bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The VOSTARS Wearable AR Platform vs. Traditional IR Navigation: a comparative Study on Neuronavigation Accuracy
Authors: Carbone Marina , Cattari Nadia , Cutolo Fabrizio , Autelitano Martina , Cigna Emanuele , Ferrari Vincenzo , Montemurro Nicola , Condino Sara 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Neuronavigation is integral to modern neurosurgery. Clinical studies demonstrate its effectiveness. The primary tracking modalities in neurosurgical navigation are optical tracking systems (OTS) and electromagnetic tracking systems (EMTS). OTS remains the gold standard due to its accuracy and reliability. However, inherent inaccuracies due to brain deformation and image resolution and tool calibration and registration errors can impact overall accuracy significantly, which differs from the system-declared accuracy. Augmented reality (AR) technologies solve traditional navigation challenges by integrating virtual information with the patient’s anatomy, enhancing the surgeon’s focus and cognitive load management. Head-mounted displays (HMDs) offer ergonomic benefits, although most AR-based neuronavigation studies have been limited to proof-of-concept trials. This study aims to evaluate VOSTARS, a novel hybrid video and optical see-through HMD designed for precision surgery, specifically in neurosurgical oncology for targeting supratentorial tumors. Previous in-vitro studies using patient-specific phantoms have shown promising results, with high accuracy in real-to-virtual target visualization and craniotomy trajectory tracing. With this work, we further assessed VOSTARS’ targeting accuracy within a realistic neurosurgery clinical workflow and compared its performance to the commercial StealthStation ® system on a patient-specific phantom. Our results demonstrate that users achieved the same median accuracy, 2 mm (IQR: 1 mm), over 60 measurements with both VOSTARS and the StealthStation ® with no statistically significant difference between the systems, confirming the non-inferiority of the VOSTARS platform compared to a commercial optical tracking-based surgical navigator.
Application of terahertz time domain spectroscopy on real-time monitoring the generation of 8-hydroquinolinium salicylate
Authors: Song Maojiang , Yang Fei , Hu Bo , Su Caixia 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

8-hydroquinolinium salicylate is kind of salt with enhanced dissolution rate and bioavailability by forming intermolecular hydrogen bonds between 8-hydroxyquinolinium cations and salicylate anions. Based on the correspondence between intermolecular hydrogen bonds and the molecular vibrational modes, the THz fingerprints of 8-hydroquinolinium salicylate and its parent molecules were systematically investigated by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy combined with theoretical calculations. It is demonstrated that there are substantial differences between THz fingerprints of 8-hydroquinolinium salicylate and the ones of its parent molecules in the range of 0.2-2.0 THz, such as the number, amplitude and frequency positions of absorption peaks. By combining Hirshfeld surface analysis with the 2D fingerprint diagrams, the pattern of intermolecular hydrogen bonds (including O5-⸱⸱⸱H3+-N1, O8-⸱⸱⸱H4+-N2 as well as π⸳⸳⸳π interactions) was obtained within the molecular system of 8-hydroxyquinolinium salicylate. Furthermore, the full geometry optimizations were performed and all THz absorption peaks were assigned to their corresponding vibrational modes by employing dispersion-corrected density functional theory. It is confirmed that there are significant differences between 8-hydroxyquinolinium salicylate and its parent molecules for the weak intermolecular hydrogen bonds and the corresponding vibrational modes. Moreover, the THz absorption spectra of products of 8-Hydroxyquinoline and salicylic acid were also obtained in reaction process at different times. It is exhibited that there are important changes with time for the amplitude and frequency position of THz absorption peaks. All of above results provide valuable insights for monitoring the chemical and biological processes of pharmaceutical compounds in real time by THz-TDS.
