bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Continuum limit of mean-field partition functions
Authors: Williams Mobolaji 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In physics, the continuum limit consists of transforming discretely-spaced degrees of freedom on a lattice into smoothly-varying fields on a continuous domain. In these transformations, the degrees of freedom are typically dynamical variables like position or probability. However, in statistical physics, partition functions themselves can be seen as existing on a discrete lattice whose individual sites are identified by the number of degrees of freedom in the system. In this work, we pursue this interpretation and show that the continuum limit of a certain class of mean-field theory partition functions yields a partial differential equation whose solution provides large N approximations to the partition function of the original system. The equation is obtained by promoting the number of degrees of freedom to a continuous variable and then re-interpreting (as finite differences in a continuous space) the recursive relation that defines the partition function. For some example systems, we show that solutions to this equation yield transition temperatures with the same parameter-scaling behavior as those of the original system. We conclude by discussing how this formalism can motivate ‘diffusion in degree-of-freedom space’ interpretations of how interacting partition functions vary with temperature.
Hybrid 3D bioprinting for advanced tissue-engineered trachea: merging fused deposition modeling (FDM) and top–down digital light processing (DLP)
Authors: Lee Ji Seung , Jung Harry , Ajiteru Olatunji , Lee Ok Joo , Kim Soon Hee , Park Hae Sang , Park Chan Hum 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In this present study, we introduce an innovative hybrid 3D bioprinting methodology that integrates fused deposition modeling (FDM) with top–down digital light processing (DLP) for the fabrication of an artificial trachea. Initially, polycaprolactone (PCL) was incorporated using an FDM 3D printer to provide essential mechanical support, replicating the structure of tracheal cartilage. Subsequently, a chondrocyte-laden glycidyl methacrylated silk fibroin hydrogel was introduced via top–down DLP into the PCL scaffold (PCL-Sil scaffold). The mechanical evaluation of PCL-Sil scaffolds showed that they have greater flexibility than PCL scaffolds, with a higher deformation rate (PCL-Sil scaffolds: 140.9% ± 5.37% vs. PCL scaffolds: 124.3% ± 6.25%) and ability to withstand more force before fracturing (3.860 ± 0.140 N for PCL-Sil scaffolds vs. 2.502 ± 0.126 N for PCL scaffolds, ***P < 0.001). Both types of scaffolds showed similar axial compressive strengths (PCL-Sil scaffolds: 4.276 ± 0.127 MPa vs. PCL scaffolds: 4.291 ± 0.135 MPa). Additionally, PCL-Sil scaffolds supported fibroblast proliferation, indicating good biocompatibility. In vivo testing of PCL-Sil scaffolds in a partial tracheal defect rabbit model demonstrated effective tissue regeneration. The scaffolds were pre-cultured in the omentum for two weeks to promote vascularization before transplantation. Eight weeks after transplantation into the animal, bronchoscopy and histological analysis confirmed that the omentum-cultured PCL-Sil scaffolds facilitated rapid tissue regeneration and maintained the luminal diameter at the anastomosis site without signs of stenosis or inflammation. Validation study to assess the feasibility of our hybrid 3D bioprinting technique showed that structures, not only the trachea but also the vertebral bone-disc and trachea-lung complex, were successfully printed.
Enhancing pancreatic tumor delineation using dual-energy CT-derived extracellular volume fraction map
Authors: Anbumani Silambarasan , Godfrey Garrett , Hall William A , Shah Jainil , Knechtges Paul , Erickson Beth , Li X Allen , Noid George 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose. Precise identification of pancreatic tumors is challenging for radiotherapy planning due to the tumor's anatomical variability and poor visualization on 3D cross-sectional imaging. Low extracellular volume fraction (ECVf) correlates with poor vasculature uptake and possible necrosis or hypoxia in pancreatic tumors. This work investigates the feasibility of delineating pancreatic tumors using ECVf spatial distribution maps derived from contrast enhanced dual-energy CT (DECT). Methods and Materials. Data acquired from radiotherapy simulation of 12 pancreatic cancer patients, using a dual source DECT scanner, were analyzed. For each patient, an ECVf distribution of the pancreas was computed from the simultaneously acquired low and high energy DECT series during the late arterial contrast phase combined with the patient’s hematocrit level. Volume of interest (VECVf) maps in ECVf distribution of pancreas were identified by applying an appropriate threshold condition and a connected components clustering algorithm. The obtained VECVf was compared with the clinical gross tumor volume (GTV) using the positive predictive value (PPV), Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), mean distance to agreement (MDA) and true positive rate (TPR). Results. As a proof of concept, our hypothetical threshold condition based on the first quartile separation of the ECVf distribution to find VECVf of the pancreas elucidates the tumor volume within the pancreas. Notably, 7 out of 12 cases studied for VECVf matched well with the GTV and the mean PPV of 0.83 ± 0.12. The mean MDA (2.83 ± 1.0) of the cases confirms that VECVf lies within the tolerance for comparing to the pancreatic GTV. For the remaining 5 cases, the VECVf is substantially affected by other compounding factors, e.g., large cysts, dilate ducts, and thus did not align with the GTVs. Conclusions. This work demonstrated the promising application of the ECVf map, derived from contrast enhanced DECT, to help delineate tumor target for RT planning of pancreatic cancer.
