bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular and clinical characterization of atypical central neurocytomas: implications for diagnosis and treatment strategies
Authors: Sun Feixia , Yang Zuocheng , Kong Ronghua , Han Song
Published: July 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the histological and molecular characteristics of atypical central neurocytomas (CNs) and evaluate their clinical treatment outcomes, with the aim of identifying reliable biomarkers for differentiation and optimal treatment strategies.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study including 61 patients diagnosed with CNs. Clinical data, neuroimaging, and pathological findings were analyzed. RNA sequencing was performed on tumor tissues to identify differentially expressed genes.

Results

Histological atypia and the Ki-67 index showed no significant impact on progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS). RNA sequencing identified significant genetic alterations in pathways such as neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction, cAMP, MAPK, and Ras signaling. Differently expressed genes included AMOTL1, PIK3R3, TGFBR1, SMO, COL4A6, MGP, SOX4, IGF2, SLIT1, and CKS2. The five-year OS rate (p = 0.015) and PFS rate (p = 2.00 × 10−6) were significantly higher in the complete resection (CR) group compared to the incomplete resection (IR) group. Postoperative radiotherapy did not affect OS or PFS in the CR group. The five-year PFS rate (p = 3.80 × 10−5) was significantly longer in patients in the CR group who did not receive radiotherapy compared to those in the IR group who did receive radiotherapy. The extent of surgical resection and operative approaches were found to be irrelevant to perioperative complications and dysfunctions at the last follow-up.

Conclusion

CR is crucial for a better prognosis in patients with atypical CNs. Additional radiotherapy after CR offers little benefit. Histological atypia and the Ki-67 index are not effective in distinguishing between atypical and typical CNs. Identified genetic alterations provide insights into the aggressive behavior of atypical CNs, suggesting potential therapeutic targets and underscoring the need for further research to optimize treatment strategies.
On Eye Tracking in Software Engineering
Authors: Grabinger Lisa , Hauser Florian , Wolff Christian , Mottok Jürgen
Published: July 2024

Eye tracking is becoming more and more important as a research method within the field of software engineering (SE). Existing meta-analyses focus on the design or conduct of SE eye tracking studies rather than the analysis phase. This article attempts to fill this gap; it presents a systematic literature review of eye tracking studies in the field of SE—focusing mainly on the data analysis methods used. From the IEEE Xplore and ACM digital libraries we gather 125 papers up to the first quarter of 2024. Detailed evaluation provides information on the number of papers that use specific methods of analysis (i.e., descriptive or inferential statistics, and gaze visualization) or settings (e.g., sample size, technical setup, and selected aspects of research design). With the data obtained we can infer the popularity of specific analysis methods in the field. Those results enable efficient work on data analysis tools or education of aspiring researchers and can serve as basis for standardization or guidelines within the community—providing for methods to include as well as current inconsistencies.
Synthesis of Silver and Copper oxide nanoparticles using Ficus racemosa leaf extract: characterization, anticancer potential, and dye degradation efficacy
Authors: Maurya Akhilesh Kumar , Varshney Shagun , Verma Vinod , Siddique Hifzur R. , Mishra Nidhi
Published: July 2024

Due to their economic and eco-friendly attributes, there has recently been a growing interest in phytochemicals as catalysts for synthesizing nanoparticles (NPs). The present study describes the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) via green chemistry by utilizing Ficus racemosa (F. racemosa) leaf extract without using any harsh chemical reagents. Silver (Ag) NPs were synthesized through conventional and microwave-irradiation routes, while the NPs of Copper oxide (CuO) were synthesized through traditional synthetic routes. The average crystallite size was around 26 and 38 nm for Ag and CuO NPs, respectively, with highly crystalline properties. The peak of around 450 nm for Ag and 551 nm for CuO, respectively, provided evidence of their formation. The NPs synthesized via the conventional route had spherical morphology with sizes between 40–80 nm and 95–250 nm for Ag and CuO NPs, respectively. With a size range of 80–300 nm, Ag NPs synthesized via microwave irradiation had triangular, polygonal, and almost spherical shapes. Ag NPs synthesized via microwave irradiation had triangular, polygonal, and nearly spherical morphology with a size range of 80–300 nm. The cytotoxicity of NPs was assessed on the human lung cancer cell line (A549). With an IC50 value of 75 µg/mL, the studies revealed that both NPs displayed comparable activities. The catalytic dye degradation activity of Ag NPs was investigated using Bromophenol blue (BB), Methylene blue (MB), and Methyl orange (MO). Therefore, using green synthesis, the current pathway facilitates the environmentally favorable synthesis of NPs for anti-cancer and dye degradation applications.
Seismicity and return period investigation of destructive earthquake in Makran subduction zone
Authors: Rehman Adil , Zhang Huai
Published: July 2024

