bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil pore water evaporation and temperature influences on clay mineral paleothermometry
Authors: Ibarra Daniel E. , Evaristo Jaivime
Published: January 2024

Clay mineral isotope paleothermometry is fundamental to understanding Earth’s climate system and landscape evolution. Status quo methods, however, assume constant factors, such as formation temperature and water isotopic compositions, and ignore seasonality, soil water evaporation and depth-dependent temperature changes. We propose first-order modifications to address these factors and test them in a modeling framework using published data from various settings. Our forward model reveals that neglecting evaporation and seasonal soil temperature variability may lead to significant underestimations of clay formation temperatures, especially in Mediterranean settings. Our inverse model indicates that high-latitude Eocene clay formation temperatures were ~8 °C warmer than modern, while Eocene river sediments in the Sierra Nevada show evaporation-influenced trends, suggesting that previous paleoelevation estimates were underestimated. Our framework demonstrates that explicit consideration of soil pore water evaporation and temperature variability is necessary when interpreting clay mineral isotope data in the context of temperature, hydroclimate and elevation reconstructions.
Stepwise construction of coordinative linkages and dynamic covalent linkages for a porous metal–organic framework
Authors: Peng Shuyin , Sun Yuqian , Li Qingqing , Jiang Zhongwen , Rao Yin , Wu Yichen , Li Qiaowei
Published: January 2024

A stepwise synthetic strategy that utilizes both coordination linkages and dynamic covalent linkages provides a highly-conjugated framework with cyclic tri-silver clusters.
Structure determines performance: isomeric Ti-MOFs for photocatalytic synthesis of hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Zhang Yongzhou , Luo Ze , Zhou Tianqing , Huang Haibo , Tang Hua
Published: January 2024

This work investigates the photocatalytic production of H2O2 by MOF isomers, expanding the application of the family of defective MOFs.
Molecular docking, 3D-QASR and molecular dynamics simulations of benzimidazole Pin1 inhibitors
Authors: Liu Min , Wang Bingli , Liu Huan , Xia Haolun , Ding Lina
Published: January 2024

Molecular docking, 3D-QSAR, dynamics simulations, free energy and decomposition calculation between Pin1 protein and benzimidazole Pin1 inhibitors.
Enhancing silicon-nitride formation through ammonolysis of silanes with pseudo-halide substituents
Authors: Tummanapelli Anil Kumar , Chen Yingqian , Wong Ming Wah
Published: January 2024

Considering the challenges in reactivity, potential contamination, and substrate selectivity, the ammonolysis of traditional halosilanes in silicon nitride (SiN) thin film processing motivates the exploration of alternative precursors.
Double self-reinforced coordination modulation constructing stable Ni4+ for water oxidation
Authors: Zhou Ya-Nan , Li Feng-Ting , Dong Bin , Chai Yong-Ming
Published: January 2024

Nitrate ligands and Co atoms not only promote the formation of Ni4+ by accelerating deprotonation and attracting electrons, but also adsorb the electron-withdrawing bridge hydroxyl to stabilize Ni4+.
Dynamic microbial regulation of triiron tetrairon phosphate nanomaterials in the tomato rhizosphere
Authors: Jiao Liya , Yue Le , Le Xiehui , Cao Xuesong , Chen Feiran , Wang Chuanxi , Zhang Xiaoli , Zou Hua , Wang Zhenyu
Published: January 2024

In this study, microbial dynamics in the tomato rhizosphere was explored at seedling, flowering, and mature stages after soil was amended with 50 mg kg−1 triiron tetrairon phosphate nanomaterials (Fe7(PO4)6 NMs) and conventional ion fertilizer.
Transition-metal-free access to benzyl ethers via aerobic cross-dehydrogenative coupling of benzylic C(sp3)–H bonds with alcohols
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Li Wenjie , Yu Yang , Luo Min , Bai Hua , Shi Lei , Li Hao
Published: January 2024

We have developed an efficient and green cross-coupling reaction for alkoxylation of the primary benzylic C(sp3)–H bond. KOtBu was used as a catalyst and O2 was used as the sole oxidant in the methoxylation of the primary benzylic C–H bond.
Brønsted acid- and Ni(ii)-catalyzed C–H oxidation/rearrangement of cyclotriveratrylenes (CTVs) to cyclic and acyclic quinones as potential anti-cancer agents
Authors: Darole Ratanamala S. , Choudhary Shailendra Singh , Sharma Himanshu , Mali Bhupendra P. , Gopu Booblan , Vanka Kumar , Senthilkumar Beeran
Published: January 2024

The first report on synthesis of CTV-derived new class of cyclic and acyclic quinones via Brønsted acid and Ni(ii)-catalyzed C–H oxidation in a single step and less reaction time. These quinones are active against various cancer cell lines.
Functional hemostatic hydrogels: design based on procoagulant principles
Authors: Zhang Boxiang , Wang Min , Tian Heng , Cai Hang , Wu Siyu , Jiao Simin , Zhao Jie , Li Yan , Zhou Huidong , Guo Wenlai , Qu Wenrui
Published: January 2024

Uncontrolled hemorrhage results in various complications and is currently the leading cause of death in the general population.
You only label once: A self‐adaptive clustering‐based method for source‐free active domain adaptation
Authors: Sun Zhishu , Lin Luojun , Yu Yuanlong
Published: January 2024

