bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ion Beam Analysis including ToF-ERDA of complex composition layers
Authors: Dobrovodský J , Vaňa D , Beňo M , Lofaj F , Riedlmajer R 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
When developing new materials for example, for high-temperature nuclear reactors with the potential of hydrogen production, that are characterized by radiation, high temperature and corrosion resistance, it is indispensable the knowledge of their detailed elemental composition and its possible variation with depth from surface. Several analytical methods based on different physical principles are used to determine the depth distribution of elements in the surface layers of materials. For the quantitative determination of elemental depth profile to a depth of several micrometres are applicable established Ion Beam Analysis (IBA) methods such as RBS, EBS, NRA and ERDA. Their advantage is that they are considered to be absolute and to a certain extent non-destructive. Each of these methods is advantageously used to analyse a certain range of elements, sometimes depending on the combination of other elements present. The recently commissioned Time of Flight Elastic Recoil Analysis (ToF-ERDA) measuring system at the Slovak University of Technology MTF in Trnava significantly enhanced the Ion Beam Laboratory capability of a comprehensive elemental analysis of thin films to the depth of hundreds of nanometres. Using the primary analysing 50 MeV Au beam, the depth profiles of all elements from W to H can be obtained within a single measurement. Analysis of complex samples using traditional IBA methods and high-energy ToF-ERDA is discussed and compared. The first measurements on the new ToF-ERDA installation are also presented.
Eco-friendly synthesis of mesoporous bioactive glass ceramics and functionalization for drug delivery and hard tissue engineering applications
Authors: Tabassum Sobia , Saqib Muhammad , Batool Madeeha , Sharif Faiza , Gilani Mazhar Amjad , Huck Olivier 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Hard tissue regenerative mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) has traditionally been synthesized using costly and toxic alkoxysilane agents and harsh conditions. In this study, MBG was synthesized using the cheaper reagent SiO2 by using a co-precipitation approach. The surface properties of MBG ceramic were tailored by functionalizing with amino and carboxylic groups, aiming to develop an efficient drug delivery system for treating bone infections occurring during or after reconstruction surgeries. The amino groups were introduced through a salinization reaction, while the carboxylate groups were added via a chain elongation reaction. The MBG, MBG-NH2, and MBG-NH-COOH were analyzed by using various techniques: x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The XRD results confirmed the successful preparation of MBG, and the FTIR results indicated successful functionalization. BET analysis revealed that the prepared samples were mesoporous, and functionalization tuned their surface area and surface properties. Cefixime, an antibiotic, was loaded onto MBG, MBG-NH2, and MBG-NH-COOH to test their drug-carrying capacity. Comparatively, MBG-NH-COOH showed good drug loading and sustained release behavior. The release of the drug followed the Fickian diffusion mechanism. All prepared samples displayed favorable biocompatibility at higher concentration in the Alamar blue assay with MC3T3 cells and exhibited the good potential for hard tissue regeneration, as carbonated hydroxyapatite formed on their surfaces in simulated body fluid.
Synthesis and characterization of 3-in-1 multifunctional lipiodol-doped Fe3O4@Poly (diallyl isophthalate) microspheres for arterial embolization, chemotherapy, and imaging
Authors: Chen Piaoyi , Xiao Qinglin , Guo Zhaoxiong , Liang Wei , Liu Ou , Lin Liteng , Huang Yugang , Zhu Kangshun , Ye Guodong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Transcatheter arterial embolization plays a pivotal role in treating various diseases. However, the efficacy of embolization therapy in cancer treatment can be limited by several factors, such as inevitable incomplete or non-target embolization, and the tumor recurrence and metastasis caused by the hypoxic microenvironment. Moreover, it is essential to explore simpler, more economical, and efficient methods for microsphere synthesis. Herein, we achieved one-step photocatalytic synthesis of lipiodol-doped Fe3O4@Poly (diallyl iso-phthalate) multifunctional microspheres (IFeD