bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a clinical pathway for diabetes‐related foot ulcers reduced the number of amputations and shortened hospital stay
Authors: Sailer Monica , Wergeland Hilde , Randsborg Per‐Henrik
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Diabetes‐related foot ulcer (DFU) is the leading cause for lower extremity amputations (LEAs) in western countries, and may cause social isolation, depression, and death. However, people with DFU are not offered the same prioritized care as cancer patients, despite comparable mortality rates. We therefore decided to create a clinical pathway for patients with DFU. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of implementing a new clinical pathway on rates of LEA, length of hospital stays, and cost reduction.

Methods

On January 1, 2019, a new clinical pathway ensured that all patients with a DFU were evaluated in a designated clinic run by a foot and ankle orthopedic surgeon in collaboration with the vascular surgeons, supported by a specialized wound nurse and a certified prosthetist/orthotist (CPO). We designed an algorithm for the first consultation to identify patients in need for further investigation by other specialties such as endocrinology, infectious diseases, cardiology, or vascular surgery.

All patients underwent a surgical wound debridement of DFU. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was not applied. After surgery, the dressings were changed daily on the ward, until the wound was deemed viable and clean. The patients were followed for two years and compared to a historic cohort of patients with DFU admitted to the institution in 2017.

Results

The number of major amputations was reduced from 65% (13/20) to 7.4% (2/27) (p < 0.001) after the introduction of the clinical pathway. Both the mean number of surgical revisions (5.5 vs. 1.2) and the median length of stay (46 vs. 9 days) were statistically significantly reduced. The median cost per patient was reduced by 76% (from €538 000 to €129 000, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The clinical pathway for managing DFUs resulted in a reduction in major amputations and shorter hospital stays. Discontinuing NPWT after surgical debridement did not adversely affect clinical outcomes. The new pathway also contributed to lower healthcare costs.
A critical review on effects of artificial sweeteners on gut microbiota and gastrointestinal health
Authors: Sun Yizhe , Xu Baojun
Published: January 2025

Artificial sweeteners have emerged as popular alternatives to traditional sweeteners, driven by the growing concern over sugar consumption and its associated rise in obesity and metabolic disorders. Despite their widespread use, the safety and health implications of artificial sweeteners remain a topic of debate, with conflicting evidence contributing to uncertainty about their long‐term effects. This review synthesizes current scientific evidence regarding the impact of artificial sweeteners on gut microbiota and gastrointestinal health. Our analysis of in vitro experiments, animal models, and clinical trials reveals that artificial sweeteners can alter the composition and abundance of gut microbes. These changes raise concerns about their potential to affect overall gut health and contribute to gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, artificial sweeteners have been shown to influence the production of metabolites by gut bacteria, further impacting systemic health. The findings suggest that artificial sweeteners may have complex and sometimes contradictory effects on gut microbiota. While some studies indicate potential benefits, such as reduced caloric intake and weight management, others highlight detrimental effects on microbial balance and metabolic functions. The inconsistent results underscore the need for further research to comprehensively understand the physiological impacts of various artificial sweeteners on human health. Future studies should aim for long‐term, well‐controlled investigations to clarify these relationships, ensuring evidence‐based guidelines for the safe use of artificial sweeteners in diet management. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Prehabilitation of Patients With Oesophageal Malignancy Undergoing Peri‐Operative Treatment (Pre‐EMPT): Outcomes From a Prospective Controlled Trial
Authors: Bott R. , Zylstra J. , Knight W. , Whyte G. P. , Lane A. M. , Moss C. , Browning M. , Lagergren J. , Van Hemelrijck M. , Davies A. R. ,   the Pre‐EMPT study group including the following co‐authors
Published: January 2025

Background

The Pre‐EMPT study aimed to determine if structured exercise could reduce length of stay, post‐operative complications and improve fitness and health‐related quality of life (HQRL) in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and oesophagectomy.

Methods

A prospective non‐randomised trial compared a standard care pathway (control) to a structured prehabilitation exercise programme (intervention) commenced before NAC and surgery for oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Length of hospital stay and post‐operative complications were recorded. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPEX), body composition analyses, lymphocyte levels and HRQL questionnaires were performed at multiple time points.

Results

Median length of stay was similar in both groups. There were 6 versus 11 complications observed (intervention vs control p = 0.086). Cardio‐pulmonary fitness (VO2peak) declined after NAC, but less in the intervention group (intervention −13.54% vs control −21.40%, p = 0.02). Body composition improved in the intervention group (FMi/FFMi −5.5% intervention, 10.7% control p = 0.043). Performance, cognitive, sleep and emotional function scores improved following NAC in the intervention group. Lymphocyte subsets increased in the intervention group compared to the control group after chemotherapy (p = 0.034). Chemotherapy response was improved in the intervention group (p = 0.022).