This work uses the frequency-magnitude relation for the earthquakes to analyze seismicity and return period for the earthquakes in Makran subduction and its adjacent region. The data for seismicity analysis and return period range from 1934 to 2022, with moment magnitude and depth ranging from 4.0 to 8.1 and 0 to 115 km. The b-values for eastern and western Makran are obtained by the maximum likelihood technique of 0.7 ± 0.04 and 0.764 ± 0.04, respectively. The temporal decrease of the b-value of the eastern and western vicinities of Makran suggests that stress levels in both regions are increasing, indicating potential big earthquakes may occur subsequentially. Similarly, the spatial variation of the b-value also suggests that stress in both areas is increasing. Notably, the change in the b-value is inversely proportional to the stress level in the region. If the stress level increases, the b-value decreases, and vice versa. The earthquake return periods with magnitude 5 and 5.5 vary from 1 to 2.7 and 2 to 8 years, and magnitude 6 and 6.5 vary from 5 to 30 and 10 to 60 years, respectively. The earthquake return periods with magnitude 7 and 7.5 vary from 20 to 120 and 50 to 300 years, and magnitude 8 and 8.5 range from 100 to 600 and 200 to 1200 years, respectively. The finding demonstrates that both the eastern and western vicinities of the Makran fault zone have high tectonic stress, and significant big earthquakes may occur in the future.
The Career Issue: A Guide Through the Maze
Authors:   The Editors
Published: July 2024

Surrounding yourself with support can get you far.
Imaging Below the Surface Reveals One of Los Angeles’s Webs of Faults
Authors: Scharping Nathaniel
Published: July 2024

Damage zones extend to either side of many faults and can affect how future earthquakes behave.
Evaluation of OCT biomarker changes in treatment-naive neovascular AMD using a deep semantic segmentation algorithm
Authors: Asani Ben , Holmberg Olle , Schiefelbein Johannes B. , Hafner Michael , Herold Tina , Spitzer Hannah , Siedlecki Jakob , Kern Christoph , Kortuem Karsten U. , Frishberg Amit , Theis Fabian J. , Priglinger Siegfried G.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

To determine real-life quantitative changes in OCT biomarkers in a large set of treatment naive patients in a real-life setting undergoing anti-VEGF therapy. For this purpose, we devised a novel deep learning based semantic segmentation algorithm providing the first benchmark results for automatic segmentation of 11 OCT features including biomarkers for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

Methods

Training of a Deep U-net based semantic segmentation ensemble algorithm for state-of-the-art semantic segmentation performance which was used to analyze OCT features prior to, after 3 and 12 months of anti-VEGF therapy.

Results

High F1 scores of almost 1.0 for neurosensory retina and subretinal fluid on a separate hold-out test set with unseen patients. The algorithm performed worse for subretinal hyperreflective material and fibrovascular PED, on par with drusenoid PED, and better in segmenting fibrosis. In the evaluation of treatment naive OCT scans, significant changes occurred for intraretinal fluid (mean: 0.03 µm3 to 0.01 µm3, p < 0.001), subretinal fluid (0.08 µm3 to 0.01 µm3, p < 0.001), subretinal hyperreflective material (0.02 µm3 to 0.01 µm3, p < 0.001), fibrovascular PED (0.12 µm3 to 0.09 µm3, p = 0.02) and central retinal thickness C0 (225.78 µm3 to 169.40 µm3). The amounts of intraretinal fluid, fibrovascular PED, and ERM were predictive of poor outcome.

Conclusions

The segmentation algorithm allows efficient volumetric analysis of OCT scans. Anti-VEGF provokes most potent changes in the first 3 months while a gradual loss of RPE hints at a progressing decline of visual acuity. Additional research is required to understand how these accurate OCT predictions can be leveraged for a personalized therapy regimen.
Incidence and outcomes of post-operative endophthalmitis following elective phacoemulsification cataract surgery, between 2015 and 2022
Authors: Ting Magdalene Y. L. , Pocobelli Giulio , Butu Diana M. , Mandal Nakul , Nicholson Luke , Khan Sharmina R.
Published: July 2024

Background

Cataract surgery remains the commonest ophthalmic surgical procedure in the UK. Post-operative endophthalmitis (POE) is a sight-threatening complication. This study presents the incidence and outcomes of POE within Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (MEH) in London, UK.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, tertiary-centre study of the incidence and outcomes of POE following elective phacoemulsification cataract surgery between 2015 and 2022.

Results

We report a rate of 18 out of 154 826 (0.012%) cases of POE within seven weeks of cataract surgery. The age range was 43-87 years (mean age 67.1 years), and the male-to-female ratio was 1:1. Two cases were associated with intraoperative vitreous loss, one with anterior capsular tear extending to posterior capsular tear and the other with posterior capsular tear and dropped fragment. Two cases had a concomitant intravitreal injection, one of Triamcinolone Acetonide and the other of Dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex®), to manage chronic uveitic macular oedema. The majority of samples (89.9%) resulted in Gram-positive species. A final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of Snellen 6/36 or better was achieved in 12/18 (66.67%). The time from cataract surgery to suspicion of POE ranged from 3 to 44 days (mean 15.8 days). Eight cases (44.4%) required pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).

Conclusions

We demonstrate an incidence of POE of 0.012% following phacoemulsification at MEH from January 2015 to December 2022. Such results are a testament to high-quality surgery, training supervision and post-operative care whilst adhering to local and international standards.
Impacts of glacial discharge on the primary production in a Greenlandic fjord
Authors: Hoshiba Yasuhiro , Matsumura Yoshimasa , Kanna Naoya , Ohashi Yoshihiko , Sugiyama Shin
Published: July 2024

