bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of motor imagery‐based brain‐computer interface combined with virtual reality on enhancing attention, executive function, and lower‐limb function in stroke: A pilot study
Authors: Wan Chunli , Zhang Wenting , Nie Yao , Qian Yingzhou , Wang Jian , Xu Haifeng , Li Zhongxuan , Su Bin , Zhang Yuting , Li Yongqiang 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundBrain–computer interface combined with virtual reality (BCI‐VR) can reduce the difficulty of motor imagery execution and improve training performance. Few studies have focused on the effects of BCI‐VR on attention, executive function, and lower‐limb function in stroke.ObjectiveTo evaluate feasibility and preliminary efficacy of BCI‐VR pedaling training on the attention, executive function, and lower‐extremity function in people after stroke. It will also provide data support for future research, especially sample size calculations.DesignA single group before‐after trial design was used. All participants had a stable level of function over a 2‐week period to ensure that their functional recovery was all attributable to BCI‐VR training.SettingThe study was conducted in a specialized rehabilitation hospital.ParticipantsTwelve participants with stroke, a certain level of motor imagery ability, capable of walking 10 meters continuously.InterventionsAll participants received a 4‐week BCI‐VR pedaling training program, 5 days per week, 30 minutes each session.Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcomes are feasibility and safety. Secondary outcomes were lower‐extremity mobility, attention, and executive functions.ResultsTwelve patients were recruited from inpatient rehabilitation and nine completed the study (six males/three females; 56.6 ± 11.6 years). Recruitment and retention rates were 34% and 75%, respectively. Excellent adherence rate (97.7%) was obtained. No adverse events or equipment issues were reported. Following the intervention, significant improvements were found in the lower‐extremity strength, balance, walking stability, attention, and general cognitive function (p < .05). A significant correlation was found between improved Berg balance scale change values and symbol digit modalities test change values (p < .05, r = 0.677).ConclusionsBCI‐VR pedaling training provides a depth of feasibility and safety data, methodological detail, and preliminary results. This could provide a useful basis for future studies of BCI‐VR pedaling training for stroke rehabilitation.ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: ChiCTR2300071522 (http://www.chictr.org.cn).
Radiomic Analysis of Contrast‐Enhanced CT Predicts Recompensation in Hepatitis B‐Related Decompensated Cirrhosis
Authors: Chen Qiaofeng , Fan Yuanping , Wu Kaini , Cai Tianpan , Lan Chunyu , Yu Mingju , Fu Yunfeng , Zhu Qi , Qiu Jianhao , Zhou Xiaodong 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAimsAccurately predicting recompensation in patients with decompensated hepatitis B‐related cirrhosis is crucial for guiding treatment strategies. As a reliable model for accurately predicting recompensation is currently lacking, this study aimed to develop a contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT) radiomics model specifically for assessing recompensation outcomes in this patient population.MethodsA retrospective cohort of 218 patients with decompensated hepatitis B‐related cirrhosis was included. Patients were randomly divided into training (n = 152) and testing cohorts (n = 66) at a 7:3 ratio by random number generator. Radiomic features (N = 2922) were extracted from arterial phase (AP), venous phase, and delayed phase CECT images. Three machine‐learning algorithms were used to develop radiomic signatures. Independent clinical factors were identified using logistic regression. A combined model integrating radiomic signatures and clinical factors was then constructed. The Shapley Additive Explanation (SHAP) method was employed to visualize and interpret model predictions for individual patients. Model performance was evaluated based on calibration, discrimination, and clinical utility.ResultsA radiomic signature comprising 10 selected features extracted from AP images using logistic regression showed a significant association with recompensation outcomes (p < 0.001). This signature demonstrated strong discrimination, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.929 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.882–0.968) in the training cohort and 0.853 (95% CI, 0.756–0.960) in the testing cohort. Serum total bilirubin and serum albumin levels were independently associated with recompensation outcomes (p = 0.033 and p < 0.001, respectively). The combined model incorporating both radiomic signatures and clinical factors exhibited comparable predictive performance to the radiomic signature alone, with AUCs of 0.925 (95% CI, 0.871–0.964; p = 0.487) in the training cohort and 0.865 (95% CI, 0.762–0.963; p = 0.669) in the testing cohort. SHAP analysis provided insights into the interpretability of the radiomics model, highlighting the importance of specific radiomic features in predicting recompensation. All prediction models demonstrated good calibration. Decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical utility of the radiomic signature.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the strong potential of a CECT‐based computational approach, integrating clinical factors and radiomic features, for predicting recompensation outcomes in patients with hepatitis B‐related decompensated cirrhosis. However, the addition of clinical factors did not provide statistically significant improvement in predictive performance compared to the radiomic signature alone.
