bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extracting full information from OCT scans—signs of early age‐related macular degeneration within inner retinal layers by local neighbourhood statistics. Part II: Results
Authors: Wagner Marcus , Sommerer Julia , Rauscher Franziska G. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesAssociations between the occurrence of early age related macular degeneration (AMD) and alterations in retinal layer thicknesses have been reported, based on classical processing of optical coherence tomography (OCT) data by noise removal and subsequent image segmentation. However, speckle noise within OCT data itself bears a substantial part of the total information. For this reason, we designed an omics‐type approach for full exploitation of OCT data, which was able to identify signs of early AMD throughout the retina as a whole.MethodsA nested case‐control study was designed with 200 early AMD cases and 200 healthy controls. For each participant, within a randomly selected OCT scan and a randomly selected column therein, manual grading was performed for 26 retinal feature positions. At every position, a total of 3792 descriptors were computed, based on nonlinear transformations of OCT data, first‐order neighbourhood statistics and Haralick features. Equivalence and differences between cases and controls were tested for each descriptor at every graded position. Results of multiple testing were expressed in terms of false and true discovery rates controlled by the Benjamini–Yekutieli procedure.ResultsIn terms of the amount and disparity of true discoveries, overall non‐equivalence was found for early AMD and healthy groups. Strong difference signals were observed at the internal limiting membrane and two central retinal positions, particularly for descriptors emphasising speckle noise.ConclusionsBetween the retinae of healthy controls and early AMD patients, significant differences were observed at the level of local neighbourhood statistics within OCT data. Thus, independent evidence was obtained for AMD affecting not only the outer retinal layers but the retina as a whole, even in the early stages of the disease. Within OCT data, both cartoon and speckle bear essential parts of the total information. We pursued a constructive, completely documented, traceable and repeatable approach without invoking artificial intelligence methods.
Plexiform Schwannoma: An Upper Lip Swelling With an Unexpected Diagnosis
Authors: Deligianni Eleni , Betts Guy , Allan Rigel , Ariyaratnam Senathirajah 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAimSchwannomas are rare benign, usually solitary tumours of the nervous system, with a predilection for adults in their fourth decade of life. Though the head and neck area accounts for about 25% to 45% of all schwannomas, the upper lip is an extremely uncommon location. Here we report a case of a plexiform schwannoma presenting as an upper lip swelling in a 23‐year‐old male.Materials and MethodsThe lesion presented as a longstanding, asymptomatic, firm and mobile submucosal lump on the left‐hand side of the upper lip, seen both intra‐ and extra‐orally. Due to the location and clinical features a provisional diagnosis of a benign minor salivary gland tumour, such as pleomorphic adenoma was considered, and an excisional biopsy arranged.ResultsThe microscopic and immunohistochemical examination confirmed the diagnosis of a plexiform cellular schwannoma with no evidence of malignancy.ConclusionLess than 20 schwannomas have been reported in the English literature as located on the upper lip. Moreover, plexiform schwannomas are an uncommon variant with a predilection to arise in the skin, thus making the upper lip an extremely rare location. This case illustrates the broad range of pathology that can present as lesions of the upper lip.
Improved Function After Anterior Controllable Antedisplacement and Fusion for Cervical Ossification of Posterior Longitudinal Ligament: A Long‐Term Follow‐Up
Authors: Shi Yangyang , Sun Kaiqiang , Han Linhui , Yan Chen , Wang Jinyu , Yang Jingyun , Wang Yuan , Xu Ximing , Sun Jingchuan , Shi Jiangang 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundAnterior controllable antedisplacement and fusion (ACAF) is an emerging surgical approach for treating cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (C‐OPLL), yet there is limited data on its long‐term efficacy and safety. The present study aimed to analyze the short‐ and long‐term postoperative clinical and radiological outcomes and perioperative complications of ACAF for patients with C‐OPLL.MethodsThis was a single‐center, retrospective, cohort study, with the mean duration of follow‐up of at least 24 months. A total of 111 patients with C‐OPLL in our institution from June 2017 to June 2019 were assessed preoperatively and at 3 days, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. The primary outcome was the recovery of neurological function, measured with the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score. The secondary outcomes included pain, Cobb angle, spinal canal invasion rate, and surgery‐related complications.ResultsThe postoperative JOA score at each follow‐up was significantly better than the preoperative JOA score, regardless of preoperative spinal canal invasion rate, K‐line, and segment length. The visual analog scale (VAS) score also decreased dramatically 3 days after surgery and was maintained at a low level throughout the follow‐up period. Improvements in Cobb angle and invasion rate were observed right after the operation and were maintained for 2 years thereafter.ConclusionsACAF could achieve satisfactory recovery of neurological function in C‐OPLL patients during a follow‐up of 24 months, regardless of preoperative spinal canal invasion rate, preoperative K‐line, or surgical segment length.