Subglacial discharge from marine-terminating glaciers in Greenland injects large volumes of freshwater and suspended sediment into adjacent fjord environments. Although the discharge itself is nutrient poor, the formation of meltwater plumes can enhance marine biological production by stimulating upwelling of nutrient-rich fjord water. Despite the importance of meltwater discharge to marine ecosystems, little is known of the quantitative impact of discharge processes on phytoplankton growth, including the effects of local plumes, fjord-wide stirring and mixing, and suspended sediments on net primary production (NPP). Here, we report simulations of Bowdoin Fjord in northwestern Greenland using coupled non-hydrostatic ocean circulation and lower-trophic level ecosystem models, developed using field data. Our findings demonstrate that subglacial discharge plays a crucial role in NPP by stirring and mixing the entire fjord water system, which has a greater effect on NPP than local plume upwelling. Sensitivity tests suggest a 20% increase in NPP under conditions of enhanced discharge anticipated in the future. However, if glacier discharge and retreat exceed critical levels, NPP is predicted to decline by 88% relative to present values. This pattern reflects the negative impact of increased sediment flux on photosynthesis and weakened fjord stirring and mixing resulting from shallower outlet depths.
Application of improved grey wolf model in collaborative trajectory optimization of unmanned aerial vehicle swarm
Authors: Chen Jiguang , Chen Yu , Nie Rong , Liu Li , Liu Jianqiang , Qin Yuxin
Published: July 2024

With the development of science and technology and economy, UAV is used more and more widely. However, the existing UAV trajectory planning methods have the limitations of high cost and low intelligence. In view of this, grey Wolf algorithm is being used to achieve collaborative trajectory optimization of UAV groups. However, it is found that the Grey Wolf optimization algorithm (GWO) has the problem of weak cooperation. In this study, based on the traditional GWO pheromone factor is introduced to improve it.. Aiming at the problem of unstable performance of swarm intelligence optimization algorithm under dynamic threat, deep reinforcement learning is used to optimize the model. An unmanned aerial vehicle swarm trajectory planning model was constructed based on the improved grey wolf algorithm. Through experimental analysis, the optimal fitness value of the improved grey wolf algorithm was lower than 0.43 of the grey wolf algorithm. Compared with other algorithms, the fitness value of this algorithm is significantly reduced and the stability is higher. In complex scenarios, the improved grey wolf algorithm had a trajectory length of 70.51 km and a planning time of 5.92 s, which was clearly superior to other algorithms. The path length planned by the research and design model was 58.476 km, which was significantly smaller than the other three models. The planning time was 5.33 s and the number of path extension points was 46. The indicator values of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle swarm trajectory planning model designed by this research were all smaller than the other three models. By analyzing the results, the model can achieve low-cost trajectory optimization, providing more reasonable technical support for unmanned aerial vehicle mission execution.
Left ventricular dysfunction in pulmonary arterial hypertension is attributed to underfilling rather than intrinsic myocardial disease: a CMR 2D phase contrast study
Authors: Venkateshvaran Ashwin , Bohlin Jessica , Kjellström Barbro , Bergström Elsa , Nelsson Anders , Werther Evaldsson Anna , Rådegran Göran , Arheden Håkan , Ostenfeld Ellen
Published: July 2024

The pathophysiology underlying impaired LV function in PAH remains unclear, with some studies implicating intrinsic myocardial dysfunction and others pointing to LV underfilling. Evaluation of pulmonary vein area (PVA) and flow may offer novel, mechanistic insight by distinguishing elevated LV filling pressure common in myocardial dysfunction from LV underfilling. This study aimed to elucidate LV filling physiology in PAH by assessing PVA and flow using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and compare pulmonary vein flow in PAH with HFrEF as a model representing elevated filling pressures, in addition to healthy controls. Patients with PAH or heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) referred for CMR were retrospectively reviewed, and healthy controls were included as reference. Pulmonary vein S, D and A-wave were compared between groups. Associations between pulmonary vein area (PVA) by CMR and echocardiographic indices of LV filling pressure were evaluated. Nineteen patients with PAH, 25 with HFrEF and 24 controls were included. Both PAH and HFrEF had lower ejection fraction and S-wave velocity than controls. PAH displayed smaller LV end-diastolic volumes than controls, while HFrEF demonstrated larger PVA and higher A-wave reversal. PVA was associated with mitral E/e′ ratio (r2 = 0.10; p = 0.03), e′ velocity (r2 = 0.23; p = 0.001) and left atrial volume (r2 = 0.07; p = 0.005). Among PAH, PVA was not associated with LV-GLS. A PVA cut-off of 2.3cm2 displayed 87% sensitivity and 72% specificity to differentiate HFrEF and PAH (AUC = 0.82). PAH displayed lower pulmonary vein S-wave velocity, smaller LV volume and reduced function compared with controls. Reduced LV function in PAH may be owing to underfilling rather than intrinsic myocardial disease. PVA demonstrates promise as a novel, non-invasive imaging marker to assess LV filling status.
Spectral characterization of intraoperative renal perfusion using hyperspectral imaging and artificial intelligence
Authors: Studier-Fischer A. , Bressan M. , Qasim A.bin , Özdemir B. , Sellner J. , Seidlitz S. , Haney C. M. , Egen L. , Michel M. , Dietrich M. , Salg G. A. , Billmann F. , Nienhüser H. , Hackert T. , Müller B. P. , Maier-Hein L. , Nickel F. , Kowalewski K. F.
Published: July 2024

