bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A listening advantage for native speech is reflected by attention-related activity in auditory cortex
Authors: Liang Meng , Gerwien Johannes , Gutschalk Alexander
Published: February 2025

The listening advantage for native speech is well known, but the neural basis of the effect remains unknown. Here we test the hypothesis that attentional enhancement in auditory cortex is stronger for native speech, using magnetoencephalography. Chinese and German speech stimuli were recorded by a bilingual speaker and combined into a two-stream, cocktail-party scene, with consistent and inconsistent language combinations. A group of native speakers of Chinese and a group of native speakers of German performed a detection task in the cued target stream. Results show that attention enhances negative-going activity in the temporal response function deconvoluted from the speech envelope. This activity is stronger when the target stream is in the native compared to the non-native language, and for inconsistent compared to consistent language stimuli. We interpret the findings to show that the stronger activity for native speech could be related to better top-down prediction of the native speech streams.
Unveiling the nature of cathodoluminescence from photon statistics
Authors: Yanagimoto Sotatsu , Yamamoto Naoki , Yuge Tatsuro , Sannomiya Takumi , Akiba Keiichirou
Published: February 2025

Cathodoluminescence (CL), the emission of light induced by accelerated free electrons, has been extensively utilized in various applications, such as displays, streak cameras, and high-spatial-resolution analysis of optical materials, surpassing the diffraction limit of light. Despite its long history, the photon statistics of CL have only recently been examined, revealing unexpectedly large bunching of photons. Here we find that this peculiar photon bunching contains information of intervening excitation processes before the photon emission, which can be extracted from the photon statistics within each excitation event by a single free electron. Using this approach, we experimentally unveiled the statistical differences of coherent CL involving a single electromagnetic interaction process and incoherent CL involving multiple excitation processes. The developed formulation is universally applicable for particle generation processes in general to investigate the nature of cascade reactions.
The 2023 Mw 7.8–7.7 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes were loosely slip-predictable
Authors: Vavra Ellis , Fialko Yuri , Bulut Fatih , Garagon Aslı , Yalvaç Sefa , Yaltırak Cenk
Published: February 2025

Understanding the behavior of large earthquakes over multiple seismic cycles is limited by short time spans of observations compared to recurrence intervals. Most of large instrumentally-recorded earthquakes have occurred on faults lacking well-documented histories of past events. The 2023 Mw 7.8–7.7 Kahramanmaraş earthquake doublet is exceptional as it ruptured multiple segments of the East Anatolian Fault (EAF) system, where historical records of devastating earthquakes span over two millennia. Here, we use historical earthquake records, measurements of interseismic deformation, and published slip models of the 2023 events to evaluate the recurrence patterns of large earthquakes. We compare slip deficit that accrued on each fault segment since the respective penultimate events to the average coseismic slip of the 2023 doublet. We find that the coseismic slip equaled to or exceeded the accumulated slip deficit, suggesting that the slip-predictable recurrence model applies as a lower bound on strain release during the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes.
Real-world smartphone-based point-of-care diagnostics in primary health care to monitor HbA1c levels in people with diabetes
Authors: Rhode Sabrina , Rogge Lisa , Marthoenis Marthoenis , Seuring Till , Zufry Hendra , Bärnighausen Till , Sofyan Hizir , Manne-Goehler Jennifer , Vollmer Sebastian
Published: February 2025

Background

The lack of accurate and affordable monitoring of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a common issue among patients with diabetes in low- and middle-income countries. We aimed to test a tablet- and smartphone-based point-of-care (TSB POC) device against a local laboratory-based measure of HbA1c for monitoring diabetes under real-world conditions.

Methods

For this cross-sectional clinical method applicability study, capillary and venous blood was collected in duplicate and analyzed at local primary health care centers. For a heterogeneity test, the tests were performed by an expert, and by a team of local nurses. The study was conducted in a multicenter design in rural and urban Aceh, Indonesia in 2019, and included a total of 533 adults. We mainly used Bland-Altman plots to assess the number of readings within the 95%-limits of agreement (LoA) and Deming regressions.

Results

The results show a mean difference between capillary HbA1c on the test device and the reference method of −0.54 [CI0.95 = −1.6933; 0.6048] with 5.21% of measurements outside the LoA and a Pearson’s r = 0.91 in the Deming Regression. There is no significant difference in test concordance between local nurses and the expert (4.23% versus 5.13% results outside the LoA [CI0.95 = −0.0331; 0.0511]).

Conclusions

TSB POC for analysis of HbA1c is an acceptable alternative for accessible monitoring of diabetes patients under these conditions. This method could provide access to high-quality diagnostic decisions through regular and cost-effective HbA1c monitoring directly in healthcare facilities, thus providing better access to essential health services.
Development of a vitrified CRISPR/Cas12b-based assay for rapid genotyping of SLCO1B1 SNPs without DNA amplification
Authors: Lu Chen , Chen Jiayue , Zhang Shengsheng , Tian Yaru , Ying Xinyu , Zhang Dan , Luo Zhidan , Si Xinxin , Li Ming
Published: February 2025

A novel method using vitrified CRISPR/Cas12b reagent is developed for rapid, amplification-free genotyping of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in human SLCO1B1 genes. With optimized vitrification, the reagents can be stored at room temperature.
Phenotype-directed discovery of diverse, biologically-relevant molecular scaffolds
Authors: Griggs Samuel D. , Piticari Amalia-Sofia , Liver Samuel , Arter Chris , Sievers Sonja , Marsden Stephen P. , Nelson Adam
Published: February 2025

