bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial patterns of short‐term extreme precipitation and their causes
Authors: Zuo Daxing , Wu Chunyi , Wu Lichuan , Zheng Yanhui , Chen Xiaohong , Wang Lina , Zang Chuanfu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe spatial distribution of extreme precipitation significantly affects flow‐producing processes and flooding. Previous studies on heavy rainfall have mainly emphasized the temporal distribution characteristics, with little emphasis on rainfall spatial patterns. We objectively classified 3‐h scale extreme precipitation spatial patterns (EPSPs) in Guangdong Province, China. We calculated the importance of the influencing factors on EPSPs, analysed weather backgrounds corresponding to various EPSPs, and explained the causes of extreme precipitation. We found that the incidence of most EPSPs increased significantly over this 40‐year period, and this increase has been particularly pronounced since the beginning of the 21st century. The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) was found to be the main factor influencing the extreme precipitation events (EPEs) in western Guangdong, and the weakening of the PDO contributed to the occurrence of EPEs in these areas. Urbanization was the main factor contributing to the increase in EPEs in the southern and coastal areas of Guangdong. The EPSPs in central Guangdong were caused by a southwest jet stream and topographic uplift. Extreme precipitation in southern and coastal Guangdong was mainly triggered by the convergent shear of southwesterly winds. The EPSPs over western Guangdong were caused by the low vortex in western Guangdong and the influx of large amounts of water vapour from the southern ocean. This study has provided new ideas for the study of the formation process and mechanism of localized heavy precipitation as well as an important reference for the simulation of runoff in coastal areas.
Determining peat's vertical hydraulic diffusivity and hydraulic conductivity from naturally occurring hydraulic pressure fluctuations measured at various depths
Authors: Paat Raul , Jõeleht Argo , Sarap Grete Sabine , Kohv Marko 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study presents a method that could be used to assess the in‐situ saturated vertical hydraulic conductivity of deeper and more decomposed peat layers. Deeper peat layers may exhibit very low permeability comparable to clayey sediments, where measurements and sediment sample collection are very difficult. More traditional measurement methods, such as slug‐tests and permeameter tests, have proven difficult to carry out in these conditions, necessitating an alternative method. For surpassing these possible constraints, this paper introduces a field method to quantify vertical hydraulic diffusivity, capitalizing on naturally occurring hydraulic pressure fluctuations measured with buried pressure sensors. The determined diffusivity values are used to calculate vertical hydraulic conductivity of peat using separately measured compressibility and specific storage values. Our research demonstrates the feasibility of using this method to evaluate vertical hydraulic diffusivity in lower peat layers. Calculated diffusivity values, combined with peat compressibility measurements, yield reasonable estimates of vertical hydraulic conductivity for dense fen peat comparable with more widely used in‐situ and laboratory methods. It also shows potential for vertical hydraulic characteristics parametrization in the upper less decomposed and compacted peat layers; however, further research is needed to understand the method's limitations in such conditions. Our approach provides a potential method for measuring in‐situ vertical hydraulic properties of less accessible peat layers, often overlooked, while also providing a way to surpass the scale‐dependency constraints inherent in peatlands' heterogeneous structure. Such information is necessary when studying the hydraulic interactions between groundwater aquifers and peatlands.
