bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of Functionally Graded Material Shells
Authors: Khalil Sihame , Elmhaia Oussama , Hamdaoui Abdellah , Braikat Bouazza , Hu Heng , Boukamel Adnane , Damil Noureddine
Published: January 2025

In this research, we propose an algorithm to study the buckling of thin Functionally Graded Material (FGM) shells, utilizing a novel implementation of the asymptotic numerical method (ANM). Our approach integrates a three-step process: representation of variables and loading conditions through a truncated Taylor series, discretization using the finite element method (FEM), and advancement via a continuation method. This method is particularly effective for tracking the solution curve through systematic matrix inversion and tolerance adjustments. By applying this robust algorithm within the framework of Kirchhoff-Love theory, we analyze how the properties of FGM shells vary smoothly from metal at the base to ceramic at the surface, crucial for applications in aeronautics and civil engineering where stability under load is paramount. The results are validated against the Abaqus industrial code, demonstrating the accuracy of our model. Furthermore, we detail the impact of the volume fraction index on the load-displacement behavior and structural deformations, providing valuable insights for enhancing the design and safety of these critical structures.
The effects of heterogeneity on Darcy-Benard convection saturated with a ferrofluid
Authors: Moussa Rachida , Lagziri Hajar , El Khanoussi Fadoua , El Fakiri Hanae
Published: January 2025

This study investigates how the vertical magnetic field influences the stability of the ferrofluid in a heterogeneous porous layer with the vertical flow. The layer, confined between two impermeable walls, is subject to different heat flux conditions on each side. The behavior of the ferrofluid governed by Darcy’s law and the Oberbeck-Boussinesq approximation, while the magnetic field is modeled using Maxwell’s equations. A dimensionless formulation and linear stability analysis are employed to derive an ordinary differential equation, which is solved using the shooting method and a Runge-Kuttasolver. The results indicate that the transition of the wave number from zero to a nonzero value is connected to the Peclet number and other magnetic parameters.
Rethinking the integration of ICT in education: Towards a communication model to promote sustainable development
Authors: Machkour Mounia , Lamalif Latifa , Faris Sophia , Mansouri Khalifa , Akef Fatiha
Published: January 2025

The aim of this study is to reflect on how to integrate ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) into education, adopting an approach that promotes sustainable development through interaction and communication between educational players. The study aims to identify the most effective communication strategies for better integrating ICT into the learning process. Since communication fosters the exchange of ideas on innovative pedagogical practices. This research presents an analysis of trends, gaps and perspectives around sustainable education, focusing on communication and the implementation of educational technologies. The study proposes a new conceptual framework for organizing information sharing between the various players in education. This model places a strong emphasis on how interactions between different actors can contribute to education for sustainable development. The proposed model is a theoretical advance that could guide future research on improving the process of ICT integration and promoting high-quality education.
Recycled PVC for energy-efficient window profiles: A comprehensive study of thermal and chemical properties
Authors: Ait Khouya Oumaima , Sebbar El Hassan , Elfarissi Latifa , Laaroussi Najma
Published: January 2025

Recycled polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is increasingly being explored as a substitute for virgin materials in industrial applications, particularly in the production of window profiles. However, the diverse composition of PVC waste, influenced by the presence of additives, impurities, and varying contamination levels, presents a challenge to achieving consistent material properties. This study aims to thoroughly characterize recycled PVC through techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy. The focus is on assessing the physical, chemical, and thermal properties of the recycled material, with a particular emphasis on its thermal insulation performance. By comparing these results with standard specifications and those of virgin PVC, the study provides critical insights into the homogenization process and evaluates the suitability of recycled PVC for high-performance window profiles, offering a promising approach to material reuse in advanced industrial applications.
Shock and adaption: The economic impact of COVID-19 in the Mentawai Islands, West Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Setiawati Sri , Yonariza Yonariza , Pal Indrajit , Priyono Eko , Agustinus Agustinus , Tasirikeru Aron
Published: January 2025

Remote coastal communities face many challenges yet often demonstrate considerable resilience to be able to survive. This study explores the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the household economy, and their adaptive responses to it, in two villages of the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia. Data were collected using FGD and household surveys. The survey was carried out in Sido Makmur village on Sipora Island and at Muntei village on Siberut Island. Thirty households were randomly selected in each village. Data collected included; household characteristics, type of income change, government subsidy received, and response to the income change. The research found that COVID-19 policies affected many parts of life. There were significant reductions in income level not only because of losing employment but also because disruption of supply chains also lowered demand for local produce. People responded to the lower-income by intensifying their involvement in the agricultural and fishery sectors to meet their food security needs. This study highlights the importance of strengthening access to local resources to cope with disasters in the island’s region.
From tweet to tremor: Enhancing megathrust disaster monitoring and early warning systems in social media
Authors: Silvia Nur Aulia Elsa , Saepudin Epin , Qoriah  , Ernawati  , Khoiri Shohib , Kusumawati Azhari Siti
Published: January 2025

