bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of an AI-powered visualization software platform for precision surgery in breast cancer patients
Authors: Weitz Michelle , Pfeiffer J. R. , Patel Snehal , Biancalana Matthew , Pekis Arda , Kannan Vignesh , Kaklamanos Evandros , Parker Amanda , Bucksot Jesse E. , Romera José Rubio , Alvin Ryan , Zhang Yuhan , Stefka Andrew T. , Lopez-Ramos Dorys , Peterson Joseph R. , Antony Anuja K. , Zamora Kathryn W. , Woodard Stefanie
Published: November 2024

Surgery remains the primary treatment modality in the management of early-stage invasive breast cancer. Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered visualization platforms offer the compelling potential to aid surgeons in evaluating the tumor’s location and morphology within the breast and accordingly optimize their surgical approach. We sought to validate an AI platform that employs dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) to render three-dimensional (3D) representations of the tumor and 5 additional chest tissues, offering clear visualizations as well as functionalities for quantifying tumor morphology, tumor-to-landmark structure distances, excision volumes, and approximate surgical margins. This retrospective study assessed the visualization platform’s performance on 100 cases with ground-truth labels vetted by 2 breast-specialized radiologists. We assessed features including automatic AI-generated clinical metrics (e.g., tumor dimensions) as well as visualization tools including convex hulls at desired margins around the tumor to help visualize lumpectomy volume. The statistical performance of the platform’s automated features was robust and within the range of inter-radiologist variability. These detailed 3D tumor and surrounding multi-tissue depictions offer both qualitative and quantitative comprehension of cancer topology and may aid in formulating an optimal surgical approach for breast cancer treatment. We further establish the framework for broader data integration into the platform to enhance precision cancer care.
A high-throughput framework for lattice dynamics
Authors: Zhu Zhuoying , Park Junsoo , Sahasrabuddhe Hrushikesh , Ganose Alex M. , Chang Rees , Lawson John W. , Jain Anubhav
Published: November 2024

We develop an automated high-throughput workflow for calculating lattice dynamical properties from first principles including those dictated by anharmonicity. The pipeline automatically computes interatomic force constants (IFCs) up to 4th order from perturbed training supercells, and uses the IFCs to calculate lattice thermal conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion, and vibrational free energy and entropy. It performs phonon renormalization for dynamically unstable compounds to obtain real effective phonon spectra at finite temperatures and calculates the associated free energy corrections. The methods and parameters are chosen to balance computational efficiency and result accuracy, assessed through convergence testing and comparisons with experimental measurements. Deployment of this workflow at a large scale would facilitate materials discovery efforts toward functionalities including thermoelectrics, contact materials, ferroelectrics, aerospace components, as well as general phase diagram construction.
Peripheral immune cell abundance differences link blood mitochondrial DNA copy number and Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Wang Longfei , Han Jiru , Fearnley Liam G. , Milton Michael , Rafehi Haloom , Reid Joshua , Gerring Zachary F. , Masaldan Shashank , Lang Tali , Speed Terence P. , Bahlo Melanie
Published: November 2024

Mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in Parkinson’s disease (PD), with mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) emerging as a potential marker for mitochondrial health. We investigated the links between blood mtDNA-CN and PD severity and risk using the Accelerating Medicines Partnership program for Parkinson’s Disease dataset, replicating our results in the UK Biobank. Our findings reveal that reduced blood mtDNA-CN levels are associated with heightened PD risk and increased severity of motor symptoms and olfactory dysfunction. We estimated blood cell composition using complete blood cell profile when available or RNA-sequencing data as a surrogate. After adjusting for blood cell composition, the associations between mtDNA-CN and PD risk and clinical symptoms became non-significant. Bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis also found no evidence of a direct causal relationship between blood mtDNA-CN and PD susceptibility. Hence peripheral inflammatory immune responses rather than mitochondrial dysfunction underpin these previously identified associations in PD.
Novel antimicrobial biodegradable composite films as packaging materials based on shellac/chitosan, and ZnAl2O4 or CuAl2O4 spinel nanoparticles
Authors: Mohamed Salah A. A. , Mekkey Saleh D. , Othman Abdelmageed M. , El-Sakhawy Mohamed
Published: November 2024

ZnAl2O4 and CuAl2O4 spinel nanoparticles were prepared by a modified Pechini method and used with the natural chitosan (CS) and shellac (SH) polymers to form novel composite membranes as promising food packaging materials. The selection of ZnAl2O4 and CuAl2O4 spinel nanoparticles was based on their antibacterial characteristics, availability, and economy. Using a straightforward and adaptable solution mixing and casting method, the bio-composites were created. The mechanical, physical, antibacterial, homogeneity and air permeability properties of composite films were investigated. The film structure was evaluated in terms of component interactions using FTIR spectra. The addition of 10% SH increased the tensile strength, percentage strain at maximum load, Young’s modulus, and burst strength by 114–101%, 3.6–8.4, 103–119, and 179–153% for low and middle M.wt./CS respectively. Chitosan/shellac-CuAl2O4 composite has superior properties compared to ZnAl2O4 composite. In general, 0.05% spinel provides a composite having better qualities than that of 0.1 additions. Middle M.wt. chitosan provides a composite with superior properties compared to that of low M.wt. The incorporation of ZnAl2O4 or CuAl2O4 enhanced the thermal stability of the SH/CS composite. ZnAl2O4 provides superior thermal stability than CuAl2O4. When shellac/CS film structure is treated with the previously indicated ZnAl2O4 or CuAl2O4 formulation, the % swelling decreases along with an increasing in the gel fraction. The antimicrobial assessment using inhibition zone diameter and shake flask methods showed that a composite of 1:9 shellac/chitosan/0.05% of CuAl2O4 exerted the highest Gram-positive antibacterial activity against B. mycoides (21 mm), and C. albicans (22 mm). So, these enhancements make chitosan/shellac/ZnAl2O4 or CuAl2O4 composite films a good alternative to producing food packaging materials.
Laminar and turbulent flow effects in high-pressure homogenization of liposomes and perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions
Authors: Lubitz Larissa J. , Rieger Harden , Leneweit Gero
Published: November 2024

