bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microalgae-based bioremediation of refractory pollutants: an approach towards environmental sustainability
Authors: El-Sheekh Mostafa M. , El-Kassas Hala Y. , Ali Sameh S.
Published: January 2025

Extensive anthropogenic activity has led to the accumulation of organic and inorganic contaminants in diverse ecosystems, which presents significant challenges for the environment and its inhabitants. Utilizing microalgae as a bioremediation tool can present a potential solution to these challenges. Microalgae have gained significant attention as a promising biotechnological solution for detoxifying environmental pollutants. This is due to their advantages, such as rapid growth rate, cost-effectiveness, high oil-rich biomass production, and ease of implementation. Moreover, microalgae-based remediation is more environmentally sustainable for not generating additional waste sludge, capturing atmospheric CO2, and being efficient for nutrient recycling and sustainable algal biomass production for biofuels and high-value-added products generation. Hence, microalgae can achieve sustainability's three main pillars (environmental, economic, and social). Microalgal biomass can mediate contaminated wastewater effectively through accumulation, adsorption, and metabolism. These mechanisms enable the microalgae to reduce the concentration of heavy metals and organic contaminants to levels that are considered non-toxic. However, several factors, such as microalgal strain, cultivation technique, and the type of pollutants, limit the understanding of the microalgal removal mechanism and efficiency. Furthermore, adopting novel technological advancements (e.g., nanotechnology) may serve as a viable approach to address the challenge of refractory pollutants and bioremediation process sustainability. Therefore, this review discusses the mechanism and the ability of different microalgal species to mitigate persistent refractory pollutants, such as industrial effluents, dyes, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. Also, this review paper provided insight into the production of nanomaterials, nanoparticles, and nanoparticle-based biosensors from microalgae and the immobilization of microalgae on nanomaterials to enhance bioremediation process efficiency. This review may open a new avenue for future advancing research regarding a sustainable biodegradation process of refractory pollutants.
Gains and pains: a qualitative study on the implications of value-based health care for professionals
Authors: van Engen Veerle , Bonfrer Igna , Mieris Fabio , Ensink Malou , Stiggelbout Anne , Ahaus Kees , Buljac-Samardzic Martina
Published: January 2025

Background

While aiming to optimize patient value, the shift towards Value-Based Health Care (VBHC) in hospitals worldwide has been argued to benefit healthcare professionals as well. However, robust evidence regarding VBHC’s workforce implications is lacking. This gap is problematic, as the motivation and health of healthcare professionals are central to the quality of care and crucial amidst contemporary workforce challenges. This study aims to qualitatively examine the implications of VBHC for healthcare professionals’ motivation, job strain, and ongoing participation in VBHC. In addition, it explores how these outcomes are regulated at both the individual and organizational levels.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 healthcare professionals across six Dutch hospitals. Interviewees engaged in three VBHC activities: (1) value-based outpatient consultations and/or; (2) value-based quality improvement activities; as well as in; (3) VBHC implementation. Interview questions and data analysis were guided by the Job Demands–Resources model.

Results

VBHC interacts with four themes perceived to affect professional’s motivation (perception of making a positive impact, enjoyability of job activities, personal development, and sense of community and support) and three themes perceived to affect job strain (workload, cognitive demands, and confidence). VBHC creates both gains (primarily increasing motivation; occasionally reducing strain) and pains (primarily increasing strain; sometimes reducing motivation). The perceived impact of VBHC depends on the fit between the individual, one’s activities in VBHC, the working conditions, and the pace of VBHC implementation. An observation that warrants attention is that healthcare professionals with a 'do-er' mentality and high ambitions to optimize patient value can become demotivated to continue advancing VBHC with the same intensity, particularly due to perceived slow progress.

Conclusions

While VBHC is centered around patients, this study emphasizes that the needs, experiences and changing role identities of healthcare professionals cannot be overlooked in this transition. VBHC currently presents as a double-edged sword for healthcare professionals: resulting in both gains and pains. In the move to VBHC, it is crucial to maintain alignment between the individual, their job activities, the work environment, and the pace at which VBHC unfolds. This is essential for fostering and retaining motivated individuals, who are not only vital to the workforce but also pivotal in advancing VBHC.
A study to identify individuals at risk to be affected by late-onset Pompe disease who had previously been given a non-specific or tentative diagnosis for their muscle weakness (Pompe PURSUE)
Authors: Laney Dawn A. , Banks Kayla A. , Botha Eleanor G. , Keever Maria , Long Valynne , Foley Allison L.
Published: January 2025

Background

Late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder that results in severe progressive proximal muscle weakness. Over time, reductions in muscle strength result in respiratory failure and a loss of ambulation. Delayed diagnosis of LOPD deprives patients of treatments that can enhance quality of life and potentially slow disease progression. The objective of this study is to determine if patients with a nonspecific diagnosis, such as muscle weakness, may be at risk for LOPD using retrospective chart review of patients seen at two centers: an academic center and a community health system.