Conclusion

A structured exercise programme may mitigate cardiopulmonary deconditioning, reduce sarcopenia and offset lymphopenia, during chemotherapy, in patients undergoing NAC and oesophagectomy.
Realization of Chiral Whispering Gallery Mode Cavities Enabled by Photonic Chern Insulators
Authors: Mo Hao‐Chang , Gao Zi‐Xuan , Chen Xiao‐Dong , Dong Jian‐Wen
Published: January 2025

Recently, whispering gallery modes (WGMs) have attracted considerable attention due to their extensive applications in the development of on‐chip microcavities, high‐sensitivity sensors, and high‐performance lasers. Conventional WGMs are achiral under the time‐reversal symmetry, and show high sensitivity to defects in optical devices. Here, topological physics is introduced into photonic cavities and the realization of chiral WGMs is demonstrated enabled by photonic Chern insulators. Through comprehensive numerical simulations and experimental measurements, the critical differences between chiral and achiral WGMs are revealed, highlighting the robustness of chiral WGMs even in the presence of defects within the cavities. This research provides valuable insights into the design of robust WGM cavities and offers a novel platform for exploring light–matter interaction phenomena.
Microsurgical Reconstruction of Complex Scalp Defects With Vastus Lateralis Free Flap
Authors: Zabbia Giovanni , Cammarata Emanuele , Franza Mara , Toia Francesca , Tondini Greta , Graziano Francesca , Iacopino Domenico Gerardo , Cordova Adriana
Published: January 2025

Background

Scalp reconstruction is a challenging field for plastic surgeons. In case of large or complex defects, microsurgical‐free flaps are usually required. Reconstructive failure can result in high morbidity and in some cases be life‐threatening.

In this article, we present our experience in the reconstruction of complex scalp defects with the use of a vastus lateralis (VL) free flap.

Patients and Methods

From July 2013 to July 2023, we retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent soft tissue reconstruction of the scalp with a VL‐free flap at the authors' institution. The patient's demographic, clinical and surgical characteristics, and postoperative complications were recorded and analyzed.

Results

Thirty patients were included. The mean age was 67.3 years. Seventeen patients were male, while 13 were female. In 56.7% of patients, defects resulted from cancer resection. In four patients, the defect was limited to the soft tissues while a multi‐layer defect with bone and/or dura involvement was present in 26 patients. Soft tissue reconstruction was always achieved with a VL‐free flap (n = 30). In 28 cases, a skin‐grafted muscular flap was used. The most used recipient vessels were the superior thyroid vessels (n = 18). Complications occurred in six patients (20%): two cases of total flap loss and two cases of infection of the cranioplasty materials requiring their removal. In two cases patients died within 48 h. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic and functional results at 6 months.

Conclusions

In the case of complex scalp defects, the gold standard is reconstruction through microsurgical flaps that provide well‐vascularized tissue and allow to cover large defects, reducing the incidence of infections and ensuring good brain protection even without cranioplasty. In our experience, VL‐free flap represents a valid option, providing a low donor site morbidity, the possibility of a two‐team approach, and a low complication rate.
Investigations on Dual Band MIMO Antenna With Reduction of Mutual Coupling and RCS for Military Radar Applications
Authors: Himaja Makkapati , Sivasubramanian Yuvaraj
Published: January 2025

This article presents a novel strategy for reducing mutual coupling and Radar Cross Section (RCS) in a 2 × 1 MIMO antenna system tailored for military radar applications. The proposed arrangement involves two identical radiators oppositely arranged with an H‐shaped strip placed between the radiators. A wide slot, stub projection, and frequency selective surface (FSS) are engraved on the backside. The overall dimension of the suggested system is 25 × 25 × 1.6 mm3, which resonates at 6.09 and 8.34 GHz with an impedance bandwidth of 6.16 GHz from 2.95 to 9.11 GHz. The isolation (≤ −30 dB) is obtained by incorporating a wide slot and an H‐shaped strip between the radiators. A grid of miniature square slots is etched on the rear side of the antenna, leading to an additional enhancement in the isolation and monostatic RCS reduction by more than 25 dB. The diversity gain (DG) and envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) are also examined for the suggested antenna to validate its diversity performance. The congruence between the validated and simulated results is remarkably strong, rendering it a fitting choice for military and airborne devices/applications operating within the C and X bands.
Scanning K‐edge subtraction (SKES) imaging with laser‐compton x‐ray sources
Authors: Reutershan Trevor , Nguyen Christine V. , Effarah Haytham H. , Nelson Eric C. , Chesnut Kyle D. , Barty Christopher P. J.
Published: January 2025

Background

K‐edge subtraction (KES) imaging is a dual‐energy imaging technique that enhances contrast by subtracting images taken with x‐rays that are above and below the K‐edge energy of a specified contrast agent. The resulting reconstruction spatially identifies where the contrast agent accumulates, even when obscured by complex and heterogeneous distributions of human tissue. This method is most successful when x‐ray sources are quasimonoenergetic and tunable, conditions that have traditionally only been met at synchrotrons. Laser‐Compton x‐ray sources (LCSs) are a compact alternative to synchrotron radiation with a quasimonoenergetic x‐ray spectrum. One limitation in the clinical application of KES imaging with LCSs has been the extensive time required to tune the x‐ray spectrum to two different energies.

Purpose

We introduce an imaging technique called scanning K‐edge subtraction (SKES) that leverages the angle‐correlated laser‐Compton x‐ray spectrum in the setting of mammography. The feasibility and utility of this technique will be evaluated through a series of simulation studies. The goal of SKES imaging is to enable rapid K‐edge subtraction imaging using a laser‐Compton x‐ray source. The technique does not rely on the time‐consuming process of tuning laser‐Compton interaction parameters.

