bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A nonlocal prior in iterative CT reconstruction
Authors: Shu Ziyu , Entezari Alireza 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundComputed tomography (CT) reconstruction problems are always framed as inverse problems, where the attenuation map of an imaged object is reconstructed from the sinogram measurement. In practice, these inverse problems are often ill‐posed, especially under few‐view and limited‐angle conditions, which makes accurate reconstruction challenging. Existing solutions use regularizations such as total variation to steer reconstruction algorithms to the most plausible result. However, most prevalent regularizations rely on the same priors, such as piecewise constant prior, hindering their ability to collaborate effectively and further boost reconstruction precision.PurposeThis study aims to overcome the aforementioned challenge a prior previously limited to discrete tomography. This enables more accurate reconstructions when the proposed method is used in conjunction with most existing regularizations as they utilize different priors. The improvements will be demonstrated through experiments conducted under various conditions.MethodsInspired by the discrete algebraic reconstruction technique (DART) algorithm for discrete tomography, we find out that pixel grayscale values in CT images are not uniformly distributed and are actually highly clustered. Such discovery can be utilized as a powerful prior for CT reconstruction. In this paper, we leverage the collaborative filtering technique to enable the collaboration of the proposed prior and most existing regularizations, significantly enhancing the reconstruction accuracy.ResultsOur experiments show that the proposed method can work with most existing regularizations and significantly improve the reconstruction quality. Such improvement is most pronounced under limited‐angle and few‐view conditions. Furthermore, the proposed regularization also has the potential for further improvement and can be utilized in other image reconstruction areas.ConclusionsWe propose improving the performance of iterative CT reconstruction algorithms by applying the collaborative filtering technique along with a prior based on the densely clustered distribution of pixel grayscale values in CT images. Our experimental results indicate that the proposed methodology consistently enhances reconstruction accuracy when used in conjunction with most existing regularizations, particularly under few‐view and limited‐angle conditions.
The Role of Hydroxy Substituent Position in Hydroxybenzonitrile Homologs on the Curing Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Cyanate Ester Resins
Authors: Jiang Jun , Tao Xiaofang , Zhao Yiming , Chen Dingding , Yin Changping , Tang Jun , Xing Suli 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe application of cyanate esters has been greatly limited by their high curing temperatures, which induce residual thermal stress and subsequently degrade their mechanical properties. In this study, hydroxybenzonitrile homologs (HBNx) were developed to reduce curing temperature of bisphenol E cyanate ester (BECE) while improving their mechanical properties. It was found that the position of hydroxy (‐OH) substituent in HBNx had a significant impact on the curing temperature of BECE. Among the homologs, ortho‐hydroxybenzonitrile (HBN2) demonstrated the highest reactivity, as indicated by quantum chemical calculations and confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry analysis. As a result, the curing temperature of BECE was effectively reduced from 250°C to 140°C with the addition of 15 wt% HBN2. Additionally, the addition of HBNx improved the mechanical properties of cyanate ester resins and their composites reinforced by quartz fibers (GF). Specifically, the mechanical properties of HBNx/BECE castings remained at high levels, with impact strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength measured at 38.6 kJ/m2, 94.5, and 100.0 MPa, respectively. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of GF/HBNx/BECE composites exhibited an overall improvement, with the maximum enhancements in short‐beam shear strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength reaching 78.0%, 27.3%, and 45.1%, respectively. Nevertheless, the hydroxy substituent position in HBNx had a relatively minor impact on these mechanical properties. This study presents a promising strategy for synergistically enhancing both the processability and mechanical properties of CE resins and their composites in a cost‐effective manner.