Results

Initial data pulls identified 80,070 patients with one of the ICD-10 codes of interest. Chart review found 551 of these patients also had at least one lab value commonly abnormal in individuals with LOPD and of these 110 scored as “at-risk”. After removing phenocopies/other confirmed unrelated diagnoses, 46 individuals were contacted either directly or through their healthcare provider for genetic counseling. Three patients had pretest genetic counseling and were tested for decreased levels of acid-α-glucosidase. One patient was found to have deficient acid-α-glucosidase. Additionally, a physician educated through the program ordered LOPD testing for their patient and diagnosed them with LOPD.

Conclusion

This study confirms that a symptom-based scoring tool and chart review combined with provider education can identify patients who are at increased likelihood to have a missed LOPD diagnosis.
Alternative 3′ UTR polyadenylation is disrupted in the rNLS8 mouse model of ALS/FTLD
Authors: Eck Randall J. , Valdmanis Paul N. , Liachko Nicole F. , Kraemer Brian C.
Published: January 2025

Recent research has highlighted widespread dysregulation of alternative polyadenylation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP-43 pathology (FTLD-TDP). Here, we identify significant disruptions to 3` UTR polyadenylation in the ALS/FTLD-TDP mouse model rNLS8 that correlate with changes in gene expression and protein levels through the re-analysis of published RNA sequencing and proteomic data. A subset of these changes are shared with TDP-43 knock-down mice suggesting depletion of endogenous mouse TDP-43 is a contributor to polyadenylation dysfunction in rNLS8 mice. Some conservation exists between alternative polyadenylation in rNLS8 mice and human disease models including in disease relevant genes and biological pathways. Together, these findings support both TDP-43 loss and toxic gain-of-function phenotypes as contributors to the neurodegeneration in rNLS8 mice, nominating its continued utility as a preclinical model for investigating mechanisms of neurodegeneration in ALS/FTLD-TDP.
18F−Prostate−Specific Membrane Antigen PET/CT imaging for potentially resectable pancreatic cancer (PANSCAN−2): a phase I/II study
Authors: Puik Jisce R. , Poels Thomas T. , Hooijer Gerrit K. J. , Cysouw Matthijs C. F. , Verheij Joanne , Wilmink Johanna W. , Giovannetti Elisa , Kazemier Geert , Sarasqueta Arantza Farina , Oprea-Lager Daniela E. , Swijnenburg Rutger-Jan
Published: January 2025

Background

Current diagnostic imaging modalities have limited ability to differentiate between malignant and benign pancreaticobiliary disease, and lack accuracy in detecting lymph node metastases. 18F-Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) PET/CT is an imaging modality used for staging of prostate cancer, but has incidentally also identified PSMA-avid pancreatic lesions, histologically characterized as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This phase I/II study aimed to assess the feasibility of 18F-PSMA PET/CT to detect PDAC.

Methods

Seventeen patients with clinically resectable PDAC underwent 18F-PSMA PET/CT prior to surgical resection. Images were analyzed both visually and (semi)quantitatively by deriving the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and tumor-to-background ratio (TBR). TBR was defined as the ratio between SUVmax of the primary tumor divided by SUVmax of the aortic blood pool. Finally, tracer uptake on PET was correlated to tissue expression of PSMA in surgical specimens.

Results

Out of 17 PSMA PET/CT scans, 13 scans demonstrated positive PSMA tracer uptake, with a mean SUVmax of 5.0 ± 1.3. The suspected primary tumor was detectable (TBR ≥ 2) with a mean TBR of 3.3 ± 1.3. For histologically confirmed PDAC, mean SUVmax and mean TBR were 4.9 ± 1.2 and 3.3 ± 1.5, respectively. Although eight patients had histologically confirmed regional lymph node metastases and two patients had distant metastases, none of these metastases demonstrated 18F-PSMA uptake. There was no correlation between 18F-PSMA PET/CT SUVmax and tissue expression of PSMA in surgical specimens.

Conclusions

18F-PSMA PET/CT was able to detect several pancreaticobiliary cancers, including PDAC. However, uptake was generally low, not specific to PDAC and no tracer uptake was observed in lymph node or distant metastases. The added value of PSMA PET in this setting appears to be limited.

Trial registration

The trial is registered as PANSCAN-2 in the European Clinical Trials Database (EudraCT number: 2020–002185-14).