Heavy summer rainfall in southeastern Australia
Authors: Henderson Cameron R. , Barnes Michael A. , Reeder Michael J. , Quinting Julian F. , Jakob Christian 
Published: February 2025

AbstractIn the austral summer, parts of southeastern Australia are prone to heavy rainfall that causes major riverine flooding and fatalities. Easterly flow associated with an anticyclone in the Tasman Sea, large moisture transports from the Coral Sea, and upper tropospheric cyclonic disturbances all contribute to these heavy rainfall episodes. However, questions regarding their synoptic dynamics remain, including which of these ingredients are the most critical. These questions are addressed by comparing composite pressure and moisture fields of heavy rainfall days over selected regions with non‐heavy rainfall days that have a similar synoptic pattern. A synoptic climatology is constructed for this purpose by ‐means cluster analysis of 500 hPa geopotential height anomalies from the European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis v5, for all December to March days over a period of 40 years. Heavy rainfall days in the wettest clusters have negative 500 hPa geopotential height anomalies immediately west of the affected region that are stronger on average than those of non‐heavy rainfall days. Their accompanying distributions of surface pressure, precipitable water, and vertical motion are consistent with cyclonic baroclinic development and are preceded by anticyclonic Rossby wave breaking. Heavy rainfall days also show an increased frequency of blocking near E; however, this peaks 1–2 days after the onset of heavy rain. Regional rainfall in these clusters shows strong sensitivity to lower pressure immediately westward but little sensitivity to high pressure in the Tasman Sea until after the commencement of rain. A companion study using the same cluster analysis illustrated the link between anticyclonic Rossby wave breaking and heatwaves in southeastern Australia. These latest results highlight the upper cyclonic anomalies that often form on the equatorward flank of anticyclonic Rossby wave breaking as the key ingredient separating days with a favourable synoptic‐scale pattern of surface high pressure into those that rain heavily and those that do not.
Minimum Round‐Trip Time Prediction for Low Earth Orbit Satellite Networks
Authors: Chen Jiayi , Li Ye , Chai Haoye , Wang Jue , Wu Sheng , Pan Jianping 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTLow Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks, characterized by wide coverage, low latency, and high bandwidth, will be a key component of the future 6G mobile communication networks. However, the periodic handover of satellites in LEO networks will lead to dynamic path changes and fluctuations in propagation delay, affecting the end‐to‐end performance. Establishing a minimum round‐trip time (minRTT) prediction model for LEO satellite networks is crucial for optimizing the design of related mechanisms such as routing, congestion control, and loss recovery. To this end, this paper first conducts a Starlink measurement to collect real‐life data and then proposes a novel model combining hybrid attention (HA) mechanisms with multiscale convolutional neural networks (MCNN) and long short‐term memory networks (LSTM) to explore minRTT prediction. The method utilizes HA to highlight important positional features in the minRTT sequence, while the MCNN and LSTM are exploited to capture the variation patterns of minRTTs, thereby enhancing the prediction accuracy. Experimental results show that the proposed HA‐MCNN‐LSTM model outperforms existing methods.
Is the Implementation of Cocoa Companies' Forest Policies on Track to Effectively and Equitably Address Deforestation in West Africa?