An array of reactions of diazo substrates with many possible outcomes was executed, and the biological relevance of the resulting products assessed in the cell painting assay.
Synthesis, structure, and stability of a novel 2H-azirine under pressure
Authors: Cabrera Alexa , Safari Fatemah , Kumar Ravhi , Zhu Haoran , Ahart Muhtar , Liu Zhenxian , Driver Tom G. , Hemley Russell J.
Published: February 2025

We have synthesized 2,3-diphenyl-2H-azirine, a strained unsaturated heterocyclic compound, and examined its high-pressure behavior to above 10 GPa using diamond anvil cell techniques.
Hydrogen evolution reaction mechanisms in thiosemicarbazone metal complexes: a combined theoretical and experimental investigation on the impact of proton source
Authors: Mehrez Jana , Barrozo Alexandre , Delmotte Léa , Hardré Renaud , Papadakis Michael , Orio Maylis
Published: February 2025

Integrated experimental and computational studies of hydrogen evolution reaction mechanisms with cobalt and nickel thiosemicarbazone complexes using distinct proton sources.
A general route to design solar thermoelectric generators under the constant heat flux thermal boundary
Authors: Li Huan , Wang Yupeng , Wu Xinzhi , Zhu Kang , Wang Shuaihua , Yu Mao , Liu Weishu
Published: February 2025

We propose a general bottom-to-up route to design solar thermoelectric generators based on our efficiency model.
Li-ion nanorobots with enhanced mobility for fast-ion conducting polymer electrolytes
Authors: Tu Ming-Shen , Wang Zi-Heng , Chen Qiong-Hai , Guo Zai-Ping , Cao Fei-Fei , Ye Huan
Published: February 2025

The activated hopping of ultrasmall nanoparticles, in conjunction with the accelerated segmental motion of the polymer, establishes a dual-channel Li+ transport pathway that significantly enhances the Li+ conductivity of the polymer electrolyte.
Constructing a gradient soft-coupled SEI film using a dilute ternary electrolyte system towards high-performance zinc-ion batteries with wide temperature stability
Authors: Wang Tiantian , Wang Yuao , Cui Peng , Geng Heshun , Wu Yusheng , Hu Fang , You Junhua , Zhu Kai
Published: February 2025

The electrolyte concentration plays a pivotal role in determining the efficacy of rechargeable batteries.
Uptake of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances by dry farmed oats following the agricultural application of biosolids and compost
Authors: Black Gabrielle P. , Wong Luann , Young Thomas M.
Published: February 2025

A field study of two sites with 6–44 year histories of biosolids applications showed no detectable uptake of per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) with C3–C18 chain lengths in dry farmed oats despite detectable concentrations in soil.
Bio-oil derived polyesteramides as water-degradable replacements for polyethylene
Authors: Yoshinaka Yohei , Miller Stephen A.
Published: February 2025

Polyesteramides derived from Ethiopian mustard seed bio-oil possess commercially relevant thermomechanical properties and are chemically recyclable and water-degradable.
Insight into the structural reconstruction of alkaline water oxidation electrocatalysts
Authors: Wang Kaixi , Xu Yifei , Daneshvariesfahlan Vahid , Rafique Moniba , Fu Qiang , Wei Hang , Zhang Yumin , Zhang Jiheng , Zhang Bing , Song Bo
Published: February 2025

This review explores precatalysts’ structural reconstruction during alkaline OER, summarizes methods probing structural evolution and influencing factors, guides dynamic reconstruction regulation, and discusses reconstruction impacts on performance.
Recent advances in the synthesis of chalcogenylated heterocycles obtained by chalcogenocyclization
Authors: Bartz Ricardo H. , Hellwig Paola S. , Rosa Kethelyn M. , Silva Márcio S. , Lenardão Eder J. , Jacob Raquel G. , Perin Gelson
Published: February 2025

Recent advances in the synthesis of heterocycles containing two or more chalcogens, mainly reactions of thio- and selenoalkynes and alkenes in chalcogenocyclization reactions, have been comprehensively discussed in this review.
A comprehensive review of the imidazole, benzimidazole and imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-based sensors for the detection of fluoride ion
Authors: Kumari Annu , Maity Chandan Kumar , Dey Swapan
Published: February 2025

Imidazole-based compounds have a lot of potential for developing sensitive and selective fluoride ion sensors for use in chemical, medicinal, and environmental applications because of their electron-rich, adaptable structure.
An integrated experimental-computational investigation of the mechanical behavior of random nanofiber networks
Authors: Lee HyeongJu , Dey Mithun K. , Karunakaran Kathiresan , Picu Catalin R. , Chasiotis Ioannis
Published: February 2025

Mechanical response of random nanofiber networks with defined network parameters and microstructures.
The binding details of a 2-(methylthio)thiophene/furan anchor anchored to the Au electrode in the formed molecular junction
Authors: Li Mengxiao , Sun Aoxing , Wang Mingzhen , Wang Xu , Lu Yuhua , Yu Lei , Li Yunchuan
Published: February 2025

As a prerequisite of molecular electronics, clarifying the details regarding anchors used to produce strong and well-defined single-molecule devices is substantially important.
Research progress on the application of surfactants in superior electromagnetic wave absorbers
Authors: Su Zhengtang , Chen Chao , Long Yuhang , Chen Gang , Cai Wei , Gao Rongli , Chen Fei
Published: February 2025