Percolation theory analysis of nacre‐like bioinspired poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/graphene nanosheets‐iron oxide composites
Authors: Huang Chien‐Lin , Lin En‐Zai , Tung Ping‐Zhang , Xue Ming‐Ru 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBiomimetic polymer composites with micro/nano‐scale brick‐and‐mortar structures show promise for advancing nacre‐like polymer bioinspired nanocomposites. This study used a solvothermal method to graft MIL‐101 onto graphene oxide (GO), forming GO‐g‐MIL‐101. Subsequent heat treatments at 700 and 900°C under inert gas produced magnetic graphene nanosheets (GNS@Fe) with iron oxide particles. Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) served as the matrix. PTT/GNS@Fe powders were prepared by coagulation then formed into bioinspired PTT/GNS@Fe and PTT/GNS@Fe‐m composites via solvent casting and hot pressing, yielding brick‐and‐mortar structures with and without magnetic alignment. PTT served as the soft phase and GNS@Fe as the hard phase. Rheological and conductivity analysis of PTT bioinspired composites, based on percolation theory, revealed microstructural changes. Results show that magnetic field assistance enhances GNS@Fe alignment in PTT/GNS@Fe‐m composites. With higher GNS@Fe content, reduced interlayer spacing creates a PTT‐GNS@Fe network, where nanoscale confinement limits PTT chain mobility, impacting crystallization. Low GNS@Fe levels promote crystallization, while high levels hinder it, with PTT unable to crystallize in nacre‐like composites above 40 wt% GNS@Fe. Additionally, we tested the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding of the PTT/GNS@Fe bioinspired composite system, finding that the shielding efficiency of PTT/GNS@Fe‐m with 40 wt% filler, though affected in magnetism by processing, approaches commercial application levels.Highlights
Rheological and conductivity analysis via percolation theory.
Percolation analysis revealed microstructures in the nacre‐like composite.
Magnetic self‐assembly in PTT/GNS@Fe‐m led to more oriented structures.
Higher GNS@Fe content reduced spacing, forming PTT‐GNS@Fe networks.
Nanoconfinement and adsorption limited PTT chains, reducing crystallinity.
Weichselian Permafrost Degradation Rate Controlled by the Heat Flow and Effective Porosity—Data From the Spring‐Fed Fens' Deposits in Poland
Authors: Dobrowolski Radosław , Nawrocki Jerzy 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe results of the determination of bedload sediments in spring peatlands were used to determine the time of complete degradation of Weichselian permafrost at 13 spatially and geologically differentiated sites in Poland. Taking into account significant temporal differences in the termination of this process (from the end of the Late Glacial to the end of the Boreal phase of the Holocene), it was shown that, apart from climatic determinants, the value of the terrestrial heat flow and the effective porosity of the rocks, which control the maximum volume of frozen water, are decisive for the preservation versus degradation of permafrost. This second parameter was calculated for rock profiles drilled near the spring‐fed fens studied. The highest absolute value (0.81) of the Pearson correlation coefficient was obtained for the relationship between the time of permafrost degradation and the effective porosity down to a depth of 200 m, with the exception of one southernmost site. For the same set of sites and the relationship between time of permafrost degradation and heat flow density, the Pearson coefficient (0.62) indicates a moderate degree of correlation.
Prognostic Role of Lung‐Ultrasound Score in Acute Bronchiolitis Patients Treated With High Flow Nasal Cannula: A Prospective Study
Authors: Thabet Farah , Zayani Seyfeddine , Haddad Nawrass , Daya Abir , Nasrallah Cyrine Ben , Chouchane Slaheddine 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionLung ultrasound (LUS) has emerged as a reliable, noninvasive tool for bedside assessment of acute bronchiolitis (AB) in infants. Its role in guiding therapeutic decisions is increasingly recognized.AimsThis study aimed to determine the predictive value of LUS in identifying infants with AB at risk of HFNC therapy failure.Materials and MethodsThis prospective, single‐center study was conducted in the pediatric department of Fattouma Bourguiba Hospital in Monastir from January 2022 to March 2024. Infants under 12 months hospitalized with moderate to severe AB and requiring HFNC therapy were enrolled. LUS was performed within 3–6 h of HFNC initiation and repeated 24 h later. Clinical and laboratory data, including the Wang score and LUS findings, were analyzed to predict HFNC failure.ResultsAmong 124 enrolled infants, 98 (79%) responded successfully to HFNC therapy, while 26 (21%) failed. Baseline characteristics, including age, weight, and clinical symptomes, were comparable between groups, except for a higher Wang score in the failure group (p = 0.008). LUS scores were significantly higher in the failure group on both day 1 and day 2 (p < 0.001), with a more pronounced score progression (p < 0.001). ROC analysis identified a LUS score > 7 on day 1 and > 9 on day 2 as predictive thresholds for HFNC failure. Multivariate analysis confirmed the day 2 LUS score as an independent predictor of HFNC failure (p = 0.022).ConclusionLUS is a valuable prognostic tool in infants with AB undergoing HFNC therapy. Incorporating LUS into routine clinical assessments may help predict therapy failure early, allowing timely escalation of care.