Value of automated breast ultrasound in screening: Standalone and as a supplemental to digital breast tomosynthesis
Authors: Aribal Erkin , Seker Mustafa Ege , Guldogan Nilgün , Yilmaz Ebru 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe aimed to determine the value of standalone and supplemental automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) in detecting cancers in an opportunistic screening setting with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and compare this combined screening method to DBT and ABUS alone in women older than 39 years with BI‐RADS B‐D density categories. In this prospective opportunistic screening study, 3466 women aged 39 or older with BI‐RADS B‐D density categories and with a mean age of 50 were included. The screening protocol consisted of DBT mediolateral‐oblique views, 2D craniocaudal views, and ABUS with three projections for both breasts. ABUS was evaluated blinded to mammography findings. Statistical analysis evaluated diagnostic performance for DBT, ABUS, and combined workflows. Twenty‐nine cancers were screen‐detected. ABUS and DBT exhibited the same cancer detection rates (CDR) at 7.5/1000 whereas DBT + ABUS showed 8.4/1000, with ABUS contributing an additional CDR of 0.9/1000. Standalone ABUS outperformed DBT in detecting 12.5% more invasive cancers. DBT displayed better accuracy (95%) compared to ABUS (88%) and combined approach (86%). Sensitivities for DBT and ABUS were the same (84%), with DBT + ABUS showing a higher rate (94%). DBT outperformed ABUS in specificity (95% vs. 88%). DBT + ABUS exhibited a higher recall rate (14.89%) compared to ABUS (12.38%) and DBT (6.03%) (p < .001). Standalone ABUS detected more invasive cancers compared to DBT, with a higher recall rate. The combined approach showed a higher CDR by detecting one additional cancer per thousand.
Synthesis of biocompatible Ti‐6Al‐4V composite reinforced with ZrO2 and bioceramic produced by powder metallurgy: Morphological, structural, and biocompatibility analysis
Authors: Pul Muharrem , Erdem Ümit , Bozer Büşra Moran , Şimşek Tuncay , Yılmazel Rüstem , Erten Mustafa Yasin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this experimental study, the initial phase involved preparing composite structures with various mix ratios using the Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy, widely used in clinical applications, in conjunction with ZrO2 and hydroxyapatite (HA) synthesized via the precipitation method, employing powder metallurgy techniques. Subsequently, the microstructures of the resultant hybrid composite materials were imaged, and x‐ray diffraction (XRD) phase analyses were conducted. In the final phase of the experimental work, tests were performed to determine the biocompatibility properties of the hybrid composites. For this purpose, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity assays were carried out. The tests and examinations revealed that structures compatible both morphologically and elementally were obtained with no phase transformations that could disrupt the structure. The incorporation of ZrO2 into the Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy was observed to enhance cell viability values. The value of 98.25 ± 0.42 obtained by adding 20% ZrO2 gave the highest cell viability result. The addition of HA into the hybrid structures further increased the cell viability values by approximately 10%. All viability values for both HA‐added and HA‐free groups were obtained above the 70% viability level defined in the standard. According to the genotoxicity test results, the highest cytokinesis‐block proliferation index values were obtained as 1.666 and 0.620 in structures containing 20% ZrO2 and 10% ZrO2 + 10% HA, respectively. Remarkably, all fabricated composite and hybrid composite materials surpassed established biocompatibility standards and exhibited nontoxic and nongenotoxic properties. This comprehensive study contributes vital insights for future biomechanical and other in vitro and in vivo experiments, as it meticulously addresses fundamental characterization parameters crucial for medical device development.Research Highlights
Support of optimum doping rates ions on hybrid composites and concentrations.
Development of uniform surface appearance and distributions/orientations of microcrystals on ceramic compounds
Improvement of cell viability and desired increase in biocompatibility with the doping of HA.
Investigation of four nickel titanium endodontic instruments, with cyclic fatigue resistance, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy
Authors: Ertuğrul İhsan Furkan , Arslan Havva Kübra 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare of four different nickel‐titanium (Ni‐Ti) endodontic files and evaluate in terms of cyclic fatigue resistance and metallurgical properties. Four different type Ni‐Ti root canal files Protaper Next X2 (PTN) (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), One Curve (OC) #25.06 (Micro Mega, Besancon, France), EndoPlus Flex Plus Gold X2 (EPG) (Turkuaz Dental, Denizli, Turkey), and EndoPlus Flex Plus Blue #25.06 (EPB) (Turkuaz Dental, Denizli, Turkey) files were tested for cyclic fatigue resistance (n = 20). During experiments artificial zirconia block canal was used. The artificial canal designed with curvature 60° and 5‐mm radius. The number of cyclic to fracture (NCF) was noted. Fractured length (FL) parts of Ni‐Ti files were recorded to assessment of fracture volumetric point. All fractured surfaces of Ni‐Ti files were assessed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) to confirm the type of fractures. Descriptive evaluation become accomplished for the fundamental composition of units with the aid of using energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). NCF data were evaluated via Bonferroni test with post hoc multiple comparison method. OC showed the highest NCF values (p < .05). The standardization of the study was confirmed as the FL of files was statistically similar in length (p > .05). SEM analysis confirmed that all scanned samples were fractured due to cyclic fatigue. EDX analysis confirmed that EPB established the poorest Ni content file.Research Highlights
The cyclic fatigue‐related failure of One Curve was significantly more resistant than Protaper Next and EndoPlus files.