With the growing significance of data privacy protection, Source‐Free Domain Adaptation (SFDA) has gained attention as a research topic that aims to transfer knowledge from a labeled source domain to an unlabeled target domain without accessing source data. However, the absence of source data often leads to model collapse or restricts the performance improvements of SFDA methods, as there is insufficient true‐labeled knowledge for each category. To tackle this, Source‐Free Active Domain Adaptation (SFADA) has emerged as a new task that aims to improve SFDA by selecting a small set of informative target samples labeled by experts. Nevertheless, existing SFADA methods impose a significant burden on human labelers, requiring them to continuously label a substantial number of samples throughout the training period. In this paper, a novel approach is proposed to alleviate the labeling burden in SFADA by only necessitating the labeling of an extremely small number of samples on a one‐time basis. Moreover, considering the inherent sparsity of these selected samples in the target domain, a Self‐adaptive Clustering‐based Active Learning (SCAL) method is proposed that propagates the labels of selected samples to other datapoints within the same cluster. To further enhance the accuracy of SCAL, a self‐adaptive scale search method is devised that automatically determines the optimal clustering scale, using the entropy of the entire target dataset as a guiding criterion. The experimental evaluation presents compelling evidence of our method's supremacy. Specifically, it outstrips previous SFDA methods, delivering state‐of‐the‐art (SOTA) results on standard benchmarks. Remarkably, it accomplishes this with less than 0.5% annotation cost, in stark contrast to the approximate 5% required by earlier techniques. The approach thus not only sets new performance benchmarks but also offers a markedly more practical and cost‐effective solution for SFADA, making it an attractive choice for real‐world applications where labeling resources are limited.
Emergent properties in a V1-inspired network of Hodgkin–Huxley neurons
Authors: Maama Mohamed , Ambrosio Benjamin , Aziz-Alaoui M.A. , Mintchev Stanislav M.
Published: January 2024

This article is devoted to the theoretical and numerical analysis of a network of excitatory and inhibitory neurons of Hodgkin–Huxley (HH) type, for which the topology is inspired by that of a single local layer of visual cortex V1. Our model relies on recent work in this area and thus combines a stochastic drive – which may be interpreted as an ambient drive for each neuron – with recurrent inputs resulting from the network activity. After a review of the dynamics of a single HH equation for both the deterministic and the stochastically driven case, we proceed to an analysis of the network. This analysis reveals emergent properties of the system such as partial synchronization and synchronization (defined here as a state of the network for which all the neurons spike within a short interval of time), correlation between excitatory and inhibitory conductances, and oscillations in the Gamma-band frequency. The collective behavior enumerated herein is observed when the input-amplitude parameter SEE measuring excitatory-to-excitatory coupling (recurrent excitation) increases to within a certain range. Of note, our work indicates a distinct mechanism for obtaining the emergent properties, some of which have been classically observed. As a consequence our article contributes to the understanding of how assemblies of inhibitory and excitatory cells interact together to produce rhythms in the network. It also aims to bring problems from neuroscience to the realm of mathematics, where they can be analyzed rigorously.
Association between Tubulointerstitial Nephritis and Uveitis Syndrome and Small-Vessel CNS Vasculitis: A Case of Polyautoimmunity
Authors: Grinstein Lev , Hecher Laura , Weiss Deike , Johannsen Jessika , Denecke Jonas
Published: January 2024

Introduction We report a case study of two male pediatric patients presenting with anterior uveitis and elevated renal function parameters. Both were diagnosed with tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome and subsequently developed diffuse cerebral symptoms such as headache, fatigue, and diziness.

Methods Magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of the brain showed T2-hyperintense lesions with and without gadolinium enhancement leading to brain biopsy and diagnosis of small-vessel central nervous system (CNS) vasculitis in both cases. Both patients were treated according to BrainWorks small-vessel vasculitis protocol and symptoms vanished over the course of treatment. Follow-up MRIs up to 12 months after initiation of therapy showed no signs of recurrence indicating a monophasic disease.

Conclusion Small-vessel CNS vasculitis can occur simultaneously to other autoimmune diseases (ADs) in the scope of polyautoimmunity. As clinical findings of CNS vasculitis are often unspecific, neurological symptoms in nonneurological ADs should be adressed thoroughly. Under suspicion of small-vessel CNS vasculitis brain biopsy is still the gold standard and only secure way of definitive diagnosis.
Sex Differences in the Histopathology of Acute Type A Aortic Dissections
Authors: Grewal Nimrat , Dolmaci Onur Baris , Klautz Robert JM , Poelmann Robert E.
Published: January 2024

Background Although sex-related differences in cardiovascular surgery outcomes have increasingly garnered attention in the past decades, knowledge about sex disparities in the pathophysiology of acute type A aortic dissections (ATAADs) remains sparse. In this study, we evaluate the histopathologic and atherosclerotic lesions in female and male ATAAD patients.

Methods A total of 68 patients were studied: 51 ATAAD patients (mean age: 62.5 ± 10.8 years; 49% women) and 17 control patients (mean age: 63 ± 5.5 years; 53% women). Cardiovascular risk factors were assessed clinically. Intimal and medial histopathological features were systematically evaluated in all.