Sustainable Biocontrol Strategies Using Bioactive Weed Fractions Against Alternaria alternata in Cash Crops ": A first report
Authors: Sharma Gaurav , Kumari Vandna , Thakur Nitika , Sharma Rahul , Kumari Asha , Govender Penny P. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Climate change increasingly affects agriculture, global biodiversity, and species dispersal, necessitating adaptive strategies for sustainable agricultural practices. In Himachal Pradesh, the agricultural sector is embracing diversification, focusing on producing off-season vegetables such as tomato, capsicum, broccoli, potato, ginger, soybean, oilseeds, and pulses. This shift towards cash crops enhances farmer income and aligns with the region's agro-climatic conditions, promoting economic sustainability. This study investigates the sustainable potential of formulations derived from various weed plants (Parthenium hysterophorus, Lantana camara, Artemisia roxburghiana) as biocontrol agents against fungal infections caused by Alternaria alternata in cash crops. Employing GCMS analysis, we identified key bioactive compounds: Beta-Caryophyllene (C15H24) in L. camara, 2-Chloroethyl linoleate (C20H35ClO2) in P. hysterophorus, and 2-(1,2,2-trimethylcyclopenten-3-en-1-yl) acetaldehyde (C10H16O) in A. roxburghiana. These compounds represent a sustainable alternative to synthetic fungicides, aligning with integrated pest management practices that reduce chemical inputs and enhance ecological balance. Molecular docking studies were conducted to evaluate the binding interactions between these bioactive compounds and the Alternaria alternata allergen protein Alt a1, compared to the antifungal drug Fluconazole. Notably, the ligand Tricyclo [4.4.0.01,5] deca-3,5,7,9-tetraene from L. camara exhibited the highest binding affinity (-3.98 Kcal/mol), suggesting its potential as a viable biopesticide. Key residues involved in protein-ligand interactions—VAL32, LYS63, LYS41, and TYR147—were identified as critical targets for mitigating A. alternata infections. This research underscores the significance of utilizing natural plant-derived compounds in sustainable agriculture, contributing to the resilience of cash crops while fostering biodiversity conservation. By integrating such biocontrol strategies, we can enhance food security and promote sustainable farming practices in the face of climate change.
Charlson Comorbidity Index and All-cause Mortality in Patients with Delayed Hemodialysis Initiation: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Flores-Mendoza Allina P , García-Campa Mariano , Sánchez-Martínez Concepción , Guerrero-González Elisa , Rizo-Topete Lilia M , Olivo-Gutiérrez Mara C 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has recently been recognized as a public health problem. Prognosis and risk stratification are fundamental for decision-making to implement patient-centered strategies in clinical practice. Different prognosis scales have been evaluated, such as the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), surprise questions, functional and biochemical parameters, to stratify patients with CKD initiating dialysis. The aim of this study was to determine prognostic factors for mortality in patients with CKD and delayed initiation of hemodialysis (HD).
Methods. We performed a prospective cohort study based on data from a reference dialysis center in the northeastern region of Mexico. Individuals with CKD and delayed initiation of hemodialysis were stratified according to the CCI at admission. Additionally, sociodemographic, functional, and biochemical parameters were compared to assess mortality prognosis.
Results. A total of 218 patients were included, with a median follow-up of 45.5 weeks. An important proportion of all-cause mortality was associated with infections among all groups. At the end of follow-up, overall all-cause mortality was 40%. Patients stratified with a low CCI had a survival rate of 79.2%, whereas those with moderate, high and very high CCIs had survival rates of 66.7%, 56.6%, and 41%, respectively. After adjusting for clinical and biochemical characteristics, patients who answered that they would not be surprised if they died in the following 6 months had an increased risk of all-cause mortality regardless of the CCI category. Patients with a high CCI (HR: 2.52; 95% CI: 1.22-5.18) and very high CCI (HR: 3.73; 95% CI: 1.89-7.36) clearly had increased risk for all-cause mortality.
Conclusion. Individualized patient-centered care should be the goal of standard care. By integrating the CCI and the surprise question (would you be surprised if you died in the following 6 months), it is possible to estimate all-cause mortality prognosis for more aggressive therapeutic strategies. Clinical and patient-reported outcomes are crucial for reducing disease-related burdens.
Do early environmental experiences impact numerical discrimination abilities in a lizard?
