bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Walking the Line: Bronze and Iron Age as Terms in Middle Nile Valley Archaeology?
Authors: Näser Claudia 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This paper explores the justifiability, usefulness and appropriateness of employing the terms ‘Bronze Age’ and ‘Iron Age’ in the context of Middle Nile valley archaeology. It argues that the reluctance to use these terms is linked to the disciplinary isolation of Egyptian archaeology and the singularization of ancient Egypt, and by extension the Middle Nile valley, in the disciplinary discourse of the past two hundred years. It further argues that while we cannot step out of this history, a critical debate, and emerging from this an emancipatory use of the terminology, is the best way forward. Based on a case study from Mograt Island, the paper suggests that using macro level ‘epochal’ terms such as ‘Bronze Age’ and ‘Iron Age’ actually supports the engagement with micro level dynamics, local variability, agency and multidimensional interactions, as it allows to break up the illusory unity and reach of intermediate level entities such as ‘Kerma culture’ which have come to dominate archaeological interpretations in the past sixty years when enquiries were focussed on this level and the key sites which were taken to represent it.
Bronze Age as a Term in Northeast African Archaeology? A Plea for Regional Chronologies
Authors: Jesse Friederike 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The paper discusses the relevance of the term ‘Bronze Age’ as a chronological term in Northeast Africa by taking a closer look at definitions and the presence of bronze objects especially in Nubia. As chronological classification very much depends on the area under consideration, the use of regional chronologies is proposed.
Replacing “Ethnicity” with Investigations of More Specific Identities in the Ancient Nile Valley
Authors: Liszka Kate 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Egyptologists have long asked what ethnic group something belongs to or what ethnicity someone in the past belonged to. This paper argues that seeking ethnicity in the past is not helpful for understanding the complexities and nuances of ancient social interactions and history. Instead, this paper advocates for scholars to seek the answer to more specific questions about ancient peoples. By seeking specific questions about nuanced aspects of identity, we can understand the complexities of ancient peoples, their choices, and their interactions. This paper demonstrates the problems that arise when we only seek the answer to questions about ancient ethnicity. It acts as a guide to scholars willing to advance towards nuance in their questioning by looking at examples from art, archaeology, and texts.
De-Constructing the Pan-Grave Horizon: A Community-based Approach
Authors: de Souza Aaron M. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This article applies Communities of Practice as a framework for understanding the broad variation observable in the archaeological record of the so-called ‘Pan-Grave horizon’. The discussion begins with an overview of key practices and object types diagnostic (or at least characteristic) for the Pan-Grave horizon. This is followed by a comparative study of two pairs of sites, one at Hierakonpolis in Upper Egypt, the other at Debeira East in Lower Nubia. Chronology, mobility, physical environment, and inter-community contact and exchange are explored as underlying factors behind the variation between the sites. Using Communities of Practice, it is proposed that the Pan-Grave horizon might instead be viewed as a ‘culture of communities,’ defined here as a system of distinct social communities that are united by a shared set of cultural practices that vary from one situation to another, and eventually become archaeologically manifest in different ways.
Selection and Optimization of a Machine Learning Algorithm for Antarctic Blowing Snow Diagnosis Using MERRA-2 Reanalysis
Authors: Bhatta Surendra , Yang Yuekui 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Accurate identification of blowing snow (BLSN) is crucial for studying Antarctic surface mass balance (SMB). Previous research has demonstrated the potential of diagnosing BLSN properties using Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Application, version 2 (MERRA-2), meteorological parameters. The goal of this study is to develop a machine learning model that is best suited for operational production of Antarctic BLSN occurrence diagnosis. To achieve this objective, the comprehensive framework begins by training with BLSN observations from CALIPSO. The optimal input features, consisting of 21 meteorological parameters from the MERRA-2 reanalysis, are then selected through a feature selection process. Second, a comparison of five machine learning algorithms reveals that the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) algorithm outperforms others, leading to its selection for model development. Third, extensive tests validate BLSN diagnoses, achieving best performance with individual monthly models. The results show that the monthly models, trained with XGBoost and 21 selected MERRA-2 parameters by aggregating data over a decade for each month spanning 2007–16, are well suited for long-term Antarctic BLSN diagnosis. This enables the generation of hourly, grid-based MERRA-2-BLSN data from 1980 to the present. The model’s robustness is demonstrated by training it on data excluding 2009 and then successfully diagnosing BLSN for 2009. Even for the challenging winter to summer transition month of October, the model achieved ∼92% accuracy and an F1 score of ∼73%. Results are even better in the winter months, from April to September. Moreover, the models’ explainability is showcased through the utilization of Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) values and local interpretable model-agnostic explanation (LIME) analysis.
Dynamic quantitative measurement of ice density by ultrasonic pulse echo
Authors: Wang Yan , Wang Yuan , Zhang Yang , Wu Dawei , Zhu Chengxiang , Zhu Chunling , Lu Xiyun 
Published: February 2025