Soybean Oil and Protein: Biosynthesis, Regulation and Strategies for Genetic Improvement
Authors: Li Hui , Sun Jia , Zhang Ying , Wang Ning , Li Tianshu , Dong Huiying , Yang Mingliang , Xu Chang , Hu Limin , Liu Chunyan , Chen Qingshan , Foyer Christine H. , Qi Zhaoming 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTSoybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) is one of the world's most important sources of oil and vegetable protein. Much of the energy required for germination and early growth of soybean seeds is stored in fatty acids, mainly as triacylglycerols (TAGs), and the main seed storage proteins are β‐conglycinin (7S) and glycinin (11S). Recent research advances have deepened our understanding of the biosynthetic pathways and transcriptional regulatory networks that control fatty acid and protein synthesis in organelles such as the plastid, ribosome and endoplasmic reticulum. Here, we review the composition and biosynthetic pathways of soybean oils and proteins, summarizing the key enzymes and transcription factors that have recently been shown to regulate oil and protein synthesis/metabolism. We then discuss the newest genomic strategies for manipulating these genes to increase the food value of soybeans, highlighting important priorities for future research and genetic improvement of this staple crop.
A Growing Willow: The Six Rs Indigenous Research Framework—Stories of the Native American Faculty Journey in STEM*
Authors: Tsosie Ranalda L. , Wu Ke , Grant Anne D. , Harrington Jennifer , Chase Stephan T. , Thomas Aaron , Chase‐Begay Damian , Hill Salena Beaumont , Belcourt Annjeanette , Plenty Sweetgrass‐She Kills Ruth 
Published: November 2024

AbstractNative American faculty in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (NAF‐STEM) disciplines are historically underrepresented. Creating inclusive academia for Indigenous people that typically live and thrive in rural communities requires insights into their personal, relational, and collective experiences. This study was guided by the Six Rs: relationship, respect, responsibility, relevance, representation, and reciprocity, and was informed by Indigenous Research Methodologies. Twelve NAF‐STEM from tribal colleges and non‐tribal institutions were asked to share their perspectives and experiences in seven Research Circles. NAF‐STEM joined sequential hybrid workshops over seven weeks on how to conduct qualitative data analysis. Authors conducted analysis on the transcripts of Research Circles for themes associated with the professional satisfaction and success of NAF‐STEM. Results of the study identified the importance of holistic support systems that remain mindful of both the opportunities and challenges facing NAF‐STEM and emphasize the significance of balancing the need for respectful relationships, adequate representation, shared responsibility, relevance of diversity, and reciprocity in STEM. Through implementation of the Six Rs throughout the research process, the study identified successes, support systems, and challenges of NAF‐STEM at both tribal and non‐tribal colleges and universities. These outcomes can inform institutions to create an equitable and inclusive environment for NAF‐STEM.