Authors: Recio Pablo , Leibold Dalton C. , Crino Ondi L. , Friesen Cristopher R. , Peardon Amelia Y. , Noble Daniel W. A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

From social behaviour to navigating complex environments, quantitative abilities can be crucial to fitness. However, early life conditions can impact brain development to affect quantitative competence. For example, early thermal conditions or glucocorticoid concentrations (GCs) – stress-related hormones transmitted by the parents – can play a prominent role in shaping cognition through their effects on brain physiology. Furthermore, temperature can lead to increased levels of GCs that can be transmitted to offspring, emphasizing the need to study the combined effects of these two factors. Here, we investigated the effects of elevated prenatal corticosterone (CORT) – the main GC in reptiles – and incubation temperature on numerical discrimination in the common garden skink (Lampropholis guichenoti). We assessed numerical abilities through a spontaneous choice test with food as a stimulus. Employing a repeated measures design, we subjected lizards to five numerical tests each differing in the ratios between the two choices (1 VS 4, 1 VS 3, 2 VS 4, 2 VS 3, 3 VS 4). Contrary to our predictions, we found no evidence for treatment effects on lizard behaviour and no use of numerical discrimination during foraging in L. guichenoti. Our findings build on previous studies suggesting that reptiles feeding on live prey may have difficulty distinguishing between different prey quantities. Despite our results, further investigation of numerical abilities in live-prey-feeding reptiles and the impact of early conditions on other taxa is warranted, as these areas remain understudied.
Determination of Semaphorin 3A Levels in Behcet's Disease and Vascular Involvement of Behcet's Disease
Authors: KAYAALP Merve ÇAĞLAYAN , ERDEN Abdulsamet , KARAKAŞ Özlem , GÜVEN Serdar Can , ARMAĞAN Berkan , KAYAALP Mehmet , ENLİ Şeymanur ALA , UZDOĞAN Esma Andaç , OMMA Ahmet , KÜÇÜKŞAHİN Orhan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Aim:
Semaphorin 3A, may influence inflammatory and vasculopathic processes in Behçet's disease.The primary aim of our study is to evaluate serum semaphorin 3A levels in Behçet's disease patients.
Methods:
Patients over 18 years of age with Behçet's disease were studied. Serum semaphorin 3A levels were quantified by ELISA, and patients and healthy volunteers were statistically compared.
Results:
Behcet's patients had significantly lower semaphorin 3A levels than the control group.Within Behcet's patients, the vascular group had significantly lower levels than the non-vascular group.
Conclusions:
Serum semaphorin 3A levels were significantly decreased in both vascular and non-vascular Behcet's groups compared to controls.This is the first study in Behcet's patients to suggest semaphorin 3A as a potential biomarker of inflammation and vascular involvement.
Backbone resonance assignments of dopamine N-acetyltransferase in free and cofactor- bound states
Authors: Wu Chu-Ya , Lee Yi-Zong , Hu I-Chen , Chiu Liang-Yuan , Ding Wei-Cheng , Wang Jing , Sue Shih-Che , Tate Shin-ichi , Lyu Ping-Chiang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Dopamine N-acetyltransferase (Dat), belonging to the GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) superfamily, is an arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) that involved in insects neurotransmitter inactivation and the development of insect cuticle sclerotization. By using the cofactor acetyl coenzyme A (Ac-CoA) as an acetyl group donor, Dat produces acetyl-dopamine through the catalysis of dopamine. Although AANATs share similar structural features with the GNAT family, they have low sequence identities among insect AANATs (~ 40%) and between insect AANATs and vertebrate AANATs (~ 12%). A common noticed feature in GNATs is the Ac-CoA-binding induced conformational change, and is important for further selection and catalysis of its substrate. In AANATs, the conformational changes help the sequential binding mechanism. Here, we finished the 1H, 13C and 15N backbone resonance assignments of the 24 kDa Dat from Drosophila melanogaster in the free and Ac-CoA-bound states, and the chemical shift differences revealed a significant conformational change in the α1 region of Dat. These assignments provide a foundation for further investigations of the catalysis and structural regulation of Dat in solution.