Graphical Abstract
Does a non-performing assets disposal fund help control systemic risk? Evidence from an interbank financial network in China
Authors: Song Lei , Chen Yu
Published: January 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic precipitated a surge in the non-performing assets held by financial institutions, elevating systemic risk in financial networks. Therefore, developing strategies to alleviate this risk, with a focus on non-performing assets, has become a research area of interest. Supported by policies related to the Chinese insurance market, this study proposes the establishment of a non-performing assets disposal fund backed by insurance capital. This fund will invest in the non-performing assets of financial institutions with the aim of mitigating systemic risk. Using a linear threshold model, we identify an asymptotically optimal scheme for disposing of non-performing assets. Additionally, we construct a payment model integrated with non-performing assets, from which we derive an optimal payment and clearing strategy. Our research also proposes a robust set of criteria to assist regulators in determining whether to use the non-performing assets disposal fund. To demonstrate the efficacy of the fund in reducing systemic risk, we conduct simulations and analyze data from the Chinese interbank financial network. Through this rigorous analysis, we confirm the role of the fund in enhancing the stability of the financial system.
Personalized fund recommendation with dynamic utility learning
Authors: Wei Jiaxin , Liu Jia
Published: January 2025

This study introduces a fund recommendation system based on the

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-greedy algorithm and an incremental learning framework. This model simulates the interaction process when customers browse the web-pages of fund products. Customers click on their preferred fund products when visiting a fund recommendation web-page. The system collects customer click sequences to continually estimate and update their utility function. The system generates product lists using the

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When is synthetic sufficient? Ethical considerations and alternatives in simulation-based ultrasound education
Authors: Doyle Andrea J. , Condron Claire M.
Published: January 2025

Simulation-based education (SBE) has become an integral part of training in health professions education, offering a safe environment for learners to acquire and refine clinical skills. As a non-ionising imaging modality, ultrasound is a domain of health professions education that is particularly supported by SBE. Central to many simulation programs is the use of animal models, tissues, or body parts to replicate human anatomy and physiology. However, along with its educational benefits, the use of animals in SBE generates a considerable amount of waste, raising important environmental and ethical concerns. Although research indicates that animal models yield comparable educational outcomes to synthetic models, animal models continue to be preferred in surgical and medical training. In response to these challenges, the principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement (the 3Rs) have emerged as guiding standards to minimise the impact of animal use in research and education. Furthermore, synthetic models align with 3R principles, addressing ethical and environmental issues by reducing animal dependence and waste generation. Synthetic models offer key educational benefits over animal models by closely mimicking human anatomy and pathophysiology, providing consistent and anatomically accurate training. Unlike animal models, they eliminate variability in tissue properties, ensuring standardised and reliable experiences. Moreover, synthetic models can simulate specific pathologies, enabling targeted learning that may be difficult with animal tissue. Resistance related to clinical relevance and preference for animal-based SBE is a persisting challenge that might be overcome through the development of clinically and anatomically relevant tissue-mimicking materials, like those previously developed for other applications such as quality assurance phantoms in diagnostic imaging. The involvement of knowledge or end-user engagement, along with evidence-based design solutions, is crucial to catalyse a paradigm shift in a discipline deeply entrenched in tradition. The combined expertise, skills, and perspectives of medical professionals, educators, academic researchers, and industry specialists could collaboratively develop alternative methods to simulate live animal scenarios, replacing and reducing animal tissue dependence in SBE.
Implications of cytokine genes polymorphisms in Jordanian patients with obsessive compulsive disorder
Authors: Khalil Ahmad M. , Khrais Manal W. , Al-Qaoud Khaled M. , Al Ta’any Mohamad Y.
Published: January 2025

Background

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common and often highly debilitating chronic neuropsychiatric condition. There is substantial evidence that immune system and genetic changes are involved in OCD pathogenesis. Only a few studies have been encountered in the literature in this field. We aimed at providing experimental evidence for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate cytokine genes for the etiology of OCD.

Methods

A total of 52 OCD patients and 54 healthy controls were randomly recruited from the Jordanian population. Age ranged between 16 and 55 years (35.5 ± 13.72 and 33.5 ± 10.48 years) for patients and controls, respectively. Five polymorphic positions in four interleukin genes (IL-1β; rs16944 and rs1143634, IL-6; rs1800795, IL-10; rs1800896 and rs1800795) were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) method. The tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) SNP (rs1800629) DNA was sequenced by the Sanger method. The obtained data were analyzed using the GraphPad Prism method.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between the alleles and genotypes in opposite groups. However, there was a positive association between the incidence of the studied SNP cytokine genes in OCD patients and non-OCD individuals. The alleles of two SNPs (IL-1β + 3954 C > T and TNF-α-308 G > A) were more predominant and more positively correlated with a higher risk in OCD women. In contrast, the link between the gender and the occurrence of the mutant alleles of the other four SNPs IL-1β (− 511 C > T); IL-6 (− 174 G > C); IL-10 (− 1082 A > G); and IL-10 (− 819 C > T was more robust in the males OCD patients than the corresponding females.