Methods

Laser‐Compton interaction physics are modeled using conditions based on an X‐band linear electron accelerator architecture currently under development using a combination of 3D particle tracking software and Mathematica. The resulting angle‐correlated laser‐Compton x‐ray beam is propagated through digitally compressed breast phantoms containing iodine contrast‐enhanced inserts and then to a digital flat‐panel detector using a Matlab Monte Carlo propagation software. This scanning acquisition technique is compared to the direct energy tuning method (DET), as well as to a clinically available dual‐energy contrast‐enhanced mammography (CEM) system.

Results

KES imaging in a scanning configuration using an LCS was able to generate a KES image of comparable quality to the direct energy tuning method. SKES was able to detect tumors with iodine contrast concentrations lower than what is clinically available today including lesions that are typically obscured by dense fibroglandular tissue. After normalizing to mean glandular dose, SKES is able to generate a KES image with equal contrast to CEM using only 3% of the dose.

Conclusions

By leveraging the unique quasimonochromatic and angle‐correlated x‐ray spectrum offered by LCSs, a contrast‐enhanced subtraction image can be obtained with significantly more contrast and less dose compared to conventional systems, and improve tumor detection in patients with dense breast tissue. The scanning configuration of this technique could accelerate the clinical translation of this technology.
Communicating a Pediatric Leukemia Diagnosis to a Child and Their Family: A Qualitative Study into Oncologists’ Perspectives
Authors: Buursma Petra , Schepers Sasja A. , Zwerus Daniël , Alkirawan Rima , van den Bergh Esther M. M. , Dors Natasja , Hoogerbrugge Peter M. , Grootenhuis Martha A. , Kars Marijke C.
Published: January 2025

Background

A pediatric cancer diagnosis is overwhelming and stressful for the whole family. Patient‐centered communication during the diagnostic conversation can support medical and psychosocial adaptation to the disease. Treatment of pediatric leukemia has become increasingly complex and requires a specific skillset from clinicians in effectively conveying information to families. The objective of the current study was to gain insight in the experiences and perspectives of pediatric oncologists when communicating leukemia diagnoses to families.

Procedure

In this exploratory qualitative study, oncologists were eligible to participate for each diagnostic conversation between May 2022 and February 2023 of families participating in a larger study. Twenty‐six semi‐structed interviews with 16 oncologists were thematically analyzed.

Results

Two interrelated conversational goals were identified: (i) informing the family about the illness, prognosis, and treatment; and (ii) creating trust and comfort for the family implying they are in the right place for maximal chance of survival. Oncologists experienced a challenge in balancing a high amount of information provision in a short timespan with simultaneously monitoring the (emotional) capacity and needs of the family to process information. Remarkably, oncologists commonly seem to rely on intuition to guide the family through the diagnostic conversation. They mentioned to sometimes postpone answering to family‐specific informational needs and prioritized information they assume to be more helpful for the family at that time.

Conclusions

During diagnostic conversations, oncologists aim to convey information they assume supports the needs of the family. Future research should investigate how these communication strategies are perceived by families.
Ecdysteroids in Native Trees and Callus Cultures of the Genus Vitex L. of the Flora of Russia and Vietnam
Authors: Volodin V. V. , Volodina S. O. , Nekrasova E. V. , Loan Vu Thi , Serebryakov E. B. , Frolova D. A. , Ufimtsev K. G.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Vitex L. is a large genus of tropical and subtropical trees used in medicine of many nations. Some species are used in gynecology due to flavonoids, iridoids, and diterpenes. Other species were shown to contain ecdysteroids and are used as tonic remedies.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate content and patterns of distribution of ecdysteroids in native trees and their accumulation in in vitro cell cultures as potential biotechnological agents of Vitex species growing in remote flora of Russia and Vietnam.

Methodology

Targeted UPLC‐MS/MS was used for the quantitation of the ecdysteroids in samples of plants and callus cultures of Vitex species. Determination of nucleotide sequences was carried out on ABI PRISM 3730xl sequencer. Phylogenetic tree was constructed using Mega v.7.0.

Results

Samples of Vitex agnus‐castus L. from Russian Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, as well as samples of nine species of Vitex from Vietnam were collected for ecdysteroids quantification. Relationships between the content of ecdysteroids and the systematic position of the Vitex species were shown.

Conclusions

Higher levels of ecdysteroids were revealed in different plant parts of Vitex canescens Kurz, Vitex pinnata L., Vitex quinata (Lour.) F.N.Williams, and Vitex tripinnata (Lour.) Merr. It has been established that species rich in ecdysteroids, as well as those containing trace amount of ecdysteroids (V. agnus‐castus L., Vitex negundo L., and Vitex rotundifolia L.f.) are grouped in certain clades isolated from each other on the molecular phylogenetic tree of the genus. The most promising raw materials are the young leaves of V. tripinnata (8562 μg/g of dry biomass), as well as the bark of V. canescens (16,520 μg/g) and V. quinata (19,130 μg/g). The bark of V. canescens could be a good source of turkesterone (11α‐oxyecdysteroid) that has pronounced pharmacological effects. Its content reaches up to 1400 μg/g in the bark. Discovering ability of callus cultures for synthesis of ecdysteroids allows us to outline experimental ways to increase the level of ecdysteroid biosynthesis in biotechnological systems as alternative source of ecdysteroids.
Real‐time product weight estimation based on internal pressure monitoring in injection molding
Authors: Horváth Szabolcs , Kovács József Gábor
Published: January 2025