Factors Influencing Physiotherapists' Use of Non‐Academic Sources for Technical Information in Brazil
Authors: Nunes Guilherme S. , Machado Anna Carolina O. , Schreiner Rafaela A. , Bronzatti Andressa S. , Wageck Bruna , Weingärtner Bruna Letícia , Haupenthal Alessandro 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and PurposeThe integration of evidence‐based practice (EBP) into clinical decision‐making is crucial for ensuring optimal patient care. However, there are various factors influencing the utilization of academic sources among physiotherapists, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of these dynamics. The present study aimed to investigate the association between personal factors (age, time since graduation, number of patients, and education level), barriers to EBP implementation and perceptions about EBP, and physiotherapists' preference for using non‐academic sources when seeking technical information about physiotherapy.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study involving 610 physiotherapists. Participants completed an online questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, sources of information, barriers to EBP implementation, and perceptions regarding the importance of scientific information in clinical practice. Logistic regression was used to investigate the factors associated with the preference for non‐academic sources of information.ResultsNearly a quarter of the sample exhibited a preference for non‐academic sources, with age over 34 years, perceived lack of abilities to apply scientific findings, and understanding issues related to EBP being significant associated with the preference of this types of sources of information. Physiotherapists with these characteristics were twice as likely to prefer non‐academic sources when compared to physiotherapists who do not have these characteristics.DiscussionThese findings underscore the importance of enhancing professional competencies in EBP and fostering confidence in utilizing academic sources. While efforts have been made to incorporate EBP promotion in academic curricula, further initiatives are needed to bridge the gap between established knowledge and the competencies required for daily practice. Future studies should continue to explore the role of age in EBP applicability and the adoption of scientific knowledge, aiming to inform targeted interventions and educational programs tailored to the evolving needs of physiotherapy professionals.
Stability of Markovian Jump Bidirectional Associative Memory Neural Networks Under Lévy Noise and Discrete Observation
Authors: Yang Ning , Hu Jun , Chen Dongyan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe focus of this paper is to discuss the asymptotic stability and exponential stability problems of Markovian jump bidirectional associative memory neural networks with Lévy noise based on the discrete observation. Compared with the existing literature, this paper gives a weaker assumption regarding Lévy noise intensity functions. Furthermore, for the sake of solving difficulties caused by the discrete observation and Lévy noise, this paper designs a new Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional which not only depends on the discrete observation interval, but also intensity measures. In virtue of the M‐matrix theory, three theorems are obtained ensuring the mean‐square asymptotic stability and mean‐square exponential stability of the trivial solution. Our theorems can not only deal with the discrete observation, but also with constant delays and variable time delays. Ultimately, two numerical examples are presented to illustrate the correctness of our theory findings.
