radiotracer evaluation. Previous studies have investigated tumours on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM), but its value for radiotracer imaging of intracerebral tumours has yet to be demonstrated.

Procedures

Human U87 glioblastoma cells and U87-IDH1 mutant glioma cells were implanted into the brains of chick embryos at developmental day 5. After 12–14 days of tumour growth, blood–brain-barrier integrity was evaluated in vivo using MRI contrast enhancement or ex vivo with Evans blue dye. The tracers O-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine ([18F]FET) (n = 5), 3,4-dihydroxy-6-[18F]-fluoro-L-phenylalanine ([18F]FDOPA) (n = 3), or [68Ga] labelled quinoline-based small molecule fibroblast activation protein inhibitor ([68Ga]FAPI-46) (n = 4) were injected intravenously if solid tumours were detected with MRI. For time-activity curves for [18F]FET, additional micro PET (µPET) was performed. The chick embryos were sacrificed 60 min post-injection, and cryosections of the tumour-bearing brains were produced and evaluated with autoradiography and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Intracerebral tumours were produced with a 100% success rate in viable chick embryos at the experimental endpoint. However, 52% of chick embryos (n = 85) did not survive the procedure to embryonic development day 20. For the evaluated radiotracers, the tumour-to-brain ratios (TBR) derived from ex vivo autoradiography, as well as the tracer kinetics derived from µPET for intracerebral chick embryo tumours, were comparable to those previously reported in rodents and patients: the TBRmean for [18F]FET was 1.69 ± 0.54 (n = 5), and 3.8 for one hypermetabolic tumour and < 2.0 for two isometabolic tumors using [18F]FDOPA, with a TBRmean of 1.92 ± 1,11 (n = 3). The TBRmean of [68Ga]FAPI-46 for intracerebral chick embryo tumours was 19.13 ± 0.64 (n = 4). An intact blood-tumour barrier was observed in one U87-MG tumour (n = 5).

Conclusions

Radiotracer imaging of intracerebral tumours in the chick embryo offers a fast model for the evaluation of radiotracer uptake, accumulation, and kinetics. Our results indicate a high comparability between intracerebral tumour imaging in chick embryos and xenograft rodent models or brain tumour patients.
A note on reduction of tiling problems
Authors: Meyerovitch Tom , Sanadhya Shrey , Solomon Yaar
Published: January 2025

We show that translational tiling problems in a quotient of ℤ
d
can be effectively reduced or “simulated” by translational tiling problems in ℤ
d
. In particular, for any d ∈ ℕ, k < d and N
1, …, N

k
∈ ℕ the existence of an aperiodic tile in ℤ
d−k
× (ℤ/N
1ℤ × ⋯ × ℤ/N

k
ℤ) implies the existence of an aperiodic tile in ℤ
d
. Greenfeld and Tao have recently disproved the well-known periodic tiling conjecture in ℤ
d
for sufficiently large d ∈ ℕ by constructing an aperiodic tile in ℤ
d−k
× (ℤ/N
1ℤ × ⋯ × ℤ/N

k
ℤ) for a suitable d, N
1,⋯, N

k
∈ ℕ.
Cardiotoxic Effects Following CAR-T Cell Therapy: A Literature Review
Authors: Joseph Tony , Sanchez Jimmy , Abbasi Ahmed , Zhang Lili , Sica R. Alejandro , Duong Tim Q.
Published: January 2025

Purpose of Review

This paper reviewed the current literature on incidence, clinical manifestations, and risk factors of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) cardiotoxicity.

Recent Findings

CAR-T therapy has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment for hematological malignancies since FDA approval in 2017. CAR-T therapy is however associated with a few side effects, among which cardiotoxicity is of significant concern. There were only a few studies on CAR-T cardiotoxicity published to date with limited sample sizes, and their findings were heterogeneous. It was difficult to reach generalizable conclusions.

CAR-T therapy was associated with significant risks for acute and subacute cardiotoxicity, as measured by echocardiograms, EKG, and blood biomarkers. Patients with cytokine release syndrome (CRS) grade 2 or higher were more likely to exhibit cardiotoxicity. The most prevalent cardiac events included hypotension-requiring inotropic or vasopressor support, tachycardia, heart failure/decompensation, atrial fibrillation, new or worsening cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, myocarditis, cardiac arrest, and cardiovascular death. The most prevalent echocardiographic changes were systolic dysfunction and diastolic dysfunction, and abnormal echocardiogram findings. There were differences in findings between adult and pediatric patients. The long-term effects beyond a year post treatment remain largely unknown and long-term follow-up studies are warranted.
The impact of apoptosis-inducing MAPK and glycolytic pathways modulated by Aloe vera and royal jelly in lung and colorectal cancer
Authors: Kul Köprülü Tuğba , Gezer Bahar , Erkal Çam Burçin
Published: January 2025