This researches how to explores the potential of social media in improving megathrust disaster monitoring and early warning systems, focusing on two regions in Indonesia: Gunung Kidul and Tanggamus. Using a quantitative approach through a questionnaire-based survey, the research reveals that most respondents (70% in Gunung Kidul and 85% in Tanggamus) consider the internet/social media as an important source of information during disasters. Furthermore, 70% of respondents in Gunung Kidul and 85% in Tanggamus are willing to receive official warnings through these platforms. Nonetheless, challenges related to data verification and reliability of information on social media still exist. Only 12% of respondents in Gunung Kidul and 8% in Tanggamus considered social media to be very reliable as a source of disaster information. This finding underscores the importance of collaboration between the government, disaster management agencies and social media platforms to ensure the accuracy of information disseminated. Overall, this study provides empirical evidence on the potential of utilizing social media to improve early warning systems and response to megathrust disasters. The integration of social media into disaster mitigation strategies can provide significant benefits, especially in terms of early detection, enhancing situational awareness, and facilitating communication and collaboration during disasters.
The Relationship between Various Measures of Perinatal Quality
Authors: Boghossian Nansi S. , Greenberg Lucy T. , Buzas Jeffrey S. , Phibbs Ciaran S. , Passarella Molly , Rogowski Jeannette , Saade George R. , Lorch Scott A.
Published: January 2025

Objective This study aimed to examine the correlations between pairs of maternal, infant, and maternal–infant dyad quality measures to provide a comprehensive assessment of perinatal care.

Study Design In a retrospective cohort study using birth and fetal death certificates linked to hospital discharge data from Michigan, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina (2016–2018), we examined correlations between pairs of maternal, infant, and maternal–infant dyad quality measures. Maternal quality measures included nulliparous term singleton vertex (NTSV) cesarean birth, nontransfusion severe maternal morbidity (SMM), and a composite maternal outcome. Infant quality was assessed with a composite outcome measure, whereas the dyad measure combined maternal and infant outcomes.

Results Among 955,904 dyads across 266 hospitals, 25.9% had NTSV, 0.7% had nontransfusion SMM, 12.3% had the composite infant measure, and 19.3% had the dyad measure. The correlation between nontransfusion SMM and the dyad measure was 0.12, whereas the correlation between the composite infant measure and the dyad measure was 0.86, which was higher than the correlation between the composite maternal measure and the dyad measure (0.47).

Conclusion We observed minimal correlations among these perinatal quality measures, especially when aggregated beyond individual outcomes.

Key Points
Epidemiology of fractures and care in male collegiate Taekwondo
athletes by weight classes
Authors: Wang Haifang , Yoo Sangcheol , Song Munku
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study was to examine the occurrence of fracture injuries and
post-fracture management practices by weight classes. A total of 127 male
collegiate Taekwondo athletes (64 lightweight athletes and 63 heavyweight
athletes) participated in this study. The athletes were classified into
lightweight and heavyweight based on their respective competition weight
divisions. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios and 95%
confidence intervals. Athletes had experienced fractures to 54.3%. Athletes were
more likely to experience fractures during training and defensive movements. Of
the fractures reported, 31.9% necessitated surgical intervention. Although 65.1%
of the athletes were primarily concerned about the possibility of reinjury, only
36.2% received specialized rehabilitation. The heavyweight athletes had a higher
prevalence of fractures (odds ratio=2.40 and 95% confidence interval=1.17–4.90)
than the lightweight athletes. The heavyweight athletes had a higher prevalence
of fractures during the competition (odds ratio=4.83 and 95% confidence
interval=1.54–15.17), in offensive situations (odds ratio=4.67 and 95%
confidence interval=1.38–15.99), and in the lower limbs (odds ratio=3.84 and 95%
confidence interval=1.12–13.14) than the lightweight athletes. The current
evidence that fractures are common in Taekwondo athletes and that fracture
patterns may differ between heavyweight and lightweight athletes highlights the
need for tailored prevention strategies based on weight classes.
Casson fluid flow of rotating magneto-convection in a vertical porous medium
Authors: Bixapathi Sapavat , Babu A. Benerji
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the stability of parallel buoyant magneto-convection in a rotating vertical porous medium filled with a Casson fluid. The vertical boundaries are considered isothermal rigid and kept at different uniform temperatures. Based on Darcy's law, the Navier–Stokes equation is employed. In a linear stability theory, the stability of an eigenvalue problem is found using the normal mode approach. The original three-dimensional problem is cast in an equivalent two-dimensional form using Squire's transformations. Subsequently, the two-dimensional stability of the eigenvalue problem is solved numerically using the Chebyshev collocation method. To determine the stability of the basic flow, the problem was originally solved in Gill's classical proof of 1969 [A. E. Gill, “A proof that convection in a porous vertical slab is stable,” J. Fluid Mech. 35, 545–547 (1969)]. Various basic state flow and magnetic fields were considered by varying the magnetic Prandtl number, ranging from 1×10−5 to 5×10−5. The critical stability conditions are exhibited, and the critical Rayleigh number (Rc), critical wave number (ac), and critical wave speed (cc) for the onset of convective instability are computed for different governing parameters. For the unsteady flow model, stability occurs through the marginal state mode within a certain range of Chandrasekhar numbers; however, the base flow remains stable throughout. The Casson fluid parameter and Darcy number significantly affect the neutral stability curve of the flow. Their combined influence contributes to the onset of instability in the Brinkman region. This interaction highlights the critical role of these parameters determining flow behavior.
Kinetic inductance and non-linearity of MgB2 films at 4K
Authors: Greenfield J. , Bell C. , Faramarzi F. , Kim C. , Basu Thakur R. , Wandui A. , Frez C. , Mauskopf P. , Cunnane D.
Published: January 2025