MS) for arterial embolization, chemotherapy, and imaging. The prepared microspheres are in the shape of dried plums, with a particle size of 100–300 μm. Lipiodol demonstrates a certain degree of chemotherapeutic activity, and the incorporation of Fe3O4 enables the microspheres to exhibit magnetothermal response and magnetic resonance imaging capabilities. Furthermore, the radiopaque characteristics of both agents provide the microspheres with promising potential for computed tomography and digital radiography imaging. The renal embolization experiment in rabbits demonstrated that IFeD MS achieved significant embolization and chemotherapeutic effects. Biocompatibility experiments revealed that this embolic agent did not induce tissue damage or inflammation beyond the treatment area. Additionally, IFeD MS exhibited promising imaging potential. The results of this study imply that the developed multifunctional embolic agent IFeD MS may have significant potential in transforming tumors previously only suitable for palliative cares into resectable radical treatments.
Mechanical fabrication and evaluation of bioresorbable barbed sutures with different barb geometries
Authors: Nambi Gowri Karuna , King Martin W 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Bioresorbable polymeric sutures are gaining interest from surgeons and patients as they reduce surgical stress and trauma. This study involves two bioresorbable polymers, namely, catgut and poly(4-hyrdorxybutyrate) (P4HB) that are used widely in cosmetic procedures. P4HB barbed sutures are favorably used in rhytidectomy (micro-facelifts) procedures while catgut sutures are widely used for external wound closure after surgical interventions. This study involves the mechanical fabrication of catgut and P4HB barbed sutures and compares their mechanical and anchoring properties. Barbed sutures were fabricated with two different barb geometries namely, straight and curved barbs. The mechanical properties were evaluated via tensile testing, and the anchoring performance was studied by means of a suture-tissue pull-out protocol using porcine dermis tissue which was harvested from the medial dorsal site. The fabricated barbed sutures of both materials showed a similar trend compared to non-barbed sutures of decreases in failure stress, strain at failure, and work to rupture or toughness which was reduced by about 70%. At the same time there was a 15% increase in the initial modulus or stiffness of the barbed sutures. The pull-out force for the barbed sutures with straight barbs was similar for both P4HB (5.04 ± 0.8 N) and catgut (4.47 ± 3.8 N), and as expected, were higher than that of non-barbed sutures of the same size. It was also observed that barbed sutures with curved barbs also required a higher pull-out force than those sutures with straight barbs. It was concluded that by barbing sutures with different barb shapes and geometries, a range of barbed suture products could be fabricated, each meeting the closure requirements for different types of tissue and therefore being suitable for different surgical procedures.
Gibbs sampling the posterior of neural networks
Authors: Piccioli Giovanni , Troiani Emanuele , Zdeborová Lenka 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we study sampling from a posterior derived from a neural network. We propose a new probabilistic model consisting of adding noise at every pre- and post-activation in the network, arguing that the resulting posterior can be sampled using an efficient Gibbs sampler. For small models, the Gibbs sampler attains similar performances as the state-of-the-art Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, such as the Hamiltonian Monte Carlo or the Metropolis adjusted Langevin algorithm, both on real and synthetic data. By framing our analysis in the teacher-student setting, we introduce a thermalization criterion that allows us to detect when an algorithm, when run on data with synthetic labels, fails to sample from the posterior. The criterion is based on the fact that in the teacher-student setting we can initialize an algorithm directly at equilibrium.
Clinicopathologic features and survival outcomes of CD30 expression in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Shen Ziyuan , Wang Yubo , Xie Ruiyang , Zhang Qing , Xing Xing , Zhang Shuo , Liu Hui , Sang Wei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Previous studies have been inconsistent concerning the association between the prognostic value of CD30 expression and extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL).