This review provides a succinct overview of the loss mechanisms underlying electromagnetic wave absorption and emphasizes the role of surfactants in the development of high-performance electromagnetic wave absorbing materials.
Synthesis of the polymethoxyflavones nobiletin, tangeretin, isosinensetin, and gardenin A–D
Authors: Liu Cheng-Hang , Xu Mengyang , Du Jianke , Ni Yang , Luo Qiyun , Wang Ziyan , Tan Wenyue , He Yunfang , Zhang Linrun , Jia Xiaodong , Zhao Xingzeng
Published: February 2025

A practical synthesis of 2′-hydroxy-3′,4′,5′,6′-tetramethoxyacetophenone, the key intermediate for the total synthesis of various polymethoxyflavones, was developed.
Telomerase RNA evolution: a journey from plant telomeres to broader eukaryotic diversity
Authors: Fajkus Petr , Fajkus Jiří
Published: February 2025

Telomeres, essential for maintaining genomic stability, are typically preserved through the action of telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein complex that synthesizes telomeric DNA. One of its two core components, telomerase RNA (TR), serves as the template for this synthesis, and its evolution across different species is both complex and diverse. This review discusses recent advancements in understanding TR evolution, with a focus on plants (Viridiplantae). Utilizing novel bioinformatic tools and accumulating genomic and transcriptomic data, combined with corresponding experimental validation, researchers have begun to unravel the intricate pathways of TR evolution and telomere maintenance mechanisms. Contrary to previous beliefs, a monophyletic origin of TR has been demonstrated first in land plants and subsequently across the broader phylogenetic megagroup Diaphoretickes. Conversely, the discovery of plant-type TRs in insects challenges assumptions about the monophyletic origin of TRs in animals, suggesting evolutionary innovations coinciding with arthropod divergence. The review also highlights key challenges in TR identification and provides examples of how these have been addressed. Overall, this work underscores the importance of expanding beyond model organisms to comprehend the full complexity of telomerase evolution, with potential applications in agriculture and biotechnology.
Activation is only the beginning: mechanisms that tune kinase substrate specificity
Authors: Clark Landon K. , Cullati Sierra N.
Published: February 2025

Kinases are master coordinators of cellular processes, but to appropriately respond to the changing cellular environment, each kinase must recognize its substrates, target only those proteins on the correct amino acids, and in many cases, only phosphorylate a subset of potential substrates at any given time. Therefore, regulation of kinase substrate specificity is paramount to proper cellular function, and multiple mechanisms can be employed to achieve specificity. At the smallest scale, characteristics of the substrate such as its linear peptide motif and three-dimensional structure must be complementary to the substrate binding surface of the kinase. This surface is dynamically shaped by the activation loop and surrounding region of the substrate binding groove, which can adopt multiple conformations, often influenced by post-translational modifications. Domain-scale conformational changes can also occur, such as the interaction with pseudosubstrate domains or other regulatory domains in the kinase. Kinases may multimerize or form complexes with other proteins that influence their structure, function, and/or subcellular localization at different times and in response to different signals. This review will illustrate these mechanisms by examining recent work on four serine/threonine kinases: Aurora B, CaMKII, GSK3β, and CK1δ. We find that these mechanisms are often shared by this diverse set of kinases in diverse cellular contexts, so they may represent common strategies that cells use to regulate cell signaling, and it will be enlightening to continue to learn about the depth and robustness of kinase substrate specificity in additional systems.
A novel distinguishing attack on Rocca
Authors: Liu Nan , Jin Chenhui , Yu Junwei , Guan Jie , Cui Ting
Published: February 2025

The security of an encryption algorithm often hinges on the indistinguishability between ciphertext and random numbers. In block ciphers, pseudorandomness and super‐pseudorandomness are commonly used to depict the indistinguishability between ciphertext and random numbers. Whereas, stream cipher algorithms can be viewed as functions of variables such as the key K, initialization vector IV, and plaintext M. For an ideal stream cipher algorithm, the ciphertext sequences for any two different plaintexts should exhibit good independence across various K‐IV pairs. Consequently, the probability of the two ciphertext sequences being equal or having sufficiently long matching segments should be negligible. This study examines a new type of attack that stems from key commitment attacks. By exploiting the independence between the ciphertext sequences, a novel distinguishing attack against the stream cipher is constructed and applied to the encryption of Rocca. Focusing on the authenticated encryption algorithm Rocca, a guess‐and‐determine method is employed to demonstrate that for any plaintext and two different sets of , another plaintext can be found with a time complexity , resulting in identical ciphertext sequences except for the initial bits. Furthermore, it is proved that under chosen plaintext conditions, the time complexity of this distinguishing attack is . These findings imply that Rocca does not offer 256‐bit security against such distinguishing attacks, providing valuable insights into the design of round update functions for stream ciphers like Rocca.
Efficient learning of uncertainty distributions in coupled multidisciplinary systems through sensory data
Authors: Asadi Negar , Ghoreishi Seyede Fatemeh
Published: February 2025