Lung and colon cancer are among the most commonly diagnosed and fatal cancer types in the world. Due to their metastatic properties, they complicate the treatment process and pose a great threat to human health. These aggressive types of cancer are resistant to chemotherapy drugs. Therefore, it is extremely important to investigate the therapeutic effects of natural compounds. In our previous study, effective doses of Royal Jelly (RJ) (100 mg/mL) and Aloe vera (AVE) (20 µg/mL) were determined and tested separately and in combination on lung and colorectal cancer cells. Glycolytic capacities were determined using the Seahorse XFe24 Analyzer, total transcriptome profiles were sequenced using NovaSeq 6000, and BAX and BCL-2 gene levels were determined using RT-qPCR. It was seen that RJ and RJ + AVE affected glycolytic capacity and more genes in lung cancer cells. In HT29, AVE alone was seen to reduce glycolytic capacity and RJ + AVE combination was seen to reduce the expression level of genes related to cell proliferation and cycle. After RJ + AVE treatments, the apoptotic process which is triggered via MAPK pathway was found in lung cancer. Moreover, BAX levels increased and BCL-2 levels decreased both lung and colorectal cancer cells. It was observed that the combination of RJ and AVE affected the glycolysis process, cell cycle, proliferation and apoptosis on lung and colorectal cancer. In particular, the combination of RJ + AVE was found to be more effective on lung cancer.
Revealing the nature of soil liquefaction using machine learning
Authors: Ghani Sufyan , Thapa Ishwor , Kumari Sunita , Correia Antonio Gomes , Asteris Panagiotis G.
Published: January 2025

This study highlights the importance of consistently assessing soil and subsoil liquefaction susceptibility in construction projects through comprehensive evaluation and regular site investigations. Despite the abundance of geotechnical reports, many remain underutilized post-project completion, while the literature contains numerous site-specific case studies. To address this gap, this study suggests integrating site-specific reports tailored to both the site and the region, aiming to extract valuable insights into liquefaction potential. Utilizing ensemble-based machine learning techniques, two databases of soil liquefaction were analyzed to predict the probability of liquefaction failure (PLF). The results reveal the superior accuracy of the Gradient Boosting Regressor (GBR) model, achieving an almost ideal accuracy in predicting PLF. Despite its generalization across diverse geographical patterns, the GBR model encounters limitations with insufficient experimental data within specific parameter ranges. To address this, a graphical user interface (GUI) was developed by leveraging data from previous liquefaction records to predict PLF. The GUI, which has been included as supplementary material, proved to be a useful tool for liquefaction risk assessment, and its predictive capabilities make it invaluable for both practical applications and educational purposes. This empowers engineers, urban planners, and decision-makers to make informed decisions and implement proactive measures for disaster mitigation and infrastructure development resilience.
Biogeochemical and Physical Controls on the Microbial Degradation of Dissolved Organic Matter Along a Temperate Microtidal Estuary
Authors: Detweiler Derek J. , Anderson Iris C. , Brush Mark J. , Canuel Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2025

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is the foundation of the microbial loop and plays an important role in estuarine water quality and ecosystem metabolism. Because estuaries are influenced by DOM with different sources and composition, changing hydrologic regimes, and diverse microbial community assemblages, the biological fate of DOM (i.e., microbial degradation) differs across spatiotemporal scales and between DOM pools. To better understand controls on DOM degradation, we characterized the biogeochemical and physical conditions of the York River Estuary (YRE), a sub-estuary of the Chesapeake Bay in southeast Virginia (USA), during October 2018 and February, April, and July 2019. We then evaluated how these conditions influenced the degradation of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrogen (DON) and chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) by conducting parallel dark incubations of surface water collected along the YRE. Compared to other sampling dates, DOC reactivity (ΔDOC (%)) was over two-fold higher in October when freshwater discharge was lower, temperatures were warmer, and autochthonous, aquatic sources of DOC dominated. ΔDOC (%) was near zero when allochthonous, terrestrial sources of DOC were more abundant and when temperatures were cooler during higher discharge periods in February when precipitation in the Chesapeake Bay region was anomalously high. DON was up to six times less reactive than DOC and was sometimes produced during the incubations whereas ΔCDOM (%) was highly variable between sampling periods. Like ΔDOC (%), spatiotemporal patterns in ΔDON (%) were controlled primarily by hydrology and DOM source and composition. Our results show that higher freshwater discharge associated with prolonged wet periods decreased estuarine flushing time and increased the delivery of allochthonous DOM derived from terrestrial sources into coastal waters, resulting in lower rates of DOM degradation especially under cool conditions. While these findings provide evidence for seasonal variation in DOM degradation, shifting environmental conditions (e.g., increasing temperatures and precipitation) due to climate change may also have interactive effects on the magnitude and composition of DOM exported to estuaries and its subsequent reactivity.
Comparative study of multivariate hybrid neural networks for global sea level prediction through 2050
Authors: Uluocak Ihsan
Published: January 2025

