bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of truncating diffusion MRI scans on diffusional kurtosis imaging
Authors: Fouto Ana R. , Henriques Rafael N. , Golub Marc , Freitas Andreia C. , Ruiz-Tagle Amparo , Esteves Inês , Gil-Gouveia Raquel , Silva Nuno A. , Vilela Pedro , Figueiredo Patrícia , Nunes Rita G. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective
Diffusional kurtosis imaging (DKI) extends diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), characterizing non-Gaussian diffusion effects but requires longer acquisition times. To ensure the robustness of DKI parameters, data acquisition ordering should be optimized allowing for scan interruptions or shortening. Three methodologies were used to examine how reduced diffusion MRI scans impact DKI histogram-metrics: 1) the electrostatic repulsion model (OptEEM); 2) spherical codes (OptSC); 3) random (RandomTRUNC).

Materials and methods
Pre-acquired diffusion multi-shell data from 14 female healthy volunteers (29±5 years) were used to generate reordered data. For each strategy, subsets containing different amounts of the full dataset were generated. The subsampling effects were assessed on histogram-based DKI metrics from tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) skeletonized maps. To evaluate each subsampling method on simulated data at different SNRs and the influence of subsampling on in vivo data, we used a 3-way and 2-way repeated measures ANOVA, respectively.

Results
Simulations showed that subsampling had different effects depending on DKI parameter, with fractional anisotropy the most stable (up to 5% error) and radial kurtosis the least stable (up to 26% error). RandomTRUNC performed the worst while the others showed comparable results. Furthermore, the impact of subsampling varied across distinct histogram characteristics, the peak value the least affected (OptEEM: up to 5% error; OptSC: up to 7% error) and peak height (OptEEM: up to 8% error; OptSC: up to 11% error) the most affected.