Results Compared to the control group, all ATAAD patients showed significantly more elastic fiber pathology, mucoid extracellular matrix accumulation, smooth muscle cell nuclei loss, and overall medial degeneration (p < 0.0001). The tunica intima was significantly thinner in the ATAAD patients than in the control group (p < 0.023), with the latter exhibiting significantly more progressive atherosclerotic lesions than the former. No difference in medial vessel wall pathology was seen between female and male patients. As compared to male ATAAD patients, atherosclerotic lesions were more severe in female ATAAD patients, independent of age and the cardiovascular risk factor hypertension.

Conclusion All ATAAD patients had a significantly thinner tunica intima and significantly diseased tunica media compared to the control patients. Our results suggest that the severity of medial aortic pathology is not sex specific in ATAAD patients. Intimal differences between females and males could, however, be considered a potential risk factor for the development of an aortic dissection.
Conventional and Robot-Assisted Microvascular Anastomosis: Systematic Review
Authors: Susanto Benedictus A. , Aurelie Nadine , Nathaniel William , Atmodiwirjo Parintosa , Ramadan Mohamad R. , Djohan Risal
Published: January 2024

Background The complexity of plastic microsurgery yields many risks. Robot assistance has been sought to maximize outcome and minimize complications. Reportedly, it offers increased dexterity and flexibility with attenuated human flaws, such as tremors and fatigue. This systematic review will further investigate that claim.

Methods A systematic search was conducted for operative outcomes and operator experience of reconstructive plastic microsurgery compared between conventional and robot-assisted procedures. Data were summarized then meta-analyzed or qualitatively assessed and critically appraised to determine the difference robot assistance offers.

Results This review comprises four studies, mainly investigating robot-assisted microvascular anastomosis. Meta-analysis of anastomosis time reveals that robot assistance takes more time than conventional without offering substantial health-related improvements. However, it offers greater comfort, consistency, and flexibility for operators.

Conclusion Robot assistance lengthens operative times because of its relative lack of implementation and subsequent lack of experienced operators. Times were quick to be improved as repeated procedures were performed and technical complications can be resolved by more experience with robotic equipment. Furthermore, it generally offers better operator experience. Despite this, robot assistance does not offer a better health outcome compared with conventional anastomosis, although its benefits may lie in aesthetic outcomes instead. Exploration of that aspect as well as nonsummarizable health outcomes are the two primary limitations of this review that warrants further investigation into the subject.
Chemical Synthesis and Antitumor Evaluation of Chikusetsusaponin IVa Butyl Ester and Its Analogues
Authors: Cao Peng , Yang You , Zheng Jibin , Wang Yanxiao , Zhang Yiyue , Rong Jingjing , He Dongjuan , Wang Xiaotong , Zhang Liangliang , Xu Jianguang
Published: January 2024

Chikusetsusaponin IVa butyl ester (CS-IVa-Be) is a triterpene saponin that acts as a novel IL6R antagonist for inducing breast cancer cell apoptosis. However, the structure–activity relationship for this class of saponins remains unclear. Here, we report a gram-scale synthesis of CS-IVa-Be and the efficient preparation of eight of its analogues. CS-IVa-Be was demonstrated to have significant antitumor activities against MDA-MB-231, HepG2, and A549 cells. When one of the sugar residues at either the 3-OH or 28-COOH position of CS-IVa-Be was cleaved, or the length of the alkyl chain on the d-glucuronic acid residue of CS-IVa-Be was changed, these analogues showed varied inhibitory activities against the cancer cell lines. Notably, the carboxylic acid form of CS-IVa-Be exhibited a stronger antitumor activity against MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, the carboxylic acid form of CS-IVa-Be inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner by arresting the cell cycle at the G2/M phase.
Solvent-Free Synthesis of α-Cyanophosphonates from β-Nitro­styrenes by Using a Deep-Eutectic Solvent Catalyst
Authors: Tavakol Hossein , Shi Min , Shamsaddinimotlagh Sima , Ranjbari Mohammad A.
Published: January 2024

α-Cyanophosphonates, which are useful reagents for the Horner–Wittig reaction, were synthesized under solvent-free conditions by using a choline chloride–zinc chloride deep-eutectic solvent (DES) as a catalyst. This is only the second report on the synthesis of these compounds. In the previous report, diethyl trimethylsilyl phosphite was used as a reagent and TiCl4 as a catalyst, whereas in this study, both the reagent (triphenylphosphine) and the catalyst (choline chloride–zinc chloride DES) are cheaper, more readily available, and less harmful than those used in the previous work. Moreover, the process involves an interesting cascade reaction between a β-nitrostyrene and two equivalents of triphenyl phosphite, leading to the desired product by a new synthetic route. The products can be used in the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries, in addition to their synthetic applications in the preparation of α,β-unsaturated nitriles. The reactions were completed on using 20 mol% of DES at 80 °C in six hours. Ten different β-nitrostyrenes were synthesized in yields of 55–87% after purification. β-Nitrostyrenes containing electron-donating groups showed higher yields. The reaction failed when aliphatic or heteroaromatic nitroalkenes or β-nitrostyrenes with electron-withdrawing substituents were employed. Finally, three plausible mechanistic routes are proposed for the reaction, starting with the nucleophilic addition of triphenyl phosphite to the carbon, nitrogen, or oxygen atom in the α-position.
Multicomponent Reaction-Based Heteroannulations: A Direct Access to Fused Tetrazolo Piperazinones and 1,4-Diazepanones
Authors: Neochoritis Constantinos G. , Fotopoulou Eirini , Vasilakis Alexandros
Published: January 2024