Coupled multidisciplinary systems are fundamental to many complex engineering systems, such as those in cyber–physical systems, aerospace engineering, automotive systems, energy networks, and robotics. Accurate analysis, control, and monitoring of these systems depend on effectively inferring their inherent uncertainties. However, the dynamic nature of these systems, along with the interconnectivity of various disciplines, poses significant challenges for uncertainty estimation. This paper presents a framework for learning uncertainty distributions in partially observed coupled multidisciplinary systems. By employing a non‐linear/non‐Gaussian hidden Markov model (HMM) representation, the authors capture the stochastic nature of system states and observations. The proposed methodology leverages particle filtering techniques and Bayesian optimisation for efficient parameter estimation, accounting for the inherent uncertainties in input statistics. Numerical experiments on a coupled aerodynamics‐structures system and a power converter system demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method in estimating input distribution statistics. The results highlight the critical importance of accounting for non‐stationary behaviours in coupled multidisciplinary systems for capturing the true variability of input statistics and showcase the superiority of our method over approaches that assume data derive from the stationary state of the system.
Trace‐level fuel contaminant detection using an ultrasensitive HC‐photonic crystal fibre sensor
Authors: Hasan Md. Galib , Joy Ariyan Haque , Ferdous A. H. M. Iftekharul , Khandakar Kayab , Noor Khalid Sifulla , Zaki Rashed Ahmed Nabih
Published: February 2025

Fuel adulteration involving the illicit mixing of substances such as kerosene and diesel with petrol poses significant risks to engine performance, environmental safety and consumer health. This paper presents a novel HC‐PCF sensor designed to accurately detect and identify adulterants in petroleum‐based fuels with unprecedented sensitivity and selectivity. The proposed HC‐PCF sensor features a unique circular core structure surrounded by a carefully engineered square cladding region, enabling highly sensitive detection of refractive index changes caused by the presence of adulterants. Through rigorous numerical simulations and optimisation, our design achieves remarkable maximum relative sensitivities of 98.56%, 98.95%, and 99.32% for petrol, kerosene, and diesel, respectively, outperforming many previously reported techniques. A comprehensive analysis of the sensor's performance reveals an ultra‐low confinement loss of 4.08 × 10−10 dB/m, 1.08 × 10−13 dB/m, and 2.95 × 10−12 dB/m and effective material loss of 0.0040 cm−1, 0.0036 cm−1, and 0.0034 cm−1, highlighting its exceptional light‐guiding capabilities and sensitivity. The sensor's high responsiveness facilitates the detection of even trace levels of adulterants by capturing minute refractive index variations as low as possible, enabling real‐time monitoring and timely intervention in adulteration incidents. The proposed HC‐PCF sensor exhibits high selectivity, precisely targeting the refractive index signatures of fuels, ensuring accurate detection even in complex chemical environments. Its compact size and robust design make it suitable for deployment in various fuel quality control applications, from transportation to industrial settings. Overall, this work introduces cutting‐edge HC‐PCF sensor technology that addresses the critical need for reliable fuel adulteration detection with unparalleled sensitivity and selectivity, contributing to enhanced product quality, consumer protection, and environmental sustainability in the energy sector.
Update zur echokardiografischen Beurteilung der Trikuspidalklappeninsuffizienz in der Praxis
Authors: Ivannikova Maria , Echchihab Yasmine , Friedrichs Kai Peter , Rudolph Volker , Gerçek Muhammed
Published: February 2025

Die Trikuspidalklappeninsuffizienz (TI) ist eine häufige Herzklappenerkrankung mit erheblichen Auswirkungen auf die Patientenmorbidität und -letalität. In den letzten Jahren wurde die Klassifikation der TI durch die Einführung neuer Formen und 5 Schweregrade verfeinert. Dabei spielt die dreidimensionale Echokardiografie eine zunehmende Rolle in der TI-Beurteilung und -Graduierung sowie in der Bewertung der rechtsventrikulären Funktion. Bei relevanter TI sollte eine Überweisung in ein spezialisiertes Zentrum erfolgen.
Komorbiditäten bei Trikuspidalklappeninsuffizienz – eine lebenslange Herausforderung für die Diagnostik und Therapie
Authors: Ziegler Leonie , Besler Christian , Wild Mirjam
Published: February 2025

Die Mehrzahl der in Praxis und Klinik behandelten Patient*innen mit einer funktionellen Trikuspidalklappeninsuffizienz (TI) weist eine Vielzahl kardialer und extrakardialer Komorbiditäten auf. Einerseits lässt sich dies auf die Vielzahl an Ursachen zurückführen, die zur Entstehung einer funktionellen TI beitragen können. Diese umfassen neben linksseitigen myokardialen und valvulären Pathologien auch pulmonale und intrinsische rechtsventrikuläre Erkrankungen sowie das Vorhofflimmern. Andererseits kennzeichnet die funktionelle TI der für viele Herzklappenerkrankungen typische Prävalenzanstieg im höheren Lebensalter, wobei die Diagnosestellung dann aber infolge fehlender oder unspezifischer Symptome häufig verspätet ist. Als Konsequenz ergeben sich teils ausgeprägte extrakardiale Organmanifestationen infolge der chronischen venösen Kongestion mit Beeinträchtigung von Niere, Leber und Gastrointestinaltrakt. Die Beachtung von Komorbiditäten ist relevant, um Ursachen einer
funktionellen TI zu erfassen. Ferner besitzen viele Komorbiditäten prognostische Bedeutung, was zunehmend Einfluss auf Therapieentscheidungen in dem heterogenen Kollektiv von TI-Patient*innen haben dürfte.
Trachealtumoren
Authors: Eichhorn Florian , Hoffmann Hans , Rieken Stefan , Herth Felix J. F. , Winter Hauke
Published: February 2025