Authors: Addoah Thomas , Lyons‐White Joss , Cammelli Federico , Kouakou Keessy Maria‐Prisca , Carodenuto Sophia , Thompson William J. , Renier Cécile , Garrett Rachael D. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTTropical forests play a crucial role in achieving the sustainable development goals by contributing to climate stability, conserving biodiversity and sustaining livelihoods. However, forests are disappearing due to agricultural expansion. In West Africa, cocoa production is a major driver of deforestation. This study examines the design and implementation of forest‐focused supply chain policies (FSPs) in cocoa supply chains in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, the world's two leading cocoa producers. FSPs are voluntary policies of companies to combat deforestation, restore forests, and improve farmers' livelihoods. Drawing on 91 stakeholder interviews, we developed a conceptual framework to examine FSPs' theory of change, implementation and potential effectiveness and equity. Our findings reveal shortcomings in FSPs' design and implementation. FSPs are mostly narrowly focused on preventing illegal deforestation and only target farmers in companies' ‘direct’ supply chains, neglecting important landscape‐scale approaches and processes. Companies also fail to include smallholder farmers sufficiently in policy design and implementation. Lastly, FSPs prioritise productivity enhancement but overlook the importance of addressing farmers' social norms and values. We provide recommendations on how to address the shortcomings to achieve sustainable cocoa production.
Molecular 3D Characterisation of Drug Distribution and Mg‐Stearate Coating on Lactose Carrier Particles by ToF‐SIMS and XPS
Authors: Sjövall Peter , Ernstsson Marie , Mahlin Denny , Thalberg Kyrre 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTA common type of inhalation medicine uses a dry powder formulation where the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) is attached on the surface of carrier particles, often in combination with additional components. The spatial distribution of the API on the carrier particle is critical for the release into the lungs and thus for the efficacy of the drug. In this work, we use ToF‐SIMS imaging in combination with argon gas cluster sputtering to determine the 3D distributions of budesonide (the API) and magnesium stearate (Mg‐stearate) on the surface of lactose carrier particles in a so‐called adhesive mixture formulation. The results show that the carrier particles are largely covered by Mg‐stearate, with only small spots showing exposed lactose or budesonide. Upon sputtering, Mg‐stearate is rapidly removed to expose flat regions of lactose as well as discrete budesonide particles distributed over the lactose surface. Depth profiles also indicate some smearing of budesonide on the lactose surface. These results provide clear evidence that budesonide, as well as lactose, is largely covered with Mg‐stearate on the drug particle surface. Subsequent SEM analyses of the sample areas provide detailed microstructural information, including identification of budesonide and lactose fine particles attached on the lactose surface. Furthermore, the thickness of the Mg‐stearate overlayer was estimated by XPS to be approximately 5 nm. The detailed information obtained about the 3D distribution of Mg‐stearate serves to clarify the mechanisms behind its performance‐enhancing effect in adhesive mixtures and also to improve formulation optimization with regard to Mg‐stearate load and application process.
A Novel Approach to Assess the Predictiveness of a Continuous Biomarker in Early Phases of Drug Development
Authors: Serra Alessandra , Geronimi Julia , Guilleminot Sandrine , Hadjur Hugo , Riviere Marie‐Karelle , Saint‐Hilary Gaëlle , Mozgunov Pavel 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIdentifying and quantifying predictive biomarkers is a critical issue of personalized medicine approaches and patient‐centric clinical development strategies. In early stages of the development process, significant challenges and numerous uncertainties arise. One of the challenges is the ability to assess the predictive value of a biomarker, i.e., the difference in primary outcomes between experimental and placebo arms above and below a certain threshold of the biomarker. Indeed, when the accumulated information is very limited and the sample size is small, preliminary conclusions about the predictive properties of the biomarker might be misleading. To date, the majority of investigations regarding the predictiveness of biomarkers were in the setting of moderate‐to‐large sample sizes. In this work, we propose a novel flexible approach inspired by the Kolmogorov‐Smirnov Distance in order to assess the predictiveness of a continuous biomarker in a clinical setting where the sample size is small. Via simulations we show that the proposed method allows to achieve a higher power to declare predictiveness compared to the existing methods under a range of scenarios, whilst still maintaining a control of the type I error at a pre‐specified level.