Density is an important parameter for characterizing the type of ice and has a significant impact on the accuracy of icing detection and energy consumption of anti-icing. However, the existing techniques cannot quantitatively measure the ice density without disrupting the icing process. In this study, a novel approach for dynamically quantitatively measuring ice density is proposed. Ultrasonic pulse echo (UPE) technique was used to measure the ice thickness and density during the icing process. The correlation between the ice density and ultrasonic attenuation was established through numerical simulation. Subsequently, experiments were conducted in an icing wind tunnel (IWT) to measure the ice thickness and density. The findings indicated that the ice thickness ranges at temperatures of −5°C and −8°C were 0.36∼5.68 mm and 0.34∼4.81 mm, respectively. The densities of the ice were measured at 894.55 kg/m3 and 881.45 kg/m3 respectively, with a maximum absolute error of 4.4 kg/m3 compared with the ice density measured by microscope. The results showed that the dynamic quantitative measurement of ice density utilizing UPE technique is feasible. This methodology offers a novel avenue for measuring ice density in atmospheric icing phenomena.
Vibration and acoustic characteristics of novel auxetic honeycomb sandwich panels with polyurea-metal laminate face sheets
Authors: Li Chunjin , Zhu Jiamei , Guo Junlan , He Qiang 
Published: February 2025

A honeycomb core design that embeds a rhombic honeycomb into a re-entrant honeycomb was proposed. A novel auxetic honeycomb sandwich panel (NAHSP) with a polyurea-metal laminated panel was developed to enhance the vibroacoustic performance. A numerical model of the NAHSP with polyurea-metal laminated (PML) faceplates was established and validated using ABAQUS software. Numerical simulations were used to analyze the vibration and acoustic responses of the NAHSPs in four different configurations. The results indicate that the PML faceplates and the honeycomb geometry effectively reduce vibration and suppress noise. The symmetrical PML-A faceplate structure outperforms the asymmetrical structure in vibration damping and sound insulation. The peak of the frequency/time response curve of the NAHSP decreases the most by 6 mm polyurea thickness, with an average sound insulation improvement of 9.4%. The honeycomb geometry with a tilt angle of −45° exhibits the best vibroacoustic performance for the NAHSP.
Countering hybrid threats: How NATO must adapt (again) after the war in Ukraine
Authors: Genini Davide 
Published: February 2025