Graphene quantum dot-coated polystyrene microsphere multilayer colloidal crystals with distributed Bragg reflector absorption
Authors: Chang Binglang , Yi Lin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) absorptive materials have broad application prospects in lasers, optical fibre communications , LEDs, solar cells, and optoelectronic devices. This study used dispersion polymerization to prepare monodisperse polystyrene (PS) microspheres of different particle sizes. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) dispersion was prepared using the ultrasonic dispersion method, and GQDs were self-assembled on the surface of modified PS spheres to form PS@GQDs mi-crospheres. By precise titration and surface tension uniform gravity sedimentation, the volume ratio (GQDs:PS) and thickness of GQDs colloidal crystals were controlled. The results showed that the potential modification of the PS surface significantly red-shifted the near-infrared characteristic peak of PS@GQDs colloidal crystals. The interference fringes of GQDs of various sizes with PS microspheres formed Bragg reflectors, creating longer wavelength intervals and larger resonance amplitudes below 1200 nm. The regulation of the photonic bandgap and the quantum confinement effect of GQDs showed a clear dependency. The lattice constant significantly influenced the near-infrared optical properties of colloidal crystals. Colloidal crystals exhibited different sensitivities to internal structural defects and orderliness across various spectral ranges. Raman studies indicated that increased GQD concentration formed magic-angle graphene, and increased thickness enhanced local electromagnetic field effects, multiple scattering effects, and optical gain. Therefore, this study provides a method to achieve tunable near-infrared shielding or optical absorption materials by adjusting the concentration of GQDs, the particle size of PS@GQDs microspheres, and the thickness of colloidal crystals, which can be applied to distributed Bragg reflector absorptive devices.
AI Suicide Prevention: A Qualitative Exploration of Risk and Opportunity
Authors: Greaves Jacob , Colucci Erminia 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Crisis support services offer crucial intervention for individuals in acute distress, providing timely access to trained volunteers whose human connection is key to the effectiveness of these services. However, there are significant disparities in who utilises these services. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) present new possibilities for crisis intervention in the form of AI-powered conversational partners. Yet, there is little guidance on how AI might be used in this context; and the risks and opportunities remain largely unexplored. This study aims to explore the risks and opportunities of integrating artificial volunteers (AVs) into crisis support, focusing on meeting the needs of those at risk of suicide. It collects the perspectives of crisis service volunteers to contemplate an AVs potential effect on the quality and effectiveness of support provided in crisis situations.
Methods
A thematic analysis was used to interpret 13 semi-structured, exploratory qualitative interviews of an UK-based crisis service volunteers.
Results
Three concerns were identified regarding perceived inflexibility and inauthenticity of AI, and the potential for dehumanisation of texters, aligning with factors influencing suicidal behaviour, such as perceived rejection and feelings of entrapment. Despite these concerns, the study found potential advantages, including reduced perceived burden on texters, enhanced confidentiality, and consistent, impartial responses. Recommendations for potential implementations suggest a cautious yet open-minded approach to integrating AI into crisis support, emphasising the need for transparency, accountability, and clarity on the role of human oversight.
Conclusions
AI could complement rather than replace human support in the form of an AV, offering a differentiated, accessible avenue for those who might prefer or benefit from non-human interaction.
Tabular Context-aware Optical Character Recognition and Tabular Data Reconstruction for Historical Records
Authors: Singh Loitongbam Gyanendro , Middleton Stuart E 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Digitizing historical tabular records is essential for preserving and analyzing valuable data across various fields, but it presents challenges due to complex layouts, mixed text types, and degraded document quality. This paper introduces a comprehensive framework to address these issues through three key contributions. First, it presents UoS_Data_Rescue, a novel dataset of 1,113 historical logbooks with over 594,000 annotated text cells, designed to handle the complexities of handwritten entries, aging artifacts, and intricate layouts. Second, it proposes a novel context-aware text extraction approach (TrOCR-ctx) to reduce cascading errors during table digitization. Third, it proposes an enhanced end-to-end OCR pipeline that integrates TrOCR-ctx with ByT5 for real-time post-OCR correction, providing improved multilingual support. This pipeline reduces errors encountered in table digitization tasks by correcting OCR outputs in real time during training. The model achieves superior performance with a 0.049 word error rate and 0.035 character error rate, outperforming existing methods by up to 41% in OCR tasks and 10.74% in table reconstruction tasks. This framework offers a robust solution for large-scale digitization of tabular documents, extending its applications beyond climate records to other domains requiring structured document preservation. The dataset and implementation are available as open-source resources.