Accurate intraoperative assessment of organ perfusion is a pivotal determinant in preserving organ function e.g. during kidney surgery including partial nephrectomy or kidney transplantation. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) has great potential to objectively describe and quantify this perfusion as opposed to conventional surrogate techniques such as ultrasound flowmeter, indocyanine green or the subjective eye of the surgeon. An established live porcine model under general anesthesia received median laparotomy and renal mobilization. Different scenarios that were measured using HSI were (1) complete, (2) gradual and (3) partial malperfusion. The differences in spectral reflectance as well as HSI oxygenation (StO2) between different perfusion states were compelling and as high as 56.9% with 70.3% (± 11.0%) for “physiological” vs. 13.4% (± 3.1%) for “venous congestion”. A machine learning (ML) algorithm was able to distinguish between these perfusion states with a balanced prediction accuracy of 97.8%. Data from this porcine study including 1300 recordings across 57 individuals was compared to a human dataset of 104 recordings across 17 individuals suggesting clinical transferability. Therefore, HSI is a highly promising tool for intraoperative microvascular evaluation of perfusion states with great advantages over existing surrogate techniques. Clinical trials are required to prove patient benefit.
First voltammetric analysis of two possible anticancer drug candidates using an unmodified glassy carbon electrode
Authors: Tyszczuk-Rotko Katarzyna , Staniec Katarzyna , Sztanke Krzysztof , Sztanke Małgorzata
Published: July 2024

Dimethyl 2-[2-(1-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)hydrazinylidene]butanedioate (DIHB) and 8-(3-chlorophenyl)-2,6,7,8-tetrahydroimidazo[2,1-c][1,2,4]triazine-3,4-dione (HDIT) are promising candidates for anticancer agents, the first analytical procedures of which are presented in this paper. The commercially available unmodified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was used as a sensor for the individual and simultaneous differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) determination of these possible anticancer drugs. The findings concerning the electrochemical behaviour indicated that DIHB and HDIT display at GCE, as a sensor, the oxidation peaks at 1.18 and 0.98 V, respectively (vs. Ag/AgCl, 3.0 mol L−1 KCl) in the 0.125 mol L−1 acetate buffer of pH = 4.5, which were employed for their quantification. Various experimental parameters were carefully investigated, to achieve high sensitivity in voltammetric measurements. Finally, under the optimised conditions (t of 60 s, ΔEA of 75 mV, ν of 225 mV s−1, and tm of 2 ms), the proposed DPV procedure with the GCE demonstrated broad linear sensing ranges (1–200 nmol L−1—DIHB and 5–200 nmol L−1—HDIT), boasting the detection limits of 0.18 nmol L−1 for DIHB and 1.1 nmol L−1 for HDIT. Moreover, the developed procedure was distinguished by good selectivity, repeatability of DIHB and HDIT signals and sensor reproducibility. The practical application of this method was demonstrated by analysing the urine reference material without any prior treatment. The results showed that this environmentally friendly approach, with a modification-free sensor, is suitable for the sensitive, selective and rapid quantification of DIHB and HDIT.
Development of standard operating protocol for measurement of cassava root mealiness
Authors: Osunbade O. A. , Alamu E. O. , Awoyale W. , Adesokan M. , Akinwande B. A. , Adejuyitan J. A. , Maziya-Dixon B.
Published: July 2024

One of the major attributes of boiled cassava roots is its ability to soften within a short period, otherwise known as mealiness. This study aimed to establish and validate standard operating procedures for assessing the mealiness of boiled cassava roots. Twenty cassava genotypes, including landrace and improved varieties, were selected for the protocol development, with an additional ten genotypes used for validation. Following cooking, the cassava roots were evaluated for hardness and work done in extrusion using a texturometer equipped with a five-blade Ottawa cell probe. The same samples were assessed for sensory texture analysis using trained panelists for parameters such as softness and chewiness. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations (p < 0.01) between sensory softness and instrumental texture measurements, as well as between softness and cooking time (p < 0.01, r = 0.94), and between chewiness and cooking time (p < 0.05, r = 0.81). Validation results confirmed significant correlations (p < 0.01) between cooking time, sensory softness, and chewiness. These findings suggest that cooking time can serve as a reliable indicator, closely associated with sensory attributes, in determining the mealiness of boiled cassava roots. This approach offers a practical, mid-throughput method for assessing cassava root mealiness, with implications for breeding improved varieties, farmers adoption, and consumer acceptance.
Investigating the effects of pelagic trawling on the welfare of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus)
Authors: Tomás Mafalda , Behrens Jane W. , Nielsen Dennis Brandborg , Sparrevohn Claus Reedtz , Gesto Manuel , McEvoy Fintan , Gräns Albin
Published: July 2024

The effects of pelagic trawling on the health and welfare of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus L.) were investigated on a refrigerated seawater vessel operating in the North Sea. A total of 495 Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus L.) were sampled during five hauls from two fishing trips in September 2021 and 2022. For assessments of consciousness and mortality, a Reflex Action Mortality Predictor test (i.e. RAMP-test) was used on herring collected following trawling and pumping. Inspections for external and internal damage or wounds were performed via morphological welfare indicators and analyses of photos and radiographs. In addition, blood samples were taken and analysed for haematological indicators of stress. Following trawling and pumping, only 5% of the investigated herring showed signs of external wounds associated with the morphological indicators of welfare, and no internal damage was observed in the radiographic inspections. However, 96% of the assessed herring scored 0 on all three reflexes included in the RAMP-test and were therefore judged dead. On average, herring lost 95% of their scales, while 95% of herring had a very high degree of ruptured red blood cells (i.e. haemolysis). Extensive scale loss results in a deterioration of the skin's protective barrier function, which in turn impairs the osmoregulatory capacity of the herring. This was evident by elevated levels of plasma osmolality and circulating chloride concentrations, which could also likely explain the high occurrence of haemolysis in captured herring. Extended trawling time and larger catch size proved to be two important factors to consider, as the former led to increased plasma levels of osmolality, whereas the latter was associated with elevated plasma levels of lactate and cortisol. In conclusion, the high mortality appears to be influenced by a combination of factors such as severe stress, loss of osmoregulatory ability, crowding density within the trawl, and extended trawling times. This study provides important information on the welfare of wild Atlantic herring caught using pelagic trawls and highlights areas where improvements can be made to safeguard the welfare of fish captured in pelagic fisheries in the future.
Predicting bone metastasis-free survival in non-small cell lung cancer from preoperative CT via deep learning
Authors: Guo Jia , Miao Jianguo , Sun Weikai , Li Yanlei , Nie Pei , Xu Wenjian
Published: July 2024