Primäre Trachealmalignome sind selten, die beiden häufigsten histologischen Subtypen sind das Plattenepithelkarzinom und das adenoidzystische Karzinom. Beide Tumorentitäten unterscheiden sich hinsichtlich des lokalen Wachstumsmusters und der Prognose. Den diagnostischen Standard bilden Bronchoskopie und radiologische Schnittbildgebung. Bei fehlender Fernmetastasierung und technischer Resektabilität ist die Operation die Therapie der Wahl. Auch im Falle einer inkompletten Resektion kann, insbesondere beim adenoidzystischen Karzinom, durch eine postoperative Radiotherapie ein zufriedenstellendes Langzeitergebnis erzielt werden. Im Kontext der palliativen Symptomlinderung hat neben der Strahlentherapie die interventionelle Bronchoskopie (Tumorabtragung, Stentimplantation) einen relevanten Stellenwert.
Ösophaguskarzinome: Neues in Prävention und Therapie
Authors: Decker Annegrit , Quante Michael
Published: February 2025

Präventionsstrategien bei Ösophaguskarzinomen Den Schlüsselfaktor gastrointestinaler Tumorprävention bildet die Behebung inflammatorischer Einflüsse, welche sich für die 2 ösophagealen Tumorentitäten Plattenepithel- und Adenokarzinom unterscheiden. Der steigenden Inzidenz der Adenokarzinome sollte durch Therapie von Übergewicht und gastroösophagealer Refluxkrankheit begegnet werden. Ein endoskopisches Screening ist in Deutschland nicht etabliert, hingegen erfolgt bei Barrett-Metaplasie eine engmaschige Surveillance. Für den gezielten Einsatz der Endoskopie ist zukünftig eine bessere Stratifizierung von Risikopatienten vonnöten; entsprechende Prädiktionsmodelle sind Gegenstand aktueller Forschung.

Therapie der Plattenepithelkarzinome des Ösophagus Neben endoskopischen Resektionsoptionen sehr früher Befunde besteht die Hauptneuerung der letzten Jahre im prognoseverbessernden Einsatz von Immun-Checkpoint-Inhibitoren in der adjuvanten und palliativen Systemtherapie. Der PD-L1-Status dient hierbei als stratifizierender Biomarker.

Therapie der Adenokarzinome des Ösophagus und des ösophagogastralen Übergangs Aufgrund ihrer engen molekularbiologischen Verwandtschaft erfolgt die Systemtherapie der AEG-Tumore analog der Magenkarzinome. In der perioperativen Therapie lokal fortgeschrittener Befunde hat jüngst die Chemotherapie nach dem FLOT-Protokoll ihren Stellenwert weiter unterstreichen können. In metastasierten Stadien wird die Chemotherapie biomarkerstratifiziert durch Checkpoint-Inhibitoren sowie Antikörper gegen Her2 und fortan auch Claudin-18.2 ergänzt. Mit dem Antikörper-Wirkstoff-Konjugat Trastuzumab-Deruxtecan wurde eine Her2-gerichtete Zweitlinienoption etabliert.
Hodentumor – welche Vorteile bringt der neue Tumormarker microRNA-371a-3p (M371-Test)
Authors: Dieckmann Klaus-Peter , Belge Gazanfer
Published: February 2025

Der Keimzelltumor des Hodens ist ein Musterbeispiel für die Verwendung von Serum-Tumormarkern. Das Dilemma ist, dass die aktuellen Marker beta Human Chorion Gonadotropin (bHCG) und Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) sowie Laktatdehydrogenase (LDH) nur etwa bei 50% aller Keimzelltumoren erhöht sind. Im Jahre 2011 wurde erstmals die microRNA-371a-3p (M371) als neuer Tumormarker vorgeschlagen. MicroRNAs sind kleine RNA-Fragmente von 18–24 Basenpaaren, die eine epigenetische Bedeutung bei der Steuerung der Proteinbiosynthese haben. Die M371 kann im Serum mit PCR-Technik gemessen werden.

Mit einem hohen Maß an formaler Evidenz konnte gezeigt werden, dass M371 eine Sensitivität von etwa 90% und eine Spezifität von über 90% für Keimzelltumoren des Hodens aufweist. Die M371 ist dabei für Seminome und Nichtseminome gleichermaßen sensitiv und spezifisch. Allerdings exprimieren Teratome den Marker nicht, wie auch nichtgerminale Hodentumoren und Karzinome anderer Organe. Der Marker weist eine sehr kurze Halbwertszeit von <24 Stunden auf.

In naher Zukunft darf erwartet werden, dass der Test substanzielle Hilfe geben wird bei vielen klinischen Entscheidungssituationen, die bisher nur unbefriedigend zu lösen waren. Dies dürfte vor allem für die folgenden sechs Szenarien zutreffen: (1) Abklärung eines zufällig entdeckten kleinen Hodentumors mit Weichenstellung in Richtung organerhaltender Exzision versus Ablatio testis; (2) Vereinfachung der Nachsorge von Hodentumoren durch Reduktion der Bildgebung; (3) Einschätzung unklarer Lymphknotenvergrößerungen im Rahmen des klinischen Stagings; (4) Abklärung von unklaren (falsch positiven) Erhöhungen der klassischen Tumormarker; (5) rasche Beurteilung des Ansprechens auf Therapie aufgrund der kurzen Halbwertszeit; (6) Hilfe bei der Entscheidungsfindung für die Behandlung von Residualtumoren nach Chemotherapie, insbesondere bei Resttumoren des Seminoms.

