bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lateral hypothalamic area high-frequency deep brain stimulation rescues memory decline in aged rat: behavioral, molecular, and electrophysiological study
Authors: Hussein Abdelaziz M. , Abouelnaga Ahmed F. , Obydah Walaa , Saad Somaya , Abass Marwa , Yehia Asmaa , Ibrahim Eman M. , Ahmed Ahmed T. , Abulseoud Osama A. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
To examine the effect of DBS of the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) on age-related memory changes, neuronal firing from CA1, oxidative stress, and the expression of Hsp70, BDNF, and synaptophysin. 72 male rats were randomly allocated into 6 equal groups: a) normal young group (8 W), b) sham young group, c) DBS young group, d) normal old group (24 months), e) sham old group and f) DBS old group. Memory tests (passive avoidance and Y maze), oxidative stress markers (MDA, catalase, and GSH) and expression of Nrf2, HO-1, Hsp70, BDNF, and synaptophysin were measured by the end of the experiment. Also, in vivo recording of the neuronal firing of the CA1 region in the hippocampus was done. Old rats show significant decline in memories, antioxidant genes (Nrf2 and HO-1), antioxidants (GSH and catalase), Hsp70, BDNF, and synaptophysin with significant increase in MDA in hippocampus (p < 0.05) and DBS for LHA caused a significant improvement in memories in old rats, with significant rise in fast gamma and theta waves in CA1 region in old rats (p < 0.05). This was associated with a significant increase in antioxidants (GSH and CAT), antioxidant genes (Nrf2, HO-1), Hsp70, BDNF, and synaptophysin with significant reduction in MDA in hippocampus (p < 0.05). DBS for LHA ameliorates the age-induced memory decline. This might be due to increase in fast gamma in CA1, attenuation of oxidative stress, upregulation of Nrf2, HO-1, Hsp70, BDNF, and synaptophysin in the hippocampus.