Accurate prediction of bone metastasis-free survival (BMFS) after complete surgical resection in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may facilitate appropriate follow-up planning. The aim of this study was to establish and validate a preoperative CT-based deep learning (DL) signature to predict BMFS in NSCLC patients. We performed a retrospective analysis of 1547 NSCLC patients who underwent complete surgical resection, followed by at least 36 months of monitoring at two hospitals. We constructed a DL signature from multiparametric CT images using 3D convolutional neural networks, and we integrated this signature with clinical-imaging factors to establish a deep learning clinical-imaging signature (DLCS). We evaluated performance using Harrell’s concordance index (C-index) and the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic. We also assessed the risk of bone metastasis (BM) in NSCLC patients at different clinical stages using DLCS. The DL signature successfully predicted BM, with C-indexes of 0.799 and 0.818 for the validation cohorts. DLCS outperformed the DL signature with corresponding C-indexes of 0.806 and 0.834. Ranges for area under the curve at 1, 2, and 3 years were 0.820–0.865 for internal and 0.860–0.884 for external validation cohorts. Furthermore, DLCS successfully stratified patients with different clinical stages of NSCLC as high- and low-risk groups for BM (p < 0.05). CT-based DL can predict BMFS in NSCLC patients undergoing complete surgical resection, and may assist in the assessment of BM risk for patients at different clinical stages.
Streams of conscious visual experience
Authors: Martín-Signes Mar , Chica Ana B. , Bartolomeo Paolo , Thiebaut de Schotten Michel
Published: July 2024

Consciousness, a cornerstone of human cognition, is believed to arise from complex neural interactions. Traditional views have focused on localized fronto-parietal networks or broader inter-regional dynamics. In our study, we leverage advanced fMRI techniques, including the novel Functionnectome framework, to unravel the intricate relationship between brain circuits and functional activity shaping visual consciousness. Our findings underscore the importance of the superior longitudinal fasciculus within the fronto-parietal fibers, linking conscious perception with spatial neglect. Additionally, our data reveal the critical contribution of the temporo-parietal fibers and the splenium of the corpus callosum in connecting visual information with conscious representation and their verbalization. Central to these networks is the thalamus, posited as a conductor in synchronizing these interactive processes. Contrasting traditional fMRI analyses with the Functionnectome approach, our results emphasize the important explanatory power of interactive mechanisms over localized activations for visual consciousness. This research paves the way for a comprehensive understanding of consciousness, highlighting the complex network of neural connections that lead to awareness.
Catalytic asymmetric construction of bridged bicyclo[m.3.1] rings using an intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction
Authors: Li Kai , Zhao Zhengxing , Qin Wenling , Liu Yidong , Yan Hailong
Published: July 2024

An unconventional enantioselective intramolecular Diels–Alder (IMDA) reaction with vinyl branched vinylidene ortho-quinone methide (VQM).
Construction of central and axial chirality via Pd(ii)/Bim-catalyzed asymmetric dearomative Michael reaction of polycyclic tropones
Authors: Liu Zi-Li , Wang Yu-Xin , Yang Zi-Qi , Yang Yu-Heng , Liu Yin-Ping , Hao Wen-Juan , Jiang Bo
Published: July 2024

A new Pd/Bim-catalyzed dearomative Michael reaction of polycyclic tropones and arylboronic acids is reported, enabling the direct construction of enantioenriched bridged biaryls bearing central and axial chirality.
Effect of supramolecular complexation of alkali hydrogenselenates with crown ethers and solid-solutions with their hydrogensulfate counterparts on the solid-to-solid phase transition behaviors
Authors: Ocak Samet , Braga Dario , d'Agostino Simone
Published: July 2024

Passing from smaller to larger cations alters the structures and phase transition behaviors in crystalline supramolecular crown ether complexes, while solid solutions formation provides a further way to achieve fine modulation of the transitions.
Impact of tert-butyl on mechanofluorochromism of triaryl-substituted phenothiazine derivatives
Authors: Zhao He , Hu Siwen , Liang Meng , Xue Pengchong
Published: July 2024

Two triaryl-substituted phenothiazines was used to study the effect of tert-butyl on property. The t-butyl group has no impact on solution’s properties, but significantly modulated the solid emission behavior and mechanochromism.
Reversible hydrogen storage and release mechanism of a B2N monolayer: a first-principles insight
Authors: Qiu Zonggang , Guo Jiyuan , Wang Qun , Wang Han , Tan Xiangxiang
Published: July 2024

