bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensitive imaging of actinide materials in shielded radioactive waste
Authors: Vasiljević Jana , Peters Vivian , Puranen Anders , Cederwall Bo 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis paper reports on the development of a method for enhanced non-destructive assay (NDA) of radioactive waste using the novel technique neutron-gamma emission tomography (NGET). The technique relies on the detection of correlated fast neutrons and gamma rays emitted in spontaneous or induced fission. It is based on fast organic scintillators and enables sensitive detection and three-dimensional (3D) localization of the fission events. The technique is passive and does not require moving components. In this work, we apply the NGET technique to the category of radioactive waste which is often referred to as historic or legacy waste. This can include mixed wastes encased in shielded containers many decades ago, before the advent of detailed waste description criteria. These low or intermediate level wastes are often associated with lacking, limited or conflicting documentation. This poses a challenge when assigning the waste to the proper disposal route as well as in deciding whether the waste needs to undergo sorting and conditioning to fulfil waste acceptance criteria both with regards to safe interim storage and to its ultimate disposal. Actinides, such as isotopes of uranium and plutonium, with their typically long half-lives and decay chains are of special interest in this regard since they may challenge the long-term safety assessment in repositories predicated on mainly shorter half-life radionuclides if undetected. Accurate identification and localisation of actinides is also important from a safeguards perspective, especially since they are generally difficult to detect and localise by established passive means due to their relatively weak radiation emissions, in particular in shielded containments and in the presence of strong radiation fields from other radioactive materials. In this paper we present findings of measurements on shielded containments of long-lived radioactive waste performed at the Studsvik site in Sweden, as well as measurements on a laboratory assembly simulating a grouted waste drum. Similarities and differences between the novel NGET technique and a commercially available gamma imaging system are also briefly discussed.
Theoretical and experimental analysis of the modulated phase grating X-ray interferometer
Authors: Meyer Hunter , Dey Joyoni , Carr Sydney , Ham Kyungmin , Butler Leslie G. , Dooley Kerry M. , Hidrovo Ivan , Bleuel Markus , Varga Tamas , Schulz Joachim , Beckenbach Thomas , Kaiser Konradin 
Published: November 2024

AbstractX-ray grating interferometry allows for the simultaneous acquisition of attenuation, differential-phase contrast, and dark-field images, resulting from X-ray attenuation, refraction, and small-angle scattering, respectively. The modulated phase grating (MPG) interferometer is a recently developed grating interferometry system capable of generating a directly resolvable interference pattern using a relatively large period grating envelope function that is sampled at a pitch that is small enough that X-ray spatial coherence can be achieved by using a microfocus X-ray source or G0 grating. We present the theory of the MPG interferometry system for a 2-dimensional staggered grating, derived using Fourier optics, and we compare the theoretical predictions with experiments we have performed with a microfocus X-ray system at Pennington Biomedical Research Center, LSU. The theoretical and experimental fringe visibility is evaluated as a function of grating-to-detector distance. Additionally, quantitative experiments are performed with porous carbon and alumina compounds, and the mean normalized dark-field signal is compared with independent porosimetry measurements. Qualitative analysis of attenuation and dark-field images of a dried anchovy are shown.
Revealing the structural microenvironment of high metastatic risk uveal melanomas following decellularisation
Authors: Aughton Karen , Hattersley Joshua , Coupland Sarah E , Kalirai Helen 
Published: November 2024

AbstractUveal melanoma (UM) is a rare aggressive intraocular tumour that spreads most commonly to the liver in tumours with loss of one copy of chromosome 3 (HR-M3); current treatments for metastatic disease remain largely ineffective. Pre-clinical research is increasingly using three-dimensional models that better recapitulate the tumour microenvironment (TME). One aspect of the TME is the acellular extracellular matrix (ECM) that influences cell proliferation, migration and response to therapy. Although commercial matrices are used in culture, the composition and biochemical properties may not be representative of the tumour ECM in vivo. This study identifies UM metastatic risk specific ECM proteins by developing methodology for decellularisation of low- and high- metastatic risk tissue samples (LR-D3 vs. HR-M3). Proteomic analysis revealed a matrisome signature of 34 core ECM and ECM-associated proteins upregulated in HR-M3 UM. Combining additional UM secretome and whole cell iTRAQ proteomic datasets revealed enriched GO and KEGG pathways including ‘regulating ECM binding’ and ‘PI3K/Akt signalling’. Structural analyses of decellularised matrices revealed microarchitecture of differing fibre density and expression differences in collagen 4, collagen 6A1 and nidogen 1, between metastatic risk groups. This approach is a powerful tool for the generation of ECM matrices relevant to high metastatic risk UM.
Optimizing knee osteoarthritis severity prediction on MRI images using deep stacking ensemble technique
Authors: Panwar Punita , Chaurasia Sandeep , Gangrade Jayesh , Bilandi Ashwani , Pruthviraja Dayananda 
Published: November 2024

AbstractKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) represents a well-documented degenerative arthropathy prevalent among the elderly population. KOA is a persistent condition, also referred to as progressive joint Disease, stemming from the continual deterioration of cartilage. Predominantly afflicting individuals aged 45 and above, this ailment is commonly labeled as a “wear and tear” joint disorder, targeting joints such as the knee, hand, hips, and spine. Osteoarthritis symptoms typically increase gradually, contributing to the deterioration of articular cartilage. Prominent indicators encompass pain, stiffness, tenderness, swelling, and the development of bone spurs. Diagnosis typically involves the utilization of Radiographic X-ray images, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Computed Tomography (CT) Scan by medical professionals and experts. However, this conventional approach is time-consuming, and also sometimes tedious for medical professionals. In order to address the limitation of time and expedite the diagnostic process, deep learning algorithms have been implemented in the medical field. In the present investigation, four pre-trained models, specifically CNN, AlexNet, ResNet34 and ResNet-50, were utilized to predict the severity of KOA. Further, a Deep stack ensemble technique was employed to achieve optimal performance resulting to the accuracy of 99.71%.
Revealing polytypism in 2D boron nitride with UV photoluminescence
Authors: Iwański Jakub , Korona Krzysztof P. , Tokarczyk Mateusz , Kowalski Grzegorz , Dąbrowska Aleksandra K. , Tatarczak Piotr , Rogala Izabela , Bilska Marta , Wójcik Maciej , Kret Sławomir , Reszka Anna , Kowalski Bogdan J. , Li Song , Pershin Anton , Gali Adam , Binder Johannes , Wysmołek Andrzej 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBoron nitride exhibits various crystal structures. The subgroup of layered boron nitrides includes several polytypes such as hexagonal (hBN), Bernal (bBN), and rhombohedral (rBN) BN. The latter two are non-centrosymmetric, potentially leading to piezoelectric or ferroelectric properties. A key challenge related to the polytypism of sp2-bonded BN is distinguishing between these polytypes. We demonstrate that the optical response of the 4.1-eV defect can be used to differentiate hBN from rBN. Photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence measurements on samples grown by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) show a zero-phonon line at 4.096 eV for hBN and 4.143 eV for rBN. Our calculations confirm that the photoluminescence originates from a carbon dimer, CBCN (C2), which is sensitive to the local environments of different polytypes. We demonstrate that different polytypic compositions of hBN and rBN can be achieved by MOVPE, which could pave the way for future applications in large-area van der Waals heterostructures.
The impact of data resolution on dynamic causal inference in multiscale ecological networks
Authors: Saberski Erik , Lorimer Tom , Carpenter Delia , Deyle Ethan , Merz Ewa , Park Joseph , Pao Gerald M. , Sugihara George 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWhile it is commonly accepted that ecosystem dynamics are nonlinear, what is often not acknowledged is that nonlinearity implies scale-dependence. With the increasing availability of high-resolution ecological time series, there is a growing need to understand how scale and resolution in the data affect the construction and interpretation of causal networks—specifically, networks mapping how changes in one variable drive changes in others as part of a shared dynamic system (“dynamic causation”). We use Convergent Cross Mapping (CCM), a method specifically designed to measure dynamic causation, to study the effects of varying temporal and taxonomic/functional resolution in data when constructing ecological causal networks. As the system is viewed at different scales relationships will appear and disappear. The relationship between data resolution and interaction presence is not random: the temporal scale at which a relationship is uncovered identifies a biologically relevant scale that drives changes in population abundance. Further, causal relationships between taxonomic aggregates (low-resolution) are shown to be influenced by the number of interactions between their component species (high-resolution). Because no single level of resolution captures all the causal links in a system, a more complete understanding requires multiple levels when constructing causal networks.
Triangulation for causal loop diagrams: constructing biopsychosocial models using group model building, literature review, and causal discovery
Authors: Uleman Jeroen F. , Luijten Maartje , Abdo Wilson F. , Vyrastekova Jana , Gerhardus Andreas , Runge Jakob , Rod Naja Hulvej , Verhagen Maaike 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe complex nature of many health problems necessitates the use of systems thinking tools like causal loop diagrams (CLDs) to visualize the underlying causal network and facilitate computational simulations of potential interventions. However, the construction of CLDs is limited by the constraints and biases of specific sources of evidence. To address this, we propose a triangulation approach that integrates expert and theory-driven group model building, literature review, and data-driven causal discovery. We demonstrate the utility of this triangulation approach using a case example focused on the trajectory of depressive symptoms in response to a stressor in healthy adults. After triangulation with causal discovery, the CLD exhibited (1) greater comprehensiveness, encompassing multiple research fields; (2) a modified feedback structure; and (3) increased transparency regarding the uncertainty of evidence in the model structure. These findings suggest that triangulation can produce higher-quality CLDs, potentially advancing our understanding of complex diseases.
Efficient generation of grids and traversal graphs in compositional spaces towards exploration and path planning
Authors: Krajewski Adam M. , Beese Allison M. , Reinhart Wesley F. , Liu Zi-Kui 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDiverse disciplines across science and engineering deal with problems related to compositions, which exist in non-Euclidean simplex spaces, rendering many standard tools inaccurate or inefficient. This work explores such spaces conceptually in the context of materials discovery, quantifies their computational feasibility, and implements several essential methods specific to simplex spaces through a new high-performance open-source library . Most significantly, we derive and implement an algorithm for constructing a novel n-dimensional simplex graph data structure, containing all discretized compositions and possible neighbor-to-neighbor transitions. Critically, no distance or neighborhood calculations are performed, instead leveraging pure combinatorics and order in procedurally generated simplex grids, keeping the algorithm $${\mathcal{O}}(N)$$