By exploiting the chemistry of bifunctional isocyanides, straightforward, rapid, and scalable Ugi-tetrazole-based multicomponent reaction heteroannulations were developed. Our synthetic approach provides a series of diverse fused tetrazolo piperazinones and 1,4-diazepanones in just one step.
Directing Hydrogen Isotope Exchange with Aryl Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Kerr William J. , Mudd Richard J. , Reid Marc , Paterson Laura C. , Atzrodt Jens , Derdau Volker
Published: January 2024

A highly effective and selective ortho-directed hydrogen isotope exchange process for aryl carboxylic acids has been achieved by using an iridium(I) N-heterocyclic carbene/phosphine complex under mild and neutral conditions. Good levels of deuterium incorporation have been delivered across a wide array of examples, including a number of biologically active drug compounds.
When less is more: lower esophageal sphincter-preserving peroral endoscopic myotomy is effective for non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders
Authors: Perananthan Varan , Gupta Sunil , Whitfield Anthony , Craciun Ana , Cronin Oliver , O'Sullivan Timothy , Byth Karen , Sidhu Mayenaaz , Hourigan Luke F. , Raftopoulos Spiro , Burgess Nicholas G. , Bourke Michael J.
Published: January 2024

Background Non-achalasia esophageal motility disorders (NAEMDs), encompassing distal esophageal spasm (DES) and hypercontractile esophagus (HCE), are rare conditions. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a promising treatment option. In NAEMDs, unlike with achalasia, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) functions normally, suggesting the potential of LES preservation during POEM.

Methods This retrospective two-center observational study focused on patients undergoing LES-preserving POEM (LES-POEM) for NAEMD. Eckardt scores were assessed pre-POEM and at 6, 12, and 24 months post-POEM, with follow-up endoscopy at 6 months to evaluate for reflux esophagitis. Clinical success, defined as an Eckardt score ≤3, served as the primary outcome.

Results 227 patients were recruited over 84 months until May 2021. Of these, 16 underwent LES-POEM for an NAEMD (9 with HCE and 7 with DES). The median pre-POEM Eckardt score was 6.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 5.0–7.0), which decreased to 1.0 (IQR 0.0–1.8; P<0.001) 6 months post-POEM. This was sustained at 24 months, with an Eckardt score of 1.0 (IQR 0.0–1.8; P<0.001). Two patients (12.5%) developed Los Angeles grade A or B esophagitis.

Conclusions LES-POEM for NAEMD demonstrates favorable clinical outcomes, with infrequent esophagitis and reintervention for LES dysfunction rarely required.
Retraction Note: Ruqyah and Its Use among Patients with Cancer
Authors: Çaksen Hüseyin
Published: January 2024

Retraction

The above article published in Journal of Child Science in Volume 13, Number 01, e20–e27, on March 20, 2023 (DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1764498), has been retracted as it is lacking scientific base.
DACA Aneurysm Presenting as Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Pratik Shah , Sangani Gordhan , Shrivastava Manish , Raut Tushar , Mundada Krishna
Published: January 2024

Aneurysms rarely present with features of ischemic stroke. The data on treatment of such strokes is limited. We present a case of multiple aneurysms and an ischemic stroke caused by distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysm treated with flow diverter placement, the first case of endovascular treatment of DACA aneurysmal ischemic stroke reported to our knowledge.
Role of foreign direct Investment and political openness in boosting the eco-tourism sector for achieving sustainability
Authors: Shang Yunfeng , Yang Qin , Pu Yuanjie
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to examine the impact of China’s political openness index and foreign direct investment on its ecotourism index from 1985 to 2019. The findings revealed that a 1% rise in foreign direct investment had a long-term effect, increasing China’s sustainable tourism index by 0.01%. Furthermore, the political openness index played a significant role in boosting ecotourism in China over both short and long periods. A 1% increase in the political openness index corresponded to a 0.32 and 0.53% increase in China’s ecotourism index in the short and long term, respectively. Additionally, the financial openness index had a positive impact in the short and long term, with a 1% improvement resulting in approximately 0.24 and 0.23% increases in China’s ecotourism index. Key policies to advance eco-tourism in China include ensuring political stability, enhancing green financial markets through fintech and blockchain, and implementing poverty alleviation measures.
Painful flesh-coloured papules in a middle-aged woman
Authors: Carmona-Rocha Elena , Rusiñol Lluís , Yélamos Oriol
Published: January 2024

We report a woman in her 60s who presented with multiple firm, flesh-coloured papules progressively developing on her neckline and chest. This case illustrates the constellation of clinical signs that should draw the attention of the dermatologist to suspect a tumour predisposition syndrome, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and management for these patients.
Auditory prediction and prediction error responses evoked through a novel cascade roving paradigm: a human ECoG study
Authors: Fujitani Shigeta , Kunii Naoto , Nagata Keisuke , Takasago Megumi , Shimada Seijiro , Tada Mariko , Kirihara Kenji , Komatsu Misako , Uka Takanori , Kasai Kiyoto , Saito Nobuhito
Published: January 2024