The findings of this work indicate that the pristine B2N monolayer is one of the promising physical adsorption materials which could achieve excellent reversible hydrogen storage under defined conditions.
Substituent effects on spin-crossover Fe(ii)N4O2 pyrenylhydrazone complexes
Authors: Wang Xuan , Zhang Nan , Kou Hui-Zhong
Published: July 2024

By varying the substituents on the pyrenylhydrazone ligands, fluorescent Fe(ii)N4O2 complexes show high spin, low spin or spin crossover (SCO) properties.
Exploring ligand-centered electrocatalytic H2O reduction: hydrogen generation with a soluble Ni(ii) octabutoxyphthalocyanine complex
Authors: Brown Josh , Richeson Darrin
Published: July 2024

Phthalocyanine ligand provides a combination of ligand-centered redox activity and proton transfer pathways to facilitate catalyzing the hydrogen evolution from water.
Stability of metal–metal interactions in transmetallation intermediates based on electronics of bridging arene ligands determined through pyridine titrations
Authors: Marghalani Rana , Cueny Eric S.
Published: July 2024

Herein, we compare the known dinuclear complex [(CNC)(PPh3)Pt–Au(PPh3)]+ (2) with the newly synthesized [(CNCF)(PPh3)Pt–Au(PPh3)]+ (2-F). We use pyridine titrations to establish the relative thermodynamic stability of 2vs.2-F.
Cell dynamics and metabolism of the foreign body response: characterizing host-biomaterial interactions for next-generation medical implant biocompatibility
Authors: Callaghan Neal I. , Rempe Christian N. , Froom Zachary S. C. S. , Medd Kyle T. , Davenport Huyer Locke
Published: July 2024

Profiling cellular metabolism in the FBR could identify novel therapeutic targets and promote biocompatibility.
Evaluation of the diversity of microcrustaceans (Crustacea, Cladocera) using sediment samples collected from Lake Neito-Malto in Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Russia
Authors: Nigmatullin Niyaz M. , Fedorova Irina V. , Fedorov Grigory B. , Furman Antonina A. , Frolova Larisa A.
Published: July 2024

Detailed layer-by-layer studying of fossil remains of organisms provides an insight into the historical development of biocenoses. This paper focuses on the fossil cladoceran remains obtained from the sediment archive of Lake Naito-3 (70°12'125" N 70°22'592" E) (Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Russia) in order to model its ecological transformations. A total of 17 cladoceran taxa, mostly belonging to the family Chydoridae, were identified. The dominant species was Bosmina longirostris (Müller, 1785) widespread in all horizons of the sediment core. Using the constrained cluster analysis, four stratigraphic zones were singled out.
Knowledge mapping of impulsive buying behavior research: a visual analysis using CiteSpace
Authors: Gong Xiyun , Yee Choy Leong , Lee Shin Yiing , Cao Ethan Yi , Saif Abu Naser Mohammad
Published: July 2024

With the development of e-commerce, impulse buying behavior has transitioned from offline to online, presenting significant exploration value. This study aims to provide a comprehensive knowledge map and in-depth analysis of research on impulsive purchase behavior, helping readers understand the latest global trends in this field from 1967 to September 30, 2023. The study offers a visual analysis using CiteSpace, encompassing 704 academic articles on impulsive buying behavior published over 55 years. The status is revealed through collaboration networks, co-citation networks, and trend analysis. Researchers explore impulsive buying behavior in various contexts, with “e-commerce” being a primary focus. Notable new keywords include technology, customer satisfaction, perceived value, and virtual reality, among others. These terms contribute to future research directions. Overall, this pioneering research combines visual analysis to provide valuable insights and research recommendations for academics studying impulsive buying behavior.
A novel method to solve analytically the non-linear Poisson equation in the inversion layer of a MOSFET
Authors: Pereyra Pedro
Published: July 2024

Despite the enormous importance that the metal oxide semiconductors (MOS) and the field effect transistors (MOSFETs) have in the actual semiconductor technology, the task of finding the analytical solution of the Poisson equation in the inversion layer was not fully accomplished for more than half a century. It is a well-known fact that due to the non-linear nature of this equation, the attempts to solve it got stuck after the first integration. Nevertheless, experimental and applied researchers found ways to characterize, control, and develop MOSFET devices based on approximate models, and numerical calculations. Here I present a new method to analytically solve the nonlinear Poisson equation, in principle, for any charge distribution in the inversion layer of a MOS, and for the charge density of the original Shockley model, in particular. To this purpose, a physical argument related to the charge and field energies in the transient population-inversion process is introduced and a new nonlinear but solvable second order differential equation is obtained, whose solution also solves the original Poisson equation. The analytical results presented here allow us to derive explicit expressions for the electrical potential distribution and, very importantly, for the charge distribution, the inversion layer width and the effective impurity concentration in the depletion layer. The quantum Hall effect and other physical phenomena were discovered in the inversion layer of a MOS. The Hall effect was explained under the assumption that the charge distribution is a two-dimensional electron gas, we show here however that the 2D limit is reached only at high gate voltages. When applied to MOSFET structures, we obtain new expressions for the drain currents in the inversion and depletion layers, as functions of the impurity concentration and the gate voltage for single and double-gate MOSFETs, and we give an insight for multi-gate MOSFETs.
Outcomes associated with postoperative cognitive dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Suraarunsumrit Patumporn , Srinonprasert Varalak , Kongmalai Tanawan , Suratewat Surasit , Chaikledkaew Usa , Rattanasiri Sasivimol , McKay Gareth , Attia John , Thakkinstian Ammarin
Published: July 2024

Background

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) manifests as a subtle decline in cognition, potentially leading to unfavourable postoperative outcomes. We explored the impact of POCD on physical function, length of hospital stay (LOS), dementia and mortality outcomes.