Methods
CD30 expression in 82 patients with newly diagnosed ENKTL (mean age, 50 years; 73.2% male) was assessed by immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded sections. The level of CD30 expression was categorized into negative (0%, no staining) and positive groups.

Results
Sixty-seven cases exhibited positive CD30 expression, and the main between-group difference was the Chinese Southwest Oncology Group and Asia Lymphoma Study Group (CA) ENKTL stage and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status. The cutoff point for CD30 expression was 40% by restricted cubic splines analysis. The overall survival of patients with high expression (&gt;40%) was statistically superior to negative (0%) and low-expression groups. A positive correlation was observed between CD30 and Epstein-Barr virus–encoded small RNA status (r = 0.305). Multivariable analysis suggested that positive CD30 expression (hazard ratio, 0.420 [95% CI, 0.193-0.914]; P = .029) and CA advanced stage (hazard ratio, 2.844 [95% CI, 1.371-5.896]; P = .005) were independent prognostic factors for ENKTL.

Conclusions
Positive CD30 expression was a favorable prognostic factor for ENKTL, and CD30 expression could restratify the survival of patients in clinical subgroups.
Child Criminal Exploitation and the Interactional Emergence of Victim Status
Authors: Marshall Hannah 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This article draws on observations and interviews with youth justice practitioners and young people involved in county lines drug dealing to explore the processes by which young people are identified as victims of child criminal exploitation (CCE). The findings reveal that interpersonal interactions between practitioners and young people, specifically young people’s capacity to share information and accept intended acts of care, are vital in producing their status as CCE victims. Yet, a lack of appreciation for young people’s divergent experiences of these interactions can create barriers to their realization. The article concludes by exploring the implications of these processes for contemporary youth justice practice, and by questioning the utility of CCE victim identification as a response to children experiencing harm.
Thepparatia vines (Hibisceae subtribe Trionum) phylogenomics and evolution
Authors: Landrein Sven , Song Shi-Jie , Zhang Jie , Guo Yong-Jie , Shen Jian-Yong , Jiang Qiu-Yu , Low Shook Ling 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Hibisceae subtribe Trionum is the largest clade within Hibiscus s.l. and contains genera with a wide range of growth forms: herbaceous (Abelmoschus), shrubs (Malvaviscus), trees (Wercklea), and exceptionally lianas. The rare and localized Thepparatia species are unique in that they combine a lianescent habit and trioecy.
Several problems have delayed the study of Hibisceae classification including low genetic variability, lack of synapomorphic morphological characters, transoceanic dispersal events, and allopolyploidy. Here, we present a comprehensive phylogenomic hypothesis of Thepparatia based on analyses of the maternally inherited chloroplast and biparentally inherited nuclear ribosomal cistron sequences, and compare these results with its speciation, karyology, and breeding system.
Chloroplast genomes in subtribe Trionum were highly conserved except in Abelmoschus where four additional genes were duplicated. Recent diploid interspecific hybridization is suggested in Thepparatia sipsongpannaensis between T. fragrans and T. scandens during the Pleistocene, around 640 000 years ago. Our observations also indicate Thepparatia have a trioecious breeding system that combined with a unique habit, and a highly localized distribution pattern, have created cross-pollination barriers and ecological specialization. This suggests hybridization events are rare but evolutionary significant in subtribe Trionum.
Finally, our study supports important nomenclature changes: the synonymization of Hibiscus austroyunnanensis with Thepparatia fragrans and the publication of a new species, Thepparatia sipsongpannaensis.
Functional connectivity key feature analysis of cognitive impairment patients based on microstate brain network
Authors: Li Zipeng , Qu Zhongjie , Yin Bowen , Yin Liyong , Li Xin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the initial phase of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The cognitive decline is linked to abnormal connectivity between different regions of the brain. Most brain network studies fail to consider the changes in brain patterns and do not reflect the dynamic pathological characteristics of patients. Therefore, this paper proposes a method for constructing brain networks based on microstate sequences. It also analyzes the microstate temporal parameters and introduces a new feature, the brain homeostasis coefficient (Bhc), to quantify the stability of patient brain connections. The results showed that microstate class B parameters were higher in the MCI than in the HC group. Additionally, the Bhc values in most channels of the MCI and AD groups were lower than those of the HC group, with the most significant differences observed in the right frontal lobe. These differences were statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). The findings indicate that connectivity in the right frontal lobe may be most severely disrupted in patients with cognitive impairment. Furthermore, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment score showed a strong positive correlation with Bhc. This suggests that Bhc could be a novel biomarker for evaluating cognitive function in patients with cognitive impairment.
Risk of incident chronic kidney disease among patients with urolithiasis: a nationwide longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Kim Jae Young , Lee Jae Kwang , Park Jung Tak , Chang Tae Ik 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Urolithiasis has been infrequently implicated to have a causal association with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recently, several studies have demonstrated the relationship between urolithiasis and CKD. However, the generalizability of their results is limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between urolithiasis and the risk of incident CKD.