Conclusion
The impact of truncation depends on specific histogram-based DKI metrics. The use of a strategy for optimizing the acquisition order is advisable to improve DKI robustness to exam interruptions.
Vector bosons in the rotating frame of negative curvature wormholes
Authors: Guvendi Abdullah , Dogan Semra Gurtas 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this study, we investigate the relativistic dynamics of vector bosons within the context of rotating frames of negative curvature wormholes. We seek exact solutions for the fully-covariant vector boson equation, derived as an excited state of zitterbewegung. This equation encompasses a symmetric rank-two spinor, enabling the derivation of a non-perturbative second-order wave equation for the system under consideration. Our findings present exact results in two distinct scenarios. Notably, we demonstrate the adaptability of our results to massless vector bosons without compromising generality. The evolution of this system is shown to correlate with the angular frequency of the uniformly rotating reference frame and the curvature radius of the wormholes. Moreover, our results highlight that the interplay between the spin of the vector boson and the angular frequency of the rotating frame can give rise to real oscillation modes, particularly evident in excited states for massless vector bosons. Intriguingly, we note that the energy spectra obtained remain the same whether the wormhole is of hyperbolic or elliptic nature.
The Comprehension of Grammatical Structures in a Pediatric Population with ASD and Epilepsy: A Comparative Study
Authors: Villagrasa Alejandro Cano , Gozalbo Nadia Porcar , González Beatriz Valles , López-Zamora Miguel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and epilepsy represent a comorbidity that negatively influences the proper development of linguistic competencies, particularly in receptive language, in the pediatric population. This group displays impairments in the auditory comprehension of both simple and complex grammatical structures, significantly limiting their performance in language-related activities, hampering their integration into social contexts, and affecting their quality of life. The main objective of this study was to assess auditory comprehension of grammatical structures in individuals with ASD and epilepsy and compare the results among the three groups. A non-experimental cross-sectional study was designed, including a total of 170 participants aged between 7 and 9 years, divided into three groups: a group with ASD, a group with epilepsy, and a comorbid group with both ASD and epilepsy (ASDEP). The comprehension of grammatical structures was assessed using the CEG and CELF-5 instruments. Statistical analyses included MANOVA and ANOVA to compare scores between groups to verify associations between study variables. The results indicate that the group with ASD and epilepsy performed worse compared to the ASD and epilepsy-only groups, respectively. Additionally, a significant and directly proportional association was observed among all variables within the measures of grammatical structure comprehension. The neurological damage caused by epilepsy in the pediatric population with ASD leads to difficulties in understanding oral language. This level of functioning significantly limits the linguistic performance of these children, negatively impacting their quality of life and the development of core language skills.
Passenger Air Taxi Services: An Assessment of the Current European Union Rules on Consumer Protection for Passengers
Authors: Scott Benjamyn I. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe Paris Olympics and Paralympics are scheduled to take place between 26 July and 8 September 2024, whereby electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft are anticipated to take to the skies to offer a new mobility solution to spectators of the Games. This will allow paying members of the public to move between different points within the Paris region akin to an on-demand taxi service, but through the air; passenger air taxi services (PATS). These passengers, as consumers, will have certain rights and duties under European Union law. To determine the level of protection afforded to these air passengers, a full assessment of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 is required. As the revision of the Regulation is currently on the European Commission’s agenda, it is also important to consider its revision in light of PATS, whereby new technology, emerging business practices, changing customer behaviour and societal expectations for the level of legal protection of PATS users must be considered. This article will, therefore, assess the current version of the Regulation, in light of the interpretation from the European Court, to see whether it applies to PATS and, if so, whether it is suitable or if specific amendments need to be added to the planned revised Regulation.
Photoluminescence enhancement of chemical vapor-deposited MoSe2 monolayers
Authors: Kopar A. S. , Coşkun A. , Çağlar M. A. , Ertuğrul M. , Turgut Güven 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) materials have attracted a great interest owing to their superior features. The chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is very feasible to synthesis of TMDC materials. The thermal expansion coefficient difference between TMDC materials and substrate in the CVD synthesis can cause a strain, resulting in non-radiative recombination and PL decrement for these materials. Therefore, in this work, we studied acetone and isopropanol (IPA) treatment on the photoluminescence (PL) properties of CVD-grown MoSe2 monolayers. Firstly, monolayer MoSe2 flakes on SiO2/Si substrates were synthesized via the CVD method by optimizing synthesis parameters. The Raman and PL measurements were taken after acetone and IPA treatments were applied to grown samples. The results indicated an important PL enhancement was seen for acetone treatment. For IPA treatment, there was a PL peak position shifting with decreasing intensity due to its possible structural damage. The acetone, IPA, and transfer processes caused the releasing strain on MoSe2 by breaking the strong interaction between MoSe2 and substrate. For the whole treatment, PL peaks shift to blue with about 80 meV. As a result of the present study, acetone treatment was found as an easy and quick way to enhance radiative emission of CVD-grown MoSe2.
Thermodynamics of complex formation of silver(I) with substituted pyridines and cyclic amines in non-aqueous solvents
Authors: Sanadar Martina , Kovačević Anđela , Cracchiolo Maria , Melchior Andrea , Tolazzi Marilena 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe understanding of the thermodynamic stability and speciation of metal complexes in solution requires access to their enthalpy and entropy of formation. In this work, we specifically focus our investigation on the complexation process of silver(I) ion in acetonitrile (AN) with substituted mono pyridines and cyclic monoamines. The aim of this study is to provide reliable thermodynamic data to obtain insights on metal complex formation, focusing on ligands donor properties and solvation effects. Carefully designed potentiometric and calorimetric experiments allowed to define the species present at different ligand/metal ratios and to obtain the complex formation constants and enthalpies. In general, the enthalpy terms associated with the complex formation are highly exothermic, while the entropy values are always unfavorable. The formation constants of AgLj species for the ligands investigated in AN are compared with those previously obtained in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and water. The trends in stability constants and enthalpy values are discussed in relation to the pKa data available in the different solvents. Higher pKa values correspond to greater ligand basicity and result in more stable and more enthalpy stabilized complexes.
The influence of Gd content on the solidification and microstructure of AlSi7Mg0.3 casting alloy