Conclusion

The observed differences between the alleles in different groups may be due to an association in the tested samples rather than a true association. But, the possibility of a critical effect still exists. One might want to explore this further by repeating the study with a larger sample size.
Abatement by Alhagi maurorum of lead-induced nephrotoxicity in rats: emphasis on Nrf2/HO-1
Authors: Algandaby Mardi M.
Published: January 2025

Background

Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal with extreme toxicity and numerous industrial uses. It produces nephrotoxicity with notable changes in renal architecture and function. The Alhagi maurorum (AM) belongs to the family Fabaceae and is native to the Middle East area. In the present study, the potential nephroprotective effects of AM in Pb-intoxicated rats were evaluated.

Results

AM methanolic extract was standardized in reference to its main phenolic compounds orientin, rutin, and quercetin. Acute oral toxicity studies indicated that the extract is safe for animals. Rats were allocated into five groups and treated for 28 days as follows: control, AM (200 mg/kg, orally), Pb (15 mg/kg, orally), Pb + AM (100 mg/kg), and Pb + AM (200 mg/kg). Pb administration markedly increased serum cystatin C, urea, creatinine levels, and urinary NAG. Pb also caused renal histopathological alterations. However, AM o-treatment ameliorated such pathological changes. In addition, AM treatment prevented Pb-induced accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA), attenuated glutathione (GSH) depletion, and catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) exhaustion. AM guarded against Pb-induced enhanced the protein expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). Further, AM significantly prevented Pb-induced upregulation of mRNA levels of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2. These effects were associated with increased levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in renal tissue.

Conclusion

AM guards against Pb-induced nephrotoxicity in rats that involve, at least partly, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities as well as the modulation of HO-1 and Nrf2 expression.
Spontaneous Anthropocentric Language Use in University Students’ Explanations of Biological Concepts Varies by Topic and Predicts Misconception Agreement
Authors: Nielson Catie , Pitt Emma , Fux Michal , Nesnera Kristin de , Betz Nicole , S. Leffers Jessica , Tanner Kimberly D. , Coley John D.
Published: January 2025

Previous research has shown that students employ intuitive thinking when understanding scientific concepts. Three types of intuitive thinking—essentialist, teleological, and anthropic thinking—are used in biology learning and can lead to misconceptions. However, it is unknown how commonly these types of intuitive thinking, or cognitive construals, are used spontaneously in students’ explanations across biological concepts and whether this usage is related to endorsement of construal-consistent misconceptions. In this study, we examined how frequently undergraduate students across two U.S. universities ( N = 807) used construal-consistent language (CCL) to explain in response to open-ended questions related to five core biology concepts (e.g., evolution), how CCL use differed by concept, and how this usage was related to misconceptions agreement. We found that the majority of students used some kind of CCL in the responses to these open-ended questions and that CCL use varied by target concept. We also found that students who used CCL in their response agreed more strongly with misconception statements, a relationship driven by anthropocentric language use, or language that focused on humans. These findings suggest that American university students use intuitive thinking when reasoning about biological concepts with implications for their understanding.
Barriers to Care: Examining the Unique Obstacles of Indigenous American Patients With Acute Neurosurgical Injuries
Authors: Cole Kyril L. , Tenhoeve Samuel A. , Khan Majid , Findlay Matthew C. , Cortez Janet , Grandhi Ramesh , Menacho Sarah T.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Historically, Indigenous American (IA) populations have faced barriers to adequate health care. Although IA people experience higher rates of traumatic brain injury–related mortality than other racial groups in the United States, attributes of their neurosurgical care have not been evaluated. We demonstrate and compare care patterns and outcomes in IA and non-IA adults with acute neurosurgical injuries and identify disparities limiting access to medical care.

METHODS:

Adults hospitalized for acute neurosurgical injuries between 2017 and 2022 were identified in this retrospective cross-sectional study at our Level 1 trauma center. We evaluated demographics, distance to care, and in-hospital/aftercare characteristics in a propensity-matched analysis.

RESULTS:

A total of 81 IA patients were identified. Propensity score analysis matched 77 IA and 77 non-IA patients with similar inclusion criteria on demographics, medical comorbidities, and distance traveled to neurosurgical care. IA patients traveled longer distances for care (236.3 vs 146.4 miles, P < .001), were more often direct admissions (35.1% vs 0.0%), were more often transported via ambulance (72.7% vs 57.1%) and less often via helicopter (20.8% vs 41.6%), and came from a broader cross-section of states. Average time from injury to care was 6 hours (IQR 3.0, 9.4). In-hospital care did not differ between groups; however, IA patients were less often discharged to rehabilitation (2.6% vs 14.3%, P = .009). IA in-hospital traumatic brain injury–related mortality was 8.3%. Fewer follow-up visits were completed in IA than in non-IA patients (40.2% vs 90.0%, P < .001), despite more attempted contacts (66.7% vs 30.6%, P < .001), with low telemedicine use in both groups (2.7% vs 5.5%). IA status and distance traveled were independent predictors of unmet follow-up visits (odds ratio 6.22 [95% CI 1.49-25.99, P = .012] and odds ratio 12.34 [95% CI 1.19-127.99, P = .035], respectively).

