bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tumor microenvironment as a novel therapeutic target for lymphoid leukemias
Authors: Mousavi Shahrzad , Nouri Soheil , Sadeghipour Arezoo , Atashi Amir 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Lymphoid leukemias represent a significant global health burden, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality. The intricate interplay between leukemic cells and their surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME) is pivotal in disease initiation, progression, and therapeutic resistance. Comprising a dynamic milieu of stromal, immune, and leukemic cell populations, the TME orchestrates a complex network of signaling pathways and molecular interactions that foster leukemic cell survival and proliferation while evading immune surveillance. The crosstalk between these diverse cellular components within the TME not only fuels tumor progression but also confers resistance to conventional therapies, including the development of multi-drug resistance (MDR). Recognizing the pivotal role of the TME in shaping disease outcomes, novel therapeutic approaches targeting this dynamic ecosystem have emerged as promising strategies to complement existing anti-leukemic treatments. As a result, drugs that target the TME have been developed as complementary strategies to those that directly attack tumor cells. Thus, a detailed understanding of the TME components and their interactions with tumor cells is critical. Such knowledge can guide the design and implementation of novel targeted therapies for lymphoid leukemias.
Comparison study of two anastomosis techniques in right hemicolectomy: a systematic review and pooling up analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Qiang , Tang Run-xi , Zhang Chao-Fu , Xia Ming-Yang , Shuai Lei-Yuan , Tang Hua , Ji Guang-Yan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
This study aims to compare side-to-side anastomosis (SSA) and end-to-side anastomosis (ESA) in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy from multiple perspectives to guide the selection of the optimal anastomotic technique.

Methods
This review was pre-registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024614418). A comprehensive literature search was performed using Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and China Biology Medicine (CBM). The primary outcome was anastomotic complications, and secondary outcomes included non-anastomotic complications, short-term prognosis, and surgical parameters.

Results
A total of 18 articles involving 14,555 participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. No significant difference was found between SSA and ESA regarding overall anastomotic complications (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.81 to 1.62, P = 0.45). However, SSA showed advantages in reducing postoperative anastomotic bleeding (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.45 to 0.90, P = 0.01), while ESA appeared more favorable for reducing anastomotic leakage (AL) (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 0.97 to 1.73, P = 0.08) and intestinal obstruction (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.99 to 1.47, P = 0.07), though these differences were not statistically significant. No significant differences were found in non-anastomotic complications, short-term prognosis, or surgical parameters.

Conclusion
Current clinical evidence suggests that SSA is more effective than ESA in reducing postoperative anastomotic bleeding during right hemicolectomy for cancer. However, no significant differences were observed between the two techniques regarding overall anastomotic.
Current methods in explainable artificial intelligence and future prospects for integrative physiology
Authors: Finzel Bettina 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) is gaining importance in physiological research, where artificial intelligence is now used as an analytical and predictive tool for many medical research questions. The primary goal of XAI is to make AI models understandable for human decision-makers. This can be achieved in particular through providing inherently interpretable AI methods or by making opaque models and their outputs transparent using post hoc explanations. This review introduces XAI core topics and provides a selective overview of current XAI methods in physiology. It further illustrates solved and discusses open challenges in XAI research using existing practical examples from the medical field. The article gives an outlook on two possible future prospects: (1) using XAI methods to provide trustworthy AI for integrative physiological research and (2) integrating physiological expertise about human explanation into XAI method development for useful and beneficial human-AI partnerships.
Hematology patients’ metaphorical perceptions of the disease and psychosocial support needs in the treatment process: a phenomenological study from a rural region of Türkiye
Authors: Uzun Sevda , Ediz Çiçek , Mohammadnezhad Masoud 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Purpose
Although health services and access to these services have increased worldwide, there are still major barriers to access to health services, especially for rural, poor, and disabled individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the metaphorical perceptions of hematology patients living in rural areas in Türkiye about the disease and their psychosocial support needs during the treatment process with a phenomenological approach.

Methods
In this study, in which the phenomenological research method was used, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 hematology patients receiving treatment in a state hospital in a province in the eastern region of Türkiye. Criterion sampling method, one of the purposive sampling methods, was used to reach the sample group. Interviews continued until data saturation was achieved. The data of the study were evaluated using thematic analysis. The study was conducted and reported according to the COREQ checklist.

Results
Data analysis revealed two main themes including the following: metaphorical perceptions towards hematologic cancer with the sub-themes of emotional turmoil, social alienation and stigma and physical debilitation, and pathways to resilience with the sub-themes of disease process management, inner resilience and faith, and psychosocial support.