Graphical Abstract

The effect of DBS of LHA on memory decline in aged rats. The process of aging results in degeneration of the hippocampus (critical region for memory and learning) via increasing the production of ROS which results in downregulation of Nrf2, HO1, Hsp70, BDNF and synaptophysin leading neuronal aggregates, degeneration and memory decline. On the other hand, DBS of LHA by high frequent currents survive the neurons of hippocampus via reduction of ROS production and upregulation of antioxidant genes (Nrf2/HO1), BDNF, synaptophysin and Hsp70 leading to improvement of memory decline. DBS = deep brain stimulation, LHA = lateral hypothalamic area, ROS = reactive oxygen species, Nrf2 = nuclear erythroid related factor, HO-1 = heme oxygenase-1, BDNF = brain derived neurotrophic factor, Hsp70 = heat shock protein 70. ↑ = increase, ↓ = decrease. Red arrows indicate the process of aging, while blue arrows indicate the process of DBS.
Enhancing difficult airway management training: the role of virtual reality and adaptive learning
Authors: Battegazzorre Edoardo , Gino Bruno , Strada Francesco , Kapralos Bill , Dubrowski Adam , Lamberti Fabrizio , Bottino Andrea 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Emergency physicians play a central role in healthcare. They often must make quick and accurate decisions to save patients’ lives. Among the critical procedures they have to master is difficult airway management (DAM), a procedure required to establish and maintain a patient’s airway for adequate ventilation and oxygenation. To ensure optimal proficiency in DAM, the clinical skills that comprise this procedure must be regularly practiced and updated. However, traditional training approaches present significant organizational challenges in terms of time and cost. In response to these issues, we have developed an innovative education and training application employing immersive Virtual Reality (VR) for teaching basic to advanced DAM procedures, supported by an Adaptive Learning system. To evaluate the effectiveness of our DAM training system, we conducted experiments with a control group trained using traditional methods and two VR subgroups, one with and one without the Adaptive Learning component. Our results show that simulating the DAM procedure in VR is effective in improving students’ knowledge and produces comparable learning outcomes to traditional teaching methods. Interestingly, our study did not provide conclusive evidence that the adaptive design was superior to the non-adaptive one in terms of knowledge and acquisition of skills. However, it demonstrated greater efficiency, particularly in reducing training time.
Efficacy of unbaited and baited green multi-funnel traps for detection of Agrilus species and other wood-boring beetle taxa
Authors: Santoiemma Giacomo , Sweeney Jon , Booth Everett G. , Cavaletto Giacomo , Curletti Gianfranco , Devine Sarah M. , Francese Joseph A. , Franzen Emily K. L. , Giannone Filippo , Giasson Mischa , Gutowski Jerzy M. , Hughes Cory , Kimoto Troy , Kostanowicz Chantelle , Mokrzycki Tomasz , Plewa Radosław , Ray Ann M. , Qingfan Meng , Williams David , Yan Li , Rassati Davide 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Semiochemical-baited traps are a key component of post-border surveillance for detection of non-native and potentially invasive bark and wood-boring beetles (Buprestidae, Cerambycidae, Curculionidae: Scolytinae) at risk of introduction in untreated woody materials used in global trade. Because the particular species that may arrive with imported goods is unknown, plant protection agencies need trapping protocols that effectively survey all three taxa. Baiting traps with host volatiles and aggregation/sex pheromones of longhorn beetles increases efficacy of detecting Cerambycidae and Scolytinae, but its effect on detection of Agrilus species and other jewel beetles is unknown. In this multi-country trapping study we found that the addition of ethanol and common aggregation/sex pheromones of longhorn beetles to green multi-funnel traps placed in the mid-upper forest canopy had negative effects on abundance of Agrilus species and other jewel beetles collected but no effect on their species richness, and significant positive effects on species richness and abundance of Cerambycidae and Scolytinae. Baiting green canopy traps with longhorn beetle pheromones increased the efficacy of traps for detecting total target taxa of bark and wood-boring beetles at risk of international movement in untreated woody materials. This information is beneficial for the design of multi-taxa surveys, potentially saving money and resources without decreasing trapping efficacy.
Modelling low-cycle fatigue behaviour of structural aluminium alloys
Authors: Georgantzia Evangelia , Vardanega Paul J. , Kashani Mohammad M. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Recently, use of 6000 series aluminium alloys in braced frame structures has been increased due to their superior structural properties. Fracturing of braces as a result of low-cycle fatigue has a major impact on nonlinear behaviour of structures under earthquake loading. Therefore, modelling low-cycle fatigue life, i.e., number of reversals to failure, is important to understanding braced-frame structural performance. To date, there are no readily available methods for predicting the low-cycle fatigue behaviour of 6000 series aluminium alloys. This research study aims to provide structural engineers with a computationally efficient approach to assess aluminium alloy structures in the context of potential low cycle fatigue. For this purpose, 18 low-cycle high amplitude fatigue tests (up to ± 6% strain amplitude) were conducted to establish strain − life relationships for 6082-T6, 6063-T6 and 6060-T5 aluminium alloys. The obtained experimental results were then used to calibrate a low-cycle fatigue life model to capture the fracture behaviour of the studied materials. The comparison of experimental results and predicted fatigue behaviour shows the capability of the proposed model to predict to a high degree of precision the onset of fracture and the overall low-cycle fatigue behaviour of material.
MutaSwarmClus: enhancing data clustering efficiency with mutation-enhanced swarm algorithm