Since flow characteristics are still largely unexplored for high-pressure homogenization, we investigated particle break-up at different Reynolds numbers and transition ranges in two channels (Y- and Z-channel). While the channel geometries are often treated as “black boxes”, opening the channels and measuring their geometries allowed a detailed analysis of flow conditions. Transitions from laminar to turbulent flow for pressures of 250–2,000 bar have measurable effects on the sizes of perfluorocarbon (PFC)-nanoemulsion droplets emulsified by phospholipids processed simultaneously in liposomal conformation. Laminar flow has a higher size-reducing rate with growing pressure compared to turbulent flow and leads to a minimum in polydispersity. A density-driven sucrose gradient allows differential analysis of size-reducing effects on liposomes and PFC-nanoemulsion droplets separately. Liposomes can be broken up in both laminar and turbulent flow at the same size reduction rate. In contrast, emulsion droplets have much smaller size reduction rates in turbulent flow and need sufficient emulsifiers, made available by liposomal break-up, to enable size decreases. Repetitive homogenization is only effective for a limited number of cycles. Beyond this threshold, size distributions remain similar or can be deteriorated because of increased particle collisions and aggregation or coalescence effects.
Developing a theoretical framework for enhancing green project approaches via Agile methodology
Authors: Ali Ahmed. , Sameh Hesham.
Published: November 2024

The application of green building approaches has significantly increased in many countries and buildings, accompanied by the development of numerous standards and methodologies for their implementation. Despite these efforts, not all risks and challenges facing green projects have been eliminated in some regions. Issues such as financing difficulties, budget overruns, and schedule delays continue to pose significant challenges. As a result, no substantial improvements have been made in the approach to green projects. Therefore, this study aims to develop a theoretical framework that enhances the approach to green projects. By utilizing the AGILE methodology, specifically SCRUM, the most significant risks facing green projects were identified and converted into indicators based on prior studies. Furthermore, Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, particularly Green BIM (GBIM), was employed to create tools and elements to address these challenges, leading to the development of a conceptual framework capable of providing solutions. This framework was built around 30 indicators, whose weights were determined through an electronic questionnaire involving 140 specialists in green projects, AGILE methodology, and BIM technology. Assistance from academic experts was also sought. The results of the questionnaire, analyzed using statistical methods, contributed to the development of a theoretical framework aimed at improving the approach to green projects.
Comparative volatiles profiling of two marjoram products via GC-MS analysis in relation to the antioxidant and antibacterial effects
Authors: Abouelela Mostafa B. , Shawky Enas M. , Elgendy Omayma , Farag Mohamed A. , Baky Mostafa H.
Published: November 2024

Marjoram (Origanum majorana L.), also known as “sweet marjoram” or “sweet oregano” is a Mediterranean herbaceous perennial herb cultivated in Egypt and widely consumed as an herbal supplement for treatment of several ailments. The main goal of this study was to assess volatiles’ variation in marjoram samples collected from two different widely consumed commercial products using two different extraction techniques viz. head space solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and petroleum ether using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and multivariate data analysis. A total of 20 major aroma compounds were identified in samples extracted with HS-SPME found enriched in monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated compounds. The major volatiles included β-phellandrene (20.1 and 14.2%), γ-terpinene (13.4 and 11.7%), 2-bornene (12.3 and 11.5%), p-cymene (9.8 and 4.6%) terpenen-4-ol (16.4 and 7.5%), sabinene hydrate (16.02 and 8.8%) and terpineol (4.2 and 3.2%) in MR and MI, respectively. Compared with HS-SPME, 51 aroma compounds were identified in marjoram samples extracted with petroleum ether, found more enriched in aliphatic hydrocarbons (42.8 and 73.8%) in MR and MI, respectively. While a higher identification score was observed in the case of solvent extraction, SPME appeared to be more selective in the recovery of oxygenated terpenes to account more for marjoram aroma. Multivariate data analysis using principal component analysis (PCA) revealed distinct discrimination between volatile composition of both marjoram samples. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents in marjoram samples were at (111.9, 109.1 µg GA/mg) and (18.3, 19.5 µg rutin eq/mg) in MR and MI, respectively. Stronger antioxidant effects were observed in MR and MI samples with IC50 at 45.5 and 56.8 µg/mL respectively compared to IC50 6.57 µg/mL for Trolox as assayed using DPPH assay. Moderate anti-bacterial effect was observed in MR and MI samples and expressed as a zone of inhibition mostly against Bacillus subtilis (16.03 and 15.9 mm), B. cereus (12.9 and 13.7 mm), Enterococcus faecalis (14.03 and 13.97 mm), and Enterobacter cloacae (11.6 and 11.6 mm) respectively.
The Motility Ratio method as a novel approach to qualify semen assessment
Authors: Camus Agnès , Rouillon Charlène , Gavin-Plagne Lucie , Schmitt Eric
Published: November 2024