After more than 75 years, NATO continues to adapt to an evolving security landscape. Established in the aftermath of World War II, NATO’s original purpose was to counter the threats posed by the Soviet Union. However, following the Cold War’s conclusion in 1991, NATO reinvented itself, expanding its mandate to address hybrid threats from both state and non-state actors. As this paper argues, NATO has made significant strides in responding to hybrid threats. It has developed a dedicated strategy, reformed its structures, increased support to its Allies, and pursued enlargement. Despite these efforts, setbacks remain, which could undermine its deterrence posture. This article aims to understand NATO’s adaptation to hybrid threats and propose a roadmap for the necessary reforms. The 2022 Russian large-scale invasion of Ukraine has transformed hybrid threats from a looming menace into a direct challenge for NATO and its Allies, underscoring the need for further adaptation in the Alliance’s approach.
An Iterative Tuning Method for Feedforward Control of Parallel Manipulators Considering Nonlinear Dynamics
Authors: Wang Xiaojian , Wu Jun 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Feedforward control is one of the most effective control techniques to increase the robot’s tracking accuracy. However, most of the dynamic models used in the feedforward controllers are linearly simplified such that the nonlinear and time-varying characteristics of dynamics in the workspace are ignored. In this paper, an iterative tuning method for feedforward control of parallel manipulators by taking nonlinear dynamics into account is proposed. Based on the robot rigid-body dynamic model, a feedforward controller considering the dynamic nonlinearity is presented. An iterative tuning method is given to iteratively update the feedforward controller by minimizing the root mean square (RMS) of the joint errors at each cycle. The effectiveness and extrapolation capability of the proposed method are validated through the experiments on a 2-DOF parallel manipulator. This research proposes an iterative tuning method for feedforward control of parallel manipulators considering nonlinear dynamics, which has better extrapolation capability in the whole workspace of manipulators.
The viscoelastic properties of Nicotiana tabacum BY-2 suspension cell lines adapted to high osmolarity
Authors: Skrzypczak Tomasz , Pochylski Mikołaj , Rapp Magdalena , Wojtaszek Przemysław , Kasprowicz-Maluśki Anna 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
To survive and grow, plant cells must regulate the properties of their cellular microenvironment in response to ever changing external factors. How the biomechanical balance across the cell’s internal structures is established and maintained during environmental variations remains a nurturing question. To provide insight into this issue we used two micro-mechanical imaging techniques, namely Brillouin light scattering and BODIPY-based molecular rotors Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging, to study Nicotiana tabacum suspension BY-2 cells long-term adapted to high concentrations of NaCl and mannitol. The molecular crowding in cytoplasm and vacuoles was examined, as well as tension in plasma membrane. To understand how sudden changes in osmolarity affect cellular mechanics, the response of the control and the already adapted cells to further short-term osmotic stimulus was also examined. The viscoelasticity of protoplasts is altered differently during adaptation processes compared to responses to sudden hyperosmolarity stress. The applied correlative approach provides evidence that adaptation to hyperosmotic stress leads to different ratios of protoplast and environmental qualities that help to maintain cell integrity. The viscoelastic properties of protoplasts are an element of plant cells long-term adaptation to high osmolarity. Moreover, such adaptation has an impact on the response to the hyperosmolarity stress.

Graphical Abstract
Evaluation of the parasympathetic tone activity (PTA) for posttraumatic pain assessment in awake dogs before orthopaedic surgery - A prospective non-randomised clinical study
Authors: Billau Eva Martha , Weniger Max Bernhard Hubertus , Büttner Kathrin , Tacke Sabine , Müller Eva Saskia 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Study design
A prospective non-randomised clinical study.

Animals
A study group with 18 posttraumatic dogs before surgery and a control group with nine healthy dogs.

Methods
Two different examiners evaluated the pain using two multidimensional pain scales (the Canine Acute Pain Scale of the Colorado State University (CSU-CAPS) and the Modified Glasgow Pain Scale (MGPS)) before the administration of methadone. During the administration of methadone, the Parasympathetic Tone Activity (PTA) was measured. In the control group, the PTA was measured without administration of methadone. In the statistical evaluation, correlation between PTA value and pain scores, and the predictive value of the PTA value in determining whether the animal was classified as painful was investigated. In addition, the results of the different pain scales and the results of the different examiners were compared.

Results
The average PTA values of the control group were 45.67 (± 13.64). Two of nine (22.22%) animals in the control group have their average PTA value above the ‘pain-free state’ of 50. The average PTA values of the study group were 56.16 (± 15.11) and 51.05 (± 13.24) before and after methadone administration, respectively. Comparing the average values of the study group 30 s before methadone administration with the average values of the control group, there was no significant difference (p = 0.5403). Examiner A (experienced) classified 14 of 16 animals (87.5%) with the CSU-CAPS, and examiner A2 (inexperienced) classified 7 of 16 patients (43.75%) as painful. In 56.25% of the cases, both examiners (A and A2) reached the same decision when using CSU-CAPS. When using the MGPS, 10 of 18 patients (55.56%) reached the intervention level regardless of the examiner. In 88.89% of the cases, the two examiners reached the same decision; there is a highly positive correlation between the two examiners (Spearman correlation coefficient rs = 0.84). There was no correlation between the monitor and score values of both pain scales with either examiner.