Auditory sensory processing is assumed to occur in a hierarchical structure including the primary auditory cortex (A1), superior temporal gyrus, and frontal areas. These areas are postulated to generate predictions for incoming stimuli, creating an internal model of the surrounding environment. Previous studies on mismatch negativity have indicated the involvement of the superior temporal gyrus in this processing, whereas reports have been mixed regarding the contribution of the frontal cortex. We designed a novel auditory paradigm, the “cascade roving” paradigm, which incorporated complex structures (cascade sequences) into a roving paradigm. We analyzed electrocorticography data from six patients with refractory epilepsy who passively listened to this novel auditory paradigm and detected responses to deviants mainly in the superior temporal gyrus and inferior frontal gyrus. Notably, the inferior frontal gyrus exhibited broader distribution and sustained duration of deviant-elicited responses, seemingly differing in spatio-temporal characteristics from the prediction error responses observed in the superior temporal gyrus, compared with conventional oddball paradigms performed on the same participants. Moreover, we observed that the deviant responses were enhanced through stimulus repetition in the high-gamma range mainly in the superior temporal gyrus. These features of the novel paradigm may aid in our understanding of auditory predictive coding.
Improved estimation of general cognitive ability and its neural correlates with a large battery of cognitive tasks
Authors: Zhang Liang , Feng Junjiao , Liu Chuqi , Hu Huinan , Zhou Yu , Yang Gangyao , Peng Xiaojing , Li Tong , Chen Chuansheng , Xue Gui
Published: January 2024

Elucidating the neural mechanisms of general cognitive ability (GCA) is an important mission of cognitive neuroscience. Recent large-sample cohort studies measured GCA through multiple cognitive tasks and explored its neural basis, but they did not investigate how task number, factor models, and neural data type affect the estimation of GCA and its neural correlates. To address these issues, we tested 1,605 Chinese young adults with 19 cognitive tasks and Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM) and collected resting state and n-back task fMRI data from a subsample of 683 individuals. Results showed that GCA could be reliably estimated by multiple tasks. Increasing task number enhances both reliability and validity of GCA estimates and reliably strengthens their correlations with brain data. The Spearman model and hierarchical bifactor model yield similar GCA estimates. The bifactor model has better model fit and stronger correlation with RAPM but explains less variance and shows weaker correlations with brain data than does the Spearman model. Notably, the n-back task-based functional connectivity patterns outperform resting-state fMRI in predicting GCA. These results suggest that GCA derived from a multitude of cognitive tasks serves as a valid measure of general intelligence and that its neural correlates could be better characterized by task fMRI than resting-state fMRI data.
Multiclass classification of motor imagery tasks based on multi-branch convolutional neural network and temporal convolutional network model
Authors: Yu Shiqi , Wang Zedong , Wang Fei , Chen Kai , Yao Dezhong , Xu Peng , Zhang Yong , Wang Hesong , Zhang Tao
Published: January 2024

Motor imagery (MI) is a cognitive process wherein an individual mentally rehearses a specific movement without physically executing it. Recently, MI-based brain–computer interface (BCI) has attracted widespread attention. However, accurate decoding of MI and understanding of neural mechanisms still face huge challenges. These seriously hinder the clinical application and development of BCI systems based on MI. Thus, it is very necessary to develop new methods to decode MI tasks. In this work, we propose a multi-branch convolutional neural network (MBCNN) with a temporal convolutional network (TCN), an end-to-end deep learning framework to decode multi-class MI tasks. We first used MBCNN to capture the MI electroencephalography signals information on temporal and spectral domains through different convolutional kernels. Then, we introduce TCN to extract more discriminative features. The within-subject cross-session strategy is used to validate the classification performance on the dataset of BCI Competition IV-2a. The results showed that we achieved 75.08% average accuracy for 4-class MI task classification, outperforming several state-of-the-art approaches. The proposed MBCNN-TCN-Net framework successfully captures discriminative features and decodes MI tasks effectively, improving the performance of MI-BCIs. Our findings could provide significant potential for improving the clinical application and development of MI-based BCI systems.
Neuronal composition of processing modules in human V1: laminar density for neuronal and non-neuronal populations and a comparison with macaque
Authors: Garcia-Marin Virginia , Kelly Jenna G , Hawken Michael J
Published: January 2024

The neuronal composition of homologous brain regions in different primates is important for understanding their processing capacities. Primary visual cortex (V1) has been widely studied in different members of the catarrhines. Neuronal density is considered to be central in defining the structure–function relationship. In human, there are large variations in the reported neuronal density from prior studies. We found the neuronal density in human V1 was 79,000 neurons/mm3, which is 35% of the neuronal density previously determined in macaque V1. Laminar density was proportionally similar between human and macaque. In V1, the ocular dominance column (ODC) contains the circuits for the emergence of orientation preference and spatial processing of a point image in many mammalian species. Analysis of the total neurons in an ODC and of the full number of neurons in macular vision (the central 15°) indicates that humans have 1.2× more neurons than macaques even though the density of neurons in macaque is 3× the density in human V1. We propose that the number of neurons in a functional processing unit rather than the number of neurons under a mm2 of cortex is more appropriate for cortical comparisons across species.
Deep learning for tooth identification and numbering on dental radiography: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sadr Soroush , Rokhshad Rata , Daghighi Yasaman , Golkar Mohsen , Tolooie Kheybari Fateme , Gorjinejad Fatemeh , Mataji Kojori Atousa , Rahimirad Parisa , Shobeiri Parnian , Mahdian Mina , Mohammad-Rahimi Hossein
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Improved tools based on deep learning can be used to accurately number and identify teeth. This study aims to review the use of deep learning in tooth numbering and identification.

