bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Audio steganalysis using multi‐scale feature fusion‐based attention neural network
Authors: Peng Jinghui , Liao Yi , Tang Shanyu 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDeep learning techniques have shown promise in audio steganalysis, which involves detecting the presence of hidden information (steganography) in audio files. However, deep learning models are prone to overfitting, particularly when there is limited data or when the model architecture is too complex relative to the available data for VoIP steganography. To address these issues, new deep‐learning approaches need to be explored. In this study, a new convolutional neural network for audio steganalysis, incorporating a multi‐scale feature fusion method and an attention mechanism, was devised to enhance the detection of steganographic content in audio signals encoded with G729a. To improve the network's adaptability, a multi‐scale parallel multi‐branch architecture was employed, allowing characteristic signals to be sampled with varying granularities and adjusting the receptive field effectively. The attention mechanism enables weight learning on the feature information after multi‐scale processing, capturing the most relevant information for steganalysis. By combining multiple feature representations using a weighted combination, the deep learning model's performance was significantly enhanced. Through rigorous experimentation, an impressive accuracy rate of 94.55% was achieved in detecting malicious steganography. This outcome demonstrates the efficacy of the proposed neural network, leveraging both the multi‐scale feature fusion method and the attention mechanism.
A deep Chandra study confirms diffuse nonthermal X-ray emission from the globular cluster Terzan 5
Authors: Zhao Jiaqi , Heinke Craig O. , Fu Su 
Published: December 2024

Context. Diffuse X-ray emission has been detected from a few Galactic globular clusters (GCs), but its nature remains largely unclear. The GC Terzan 5 was previously found to show a significant diffuse thermal X-ray excess from its field, likely contributed by the Galactic background, and a nonthermal component described by a power-law model with photon index Γ ~ 1.
Aims. With over 16 times the accumulated Chandra exposure time compared to a prior study, we reexamined and verified the diffuse X-ray emission from the field of Terzan 5, which enabled us to place constraints on its nature.
Methods. We analyzed all available useful Chandra observations of Terzan 5, including 18 observations over a span of 13 years, with a total exposure time of 641.6 ks. To study the diffuse X-ray emission, we focused on four annular regions with an equal width of 0.72 arcmin centered on Terzan 5 (0.72–3.60 arcmin), from which we extracted and analyzed the X-ray spectra after removing point sources and instrumental backgrounds.
Results. We confirm a significant diffuse X-ray excess from the field of Terzan 5 in the band 0.8–3 keV. After constraining the contribution from the local X-ray background, we find a diffuse X-ray component that is genuinely associated with Terzan 5 and can be well described by a power-law model. More interestingly, the fitted photon indices show a significant increase from Γ = 1.96 ± 0.18 in the inner region to Γ = 3.48 ± 0.71 in the outer region. The diffuse X-rays are also well fit by a thermal bremsstrahlung model, with plasma temperatures declining from kT ∼ 3 keV to kT ∼ 1 keV.
Conclusions. We suggest that synchrotron radiation from the combined pulsar winds of Terzan 5’s millisecond pulsar population is a possible origin of the observed diffuse X-ray emission but that the sharp steepening in the spectra cannot be produced solely by synchrotron cooling. Other radiation processes, like thermal bremsstrahlung, may also contribute to the diffuse X-rays.
Swallowing Assessment in a Pediatric Case of Allan–Herndon–Dudley Syndrome (MCT8 Deficiency): Advanced Insights into Dysphagia via Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing
Authors: Scholtes Nina , Jelesch Evelyn , Diesener Paul , Stoffels Johannes C. , Völkl Thomas M.K 
Published: December 2024