Methods
This longitudinal cohort study used the National Health Insurance Service data, including 219 570 Korean adults with incident urolithiasis requiring procedural interventions and without prior kidney disease and 219 570 age- and sex-matched controls without urolithiasis between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2020. Primary outcome was the development of CKD, defined by an estimated glomerular filtration rate &lt;60 ml/min/1.73 m2 for at least two consecutive measurements at least 90 days apart. The risk for incident CKD was further examined using the outcome defined by newly occurring diagnostic codes indicating CKD.

Results
Over a mean follow-up of 6 years, 12 338 (2.8%) primary outcome events of CKD were observed (incidence rate 4.6/1000 person-years). Per multivariable Cox analysis, urolithiasis was associated with a higher risk of incident CKD [adjusted hazard ratio 1.41 (95% confidence interval 1.36–1.46)]. This association remained consistent across all clinically relevant subgroups and when the CKD outcome was defined based on the diagnostic codes in the sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions
In this large national cohort study, patients with urolithiasis were associated with a higher risk of incident CKD than those without urolithiasis. Further studies are warranted to establish the benefits of preventing urolithiasis in reducing CKD development.
Thromboxane biosynthesis and future events in diabetes: the ASCEND trial
Authors: Petrucci Giovanna , Buck Georgina A , Rocca Bianca , Parish Sarah , Baigent Colin , Hatem Duaa , Mafham Marion , Habib Aida , Bowman Louise , Armitage Jane , Patrono Carlo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Thromboxane (TX) A2, released by activated platelets, plays an important role in atherothrombosis. Urinary 11-dehydro-TXB2 (U-TXM), a stable metabolite reflecting the whole-body TXA2 biosynthesis, is reduced by ∼70% by daily low-dose aspirin. The U-TXM represents a non-invasive biomarker of in vivo platelet activation and is enhanced in patients with diabetes. This study assessed whether U-TXM is associated with the risk of future serious vascular events or revascularizations (SVE-R), major bleeding, or cancer in patients with diabetes.

Methods
The U-TXM was measured pre-randomization to aspirin or placebo in 5948 people with type 1 or 2 diabetes and no cardiovascular disease, in the ASCEND trial. Associations between log U-TXM and SVE-R (n = 618), major bleed (n = 206), and cancer (n = 700) during 6.6 years of follow-up were investigated by Cox regression; comparisons of these associations with the effects of randomization to aspirin were made.

Results
Higher U-TXM was associated with older age, female sex, current smoking, type 2 diabetes, higher body size, urinary albumin/creatinine ratio of ≥3 mg/mmol, and higher estimated glomerular filtration rate. After adjustment for these, U-TXM was marginally statistically significantly associated with SVE-R and major bleed but not cancer [hazard ratios per 1 SD higher log U-TXM (95% confidence interval): 1.09 (1.00–1.18), 1.16 (1.01–1.34), and 1.06 (0.98–1.14)]. The hazard ratio was similar to that implied by the clinical effects of randomization to aspirin for SVE-R but not for major bleed.

Conclusions
The U-TXM was log-linearly independently associated with SVE-R in diabetes. This is consistent with the involvement of platelet TXA2 in diabetic atherothrombosis.
In-hospital safety outcomes of left atrial appendage occlusion in octogenarians and nonagenarians
Authors: Ismayl Mahmoud , Ahmed Hasaan , Goldsweig Andrew M , Freeman James V , Alkhouli Mohamad 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Aims
Data on safety outcomes of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) in elderly patients are limited. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of LAAO between octogenarians (age 80–89) and nonagenarians (age ≥90) vs. younger patients (age ≤79).