In this study, we investigate a novel method for determining product weight based on cavity pressure, measured by internal sensors integrated into the mold. The ultimate goal is to find a model that is better than the linear expressions in the literature based on the cavity pressure integral. We conducted experiments using different materials (ABS and PP) to assess the effects of holding pressure and time on product weight. The relationship between product weight, the pressure integral, and holding pressure was modeled with a saturation curve. This way, the maximum product weight achievable with holding pressure can be predicted. This method represents a significant advancement in quality control during injection molding, as product weight can be predicted within the production cycle before product ejection.
Multifunctional Waterproof Hydrogels Based on Copper Sulfide Nanoparticles for Burn Wound Healing
Authors: Wu Jie , Dai Lei , Zhao Limei , Wan Shufan , Jiang Yiyun , Zou Bin , Su Jiangtao , Sun Hongmei
Published: January 2025

Burn wounds care and healing are very difficult in clinic. Herein, a multifunctional waterproof hydrogel was fabricated with photothermal antimicrobial and NO anti‐inflammatory properties. In the as‐prepared hydrogel, polyethyleneimine (PEI) and thioctic acid (TA) were cross‐linked by electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding while the aggregation of TA could be favor to the formation of hydrophobic caves. Benefit from the caves, CuS and BNN6 (N, N′‐dibutyl‐N, N′‐dinitroso‐1,4‐phenylenediamine) could be incorporated in the PEI/TA‐based hydrogel while the air permeability of the hydrogel could also be increased. Interestingly, the mild increased temperature from the photothermal conversion of CuS not only endowed the as‐prepared hydrogel with photothermal antimicrobial ability but also promoted the release of NO from BNN6. The as‐prepared PEI/TA/CuS/BNN6 hydrogel with good biocompatibility, self‐healing ability and water resistance was suitable for promoting burn wounds healing. It provides a new platform for designing novel wound dressing for burn wounds.
Accelerated amyloid fibril formation at the interface of liquid–liquid phase‐separated droplets by depletion interactions
Authors: Yamaguchi Keiichi , Mima Joji , Nakajima Kichitaro , Sakuta Hiroki , Yoshikawa Kenichi , Goto Yuji
Published: January 2025

Amyloid fibril formation of α‐synuclein (αSN) is a hallmark of synucleinopathies. Although the previous studies have provided numerous insights into the molecular basis of αSN amyloid formation, it remains unclear how αSN self‐assembles into amyloid fibrils in vivo. Here, we show that αSN amyloid formation is accelerated in the presence of two macromolecular crowders, polyethylene glycol (PEG) (MW: ~10,000) and dextran (DEX) (MW: ~500,000), with a maximum at approximately 7% (w/v) PEG and 7% (w/v) DEX. Under these conditions, the two crowders induce a two‐phase separation of upper PEG and lower DEX phases with a small number of liquid droplets of DEX and PEG in PEG and DEX phases, respectively. Fluorescence microscope images revealed that the interfaces of DEX droplets in the upper PEG phase are the major sites of amyloid formation. We consider that the depletion interactions working in micro phase‐segregated state with DEX and PEG systems causes αSN condensation at the interface between solute PEG and DEX droplets, resulting in accelerated amyloid formation. Ultrasonication further accelerated the amyloid formation in both DEX and PEG phases, confirming the droplet‐dependent amyloid formation. Similar PEG/DEX‐dependent accelerated amyloid formation was observed for amyloid β peptide. In contrast, amyloid formation of β2‐microglobulin or hen egg white lysozyme with a native fold was suppressed in the PEG/DEX mixtures, suggesting that the depletion interactions work adversely depending on whether the protein is unfolded or folded.
Transcriptome‐Wide Association Study Identified Novel Blood Tissue Gene Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer Risk
Authors: Sun Yanfa , Zhu Jingjing , Zhong Hua , Zhang Zichen , Wang Fubo , Nakamura Akira , Liu Yanhui , Liu Jiawen , Yu Jie , Zeng Guanghua , Lin Xin , Zhou Dan , Wu Chong , Wang Liang , Deng Youping , Wu Lang
Published: January 2025

Objective

A number of susceptibility genes in prostate tissue have been identified to be associated with prostate cancer (PCa) risk. However, the reported genes based on assessing prostate tissue could not fully explain PCa genetic susceptibility. It is believed that genes functioning in the immune system may fill in the gap of some missing heritability.

Methods

To study potential susceptibility genes acting in such pathways, we performed a transcriptome‐wide association study (TWAS) of 79,194 PCa cases and 61,112 control of European ancestry by using three sets of gene expression prediction models of blood tissue.

Results

A total of 470 genes were associated at false discovery rates‐corrected p‐value < 0.05, of which 51 were implicated as likely causal genes based on fine‐mapping analysis. Compared with previous literature, 133 novel genes were reported for the first time. Of the identified genes, five (CREB3L4, GSTP1, MAPK3, NKX3‐1, and PIK3C2B) were enriched in a PCa signaling pathway, and 128 genes were enriched in five PCa categories. Importantly, 13 genes (SCP2, LMNA, ZNF148, H2AFV, TACC1, FLII, SUPT4H1, CD300LF, MYO9B, COX6B1, CTSA, EP300, and TSPO) showed consistent effect directions for the measured levels in circulating immune cells between PCa cases and controls, and 14 genes (SLC39A1, ZBTB7B, TRIM59, NCEH1, N4BP2, TAGAP, TACC1, TRAF1, AIP, SECTM1, C18orf54, ZNF793, YIF1B, and TSPO) showed consistency for levels in blood exosomes between PCa patients and controls.