Methods

An electronic search was performed through October 2023 on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Google Scholar, IEEE, arXiv, and medRxiv. Studies that used deep learning models with segmentation, object detection, or classification tasks for teeth identification and numbering of human dental radiographs were included. For risk of bias assessment, included studies were critically analysed using quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS-2). To generate plots for meta-analysis, MetaDiSc and STATA 17 (StataCorp LP, College Station, TX, USA) were used. Pooled outcome diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) were determined through calculation.

Results

The initial search yielded 1618 studies, of which 29 were eligible based on the inclusion criteria. Five studies were found to have low bias across all domains of the QUADAS-2 tool. Deep learning has been reported to have an accuracy range of 81.8%-99% in tooth identification and numbering and a precision range of 84.5%-99.94%. Furthermore, sensitivity was reported as 82.7%-98% and F1-scores ranged from 87% to 98%. Sensitivity was 75.5%-98% and specificity was 79.9%-99%. Only 6 studies found the deep learning model to be less than 90% accurate. The average DOR of the pooled data set was 1612, the sensitivity was 89%, the specificity was 99%, and the area under the curve was 96%.

Conclusion

Deep learning models successfully can detect, identify, and number teeth on dental radiographs. Deep learning-powered tooth numbering systems can enhance complex automated processes, such as accurately reporting which teeth have caries, thus aiding clinicians in making informed decisions during clinical practice.
Tertiary syphilis and cardiovascular disease: the united triad: case report
Authors: Berhil Taha , Radi Fatima Zohra , El Boussaadani Badre , Raissouni Zainab
Published: January 2024

Background

Syphilis, owing to its natural course, can lead to long-term damage to the aortic valve, such as insufficiency and rarely stenosis, ostial coronary stenosis, and syphilitic aortitis. Cardiovascular involvement alongside neurological involvement dominates the prognosis. This should no longer be seen, thanks to awareness and prevention programmes, medical treatment, and antibiotics.

Case summary

We report a case of a 54-year-old chronic smoker with no previous history, admitted for respiratory distress amid an impaired general condition. An electrocardiogram was performed, which showed sinus rhythm with lateral ST depression and T-wave inversion. Coronary angiography revealed an ostial stenosis of the left coronary artery. Echocardiography displayed a globular dilated left ventricle with a left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% and severe aortic insufficiency (AI). Computed tomography angiography of the aorta showed a dilation of the thoracic aorta and suprarenal abdominal aorta. Syphilitic serology was positive. The patient underwent angioplasty, resulting in a satisfactory outcome, and subsequently received optimal treatment. Following a consultation with a cardiovascular surgeon and vascular team, it was decided to proceed with mechanical aortic valve replacement and aorto-coronary double bypass surgery, but vascular surgery of the ascending aortic aneurysm was not possible at once.

Discussion

Tertiary syphilis should always be considered when faced with isolated coronary ostial involvement, aortic aneurysm, and/or AI. What makes our case special is that the patient had almost all the cardiovascular complications of tertiary syphilis. Primary syphilis should always be prevented, diagnosed early, and treated appropriately with antibiotic therapy.
Transoesophageal echocardiography-guided balloon-assisted percutaneous closure of a large secundum atrial septal defect in a pregnant woman: a case report
Authors: Prakoso Radityo , Ariani Rina , Mendel Brian , Lilyasari Oktavia
Published: January 2024

Background

According to the 2018 European Society of Cardiology guidelines, atrial septal defect (ASD) closure can be performed during pregnancy but is rarely indicated. In this case, we demonstrate the viability of percutaneous balloon-assisted ASD closure without fluoroscopy in a pregnant woman.

Case summary

A 23-year-old G3P2A0 woman who was 20 weeks pregnant had primary complaints of breathlessness [New York Heart Association functional class (NYHA fc) III and IV] for 1 week prior to admission. A transthoracic echocardiography showed a dilatation of the right atrium (RA), a dilated right ventricle, a dilated main pulmonary artery (28.1 mm), and an oval-shaped 22 × 33 mm-sized secundum ASD with a left-to-right shunt. Despite optimal pharmacological treatment, the NYHA fc persisted. Under transoesophageal echocardiography monitoring, we introduced a 40 mm Cera™ ASD Occluder (Lifetech, China) via the delivery sheath. The device was deployed in the usual position; however, despite numerous placement adjustments, the left atrium disc kept getting dislodged to the RA and could not engage correctly. Therefore, we decided to use a balloon-assisted approach using a sizing balloon of No. 34 mm. The device was successfully positioned, and a wiggle test was conducted to make sure that the device remained stable. The patient was able to give birth to the child normally several months later.