DC microgrid for EV charging station with EV control by using STSM controllers
Authors: Anbuchandran S , Babu M Arumuga , Stephen D Silas , Thinakaran M 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This study explores innovative control strategies for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in a DC Microgrid powered by solar and wind energy. A new methodology regulates the dc-link voltage through various converters while a modified vector control method enhances the performance of switched reluctance motors (SRMs). The implementation of super twisting sliding mode (STSM) controllers show superior performance compared to traditional PI and Fuzzy controllers. The design of an asymmetrical converter with four battery banks also minimizes charging durations. The real-time test system (RTS) effectively managed power generation within a DC microgrid, demonstrating a stable voltage at the DC bus despite variations in total generation from photovoltaic (PVS) and wind systems. In Case 1, the controller successfully maintained power balance while charging electric vehicles and managing DC loads. During load torque adjustments, the system maintained a steady motor speed of 320 RPM even with a load torque increase from 5 Nm to 50 Nm at 3 s, showcasing its robust vector control strategy. Notably, the system facilitated a reverse operation at 10 km h−1 (80 RPM) by seamlessly adjusting the engine’s reference speed from 80 RPM to −80 RPM at t = 4.0 s. The vector control causes the engine speed heading to be opposite in a natural manner., indicating its innovative capability to handle diverse operational scenarios. The MATLAB/Simulink package serves as the foundation for the proposed model, which is then integrated into OPAL-RT modules to create a Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) system for showcasing diverse outcomes. Different outcomes are deliberated with validated justifications of the suggested approach. The research is linked to Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Affordable and clean energy) and 13 (Climate action).
Hydroclimate risk to electricity balancing throughout the U.S
Authors: Dennis Lauren , Grady Caitlin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Although hydropower produces a relatively small portion of the electricity we use in the United States, it is a flexible and dispatchable resource that serves various critical functions for managing the electricity grid. Climate-induced changes to water availability will affect future hydropower production, and such changes could impact how the areas where the supply and demand of electricity are balanced, called balancing authority areas, are able to meet decarbonization goals. We calculate hydroclimate risk to hydropower at the balancing authority scale, which is previously underexplored in the literature and has real implications for decarbonization and resilience-building. Our results show that, by 2050, most balancing authority areas could experience significant changes in water availability in areas where they have hydropower. Balancing areas facing the greatest changes are located in diverse geographic areas, not just the Western and Northwestern United States, and vary in hydropower generation capacity. The range of projected changes experienced within each balancing area could exacerbate or offset existing hydropower generation deficits. As power producers and managers undertake increasing regional cooperation to account for introducing more variable renewable energy into the grid, analysis of risk at this regional scale will become increasingly salient.
Precision DNA methylation typing via hierarchical clustering of Nanopore current signals and attention-based neural network
Authors: Dai Qi , Chen Hu , Yi Wen-Jing , Zhao Jia-Ning , Zhang Wei , He Ping-An , Liu Xiao-Qing , Zheng Ying-Feng , Shi Zhuo-Xing 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Decoding DNA methylation sites through nanopore sequencing has emerged as a cutting-edge technology in the field of DNA methylation research, as it enables direct sequencing of native DNA molecules without the need for prior enzymatic or chemical treatments. During nanopore sequencing, methylation modifications on DNA bases cause changes in electrical current intensity. Therefore, constructing deep neural network models to decode the electrical signals of nanopore sequencing has become a crucial step in methylation site identification. In this study, we utilized nanopore sequencing data containing diverse DNA methylation types and motif sequence diversity. We proposed a feature encoding method based on current signal clustering and leveraged the powerful attention mechanism in the Transformer framework to construct the PoreFormer model for identifying DNA methylation sites in nanopore sequencing. The model demonstrated excellent performance under conditions of multi-class methylation and motif sequence diversity, offering new insights into related research fields.
MultiOmicsIntegrator: a nextflow pipeline for integrated omics analyses
Authors: Pasat Bianka Alexandra , Pilalis Eleftherios , Mnich Katarzyna , Samali Afshin , Chatziioannou Aristotelis , Gorman Adrienne M 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Motivation
Analysis of gene and isoform expression levels is becoming critical for the detailed understanding of biochemical mechanisms. In addition, integrating RNA-seq data with other omics data types, such as proteomics and metabolomics, provides a strong approach for consolidating our understanding of biological processes across various organizational tiers, thus promoting the identification of potential therapeutic targets.