Comparative Evaluation of Multi‐Criteria Decision Making Methods for River Hydromorphology Assessment: Case Study of the Saz‐Çayırova Basin, Türkiye
Authors: Kilic Batuhan , Gülgen Fatih , Çelen Meltem 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTHydromorphology plays a crucial role in the sustainable management of water resources. It relies on numerous measures based on both qualitative and quantitative observations. The density of data complicates the decision‐making and evaluation processes concerning hydromorphological alterations. This study aims to develop a hydromorphological monitoring methodology for the sustainable management of a river basin subjected to industrial and urban density by analytically evaluating decision‐making approaches. Multi‐criteria decision‐making approaches have been designed to gather and consistently evaluate expert opinions, facilitating the examination of various external factors that impact hydromorphology and integrating these into the decision‐making processes. In this study, three important multi‐criteria decision‐making approaches were compared: the analytical hierarchy process, the best–worst method, and the Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process. Minimum violation, total deviation, and nonparametric tests were used to determine statistically significant differences among the three approaches and to identify the most effective method. Their impacts on hydromorphology were tested on a river network experiencing industrial and urban pressures. Although the results were similar in representing hydromorphology, the best–worst method proved to be statistically more consistent than the other two approaches.
Soil amendments alter tree growth and wood decay after forest thinning
Authors: Page‐Dumroese Deborah S. , Jurgensen Martin F. , Miller Chris A. , Tirocke Joanne M. , Pierson Derek N. , Mayn Cole , Kimsey Mark J. , Anderson Haley C. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractForest soil amendments are increasingly used in western US forests to dispose of unmerchantable woody residues, reduce wildfire risk, and improve soil properties. Our objective was to determine the effect of fertilizer and organic amendments on tree growth and organic matter decomposition after thinning. Treatments were a control, three single soil amendments (wood chips, fertilizer, and biochar), and one combined soil amendment (biochar + fertilizer), each applied after thinning a ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex. Laws) stand. After 10 years, amendment treatments had no effect on tree diameter increment (p = 0.600), but the biochar + fertilizer and wood chip treatments significantly increased height growth (p = 0.006). To estimate belowground biological changes, we used wood stakes made from aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) and loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) as an index of microbial activity. Stakes were placed: (1) on top of the litter/amendments, (2) at the interface between the litter/amendments and mineral soil, and (3) vertically inserted into the mineral soil, and stake mass loss was measured over 5 years. Stake mass loss of each species was least on the soil surface and increased with increasing depth. Aspen stakes generally had greater mass loss at all three soil locations in the fertilizer and biochar treatments. In contrast, pine stake mass loss was lower than aspen and less affected by fertilizer. Using thinned tree biomass to create amendments can improve forest productivity by enhancing soil conditions and mitigating wildfire. However, the impact of amendments on tree growth may take decades to be detectable.
Ranking our future: University students' prioritization of Sustainable Development Goals and their connection to nature
Authors: Feucht Viktoria , Dierkes Paul Wilhelm , Kleespies Matthias Winfried 
Published: December 2024

AbstractUniversities are important places to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), because today's students are tomorrow's professionals, who may make important decisions that will impact sustainable development. Given the need for future collaboration across disciplines to achieve the SDGs, we analyzed if there are differences between study programs in how important they perceive each SDG to be and, with a focus on environmental sustainability, how connected they are to nature. An online questionnaire was used to survey students from 18 different programs (n = 1920). We found that: (1) there were significant differences in connection to nature between programs, as well as in how important they rated each SDG, except SDG2; (2) while individual SDGs were more important to some programs than others, there was a general consensus among university students in Germany about which goals are more important to them: SDG2 and SDG6 were perceived as particularly important, in contrast to SDG8, SDG9, SDG10, and SDG17; (3) SDG15 correlated with connection to nature, therefore strengthening students' connection to nature through environmental education could be an effective way to help achieve SDG15; (4) as students generally gave medium to high importance to the ideas of the SDGs, universities should be encouraged to use this as a gateway to increase education on sustainable development and integrate it into all programs.
Numerical, Phenotypic and Functional Differences in Human Dermal Resident Memory T Cells Between Reticular Dermal Layers
Authors: Sato Takuya , Asakawa Riko , Ogawa Youichi , Nagasaka Yuka , Kinoshita Manao , Shimada Shinji , Momosawa Akira , Kawamura Tatsuyoshi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Resident memory T (TRM) cells and immunosuppressive Foxp3-expressing regulatory TRM (regTRM) cells are present in healthy, non-inflamed and inflamed human skin. Both types of cells are found in both the epidermis and dermis with the dermis being much thicker than the epidermis. However, it is unclear if TRM and regTRM cells differ between reticular dermal layers in terms of number, function or characteristics.