The ongoing rise in global sea levels poses significant risks to coastal regions such as storms surges, floodings and necessitates accurate predictive models to inform the relevant government organizations that are responsible of mitigation strategies. This study leverages advanced hybrid deep learning techniques to forecast global sea level changes up to the year 2050. Utilizing a combination of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks, our model integrates historical global sea level data from climate.gov and global air temperature projections from the CMIP6 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6) model. Performance evaluation, based on metrics such as Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency, Mean Squared Error (MSE), and the Diebold-Mariano Test, demonstrates the superior accuracy of the hybrid models over traditional deep learning models. Results show that the hybrid LSTM-CNN model outperforms the standalone models, achieving an MSE of 0.4644 mm and an NSE of 0.9994, compared to the LSTM model’s MSE of 2.4450 mm and NSE of 0.9970. These findings underscore the potential of deep learning methodologies in enhancing the precision of long-term sea level predictions, providing valuable insights for policymakers and researchers in climate science.
Cyanine dye-embedded fluorescent film for ratiometric pH measurement
Authors: Sobczyk Roch , Galmiche Laurent , Mongin Cédric , Djendli Meriem , Leray Isabelle , Méallet Rachel
Published: January 2025

The precise monitoring of pH is critical in various applications, particularly in biology-related areas. In this work, we report the synthesis and characterization of a novel cyanine-based fluorescent pH sensor with a pK
a around 6. This pH-sensitive dye features a cyanine chromophore coupled to a piperazine moiety, which modulates the protonation equilibrium and thus the optical response. DTF calculation corroborates the changes in the photophysical properties upon protonation. Upon immobilization within a hydrophilic polymer matrix, the resulting fluorescent sensor is exhibited a pK
a around 4.5, facilitating ratiometric pH measurements for acidic media (for instance in food—examples given in milk and fresh yogurt). Importantly, this probe design allowed a less than 5 min response time to pH changes while avoiding cytotoxic effects towards E. coli. The development of such a fluorescent pH indicator is motivated by the growing need for optical monitoring tools capable of providing real-time, non-invasive readouts of pH dynamics in complex media and microfluidic systems.

Graphical abstract
The Peopling of the Caucasus
Authors: Yardumian Aram , Schurr Theodore G.
Published: January 2025

Located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the Caucasus region has played a critical role in the dissemination of languages, ideas, and cultures since prehistoric times. In this study, Aram Yardumian and Theodore Schurr explore the dispersal of human groups in the Caucasus beginning in the Palaeolithic period. Using evidence from archaeology, linguistics, and anthropological genetics, they trace changes in settlement patterns, cultural practices, and genetic variation. Highlighting the region's ecological diversity, natural resources, and agricultural productivity, Yardumian and Schurr reconstruct the timings and likely migration routes for human settlement following the Last Glacial Maximum, as well as the possible connections to regional economies for these expansions. Based on analysis of archaeological site reports, linguistic relationships, and genetic data previously published separately and in different languages, their synthesis of the most up to date evidence opens new vistas into the chronology and human dynamics of the Caucasus' prehistory.
A Militarized Concept of Citizenship: The Shanghai Scouts in the Early Stages of China’s War of Resistance
Authors: Law Peter Kwok-Fai
Published: January 2025

Resurrecting the lost voices of Chinese scouts, who served society in the early stage of China’s War of Resistance, this article examines the militarization and politicization of Chinese scouting. After 1927, international scouting adapted to the militant and quasi-fascist ideologies promoted by the Chinese Nationalist Party (Guomindang or GMD). This, in turn, prompted a radicalization of the concept of citizenship among the scouts. The article illuminates this shift and reveals that the ultra-nationalistic sentiment cultivated by the GMD resulted in some scouts compelling ordinary people to behave patriotically. The scouts’ voluntary service worked hand in hand with the GMD’s authoritarian influence in Shanghai’s foreign concessions. They played a vanguard role in the early months of the war, working as kidnappers and intimidators for the GMD. The scouts’ violent and coercive tactics contradicted the long-held principles laid down by Robert Baden-Powell. Their actions outside of the civilian roles assigned to them disillusioned expatriate observers.
“The Very Soul Must Be Held in Bondage!”: Alice Victoria Kinloch's Critical Examination of South Africa's Diamond-Mining Compounds
Authors: de Azevedo Rafael , Vanneste Tijl
Published: January 2025

This article focuses on the intellectual efforts made by a South African activist named Alice Kinloch, one of the first people to openly criticize the violence perpetrated against black mineworkers in Kimberley's compound system, at the end of nineteenth century. In the first section, we focus on Alice Kinloch's early life, her involvement in early Pan-Africanism in Britain, and the beginning of her efforts to denounce the compound system. In section two, we shift our analysis to the interaction between missionaries working in the compounds, and the colonialist discourse on “civilizing the natives”. As representatives of the Christian faith, in which Alice Kinloch also was brought up, missionaries play a central role in her critique, which takes aim at their collaboration, as Christians, with a system of racist violence that, in Kinloch's eyes, had nothing to do with the “civilization” it claimed to bring. The conclusions Alice Kinloch drew on observing the compound system were published in Manchester in 1897. In the third section we dive into her pamphlet Are South African Diamonds Worth Their Cost?, in which she condemned the hypocrisy inherent in the compound system and laments its effects on the black mineworkers subjected to a horrible regime.