Methods

PubMed and Scopus were searched until May 2023. All studies of major surgical patients that assessed POCD and outcomes of interest were included. POCD effects were stratified by surgery type (cardiac and noncardiac) and time of POCD assessment (<30 and ≥30 days postsurgery).

Results

Of 2316 studies, 20 met the inclusion criteria. POCD was not associated with functional decline postsurgery. Patients who experienced POCD postcardiac surgery had an increased relative risk (RR) of death of 2.04 [(95% CI: 1.18, 3.50); I2 = 0.00%]. Sensitivity analyses showed associations with intermediate-term mortality among noncardiac surgical patients, with an RR of 1.84 [(95% CI: 1.26, 2.71); I2 = 0.00%]. Patients who developed POCD <30 days postcardiac and noncardiac surgeries experienced longer LOS than those who did not [mean difference (MD) = 1.37 days (95% CI: 0.35, 2.39); I2 = 92.38% and MD = 1.94 days (95% CI: 0.48, 3.40); I2 = 83.29%, respectively]. Postoperative delirium (POD) may contribute to the heterogeneity observed, but limited data were reported within the studies included.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing cardiac and noncardiac surgeries who developed POCD <30 days postsurgery had poorer outcomes and an increased risk of premature death. Early recognition of perioperative neurocognitive disorders in at-risk patients may enable early intervention. However, POD may confound our findings, with further studies necessary to disentangle the effects of POD from POCD on clinical outcomes.
Assessing knowledge gaps and educational needs in urine drug test interpretation among health care professionals
Authors: Snozek Christine L H , Yee Claire I , Bryksin Janetta , Dahal Rejwi , Gerson Benjamin , Gherasim Carmen , Hauff Kristin D , Heger Nicholas , Huestis Marilyn A , Johnson-Davis Kamisha L , Knezevic Claire E , Love Sara A , Melanson Stacy E F , Noguez Jaime H , Pikulski Michael , Roper Stephen , Tyagi Manoj , Warrington Jill S , Yang He Sarina , Yang Yifei K
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Urine drug testing (UDT) is a critical tool used in medical, forensic, and occupational settings, but interpreting results can be challenging. We performed a study to assess the ability of health care professionals to interpret UDT results accurately.

Methods

In total, 911 clinical and laboratory professionals in the United States and Canada responded to a survey with questions gauging expertise in UDT interpretation. Responses were analyzed to identify knowledge gaps.

Results

Toxicologists and laboratory PhD scientists performed well, with means of 4.82 and 4.63 questions answered correctly (out of 6 possible), respectively. Physicians specializing in pathology, emergency medicine, primary care, and internal medicine, however, displayed concerning knowledge gaps, as did laboratorians with nondoctoral degrees. Experience and training correlated with interpretation accuracy. Identification of simulated compliance as well as understanding opioid exposure, metabolism, and immunoassay cross-reactivity were among the most clinically significant knowledge gaps. More than 30% of survey respondents indicated that they would seek UDT information from the internet or peers rather than clinical or laboratory experts.

Conclusions

The study highlighted the need for targeted education and better collaboration between clinical and laboratory experts and other health care professionals to ensure that when physicians order UDT, they can accurately interpret results and reduce harm.
Automated identification of fall-related injuries in unstructured clinical notes
Authors: Ge Wendong , Godeiro Coelho Lilian M , Donahue Maria A , Rice Hunter J , Blacker Deborah , Hsu John , Newhouse Joseph P , Hernandez-Diaz Sonia , Haneuse Sebastien , Westover Brandon , Moura Lidia M V R
Published: July 2024

Fall-related injuries (FRIs) are a major cause of hospitalizations among older patients, but identifying them in unstructured clinical notes poses challenges for large-scale research. In this study, we developed and evaluated natural language processing (NLP) models to address this issue. We utilized all available clinical notes from the Mass General Brigham health-care system for 2100 older adults, identifying 154 949 paragraphs of interest through automatic scanning for FRI-related keywords. Two clinical experts directly labeled 5000 paragraphs to generate benchmark-standard labels, while 3689 validated patterns were annotated, indirectly labeling 93 157 paragraphs as validated-standard labels. Five NLP models, including vanilla bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT), the robustly optimized BERT approach (RoBERTa), ClinicalBERT, DistilBERT, and support vector machine (SVM), were trained using 2000 benchmark paragraphs and all validated paragraphs. BERT-based models were trained in 3 stages: masked language modeling, general boolean question-answering, and question-answering for FRIs. For validation, 500 benchmark paragraphs were used, and the remaining 2500 were used for testing. Performance metrics (precision, recall, F1 scores, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC], and area under the precision-recall [AUPR] curve) were employed by comparison, with RoBERTa showing the best performance. Precision was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.88-0.91), recall was 0.91 (95% CI, 0.90-0.93), the F1 score was 0.91 (95% CI, 0.89-0.92), and the AUROC and AUPR curves were [both??] 0.96 (95% CI, 0.95-0.97). These NLP models accurately identify FRIs from unstructured clinical notes, potentially enhancing clinical-notes–based research efficiency.
Sink into the epileptogenic zone: findings from directed SEEG functional connectivity decomposition
Authors: Lagarde Stanislas , Bartolomei Fabrice
Published: July 2024