AbstractPatients with MCT8 deficiency often present with underweight and are prone to frequent pulmonary infections, including aspiration pneumonia. Despite commonly reported swallowing difficulties in this population, specific dysphagia symptoms have not been well-documented. We conducted a flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) on a young boy diagnosed with MCT8 deficiency, who exhibited recurrent pulmonary infections and failed to achieve substantial weight gain despite an oral energy intake appropriate for his age and height. The FEES revealed generally weakened swallowing mechanisms, characterized by prolonged swallow and cough sequences, along with penetration and aspiration of both fluid and semi-solid test boluses. Given the considerable effort associated with oral intake, we hypothesize that dysphagia contributes to his underweight status, alongside peripheral thyrotoxicosis. In conclusion, FEES proved to be an invaluable tool in identifying underlying swallowing impairments and assessing the need for gastrostomy in this patient. For MCT8 deficiency, patients presenting with underweight, frequent pulmonary infections, and swallowing difficulties, it is recommended that diagnostic evaluations include FEES to thoroughly assess their swallowing function and airway protection.
Indomethacin and Cefazolin for Physical Exam-Indicated Cerclage to Improve Latency: A Protocol Validation Study
Authors: Young Nicola R. , Gatta Luke A. , Wheeler Sarahn M. , Federspiel Jerome J. , Dotters-Katz Sarah K. 
Published: December 2024

Objective A single-center randomized trial showed improved latency with use of indomethacin and cefazolin (I/C) during and following exam-indicated cerclage (EIC). The same center recently published a pre/post comparison demonstrating similar results. This research aimed to validate the protocol in a different setting.
Study Design Retrospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies undergoing EIC at a single center between 2013 and 2022. EIC was performed for painless cervical dilation between 16 and 23 weeks' gestation with dilation ≥1 cm. Exposure was defined as receipt of I/C during and following EIC. The primary outcome was latency ≥ 28 days after cerclage placement. Secondary outcomes included latency; gestational age at delivery; delivery ≤ 28 weeks; preterm premature rupture of membranes; intra-amniotic infection (IAI); and median birth weight. Bivariate statistics were used to analyze data; multivariable regression analyses were used to control for confounders (progesterone use, cervical dilation at time of cerclage placement, history of preterm birth, and prolapsing membranes).
Results EIC was placed in 81 pregnancies and 48 (59%) received I/C. Baseline characteristics did not differ between groups, except that prolapsing membranes were significantly less likely in patients receiving I/C (6.2 vs. 21.2%; p = 0.04). Latency ≥ 28 days occurred in 90% of I/C recipients and 82% of the controls (p = 0.32); this difference remained nonsignificant after controlling for confounders (adjusted relative risk: 1.02 [95% confidence interval: 0.85, 1.21]). I/C recipients had lower rates of IAI (4.2 vs. 24.2%, p = 0.007), even after adjustment (adjusted relative risk: 0.18 [95% confidence interval: 0.04, 0.74]). Other secondary outcomes did not differ.
Conclusion Use of I/C at the time of EIC at this center was not associated with increased latency to delivery (albeit in a small cohort) but was associated with lower rates of intra-amniotic infection. Larger-scale validation studies would be helpful to confirm the value of this intervention.
Key Points
Assessment of safety and patency of 7-mm covered metal stents for preoperative biliary drainage in pancreatic cancer: Prospective multicenter study
Authors: Ishiwatari Hirotoshi , Kobayashi Yousuke , Kawaguchi Shinya , Iwashita Takuji , Kaneko Junichi , Ito Jun , Ishikawa Kazuma , Sato Junya , Niiya Fumitaka , Endo Shinya , Satoh Tatsunori , Uemura Shinya , Mori Keita 
Published: December 2024