Many scientific studies often assumed that the most reliable methods for assessing sperm motility are those that give the highest values, and this leads to misinterpretation of the results. This study aims to propose an objective method to validate sperm motility reliability. Bovine and porcine semen samples were split into two equal fractions. Fraction A was kept alive with a motile population considered at maximum proportion, while fraction B was killed with 0% motile population. A range of motile/non motile sperm was performed by mixing both fractions. The Motility Ratio method, comparing measured and theoretical motility, was validated using LEJA slide and IVOS II and applied to other slides. All slides showed strong Concordance Correlation Coefficient between measured and theoretical motility. However, with IVOS II, LEJA slide showed the lowest bias (< 1) while MAKLER or coverslip showed higher bias (> 2 and > 7 respectively) between measured and theoretical motility. This study shows that the best sperm motility is not always the true motility and highlights the importance of implementing a gold standard methodology for motility reliability such as The Motility Ratio method.
Molecular dynamics simulation of extraction of Curcuma longa L. extract using subcritical water
Authors: Gazmeh Motahareh , Khajenoori Maryam , Yousefi-Nasab Sadegh , Haghighi Asl Ali
Published: November 2024

Humans have utilized plants for various purposes, including sustenance and medical treatment for millennia. Researchers have extensively investigated medicinal plants’ potential in drug development, spurred by their rich array of chemical compounds. Curcumin, a valuable bioactive compound, is extracted from Turmeric, known by the scientific name Curcuma Longa L. Notably, curcumin boasts potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising candidate for treating cancer and other microbial diseases. Therefore, the simulation study of the extraction of this important medicinal compound by water, which is a green solvent, was carried out. This study employed molecular dynamics simulation for the first time to explore the extraction of Curcuma Longa L. extract using subcritical water. The simulations were carried out at constant pressure and different temperatures, using the Compass force field in the Lammps simulation package. The findings revealed an increase in the amount of Curcuma longa extract with rising temperature, indicating a weakening of hydrogen bonds in water molecules. Water lost its polar state with increasing temperature and became a suitable non-polar solvent for extracting non-polar compounds. The average absolute relative deviation (AARD) for calculated and simulated density data was 6.45%.
Effect of menstrual cycle phase on physiological responses in healthy women at rest and during submaximal exercise at high altitude
Authors: Tagliapietra Guia , Citherlet Tom , Raberin Antoine , Bourdillon Nicolas , Krumm Bastien , Narang Benjamin J. , Giardini Guido , Pialoux Vincent , Debevec Tadej , Millet Grégoire P.
Published: November 2024

As more women engage in high-altitude activities, understanding how ovarian hormone fluctuations affect their cardiorespiratory system is essential for optimizing acclimatization to these environments. This study investigates the effects of menstrual cycle (MC) phases on physiological responses at rest, during and after submaximal exercise, at high-altitude (barometric pressure 509 ± 6 mmHg; partial pressure of inspired oxygen 96 ± 1 mmHg; ambient temperature 21 ± 2 °C and relative humidity 27 ± 4%) in 16 eumenorrheic women. Gas exchange, hemodynamic responses, heart rate variability and heart rate recovery (HRR) were monitored at low altitude, and then at 3375 m on the Mont Blanc (following nocturnal exposure) during both the early-follicular (EF) and mid-luteal (ML) phases. Significant differences were observed between low and high-altitude in ventilation, heart rate and cardiac output. Resting ventilation (15.2 ± 1.9 vs. 13.2 ± 2.5 L.min-1; p = 0.039) and tidal volume (812 ± 217 vs. 713 ± 190 mL; p = 0.027) were higher during EF than ML at high-altitude. These differences between EF and ML were no longer evident during exercise, with comparable responses in oxygen uptake kinetics, cycling efficiency and HRR. The MC had negligible effects on physiological responses to high-altitude. An individualized approach, tailored to each woman’s specific responses to hypoxia across the MC, may be more beneficial in optimizing high-altitude sojourns than general guidelines.
Explicit description of viral capsid subunit shapes by unfolding dihedrons
Authors: Toyooka Ryuya , Nishimoto Seri , Tendo Tomoya , Horiyama Takashi , Tachi Tomohiro , Matsunaga Yasuhiro
Published: November 2024

Viral capsid assembly and the design of capsid-based nanocontainers critically depend on understanding the shapes and interfaces of constituent protein subunits. However, a comprehensive framework for characterizing these features is still lacking. Here, we introduce a novel approach based on spherical tiling theory that explicitly describes the 2D shapes and interfaces of subunits in icosahedral capsids. Our method unfolds spherical dihedrons defined by icosahedral symmetry axes, enabling systematic characterization of all possible subunit geometries. Applying this framework to real T = 1 capsid structures reveals distinct interface groups within this single classification, with variations in interaction patterns around 3-fold and 5-fold symmetry axes. We validate our classification through molecular docking simulations, demonstrating its consistency with physical subunit interactions. This analysis suggests different assembly pathways for capsid nucleation. Our general framework is applicable to other triangular numbers, paving the way for broader studies in structural virology and nanomaterial design.
Accounting for heterogeneity due to environmental sources in meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies
Authors: Wang Siru , Ojewunmi Oyesola O. , Kamiza Abram , Ramsay Michele , Morris Andrew P. , Chikowore Tinashe , Fatumo Segun , Asimit Jennifer L.
Published: November 2024

Meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) across diverse populations offers power gains to identify loci associated with complex traits and diseases. Often heterogeneity in effect sizes across populations will be correlated with genetic ancestry and environmental exposures (e.g. lifestyle factors). We present an environment-adjusted meta-regression model (env-MR-MEGA) to detect genetic associations by adjusting for and quantifying environmental and ancestral heterogeneity between populations. In simulations, env-MR-MEGA has similar or greater association power than MR-MEGA, with notable gains when the environmental factor has a greater correlation with the trait than ancestry. In our analysis of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in ~19,000 individuals across twelve sex-stratified GWAS from Africa, adjusting for sex, BMI, and urban status, we identify additional heterogeneity beyond ancestral effects for seven variants. Env-MR-MEGA provides an approach to account for environmental effects using summary-level data, making it a useful tool for meta-analyses without the need to share individual-level data.
Synthesis, XRD and DFT studies on Pb[ChCN]2 (Ch = O, S, Se) and Pb[SeCN][OH]
Authors: Shlyaykher Alena , Živković Aleksandar , Günther Hennes , Barba Anna Lea , de Leeuw Nora H. , Tambornino Frank
Published: November 2024

We report on the synthesis of Pb[ChCN]2 (Ch = O, S, Se) and Pb[SeCN][OH] and their hitherto unknown crystal structures.
Enhancing lithium-ion conductivity: impact of hausmannite nanofiller on PVDF–HFP/PEG blend nanocomposite polymer electrolytes
Authors: Khan Khizar Hayat , Zafar Aneesa , Rashid Haroon , Ahmad Iftikhar , Khan Gul Shahzada , Hussain Hazrat
Published: November 2024

A new series of PVDF–HFP/PEG-based nanocomposite polymer electrolytes (NCPEs) has been developed using hausmannite (Mn3O4) nanoparticles as a nanofiller and LiClO4 as the lithium-ion source employing the solvent casting method.
Studies of the mechanically induced reactivity of graphene with water using a 2D-materials strain reactor
Authors: Hawthorne Nathaniel , Broker Edward J. , Bao Yutian , Banerjee Sayan , Moore Quentarius , Cardinal Camille , Ha Jimmy , Braga Ulisses D. , Rappe Andrew M. , Batteas James D.
Published: November 2024

Reactions on distorted graphene membranes show strain dependent reactivity with water as followed by Raman microspectroscopy.
A novel solid formulation of a rivaroxaban eutectic using a hot melt extruder with improved thermal stability and dissolution profile
Authors: Shaligram Parth S. , Pawar Ranjitsinh , Shet Nagabhushan , Gonnade Rajesh G.
Published: November 2024

We prepared a novel amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) of a rivaroxaban–mandelic acid eutectic via hot melt extrusion at 110 °C, enhancing solubility, drug release rate, drug loading, and thermal stability.
Visible light-mediated [1 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of nitroarenes and alkenes
Authors: Li Mengxin , Zhao Molai , Zhong Xianglin , Wen Xiaoqing , Liu Xiangwei , Jiang Hezhong , Tan Rui , Li Jiahong
Published: November 2024

We report a visible light-mediated [1 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between nitroarenes and alkenes, conducted under mild conditions, to synthesize isoxazolidines.
Effect of the presence of CO2 on the stability of the methanol-to-olefins reaction catalyzed by Zn/SAPO-34 zeolite
Authors: Hu Haobin , Ma Ke , Cheng Zhenyu , Qi Xinyu , Song Haiyan , Li Zhijun , Wang Yufeng , Zhang Penghui , Dai Chengyi , Ma Xiaoxun
Published: November 2024

The methanol-to-olefins reaction is a viable and promising technological route to replace increasingly scarce petroleum resources.
Pt-nanoparticles on ZnO/carbon quantum dots: a trifunctional nanocomposite with superior electrocatalytic activity boosting direct methanol fuel cells and zinc–air batteries
Authors: Pradhan Anup Kumar , Halder Sayan , Chakraborty Chanchal
Published: November 2024

A ternary PtNP-ZnO@CQDs nano-catalyst, made via a one-pot process, outdoes commercial catalysts in MOR, OER, and ORR. As a Zn–air battery cathode, it delivers high energy density and durability, showing great promise for future energy applications.
An optimised scattering power decomposition method oriented to ship detection in polarimetric synthetic aperture radar imagery
Authors: Fang Lu , Mu Wenxing , Wang Ning , Liu Tao
Published: November 2024

This paper describes an optimised scattering power decomposition method suitable for ship detection in polarimetric synthetic aperture radar imagery. Based on the principal component analysis technique for dimension reduction and the scattering power decompositions with strong physical interpretation, a novel optimised scattering power decomposition model is proposed which comprises surface scattering, double‐bounce scattering, ±45° oriented dipole, and volume scattering components. Wherein, the oriented dipole component can be used to characterise the compounded scattering of the target which is composed of even‐bounce and odd‐bounce reflectors. Furthermore, pocket algorithm and support vector machine are adopted to solve linear non‐separable problems under complex experimental conditions in this study. Extensive experiments carried out on RADARSAT‐2 data and NASA/JPL AIRSAR data show that the oriented dipole component significantly contributes to the optimised four‐component decomposition method and can play a vital role in ship detection. Compared to other scattering power decompositions, the optimised decomposition method not only achieves better performance but is more in accordance with the real scattering mechanisms, which is more applicable to ship detection.
Pulsar timing methods for evaluating dispersion measure time series
Authors: Iraci F. , Chalumeau A. , Tiburzi C. , Verbiest J. P. W. , Possenti A. , Shaifullah G. M. , Susarla S. C. , Krishnakumar M. A. , Lam M. T. , Cromartie H. T. , Kerr M. , Grießmeier Jean-Mathias
Published: November 2024

Context. Radio pulsars can be used for many studies, including the investigation of the ionized interstellar medium and the solar wind via their dispersive effects. These phenomena affect the high-precision timing of pulsars and are among the main sources of noise in experiments searching for low-frequency gravitational waves in pulsar data.