O

(

N

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, with minimal memory, enabling rapid construction of graphs with billions of transitions in seconds. Additionally, we demonstrate how such graph representations can be combined to homogeneously express complex path-planning problems, while facilitating efficient deployment of existing high-performance gradient descent, graph traversal, and other optimization algorithms.
Gewalt in organisierten Gewaltstrukturen in der DDR – Eine
Sekundäranalyse von Anhörungen und Berichten aus
Betroffenenperspektive
Authors: Laue Philipp , Strauß Bernhard 
Published: November 2024

Zusammenfassung
Ziel der Studie Gewalt in organisierten Gewaltstrukturen (GOG) wird als
Form lang anhaltender, wiederholter, häufig sexualisierter Gewalt vor allem
gegenüber Kindern, Jugendlichen oder Frauen durch vernetzte Täter:innen zur
finanziellen und machtbezogenen Bereicherung verstanden. Nachdem vereinzelte
Betroffenenberichte und historische Analysen die Möglichkeit dieses
Gewaltphänomens vor dem zeitlichen und geografischen Hintergrund der DDR
implizierten, beleuchtet diese Studie erstmalig GOG in der DDR aus Sicht der
Betroffenen.
Methodik N=10 pseudonymisierte Anhörungen und schriftliche Berichte von
Betroffenen sexualisierter Gewalt im Kindes- und Jugendalter in der DDR, die
durch die Unabhängige Kommission zur Aufarbeitung sexuellen Kindesmissbrauchs
zur Verfügung gestellt waren, wurden mittels inhaltlich strukturierender
qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse sekundäranalytisch ausgewertet.
Ergebnisse Es fanden sich Berichte sexualisierter, physischer und
psychischer Gewaltanwendung. Die Betroffenen beschreiben GOG in verschiedenen
Kontexten, wobei weitere Kategorien (Täter:innen, Dauer/Häufigkeit der Gewalt,
Gewaltmotive) mitunter von diesen abhängig waren. Die Folgen für Betroffene sind
sowohl kurz- wie langfristiger Natur und zeigen sich verlaufen sowohl auf
gesundheitlicher (v. a. psychopathologischer) wie psychosozialer Ebene bis in
die Gegenwart. Abgesehen vom historischen Hintergrund fanden sich keine Hinweise
auf DDR-spezifische Merkmale des Gewaltphänomens.
Diskussion Die Erlebnisberichte von Betroffenen ermöglichen die
Perspektive des „erlebten Wissens“, welche ihre Grenze dort hat, wo
Beschreibungen das Wissen von Täter:innen (z. B. Gewaltmotive, Merkmale der
Gewaltstruktur) voraussetzen. Mögliche politisch-ideologische Merkmale der
Gewalt finden auch aufgrund der Betrachtung von GOG als „ideologiefreies“
Phänomen (im Gegensatz zu Ritueller Gewalt) keine Erörterung. Für eine
geschichtssensible Weiterführung von Forschung bedarf es neben definitorischer
Grenzziehungen unterschiedlicher Phänomene v. a. einer multiperspektivischen
sowie multiprofessionellen Herangehensweise.
Zentrumszuschläge für Endometriosezentren? Überprüfung der
Voraussetzungen gemäß der Zentrums-Regelungen vom Gemeinsamen Bundesausschluss
(G-BA)
Authors: Cirkel Christoph , Degen Hanna , Zimmermann Christiane , Schöffski Oliver , Rody Achim 
Published: November 2024

ZusammenfassungZentren und Schwerpunkte – z. B. Endometriosezentren (EZ) – übernehmen im
Gesundheitssystem wichtige Aufgaben, die nicht notwendigerweise über
Fallpauschalen oder Zusatzentgelte finanziert sind. Am 01.01.20 sind die
„Regelungen zur Konkretisierung der besonderen Aufgaben von Zentren und
Schwerpunkten gemäß §136c Abs. 5 SGB V“ vom G-BA in Kraft getreten. Sie bieten
die Grundlage für die Vereinbarung von Zentrumszuschlägen für die Wahrnehmung
von besonderen Aufgaben zwischen Kliniken und Leistungsträgern. Diese Arbeit
überprüft systematisch, ob und unter welchen Voraussetzungen die besonderen
Aufgaben von Stiftung Endometrioseforschung (SEF) zertifizierte EZ