AbstractFor preoperative biliary drainage of pancreatic cancer (PC), a 10-mm diameter metal stent (MS) is commonly used; however, the rate of pancreatitis is high. It is hypothesized that smaller-diameter MS may reduce the rate of pancreatitis. Therefore, we conducted a multicenter prospective study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 7-mm MS.Patients requiring initial biliary drainage for obstructive jaundice caused by PC and scheduled for surgery from six facilities were included. After endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, a 7-mm MS was placed at the site of biliary obstruction. The primary endpoint was the rate of pancreatitis, and the secondary endpoints included early and late adverse events (AEs). The pancreatitis rate was assumed to be 18% and 5% with 10- and 7-mm MS, respectively; with a power of 80% and one-sided significance level of 10%, the planned enrollment was 38 patients. If pancreatitis occurred in no more than three patients, this indicates that the 7-mm MS effectively reduced incidence of pancreatitis.Overall, 38 patients were enrolled, and 35 patients in whom a 7-mm MS was successfully placed were analyzed. All MS were placed after sphincterotomy. Pancreatitis occurred in four patients (11.4%) and no early AEs were observed. Surgery was performed in 24 patients and late AEs included stent occlusion in eight patients (23%) and cholecystitis in four patients (11%).The 7-mm MS did not reduce incidence of pancreatitis among surgical candidates for PC.
Spirocyclizations of Nortropanes
Authors: Shivanyuk Alexander , Lukin Oleg , Dolgonos Grygoriy , Gerasov Andrii , Mandzhulo Aleksandr , Fetyukhin Volodymyr 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe shape-persistent bicyclic nortropane fragment is frequently found in both natural remedies and synthetic drugs. Herein we review synthetic approaches towards spirocyclic nortropanes, as well as their studied stereochemical properties and biological activity.1	Introduction2	Spiro Hybrids of Nortropane with Three-Membered Cycles3	Spiro Hybrids of Nortropane with Four-Membered Cycles4	Spiro Hybrids of Nortropane with Five-Membered Cycles5	Spiro Hybrids of Nortropane with Six-Membered and Larger Cycles6	Conclusions
Monomer size effect in inelastic collisional dynamics of non-equilibrium soot nucleation
Authors: Morozov Alexander N. , Mebel Alexander M. , Frenklach Michael 
Published: December 2024

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the collisional dynamics of the coronene–acepyrene and coronene radical–acepyrene pairs have been carried out to investigate the size effect of monomers of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) on their non-equilibrium dimerization. The results compared to the previous MD simulations of the smaller pyrene–acepyrene and pyrenyl–acepyrene systems corroborate the non-equilibrium hypothesis of crosslinking PAH dimerization enhanced by physical interaction between the monomers. The phenomenon of inelastic collisional dynamics responsible for non-equilibrium van der Waals dimerization, which fosters a covalent bond formation between the monomers, amplifies with increasing PAH size. The increase in the size of the colliding monomers enhances the non-equilibrium effects as the growing pool of low-frequency modes provides a larger sink for the energy of the colliding PAH monomers. Based on the direct count of the crosslinking reaction events observed in the MD simulations, the forward rate constant for the coronene radical–acepyrene association is estimated at ∼10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, showing a 15-fold increase with respect to the value from the statistical Rice–Ramsperger–Kassel–Marcus calculations. A comparison with the eightfold increase reported previously for the pyrenyl–acepyrene system shows that the statistical (equilibrium-based) calculations increasingly underestimate the reaction rate with the increasing size of the interacting PAHs from pyrene to coronene. The total increase of the MD-assessed rate constant for the coronene radical–acepyrene dimerization reaction as compared to pyrenyl–acepyrene is a factor of 2.4, with the overall collision efficiency to produce dimerized products growing by 30%.
Predicting solvation free energies with an implicit solvent machine learning potential
Authors: Röcken Sebastien , Burnet Anton F. , Zavadlav Julija 
Published: December 2024

Machine learning (ML) potentials are a powerful tool in molecular modeling, enabling ab initio accuracy for comparably small computational costs. Nevertheless, all-atom simulations employing best-performing graph neural network architectures are still too expensive for applications requiring extensive sampling, such as free energy computations. Implicit solvent models could provide the necessary speed-up due to reduced degrees of freedom and faster dynamics. Here, we introduce a Solvation Free Energy Path Reweighting (ReSolv) framework to parameterize an implicit solvent ML potential for small organic molecules that accurately predicts the hydration free energy, an essential parameter in drug design and pollutant modeling. Learning on a combination of experimental hydration free energy data and ab initio data of molecules in vacuum, ReSolv bypasses the need for intractable ab initio data of molecules in an explicit bulk solvent and does not have to resort to less accurate data-generating models. On the FreeSolv dataset, ReSolv achieves a mean absolute error close to average experimental uncertainty, significantly outperforming standard explicit solvent force fields. Compared to the explicit solvent ML potential, ReSolv offers a computational speedup of four orders of magnitude and attains closer agreement with experiments. The presented framework paves the way for deep molecular models that are more accurate yet computationally more cost-effective than classical atomistic models.
A platform for non-local thermodynamic equilibrium atomic physics research using the buried layer target approach at a kJ level laser facility
Authors: Fraenkel M. , Marley E. V. , Ehrlich Y. , Henis Z. , Emig J. , Meir A. , Ferber Y. , Guttman D. , Strum G. , Kartoon D. 
Published: December 2024