Conclusion

The identified blood‐based candidate susceptibility genes provide further insights into the genetic basis of PCa risk.
Field measurement of spray drift from a spray application by UAV
Authors: Butler‐Ellis M Clare , Lane Andrew G. , O'Sullivan Christine M. , Wheeler Helen C. , Harwood Jeremy J.
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

To use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to deliver pesticides, new data are needed to allow regulators to conduct risk assessments. A field trial was conducted to obtain spray drift data relating to ground deposits and airborne spray resulting from a spray application delivered by a small UAV.

RESULTS

A 12 m width area was sprayed with four passes of the UAV and spray deposits were collected within the sprayed area and up to 50 m downwind. Airborne spray was collected at 5 and 10 m downwind. Ground deposits of spray drift were similar to other data produced by orchard airblast sprayers; airborne spray was generally lower than other data produced by boom sprayers.

CONCLUSION

Drift data was obtained to allow regulators to conduct a risk assessment for a pesticide application delivered by the UAV configuration used in this study. The ability to control the operation and to record applied doses was inadequate and the distribution within the sprayed area was poor. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Growth of 6 Inch Diameter β‐Ga2O3 Crystal by the Vertical Bridgman Method
Authors: Igarashi Takuya , Ueda Yuki , Koshi Kimiyoshi , Sakaguchi Ryoichi , Watanabe Shinya , Yamakoshi Shigenobu , Kuramata Akito
Published: January 2025

A 6 inch β‐gallium oxide (β‐Ga2O3) single crystal is grown in the ⟨010⟩ direction using the vertical Bridgman (VB) method under an oxygen partial pressure of 50%. Although cracks are observed along the cleavage planes, crossed polarizer microscopy confirms the absence of grain boundaries in the wafers. X‐ray rocking curve measurements demonstrate a consistent level of crystal quality, with an average full width at half maximum of 22.56 arcsec. Observation of the quenched solid–liquid interface reveals a slightly convex shape. The actual growth rate, calculated from the experimental data, suggests that crystal growth does not fully keep pace with the crucible descent process. The effect of the furnace temperature gradient is investigated by comparing a higher gradient (4–15 °C cm−1) with a lower gradient (0.5–5 °C cm−1). The crystal grown under the higher gradient exhibits no grain boundaries, whereas those grown under the lower gradient shows grain boundaries and significant cracking, making it unsuitable for wafer processing. These results demonstrate the feasibility of growing 6 inch β‐Ga2O3 single crystals using the VB method and suggest that further optimization of conditions, including control of the temperature gradient, are essential to achieve higher quality and greater stability.
Potential of Green Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized from Punica granatum Extract on Leishmaniasis and Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Kelleci Kubra
Published: January 2025

In the current study, the physicochemical properties and biological activities of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) synthesized in small sizes by Punica granatum using the green synthesis method and the chemical method were compared. UV–vis peak of chemically and biologically synthesized AuNPs was confirmed at 540  nm and 535  nm, respectively. By FT‐IR analysis, it was revealed that there were active biomolecules in Punica granatum extract for the synthesis of green AuNPs. According to XRD results, broad spectra were obtained. The crystalline nature of Green AuNP was demonstrated. Using SEM and DLS, it was observed that green AuNP had dimensions between 4–6 nm and chemical AuNP had dimensions between 6–12 nm. Punica granatum‐based AuNPs were more effective in the MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cell line than AuNPs by chemical method. It has also been revealed that green AuNPs are much more effective than chemical AuNPs against L. infantum parasites. As a result, Punica granatum‐based green AuNPs have been proven to be functionally more efficient and effective than chemically prepared AuNPs. Our study will encourage researchers to increase the synthesis of green NPs for medical use.
Therapeutic Insights of Indole Scaffold‐Based Compounds as Protein Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Dawood Dina H.
Published: January 2025

Cancer is deemed to be one of the most severe diseases, which is accountable for the elevated mortality rate after cardiovascular diseases. Despite the huge numbers of drugs that were approved by the USFDA to combat the prevalence of cancer, the resistance of the diverse cancer types to the current medications as well as their high toxicity becomes an obstacle in cancer therapy. Thus, the developing of new medications with improved selectivity and efficiency to cure various types of cancer disease is still an imperative goal. Kinases are phosphorylating enzymes that catalyze the transfer of phosphate from ATP to tyrosine, serine and threonine residues of proteins, which leads to the activation of varied signaling pathways that regulate various cellular functions such as differentiation, proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. Abnormal phosphorylation leads to various diseases such as cancer, overexpression of kinases was frequently observed in different cancerous tissues. Thus, the suppression of the kinase activity has stood out as a strategic pathway for cancer therapy. Otherwise, indole core has displayed as a privileged scaffold with promising anticancer properties and multi‐kinase suppression effect. This review presents various indole‐based anticancer agents as kinase inhibitors in the recent decade. In addition, the various interactions of indole derivatives within the active pocket of different kinases have been highlighted. This review article comprises research reports from 2014 until the present.
Impact of Y and Nb on 321 Stainless Steel in Supercritical Water
Authors: Fu Yongqiang , Wang Zhigang , Cai Weihao , Yuan Qiangqiang , Liu Baixiong , Wang Fei
Published: January 2025