Results
We present our pipeline, called MultiOmicsIntegrator (MOI), an inclusive pipeline for comprehensive omics analyses. MOI represents a unified approach that performs in-depth individual analyses of diverse omics. Specifically, exhaustive analysis of RNA-seq data at the level of genes, isoforms of genes, as well as miRNA is offered, coupled with functional annotation and structure prediction of these transcripts. Additionally, proteomics and metabolomics data are supported providing a holistic view of biological systems. Finally, MOI has tools to integrate simultaneously multiple and diverse omics datasets, with both data- and function-driven approaches, fostering a deeper understanding of intricate biological interactions.

Availability and implementation
MOI and ReadTheDocs.
The optimal energy level of virtual monochromatic imaging in dual-energy CT arthrography of the wrist
Authors: Chung Bo Mi , Lee Guen Young , Kim Sujin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To suggest an optimal energy level of virtual monochromatic images (VMIs) in dual-energy CT (DECT) arthrography of the wrist.

Methods
This retrospective study included 53 patients with wrist CT arthrography. Conventional polychromatic images and VMIs at 4 energy levels (40–70 keV at 10 keV intervals) were obtained. Image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured, and qualitative analysis of image quality and diagnostic confidence was performed. For each patient, an energy level with the best image quality was chosen by consensus. Comparisons of quantitative and qualitative parameters between VMI sets were performed.

Results
The image noise of bone and muscle were increased with decreasing energy level (P &lt; .001). The noise of contrast was highest on 60 keV VMI. SNR and CNR (between contrast and muscle) were increased with decreasing energy level and were markedly increased between 60 and 50 keV (P &lt; .001). The 60 keV VMI demonstrated the highest image quality and diagnostic confidence, chosen as the best diagnostic image (n = 31/53). Given that the attenuation of the contrast material was low on the conventional image, the optimal energy level of the best VMI tended to be low.

Conclusions
Wrist DECT arthrography with VMIs at 60 keV or less could improve image quality and diagnostic performance by increasing SNR and CNR in cases with low contrast attenuation.

Advances in knowledge
Wrist DECT arthrography with VMIs at variable keV could be utilized to enhance SNR and CNR, thereby achieving diagnostic images of high quality.
The effect of sevelamer on serum calcification propensity in patients with chronic kidney disease: the results of a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Pluquet Maxime , Laville Solène M , Brazier François , Ureña-Torres Pablo , El Esper Najeh , Kamel Said , Choukroun Gabriel , Liabeuf Sophie 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
The serum calcification propensity test (or T50 test) might become a standard tool for the assessment of vascular calcification risk and T50 might be a valuable biomarker in clinical trials of treatments intended to slow the progression of vascular calcification. Literature data suggest that non-calcium-containing phosphate binders can influence T50 in chronic dialysed patients. However, it is not clear whether similar interventions are effective in patients at earlier stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods
The FGF23 Reduction: Efficacy of a New phosphate binder in CHronic kidney disease (FRENCH) trial was a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of sevelamer carbonate in participants with stage 3b/4 CKD. In this subanalysis of the FRENCH data, T50 and other laboratory variables (including fetuin-A and ionized and total magnesium) were measured centrally at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment.