Die Entdeckung und Entwicklung des Tumormarkers M371 stellt einen Meilenstein dar bei der Ausformung pragmatischer Therapiekonzepte für Keimzelltumoren.
Combined Endoscopic and Open Cranial Approach for Treatment of Skull Base Lesions: A Case Series and Lessons Learned
Authors: Olson Elsa , Kolb Bradley , Chiu Lucinda , Whitehead Russell , Simpson Tamara , Revenaugh Peter C. , Smith Ryan , Filip Peter , Papagiannopoulos Peter , Tajudeen Bobby A. , Batra Pete S. , Munich Stephan A.
Published: February 2025

Introduction Surgical treatment of skull base pathologies is frequently discussed in the context of endoscopic endonasal or transcranial approaches. Combined endoscopic and open approaches have been utilized in a staged or sequential fashion, with the goal of reducing the risk of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak, morbidity, wound infection/complication, and failure to achieve adequate reconstruction. However, few studies have described the concurrent use of endoscopic endonasal and transcranial approaches to safely address complex skull base pathologies.

Methods We treated 13 patients with primary skull base tumors (sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma/esthesioneuroblastoma), recurrent tumors, infection, and skull base defect/encephalocele. Out of the thirteen patients, eight had undergone prior endoscopic and/or open transcranial approaches for resection of their pathologies. Additionally, 3/13 patients underwent radiation or chemotherapy radiation prior to the combined approach.

Results The desired clinical outcome (i.e., gross total tumor resection, resolution of infection, and skull base resection/repair) was achieved in 12/13 cases. One case had subtotal resection (Simpson grade III) of an olfactory groove meningioma. Postoperatively, there was one 30-day mortality due to pulmonary infarction, one case with hydrocephalus requiring ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement, and one flap infection due to postoperative cocaine use resulting in revisions and hospice. Importantly, no patients experienced postoperative CSF leaks, including those who underwent postoperative chemotherapy/radiation.

Conclusion This case series suggests that a concurrent combined endoscopic transcranial approach, in carefully selected patients, can treat a wide range of complex and recurrent skull base pathologies resistant to previous treatment, with a reasonable rate of postoperative wound/leak complications.
EBV and Concomitant Acute Motor and Sensory Axonal Neuropathy in a Healthy 15-Year-Old Female
Authors: Basch Rebecca E. , Tierney McKenna , Worden Lila , Sanders Sara , Ng Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2025

Acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) is a rare and severe form of acute axonal injury caused by immune damage to the axonal membrane. AMSAN is an axonal variant of GBS. GBS occurs from immune injury to the myelin sheath, axonal variants of GBS (AMSAN and AMAN) differ in that insult is to the axonal membrane. AMSAN is seldom seen, especially in pediatric and adolescent patients. Unlike acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), which has been well-described in literature to be secondary to Campylobacter jejuni infection, there is no known etiology of AMSAN. Here, we present a case of an otherwise healthy 15-year-old female who presented with new-onset facial and bulbar weakness that rapidly progressed to functional paralysis requiring intubation. With no clear diagnosis and after failure in improvement with high-dose steroids, Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG), and plasma exchange transfusion, diagnosis was finally made with electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction study (NCS). In addition, extensive laboratory work was completed and was only notable for primary acute EBV infection. This case represents a new presenting symptom of AMSAN, a unique finding of concomitant primary EBV infection, the possibility of primary Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection as the triggering event in AMSAN and stresses the importance of EMG and NCS when evaluating patients with weakness.
On possible consequences of the decrease of the oxygen ion radius in CuO2 planes caused by hole trapping
Authors: Kristoffel N. N. , Rubin P. É.
Published: February 2025

In connection with a substantial decrease of the radius of the O− ion that has trapped a hole in the CuO2 plane of a HTSC material we consider effects of the changes in resonance integrals on the generation of odd localized electron levels. A possibility is indicated of a dynamic instability of the O− resulting in its leaving the CuO2 plane.
Fluctuational short-range magnetic order in band antiferromagnets
Authors: Povzner A. A. , Likhachev D. V. , Volkov A. G.
Published: February 2025

A self-consistent theory of spin fluctuations in band antiferromagnets described by the spin density wave (SDW) model is developed. Within the framework of the theory the spin fluctuations are shown to bring about a substantial reduction of the Néel temperature as compared to its value estimated in the mean-field approximation. A basically new type of short-range order in band antiferromagnets is described that is associated with thermodynamic fluctuations of the antiferromagnetic gap and describes qualitatively the experimental data pertaining to the existence of SDW paramagnons.
Temperature dependence of the size effect amplitude in cadmium and electron–phonon coupling in a magnetic field
Authors: Naberezhnykh V. P. , Chabanenko V. V.
Published: February 2025

On the basis of experimental data on the temperature dependence of the dc Sondheimer oscillation amplitudes and of the doppleron amplitudes, the possible effect of a strong magnetic field on the electron–phonon coupling in cadmium has been analyzed. The found nonmonotonic temperature dependence of both the impedance and the doppleron amplitude at T ≈ 3K is not related to the Landau damping but is due to a minimum in the temperature dependence of the mean free path. This conclusion is based on a similar behavior of the amplitude of the dc Sondheimer effect.
Rearrangement of the spectrum of strongly anisotropic crystals with local levels near the band edge
Authors: Ivanov M. A. , Skripnik Yu. V.
Published: February 2025