Four different steels are designed and fabricated, denoted as 321, 321‐Y, 321‐Nb, and 321‐NbY, to investigate the effects of 0.5wt%Nb and 0.015wt%Y on the microstructure and mechanical properties. The results show that the addition of Y and Nb promotes the spheroidization of square‐shaped TiN/Ti(C, N). Heterogeneous nucleation is induced by Y through inclusions formed by Y, O, and S, whereas heterogeneous nucleation is induced by Nb through the NbC wrapping effect. The addition of Nb promotes the precipitation of small‐sized (Ti, Nb)(C, N) particles. Nb promotes the formation of δ‐ferrite, while Y inhibits its formation. Compared to 321 steel, Y has little effect on the strength of steel, while the addition of Nb decreases the tensile strength from 301 to 250 MPa and increases the yield strength from 192 to 210 MPa. Both Nb and Y enhance the steel's reduction of area. Compared to 321 steel, the co‐addition of Nb and Y increases the reduction of area from 70.2 to 89.2%.
From Quantum Curves to Topological String Partition Functions II
Authors: Coman Ioana , Longhi Pietro , Teschner Jörg
Published: January 2025

We propose a geometric characterisation of the topological string partition functions associated with the local Calabi–Yau (CY) manifolds used in the geometric engineering of

$$d=4$$

d
=
4

,

$${\mathcal {N}}=2$$

N
=
2

supersymmetric field theories of class

$${\mathcal {S}}$$

S

. A quantisation of these CY manifolds defines differential operators called quantum curves. The partition functions are extracted from the isomonodromic tau-functions associated with the quantum curves by expansions of generalised theta series type. It turns out that the partition functions are in one-to-one correspondence with preferred coordinates on the moduli spaces of quantum curves defined using the Exact WKB method. The coordinates defined in this way jump across certain loci in the moduli space. The changes of normalization of the tau-functions associated with these jumps define a natural line bundle playing a key role in the geometric characterisation of the topological string partition functions proposed here.
Optimal stopping of BSDEs with constrained jumps and related double obstacle PDEs
Authors: Perninge Magnus
Published: January 2025

We consider partial differential equations (PDEs) characterized by an upper barrier that depends on the solution itself and a fixed lower barrier, while accommodating a non-local driver. First, we show a Feynman–Kac representation for the PDE when the driver is local. Specifically, we relate the non-linear Snell envelope, arising from an optimal stopping problem—where the underlying process is the first component in the solution to a stopped backward stochastic differential equation (BSDE) with jumps and a constraint on the jumps process—to a viscosity solution for the PDE. Leveraging this Feynman–Kac representation, we subsequently prove existence and uniqueness of viscosity solutions in the non-local setting by employing a contraction argument. This approach also introduces a novel form of non-linear Snell envelope and expands the probabilistic representation theory for PDEs.
Prediction of electrohydrodynamic printing behavior using machine learning approaches
Authors: Lu Yizhou , Treadway James , Ghimire Prashant , Han Yiwei , Choudhury Samrat
Published: January 2025

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing has been used in various applications (e.g., sensors, batteries, photonic crystals). Currently, research on studying the relationships between EHD jetting behaviors, material properties, and processing conditions is still challenging due to a large number of parameters, cost, time, and the complex nature of experiments. In this research, we investigated EHD printing behavior using a machine learning (ML)-guided approach to overcome limitations in the experiments. Specifically, we investigated two jetting modes and the size of printed material with a broader range of material properties and processing parameters. We used samples from both literature and our own experiment results with different type of materials. Different ML models have been developed and applied to the data. Our results have shown that ML can navigate a vast parameter search space to predict printing behavior with an accuracy of higher than 95% during EHD printing. Moreover, the results showed that ML models can be used to predict the printing behavior and feather size for new materials. The ML models can guide the investigation of EHD printing and helped us understand the printing behavior in a systematic manner with reduced time, cost, and required experiments.
Curvature and sharp growth rates of log-quasimodes on compact manifolds
Authors: Huang Xiaoqi , Sogge Christopher D.
Published: January 2025

We obtain new optimal estimates for the

$L^{2}(M)\to L^{q}(M)$

L
2

(
M
)
→

L
q

(
M
)

,

$q\in (2,q_{c}]$

q
∈
(
2
,

q
c

]

,

$q_{c}=2(n+1)/(n-1)$

q
c

=
2
(
n
+
1
)
/
(
n
−
1
)

, operator norms of spectral projection operators associated with spectral windows

$[\lambda ,\lambda +\delta (\lambda )]$

[
λ
,
λ
+
δ
(
λ
)
]

, with

$\delta (\lambda )=O((\log \lambda )^{-1})$

δ
(
λ
)
=
O
(

(
log
λ
)

−
1

)

on compact Riemannian manifolds

$(M,g)$

(
M
,
g
)

of dimension

$n\ge 2$

n
≥
2

all of whose sectional curvatures are nonpositive or negative. We show that these two different types of estimates are saturated on flat manifolds or manifolds all of whose sectional curvatures are negative. This allows us to classify compact space forms in terms of the size of