Conclusion
This study revealed that the adaptation process of patients to hematologic cancer is quite difficult, and psychosocial support is an indispensable requirement for them in their lives. In order for patients and their families to cope with this very difficult disease process, it is thought that providing them with a higher level of psychological support will be beneficial in coping with the disease effectively.
Validation of models for calculating the NVH behavior of gearbox systems in an elastic multibody simulation
Authors: Wischmann Stefan , Mann Alexander , Jacobs Georg , Brecher Christian , Hoepfner Gregor , Westphal Christian 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The acoustic behavior of technical products—referred to as Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH)—forms an important criterion in customers’ purchasing decisions, e.g. in the automotive sector. Thus, optimizing the NVH behavior is essential during product development. NVH is influenced by dynamic excitations and the transfer of sound from the location of excitation to a receiver such as the driver. As the electrification of the mobility sector increases, gear mesh excitations contribute significantly to the noise of a vehicle, which was previously dominated by the combustion engine. The time-varying stiffness of the gear mesh is the main excitation in drivetrains and therefore needs to be optimized during product development. Elastic multi-body simulation (eMBS) has become an established method for modeling NVH characteristics of drivetrains. In order to evaluate the effect of gear mesh designs on a drivetrain’s excitations and therefore its NVH behavior, the time-varying stiffness of the gear mesh has to be incorporated into eMBS models. Today, this is either done by applying quasi-static transmission errors onto a model in frequency domain thereby neglecting the influence of the system’s oscillations back on the gear mesh excitations, e.g. by axial misalignment of the meshing shafts. Alternatively, analytical stiffness calculations are included in eMBS models in time-domain. However, these approaches are not yet validated. Also, incorporating the interaction between a flexible gear wheel and the gear mesh stiffness is paramount for NVH models of gears. Within previous works, a method for incorporating externally calculated gear mesh stiffnesses into eMBS has been proposed to overcome these challenges. The goal of this paper is to compare, validate and enhance the existing eMBS modeling methods of gear mesh stiffnesses with respect to their ability to model the dynamic behavior of gear boxes, defined by natural frequencies and critical operating points. A two-step approach consisting of quasi-static and dynamic validations is conducted. An improvement in accuracy between simulation and measurement of 10 dB is achieved compared to analytical eMBS methods.
Landscape of risk: responses of grey wolves to lethal control in a mosaic landscape
Authors: Preiss-Bloom Shlomo , Shamon Hila , Ben-Ami Dror , Dayan Tamar 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
As wolves recolonize human-modified landscapes across the Old World, management programs aiming to mitigate livestock depredation while preserving wolf populations are falling short. The combination of human activity, habitat fragmentation, and mixed land use creates complex challenges for conservation management. Recolonized by wolves in the 1970s, the Golan Heights in northern Israel poses a dense mosaic landscape of risk, comprising grazing pastures, military zones, nature reserves, agriculture, and minefields. Today it contains one of the highest densities of wolves worldwide. While wolves are protected by law, the government maintains an active lethal management program by which about 25% of the population is culled annually. To evaluate this program’s effectiveness, we used 60 motion-triggered camera traps over 5,997 nights to monitor wolf activity across the Golan Heights. Using long-term culling and landscape data, we assessed the spatiotemporal responses of single wolves and wolf packs to culling pressure, land use and human activity. We found a positive relationship between culling pressure and single wolf activity, while pack responses to culling varied over a gradient of land uses. Single wolves utilized high-risk areas near cattle despite intense culling, while packs dominated protected, no-culling zones. Overall, culling did not deter wolves, singles or packs, from conflict zones; all zones were occupied by wolves. However, wolves shifted temporally to avoid daytime human activity and were predominantly nocturnal in high-culling areas. Understanding wolves’ responses to lethal management across diverse anthropogenic pressures offers lessons for other areas, particularly in Europe, currently undergoing wolf recolonization in similar landscapes.
Environmental impact and mobility of thallium and other metal(oid)s in soils and tailings near a decommissioned Zn-Pb mine (Raibl, NE Italian Alps)
Authors: Barago Nicolò , Pavoni Elena , Floreani Federico , Crosera Matteo , Adami Gianpiero , Lenaz Davide , Covelli Stefano 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The potential impact of decommissioned mining areas on environmental quality is of major concern for local communities, posing a risk to water resources and human health. This study aims to investigate the impact of extraction activities on the surface environment by evaluating the occurrence of metal(oid)s, including potentially toxic elements (PTEs, i.e. As, Cd, Fe, Tl, Zn, Pb) and critical elements (As, Ge), at the Zn-Pb Raibl mining area (northeastern Italy). Elevated concentrations of metal(oid)s are found near mine waste heaps (< 100 mg/kg for Tl, Sb, Cd, Ge; > 1,000 mg/kg for As; > 1% for Pb and > 10% for Zn and Fe), which are made up of flotation tailings and waste rocks scattered around the mining village and stored in the tailings impoundments. Conversely, upstream from the mine, the environment is largely uncontaminated. According to the results, total and leachable metal(oid) concentrations are positively correlated. Tailings (65.1–754 mg/kg of Tl) are identified as the primary source of leachable Tl (11.4–255 mg/kg) and metal(oid)s are generally more mobile in organic-rich soils, suggesting increased metal(oid) mobility with soil ageing due to low soil pH and potential soluble organometallic complexes. Furthermore, the findings suggest that reprocessing of mine tailings could be a potential solution to recover valuable elements together with residue backfilling. Lastly, results from this study highlight how crucial mining site management is to limit PTE dispersion and reducing risks to the environment and public health.