Critical Behavior through Local Amplification in the Mammalian Cochlea
Authors: Hudspeth Albert , Alonso Rodrigo , Gianoli Francesco , Fabella Brian 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The mammalian cochlea achieves a remarkable feat: over a frequency range of tens of kilohertz, it can detect oscillations of the eardrum as small as a hydrogen atom as well as thunderclaps a trillion times as loud. These remarkable capabilities are attributed to a so-called active process through which a hearing organ expends energy to enhance its sensory inputs. In nonmammalian hearing organs, this active process emerges from the operation of the sensory receptors, or hair cells, in a critical regime termed a Hopf bifurcation1,2. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying the active process in mammals remain uncertain. Here we show that isolated segments of the gerbil's cochlea display the features of the active process observed in living ears: they amplify stimuli, exhibit frequency tuning, and compress their responses nonlinearly. Because these properties manifest themselves locally, our results challenge traditional theories that ascribe the active process to the injection of energy into traveling waves that propagate along the cochlear spiral. We show instead that the mammalian cochlea locally enhances its responsiveness by operating near a state of criticality. By allowing optical and electrical measurements as well as direct pharmacological manipulation, our experimental system opens new avenues for studying hearing in health and disease. Our results emphasize a conserved evolutionary strategy—a fundamental biophysical principle—that underpins auditory processes across species.
Tuning Sustainable Nanocomposite Interphase Behavior through Surface-Modification of Cellulose Nanocrystals
Authors: Wang Zhenqin , Li Huiyong , Jin Hanxun , Senanayake Manjula , Pingali Sai Venkatesh , Goldberg William , Kobayashi Daichi , Genin Guy , Foston Marcus 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics are needed urgently, but biodegradable materials from renewable sources often suffer from inadequate mechanical properties. Here, we demonstrate a bio-inspired strategy to enhance soy protein isolate (SPI) nanocomposites through surface modification of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) reinforcing particles with polydopamine (polyDOPA). This modification creates multifunctional interfaces that simultaneously improve CNC dispersion and strengthen filler-matrix interactions. PolyDOPA-modified CNCs increases the tensile strength and elastic modulus of SPI films (plasticized with 50% glycerol) by more than threefold compared to unreinforced controls. Transmission electron microscopy, spectroscopic techniques, and thermal analysis reveal that polyDOPA coatings influenced nanocomposite structure across multiple length scales, tripling the effective diameter of the CNC inclusions, reducing the tendency of CNC nanocrystals to aggregate, and increasing the glass transition temperature. The increase in glass transition temperature suggests reduced molecular mobility due to enhanced interfacial interactions at the CNC surface. Micromechanical modeling suggests that property improvements arose from both enhanced interfacial interactions and reduced filler aggregation. Results reveal how polyDOPA-modified CNCs influence the interphase effectiveness and filler dispersion of SPI-glycerol nanocomposites, providing a pathway to further improve their performance.
Ficus duerrii (Moraceae) a new species from Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Authors: Devi Sarojini , Kullayiswamy Raja 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

A new species Ficus duerrii (Moraceae) is described and illustrated from the rocky plateau of Orvakallu, Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh state, India. It is a woody shrub allied to Ficus arnottiana but varying in habit due to the presence of aerial roots, shape of syconia, number and shape of ostiole bracts, and morphological structure of male, female and gall flowers. A detailed description is provided along with illustrations and images for easy identification of the new species. Anatomical characters of the stem, leaf and petiole are provided as evidence. The IUCN threat status of the new species is evaluated as Vulnerable based on EOO, AOO values and number of Individuals.