$L^{q}$

L
q

-norms of quasimodes for each Lebesgue exponent

$q\in (2,q_{c}]$

q
∈
(
2
,

q
c

]

, even though it is impossible to distinguish between ones of negative or zero curvature sectional curvature for any

$q>q_{c}$

q
>

q
c

.
Generative artificial intelligence enables the generation of bone scintigraphy images and improves generalization of deep learning models in data-constrained environments
Authors: Haberl David , Ning Jing , Kluge Kilian , Kumpf Katarina , Yu Josef , Jiang Zewen , Constantino Claudia , Monaci Alice , Starace Maria , Haug Alexander R. , Calabretta Raffaella , Camoni Luca , Bertagna Francesco , Mascherbauer Katharina , Hofer Felix , Albano Domenico , Sciagra Roberto , Oliveira Francisco , Costa Durval , Nitsche Christian , Hacker Marcus , Spielvogel Clemens P.
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Advancements of deep learning in medical imaging are often constrained by the limited availability of large, annotated datasets, resulting in underperforming models when deployed under real-world conditions. This study investigated a generative artificial intelligence (AI) approach to create synthetic medical images taking the example of bone scintigraphy scans, to increase the data diversity of small-scale datasets for more effective model training and improved generalization.

Methods

We trained a generative model on 99mTc-bone scintigraphy scans from 9,170 patients in one center to generate high-quality and fully anonymized annotated scans of patients representing two distinct disease patterns: abnormal uptake indicative of (i) bone metastases and (ii) cardiac uptake indicative of cardiac amyloidosis. A blinded reader study was performed to assess the clinical validity and quality of the generated data. We investigated the added value of the generated data by augmenting an independent small single-center dataset with synthetic data and by training a deep learning model to detect abnormal uptake in a downstream classification task. We tested this model on 7,472 scans from 6,448 patients across four external sites in a cross-tracer and cross-scanner setting and associated the resulting model predictions with clinical outcomes.

Results

The clinical value and high quality of the synthetic imaging data were confirmed by four readers, who were unable to distinguish synthetic scans from real scans (average accuracy: 0.48% [95% CI 0.46–0.51]), disagreeing in 239 (60%) of 400 cases (Fleiss’ kappa: 0.18). Adding synthetic data to the training set improved model performance by a mean (± SD) of 33(± 10)% AUC (p < 0.0001) for detecting abnormal uptake indicative of bone metastases and by 5(± 4)% AUC (p < 0.0001) for detecting uptake indicative of cardiac amyloidosis across both internal and external testing cohorts, compared to models without synthetic training data. Patients with predicted abnormal uptake had adverse clinical outcomes (log-rank: p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Generative AI enables the targeted generation of bone scintigraphy images representing different clinical conditions. Our findings point to the potential of synthetic data to overcome challenges in data sharing and in developing reliable and prognostic deep learning models in data-limited environments.

Graphical abstract
The spinel to garnet phase transition in the systems MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 and CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2: new experiments to resolve long-standing discrepancies
Authors: Farmer Nicholas , O’Neill Hugh St. C. , Green Eleanor C. R.
Published: January 2025

The pressure and temperature conditions of the transition from spinel to garnet as the stable aluminous phase in peridotite lithologies of the upper mantle is integral to elucidating the tectonic significance of the ‘garnet signature’ in basalts. It provides an essential constraint on models of mantle partial melting and oceanic crust formation. Existing experimental results on the univariant phase transition in the simple systems MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 (MAS) and CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 (CMAS) are mutually inconsistent. To resolve this, we have re-determined the P-T coordinates of the univariant transition in both synthetic systems by running experiments containing both systems simultaneously in the piston-cylinder apparatus, along with the MgO-ZnO pressure sensor. These experiments show a ~ 0.4 GPa difference in the pressure of the spinel/garnet phase transition between the two chemical systems at 1400 ºC, double that inferred from a compilation of existing experimental data. Absolute pressure in these experiments can be verified using the MgO-ZnO sensor. The results imply that the thermodynamic data used in recent mineral equations of state based on the Holland-Powell thermodynamic dataset are substantially correct.
Nonlocal effects on curved double-walled carbon nanotubes based on nonlocal theory
Authors: Tepe Ayşegül
Published: January 2025

Curved double-walled carbon nanotubes (CDWCNTs) are crucial components in nanoelectronics, mechanical sensors, and composite materials due to their unique geometry and structural properties. Electron microscopy images have revealed that carbon nanotubes are rarely perfectly straight, often exhibiting curvature or waviness along their length due to inherent geometrical imperfections. The accurate mechanical modeling of these structures is essential, particularly to capture size-dependent effects that classical elasticity theories fail to account for. In this study, a novel analytical framework was introduced for combining the initial value method with the approximate transfer matrix approach to analyze the mechanical behavior of CDWCNTs under anti-plane loading within the framework of nonlocal elasticity theory. The proposed methodology provides an effective and computationally efficient alternative to traditional analytical approaches. By analyzing displacements, rotations, bending moments, and shear forces, substantial deviations were revealed between classical and nonlocal elasticity solutions, particularly as the dimensionless nonlocal parameter