We report on the fabrication and characterization of superconducting magnesium diboride (MgB2) thin films intended for quantum-limited devices based on non-linear kinetic inductance (NLKI) such as parametric amplifiers with either elevated operating temperatures or expanded frequency ranges. In order to characterize the MgB2 material properties, we have fabricated coplanar waveguide (CPW) transmission lines and microwave resonators using ≈40 nm thick MgB2 films with a measured kinetic inductance of ∼5.5 pH/□ and internal quality factors Qi≈3×104 at 4.2 K. We measure the NLKI in MgB2 by applying a DC bias to a 6 cm long by 4 μm wide CPW transmission line and measuring the resulting phase delay caused by the current dependent NLKI. We also measure the current dependent NLKI through CPW resonators that shift down in frequency with increased power applied through the CPW feedline. Using these measurements, we calculate the characteristic non-linear current parameter, I*, for multiple CPW geometries. We find values for corresponding current density, J*=12–22 MA/cm2, and a ratio of the critical current to the non-linear current parameter, IC/I*=0.14–0.26, similar to or higher than values for other superconductors such as NbTiN and TiN.
Chaotic convection in an Oldroyd-B nanofluid for the Horton–Rogers–Lapwood problem with nonlinear Boussinesq approximation and gravity modulation
Authors: Rana Puneet , Zhu Xinyi , Agarwal Shilpi
Published: January 2025

The Horton–Rogers–Lapwood problem for a non-Newtonian Oldroyd B nanofluid with modulated gravity effects under isothermal boundary conditions is investigated. Both linear and nonlinear stability analyses are performed, with numerical results presented graphically. The nonlinear Boussinesq approximation (NBA) is applied to the buoyancy term in the momentum equation, providing a more accurate representation of fluid behavior under high-temperature gradients, which is essential in advanced heat transfer applications. Consequently, the governing system includes the continuity equation, the Navier–Stokes momentum equation, the equation of state, the energy equation, and the nanoparticle volume fraction equation. A comprehensive stability analysis is conducted for free-free, rigid-free, and rigid-rigid boundary conditions. Additionally, a weakly nonlinear stability study employing the spectral Fourier method under isothermal, tangential stress-free boundary conditions quantifies heat and nanoparticle transport. The analysis reveals the transition from periodic convection to chaotic convection and bifurcation. A reduced Lorenz model is developed to explore the underlying dynamics further, offering deeper insights into the onset and progression of chaotic convection within the system. The NBA can be interpreted as lowering the critical Rayleigh number, thereby facilitating the onset of convection. This behavior contrasts with findings in many studies based on the linear Boussinesq approximation commonly reported in the literature. Gravity modulation enhances heat transfer and induces chaotic patterns within the nonlinear domain. The Darcy number (Da) and scaled nanoparticle Rayleigh number (Rn) promote chaos, while the modified diffusivity ratio (NA) supports periodicity.
Higher female partner age and longer duration of marriage: key factors for less frequent sexual intercourse in infertile couples
Authors: Dashtkoohi Mohadese , Saeedinia Mostafa , Dashtkoohi Mohammad , Haddadi Mohammad , Masoumi Masoumeh , Heidary Zohreh
Published: January 2025

Background Sexual intercourse frequency (SIF) is widely known to be associated with fertility, but little is known about what predicts SIF among infertile couples trying to conceive. In this study, we examine the demographic and lifestyle risk factors associated with less frequent coitus among infertile couples. Methods This cross-sectional study examined infertile couples actively trying to conceive, selecting them from patients seeking fertility treatment. Demographic data and lifestyle factors such as age, occupation, smoking status, and body mass index were recorded. Participants self-reported the frequency of vaginal–penile intercourse per week and month. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the data and identify predictors of SIF. Results Our study included a final sample size of 790 couples. In univariate binary logistic regression, women’s age (OR: 0.948; 95% CI 0.928–0.969), men’s age (OR: 0.957; 95% CI 0.937–0.977), duration of marriage (OR: 0.927; 95% CI 0.903–0.952), and duration of infertility (OR: 0.928; 95% CI 0.898–0.960) were found to be significant factors. Additionally, men’s smoking was negatively associated with SIF, with an odds ratio of 0.732 (95% CI: 0.578–0.928, P = 0.010). Conclusions We observed that younger female partner age and shorter duration of marriage independently emerged as significant predictors associated with higher SIF. Our study highlights the need for tailored counseling and education based on age and marital stage. Older couples may benefit from specialized support such as sexual therapy and stress management. The negative impact of men’s smoking on sexual intercourse frequency underscores the importance of effective smoking cessation programs. Comprehensive infertility treatment should address medical, psychological, and sexual health factors.
Simple language, sophisticated actions
Authors: Hauser Eric , Nanbu Zachary
Published: January 2025