Aims. In this paper, we compare the functionality and reliability of three commonly used schemes to measure temporal variations in interstellar propagation effects in pulsar timing data.

Methods. We carried out extensive simulations at low observing frequencies (100–200 MHz) by injecting long-term correlated noise processes with power-law spectra and white noise, to evaluate the robustness, accuracy, and precision of the following three mitigation methods: epoch-wise (EW) measurements of interstellar dispersion; the DMX method of simultaneous, piece-wise fits to interstellar dispersion; and DM GP, which models dispersion variations through Gaussian processes using a Bayesian analysis method. We then evaluated how reliably the input signals were reconstructed and how the various methods reacted to the presence of achromatic long-period noise.

Results. All the methods perform well, provided the achromatic long-period noise is modeled for DMX and DM GP. The most precise method is DM GP, followed by DMX and EW, while the most accurate is EW, followed by DMX and DM GP. We also tested different scenarios including simulations of L-band times of arrival and realistic DM injection, with no significant variation in the obtained results.

Conclusions. Given the nature of our simulations and our scope, we deem that EW is the most reliable method to study the Galactic ionized media. Follow-up works should be conducted to confirm this result via more realistic simulations. We note that DM GP and DMX seem to be the best-performing techniques in removing long-term correlated noise, and hence for gravitational wave studies. However, full simulations of pulsar timing array experiments are needed to support this interpretation.
Coral Moroccan biodiversity after the End-Triassic mass extinction
Authors: Boivin Simon , Lathuilière Bernard , Martini Rossana
Published: November 2024

Each new coral-bearing outcrop found in Lower Jurassic strata is useful to understand the evolution of corals between the end-Triassic mass extinction and the Toarcian anoxic event. Here we provide new taxonomic data on corals issued from fieldwork on four outcrops from the region of Amellagou, in the High Atlas Mountains, Morocco. A set of 157 coral specimens have been collected from a small biostrome, a giant reef and two olistholiths, spanning from Hettangian – Sinemurian time interval to Early Pliensbachian. These corals are distributed in 14 families, 22 genera and 27 species. Among these species, two are new: Lepidophyllia (Heterastraea) microcalix sp. nov., represented enough to allow a population study and Paracuifia castellum sp. nov. The study extends the last appearance datum of several genera known only in the Triassic till now, namely: Parastraeomorpha, Araiophyllum, Paracuifia, Pinacophyllum and, possibly, Paravolzeia. For this reason, the severity of the end-Triassic mass extinction is questioned in comparison to the extinction events that happened around the Pliensbachian-Toarcian boundary. For this reason, moreover, the phyletic discontinuity between some Triassic and Jurassic taxa is also addressed. Some Lazarus taxa known from Triassic and Pliensbachian remain absent in Hettangian and now, at a lesser degree, in Sinemurian. That is why we assume that the absence of these taxa is only due to the poor preservation of coral environments during these times. This study also changes our view on the first appearance datum of several genera that were known in Jurassic strata, namely: Proleptophyllia, Vallimeandropsis and, possibly, Lochmaeosmilia. A special attention is given to the distribution of colonial arrangements and points to the important proportion of cerioid and solitary corals. Additionally, the study highlights the existence of significant proportions of thamnasterioid and meandroid forms. The presence of corals with such a level of integration, together with the occurrence of two species that show platy to ramose transition in their colony shape, namely Hispaniastraea murciana and Chrondrocoenia clavellata, stresses the effectiveness of a photosymbiosis in these Early Jurassic coral communities. Lastly, the proportion of solitary specimens increased over time, revealing the uniqueness of coral assemblages during the Pliensbachian.
Typical Values for Interventional Cardiology Procedures
Authors: Ghosn R. , Massoud C. , Ghanem G. , Soueidy M. , El Khoury D. , Rizk C.
Published: November 2024

This study aims to establish typical values for common interventional cardiology (IC) procedures performed at the Lebanese American University Medical Center-Rizk Hospital (LAUMC-RH).
Air kerma-area product (PKA), cumulative air kerma at patient entrance reference point (Ka,r), fluoroscopy time, and number of images were retrospectively collected for 950 IC procedures conducted from May 2022 to November 2023. Typical values were determined as the median value of the distribution of exposure parameters for coronary angiography (CA), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), CA + PCI and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures. These values were then compared to Lebanese national and international diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) to define future optimization steps, if need.
The typical values were 14, 41, 37 and 33 Gy.cm2 for PKA and 260, 877, 782 and 295 mGy for Ka,r concerning CA, PCI, CA+ PCI and TAVI procedures, respectively. Notably, these values were lower than the national DRLs and those reported in other countries. This suggests the implementation of effective radiation protection practices at LAUMC-RH.
This is the first study to establish typical values for common IC procedures performed at LAUMC-RH. Despite the favorable results, it is essential to emphasize the continued efforts required to optimize patient radiation exposure for the safety of both patients and staff.
Ist Lipoprotein(a) ein Scheinriese im kardiovaskulären Risikoprofil?
Authors: Schettler Volker J. J.
Published: November 2024