Authors: Gursoy Ozen , Timelli Giulio 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe effects of Gd content on the solidification path and microstructure of an AlSi7Mg0.3 alloy have been studied. Two different Gd levels, 0.1 and 0.5 mass%, respectively, have been investigated while the material has been solidified at low (0.2 °C s−1) and high (1.3 °C s−1) cooling rates. Computer-aided thermal analysis and metallographic techniques have been used to study the solidification and microstructural evolution of the alloy at different Gd contents and cooling rates. The results show how Gd has no effect on the grain refinement at both cooling rates. The eutectic structure is unaffected at Gd level of 0.1 mass%. A concentration of 0.5 mass% Gd promotes the precipitation of the gadolinium phosphide (GdP) phase instead of aluminium phosphide (AlP) compounds, thus suppressing the eutectic plateau during the solidification and serving as nucleant for the GdAl2Si2 phase. The eutectic Si crystals solidified at low cooling rate are refined at 0.5 mass% Gd content, while the morphology of Si crystals is only partially modified at high cooling rate.
Farmers’ adoption of multiple climate-smart agricultural technologies in Ghana: determinants and impacts on maize yields and net farm income
Authors: Asante Bright O. , Ma Wanglin , Prah Stephen , Temoso Omphile 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the factors affecting maize farmers’ decisions to adopt climate-smart agricultural (CSA) technologies and estimates the impacts of CSA technology adoption on maize yields and net farm income. Unlike most previous studies that analyze a single technology, we consider different combinations of three CSA technologies (zero tillage, row planting, and drought-resistant seed). A multinomial endogenous switching regression model addresses selection bias issues arising from observed and unobserved factors and analyses data collected from 3197 smallholder farmers in three Ghana regions (Brong-Ahafo, Northern, and Ashanti). The findings show that smallholder farmers’ decisions to adopt multiple CSA technologies are influenced by farmer-based organization membership, education, resource constraints such as lack of land, access to markets, and production shocks such as perceived pest and disease stress and drought. We also find that adopting all three CSA technologies together has the largest impact on maize yields, while adopting row planting and zero tillage as a combination has the largest impact on net farm income. Governments should collaborate with farmer-based groups and extension officers to improve farmers’ awareness and understanding of the benefits associated with CSA technologies and help them adopt multiple technologies that generate higher benefits.
A Dynamic Adaptive and Resource-Allocated Selection Method Based on TOPSIS and VIKOR in Federated Learning
Authors: Li Lin , Shi Wei , Chen Shuyu , Liu Jun , Huang Jiangping , Liu Pengcheng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractFederated learning (FL) is a decentralized and privacy-preserving machine learning technique that protects data privacy by learning models locally and not sharing datasets. However, due to limited computing resources on devices and highly heterogeneous data in practical situations, the training efficiency and resource utilization of federated learning is low. In order to resolve these challenges, we introduce a blockchain-assisted dynamic adaptive and personalized federated learning framework (TV-FedAvg) in the presence of restricted computing power resources and data heterogeneity. After each round of local training, we utilize an improved scoring model based on VIKOR and TOPSIS to comprehensively score the devices. The scores are then utilized to choose devices for participation in global aggregation and to carry out model aggregation through blockchain consensus. Furthermore, resources are reallocated for the next round to enhance resource efficiency, model fairness, and performance. Finally, we demonstrate through experimentation that TV-FedAvg outperforms other models such as pFedMe, FedAvg, Per-FedAvg, and TOPSIS in terms of both efficiency and performance.
New combined absorption/1H NMR method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of PET degradation products
Authors: Kornberger David , Paatsch Tanja , Schmidt Magnus , Salat Ulrike 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPoly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is a very valuable and beneficial material for industrial purposes, with various different applications. Due to the high annual production volume of over 50 million tons worldwide and the indiscriminate disposal by consumers, the polymers accumulate in the environment, causing negative effects on various ecosystems. Biodegradation via suitable enzymes represents a promising approach to combat the plastic waste issue so validated methods are required to measure the efficiency and efficacy of these enzymes. PETase and MHETase from Ideonella sakaiensis are suitable enzymes needed in combination to completely degrade PET into its environmentally friendly monomers. In this project, we compare and combine a previously described bulk absorbance measurement method with a newly established 1H NMR analysis method of the PET degradation products mono(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalic acid, bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalic acid and terephthalic acid. Both were optimized regarding different solvents, pH values and drying processes. The accuracy of the measurements can be confirmed with sensitivity limits of 2.5–5 µM for the absorption method and 5–10 µM for the 1H NMR analysis. The combination of the described methods therefore allows a quantitative analysis by using bulk absorption coupled with a qualitative analysis through 1H NMR. The methods established in our work can potentially contribute to the development of suitable recycling strategies of PET using recombinant enzymes.
Magnetic data modelling of salt domes in Eastern Mediterranean, offshore Egypt
Authors: Abbas Mahmoud Ahmed , Speranza Luca , Fedi Maurizio , Garcea Bruno , Bianco Luigi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe analyzed magnetic data of a deep-water area in the Eastern Mediterranean, offshore Egypt where there are numerous salt domes. Regional-residual separation of the reduced to pole (RTP) magnetic anomalies was performed with the discrete wavelet transform, and the residual magnetic anomalies were interpreted as mainly due to the susceptibility contrast between sediments and salt bodies. A multiscale boundary analysis of the anomalies yielded meaningful lineaments at both large and short scales. Salt bodies lineaments are very well defined in the short-scale map. Then, we inverted the data by a nonlinear and non-iterative 3D inversion technique, to delineate the salt bodies and estimate their magnetization contrast. We used the depths obtained from the Euler deconvolution to form a set of maxima and minima constraints in the inversion. Our procedure yielded an interesting map of the top of salt in the deep-water region, entirely based on the magnetic data, which agrees well with the seismic top of salt. This is a somewhat surprising result, in some respects not obvious, demonstrating that magnetic prospecting can be an important and low-cost tool for the exploration of salt diapirs, especially when seismic data are partially or completely inaccessible or of poor quality.
Depiction rate of feeding arteries of renal cell carcinoma on four-dimensional computed tomography angiography
Authors: Munetomo Kazuaki , Matsui Yusuke , Tomita Koji , Uka Mayu , Umakoshi Noriyuki , Kawabata Takahiro , Morimitsu Yusuke , Iguchi Toshihiro , Hiraki Takao 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To retrospectively evaluate the depiction rate of feeding arteries in biopsy-proven clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) on four-dimensional computed tomography angiography (4D-CTA) images.