zuschlagsberechtigt sind.Im Ergebnis erfüllen SEF zertifizierte EZ allgemeine typische Zentrumsaufgaben,
jedoch fehlen EZ aktuell (politische) Voraussetzungen, die zur Erlangung von
Zentrumszuschlägen notwendig sind.
Impact of Insurance Status on Postoperative Recovery after Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Lu Yi-Hsueh , Rothchild Evan , Yan Yufan , Mahajan Lakshmi , Park Michelle , Ricci Joseph A. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background Persistent disparities in breast reconstruction access have been widely documented, yet a significant research gap remains in understanding the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) on postoperative outcomes and complications.
Methods A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent abdominal-based free-flap breast reconstruction between August 2018 and December 2022 at a racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse urban academic institute with a historically underserved patient population. Patients were stratified by the public (Medicare and Medicaid) versus private insurance as a proxy for SDOH. Patient demographics, length of stay (LOS), timing in progression through postoperative recovery milestones, and complications were compared.
Results A total of 162 patients were included, and 57% of patients had public insurance, with this group more likely to be Hispanic (odds ratio [OR] 2.7; p = 0.003) and Spanish-speaking (OR 3.4; p = 0.003). Privately insured patients were more likely to be non-Hispanic Black (OR 2.7; p = 0.006). Patients with public insurance had a higher rate of unplanned return to the operating room within 90 days and a higher incidence of complications, though not statistically significant. They also experienced a significantly longer LOS than privately insured patients (3.6 ± 1.0 vs. 3.0 ± 0.7 days; p < 0.0001). Logistic regression identified an LOS exceeding 3 days as independently associated with public insurance status (OR 3.0; p = 0.03), bilateral procedure (OR 5.6; p = 0.0007), preoperative functional-dependent status (OR 7.0; p = 0.04), and higher body mass index (BMI; OR 1.1; p = 0.03). Patients with public insurance were more likely to encounter delays in achieving recovery milestones.
Conclusion Public insurance status, serving as a proxy for a disadvantage in SDOH, is predictive of extended LOS and postoperative recovery delays following microsurgical breast reconstruction. This underscores the need for future quality improvement efforts to address and mitigate these disparities.
TfOH-Catalyzed Synthesis of Bis(pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolinyl) methanes
Authors: Cui Hai-Lei , Zhou Jing , Sheng Xue , Pan Yu-Yi 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe synthesis of bis(pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolinyl)methanes was achieved through TfOH-catalyzed sequential Friedel–Crafts alkylation of pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline and aldehyde. A series of highly functionalized bis(pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolinyl)methane derivatives can be obtained in acceptable to excellent yields (11 examples, up to 96% yield). Interestingly, deformylation was observed when treating pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline-derived aldehyde and indole under the current reaction conditions. Furthermore, the replacement of aldehyde with isatin resulted in the formation of methylene-bridged dimeric pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline.
N-Heterocyclic Carbene Switchable Radical- or Benzyne-Meditated Arylation of Thiols Using DMF/KOt-Bu
Authors: Greatrex Ben W. , Puschnig Johannes 
Published: November 2024