Results
A total of 96 patients were screened and 78 (55 men and 23 women) met the inclusion criteria and were randomized to receive placebo (n = 39) or sevelamer carbonate (n = 39). The median patient age was 66 years [interquartile range (IQR) 56–72], the median eGFR was 25 ml/min/1.73 m2 (IQR 21–30) and the mean T50 was 335 minutes (standard deviation 82). In a linear regression model, T50 was independently associated with serum ionized magnesium, fetuin-A and bicarbonate levels and inversely associated with phosphate concentration. The within-group changes in the mean T50 between week 0 and week 12 were not significant in the sevelamer group or the placebo group {4.6 minutes [95% confidence interval (CI) −13.6–22.8; P = .61] and 7.8 minutes [95% CI −16.4–32.1; P = .51], respectively}. Furthermore, we did not observe significant changes in fetuin-A and magnesium levels.

Conclusion
A 12-week course of the non-calcium-containing phosphate binder sevelamer carbonate was not associated with a significant change in T50 in patients with stage 3b/4 CKD. Phosphate binders might not be an effective strategy for modifying serum calcification propensity in non-dialysis-dependent patients with CKD.
Validating enzyme immunoassays for non-invasive reproductive hormone monitoring in Temminck’s pangolin
Authors: Scheun Juan , Ganswindt Andre , Jansen Raymond , Labuschagne Kim 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Gonadal hormones play a central role in reproductive function and success. As such, quantifying reproductive hormones non-invasively in threatened, vulnerable and endangered wildlife species offers an ideal tool for assessing general and individual reproductive patterns in situ. Whilst the use of faeces as a hormone matrix is often preferred in these cases, the required enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) for measuring faecal androgen (fAM), oestrogen (fEM) and progestagen metabolite (fPM) concentrations must first be validated if a species gets investigated for the first time to ensure biologically relevant patterns can be observed. In this study we aimed to biologically validate the EIAs for monitoring fAM, fEM and fPM concentrations in Temminck’s pangolin, Smutsia temminckii. Hormone metabolite concentrations derived from each EIA tested were compared between different age and sex classes. An epiandrosterone EIA effectively measured androgen levels in males, distinguishing between adult and juvenile individuals, as well as both female age classes. Similarly, the tested oestrogen EIA successfully distinguished between adult and juvenile female fEM concentrations, and both tested progestagen EIAs demonstrated adequate differences between fPM concentrations of adult and juvenile females. The now-validated EIAs offer robust tools for a non-invasive monitoring of reproductive activity in Temminck’s pangolin. The development of such techniques will allow researchers to assess reproductive hormone patterns of the species in situ, whilst also paving the way for further studies in this field. Despite the small sample size due to the species’ conservation status, the study provides a foundation for future research using a robust, validated, non-invasive monitoring tool. The latter can now be implemented in long-term monitoring with larger sample sizes to yield more comprehensive data, aiding in the conservation of Temminck’s pangolin.
Talc-induced pericardial granulomatosis after recurrent pleurodesis: a rare cause of incessant pericarditis—case report
Authors: Coca-Perez Ana , Rivero-Jimenez Natalia , Lopez-Menendez Jose , Boteanu Alina-Lucica , Moreno-Mata Nicolas 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Management of relapsing pericarditis in patients who do not respond to medical therapy presents a significant challenge for clinicians. Although pericardiectomy remains a controversial option, it can provide effective relief of symptoms in this group of patients, as we report in this rare case of incessant pericarditis.