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) ist ein stark proatherogenes Lipoproteinpartikel, das in hohen Konzentrationen im Blut von Personen gefunden werden kann, welche die Lp(a)-erhöhenden genetischen Varianten geerbt haben 1. Genetisch bedingte hohe oder sehr hohe Lp(a)-Konzentrationen sind somit bei ca. 20 % der überwiegend kaukasischen Allgemeinbevölkerung in Europa vorhanden 1. Eine Reihe groß angelegter Mendelscher Randomisierungsstudien, die in den letzten 15 Jahren veröffentlicht wurden, haben eine starke, lineare und wahrscheinlich kausale Wirkung von Lp(a) auf ein breites Spektrum von Herz-Kreislauf- und Herzklappen-Erkrankungen wie koronare Herzkrankheit (KHK), periphere Herzkrankheit (PAVK) und Aortenklappenstenose sowie eine negative Auswirkung auf die Gesamt- und kardiovaskuläre Sterblichkeit gezeigt 2.
Sinonasal Plasmablastic Lymphoma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chen Sophia , Chen Haidee , Song Sophie , Wang Marilene B.
Published: November 2024

Objective Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a type of non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma associated with human immunodeficiency virus and Epstein–Barr virus, commonly located in the oral cavity or gastrointestinal tract. Sinonasal involvement is rare, and there is no consensus on treatment.

Data Sources Peer-reviewed published articles served as data sources.

Review Methods A systematic review was conducted of the PubMed database for all cases of sinonasal PBL between 1978 and 2023 with the phrase “plasmablastic lymphoma.” Studies not written in English and that did not separate individual cases of sinonasal PBL from aggregated data were excluded. Age, sex, immune status, treatment, and outcomes were collected.

Conclusion PBL is a rare malignancy in the sinonasal region usually treated with chemotherapy. It most commonly occurs in immunocompromised adults but has also been diagnosed in immunocompromised children and in immunocompetent adults. It is aggressive and has a poor prognosis.

Implications for Practice PBL is a recently described entity with few cases of the sinonasal anatomic variant in the literature. Sinonasal PBL was most frequently treated with chemotherapy alone, closely followed by chemoradiation. The most common chemotherapy regimen utilized in the literature is cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, oncovin/vincristine, and prednisone, which is also the most common chemotherapy regimen in nonsinonasal PBL. A second commonly used regimen is cyclophosphamide, vincristine/oncovin, doxorubicin/adriamycin, and dexamethasone. However, no treatment has emerged as superior to others with regard to survival. Further data are needed to better understand this rare disease.
Ethische Herausforderungen einer Telepsychiatrie
Authors: Willms Julien , Sader Alice , Juckel Georg , Mavrogiorgou Paraskevi , Kramer Marco
Published: November 2024

Die Telepsychiatrie verlagert den Fokus von Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie von
persönlicher Interaktion und Beziehungsaufbau auf eine Kommunikation mit
technologischen Mediatoren in Form von Telekommunikation, virtueller Realität
(VR), sozialen Robotern oder Künstlichen Intelligenzen (KI). Dieser Artikel
diskutiert Chancen und Risiken neuer Technologien in der psychiatrischen
Behandlung unter Berücksichtigung medizinethischer Aspekte. Telepsychiatrische
Behandlungen können die Selbstbestimmung im häuslichen Umfeld entgegen einer
Institutionalisierung fördern, bergen jedoch das Risiko unkontrollierter
Datenweitergabe. Als potenzielle Nachteile können soziale Isolation, negative
Auswirkungen auf die Arzt-Patienten-Beziehung und langfristige Veränderungen des
Patientenverhaltens durch z. B. VR genannt werden. Bezüglich Gerechtigkeit
könnten demografische und psychopathologische Faktoren einen ungleichen Zugang
zur Telepsychiatrie bedingen, mit fraglichen Nachhaltigkeitseffekten. Durch die
Anonymität der Telepsychiatrie droht eine Entfremdung, während moralische
Abwägungen vorerst nicht durch KI ersetzt werden können. Die Fürsorgepflicht
verpflichtet zur sorgfältigen Nutzen-Risiko-Abwägung neuer Technologien,
besonders in ländlichen Regionen zur Versorgungsoptimierung.Gerade aufgrund
ethischer Bedenken ist weitere intensive Forschung für eine
Nutzen-Risiko-Abwägung notwendig. Die Entwicklung telepsychiatrischer Systeme
erfordert transdisziplinäre Kooperationen. Auf gesellschaftlicher Ebene sollte
der Stellenwert von Technologien als Ergänzung oder Ersatz für die
Arzt-Patienten-Beziehung diskutiert werden.
Imaging of Aspiration: When to Suspect Based on Imaging of Bacterial Aspiration, Chemical Aspiration, and Foreign Body Aspiration
Authors: Agarwala Priya , Machnicki Stephen , Ryu Jay H. , Hu Xiaowen , Saez Kaitlin , Raoof Suhail
Published: November 2024