We present a design and first use of a kJ level laser facility for research of non-local thermodynamic equilibrium atomic physics using the buried layer target method. The target design included a metal layer buried inside a plastic tamper with thicknesses tailored to the expected laser intensities. The target was illuminated from each side by two laser beams with intensities of 0.5–5 × 1014 W/cm2. The advanced diagnostic suite included static and time-resolved imagers and spectrometers with various spectral resolutions. A 3D printed dual elliptically curved spectrometer is presented, and its results are compared to a traditional crystal spectrometer. Experimental results and radiation hydrodynamic simulations demonstrate that the target achieved the desired thermodynamic conditions of ne ≈ 1021–1022 cm−3 and Te ≈ 1–2 keV.
Principle design and power generation research of magnetically coupled piezoelectric energy harvester
Authors: Li Biao , Shao Jiaru , Zheng Zijun , Yang Yu 
Published: December 2024

This study systematically investigates the mechanism of magnetic coupling energy collection and designs an efficient energy collector. The experimental results demonstrate that the strategic installation of permanent magnets can effectively optimize the stress state of piezoelectric plates, significantly enhancing power generation efficiency. Under identical conditions, the peak voltage of the newly developed magnetically coupled energy collector reaches 168.3 V, surpassing the 67.19 V peak voltage reported in the reference. Optimizing the operational speed from 550 to 180 rpm improves the energy collector’s compatibility with low-frequency external excitation. The study also compares and analyzes the power generation performance of various piezoelectric plates, revealing that the maximum power outputs of series and parallel circuits are 22.4 and 3.98 mW, respectively. This research introduces novel concepts and methodologies for optimizing the design of energy collector structures.
Effects of fructo-oligosaccharides and Bacillus licheniformis on performance, nutrient digestibility, hematological properties, and organ development in weaned piglets
Authors: Wu Fan , Wu Di , Chen Zhihui , Ren Fengyun 
Published: December 2024

Context Weaning is a critical period for piglets, often associated with reduced growth performance and increased susceptibility to diseases. Dietary supplements such as fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and Bacillus licheniformis (BL) may improve piglet health and performance during this transition. Aims To investigate the effects of dietary FOS and BL supplementation, individually and in combination, on growth performance, health status, nutrient digestibility, hematological parameters, and organ development in weaned piglets. Methods In total, 240 weaned piglets were allocated into the following six treatments: control, 0.2% FOS, 0.4% FOS, BL, 0.2% FOS + BL, and 0.4% FOS + BL. Growth performance, morbidity rates, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, and organ indices were evaluated over the experimental period. Key results The 0.4% FOS + BL group showed significant improvements in feed conversion ratio, reduced morbidity rates, enhanced nutrient digestibility (crude protein, crude fiber, and phosphorus), increased total protein, albumin, and albumin:globulin ratio, reduced blood urea nitrogen, improved white blood cell and lymphocyte counts, and enhanced spleen and pancreatic organ indices. BL supplementation distinctively influenced liver-enzyme profiles, suggesting metabolic adaptation rather than hepatic stress. Blood urea nitrogen was reduced in BL and 0.4% FOS + BL groups. Conclusions Dietary supplementation with 0.4% FOS and BL synergistically benefited weaned piglets by improving growth performance, enhancing feed efficiency, and reducing morbidity rates. This treatment also enhanced nutrient utilization, positively affected blood parameters, and promotes the development of spleen and pancreatic organs. Implications The combination of 0.4% FOS and BL shows potential as an effective feed-additive strategy to enhance growth and immune responses in weaned piglets, potentially reducing the need for antibiotics and promoting sustainable pig production.
Exploration of factors of algal seasonal blooms in a drinking-water source
Authors: Yan Ailan , Qian Feilai , Li Yande , Qian Dongsheng , Chen Yongfei , Xu Dong 
Published: December 2024