Methods
This study examined numerical, phenotypic and functional differences in TRM and regTRM cells between the upper and lower reticular dermis in healthy, non-inflamed human skin using flow cytometry.

Results
The phenotype and cytokine expressions of both types of cells were similar between reticular dermal layers. However, the cell count of both TRM and regTRM cells was significantly higher in the upper reticular dermis than in the lower reticular dermis.

Conclusions
TRM and regTRM cells are phenotypically and functionally identical between reticular dermal layers. However, both types of cells are more abundant in the upper reticular dermis.
Dual‐functional Nanosized Albumin Facilitates CRISPR‐Cas9‐PAR2 to Mitigate Cytokine Storm via TLR4 and Pyroptosis Signaling
Authors: Li Jianbin , Zheng Dongmei , Qi Shanshan , Mao Canquan , Jiang Yuhong 
Published: December 2024

AbstractProtease‐activated receptor 2 (PAR2) widely modulates various cytokine secretions and inflammatory responses, while excessive cytokine releases and immune hyperactivation may trigger cytokine storm. However, the potential participation of PAR2 in cytokine storm remains elusive. CRISPR‐Cas9 as an efficient gene editing tool can be used for investigating the possible function of PAR2. In this study, albumin‐based nanoparticles (hAlbumin/cgPAR2) to protect and deliver CRISPR‐Cas9 for precise gene editing of PAR2 is constructed. Nanosized albumin largely assisted CRISPR‐Cas9‐PAR2 (cgPAR2) to enter cells via scavenger receptor‐mediated endocytosis, and then triggered potent transfection efficiency, consequently stimulating PAR2 knockout in vitro and in vivo. Apart from delivering CRISPR‐Cas9, nanosized albumin could be colocalized with TLR4 on endosome and promote PAR2 deficiency to attenuate TLR4/NF‐κB signaling, exerting the strong inhibitory effect of albumin in inflammatory responses depending on TLR4. Moreover, PAR2 deficiency induced by hAlbumin/cgPAR2 alleviated ERK/STING/NLRP3 signaling and GSDMD‐mediated pyroptosis, consequently inhibiting cytokine storm. Therefore, this study uncovered dual functions of nanosized albumin in delivering CRISPR‐Cas9 and facilitating PAR2 deficiency to prevent cytokine storm. It also uncovered that the significant role of PAR2 in modulating cytokine storm and provided a potential gene therapy strategy for treating this disease.
Linear Interplay Between Raman Shift and Laser Irradiation in Photothermal‐Strained Monoclinic Vanadium Dioxide
Authors: Li Yingbo , Jiang He , Zhang Yanqing , Liu Linjie , Wen Haohua , Zheng Yue , Zhu Wenpeng 
Published: December 2024

AbstractVanadium dioxide as a strongly correlated electron material undergoes metal‐insulator phase transitions and ferroelastic domain switching which highly couple to local strain distribution. Understanding the mechanisms and achieving the modulations require precise and high‐resolution characterization of strain in vanadium dioxide. Micro‐Raman spectroscopy is widely used to nondestructively characterize the strain on the surface of materials. However, vanadium dioxide is sensitive to multi‐fields and with multiple physical properties correlated. It is vital and challenging to uncouple the multiple responses of vanadium dioxide to micro‐Raman spectroscopy and achieve precise characterization of strain distribution. Herein, a linear relation between Raman shift and laser irradiation is revealed, which is originated from photothermal strain in monoclinic vanadium dioxide. By linear fitting and extrapolation, the strain‐dependent coefficient is obtained for drifting of Raman shift and the intrinsic Raman shift without strain or laser irradiation, which enables to precisely characterize the strain distribution in vanadium dioxide.