Drawing on video-recorded data from an educational institution called Tokyo Global Gateway, we investigate how
visiting students use English for sequence-initiating actions addressed either to a teacher (called an agent) or other students.
As the students usually use Japanese to address another student, we analyze how they accomplish targeting the agent when they use
English to address another student. By doing this, the students position the agent as a legitimate overhearer. We also investigate
the resources students use to construct sequence-initiating actions and how they recycle resources from the substrate (i.e., local
environment of talk, embodied conduct, and other semiotic resources). Students’ sophisticated use of resources, including those
recycled from the substrate, demonstrates that their often simple language belies a high degree of displayed interactional
competence. This study contributes to research on participation and language choice in educational institutions and the use of
recycled resources in the construction of actions-in-interaction.
A control strategy for seismic noise reduction on advanced LIGO gravitational-wave detector
Authors: Di Fronzo C , Driggers J , Warner J , Schwartz E , Lantz B , Pelé A , Biscans S , Mow-Lowry C M , Mittleman R
Published: January 2025

The differential seismic motion between the internal seismic isolation platforms on the advanced laser interferometer gravitational wave observatory, affects the sensitivity of the detector at lower frequencies (below 1 Hz), because each platform moves independently. This induces noise inside the cavities of the auxiliary optics placed on the platforms, which translates into a higher control effort to maintain stability and resonance. This paper shows that the differential motion between the platforms can be efficiently measured by the capacitive position sensors installed on each platform. We investigate how we can use these sensors to modify the seismic control configuration and help reduce the differential motion between the platforms, reduce the control efforts and help maintain the cavities in resonance. Reduced differential motion is expected to reduce control noise thereby improving sensitivity and improve detector duty cycle by preventing actuator saturation, resulting in loss of optical cavity resonance.
Defect suppression and optoelectronic property investigation of a self-powered β-Ga2O3/p-Si photodetector grown by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Van Hai Bui , Tu Nguyen Xuan , Kha Nguyen Van , Thu Phuong Bui Thi , Hien Nguyen Thi Minh , Vu Thi Kim Oanh
Published: January 2025

The pulsed laser deposition method is recognized for its ability to minimize defects in semiconductors by carefully controlling gas pressure and temperature during deposition. This study discusses the presence of defect states in β-Ga2O3/p-Si heterojunction created using pulsed laser deposition at different oxygen pressures through deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). When the oxygen pressure rises from 0 to 25 mTorr, the electron trap at EC −1.21 eV associated with an oxygen vacancy vanished, resulting in a 1.6 fold decrease in the total defect density. A gallium vacancy hole trap located at EV + 0.57 eV was identified when the oxygen pressure reached 55 mTorr. The presence of this hole trap suggested that β-Ga2O3 was grown in an oxygen-rich environment. The photoluminescence findings are outstanding and in agreement with DLTS data. The β-Ga2O3/p-Si device showed its peak photoresponsivity at 25 mTorr (330 mA W−1). This shows that carrier transport is improved because defects are reduced. Our discovery provides a possible path for enhancing the high optoelectronic properties of β-Ga2O3/p-Si devices.
Spike-timing-dependent-plasticity learning in a planar magnetic domain wall artificial synapse
Authors: Castro J O , Buyatti B , Mercado D , Di Donato A , Quintero M , Tortarolo M
Published: January 2025

Future neuromorphic architectures will require millions of artificial synapses, making understanding the physical mechanisms behind their plasticity functionalities mandatory. In this work, we propose a simplified spin memristor, where the resistance can be controlled by magnetic field pulses, based on a Co/Pt multilayer with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy as a synapsis emulator. We demonstrate plasticity and spike time dependence plasticity (STDP) in this device and explored the underlying magnetic mechanisms using Kerr microscopy imaging and Hall magneto-transport measurements. A well-defined threshold for magnetization reversal and the continuous resistance states associated with the micromagnetic configuration are the basic properties allowing plasticity and STDP learning mechanisms in this device.
Comparing the winding numbers of two one-dimensional two-band topological systems by their wavefunction overlap
Authors: Huang Pei-Ling , Ma Chao , Yu Xiang-Long , Wu Jiansheng
Published: January 2025

The measurement of topological numbers is crucial in the research of topological systems. In this article, we propose a protocol for obtaining the topological number (specifically, winding numbers in this case) of an unknown one-dimensional (1D) two-band topological system by comparing it with a known topological system. We consider two 1D two-band topological systems and their Bloch wavefunction overlap and verify a theorem. This theorem states that when the momentum varies by 2π, the number of cycles during which the magnitude of the wavefunction overlap varies from 0 to 1 and then back to 0 is equal to the absolute value of the difference between the topological numbers of these two systems. Furthermore, we propose two experimental schemes, one in a cold atom system and another one in a qubit system, which offer convenient and robust measurement methods for determining topological numbers of unknown states through quenching.
Eye lens dosimetry: does the direction of rotation (vertical or horizontal) play a role in type testing?
Authors: Khanbabaee Behnam , Behrens Rolf , Erdem Onur
Published: January 2025