Context The emergence of cyanobacterial blooms has garnered international concern especially during seasonal transitions. Aims The objective of this study is to investigate the primary correlation factors contributing to algal blooms through an examination of the relationship between nutrient distribution and seasonal algae growth, specifically in the context of low nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the source of drinking water. Methods By monitoring water-quality indicators over a 6-month period, including total nitrogen, total phosphorus, ammonia nitrogen, water temperature, pH value and phytoplankton content, the dynamic trend of algal growth was evaluated, and the primary factors contributing to algal outbreaks were analysed. Key results The findings indicated a significant correlation between algae blooms and elevated water temperature and light intensity in Shuangxikou Reservoir. As light intensity and water temperature increased, there was a shift in dominant algae species from Bacillariophyta to cyanobacteria. Conclusions Algal biomass was primarily concentrated at depths between 0 and 4 m, leading to a higher pH value in this specific water area than in the other areas along the vertical axis as a result of the algal outbreak. Implications This study has made a substantial contribution to the identification of safe methods for managing seasonal algae growth.
Sexual dissatisfaction and its association with health status among older adults in China: a nationwide study
Authors: Diao Yiwen , Sun Yan , Tucker Joseph D. , Yang Fan 
Published: December 2024

Background Most population-based sexual health research in China excludes older adults. To fill the gap, this study aims to characterise sexual dissatisfaction among people aged 50 years or older from a nationwide, population-representative sample and to explore its association with physical, mental, and self-reported overall health indicators. Methods Data were collected as part of the China Family Panel Studies in 2020, led by the Institute of Social Science Survey of Peking University. Multivariable logistic regressions with robust estimators were used to investigate the association between sexual dissatisfaction and health indicators and potential demographic confounders. Results Among the 8222 partnered Chinese adults aged 50 years or older (median age: 59, IQR: 54–66, 47% identified as women), 78% (6380/8222) reported being satisfied or very satisfied in their sex life. After adjusting for demographic variables, poor self-rated health status (aOR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.42–1.77), experiencing depression symptoms (aOR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.80–2.26), and having chronic diseases (aOR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.07–1.36) were positively associated with sexual dissatisfaction in multivariable analyses. Among sociodemographic factors, younger age, female gender, and education level at senior high school or above were more likely to experience sexual dissatisfaction (all P < 0.05). Conclusion Based on our sample, more than one in five Chinese adults aged 50 years or older might face sexual dissatisfaction. Comorbidities common in older age likely exacerbate sexual dissatisfaction. Greater attention to sexual satisfaction research and sexual health programs among older adults is needed with respect to gender differences and chronic disease comorbidities.
The influence of uppercase letter location on typing multiword passphrases
Authors: Gow Keira , Taikh Alexander , Islam Morshedul 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Organizational policies for passwords and passphrases require certain criteria, such as minimum length or
uppercase letters, to be met, often resulting in a tradeoff between complexity and ease of typing. Uppercase letters,
specifically, lead to slower and more error prone entries. Our present study examined their influence on the typing of three-word
passphrases. We were interested in whether uppercase letter location, which should not influence passphrase security, would
influence its typing. Passphrases with no uppercase letter were typed more accurately and quickly than passphrases with an
uppercase letter. Importantly, passphrases with an uppercase letter in the second word were more likely to be typed incorrectly,
and were typed more slowly when entered correctly. Our findings are consistent with the linguistic information of adjacent words
influencing the output of the word being typed, where an altered second word interfered with the output of both the first and
second words.