CONCLUSION:

Clear barriers to care were demonstrated for IA patients with acute neurosurgical injuries. Our findings indicate improvements are needed for this vulnerable population.
Atacama Large Aperture Submillimeter Telescope (AtLAST) science: Probing the transient and time-variable sky
Authors: Orlowski-Scherer John , Maccarone Thomas , Bright Joe , Kamiński Tomasz , Koss Michael , Mohan Atul , Miguel Montenegro-Montes Francisco , Næss Sigurd , Ricci Claudio , Severgnini Paola , Stanke Thomas , Vignali Cristian , Wedemeyer Sven , Booth Mark , Cicone Claudia , Di Mascolo Luca , Johnstone Doug , Mroczkowski Tony , Cordiner Martin , Greiner Jochen , Hatziminaoglou Evanthia , van Kampen Eelco , Klaassen Pamela , Lee Minju , Liu Daizhong , Saintonge Amélie , Smith Matthew , Thelen Alexander
Published: January 2025

The study of transient and variable events, including novae, active galactic nuclei, and black hole binaries, has historically been a fruitful path for elucidating the evolutionary mechanisms of our universe. The study of such events in the millimeter and submillimeter is, however, still in its infancy. Submillimeter observations probe a variety of materials, such as optically thick dust, which are hard to study in other wavelengths. Submillimeter observations are sensitive to a number of emission mechanisms, from the aforementioned cold dust, to hot free-free emission, and synchrotron emission from energetic particles. Study of these phenomena has been hampered by a lack of prompt, high sensitivity submillimeter follow-up, as well as by a lack of high-sky-coverage submillimeter surveys. In this paper, we describe how the proposed Atacama Large Aperture Submillimeter Telescope (AtLAST) could fill in these gaps in our understanding of the transient universe. We discuss a number of science cases that would benefit from AtLAST observations, and detail how AtLAST is uniquely suited to contributing to them. In particular, AtLAST’s large field of view will enable serendipitous detections of transient events, while its anticipated ability to get on source quickly and observe simultaneously in multiple bands make it also ideally suited for transient follow-up. We make theoretical predictions for the instrumental and observatory properties required to significantly contribute to these science cases, and compare them to the projected AtLAST capabilities. Finally, we consider the unique ways in which transient science cases constrain the observational strategies of AtLAST, and make prescriptions for how AtLAST should observe in order to maximize its transient science output without impinging on other science cases.
Psychological Aspects of Human Perception of the Urban Environment in the Context of Sustainable Development
Authors: Gladysheva Alyona
Published: January 2025

The aim of this study is to examine the theoretical concepts of research on the formation of urban environment perception psychology. The study employs an interdisciplinary approach that combines theoretical developments in environmental psychology, urban psychology, architectural psychology, and urban studies. The primary research methods include the analysis and systematization of scientific literature, comparative analysis, and synthesis. The study demonstrates the relationship between urban environment characteristics, psychological mechanisms of human adaptation to these characteristics, and the level of psychological well-being of urban residents. The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of various urban environment factors on human psyche and offers practical recommendations for applying knowledge about the peculiarities of human spatial perception to create a more comfortable and psychologically favorable urban environment. The research results can be used to develop theoretical concepts on the interaction between humans and the urban environment, particularly to refine and develop the concept of psychological resilience and adaptation in urbanization conditions, as well as to develop new methods and approaches to studying urban space perception. Conclusions are drawn that human perception of the urban environment is complex and multifactorial, determined by both the objective characteristics of the city and the individual psychological characteristics of the person. Furthermore, there is a need to develop new approaches to urban environment design and development, based on considering human psychological needs and aimed at improving their well-being.
Personal predictors of the propensity of extreme volunteers to preserve official information and their diagnosis
Authors: Petrov Vladislav
Published: January 2025