Enhanced salt stress tolerance in plants without growth penalty through increased photosynthesis activity by plastocyanin from Antarctic moss
Authors: Bae NoA , Shim Su‐Hyeon , Alavilli Hemasundar , Do Hackwon , Park Mira , Lee Dong Wook , Lee Jun Hyuck , Lee Hyoungseok , Li Xiaozheng , Lee Choon‐Hwan , Jeon Jong‐Seong , Lee Byeong‐ha 
Published: November 2024

SUMMARYSalinity poses a significant challenge to plant growth and crop productivity by adversely affecting crucial processes, including photosynthesis. Efforts to enhance abiotic stress tolerance in crops have been hindered by the trade‐off effect, where increased stress resistance is accompanied by growth reduction. In this study, we identified and characterized a plastocyanin gene (PaPC) from the Antarctic moss Polytrichastrum alpinum, which enhanced photosynthesis and salt stress tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana without compromising growth. While there were no differences in growth and salt tolerance between the wild type and Arabidopsis plastocyanin genes (AtPC1 and AtPC2)‐overexpressing plants, PaPC‐overexpressing plants demonstrated superior photosynthetic efficiency, increased biomass, and enhanced salt tolerance. Similarly, PaPC‐overexpressing rice plants exhibited improved yield potential and photosynthetic efficiency under both normal and salt stress conditions. Key amino acid residues in PaPC responsible for this enhanced functionality were identified, and their substitution into AtPC2 conferred improved photosynthetic performance and stress tolerance in Arabidopsis, tobacco, and tomato. These findings not only highlight the potential of extremophiles as valuable genetic resources but also suggest a photosynthesis‐based strategy for developing stress‐resilient crops without a growth penalty.
Asymptotics of parity biases for partitions into distinct parts via Nahm sums
Authors: Bringmann Kathrin , Man Siu Hang , Rolen Larry , Storzer Matthias 
Published: November 2024

AbstractFor a random partition, one of the most basic questions is: what can one expect about the parts that arise? For example, what is the distribution of the parts of random partitions modulo ? As most partitions contain a 1, and indeed many 1s arise as parts of a random partition, it is natural to expect a skew toward . This is indeed the case. For instance, Kim, Kim, and Lovejoy recently established “parity biases” showing how often one expects partitions to have more odd than even parts. Here, we generalize their work to give asymptotics for biases for partitions into distinct parts. The proofs rely on the Circle Method and give independently useful techniques for analyzing the asymptotics of Nahm‐type ‐hypergeometric series.
Comparative Survey-Based Study of Noninvasive Saliva Collection Devices
Authors: Kil Yeokyoung (Anne) , Booeshaghi Ali S. , Pachter Lior S. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
While saliva is a valuable sample for noninvasive diagnosis, the usability of saliva collection devices can impact its effectiveness in diagnostics. To address this, we evaluated five saliva collection devices: Salivette (swab), SuperSAL (swab), SalivaBio Passive Drool, Medschenker Saliva Collection Kit (funnel), and a cryovial with funnel used in SwabSeq coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2) tests. Saliva collection rates and instruction reading rates for each device were measured for 60 healthy adults. Users then reported the difficulties of instructions, assembly, and saliva collection, and whether there was leakage of saliva through a survey. Unstimulated saliva production (=flow) rates and base reading rates for each user were measured for normalization. Device metrics were compared using permutation tests and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Salivette collected saliva easily and most quickly, while SuperSAL's collection was slower and rated difficult by users. Medschenker had high instruction reading rates and the lowest leakage rate. Users found the SwabSeq funnel and Passive drool's instructions easy, but found the devices themselves not easy to collect saliva with. Overall, Medschenker performed well on most metrics, while SuperSAL did not perform as well. Our results show that no single saliva collection device satisfies all requirements of an ideal device: a device that allows for efficient, easy, and safe saliva collection without leakage. With the findings from our study, we aim to guide researchers and clinicians in choosing the appropriate saliva collection device in their practices and to motivate the design of an ideal saliva collection device.
Novel Alloying Strategy to Improve Brazing Properties on Nickel-Based Superalloys for Aircrafts Turbine Application
Authors: Reker Dirk Wilhelm , Sowa Roman , Schwalbe Caspar , Seidel Frank , Moehwald Kai , Nicolaus Martin , Wackenrohr Steffen , Tillmann Wolfgang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The continuous improvement of high potential repair technologies is an essential driver for cost-effective and sustainable aviation. To withstand extreme forces and temperatures, the turbine section of aircraft engines is made from Nickel-based superalloys. This class of materials routinely develops cracks and geometrical deviations in service, which require a brazing repair, thus making brazing an indispensable key technology. This study seeks to improve brazing properties on Nickel-based superalloys for aircraft applications. Facilitated by materials simulation, a novel alloying strategy is outlined to design the braze alloy chemistry. The design criteria are established on the optimization of major microstructural properties influencing the mechanical properties known for repair brazed joints. The proposed design criteria were applied to the development of two new braze alloys. The new alloy design approach is validated experimentally by using the developed alloys. Mechanical properties of brazed samples made from Nickel-based superalloys were investigated at a service equivalent temperature of 871 °C. Results indicate that the ultimate tensile strength at 871 °C is 20.5% higher than that published for legacy braze alloys. This study provides a basis for the development of repair technologies applicable to further superalloys.