Rearrangement of the spectrum of quasi-one-and quasi-two-dimensional systems is considered within the framework of a single-parametric model for the off-diagonal disorder. The effect of the region, where the three-dimensional character of the states is restored, on the scenario of this rearrangement is studied. At a certain concentration of impurity centers the concentrational smearing of the band edge is shown to become larger than the width of the three-dimensional region of the spectrum of a strongly anisotropic system.
On the character of the superconducting phase transition in type-II superconductors
Authors: Babich I. B. , Mikitik G. P.
Published: February 2025

For type-II superconductors the size of the critical region with respect to electromagnetic field fluctuations is estimated. It is shown that the conclusion of several papers that the type of superconductivity changes from second to first in the vicinity of Tc is groundless.
Phase transitions and inhomogeneous states in Heisenberg ferromagnet films
Authors: Tetel’man M. G.
Published: February 2025

It is shown that a small-scale domain structure with out-of-plane magnetic moment oscillations is formed in a Heisenberg ferromagnetic film with perpendicular uniaxial anisotropy and magnetic dipole–dipole coupling. This takes place in the vicinity of the phase transition line that separates the planar and out-of-plane phases. The degree of freedom of domain structure determines the character of the phase transition between the planar and out-of-plane phases in the temperature–anisotropy diagram. This phase transition is of the Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless type: dislocation melting of the domain quasi-crystal.
Thermal conduction and thermoelectric effects in superconducting point contacts in ballistic regime
Authors: Bogachek É. N. , Kulik I. O.
Published: February 2025

The thermal conductivity of a point contact connecting bulk superconductors is calculated. It is shown that in a homogeneous circuit with ballistic point contact a current appears (magnetic flux) that is proportional to the temperature difference.
Spatially homogeneous solutions of vacuum Einstein equations in general dimensions
Authors: Sato Yuichiro , Tsuyuki Takanao
Published: February 2025

We study time-dependent compactification of extra dimensions. We assume that the spacetime is spatially homogeneous, and solve the vacuum Einstein equations without cosmological constant in more than three dimensions. We consider globally hyperbolic spacetimes in which almost Abelian Lie groups act on the spaces isometrically and simply transitively. We give left-invariant metrics on the spaces and solve Ricci-flat conditions of the spacetimes. In the four-dimensional case, our solutions correspond to the Bianchi type II solution. By our results and previous studies, all spatially homogeneous solutions whose spaces have zero-dimensional moduli spaces of left-invariant metrics are found. For the simplest solution, we show that each of the spatial dimensions cannot expand or contract simultaneously in the late-time limit.
Integrated glass photonic device including dielectrophoresis selective trapping for detecting bacteria viability: An approach avoiding surface functionalization
Authors: Gardies M. , Bucci D. , Ghibaudo E.
Published: February 2025

We present an integrated glass photonic device dedicated to the sensing of bacteria viability. The targeted application is to build a water pollution sensor exploiting bacteria as sentinels. Optical integrated biosensors mostly require harmful chemical treatments of the sensing area that strongly restrain the cleanability and the regeneration of the sensor. To overcome the limitations of surface functionalization, we propose a solution where the sorting and trapping of alive and dead bacteria is based on dielectrophoretic effects provided by planar castellated electrodes integrated on a glass platform. The sensing is performed by a surface optical waveguide located in between the electrodes, whose guided light is perturbed by the particles collected at its surface. Measurements performed with 1 μm-diameter microbeads show that the device can provide a rapid discrimination of concentrations ranging from 4.55 × 107 to 2.73 × 108 particles/μl and spaced by ∼4.55 × 107 particles/μl. First tests have been carried out with alive and dead E. coli bacteria. They proved that the device is efficient at discriminating bacteria according to their viability. The optical detection of trapped bacteria has also been demonstrated for a solution of 1.5 × 106 bacteria/μl in deionized water.
Influence of cold electrons on the Alfvénic double layers in the Earth's magnetosphere
Authors: Shamir M. , Khan Imran A. , Murtaza G. , Malakit Kittipat
Published: February 2025

Cold ions of ionospheric origin have been observed in the Earth's magnetosphere, and it has been argued that these cold ions have greatly influenced the magnetospheric dynamics. In addition to cold ions, cold electrons are also observed in the aforesaid environment. Moreover, double layers have been detected by various spacecraft missions in the terrestrial magnetosphere. Specifically, these structures can occur inside the reconnection exhaust at the Earth's magnetopause, regulate the magnetic energy released during magnetic reconnection, and control electron and ion heating. In this article, we studied the formation of Alfvénic double layers (DLs) at the Earth's magnetopause in the presence of cold electrons using an analytical model. We found that the presence of cold electrons significantly decreases the amplitude of the DLs, thereby reducing the energy gained by the particles from the electric fields associated with the DLs. We also explored the role of DLs in cold plasma energization and compared our findings with the reported literature.
Bursting phenomenon in turbulent wall-bounded flows
Authors: Raghuram S. , Ramesh O. N.
Published: February 2025