Synthesis, In Vitro Anticancer Evaluation and Computational Screening of Novel Imidazo [4,5‐c] Pyridine Derivatives
Authors: Rejinthala Swathi , Endoori Srinivas , Thumma Vishnu , Mondal Tanmoy 
Published: February 2025

AbstractTwo libraries of hybrid molecules combining imidazo[4,5‐c]pyridine with isoxazole and urea functional groups were synthesized and characterized using techniques such as ¹H NMR, 13C NMR, ¹⁹F NMR, HRMS, MS, FT‐IR, and elemental analysis. These compounds were evaluated for in vitro anticancer activity using the MTT assay against MCF‐7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) and A‐549 (lung cancer) cell lines. Several compounds showed significant anticancer potential, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 11.56 to 34.64 µM for A‐549 and 17.88 to 48.77 µM for MCF‐7, compared to standard drugs cisplatin and doxorubicin. Notably, a compound with a 3‐CF3‐phenyl group (3h) in the urea series demonstrated strong inhibition with an IC₅₀ of 11.56 ± 0.187 µM against A‐549 cells and moderate activity against MCF‐7 cells (IC₅₀ of 17.88 ± 0.235 µM). Molecular docking studies indicated favorable binding affinity to VEGFR2, EGFR and topoisomerase II, whereas pharmacokinetic evaluations confirmed favorable drug‐like properties, aligning with Lipinski's rule. Our study highlights these hybrid molecules as promising candidates for cancer therapy, underscoring their potential in medicinal chemistry.
Boosting the Application of Spent Catalysts in Waste Plastic Catalytic Pyrolysis: Maximizing Gasoline Product Selectivity and Quality
Authors: Zhang Jinqing , Wang Xiaodong , Sun Kun , Wang Ting , Zhao Hui , Chen Xiaobo , Zhang Xingong , Yang Chaohe 
Published: February 2025

AbstractCatalytic pyrolysis is identified as a superior method for the disposal of waste plastics providing enhanced efficiency and environmental advantages compared to conventional techniques. However, the high cost of the catalytic process limits the enhancement of economic benefits. This study investigates the utilization of cost‐effective spent catalysts specifically Y zeolite, ZSM‐5 zeolite, and silica powder within a fixed‐bed/fluidized‐bed combination reactor setup to optimize the conversion of waste plastics into valuable products. The results show that the remarkable selectivity of spent Y zeolite for gasoline production achieving a yield of 52% with its pore characteristics inclined towards gasoline generation and moderate acidity sites being distinctive features. By implementing a thermal driving strategy with Y zeolite, the research further increases the C4 fraction by 1.5 times and significantly enhances olefin isomerization within gasoline representing crucial advancements that improve both the quantity and quality of the potential gasoline. These findings provide essential insights and support for the effective reuse of spent catalysts in the catalytic pyrolysis of waste plastics underscoring the potential for sustainable waste management and resource recovery.
Enhanced Microbial Desalination Cell Performance Utilizing Polyurethane‐Modified Bio‐Based Polymeric Membrane
Authors: Maheshwari Karishma , Sogani Monika , Sonu Kumar , Syed Zainab 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe current study employs the microbial desalination cell (MDC) and uses cost‐effective bio‐based polymeric membranes. The membrane was developed using the flowering plant Delonix regia flower pod powder (DRF), which was then mixed with polyurethane (PU) (Control MDC). The addition of filler material, glass powder derived from waste (DRFG), to the DRF: PU (50:50 v/v) mixture in a ratio of 1:1 (Test MDC) was done due to the presence of silicates in the elemental composition of glass powder, which will lead to improved hydration, power densities, and ion exchange capabilities. The study revealed that the DRF and DRFG membranes had an ion exchange capacity of 0.078 and 0.098 mmol H+/g, respectively. The analysis revealed that adding recycled glass powder increased the ion exchange capability by 1.25 times as compared to the control MDC. The membranes developed for the MDC system were used to treat the RO‐reject water collected from a household RO system in Varanasi, India. The results showed that the power densities of control and test MDC systems were 55 and 230 mW/m2, respectively. Additionally, after 30 days of operation, the ion exchange capacity recorded was 0.040 and 0.095 mmol H+/g for control and test MDC systems, respectively.