Conclusion
The PTA monitor on the awake animal was not suitable for pain detection. There were no statistically significant correlations of PTA scores with pain scale scores, regardless of the examiner. Similarly, the tendency for the study group to have lower PTA scores indicates that PTA also appears to be influenced by environmental factors.
Genomic alterations and transcriptional phenotypes in circulating free DNA and matched metastatic tumor
Authors: Takahashi Nobuyuki , Pongor Lorinc , Agrawal Shivam P. , Shtumpf Mariya , Gurjar Ankita , Rajapakse Vinodh N. , Shafiei Ahmad , Schultz Christopher W. , Kim Sehyun , Roame Diana , Carter Paula , Vilimas Rasa , Nichols Samantha , Desai Parth , Figg William Douglas , Bagheri Mohammad , Teif Vladimir B. , Thomas Anish 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Profiling circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has become a fundamental practice in cancer medicine, but the effectiveness of cfDNA at elucidating tumor-derived molecular features has not been systematically compared to standard single-lesion tumor biopsies in prospective cohorts of patients. The use of plasma instead of tissue to guide therapy is particularly attractive for patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), due to the aggressive clinical course of this cancer, which makes obtaining tumor biopsies exceedingly challenging.

Methods
In this study, we analyzed a prospective cohort of 49 plasma samples obtained before, during, and after treatment from 20 patients with recurrent SCLC. We conducted cfDNA low-pass whole genome sequencing (0.1X coverage), comparing it with time-point matched tumor characterized using whole-exome (130X) and transcriptome sequencing.

Results
A direct comparison of cfDNA and tumor biopsy revealed that cfDNA not only mirrors the mutation and copy number landscape of the corresponding tumor but also identifies clinically relevant resistance mechanisms and cancer driver alterations not detected in matched tumor biopsies. Longitudinal cfDNA analysis reliably tracks tumor response, progression, and clonal evolution. Sequencing coverage of plasma DNA fragments around transcription start sites showed distinct treatment-related changes and captured the expression of key transcription factors such as NEUROD1 and REST in the corresponding SCLC tumors. This allowed for the prediction of SCLC neuroendocrine phenotypes and treatment responses.

Conclusions
cfDNA captures a comprehensive view of tumor heterogeneity and evolution. These findings have significant implications for the non-invasive stratification of SCLC, a disease currently treated as a single entity.
Imaging and outcome correlates of ctDNA methylation markers in prostate cancer: a comparative, cross-sectional [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT study
Authors: Kluge Kilian , Lotz Vincent , Einspieler Holger , Haberl David , Spielvogel Clemens , Amereller Dominik , Kramer Gero , Grubmüller Bernhard , Shariat Shahrokh , Haug Alexander , Hacker Marcus , Kenner Lukas , Egger Gerda 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
To validate the clinical utility of a previously identified circulating tumor DNA methylation marker (meth-ctDNA) panel for disease detection and survival outcomes, meth-ctDNA markers were compared to PSA levels and PSMA PET/CT findings in men with different stages of prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods
122 PCa patients who underwent [⁶⁸Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT and plasma sampling (03/2019–08/2021) were analyzed. cfDNA was extracted, and a panel of 8 individual meth-ctDNA markers was queried. PET scans were qualitatively and quantitatively assessed. PSA and meth-ctDNA markers were compared to PET findings, and their relative prognostic value was evaluated.

Results
PSA discriminated best between negative and tumor-indicative PET scans in all (AUC 0.77) and hormone-sensitive (hsPC) patients (0.737). In castration-resistant PCa (CRPC), the meth-ctDNA marker KLF8 performed best (AUC 0.824). CHST11 differentiated best between non- and metastatic scans (AUC 0.705) overall, KLF8 best in hsPC and CRPC (AUC 0.662, 0.85). Several meth-ctDNA markers correlated low to moderate with the tumor volume in all (5/8) and CRPC patients (6/8), while PSA levels correlated moderately to strongly with the tumor volume in all groups (all p < 0.001). CRPC overall survival was independently associated with LDAH and PSA (p = 0.0168, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
The studied meth-ctDNA markers are promising for the minimally-invasive detection and prognostication of CRPC but do not allow for clinical characterization of hsPC. Prospective studies are warranted for their use in therapy response and outcome prediction in CRPC and potential incremental value for PCa monitoring in PSA-low settings.
Bridging therapy with histotripsy prior to liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: a first case report
Authors: Uysal Melis , Wehrle Chase J , Coppa Christopher , Kamath Suneel , Krishnamurthi Smitha , Martin Charles , Hag Mohamed El , Khalil Mazhar , Fujiki Masato , Schlegel Andrea , Miller Charles , Hashimoto Koji , Aucejo Federico , Kwon David CH , Kim Jaekeun 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Histotripsy is a novel, non-invasive, non-ionizing, and non-thermal ablation technique that disrupts tumors using acoustic cavitation. We report the first use of Histotripsy as bridging therapy prior to liver transplant for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with histotripsy.