The scaling of bursting period governing the near-wall turbulence production in a wall-bounded flow has been an unresolved issue in the literature, despite nearly half a century of intense research. By using measurements from a turbulent channel flow along with laboratory boundary layer and atmospheric boundary layer data available in the literature, the appropriate scaling for the inter-burst time period (time period between two consecutive bursting events) is reexamined. The bursting period, non-dimensionalized using the inner scales, varied by five orders of magnitude over the Reynolds number range of 103−107, conclusively demonstrating thereby that the bursting period does not scale on inner variables. The bursting period, non-dimensionalized using the traditional outer timescale (ratio of the channel half-height to the centerline velocity), was found to asymptote to an invariant value at high Reynolds number for laboratory boundary layer and channel data. However, when the atmospheric boundary layer data were also included, this non-dimensional timescale's invariance became weaker and showed a slowly increasing trend with Reynolds number. A new modified outer timescale, where the friction velocity is the velocity scale, resulted in invariance for Reynolds number greater than 900 and suggests possible invariance over a wider range extending to higher Reynolds numbers. The new timescale is also amenable to a simple physical interpretation as the time of transit of the up-welling eddy to reach the outer region of the boundary layer/centerline of the channel flow.
Global dynamics and asymmetric fractal dimension in a nontwist circle map
Authors: Simile Baroni R. , Egydio de Carvalho R. , Abreu Carlos E. P. , Medrano-T R. O.
Published: February 2025

We consider the standard nontwist map with strong dissipation that leads the system to a 1D circular map with a quadratic sinusoidal oscillation and two control parameters. The 2D Lyapunov and isoperiodic diagrams reveal a complex interplay between domains of periodicity embedded in regions dominated by quasiperiodic and chaotic behaviors. Arnold tongues and shrimp-like, among other sets of periodicities, compose this rich dynamical scenario in the parameter space. Cobwebs and bifurcation diagrams help reveal the behavior of attractors, including multistability, period-doubling, pitchfork bifurcations, as well as boundary, merging, and interior crises that influence the structures of periodicity. Furthermore, we bring to light the global organization of shrimp-like structures by carrying out a new concept of orbits, the extreme orbits, and announce that the fractal dimension, believed to be universal in the parameter space for decades, has its symmetry breaking in the vicinity of shrimp-like cascades.
Highly efficient variable step-size binary search algorithm for ultra-compact cyclic three-mode converters
Authors: Wang Yongchen , Fan Hangming , Yuan Zhe , Pan Junlin , Liu Xiaoyang , Cheng Mengfan , Yang Qi , Liu Deming , Deng Lei
Published: February 2025

The recent advancements in nano-optics have created a strong demand for ultra-compact, miniaturized photonic devices. However, the mainstream inverse design algorithms face challenges in achieving compact size, efficient performance, and superior process manufacturability simultaneously. The present study proposes an exceptionally efficient segmented hierarchical variable step-size binary search-based digital inverse design method, aiming to transcend these limitations. The concept of “pixel splitting” is introduced for the first time in this paradigm. By layering the optimization process in several segments, the size of each pixel also changes dynamically, achieving both high efficiency and superior performance. The chosen examples of cyclic mode converters serve as typical complex proof-of-concept structures. The simulation results demonstrate that this method not only maintains excellent manufacturability but also enhances design efficiency over three times and exhibits superior performance. The experimental demonstration of two types of cyclic mode converters (CMCs), with dimensions of 3.84 × 9.6 μm2 and 3.84 × 12 μm2, respectively, based on this model, showcases their significantly smaller footprints compared to previously reported devices. The characterizations of these two CMCs demonstrate minimal insertion losses (<2.86 and <3.26 dB) and minimal crosstalk (<−11.89 and <−9.24 dB) across bandwidths of 50 nm. The data transmission of 3 × 60 Gbps on-off-keying signals and 3 × 80 Gbps four-level pulse amplitude signals are also demonstrated successfully. The proposed variable step-size binary search offers a novel approach for efficiently designing compact digital nano-photonic devices, addressing limitations such as slow convergence, sensitivity to initial patterns, and susceptibility to local optima. In addition, ultra-compact CMCs provide an effective solution for reducing link damage in mode division multiplexing transmission systems.
Public quantum network: The first node
Authors: Kapoor K. , Hoseini S. , Choi J. , Nussbaum B. E. , Zhang Y. , Shetty K. , Skaar C. , Ward M. , Wilson L. , Shinbrough K. , Edwards E. , Wiltfong R. , Lualdi C. P. , Cohen Offir , Kwiat P. G. , Lorenz V. O.
Published: February 2025

We present a quantum network that distributes entangled photons between the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a public library in Urbana. The network allows members of the public to perform measurements on the photons. We describe its design and implementation and outreach based on the network. Over 400 instances of public interaction have been logged with the system since it was launched in November 2023.
Characteristics of wind load on high-voltage disconnect switch system in substation
Authors: Li Jingyao , Nie Shidong , Liu Min , Liu Sikai , Wang Jiaxing , Li Peng , Shao Shuai
Published: February 2025

Ensuring high-voltage disconnect switch system safety is essential for the stable operation of the power system. A method for wind force tests to determine the wind load characteristics of the whole and the segments of the disconnect switch system was developed. Through this method, the distributions of aerodynamic coefficients for both the whole structure and its segments were determined, along with the skewed wind load coefficient relative to wind direction. The two-parameter model for wind load was used to predict wind load distribution along the structure's height. The study also considered the effect of different operating states of the disconnect switch system, namely, the switching-off and switching-on states, on wind force coefficients. Comparisons and analyses were performed to examine how these states influence the mean, fluctuating, and peak wind force coefficients, as well as the skewed wind load coefficient of the structure. The results indicate that the calculations of the two-parameter model are in good agreement with the measurements from the segment models. The most critical wind directions for the drag and skewed wind load coefficients for each segment of the structure were found to be 60° and 120°, respectively. Additionally, the mean wind load on the switch and insulator segments was higher than that on the steel columns. The switching-on state was identified as more detrimental to mean and fluctuating wind loads, with a pronounced effect on crosswind and torsional wind loads, especially on the torsional response of the structure.