With the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) lowering the annual dose limit for the eye lens to 20 mSv, precise monitoring of eye lens exposure has become essential. The personal dose equivalent at a depth of 3 mm, H
p(3), is the measurement method for monitoring the dose to the lens of the eye. Usual dosemeter type-test irradiations at non-normal angles of radiation incidence (α ≠ 0°) primarily use lateral radiation exposure scenarios, where radiation approaches from the left or right, necessitating rotation of the dosemeter-phantom setup around a vertical axis. However, this method does not adequately account for bottom-to-top radiation exposures which are common in real-world situations (such as radiation scattered by a patient reaching medical staff). This study examines oblique radiation exposure conditions using a typical eye lens thermoluminescent dosemeter (TLD), Eye-D, placed on a cylindrical phantom to assess dose response at different angles and exposure energies. The study employs both low-energy (N-30 radiation quality with a mean photon energy of 25 keV) and medium-energy (N-100 radiation quality with a mean photon energy of 83 keV) x-rays at irradiation angles of −60°, 0°, and +60°, measured along the vertical and horizontal rotation axes of the dosemeter-phantom setup. The results show no significant difference between horizontal and vertical (polar and radial) rotation orientations of the dosemeter-phantom setup: recorded relative doses stayed well within ± 1 %, i.e. by far within the attributed combined uncertainty of ± 2 %.
Parallel Bayesian optimization of free-electron lasers based on laser wakefield accelerators
Authors: Jiang Hai , Lv Chen , Feng Ke , Jiang Kangnan , Liu Xiaomin , Luan Shixia , Liu Jian , Wang Wentao , Li Ruxin
Published: January 2025

In this paper, the parallel Bayesian optimization algorithm is investigated for the simulation optimization of compact free electron lasers (FELs) driven by laser wakefield accelerators (LWFAs). The radiation energy serves as the objective function, which can be optimized to 25 μJ after several tens of iterations, initiating from random input samplings in soft x-ray regimes. The analysis of the FEL gain process has revealed that the localized properties of the electron beam (e beam) can be concurrently optimized, ensuring a high efficiency of energy extraction from the e beam. Our proposed scheme not only presents a viable design for compact FELs driven by LWFAs in the soft x-ray regime utilizing the start-to-end model, but also highlights the great potential of parallel Bayesian optimization algorithms for tackling the challenges associated with costly and complex black-box optimization problems.
Sound absorption and enhancement mechanism of hierarchical slit-embedded Helmholtz resonators
Authors: Li Shijia , Sun Yu , Han Qiang , Li Chunlei
Published: January 2025

In this paper, the low frequency sound absorption structure based on Helmholtz resonator (HR) is deeply studied. The influence of hierarchical structure design on the broadband sound absorption is emphatically discussed. Through the introduction of the embedded slits and hierarchical structures, we design a new and efficient hierarchical slit-embedded HR (HSEHR) for sound absorption. This structure not only inherits the advantages of the classic HR, but also realizes the effective sound absorption(α > 0.97) in a lower frequency(225 Hz) range through the interaction of the embedded slit and the hierarchical structure. More interestingly, the thickness of HSEHR is only 1/50 of the corresponding wavelength. In order to verify the sound absorption effect of HSEHR, we have carried out a lot of theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. The results show that HSEHR has excellent sound absorption performance in the low frequency range, and with the introduction of the hierarchical structure, the sound absorption peak moves to a lower frequency, and a higher sound absorption coefficient is obtained. We also found that by adjusting the structural parameters of HSEHR (such as the depth and width of the primary embedded slit.), its resonance frequency can be precisely controlled. So it can better match the target noise frequency and improve the sound absorption efficiency. In addition, genetic algorithm is used to optimize the structural parameters of HSEHR to further improve its sound absorption performance. The optimization results show that HSEHR optimized by genetic algorithm has better sound absorption performance in the broadband low frequency range. It achieves excellent sound absorption at 260–480 Hz. The sound absorption coefficient is up to 0.92, which is infinitely close to perfect sound absorption. It provides an excellent solution to the noise problem.
Ferritin nanoparticles: new strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system diseases
Authors: Guo Tao , Hayat Muhammad Abid , Hu Jiabo
Published: January 2025