$$R/\gamma $$

R
/
γ

decreased. The results show that nonlocal effects become dominant at smaller size parameters, especially in displacements, rotations, and bending moments, while shear forces remain unaffected. These findings emphasize the critical role of nonlocal effects in accurately predicting nanoscale mechanical responses and offer valuable insights for modeling advanced nanostructures in emerging technologies, such as microelectromechanical systems and nanotechnology. Convergence studies have confirmed the accuracy and stability of the proposed approach, thereby establishing this as a robust tool for modeling nanoscale structures.
Probabilistic tephra fallout hazard maps for Sangay volcano, Ecuador
Authors: Tadini Alessandro , Pardini Federica , Bevilacqua Andrea , Bernard Benjamin , Samaniego Pablo , Vitturi Mattia de’ Michieli , Aravena Alvaro , Hidalgo Silvana , Roche Olivier , Azzaoui Nourddine , Neri Augusto , Aguilar Jorge
Published: January 2025

Sangay volcano (Ecuador) shows a quasi-continuous activity at least since the seventeenth century and has produced several eruptions which affected towns and cities at considerable distance (up to > 170 km). For this reason, despite its remote location, recent efforts were aimed at reviewing its volcanic history, quantifying the occurrence probability of four eruptive scenarios of different magnitude (Strong Ash Venting, Violent Strombolian, sub-Plinian, and Plinian) and the associated uncertainty, and, for each eruptive scenario, estimating the probability distribution of key eruptive source parameters (fallout volume, average plume height, and eruption duration). In this study, we utilize such information to produce probabilistic hazard maps and curves. To this aim, we use coupled plume and dispersal models (PLUME-MOM-TSM and HYSPLIT, respectively) with the application of a novel workflow for running an ensemble of thousands of simulations following a stochastic sampling of input parameters. We produced probabilistic hazard maps for each scenario by considering four ground load thresholds (i.e., 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 kg/m2) and two types of model initialization strategies, based on the elicited total deposit volume and on the elicited plume height, respectively, which produced non-negligible differences. In addition, we produced hazard curves for nine sites of interest from a risk perspective, corresponding to towns/cities potentially affected by tephra accumulation. Finally, we also derived combined maps by merging maps of single scenarios with their probability of occurrence as obtained from expert elicitation. Results indicate that in case of a future eruption, even for a moderate-scale one (Violent Strombolian), probability of tephra accumulation larger than 1 kg/m2 is relatively high (from 21 to 24% considering different model initializations) in the town of Guamote, i.e., the most severely affected site among those tested (43 km W of Sangay). For larger-scale events (i.e., sub-Plinian), the impact of tephra accumulation results to be significant even for the city of Guayaquil (176 km W of Sangay), with probability of tephra accumulation larger than 1 kg/m2 from 3 to 22% considering different model initializations. For maps combining single maps of historically observed scenarios, the probability (% - [5th-Mean-95th]) of having ≥ 10 kg/m2 for Guamote is [4-13-25] as maximum values.
Research Projects towards an Innovative, Digitalised, and Responsible Extractive Industry: Examples from the Chair of Mining Engineering and Mineral Economics
Authors: Fernández Paulina , Sánchez Felipe , Mavroudi Maria , Ungerer Karin , Hartlieb Philipp , Tost Michael
Published: January 2025

Within the current digitalisation trend across industries, new technologies are reshaping the different stages of the mining life cycle. In this context, one of the focuses of the Chair of Mining Engineering and Mineral Economics of Montanuniversität Leoben is to promote and contribute to the implementation of multi-actor research projects to foster the adoption and development of new technologies in the minerals sector. Bringing the recent developments with practical needs and requirements from the industry closer together is critical to continue advancing towards more responsible extractive practices. As part of this effort, three EU-funded projects in which the Chair has significant participation are described in this article: S34I, focused on promoting further application of earth observation technologies in the mining industry; DigiEcoQuarry, a digitalisation initiative in the aggregate sector seeking to enhance environmental, economic, safety, and social aspects of quarries in Europe; and MaDiTraCe, a project aimed at integrating advanced digital and material traceability technologies to face the challenges of traceability in critical raw materials supply chains, greater transparency and accountability in the extraction and processing of mineral resources. All three projects advance the vision and strategy of the Chair by promoting digitalisation and integration of innovative approaches. Furthermore, their synergies lay the foundation for prospective projects and future industry-academia collaborations.
Sources of Microstructure in Mammalian Cochlear Responses
Authors: Dewey James B.
Published: January 2025

Quasiperiodic fluctuations with frequency are observed in a variety of responses that either originate from or strongly depend on the cochlea’s active mechanics. These spectral microstructures are unique and stable features of individual ears and have been most thoroughly studied in behavioral hearing thresholds and otoacoustic emissions (OAEs). While the exact morphology of the microstructure patterns may differ across measurement types, the patterns are interrelated and are thought to depend on common mechanisms. This review summarizes the characteristics and proposed origins of the microstructures observed in behavioral and OAE responses, as well as other mechanical and electrophysiological responses of the mammalian cochlea. Throughout, the work of Glenis Long and colleagues is highlighted. Long contributed greatly to our understanding of microstructure and its perceptual consequences, as well as to the development of techniques for reducing the impact of microstructure on OAE-based assays of cochlear function.