Materials and methods
This study included 22 patients with 22 CCRCC and 30 feeding arteries treated with transcatheter renal artery embolization. The depiction rate of the feeding arteries on preprocedural 4D-CTA was evaluated. Images were acquired by 320-row multi-detector computed tomography (CT) 15‒36 s after starting to inject a contrast agent (600 mg/kg iodine) intravenously into patients at 2.1 s intervals (11 phases). Two board-certified radiologists retrospectively assessed the feeder depiction rate in all 11 phases with reference to the procedural images as the gold standard. Discrepancies were resolved by consultation with a third radiologist.

Results
Among the feeders, 11 (36.7%) were segmental or lobar, and 19 (63.3%) were interlobar or arcuate arteries. The feeder depiction rate was the highest (25 [83.3%] of 30) in the 5th phase (delay, 23.4 s) where the gap in contrast enhancement between the renal artery and cortex was the largest. This was followed by the 6th (23 [76.7%] of 30), 4th (22 [73.3%] of 30]), and 7th (21 [70.0%] of 30) phases. The overall rate of depicting feeding arteries in the 11 phases of 4D-CTA was 28 (93.3%) of 30.

Conclusions
The depiction rate of CCRCC feeding arteries including lobar or smaller artery branches by 4D-CTA was favorable. The feeding arteries were optimally visualized during the phase with the largest contrast gap between the renal artery and cortex.
Seminal vesicle metastasis from transverse colon adenocarcinoma: a unique case report
Authors: Arenas Hoyos Juliana , Serrano Giraldo Julian , Gutierrez Rojas Andres Felipe 
Published: February 2024

Summary
Background
Seminal vesicle metastasis from colon adenocarcinoma is very rare, with only two case reports in the literature. Also, positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging in the diagnosis of seminal vesicle tumors seems to have a promising role in its detection, but there have been few reports about its use, in part due to the rarity of the disease.

Case presentation
We report the case of a 64-year-old male patient with colon adenocarcinoma who at 6 years after the diagnosis presented with metastasis to the seminal vesicles, which responded remarkably to chemotherapy, but 2 years later had a relapse at the seminal vesicles. Imaging with PET/CT was helpful for the diagnosis of this case.

Conclusion
Our case is unique, as there are no previous reports in the literature on the relapse of metastatic colon adenocarcinoma in the seminal vesicles. Imaging with PET/CT showed compromise of the seminal vesicles in our case; hence, this imaging technique seems to have a promising role in detecting metastatic seminal vesicle tumors.
Identification and quantification of projectile impact marks on bone: new experimental insights using osseous points
Authors: Yeshurun Reuven , Doyon Luc , Tejero José-Miguel , Walter Rudolf , Huber Hannah , Andrews Robin , Kitagawa Keiko 
Published: February 2024

AbstractShifts in projectile technology potentially document human evolutionary milestones, such as adaptations for different environments and settlement dynamics. A relatively direct proxy for projectile technology is projectile impact marks (PIM) on archaeological bones. Increasing awareness and publication of experimental data sets have recently led to more identifications of PIM in various contexts, but diagnosing PIM from other types of bone-surface modifications, quantifying them, and inferring point size and material from the bone lesions need more substantiation. Here, we focus on PIM created by osseous projectiles, asking whether these could be effectively identified and separated from lithic-tipped weapons. We further discuss the basic question raised by recent PIM research in zooarchaeology: why PIM evidence is so rare in archaeofaunal assemblages (compared to other human-induced marks), even when they are explicitly sought. We present the experimental results of shooting two ungulate carcasses with bone and antler points, replicating those used in the early Upper Paleolithic of western Eurasia. Half of our hits resulted in PIM, confirming that this modification may have been originally abundant. However, we found that the probability of a skeletal element to be modified with PIM negatively correlates with its preservation potential, and that much of the produced bone damage would not be identifiable in a typical Paleolithic faunal assemblage. This quantification problem still leaves room for an insightful qualitative study of PIM. We complement previous research in presenting several diagnostic marks that retain preservation potential and may be used to suggest osseous, rather than lithic, projectile technology.