Ferritin nanoparticles, which can penetrate the blood–brain barrier (BBB), have gained significant research interest for the diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including gliomas, Alzheimer’s disease, and brain metastases. In recent years, ferritin has been proved as a candidate to cross the BBB using receptor-mediated transport (RMT) mechanism through transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) which is overexpressed in the cells of the BBB. Various types of cargo molecules, including therapeutics, imaging agents, nucleic acids, and metal nanoparticles, have been incorporated into ferritin nanocages for the diagnosis and treatment of CNS diseases. In particular, low immunogenicity of ferritin implies safety for its usage in clinical practices, and high biocompatibility add to the perspectives of its applications. Furthermore, contemporary strides in molecular biology have enabled some alteration in the configuration of the ferritin outer layers and surface characters so as to enhance the drug encapsulation capacity and conjugation affinity. Such modifications not only enhance the property of ferritin in crossing the BBB, but also enhance its efficacy when applied to CNS diseases. In summary, ferritin, as a drug delivery system, shows great potential for the treatment and diagnosis of CNS diseases.
Inconsistent ENSO teleconnections over East Asia in early and late winter: role of Siberian land-atmosphere coupling
Authors: An Xiadong , Chen Wen , Ma Tianjiao , Sheng Lifang
Published: January 2025

The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) teleconnections over East Asia display inconsistency between early and late winter, yet the undering physical mechanisms remain unclear. Employing causal inference analysis, including Liang-Kleeman information flow and PC-MCI causal discovery, our study reveals a stable information flow from ENSO to the upper tropospheric atmospheric circulation (250 hPa) over southern East Asia. Building on this, we explore the reason behind the differences in ENSO teleconnections during early and late winter. Findings indicate that Siberian snow water equivalent acts as a ‘land bridge’, storing ENSO signals from early to late winter, which are then released via an ‘atmospheric bridge’ in late winter. Specifically, reduced snow water equivalent from early to late winter facilitates lower surface temperatures in late winter, serving as a cooling source to initiate an ENSO-related wave train over Eurasia. This leads to an inconsistent ENSO teleconnection in late winter, contrasting with early winter, and vice versa.
One-step bioprinting of endothelialized, self-supporting arterial and venous networks
Authors: Cai Betty , Kilian David , Ghorbani Sadegh , Roth Julien G , Seymour Alexis J , Brunel Lucia G , Mejia Daniel Ramos , Rios Ricardo J , Szabo Isabella M , Iranzo Sean Chryz , Perez Andy , Rao Rameshwar R , Shin Sungchul , Heilshorn Sarah C
Published: January 2025

Advances in biofabrication have enabled the generation of freeform perfusable networks mimicking vasculature. However, key challenges remain in the effective endothelialization of these complex, vascular-like networks, including cell uniformity, seeding efficiency, and the ability to pattern multiple cell types. To overcome these challenges, we present an integrated fabrication and endothelialization strategy to directly generate branched, endothelial cell-lined networks using a diffusion-based, embedded 3D bioprinting process. In this strategy, a gelatin microparticle sacrificial ink delivering both cells and crosslinkers is extruded into a crosslinkable gel precursor support bath. A self-supporting, perfusable structure is formed by diffusion-induced crosslinking, after which the sacrificial ink is melted to allow cell release and adhesion to the printed lumen. This approach produces a uniform cell lining throughout networks with complex branching geometries, which are challenging to uniformly and efficiently endothelialize using conventional perfusion-based approaches. Furthermore, the biofabrication process enables high cell viability (>90%) and the formation of a confluent endothelial layer providing vascular-mimetic barrier function and shear stress response. Leveraging this strategy, we demonstrate for the first time the patterning of multiple endothelial cell types, including arterial and venous cells, within a single arterial–venous-like network. Altogether, this strategy enables the fabrication of multi-cellular engineered vasculature with enhanced geometric complexity and phenotypic heterogeneity.
A point clouds registration model with detail features capture and geometric self-attention for complex workpieces with low coincidence point clouds
Authors: Chen Jinxiang , Wang Bo
Published: January 2025

Point clouds registration is one of the keys to measuring workpiece size, because the three-dimensional contours of workpieces are constructed from point clouds captured at different angles by using one or several laser cameras. A point clouds registration model with detail features capture and geometric self-attention for complex workpieces with low coincidence point clouds is presented in this paper. Under the ROPNet model framework, the DGCNN and PnP-3D network are combined to extract point cloud features. A geometric self-attention (GS) mechanism is incorporated into the transformer-based feature matching removal (TFMR) model to elevate registration accuracy of complex workpieces with low overlapping point clouds. The simulation verification results based on workpieces point cloud datasets with noise-free and noisy conditions indicate that the proposed method surpasses ICP, Go-ICP, PCRNet, PRNet, and ROPNet. Especially, compared to ROPNet, the given model achieves a notable reduction in isotropic rotation error Err(R) by 3.1704 and translation error Err(t) by 0.04. Moreover, the model also can maintain high registration accuracy for workpieces with low-integrity point clouds.
Introduction
Authors: Wilkinson T M
Published: January 2025

This chapter considers the ethics of policies that try to stop people damaging their health and sets out the two main questions for the book: would public health interventions to stop people damaging their health make them better off, and would the interventions infringe on their autonomy? The chapter describes methods to make people be healthier, such as taxes, subsidies, health promotion, and nudging. It then defines paternalism. It looks forward to the conclusion of the book, that many public health interventions probably make their targets worse off, infringe on their autonomy, and do not have compensating benefits to others.
Nudges and Counter-Manipulation
Authors: Wilkinson T M
Published: January 2025