Characterization of safranal-induced morphological changes and salt stress alleviation in lettuce seedlings
Authors: Oka Tomomasa , Fujimaru Yuki , Minami Takehiko , Yamaguchi Takuya , Matsumoto Hiroshi , Sunohara Yukari 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Volatile organic compounds of plant origin can be used to develop biostimulants and plant-growth regulators. While screening volatile compounds from several plant species, safranal (2,6,6-trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-diene-1-carbaldehyde), an apocarotenoid produced by saffron (Crocus sativus L.), effectively enhanced primary root (PR) elongation in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Legacy) seedlings. Therefore, we aimed to examine the effects of exogenous safranal treatment on the morphological and physiological characteristics of lettuce seedlings. The data showed that, three days after treatment with 19 µmol/L safranal in the dark, lettuce seedlings showed a marked increase in PR length, whereas hypocotyl growth was suppressed. Based on transcriptomic and qRT-PCR analyses, a total of 114 gene expression alterations due to safranal application were detected, including upregulations of ethylene and abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis genes. Additionally, safranal promoted ethylene production in both roots and hypocotyls; however, AgNO3, an ethylene-signalling inhibitor, did not affect PR or hypocotyl length after safranal treatment. Safranal slightly increased root ABA content. Exogenous treatment with 1 µmol/L fluridone (1-methyl-3-phenyl-5-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl] pyridin-4(1 H)-one), a carotenoid-biosynthesis inhibitor, did not significantly affect safranal-induced changes in PR or hypocotyl length. Safranal alleviated NaCl (50 mmol/L)-induced inhibition of PR elongation and cell death in lettuce seedlings. Moreover, it mitigated the NaCl-induced increase in root O2
− and H2O2 content. Altogether, our findings suggest that exogenous safranal regulated PR and hypocotyl lengths. These effects seemingly occur through mechanisms independent of ethylene, ABA, or reactive oxygen species. Safranal apparently alleviated salinity stress by reducing oxidative damage.
Effects of the fungicide azoxystrobin and wastewater effluent on leaf-associated fungal communities and a key amphipod shredder
Authors: Wüthrich Astrid , Ebner Joshua , Bruder Andreas , von Fumetti Stefanie 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Freshwater ecosystems receive a constant influx of pollutants affecting all levels of biological organisation. We assessed the impacts of wastewater and the fungicide azoxystrobin on two trophic levels: the shredder Gammarus fossarum and leaf-associated fungal communities. Gammarus fossarum and Fagus sylvatica-leaves were exposed to stream water, wastewater, and both water types spiked with 40 µg/L azoxystrobin. For G. fossarum we determined the feeding rate and the respiratory electron transport system (ETS) activity, while the effects on fungal communities were investigated by measuring biomass, community composition, and sporulation rate, the latter serving as a measure of reproductive output. A significant decrease in feeding rate from stream water to wastewater with azoxystrobin was observed. ETS activity declined over time across all treatments, except in wastewater with azoxystrobin. Fungal biomass and community composition were not affected by azoxystrobin nor by wastewater, but the presence of G. fossarum increased the reproductive output. This study suggests that the combination of two stressors negatively affects G. fossarum, while the shredder itself positively affects the reproduction of leaf-associated fungi. By assessing the impact of fungicides in natural and polluted water, this research expands our understanding of pollutant-driven ecosystem shifts and their cascading effects on different trophic levels.
Mentorship and Outreach: Exploring Students’ Feedback to Improve Men of Color Retention Programs
Authors: Lopez Edgar F. , Huerta Adrian H. , Torres Gabriela M. , Castillo Adriana J. , Salazar Maritza E. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In response to the need for increased college enrollment and retention rates among men of color, men of color programs have emerged as a key initiative in higher education. Using Yosso’s (2005) community cultural wealth as a framework, this qualitative study explored the impact of men of color programs on student experiences in higher education, focusing on the importance of student feedback in improving programmatic initiatives. Data were collected from 85 student participants at four different institutions through interviews and focus group discussions. Student participants highlighted the critical role of mentors of color, the need for diverse representation among program personnel, and the importance of broader outreach efforts to ensure that more men of color are aware of and can benefit from these resources. We recommend that institutional leaders and men of color program directors prioritize increased funding and strategic initiatives aimed at expanding program capacity, strengthening existing programs, diversifying the range of student support services offered, actively engaging students in the design and implementation of these programs, and expanding outreach efforts to ensure the academic success of their college men of color students.
Density, Normal Spectral Emissivity, Heat Capacity, and Thermal Conductivity of the Ti6Al4V Melt Measured by Electromagnetic Levitation with a Static Magnetic Field
Authors: Watanabe Manabu , Funada Suguru , Ohtsuka Makoto , Adachi Masayoshi , Fukuyama Hiroyuki 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study aimed to accurately measure the density (ρ), normal spectral emissivity (ε), heat capacity at constant pressure (C