This scientific commentary refers to ‘The interictal suppression hypothesis is the dominant differentiator of seizure onset zones in focal epilepsy’ by Doss et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awae189).
Ground-truth validation of uni- and multivariate lesion inference approaches
Authors: Zavaglia Melissa , Malherbe Caroline , Schlaadt Sebastian , Nachev Parashkev , Hilgetag Claus C
Published: July 2024

Lesion analysis aims to reveal the causal contributions of brain regions to brain functions. Various strategies have been used for such lesion inferences. These approaches can be broadly categorized as univariate or multivariate methods. Here we analysed data from 581 patients with acute ischaemic injury, parcellated into 41 Brodmann areas, and systematically investigated the inferences made by two univariate and two multivariate lesion analysis methods via ground-truth simulations, in which we defined a priori contributions of brain areas to assumed brain function. Particularly, we analysed single-region models, with only single areas presumed to contribute functionally, and multiple-region models, with two contributing regions that interacted in a synergistic, redundant or mutually inhibitory mode. The functional contributions could vary in proportion to the lesion damage or in a binary way. The analyses showed a considerably better performance of the tested multivariate than univariate methods in terms of accuracy and mis-inference error. Specifically, the univariate approaches of Lesion Symptom Mapping as well as Lesion Symptom Correlation mis-inferred substantial contributions from several areas even in the single-region models, and also after accounting for lesion size. By contrast, the multivariate approaches of Multi-Area Pattern Prediction, which is based on machine learning, and Multi-perturbation Shapley value Analysis, based on coalitional game theory, delivered consistently higher accuracy and specificity. Our findings suggest that the tested multivariate approaches produce largely reliable lesion inferences, without requiring lesion size consideration, while the application of the univariate methods may yield substantial mis-localizations that limit the reliability of functional attributions.
Catalytic combustion of toluene over Co3O4 loaded on ZrSn1−xFexO4−δ
Authors: Nunotani Naoyoshi , Tanaka Takumi , Imanaka Nobuhito
Published: July 2024

Toluene is one of the volatile organic compounds that are harmful to the environment and human health. One promising approach for eliminating toluene is catalytic combustion. Although precious metal-based catalysts are known to show high activity for toluene combustion, the high price of precious metals has restricted their widespread applications. In this study, precious metal-free catalysts of Co3O4/ZrSn1−xFexO4−δ were synthesized for toluene combustion. Here, scrutinyite-type ZrSnO4 was focused as a promoter, which can supply active oxygen species from inside the lattice toward the Co3O4 activator. In addition, Fe2+/3+ ions were introduced into the ZrSnO4 lattice to enhance the oxygen supply ability considering the improvement of redox properties and the formation of oxygen vacancies for a smooth oxide ion migration. The oxygen supply from the ZrSn1−xFexO4−δ lattice facilitated toluene oxidation on Co3O4, and the highest catalytic activity was obtained for the 19 wt.% Co3O4/ZrSn0.93Fe0.07O4−δ (Co3O4/ZSF0.07) catalyst, wherein the complete combustion was realized at a temperature as low as 250 °C. The toluene combustion reaction over Co3O4/ZSF0.07 was considered to proceed along a typical route of the rapid transformation of toluene into the intermediates (benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, benzoate, and maleic anhydride) and, finally, to the formation of carbon dioxide and water.
Healthy dietary choices involve prefrontal mechanisms associated with long-term reward maximization but not working memory
Authors: Takehana Ai , Tanaka Daiki , Arai Mariko , Hattori Yoshiki , Yoshimoto Takaaki , Matsui Teppei , Sadato Norihiro , Chikazoe Junichi , Jimura Koji
Published: July 2024

Taste and health are critical factors to be considered when choosing foods. Prioritizing healthiness over tastiness requires self-control. It has also been suggested that self-control is guided by cognitive control. We then hypothesized that neural mechanisms underlying healthy food choice are associated with both self-control and cognitive control. Human participants performed a food choice task and a working memory task during functional MRI scanning. Their degree of self-control was assessed behaviorally by the value discount of delayed monetary rewards in intertemporal choice. Prioritizing healthiness in food choice was associated with greater activity in the superior, dorsolateral, and medial prefrontal cortices. Importantly, the prefrontal activity was greater in individuals with smaller delay discounting (i.e. high self-control) who preferred a delayed larger reward to an immediate smaller reward in intertemporal choice. On the other hand, working memory activity did not show a correlation with delay discounting or food choice activity, which was further supported by supplementary results that analyzed data from the Human Connectome Project. Our results suggest that the prefrontal cortex plays a critical role in healthy food choice, which requires self-control, but not working memory, for maximization of reward attainments in a remote future.
Trans-selective carboxylative cyclization of 1,6-dienes using the CO2 radical anion
Authors: Song Yan , Hayashi Hiroki , Mangaonkar Saeesh R , Mita Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2024

The reactivity of the carbon dioxide radical anion (CO2•−) toward alkenes has garnered remarkable attention owing to its potential to synthesize valuable organic compounds. Herein, we report the reactions between CO2•− and 1,6-dienes, yielding 5-membered lactam derivatives via highly trans-selective 5-exo-trig cyclization. Both carboxylative cyclization and hydrocyclization occur with up to 74% combined yield. Computational studies show that the transition state during cyclization favors the trans-configuration over the cis-configuration. This work offers new insights into the synthesis of N-heterocycles.