The article is devoted to the study of personal predictors that ensure the preservation of official information by extreme volunteers, as well as the creation of a means of their psychodiagnostic assessment. The relevance of studying the psychological aspects of volunteering, primarily related to the use of confidential information, is shown. The emphasis is on the development of a psychodiagnostic model of the propensity of extreme volunteers to preserve official information. The subject of scientific research is the personality characteristics of extreme volunteers, which determine their tendency to preserve information of limited use. The aim is to establish personal predictors integrated into a model for studying the propensity of extreme volunteers to preserve official information, on the basis of which to develop diagnostic tools for their assessment. The research methodology is based on axiological and subjective-activity psychological approaches. The study was conducted using content analysis of scientific sources, questionnaires, expert assessment, psychological testing according to the methodology of assessing the propensity to preserve official secrets of V.E. Petrov. The sample size of the testing was 133 people, the expert assessment was 12 people, and the questionnaire was 14 people. The test data was processed in the form of descriptive statistics and correlation analysis, as well as an assessment of differences in groups. Based on the results of the study, a five-factor diagnostically significant model was formed that determines the propensity of volunteers to preserve official secrets in extreme conditions. Predictors and evaluation scales were three characteristics of the moral and value sphere (self-sufficiency; normativity of behavior; secrecy), one characteristic of the cognitive (prognosticality) and volitional (self-control) spheres. The novelty of the scientific research lies in the fact that the pattern of qualities of extreme volunteers that predetermine their handling of confidential information is substantiated, and a methodology for studying the propensity to preserve official information is developed. Some psychometric characteristics of the applied diagnostic tool have been verified – normative data, criteria validity, differential abilities of the technique. The practical significance of the study is formed by the possibility of using the author's questionnaire in studying the personality of future and current extreme volunteers, as well as the potential for improving psychological work with representatives of high-risk professions.
Code and Data Repository for Penalty Decomposition Methods for Second-Best Congestion Pricing Problems on Large-Scale Networks
Authors: Guo Lei , Zhou Wenxin , Wang Xiaolei , Yang Hai , Fan Tijun
Published: January 2025

he second-best congestion pricing (SBCP) problem is one of the most challenging problems in transportation due to its two-level hierarchical structure. In spite of various intriguing attempts for solving SBCP, existing solution methods are either heuristic without convergence guarantee or suitable for solving SBCP on small networks only. In this paper, we first reveal some convexity-based structural properties of the marginal value function reformation of SBCP and then, by effectively exploiting these structural properties, we propose two dedicated decomposition methods for solving SBCP on large-scale networks which are different from existing methods in that they avoid linearizing nonconvex functions. We establish the convergence of the two decomposition methods under commonly used conditions and provide the maximum number of iterations for deriving an approximate stationary solution. The computational experiments based on a collection of real road networks show that in comparison with three existing popular methods, the two proposed methods are capable of solving SBCP on larger-scale networks; and for instances that can be solved by existing methods, the two proposed methods are substantially faster.
Delayed Diagnosis of Dysphagia: Consider “FOSMN”
Authors: Fratalia Lauren , Larner Andrew J
Published: January 2025

An 80-year-old lady had a history of progressive swallowing difficulty over several years with significant weight loss, but prior investigations in several medical departments proved negative. Neurological assessment noted her complaint of impaired feeling for food in her mouth and examination showed impaired corneal reflexes and facial sensory function. Blink reflex electrodiagnostic testing was consistent with a diagnosis of facial onset sensory and motor neuronopathy (FOSMN). This article raises awareness of the diagnosis, investigation and treatment of FOSMN.
Profiling Exosomal Metabolomics as a Means for Diagnosis and Researching Early-Stage Hypertensive Nephropathy
Authors: Chen Wei , Jia Meng , Yin Rui , Zhang Chengwei , He Jinchen , Yang Hong , Wu Qi
Published: January 2025

Aims/Background Hypertension (HT) is a prevalent medical condition showing an increasing incidence rate in various populations over recent years. Long-term hypertension increases the risk of the occurrence of hypertensive nephropathy (HTN), which is also a health-threatening disorder. Given that very little is known about the pathogenesis of HTN, this study was designed to identify disease biomarkers, which enable early diagnosis of the disease, through the utilization of high-throughput untargeted metabolomics strategies.

Methods The participants of this study were patients admitted to The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Nuclear Industry 416 Hospital, who were randomly divided into three groups: Normal group (n = 11), HT group (n = 10), and HTN group (n = 12). Urine exosomes were extracted, purified, and subjected to untargeted metabolomics analysis. Differential metabolites and their significantly enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were identified. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was then employed to establish a diagnostic model for early-stage HTN. Finally, logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed to identify biomarkers related to early HTN.

Results Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) revealed significant differences in the metabolic profiles of the three patient groups. Compared to subjects of the Normal group, the HT and HTN groups exhibited significantly upregulated and downregulated profiles of differential metabolites, respectively. LASSO regression analysis results indicated that 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, bilirubin, uracil, and iminodiacetic acid are potential biomarkers for HTN or HT.