Authors: Malik Saleem , Patro S. Gopal Krishna , Mahanty Chandrakanta , Lasisi Ayodele , Al-sareji Osamah J. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Data clustering is a fundamental technique in data mining, pivotal for various applications such as statistical analysis and data compression. Traditional clustering algorithms often struggle with noisy or high-dimensional datasets, hindering their efficacy in addressing real-world challenges. In response, this research introduces MutaSwarmClus, a novel hybrid metaheuristic algorithm that combines Mouth Brooding Fish (MBF), Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), and mutation operators to enhance clustering quality. MutaSwarmClus intends to adaptively control the exploration and exploitation phases of the solution space, solve issues with local optima and changes in the distribution of available data. Moreover, it incorporates an Iterated Local Search (ILS) to refine solutions and avoiding getting stuck in local optima. MutaSwarmClus therefore increases the robustness of the clustering process by incorporating controlled randomness through mutation operators in order to handle noisy and outlier data points well. According to the contributions analysis, the proposed algorithm improves the clustering solution with the combined system of MBF, ACO, and mutation operators, which enables the mechanism of exploration and exploitation in the process of information search. As shown through the results of experimental studies, MutaSwarmClus has high performance when used with various benchmarks, and outperforms or performs as well as or better than compared to other clustering algorithms such as K-means, ALO, Hybrid ALO, and MBF. It achieves an average error rate of only 10%, underscoring its accuracy in clustering tasks. The utilization of MutaSwarmClus offers a solution to the existing problems in clustering large datasets in terms of scalability, efficiency and accuracy. Possible directions for future work can continue to optimize the model parameters of the algorithm and study its adaptability in dynamic conditions and with large amounts of data.
PriCollabAnalysis: privacy-preserving healthcare collaborative analysis on blockchain using homomorphic encryption and secure multiparty computation
Authors: Tawfik Ahmed M. , Al-Ahwal Ayman , Eldien Adly S. Tag , Zayed Hala H. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Advances in blockchain technology offer a decentralized ledger with transformative potential for healthcare data management, facilitating secure transactions and transparent record-keeping. Nevertheless, the sensitive nature of patient data requires enhanced privacy measures. This paper introduces a comprehensive framework enabling researchers to conduct collaborative statistical analysis on health records while preserving privacy and ensuring security. Statistics are invaluable across various disciplines, guiding consequential decisions based on such analysis. The framework integrates privacy-preserving techniques, including secret-sharing, secure multiparty computation (SMPC), and homomorphic encryption, within a blockchain-based healthcare ecosystem. Patient data is divided using secret-sharing, enabling controlled access. Furthermore, SMPC allows secure data aggregation without revealing individual records, while homomorphic encryption supports computation on encrypted data within smart contracts. Through a series of controlled experiments, we assess the framework’s effectiveness in maintaining data privacy, facilitating secure collaboration, and conducting statistical data analysis. The results demonstrate successful preservation of data privacy and secure analysis on a permissioned blockchain using the Hyperledger Fabric platform. Our framework showcases efficient performance while effectively utilizing system resources. This research contributes to the evolution of secure and privacy-conscious healthcare data analysis, paving the way for practical applications and future advancements.
Review of intermediate representations for quantum computing
Authors: Cardama F. Javier , Vázquez-Pérez Jorge , Piñeiro César , Pichel Juan C. , Pena Tomás F. , Gómez Andrés 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Intermediate representations (IRs) are fundamental to classical and quantum computing, bridging high-level quantum programming languages and the hardware-specific instructions required for execution. This paper reviews the development of quantum IRs, focusing on their evolution and the need for abstraction layers that facilitate portability and optimization. Monolithic quantum IRs, such as QIR (Lubinski et al. in Front Phys 10:940293, 2022. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphy.2022.940293), QSSA (Peduri et al. in Proceedings of the 31st ACM SIGPLAN international conference on compiler construction. CC 2022. Association for Computing Machinery, New York, 2022), or Q-MLIR (McCaskey and Nguyen in Proceedings-2021 IEEE International Conference on Quantum Computing and Engineering, QCE, 2021), their effectiveness in handling abstractions, and their hybrid support between quantum-classical operations are evaluated. However, a key limitation is their inability to address qubit locality, an essential feature for distributed quantum computing (DQC). To overcome this, InQuIR (Nishio and Wakizaka in InQuIR: Intermediate Representation for Interconnected Quantum Computers, 2023. https://arxiv.org/abs/2302.00267) was introduced as an IR specifically designed for distributed systems, providing explicit control over qubit locality and inter-node communication. While effective in managing qubit distribution, InQuIR’s dependence on manual manipulation of communication protocols increases complexity for developers. NetQIR (Vázquez-Pérez et al. in NetQIR: An Extension of QIR for Distributed Quantum Computing, 2024. https://arxiv.org/abs/2408.03712), an extension of QIR for DQC, emerges as a solution to achieve the abstraction of quantum communications protocols. This review emphasizes the need for further advancements in IRs for distributed quantum systems, which will play a crucial role in the scalability and usability of future quantum networks.
PET Imaging of a Transgenic Tau Rat Model SHR24 with [18F]AV1451
Authors: Ramakrishnan Nisha K. , Zhao Annie Ziyi , Thompson Stephen , Milicevic Sephton Selena , Williamson David J. , Smolek Tomáš , Žilka Norbert , Aigbirhio Franklin I. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans with radioligands targeting tau neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) have accelerated our understanding of the role of misfolded tau in neurodegeneration. While intended for human research, applying these radioligands to small animals establishes a vital translational link. Transgenic animal models of dementia, such as the tau rat SHR24, play a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of these disorders. This study aims to evaluate the utility of SHR24 rat model for PET studies.