Scanning electron microscopy images showed that One Curve and Protaper Next have round tips
Energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy showed that all four endodontic instruments mainly have Nickel and Titanium elements
Merkel cell polyomavirus pan‐T antigen knockdown reduces cancer cell stemness and promotes neural differentiation independent of RB1
Authors: Lei Kuan Cheok , Srinivas Nalini , Chandra Mitalee , Kervarrec Thibault , Coyaud Etienne , Spassova Ivelina , Peiffer Lukas , Houben Roland , Shuda Masahiro , Hoffmann Daniel , Schrama David , Becker Jürgen C. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMerkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly aggressive skin cancer associated with integration of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). MCPyV‐encoded T‐antigens (TAs) are pivotal for sustaining MCC's oncogenic phenotype, i.e., repression of TAs results in reactivation of the RB pathway and subsequent cell cycle arrest. However, the MCC cell line LoKe, characterized by a homozygous loss of the RB1 gene, exhibits uninterrupted cell cycle progression after shRNA‐mediated TA repression. This unique feature allows an in‐depth analysis of the effects of TAs beyond inhibition of the RB pathway, revealing the decrease in expression of stem cell‐related genes upon panTA‐knockdown. Analysis of gene regulatory networks identified members of the E2F family (E2F1, E2F8, TFDP1) as key transcriptional regulators that maintain stem cell properties in TA‐expressing MCC cells. Furthermore, minichromosome maintenance (MCM) genes, which encodes DNA‐binding licensing proteins essential for stem cell maintenance, were suppressed upon panTA‐knockdown. The decline in stemness occurred simultaneously with neural differentiation, marked by the increased expression of neurogenesis‐related genes such as neurexins, BTG2, and MYT1L. This upregulation can be attributed to heightened activity of PBX1 and BPTF, crucial regulators of neurogenesis pathways. The observations in LoKe were confirmed in an additional MCPyV‐positive MCC cell line in which RB1 was silenced before panTA‐knockdown. Moreover, spatially resolved transcriptomics demonstrated reduced TA expression in situ in a part of a MCC tumor characterized by neural differentiation. In summary, TAs are critical for maintaining stemness of MCC cells and suppressing neural differentiation, irrespective of their impact on the RB‐signaling pathway.
SVT quest: The adventure diagnosing narrow QRS tachycardia
Authors: Nagashima Koichi , Michaud Gregory F. , Ho Reginald T. , Okumura Yasuo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn the field of cardiac electrophysiology, there is a universal desire: the discovery of a flawless diagnostic maneuver for supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs). This is not merely a wish but a shared odyssey. To improve diagnostic accuracy and achieve sufficient sensitivity and specificity, numerous diagnostic maneuvers have been proposed. However, each has its limitations and prompts a search for new diagnostic techniques. This continuous cycle of discovery and refinement, which we titled “SVT Quest” is reviewed in chronological sequence. This adventure in diagnosing narrow QRS tachycardia unfolds in 3 steps: Step 1 involves differentiating atrial tachycardia from other SVTs based on the observations such as V‐A‐V or V‐A‐A‐V response, ΔAA interval, VA linking, the last entrainment sequence, and response to the atrial extrastimulus. Step 2 focuses on differentiating orthodromic reciprocating tachycardia from atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia based on the observations such as tachycardia reset upon the premature ventricular contraction during His refractoriness, uncorrected/corrected postpacing interval, differential ventricular entrainment, orthodromic His capture, transition zone analysis, and total pacing prematurity. Step 3 characterizes the concealed nodoventricular/nodofascicular pathway and His‐ventricular pathway‐related tachycardia based on observations such as V‐V‐A response, ΔatrioHis interval, and paradoxical reset phenomenon. There is no single diagnostic maneuver that fits all scenarios. Therefore, the ability to apply multiple maneuvers in a case allows the operator to accumulate evidence to make a likely diagnosis. Let's embark on this adventure!