Aspiration-related syndromes comprise a broad spectrum of diseases affecting the airways and lung parenchyma resulting from inadvertent entry of oropharyngeal or gastric contents into the respiratory tract. The diagnosis can be challenging given lack of self-reported symptoms and unwitnessed or silent aspiration events. Aspiration is a common finding in healthy individuals suggesting that host defenses play a critical role in the pathophysiology. In the absence of strict criterion, a high index of suspicion is necessary based on recognition of established risk factors and identification of characteristic imaging findings. Conditions predisposing to altered levels of consciousness and neuromuscular weakness can lead to dysphagia, impaired cough reflux, and subsequent aspiration. The most salient feature on imaging is the anatomic location of the abnormalities, with the superior segments of the lower lobes and posterior segments of upper lobes involved in the recumbent position, and basilar segments of lower lobes in the upright position. Acute syndromes include pneumonia, pneumonitis, and foreign body aspiration. In the more indolent form of aspiration, bronchiectasis, diffuse bronchiolitis, and interstitial lung disease can develop. A detailed understanding of associated radiographic findings for these syndromes can help to implicate aspiration as the cause for imaging abnormalities and ultimately optimize patient management.
Laying the groundwork for sophisticated underwater cloaking techniques
Authors: Ross Leigh Ann
Published: November 2024

Nature inspires stealth cloaks for unmanned vehicles.
Evolution of wide backflow via large-scale streak collision in turbulent channel flow
Authors: Park Ikchan , Hwang Jinyul
Published: November 2024

Backflow (BF) events, distinguished by negative wall-shear stress (τx), are rare phenomena occurring in the near-wall region of fully developed wall turbulence. Although these events manifest as small-scale patches of viscous scales, they originate from collisions between large-scale structures (LSSs). Hence, we explore the formation of BF, focusing particularly on interactions with the surrounding LSSs to elucidate the associated inner–outer interactions. We perform direct numerical simulations of turbulent channel flows at Reτ = 180 and 550, including a narrow box simulation at Reτ = 550 to restrict the LSSs. We observe the presence of wide BFs, which are absent at the lower Reynolds number and in the narrow box simulation. These wide BFs have widths significantly larger than the mean size of typical BF regions. Temporal tracking of the BFs with surrounding LSSs and vortical structures reveals that wide BFs result from symmetric collisions between streamwise-aligned high- and low-speed LSSs, whereas narrow BFs stem from asymmetric collisions. In the symmetric collisions, the upstream high-speed structure overrides the downstream low-speed structure, forming a wide shear layer and a significant velocity jump at the interface. This induces a strong prograde vortex near the wall, which elongates laterally and descends owing to the downwash motion of the high-speed structure, ultimately inducing wide BF regions. Conversely, the narrow BF regions develop from the asymmetric collisions occurring at the sides of the spanwise-aligned LSSs, forming narrow, laterally tilted shear layers. The large-scale collisions also induce extreme positive-τx events, particularly noticeable over broad streamwise extents during symmetric collisions. These insights into BF dynamics can inform the development of novel drag reduction strategies by manipulating LSS collisions.
Nonlinear response of telecom-wavelength superconducting single-photon detectors
Authors: Mark Patrick , Gstir Sebastian , Münzberg Julian , Weihs Gregor , Keil Robert
Published: November 2024

We measure the nonlinearity of a telecom-wavelength superconducting nanowire single-photon detector via incoherent beam combination. At typical photon count rates and detector bias current, the observed relative deviation from a perfectly linear response is in the order of 0.1% when the flux is doubled. This arises from a balance between the counteracting nonlinearities of dead time-induced detector saturation and of multi-photon detections. The observed behavior is modeled empirically, which suffices for a correction of measured data. In addition, statistical simulations, taking into account the measured recovery of the detection efficiency (90%-recovery after about 100 ns), provide insight into possible mechanisms of multi-photon detection.
Classification of CoCr-based magnetic thin films via GLCM texture features extracted from EFTEM images and machine learning
Authors: Rumman Abdul Hamid , Barua Kaushik , Monju Shohaib Ibne , Hasan Abed Mohd Rakibul , Tan-Ema Sadika Jannath , Al-Sharab Jafar F. , Ahmed Saquib
Published: November 2024

Gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) texture features offer a powerful technique for image analysis in various fields, including medical diagnostics and material classification. This research investigates their efficacy in classifying CoCr-based magnetic thin films—Co84Cr16, Co80Cr16Pt4, Co80Cr16Ta4, and Co76Cr16Ta4Pt4—using energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) images. The raw EFTEM images were preprocessed to divide into variable quantities of equal segments (9, 18, or 36), leading to three distinct training and testing sets. Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) were employed, achieving accuracies exceeding 85%. Besides the accuracy metric, the ML models underwent a comprehensive evaluation using precision, recall, F1-score for each class, and 10-fold cross-validation. Furthermore, a comparative study between the LightGBM and ANN models was performed by conducting feature importance analysis using SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). Notably, both ML models exhibit an accuracy of over 85%. Furthermore, the strategic segmentation of images into 18 equal pieces yielded 100% accuracy using the ANN model. The research delves into the nuanced dynamics surrounding the impact of training and testing set size on the model’s performance. Finally, the feature importance analysis via SHAP identifies pivotal contributors, accentuating the ANN model’s adeptness in leveraging a broader spectrum of features for pattern identification and underscoring the effectiveness of neural network-based models in navigating the intricate landscape of image classification tasks.
Droplet formation dynamics under perpendicular and head-on dispersed phase configuration in a microfluidic T-junction
Authors: Kumar Piyush , Kumar Vijay , Pathak Manabendra
Published: November 2024