Gaps in acute upper GI bleed (AUGIB) endoscopy training: a UK trainees and trainers’ survey
Authors: Nigam Gaurav B , Marfin Anna , Ratcliffe Elizabeth , Grant-Casey John , Leithead Joanna A , Oakland Kathryn , Morris Allan John , Travis Simon , Hearnshaw Sarah , Stanley Adrian J , Douds Andrew C 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionTrainees report inadequate exposure and training barriers in acute upper gastrointestinal bleed (AUGIB) endoscopic management. This UK-wide survey evaluated the experiences of trainees and trainers in AUGIB endoscopy training.MethodsA questionnaire was distributed to UK upper GI endoscopy trainees and trainers in 2022–2023.ResultsWe received responses from 137 trainees (23%) and 115 trainers (76%). Trainees reported higher exposure to diagnostic oesophagogastroduodenoscopies (OGDs) than AUGIB endoscopy (median 300, IQR 203–441 vs 15, IQR 2.5–35.5 lifetime procedures), with variations among grades and regions. Among trainees, 55% were specialist trainee (ST)3–5 and 28% ST6–7; 73% had Joint Advisory Group (JAG) certification for OGDs, and 32% attended a JAG-approved haemostasis course. For ST6–7 trainees, the highest lifetime procedure counts were for band ligation (median 20, IQR 8.5–39) and injection therapy (median 10, IQR 6.5–29.5); the lowest counts were for glue, over-the-scope clip and Danis stent (median 0). ≤41% of ST6–7 trainees felt confident in independent haemostatic procedures. Most trainees (68%) and trainers (64%) reported difficulties in AUGIB endoscopy training. Key barriers included lack of structured training (94% trainees), not being part of the AUGIB on-call rota (78% trainees and 72% trainers) and intensive acute-take commitments (75% trainees and 85% trainers). Suggested improvements included mandatory AUGIB on-call rota participation (89% trainees and 85% trainers), access to JAG-approved haemostasis courses (85% trainees and 84% trainers), simulation-based training (83% trainees and 72% trainers) and reduced acute-take commitments (80% trainees and trainers).ConclusionThis survey highlights limited exposure to haemostasis procedures and low perceived competence among UK trainees. Addressing these challenges provides an opportunity for targeted improvements, ensuring a more comprehensive training experience.
Spatial dissection of tumour microenvironments in gastric cancers reveals the immunosuppressive crosstalk betweenCCL2+fibroblasts andSTAT3-activated macrophages
Authors: Lee Sung Hak , Lee Dagyeong , Choi Junyong , Oh Hye Jeong , Ham In-Hye , Ryu Daeun , Lee Seo-Yeong , Han Dong-Jin , Kim Sunmin , Moon Youngbeen , Song In-Hye , Song Kyo Young , Lee Hyeseong , Lee Seungho , Hur Hoon , Kim Tae-Min 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundA spatially resolved, niche-level analysis of tumour microenvironments (TME) can provide insights into cellular interactions and their functional impacts in gastric cancers (GC).ObjectiveOur goal was to translate the spatial organisation of GC ecosystems into a functional landscape of cellular interactions involving malignant, stromal and immune cells.DesignWe performed spatial transcriptomics on nine primary GC samples using the Visium platform to delineate the transcriptional landscape and dynamics of malignant, stromal and immune cells within the GC tissue architecture, highlighting cellular crosstalks and their functional consequences in the TME.ResultsGC spatial transcriptomes with substantial cellular heterogeneity were delineated into six regional compartments. Specifically, the fibroblast-enriched TME upregulates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation and immunosuppressive response in malignant and TME cells, respectively. Cell type-specific transcriptional dynamics revealed that malignant and endothelial cells promote the cellular proliferations of TME cells, whereas the fibroblasts and immune cells are associated with procancer and anticancer immunity, respectively. Ligand-receptor analysis revealed thatCCL2-expressing fibroblasts promote the tumour progression via JAK-STAT3 signalling and inflammatory response in tumour-infiltrated macrophages.CCL2+fibroblasts andSTAT3-activated macrophages are co-localised and their co-abundance was associated with unfavourable prognosis. We experimentally validated thatCCL2+fibroblasts recruit myeloid cells and stimulateSTAT3activation in recruited macrophages. The development of immunosuppressive TME byCCL2+fibroblasts were also validated in syngeneic mouse models.ConclusionGC spatial transcriptomes revealed functional cellular crosstalk involving multiple cell types among which the interaction betweenCCL2+fibroblasts andSTAT3-activated macrophages plays roles in establishing immune-suppressive GC TME with potential clinical relevance.