Case presentation
A 59-year-old woman presented with Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) cirrhosis (labMELD = 14), hepatic encephalopathy, and a single 2 cm OPTN V lesion in the left lateral segment consistent with HCC. The patient underwent histotripsy treatment of the lesion as bridging therapy before receiving liver transplantation. Histopathology analysis of the explanted liver showed total necrosis of the treated area, with no residual viable tissue tumor.

Conclusion
This case demonstrates the potential utility of histotripsy as an effective bridging therapy for patients with combined cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) awaiting liver transplantation, with complete tumor necrosis on explant pathology demonstrating its therapeutic efficacy.
Single-cell multi-omics analysis identifies SPP1+ macrophages as key drivers of ferroptosis-mediated fibrosis in ligamentum flavum hypertrophy
Authors: Fei Chengshuo , Chen Yanlin , Tan Ruiqian , Yang Xinxing , Wu Guanda , Li Chenglong , Shi Jiawei , Le Shiyong , Yang Wenjie , Xu Jiajia , Wang Liang , Zhang Zhongmin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Ligamentum flavum hypertrophy (LFH) is a primary contributor to lumbar spinal stenosis. However, a thorough understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving LFH fibrotic progression remains incomplete.

Methods
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed to construct the single-cell map of human ligamentum flavum (LF) samples. An integrated multi-omics approach, encompassing scRNA-seq, bulk RNA sequencing (bulk RNA-seq), and Mendelian randomization (MR), was applied to conduct comprehensive functional analysis. Clinical tissue specimens and animal models were employed to further confirm the multi-omics findings.

Results
ScRNA-seq provided a single-cell level view of the fibrotic microenvironment in LF, revealing significantly increased proportions of fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and macrophages in LFH. Using transmission electron microscopy, single-cell gene set scoring, and MR analysis, ferroptosis was identified as a critical risk factor and pathway within LFH. Subcluster analysis of fibroblasts revealed functional heterogeneity among distinct subpopulations, highlighting the functional characteristics and the metabolic dynamics of fibroblast with a high ferroptosis score (High Ferro-score FB). The quantification of gene expression at single-cell level revealed that ferroptosis increased along with fibrosis in LFH specimens, a finding further validated in both human and mice tissue sections. Consistently, bulk RNA-seq confirmed increased proportions of fibroblasts and macrophages in LFH specimens, underscoring a strong correlation between these cell types through Spearman correlation analysis. Notably, subcluster analysis of the mononuclear phagocytes identified a specific subset of SPP1+ macrophages (SPP1+ Mac) enriched in LFH, which exhibited activation of fibrosis and ferroptosis-related metabolic pathways. Cell-cell communication analysis highlighted that SPP1+ Mac exhibited the strongest outgoing and incoming interactions among mononuclear phagocytes in the LFH microenvironment. Ligand-receptor analysis further revealed that the SPP1-CD44 axis could serve as a key mediator regulating the activity of High Ferro-score FB. Multiplex immunofluorescence confirmed substantial Collagen I deposition and reduced Ferritin Light Chain expression in regions with SPP1-CD44 co-localization in LFH specimens.

Conclusions
Our findings indicated that SPP1+ Mac may contribute to LFH fibrosis by regulating ferroptosis in High Ferro-score FB through the SPP1-CD44 axis. This study enhances our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying LFH progression, potentially improving early diagnostic strategies and identifying new therapeutic targets.