Controlled and efficient droplet formation in microfluidic devices is highly desired in chemical and biological analysis, drug delivery, micro-reactor, and material synthesis, among others. Achieving desired droplet morphologies often depends on fine-tuning of fluid thermophysical properties and flow dynamics. Furthermore, microchannel geometry modification offers an efficient way of exploring controlled droplet generation in microfluidic devices. This work focuses on probing the influence of dispersed phase configurations on the droplet generation dynamics in T-junction microfluidic devices. Specifically, we investigate the dynamics of droplet formation in two different configurations involving “perpendicular” (θ=90°) and “head-on” (θ=180°) interactions of dispersed phase and continuous phase fluids at the junction. We perform comprehensive experiments to investigate the role of flow parameters such as capillary number (Ca), and flow rate ratio (φ) on droplet generation in both configurations. Our experiments show that the head on geometry has increased droplet formation time compared to perpendicular geometry, which can be attributed to a lower interfacial drag on the dispersed phase fluid. We substantiate this hypothesis by performing micro particle image velocimetry (μ-PIV) experiments on both configurations. Furthermore, we show that the head-on geometry has higher vorticity inside the evolving dispersed phase droplet. This increased vorticity prevents interface deformation, slowing down the necking, and results in an increased dispersed film length in head-on configuration.
Dynamic characteristic comparison between pressure fluctuations coupling with a moving part model of a liquid rocket engine flow regulator
Authors: Jin Ping , Shang Xianwei , Cai Guobiao
Published: November 2024

The rapid development of space launch vehicle has put forward increasingly strict requirements for engine startup characteristics and thrust regulation capabilities. The flow regulator is a critical component in the operation of liquid rocket engines, particularly due to its role in precise thrust control and self-adaptation to perturbations. This study focuses on the complex fluid–structure interaction phenomena present in liquid rocket engine flow regulators. A three-dimensional (3D) transient numerical model was constructed using computational fluid dynamics and dynamic grid methods to investigate the response mechanism of the regulator under various disturbances. After experimental verification, the model error is less than 3%. The results demonstrate that under sinusoidal pressure perturbations (10–50 Hz), the flow oscillation frequency and amplitude are directly proportional to the perturbation frequency. The amplitude of step pressure perturbations is approximately linearly related to the amount of mass flow rate overshoot. There existed an inverse relationship between vortex size and intensity and the magnitude of inlet perturbations. The characteristics of the flow field are closely coupled with the mass flow rate, and post-perturbation recovery depends on the restoration of the flow field. Furthermore, the existence of friction will cause the sliding sleeve to experience a stagnation phase, and the greater the friction, the longer the stagnation phase. These findings provide valuable insight into the intricate dynamics of liquid rocket engine flow regulators and contribute to the design and optimization of future liquid rocket engines.
Local ecological knowledge reveals an undocumented population of Reeves’ butterfly lizard (Leiolepis reevesii) in Zhuhai, China
Authors: Hui Michael Ka Yiu , Yeung Ho Yuen , Leong Aiko K. Y. , Lan Yuxin , Pan Shufang , Sun Zhengzheng , Yang Jian-Huan
Published: November 2024

Though widespread and categorized as least concern by the IUCN Red List, Reeves’s butterfly lizard (Leiolepis reevesii) is considered critically endangered in China. Up-to-date data are warranted to inform future assessments and conservation measures. Through local ecological knowledge surveys and corroborated by field surveys, we discovered an undocumented L. reevesii population on Qi’ao Island of Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, China. This discovery is the first record of the species in the Pearl River Delta since the early 2010s and represents the only remaining population from the vicinity of its type locality. It was reported to be very rare on the island now and has been extirpated from most of its previous range due to overharvesting, habitat loss and degradation. Our findings also raised concerns about the erosion of local ecological knowledge among local communities. Urgent conservation action and education campaigns are required to prevent further declines and raise awareness of this important and threatened population.
HIRA and dPCIF1 coordinately establish totipotent chromatin and control orderly ZGA inDrosophilaembryos
Authors: Zhang Guoqiang , Miao Yaqi , Song Yuan , Wang Liangliang , Li Yawei , Zhu Yuanxiang , Zhang Wenxin , Sun Qinmiao , Chen Dahua
Published: November 2024

Early embryos undergo profound changes in their genomic architecture to establish the totipotent state, enabling pioneer factors to access chromatin and drive zygotic genome activation (ZGA). However, the mechanisms by which the totipotent state is established and properly interpreted by pioneer factors to allow orderly ZGA remain unknown. Here, we identify the H3.3-specific chaperone HIRA as a factor involving establishing totipotent-state chromatin inDrosophilaearly embryos. Through cophase separation with HIRA, the pioneer factor GAGA factor (GAF) efficiently binds to H3.3-marked nucleosomes to activate major-wave zygotic genes. Importantly, dPCIF1, a chromatin-associated protein, antagonized the GAF–HIRA interaction by competitively binding to HIRA, thereby restricting GAF on earlier chromatin and avoiding premature ZGA. Hence, the coordinated action of HIRA and dPCIF1 ensures sequential ZGA from the minor to major wave in early embryos. This study provides insights into understanding how a totipotent state is established and properly controlled during ZGA.