Beneficial effects of the remifentanil/thiopental combination on cardiac function and redox status in diabetic rats
Authors: Marijanovic Goran V. , Stojanovic Aleksandra Z. , Nikolic Marina R. , Jakovljevic Vladimir L.J. , Vulovic Tatjana V. 
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to examine the effect of thiopental monotherapy as well as its combination with different agents used in anesthesia induction, on cardiac function and redox state of rats with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). A total of 40 Wistar albino male rats were used in this study and randomly divided into five groups: thiopental (TIO), fentanyl + thiopental (FEN + TIO), remifentanil + thiopental (REM + TIO), midazolam + thiopental (MID + TIO), and dexmedetomidine + thiopental (DEX + TIO). Animals were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of thiopental 85 mg/kg, fentanyl 0.005 mg/kg, remifentanil 0.04 mg/kg, midazolam 2.5 mg/kg, and dexmedetomidine 0.05 mg/kg of body weight. Four weeks after T1DM induction, all animals were subjected to a short narcosis of tested anesthetic, sacrificed by cervical dislocation and the hearts were retrogradely perfused according to Langendorff technique. Our research demonstrated that most combined anesthetics negatively influenced cardiodynamic parameters and redox state in diabetic rats. However, significantly improved cardiac contractility associated with enhanced antioxidative capacity was achieved in the combination of TIO with REM, which distinguishes this anesthetic combination as the therapy with the most pronounced positive effect on cardiac function in state of T1DM.
QCD topology and axion properties in an isotropic hot and dense medium
Authors: Gong Hong-Fang , Lu Qi , Lu Zhen-Yan , Liu Lu-Meng , Chen Xun , Wang Shu-Peng 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe study the QCD topology and axion properties at finite temperature and chemical potential in the framework of the two-flavor Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model. We find that the behaviors of the two lowest cumulants of the QCD topological charge distribution and axion properties are highly sensitive to the critical behavior of the chiral phase transition. In particular, the topological susceptibility and the axion mass follow the response of the chiral condensate to temperature and chemical potential, showing that both quantities decrease monotonically with the increment of temperature and/or chemical potential. However, it is important to note that the normalized fourth cumulant behaves differently depending on the temperature. At low temperatures, it is a non-monotonic function of the chemical potential, while at high temperatures, it monotonically decreases. Additionally, its value invariably approaches the asymptotic value of $$b_2^{\text {inst}}=-1/12$$

b
2
inst

=
-
1
/
12

, predicted by the dilute instanton gas model. We also observe that with the increase in chemical potential at relatively low temperatures, the axion self-coupling constant exhibits a sharp peak around the critical point, which can even be more than twice its vacuum value. After that, the self-coupling drops sharply to a much lower value than its vacuum value, eventually approaching zero in the high chemical potential limit. The finding that the axion self-coupling constant is significantly enhanced in high-density environments near the chiral phase transition could lead to the creation or enhancement of an axion Bose–Einstein condensate in compact astrophysical objects.