AbstractA mild, metal, and photoredox-free direct arylation of alkyl and aryl thiols with aryl iodides using a DMF/KOt-Bu system has been developed. In the absence of an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) additive, the reaction proceeds via a benzyne intermediate and was suitable for the substitution of thiols with phenyl, while the presence of an NHC or phenanthroline derivative improves regioselectivity for the reaction of substituted aryl iodides via a radical pathway. This protocol features inexpensive materials and good substrate scope and could be useful in the arylation of aryl and alkyl thiols.
Comparative Analysis of Comorbidities and Outcomes in Endoscopic versus Open Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Release in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kishan Arman , Kubsad Sanjay , DePalo Jake , Fox Henry Maxwell , Tuffaha Sami H. , Laporte Dawn M. , Nguyen Duc M. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background:  Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a known risk factor for carpal tunnel syndrome, possibly because the inflammation causes compression of the median nerve. Endoscopic and open carpal tunnel release (ECTR and OCTR) have been studied extensively in the general population but less so in patients with RA. The purpose of our study was to analyze outcomes and patient-specific comorbidities associated with ECTR and OCTR in patients with RA.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the PearlDiver database to identify patients with RA who underwent either ECTR or OCTR between 2010 and 2014. Demographic data, comorbidities, and complication rates were analyzed. We used univariate and multivariable analysis to assess differences between the treatment methods.
Results:  Comparing 4,234 patients who underwent OCTR to 683 patients who underwent ECTR, we found no significant differences in medical comorbidities such as hypertension, obesity, chronic kidney disease, hypothyroidism, and diabetes mellitus. Patients who underwent ECTR were significantly more likely to require a repeat procedure within 90 days of the initial procedure. However, this difference was not consistent in multivariate analysis controlling for comorbidities.
Conclusion: Our study found that RA and ECTR were identified as independent risk factors for revision release, with ECTR showing a higher likelihood of repeat procedures within 90 days compared with OCTR. Despite similar demographics and comorbidities in the two study cohorts, use of OCTR outpaced ECTR use in the study period. Future research should explore further characterization of repeat procedures in this higher risk patient subset.
Stress and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Miodownik Shayna , Sheiner Eyal 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe human body has the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, and mobilizes various biological systems in order to do so. When exposed to stressful conditions, the endocrine, nervous, and immune systems come together to aid in maintaining homeostasis; however, during periods of chronic stress, these systems can become maladaptive and lead to long-term detrimental health outcomes. Amongst the lingering effects associated with chronic stress exposure, increasingly, studies are identifying a link to adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. This review explores what has been uncovered in the field to date, and examines the effects of stress on fertility and gestation. Establishing additional factors which put women at risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes can aid in identifying a vulnerable population who could benefit from early stress-reducing interventions.