Holocene climate evolution and human activity as recorded by the sediment record of lake Diss Mere, England
Authors: Boyall Laura , Martin‐Puertas Celia , Tjallingii Rik , Milner Alice M. , Blockley Simon P. E. 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTLake sediments are ideal archives to evaluate the interactions between climatically driven environmental responses and human activity on seasonal to multi‐decadal timescales. This study focuses on the unique sediments of Diss Mere, the only lake in England providing an annually laminated (varved) record for most of the Holocene. We combine microfacies analysis with X‐ray core scanning data to explore the influence of natural and human‐led changes on sediment deposition over the past 10 200 years and evaluate the sensitivity of the lake sediments to climate variability through time. Variability of titanium (Ti), calcium (Ca) and silica (Si) explain most of the lithological changes observed in the sediment and we identify three stages with low (10 290–2070 cal a bp), intermediate (2070–1040 cal a
bp) and intensified (1040 cal a
bp – present) human influence. During the first stage, where varved sediments are preserved, Ti is low due to the minimal detrital input into the lake. Ca and Si during this stage reveal high‐amplitude variability responding to seasonal changes in sediment deposition. The termination of varved sediment preservation and increases in sedimentation rates coincide with a major rise in Ti after this first stage, marking the intensification of human activity around the lake. Ca is used here as an indicator of temperature‐included calcite precipitation, and the long‐term variability of the Ca profile resembles Holocene temperature evolution. This continues during periods of intensified human activity, suggesting that the Diss Mere sediments remain sensitive to climate through time.
Achieving High Quantum Efficiency in Mn5+ Activated Phosphors for NIR‐II Deep Bioimaging Application
Authors: Zhang Quan , Yang Zetian , Zhou Xinquan , Delaey Maxime , Wang Mingyuan , Fu Ruining , Lei Shuangying , Vrielinck Henk , Poelman Dirk 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMn5+ emission is a promising candidate for imaging deep tissue structures (e.g., vessels, tumors) in the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II, 1000–1350 nm) region. However, its practical application is impeded by the limited quantum efficiency of the available phosphors due to the unstable valence state of Mn5+. Herein, a novel strategy involving site competition is proposed to stabilize the Mn5+ state by the introduction of valence‐unstable Bi2+/3+. The results demonstrate that Bi3+ ions tend to occupy two different Ca2+ ion sites within the Ca6Ba(PO4)4O lattice. The incorporation of a small amount of Bi3+ effectively suppresses the amount of Mn2+ in Ca2+ sites. This is also confirmed by spectroscopic experiments and density function theory calculations. Notably, an ultra‐high internal quantum efficiency of 82.3% is achieved under excitation at 653 nm, surpassing more than twofold the previously reported value of 37.5% in Ca6Ba(PO4)4O: Mn5+. As a proof of concept, deep tissue imaging with a penetration depth of ≈2.8 cm is achieved using a self‐produced NIR‐II light‐emitting diodes device embedded with Ca6Ba(PO4)4O: 0.003Mn5+/0.003Bi3+ powder. These findings provide valuable insights into improving the luminescent properties associated with Mn5+ ions and pave the way for deep tissue imaging with high spatiotemporal resolution.