Methods and results
We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the National Inpatient Sample database to identify patients hospitalized for LAAO from 2016 to 2020 and to compare in-hospital safety outcomes in octogenarians and nonagenarians vs. younger patients. The primary outcome was a composite of in-hospital all-cause mortality or stroke. Secondary outcomes included procedural complications, length of stay (LOS), and total costs. Outcomes were determined using logistic regression models. Among 84 140 patients hospitalized for LAAO, 32.9% were octogenarians, 2.8% were nonagenarians, and 64.3% were ≤79 years of age. Over the study period, the volume of LAAO increased in all age groups (all Ptrend &lt; 0.01). After adjustment for clinical and demographic factors, octogenarians and nonagenarians had similar odds of in-hospital all-cause mortality or stroke [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93–2.13 for octogenarians; aOR 1.69, 95% CI 0.67–3.92 for nonagenarians], cardiac tamponade, acute kidney injury, major bleeding, and blood transfusion, in addition to similar LOS and total costs compared with younger patients (all P &gt; 0.05). However, octogenarians and nonagenarians had higher odds of vascular complications compared with younger patients (aOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.08–1.99 for octogenarians; aOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.18–2.97 for nonagenarians).

Conclusion
Octogenarians and nonagenarians undergoing LAAO have a similar safety profile compared with clinically similar younger patients except for higher odds of vascular complications.
High-Quality Genome Assemblies of 4 Members of the Podospora anserina Species Complex
Authors: Ament-Velásquez S Lorena , Vogan Aaron A , Wallerman Ola , Hartmann Fanny E , Gautier Valérie , Silar Philippe , Giraud Tatiana , Johannesson Hanna 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The filamentous fungus Podospora anserina is a model organism used extensively in the study of molecular biology, senescence, prion biology, meiotic drive, mating-type chromosome evolution, and plant biomass degradation. It has recently been established that P. anserina is a member of a complex of 7 closely related species. In addition to P. anserina, high-quality genomic resources are available for 2 of these taxa. Here, we provide chromosome-level annotated assemblies of the 4 remaining species of the complex, as well as a comprehensive data set of annotated assemblies from a total of 28 Podospora genomes. We find that all 7 species have genomes of around 35 Mb arranged in 7 chromosomes that are mostly collinear and less than 2% divergent from each other at genic regions. We further attempt to resolve their phylogenetic relationships, finding significant levels of phylogenetic conflict as expected from a rapid and recent diversification.
Interpreting generative adversarial networks to infer natural selection from genetic data
Authors: Riley Rebecca , Mathieson Iain , Mathieson Sara 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Understanding natural selection and other forms of non-neutrality is a major focus for the use of machine learning in population genetics. Existing methods rely on computationally intensive simulated training data. Unlike efficient neutral coalescent simulations for demographic inference, realistic simulations of selection typically require slow forward simulations. Because there are many possible modes of selection, a high dimensional parameter space must be explored, with no guarantee that the simulated models are close to the real processes. Finally, it is difficult to interpret trained neural networks, leading to a lack of understanding about what features contribute to classification. Here we develop a new approach to detect selection and other local evolutionary processes that requires relatively few selection simulations during training. We build upon a generative adversarial network trained to simulate realistic neutral data. This consists of a generator (fitted demographic model), and a discriminator (convolutional neural network) that predicts whether a genomic region is real or fake. As the generator can only generate data under neutral demographic processes, regions of real data that the discriminator recognizes as having a high probability of being “real” do not fit the neutral demographic model and are therefore candidates for targets of selection. To incentivize identification of a specific mode of selection, we fine-tune the discriminator with a small number of custom non-neutral simulations. We show that this approach has high power to detect various forms of selection in simulations, and that it finds regions under positive selection identified by state-of-the-art population genetic methods in three human populations. Finally, we show how to interpret the trained networks by clustering hidden units of the discriminator based on their correlation patterns with known summary statistics.