Conclusion With untargeted metabolomics analysis, we successfully identified differential metabolites in HTN. A further LASSO regression analysis revealed that four key metabolites, namely 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, bilirubin, uracil, and iminodiacetic acid, hold promise for the diagnosis of early-stage HTN.
Personalized Mathematics Teaching with The Support of AI Chatbots to Improve Mathematical Problem-Solving Competence for High School Students in Vietnam
Authors: Chau Do Bao , Luong Vu Trong , Long Tran Thai , Linh Nguyen Thi Thao
Published: January 2025

The digital age has sparked interest among educators in utilizing information technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots. Due to the constant technological involvement, students must also acquire solid digital skills, especially AI proficiency, for learning and everyday life. However, there are few studies on models applying AI in teaching to develop mathematical abilities for high school students. Therefore, this paper proposes a theoretical framework for incorporating AI chatbots into education, boosting students’ mathematical problem-solving competence. Based on student data analysis, this framework will cover teaching, assessment, feedback, and dynamic learning activity adjustment. The paper then explains the operations of AI chatbots to provide personalized feedback. This process emphasizes the importance of error handling and information security, ensuring safety and efficiency in the learning process. This theoretical model supports the integration of AI chatbots in personalized teaching, specifically for improving mathematical skills.
Panoramic laser communication optical systems for low Earth orbit satellite networking
Authors: Li Zexiang , An Yan , Hu Lichao , Wang Xiaohua , Li Xinhang , Song Yansong , Dong Keyan
Published: January 2025

Laser communication, which is known for its high data rate and large capacity, is a promising solution for future large-scale satellite constellation networking. However, the limited field of view (FOV) of current communication terminals makes establishing inter-satellite links challenging. This paper presents a wide-field optical system for laser communication that addresses the challenge of the limited field of view (FOV) in current satellite terminals. The system links the FOV to the outgoing light rays using vector reflection laws and ray tracing. The aperture extension method gradually enlarges the system’s transmit and receive apertures to meet the inter-satellite communication needs. The optical head was designed by fitting a freeform surface contour based on the data points and XY polynomial coefficients. After optimization, the system achieved an FOV range of ±30∘ to ±70∘ and supported laser communication over 1200 km, with divergence angles meeting the space communication requirements. Comparative analysis shows that freeform surfaces outperform non-spherical designs, offering reduced distortion and an improved modulation transfer function (MTF), and freeform surfaces reduce the beam spread of the system by about 50% and extend the communication range by about 450 km. These results demonstrate the potential of freeform optics for scalable and high-performance satellite communications, providing a theoretical foundation for future satellite networks.
Inverse design of an ultra-compact polarization beam splitter
Authors: Cong Yang , Lv Huanlin , Liang Yanfeng , Wang Haoyu , Liu Shuo , Liu Fangxu , Li Xuanchen , Guo Qingxiao
Published: January 2025

An ultra-compact polarization beam splitter (PBS) is designed on the silicon nitride (Si3N4) platform based on an inverse design with a footprint of only 2.4×4.8µm2. The simulated PBS device is designed using a nonlinear direct binary search (DBS) algorithm, enabling one-step lithography fabrication. We analyzed the initial structure, the design region footprint, the fabrication tolerance, and the optical field distribution. The simulation results exhibit that the insertion loss of the designed device is less than 0.89 dB (1.21 dB) for TE (TM) polarization within a bandwidth wavelength of 50 nm (1525–1575 nm). The average extinction ratios for TE and TM polarizations are 13.24 dB and 14.15 dB, respectively. Additionally, the device exhibits high fabrication tolerance, which is up to ±50nm in etch depth and ±8nm in etch diameter.
In-situ high-accuracy figure measurement based on stereo deflectometry for the off-axis aspheric mirror
Authors: Ge Renhao , Wang Ruiyang , Li Dahai , Zhang Zekun , Chen Manwei
Published: January 2025

The misalignment between the geometric and optical axes, combined with rotational asymmetry, poses significant challenges for achieving high-accuracy measurement of the off-axis aspheric mirror during the fabrication and polishing processes. To address this issue, this paper presents a method based on stereo deflectometry for measuring the figure of the off-axis aspheric mirror. In this method, point cloud of the off-axis aspheric mirror is first obtained using stereo deflectometry. Subsequently, the point cloud is transformed into the parent mirror coordinate system using the final-optimized transformation matrix via the nonlinear least-squares algorithm, and the figure of the off-axis aspheric is determined by subtracting the conic formula. To verify the feasibility and high accuracy of the proposed method, measurements are conducted in both simulations and experiments on an off-axis parabolic mirror with a diameter of 142 mm. The simulation results indicate that the difference between the calculated results of the proposed method and the ground truth is 3.01 nm PV (peak-to-vally), and the experimental results are consistent with those obtained using the interferometer, demonstrating the feasibility and high accuracy of the proposed method.
20 Gbps real-time source-independent quantum random number generator based on a silicon photonic chip
Authors: Bian Yiming , Yang Jie , Jiang Haoyuan , Huang Wei , Su Qi , Yu Song , Zhang Lei , Zhang Yichen , Xu Bingjie
Published: January 2025