Unlike interventions that reduce choice, public health promotion does not infringe on autonomy as much as some people think. Just as the previous chapter criticized some of the more dramatic claims that people are manipulated into unhealthy behaviour, so this chapter doubts whether nudges must be as manipulative as some critics would have us believe. Whether and when nudges manipulate depends partly on whether the methods the nudger uses are manipulative, which is not always easy to determine. It also depends on people’s attitudes to being nudged and on the intention of the nudgers. We then consider health promotion that is manipulative, which often occurs against a background of manipulative ‘illness promotion’. The context matters because manipulative health promotion may then be counter-manipulation. It may enhance, or at least not damage further, its targets’ autonomy. When counter-manipulative health promotion cannot be criticized on grounds of autonomy, the leading objection to it is removed.
Correlation Between Drug-Induced Blood Pressure Elevation and Long-Term Prognosis of Tumor Patients Treated With Small Molecule Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors Targeted to the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Pathway: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Cai’e Li , Qiongying Wang , Jie Ma , Jing Yu
Published: January 2025

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether blood pressure elevation induced by small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeted to the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway in the treatment of solid tumors is correlated with the anti-tumor efficacy and long-term prognosis.

METHODS

A systematic review with a meta-analysis was conducted using Cochrane Collaboration methodology and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation guidelines. Observational, retrospective, or prospective randomized controlled studies were included if they evaluated the correlation between TKIs-induced blood pressure elevation and prognosis of patients, with at least one of the following indicators: objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), or overall survival (OS). Data were extracted and all studies were assessed for quality according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The primary outcome of this study was OS, while the secondary outcomes were PFS and ORR.

RESULTS

A total of 58 studies were considered eligible, with 10,020 patients included. TKIs-induced blood pressure elevation was significantly correlated with longer OS [the hazards ratio (HR) was 0.54 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49–0.61, P < 0.001) for death in patients with elevated blood pressure compared with those without], and PFS [HR was 0.55 (95% CI 0.48–0.63, P < 0.001) for disease progression in patients with elevated blood pressure compared with those without], as well as better ORR (RR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.43–2.41, P < 0.001). The subgroup analyses by intervention drugs and tumor types had similar results.

CONCLUSIONS

TKIs-induced blood pressure elevation is significantly correlated with better prognosis of tumor patients, thereby it may be one of the biological markers of TKI treatment. However, due to the considerable heterogeneity among the included studies in this article, caution should be exercised in interpreting this conclusion.
Survey of Neuromodulator Use for Optimization of Facial Scars and Blepharoplasty and Brow Lift Outcomes
Authors: Abraham Manoj T , Husain Solomon , Wong Anni , Gidumal Sunder , Elahi Ebrahim , Marmur Ellen , DelMauro Matthew
Published: January 2025

Background

There are many published studies that indicate neuromodulators help improve surgical outcomes and the appearance of facial scars.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of neuromodulator use as an adjunct for facial scar treatment as well as blepharoplasty and brow lift surgeries across surgical subspecialties.

Methods

An anonymous electronic survey was distributed to plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, oculoplastic surgeons, and dermatologic surgeons through their respective national societies. The survey assessed demographics, practice characteristics, and practice habits.

Results

A total of 276 surgeons responded. Although 96.7% of respondents use neuromodulators in their practice, only 21% utilize neuromodulators for scar optimization, and 12.3% and 25.4% utilize neuromodulators for optimization of blepharoplasty and surgical brow lift outcomes, respectively.

Conclusions

Although the use of neuromodulators has been shown to improve the appearance of scars and could enhance outcomes after blepharoplasty and brow lift procedures, its use among respondents was limited.

Level of Evidence: 4 (Therapeutic)
locuszoomr: an R package for visualizing publication-ready regional gene locus plots
Authors: Lewis Myles J , Wang Susan
Published: January 2025

Locuszoomr is an R package for visualizing and creating publication-ready regional gene locus plots similar to those produced by the original web interface ‘LocusZoom’, but running locally in R. Genetic or genomic data with gene annotation tracks are plotted via R base graphics or ‘ggplot2’, allowing flexibility and easy customization. Modular plotting functions enable layering of multiple GWAS plots such as for PheWAS, comparing GWAS with eQTL signals, and aligning multiple locus plots on the same page. Interactive plots can be visualized using ‘plotly’ enabling quick identification of data points for labelling. The ‘LDlink’ API (https://ldlink.nih.gov/) can be programmatically queried to obtain linkage disequilibrium (LD) data from the 1000 Genomes Project which is overlaid on plots. The package allows users to query Ensembl databases from Bioconductor or AnnotationHub for genomic information, so it can be used to show gene track information for any species available in Ensembl. Helper functions enable recombination rate data from UCSC to be overlaid on plots. The package has a detailed vignette and includes embedded example GWAS data to allow users to try out different features. Locuszoomr is also fast: identifying 50 peaks in a GWAS of around 8 million SNPs takes around 0.6 s. Exporting 50 locus plots with 1 Mb window with recombination rate takes around 30 son Intel ninth gen CPU or 14 son Apple ARM M3.