Discussion

Despite the fact that pregnant women with ASD receive a very low dose of radiation, it is nevertheless recommended to avoid radiation because this demographic is particularly vulnerable to it. It is possible to treat a large ASD in pregnant women with a successful balloon-assisted approach.
p-Hacking, Data type and Data-Sharing Policy
Authors: Brodeur Abel , Cook Nikolai , Neisser Carina
Published: January 2024

This paper examines the relationship between p-hacking, publication bias and data-sharing policies. We collect 38,876 test statistics from 1,106 articles published in leading economic journals between 2002–20. We find that, while data-sharing policies increase the provision of data, they do not decrease the extent of p-hacking and publication bias. Similarly, articles that use hard-to-access administrative data or third-party surveys, as compared to those that use easier-to-access (e.g., author-collected) data, are not different in their p-hacking and publication extent. Voluntary provision of data by authors on their home pages offers no evidence of reduced p-hacking.
Understanding the health system barriers and enablers to childhood MMR and HPV vaccination among disadvantaged, minority or underserved populations in middle- and high-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Essa-Hadad Jumanah , Gorelik Yanay , Vervoort Johanna , Jansen Danielle , Edelstein Michael
Published: January 2024

Background

Child vaccinations are among the most effective public health interventions. However, wide gaps in child vaccination remain among different groups with uptake in most minorities or ethnic communities in Europe substantially lower compared to the general population. A systematic review was conducted to understand health system barriers and enablers to measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and human papilloma virus (HPV) child vaccination among disadvantaged, minority populations in middle- and high-income countries.

Methods

We searched Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL, ProQuest and EMBASE for articles published from 2010 to 2021. Following title and abstract screening, full texts were assessed for relevance. Study quality was appraised using Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklists. Data extraction and analysis were performed. Health system barriers and enablers to vaccination were mapped to the World Health Organization health system building blocks.

Results

A total of 1658 search results were identified from five databases and 24 from reference lists. After removing duplicates, 1556 titles were screened and 496 were eligible. Eighty-six full texts were assessed for eligibility, 28 articles met all inclusion criteria. Factors that affected MMR and HPV vaccination among disadvantaged populations included service delivery (limited time, geographic distance, lack of culturally appropriate translated materials, difficulties navigating healthcare system), healthcare workforce (language and poor communication skills), financial costs and feelings of discrimination.

Conclusion

Policymakers must consider health system barriers to vaccination faced by disadvantaged, minority populations while recognizing specific cultural contexts of each population. To ensure maximum policy impact, approaches to encourage vaccinations should be tailored to the unique population’s needs. A one-size-fits-all approach is not effective.
Tree crown defoliation in forest monitoring: concepts, findings, and new perspectives for a physiological approach in the face of climate change
Authors: Bussotti Filippo , Potočić Nenad , Timmermann Volkmar , Lehmann Marco M , Pollastrini Martina
Published: January 2024

Recurrent climate-driven disturbances impact on the health of European forests that reacted with increased tree dieback and mortality over the course of the last four decades. There is therefore large interest in predicting and understanding the fate and survival of forests under climate change. Forest conditions are monitored within the pan-European ICP Forests programme (UN-ECE International Co-operative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests) since the 1980s, with tree crown defoliation being the most widely used parameter. Defoliation is not a cause-specific indicator of tree health and vitality, and there is a need to connect defoliation levels with the physiological functioning of trees. The physiological responses connected to tree crown defoliation are species-specific and concern, among others, water relations, photosynthesis and carbon metabolism, growth, and mineral nutrients of leaves. The indicators to measure physiological variables in forest monitoring programs must be easy to apply in the field with current state-of-the-art technologies, be replicable, inexpensive, time efficient and regulated by ad hoc protocols. The ultimate purpose is to provide data to feed process-based models to predict mortality and threats in forests due to climate change. This study reviews the problems and perspectives connected to the realization of a systematic assessment of physiological variables and proposes a set of indicators suitable for future application in forest monitoring programs.
The 2023 Walter B. Cannon Award Lecture: Mechanisms Regulating Vascular Function and Blood Pressure by the PPARγ-RhoBTB1-CUL3 Pathway
Authors: Sigmund Curt D
Published: January 2024

Human genetic and clinical trial data suggest that peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ), a nuclear receptor transcription factor plays an important role in the regulation of arterial blood pressure. The examination of a series of novel animal models, coupled with transcriptomic and proteomic analysis, has revealed that PPARγ and its target genes employ diverse pathways to regulate vascular function and blood pressure. In endothelium, PPARγ target genes promote an antioxidant state, stimulating both nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and bioavailability, essential components of endothelial-smooth muscle communication. In vascular smooth muscle, PPARγ induces the expression of a number of genes that promote an antiinflammatory state and tightly control the level of cGMP, thus promoting responsiveness to endothelial-derived NO. One of the PPARγ targets in smooth muscle, Rho related BTB domain containing 1 (RhoBTB1) acts as a substrate adaptor for proteins to be ubiquitinated by the E3 ubiquitin ligase Cullin-3 and targeted for proteasomal degradation. One of these proteins, phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) is a target of the Cullin-3/RhoBTB1 pathway. Phosphodiesterase 5 degrades cGMP to GMP and thus regulates the smooth muscle response to NO. Moreover, expression of RhoBTB1 under condition of RhoBTB1 deficiency reverses established arterial stiffness. In conclusion, the coordinated action of PPARγ in endothelium and smooth muscle is needed to maintain NO bioavailability and activity, is an essential regulator of vasodilator/vasoconstrictor balance, and regulates blood vessel structure and stiffness.
Transcriptional Profiling of Muscle in Females With Distal Radius Fracture and Functional Sarcopenia
Authors: Kang Jeong-Hyun , Baek Jeong-Hwa , Lee Jin Kwang , Hong Seok Woo
Published: January 2024