Quantum random number generator (QRNG) allows for the production of truly unpredictable random numbers, thanks to the inherent randomness available in quantum mechanics. However, its practical implementation is facing several challenges, including the practical security loophole, high-speed real-time randomness extraction, and large-scale production. In this work, we address these challenges with a chip-based, source-independent quantum random number generator achieving 20 Gbps real-time generation rate. It ensures the practical security through a source-independent security framework and the modeling of measurement devices. A bandwidth exceeding 2 GHz and a clearance reaching 10 dB is achieved by a silicon-based homodyne detector. Analog-to-digital conversion and randomness extraction are integrated on a single data collection and processing board, where the optimized parallel randomness extraction algorithm on a field programmable gate array achieves a throughput up to 28 Gbps. The results promise a high-speed and practically secure quantum random number generation on a chip, paving the way for its large-scale deployments and widespread applications.
High-SNR, high- repetition-rate, compact, picosecond, mid-infrared optical parametric oscillator pumped synchronously by a harmonic mode-locked fiber laser
Authors: Xu Chongyang , Hu Bangyan , Zhang Kun , Zhang Xiaofan , Chen Yifan , Yao Hongquan , Lv Xinjie , Ning Jian , Zhao Gang
Published: January 2025

This study proposes and demonstrates a high-performance picosecond mid-infrared optical parametric oscillator (OPO) based on harmonic mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser synchronous pumping. The OPO exhibits unparalleled advantages including a compact structure, high repetition rate, excellent stability, and high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The OPO output pulse maintains a high repetition rate of 0.8 GHz while exhibiting highly uniform amplitude and a high SNR of 52 dB at 2.3 µm, and its cavity length is only 16 cm. The signal light wavelength is tunable within the range of 2.3–2.46 µm, while the idler light can be tuned within 4.18–4.74 µm. When the pump power is 4 W, the OPO delivers 120 mW of idler light power at 4.18 µm. This work provides what we believe to be a novel and effective solution for realizing ultrafast tunable lasers in the mid-infrared with a high repetition rate and a high SNR, which is expected to play an important role in the fields of spectroscopy and medicine.
Mechanisms for dysregulation of excitatory-inhibitory balance underlying allodynia in dorsal horn neural subcircuits
Authors: Ginsberg Alexander G. , Lempka Scott F. , Duan Bo , Booth Victoria , Crodelle Jennifer
Published: January 2025

Chronic pain is a wide-spread condition that is debilitating and expensive to manage, costing the United States alone around $600 billion in 2010. In a common symptom of chronic pain called allodynia, non-painful stimuli produce painful responses with highly variable presentations across individuals. While the specific mechanisms remain unclear, allodynia is hypothesized to be caused by the dysregulation of excitatory-inhibitory (E-I) balance in pain-processing neural circuitry in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. In this work, we analyze biophysically-motivated subcircuit structures that represent common motifs in neural circuits in laminae I-II of the dorsal horn. These circuits are hypothesized to be part of the neural pathways that mediate two different types of allodynia: static and dynamic. We use neural firing rate models to describe the activity of populations of excitatory and inhibitory interneurons within each subcircuit. By accounting for experimentally-observed responses under healthy conditions, we specify model parameters defining populations of subcircuits that yield typical behavior under normal conditions. Then, we implement a sensitivity analysis approach to identify the mechanisms most likely to cause allodynia-producing dysregulation of the subcircuit’s E-I signaling. We find that disruption of E-I balance generally occurs either due to downregulation of inhibitory signaling so that excitatory neurons are “released” from inhibitory control, or due to upregulation of excitatory neuron responses so that excitatory neurons “escape” their inhibitory control. Which of these mechanisms is most likely to occur, the subcircuit components involved in the mechanism, and the proportion of subcircuits exhibiting the mechanism can vary depending on the subcircuit structure. These results suggest specific hypotheses about diverse mechanisms that may be most likely responsible for allodynia, thus offering predictions for the high interindividual variability observed in allodynia and identifying targets for further experimental studies on the underlying mechanisms of this chronic pain symptom.
Machine learning approach to student performance prediction of online learning
Authors: Wang Jing , Yu Yun
Published: January 2025

Student performance is crucial for addressing learning process problems and is also an important factor in measuring learning outcomes. The ability to improve educational systems using data knowledge has driven the development of the field of educational data mining research. Here, this paper proposes a machine learning method for the prediction of student performance based on online learning. The critical thought is that eleven learning behavioral indicators are constructed according to online learning process, following that, through analyzing the correlation between the eleven learning behavioral indicators and the scores obtained by students online learning, we filter out those learning behavioral indicators that are weakly correlated with student scores, meanwhile, retain these learning behavior indicators being strongly correlated with student scores, which are used as the eigenvalue indicators. Finally, using the eigenvalue indicators to train the proposed logistic regress model with Taylor expansion. Experimental results show that the proposed logistic regress model defeats against the comparative models in prediction ability. Results also indicate that there is a significant dependency between students’ initiative in learning and learning duration, nevertheless, learning duration has a significant effect on the prediction of student performance.