Availability and implementation

The R package locuszoomr is open-source and available from CRAN: https://cran.r-project.org/package=locuszoomr and GitHub: https://github.com/myles-lewis/locuszoomr
CAMIL: channel attention-based multiple instance learning for whole slide image classification
Authors: Mao Jinyang , Xu Junlin , Tang Xianfang , Liu Yongjin , Zhao Heaven , Tian Geng , Yang Jialiang
Published: January 2025

Motivation

The classification task based on whole-slide images (WSIs) is a classic problem in computational pathology. Multiple instance learning (MIL) provides a robust framework for analyzing whole slide images with slide-level labels at gigapixel resolution. However, existing MIL models typically focus on modeling the relationships between instances while neglecting the variability across the channel dimensions of instances, which prevents the model from fully capturing critical information in the channel dimension.

Results

To address this issue, we propose a plug-and-play module called Multi-scale Channel Attention Block (MCAB), which models the interdependencies between channels by leveraging local features with different receptive fields. By alternately stacking four layers of Transformer and MCAB, we designed a channel attention-based MIL model (CAMIL) capable of simultaneously modeling both inter-instance relationships and intra-channel dependencies. To verify the performance of the proposed CAMIL in classification tasks, several comprehensive experiments were conducted across three datasets: Camelyon16, TCGA-NSCLC, and TCGA-RCC. Empirical results demonstrate that, whether the feature extractor is pretrained on natural images or on WSIs, our CAMIL surpasses current state-of-the-art MIL models across multiple evaluation metrics.

Availability and implementation

All implementation code is available at https://github.com/maojy0914/CAMIL.
Penalized G-estimation for effect modifier selection in a structural nested mean model for repeated outcomes
Authors: Jaman Ajmery , Wang Guanbo , Ertefaie Ashkan , Bally Michèle , Lévesque Renée , Platt Robert W , Schnitzer Mireille E
Published: January 2025

Effect modification occurs when the impact of the treatment on an outcome varies based on the levels of other covariates known as effect modifiers. Modeling these effect differences is important for etiological goals and for purposes of optimizing treatment. Structural nested mean models (SNMMs) are useful causal models for estimating the potentially heterogeneous effect of a time-varying exposure on the mean of an outcome in the presence of time-varying confounding. A data-adaptive selection approach is necessary if the effect modifiers are unknown a priori and need to be identified. Although variable selection techniques are available for estimating the conditional average treatment effects using marginal structural models or for developing optimal dynamic treatment regimens, all of these methods consider a single end-of-follow-up outcome. In the context of an SNMM for repeated outcomes, we propose a doubly robust penalized G-estimator for the causal effect of a time-varying exposure with a simultaneous selection of effect modifiers and prove the oracle property of our estimator. We conduct a simulation study for the evaluation of its performance in finite samples and verification of its double-robustness property. Our work is motivated by the study of hemodiafiltration for treating patients with end-stage renal disease at the Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal. We apply the proposed method to investigate the effect heterogeneity of dialysis facility on the repeated session-specific hemodiafiltration outcomes.
Iodine concentration in the lung parenchyma in relation to different inspiratory depths during CT pulmonary angiography
Authors: Yasaka Koichiro , Saigusa Hiroyuki , Abe Osamu
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the impact of changing inspiratory depth from end- to mid-inspiratory level on the iodine concentration in the lung parenchyma and main pulmonary artery in dual-energy CT pulmonary angiography.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients who underwent dual-energy CT pulmonary angiography from July 2020 to June 2023. Patients were instructed to hold their breath at end- and mid-inspiratory levels before and after January 2022, respectively. By placing regions of interest on the lung lobes and main pulmonary artery in the iodine map, their iodine concentration was recorded.

Results

In end- and mid-inspiratory command, 173 (mean age: 63.4 ± 17.0 years; 68 males) and 179 (mean age: 65.1 ± 15.4 years; 62 males) patients, respectively, were included. The mean iodine concentrations of the right upper, right middle, right lower, left upper, and left lower lobes were 0.81/0.91, 0.67/0.74, 1.06/1.07, 0.85/0.95, and 1.07/1.11 mgI/mL, respectively, for the end-/mid-inspiratory level. The multivariable regression analysis revealed inspiratory depth as a significant factor for iodine concentration of the right upper, right middle, and left upper lobes. Main pulmonary artery iodine concentration in mid-inspiratory depth (13.21 mgI/mL) was higher than that in end-inspiratory depth (12.51 mgI/mL) (P = .129), and a statistically significant difference was observed in the patient group with a body weight of ≥70 kg (P = .015).

Conclusions

Changing inspiratory depth from end- to mid-inspiratory level has a significant impact on the iodine concentration in the upper and right middle lobes in dual-energy CT pulmonary angiography.

Advances in knowledge

Changing inspiratory depth from end- to mid-inspiratory level has significantly increased the iodine concentration in the right upper, right middle, and left upper lobes.