Case summary
We report the case of a 41-year-old woman with a medical history of two episodes of acute pericarditis, with no symptom-free intervals between them, over a two-year period. These episodes appeared following a third talc pleurodesis that was performed for relapsing catamenial pneumothorax. She became unresponsive to medical treatment with colchicine, indomethacin, anakinra, and prednisone, and surgery was finally indicated for symptom relief. An anterior pericardiectomy was performed in which talc-induced pericardial foreign body granulomas were identified in the pericardium and mediastinum samples. Patient recovered painless after six months, and no pericardial effusion was shown during the follow-up.

Discussion
Although talc is a safe sclerosing agent for pleurodesis for the treatment of recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax, extrapleural dissemination to mediastinum and pericardium is plausible, as documented in experimental animal studies. However, to date, we could not find any case of talc-induced pericarditis as an extrapulmonary complication of pleurodesis in the medical literature. In this instance, pericardiectomy was a mandatory alternative for symptomatic relief of foreign-body-induced pericarditis and yielded a good clinical outcome.
Critical heart failure associated with beta-blocker-induced cardiac phospholipidosis: a case report
Authors: Kaneko Mitsunobu , Kasao Masashi , Obikane Hiyo , Ueda Kazutaka 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Drug-induced phospholipidosis (DIPL) is an acquired lysosomal storage disorder characterized by the accumulation of lamellar bodies and phospholipids, typically associated with the use of cationic amphiphilic drugs (CADs). Over 200 marketed CADs, including widely prescribed β-blockers, have the potential to induce phospholipid deposition in various organs. In rare cases, DIPL may lead to secondary cardiomyopathy.

Case summary
We report the case of a 70-year-old man with a history of hypertension, permanent atrial fibrillation, and Stanford type B aortic dissection. The patient presented with a 2-week history of worsening dyspnoea. Examination revealed cardiomegaly, elevated B-type natriuretic peptide, and left ventricular dysfunction with an ejection fraction of 24%. Despite intensive medical treatment, the patient developed severe pulmonary congestion and died on Day 35. Post-mortem examination revealed vacuolar degeneration and lamellar body accumulation in the myocardium, consistent with DIPL. The most likely causal agent was bisoprolol, one of the patient’s prescribed CADs.

Discussion
While β-blockers are commonly used for the treatment of hypertension and heart failure, their potential to induce phospholipid deposition in the heart is rare but significant. This case underscores the need for awareness of DIPL as a potential adverse effect, especially in patients receiving CADs.
Effects of aging on the tensile strength and surface condition of orthodontic aligners: a comparative study of five models
Authors: Kuntz Lucie , Aranda Lionel , Rapin Christophe , Canceill Thibault , Vande Vannet Bart , Fawaz Paul 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background/Objective
The objective of this study is to determine the effect of aging on tensile strength and surface condition of orthodontic aligners on days 0, 1, 5, 7, 10, and 14.

Materials/Methods
The total sample of 80 aligners included five brands (Accusmile®, Angel®, GRAPHY®, Invisalign® and Suresmile®) were placed in a thermocycler to imitate the temperature variations of the oral cavity and accelerate aging for 50, 250, 350, 500, and 700 cycles. The mechanical tensile properties (Young’s modulus E, yield strength YS, maximum elastic stress MES, Ultimate Tensile Strength UTS, and maximum stress MS) were measured by Universal Testing Machine at a rate of 5 mm of deformation per minute for 4 minutes. Microscopic observations were made under a voltage of 10 kV at magnifications times 50, 250, 500, 1000, and 2500 after cleaning with ethanol and ultrasound then metallization with gold.

Results
YS and MES of Angel® aligners are statistically reduced after five days of aging (P = .003). Aligners from the most rigid to the most flexible are (decreasing E): Accusmile® &gt; GRAPHY® &gt; Suresmile® &gt; Invisalign® &gt; Angel®. Surface conditions also deteriorated with aging (appearance of scratches, porosity, cracks, etc.). GRAPHY® aligners are more heterogeneous and weaker than others.

Limits
In vitro study

Conclusion
Mechanical properties of Accusmile®, GRAPHY®, Invisalign®, and Suresmile® were not affected by aging. YS and MES were reduced from day 5 for Angel® aligners. Surface conditions are also altered by aging.