Skeletal muscle and bone interact with each other in mechanical and biochemical ways. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of interaction between muscle and bone by analyzing the transcriptional profiles of total RNA from the muscle tissue of females with distal radius fractures. A total of 30 female participants (mean age 71.1 ± 8.9 years) with distal radius fractures were recruited. Participants were categorized into 2 groups: the NORM group consisted of participants with T score of the areal bone mineral density (aBMD) of the femoral neck higher than –1.0, handgrip strength greater than 18 kg, and gait speed faster than 1.0 m/s (n = 10). Otherwise, participants with T score of the aBMD of the femoral neck equal to or less than –1.0, handgrip strength lower than 18 kg, and gait speed slower than 1.0 m/s (n = 20) were categorized into EXP group. Pronator quadratus muscle samples were obtained from all participants. Total RNA was extracted from frozen muscle samples and sequenced. The gene ontology analysis demonstrated that the potential interactions between attached muscle function and the density of the associated bone would be linked with collagen biosynthetic activity and maintenance of extracellular matrix structures. The analysis of the pathway, network, and protein class exhibited that integrin signaling, inflammatory reactions, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, and extracellular matrix protein structure had possible associations with the molecular background of muscle–bone interaction. Through integrin signaling, MMP activity, inflammatory reactions, and collagen biosynthesis, muscle and bone may mutually interact with one another.
A comprehensive theory for 1-D (an)elastic medium deformation due to plane-wave fluid pressure perturbation
Authors: Xu Zongbo , Lognonné Philippe
Published: January 2024

Atmospheric and oceanic pressure perturbations deform the ground surface and the seafloor, respectively. This mechanical deformation, where the fluid perturbations propagate as plane waves, occurs not only on Earth but also on other planets/bodies with atmospheres, such as Mars, Titan and Venus. Studying this type of deformation improves our understanding of the mechanical interaction between the fluid layer (atmosphere/ocean) and the underlying solid planet/body, and aids investigation of subsurface structures. In this study, we utilize eigenfunction theory to unify existing theories for modelling this deformation and to comprehensively demonstrate possible scenarios of this deformation in homogeneous and 1-D elastic media, including static loading, air-coupled Rayleigh waves and leaky-mode surface waves. Our computations quantitatively reveal that the deformation amplitude generally decays with depth and that reducing seismic noise due to Martian atmosphere requires deploying seismometers at least 1 m beneath Martian surface. We also apply our theory to illustrate how this deformation and the corresponding air-to-solid energy conversion vary on different planetary bodies. Finally, we discuss how medium anelasticity and other factors affect this deformation.
Estimating shallow compressional velocity variations in California’s Central Valley
Authors: Vasco Donald W , Pride Steven R , Nakagawa Seiji , Plesch Andreas , Shaw John H
Published: January 2024

A theory for modelling the evolution of elastic moduli of grain packs under increasing pressure is combined with a method that accounts for the presence of fine-grained particles to develop a new conceptual framework for computing the seismic velocities of compacting sediments. The resulting formulation is then used to construct a seismic velocity model for California’s Central Valley. Specifically, a set of 44 sonic logs from the San Joaquin Valley are combined with soil textural data to derive the 3-D velocity variations in the province. An iterative quasi-Newton minimization algorithm that allows for bounded variables provided estimates of the nine free parameters in the model. The estimates low- and high-pressure exponents that resulted from the fit to the sonic log velocities are close to 1/2 and 1/3, respectively, values that are observed in laboratory experiments. Our results imply that the grain surfaces are sufficiently rough that there is little or no slip between grains. Thus, the deformation may be modelled using a strain energy function or free energy potential. The estimated Central Valley velocity model contains a 27 per cent increase in velocity from the surface to a depth of 700 m. Lateral variations of around 4 per cent occur within the layers of the model, a consequence of the textural heterogeneity within the subsurface.
Adolescents’ perceptions of substance use messaging in the age of social media: resolving cognitive dissonance
Authors: Hashemi Rhana , Vogel Erin A
Published: January 2024

This study interviewed adolescents about their exposure to and perceptions of substance-related social media content and substance use prevention messages. Participants (analytic sample N = 30, age 14–18 years, in CA, USA, 40% male) were recruited from Instagram and Facebook for online semi-structured interviews. An interview transcript coding guide was developed based on the interview questions and emerging themes. Most (27/30) participants reported exposure to peers using substances on social media through posts made on personal accounts. All peer posts portrayed substance use in a positive light. Most participants reported exposure to formal prevention messages on social media (i.e. public service announcements) (19/30) and in schools (i.e. drug education) (21/30; 70.0%) teaching the negative consequences of substance use. Responses to the differences between peer posts and prevention messages included dismissing prevention messages (7/30), believing that their peers were more credible (4/30), desiring comprehensive substance information (3/30) and believing that the no-use message was ineffective for at-risk youth (4/30). Messages shared by peers online significantly contrasted with prevention messages (i.e. public service announcements and drug education). This difference appeared to undermine prevention message credibility. Balanced prevention messages acknowledging the spectrum of risk and reward when using different substances may reduce dissonance and increase engagement.