p
), and thermal conductivity (κ) of the Ti–6 mass % Al–4 mass % V (Ti64) melt by electromagnetic levitation with a static magnetic field and laser modulation calorimetry. A static magnetic field was applied to the levitated Ti64 melt to suppress the surface oscillation and translational motion of the droplets, and to suppress the convection flow inside the droplet for each property measurement, as needed. The measurement uncertainty was analyzed for all of the thermophysical property data. The excess volume and excess heat capacity of the Ti64 melt obtained in this study were compared with those evaluated using the ideal solution model. The contribution of the thermal vibrations of the atoms in κ for the Ti64 melt was evaluated from the difference between the measured thermal conductivity (κ) value and the κ values calculated using the Wiedemann–Franz law.
Assessing ECG-QRS signal detection algorithm chip and simulation on several FPGAs
Authors: Dhyani Shikha , Kumar Adesh , Choudhury Sushabhan , Verma Chaman , Illés Zoltán 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic tool that records the electrical activity of the heart, providing information on the cardiac cycle. It is widely utilized in medical and healthcare settings for monitoring purposes. The QRS complex, which encompasses the Q wave, R wave, and S wave, is indicative of the depolarization of the ventricles. The QRS complex is a standard feature of ECG leads, and its waves vary depending on the lead position and the heart's electrical activity. The primary objective of this research endeavor has been to implement the Ahlstrom and Tompkins method's equations using Very High-Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language (VHDL). The aim is to develop a system capable of identifying the peak of two successive ECG waveforms. The hardware chip design for detecting the QRS complex in ECG signals was implemented using Xilinx ISE 14.7 and subsequently validated through successful simulation in Modelsim 10.0 software. The algorithm's performance is assessed on various FPGA platforms, specifically focusing on power consumption, latency, frequency, and hardware utilizations on Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) by Xilinx. The Virtex-7 FPGA has demonstrated superior performance when compared to other FPGA models, with an ideal delay value of 7.120 ns, power consumption of 1.95 mW, and operating frequency of 750 MHz. The novelty of this work lies in the scalable FPGA-based algorithm for QRS detection, which excels in switching speed and low power consumption across various FPGAs. This allows designers to integrate deep learning techniques for QRS detection and achieve hardware acceleration for real-time implementation.
Integrating Real-Time Wireless Sensor Networks into IoT Using MQTT-SN
Authors: Stangaciu Valentin , Stangaciu Cristina , Gusita Bianca , Curiac Daniel-Ioan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Wireless Sensor Networks gradually became a mature technology that enabled the implementation of a large number of critical applications. However, the integration of such networks in much more complex systems, such as IoT, still poses a major challenge. In this paper we present a viable solution to accomplish such a difficult task by using MQTT-SN to integrate critical real-time WSNs into an IoT platform. The core of our work is a platform independent real-time driver for MQTT-SN along with a communication architecture to enable the integration of low end devices into an MQTT network using MQTT-SN. We also describe a comprehensive practical demonstration using real hardware modules that validates our claimed solution.
Limits and Paradoxes of Accelerating Research. A Retrospective on the Attempts to Accelerate Medical Research on COVID-19
Authors: Grieser Christopher 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a historically unprecedented effort to accelerate medical research on the novel coronavirus. At the same time, researchers have raised concerns that the attempts to expedite research had negative side effects, such as information overload or adverse impacts on research quality. This paper thus explores the question whether attempts to increase the pace of research do more harm than good and to what extent the acceleration of scientific knowledge production is even possible. To address these questions, this article proposes a multi-level perspective on research speed consisting of four interrelated dimensions: the speed of individual research activities, the number of concurrent research activities, the speed of knowledge circulation, and the usefulness of knowledge contributions for peers. A closer examination of medical research on COVID-19 reveals that attempts to accelerate research were inherently precarious: On the one hand, there are hard limits to the speed of research, while on the other, several measures intended to expedite research have side effects that can actually decelerate research. This ambiguous character of research acceleration creates difficult trade-offs that require careful consideration in science policy.