When (not) to talk politics in business: Experimental evidence
Authors: Bondi Tommaso , Burbano Vanessa C. , Dell'Acqua Fabrizio 
Published: February 2025

AbstractResearch SummaryChief executive officer (CEO) political activism is increasing, but its strategic implications remain unclear. We conduct two survey‐based experiments to shed light on how individuals respond to CEO activism. We differentiate between communicating an apolitical stance versus saying nothing ‐ an unexplored distinction to date. We furthermore examine whether characteristics which could influence perceived credibility of the stance ‐ whether it is consistent with expectations and whether it is backed by monetary commitment ‐ influence responses. We thus contribute to a deeper understanding of whether and how individuals’ perceptions of the firm are affected by CEO activism.Managerial SummaryIt is critical for managers to understand the implications of engaging in CEO political activism, a practice which has been on the rise in recent decades. Actively communicating an apolitical stance versus passively staying silent about an issue are two separate strategic choices available to managers which have been unexplored in the literature to date. This paper sheds light on how individuals respond to firms' communicating an apolitical stance, saying nothing, or taking an ideological stance in either direction on a political issue; and how this varies depending on whether the stance is perceived as consistent with expectations and whether it is backed by monetary commitment. It thus helps managers navigate stance‐taking on political issues.
Fluorinated Deep Eutectic Polymer Electrolytes with Hydrogen Bonds‐Rich Networks: Realizing Targeted Management of Primary Solvation Sheath Migration
Authors: Mo Yankui , Gao Yuqing , Li Mianrui , Qi Shengguang , Zhang Weifeng , Su Yufeng , Song Huiyu , Cui Zhiming , Du Li 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe exploration of Li+ transport mechanism in the bulk and the interface holds the key to achieving rapid Li+ transport and desolvation kinetics. However, little is still known about that in gel polymer electrolytes enriched with hydrogen bond networks. Here, fluorinated gel‐deep eutectic solvated (FG‐DES) polymer electrolytes are fabricated for exploring the aforementioned mechanism by spectroscopy and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The observation provides an insight into the formation of [Li+···solvent] primary solvation sheath and the migration of the sheath along the polymer backbone in a fast and oriented manner through dissociation and complexation of the hydrogen bonds between solvents and polymer skeletons. Furthermore, the polymer backbone exerts a targeted management by pulling and anchoring effect on protonic solvent molecules, accelerating the desolvation process and reducing side reactions. Based on this, the capacity retention of the assembled LFP||Li is 94.7% after 600 cycles at 1 C, and the retention of NCM622||Li is 87.1% after 200 cycles, which demonstrats its excellent compatibility in lithium metal cells. This work offers a design basis for achieving rapid Li+ mobility and deposition in a hydrogen bonds‐rich environment.
Molecular and Seroprevalence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum in Turkeys in Sylhet District of Bangladesh
Authors: Tipu Jahid Hasan , Miah Rijon , Islam Obaidul , Rahman Md. Mukidur , Talukdar Lucky , Miah Rubel , Hussain Md. Safwan , Islam Md. Ashraful , Ahsan Md. Irtija , Raquib Ahsan , Noor Monira 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTMycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) poses a significant threat to Bangladesh's poultry industry, causing substantial economic losses every year. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MG infection in turkeys using serum plate agglutination (SPA), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in Sylhet, Bangladesh from December 2019 to November 2020. In addition, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of these tests and identified potential risk factors associated with MG infection. A total of 250 blood samples and 250 tracheal swabs were collected from suspected turkeys across 25 farms from three sub‐districts of Sylhet namely Sylhet Sadar, Golapganj and Beanibazar. Blood samples were tested with SPA and ELISA, while tracheal swabs were analysed by PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene of MG. The overall prevalence of MG was 35.2%, 29.2% and 25.6% for SPA, ELISA and PCR respectively. Higher infection rates were observed in turkeys aged 0–4 months (SPA 57.1%, ELISA 52%, PCR 42.8%), during winter (SPA 43.1%, ELISA 37.8%, PCR 30%) and among female turkeys (SPA 54.5%, ELISA 49.5%, PCR 45.5%). Geographically, the Beanibazar had the highest prevalence (SPA 54.2%, ELISA 48.6%, PCR 41.4%), compared to the Sylhet Sadar and Golapganj sub‐districts. Both SPA and ELISA tests showed 100% sensitivity, with specificity of 87.1% and 95.2%, respectively using PCR as a gold standard. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights for developing effective control measures for MG infections in the poultry industry of Bangladesh.