Thermosensitive Hydrogels as Targeted and Controlled Drug Delivery Systems: Potential Applications in Transplantation
Authors: Anggelia Madonna Rica , Cheng Hui‐Yun , Lin Cheng‐Hung 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDrug delivery in transplantation plays a vital role in promoting graft survival, preventing rejection, managing complications, and contributing to positive patient outcomes. Targeted and controlled drug delivery can minimize systemic effects. Thermosensitive hydrogels, due to their unique sol‐gel transition properties triggered by thermo‐stimuli, have attracted significant research interest as a potential drug delivery system in transplantation. This review describes the current status, characteristics, and recent applications of thermosensitive hydrogels for drug delivery. Studies aimed at improving allotransplantation outcomes using thermosensitive hydrogels are then elaborated on. Finally, the challenges and opportunities associated with their use are discussed. Understanding the progress of research will serve as a guide for future improvements in their application as a means of targeted and controlled drug delivery in translational therapeutic applications for transplantation.
Estimating Disability in Patients with Essential Tremor: Comparison of Tremor Rating Scale, Spiral Drawing, and Accelerometric Tremor Power
Authors: Hollý Petr , Hubená Tereza , Čihák Martin , Pavlíková Aneta , Kemlink David , Ulmanová Olga , Rusz Jan , Jech Robert , Krupička Radim , Růžička Evžen 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundAlthough performance rating scales, spiral drawing, water pouring, and accelerometry are commonly used to assess tremor severity, the extent to which their results correlate with impairment in activities of daily living (ADL) remains unclear.ObjectiveThe aim was to identify the most effective predictors of ADL in essential tremor (ET).MethodsForty ET patients were examined using The Essential Tremor Rating Assessment Scale (TETRAS), spiral drawing, volume of water spilled, and accelerometric tremor power. Root‐mean‐square error, R2, and F‐test were calculated for models predicting TETRAS ADL subscore.ResultsTETRAS Performance Subscale explained the variability in TETRAS ADL with an R2 value of 0.686. Models incorporating spiral rating and accelerometric tremor power (R2 = 0.731) and water spillage volume (R2 = 0.756) were not statistically superior.ConclusionsTETRAS performance subscore predicted nearly 70% ADL impairment in ET patients. Incorporating the spiral rating, accelerometric tremor power, and water pouring test did not enhance ADL estimation.
Improved gradient echo magnitude‐ and phase‐based mapping of T2$$ {\mathrm{T}}_2 $$ using multiple RF spoiling increments at 3T and 7T
Authors: Wang Difei , Stirnberg Rüdiger , Stöcker Tony 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPurposeThe transverse relaxation time T holds significant relevance in clinical applications and research studies. Conventional T mapping approaches rely on spin‐echo sequences, which require lengthy acquisition times and involve high radiofrequency (RF) power deposition. An alternative gradient echo (GRE) phase‐based T mapping method, utilizing steady‐state acquisitions at one small RF spoil phase increment, was recently demonstrated. Here, a modified magnitude‐ and phase‐based T mapping approach is proposed, which improves estimations by simultaneous fitting of and signal amplitude () at three or more RF spoiling phase increments, instead of assuming a fixed value.MethodsThe feasibility of the magnitude‐phase‐based method was assessed by simulations, in phantom and in vivo experiments using skipped‐CAIPI three‐dimensional‐echo‐planar imaging (3D‐EPI) for rapid GRE imaging. , and PD estimations obtained by our method were compared to of the phase‐based method and and PD of spoiled GRE‐based multi‐parameter mapping using a multi‐echo version of the same sequence.ResultsThe agreement of the proposed with ground truth and reference values was higher than that of phase‐based in simulations and in phantom data. While phase‐based overestimation increases with actual and , the proposed method is accurate over a large range of physiologically meaningful and values. At the same time, precision is improved. In vivo results were in line with these observations.ConclusionAccurate magnitude‐phase‐based T mapping is feasible in less than 5 min scan time for 1 mm nominal isotropic whole‐head coverage at 3T and 7T.