Procedures
Dynamic PET scans were conducted in male SHR24 rats and their wild-type SHR (SHRwt) littermates using [18F]AV1451. Rapid blood sampling and metabolite analysis were performed to acquire input curves. Time activity curves were obtained from various brain regions over 60 min. Blood-based, 2-Tissue Compartment Model (2-TCM) and Logan graphical analysis were used to obtain kinetic modelling parameters. The ability of reference tissue models to predict the binding potential (BPND) were assessed. Autoradiography studies were performed to corroborate the scan data.

Results
Total distribution volume (VT) was the best predicted parameter which revealed significantly higher uptake of [18F]AV1451 in the cortex (5.8 ± 1.1 vs 4.6 ± 0.7, P < 0.05) of SHR24 rats compared to SHRwt rats. Binding potential obtained from 2-TCM was variable, however BPND from reference tissue models detected significantly higher binding in cortex (0.28 ± 0.07 vs 0.20 ± 0.04, P < 0.01 by SRTM) and brainstem (0.14 ± 0.04 vs 0.08 ± 0.02, P < 0.01, by SRTM).

Conclusions
With the ability to detect binding of established radioligand [18F]AV1451 in these rats, we have demonstrated the utility of this model for assessing aggregated tau neurobiology by PET, with reference tissue models providing potential for longitudinal studies.
Microvascular blood flow ultrasound imaging with microbubble-based H-Scan technology
Authors: Jiang Feng , Li Yiheng , Cui Yaoyao , Jiao Yang 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Ultrasound blood flow imaging plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Conventional ultrafast ultrasound plane-wave imaging techniques have limited capabilities in microvascular imaging. To enhance the quality of blood flow imaging, this study proposes a microbubble-based H-Scan ultrasound imaging technique. This technique utilizes high-order H-Scan to detect the Rayleigh scattering contributed by blood flow and microbubbles at certain concentrations. The detected results are then processed in the B channel using methods such as clutter filtering based on Casorati matrix singular value decomposition (Casorati-SVD). Compared with the control group without H-Scan, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the experimental group using the microbubble-based H-Scan ultrasound imaging technique was increased by 38.61% on average and the contrast signal-to-noise ratio (CNR) was increased by 39.5% on average. The improved image quality of microvascular flow imaging was visibly enhanced. This method demonstrates significant advantages in enhancing the sensitivity and accuracy of ultrasound blood flow imaging, indicating considerable potential for clinical applications.

Graphical abstract
Volume and quality of the gluteal muscles are associated with early physical function after total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Iwasa Makoto , Uemura Keisuke , Soufi Mazen , Otake Yoshito , Kinoshita Tomofumi , Kutsuna Tatsuhiko , Takashima Kazuma , Hamada Hidetoshi , Sato Yoshinobu , Sugano Nobuhiko , Okada Seiji , Takao Masaki 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose
Identifying muscles linked to postoperative physical function can guide protocols to enhance early recovery following total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study aimed to evaluate the association of preoperative pelvic and thigh muscle volume and quality with early physical function after THA in patients with unilateral hip osteoarthritis (HOA).

Methods
Preoperative Computed tomography (CT) images of 61 patients (eight males and 53 females) with HOA were analyzed. Six muscle groups were segmented from CT images, and muscle volume and quality were calculated on the healthy and affected sides. Muscle quality was quantified using the mean CT values (Hounsfield units [HU]). Early postoperative physical function was evaluated using the Timed Up & Go test (TUG) at three weeks after THA. The effect of preoperative muscle volume and quality of both sides on early postoperative physical function was assessed.

Results
On the healthy and affected sides, mean muscle mass was 9.7 cm3/kg and 8.1 cm3/kg, and mean muscle HU values were 46.0 HU and 39.1 HU, respectively. Significant differences in muscle volume and quality were observed between the affected and healthy sides. On analyzing the function of various muscle groups, the TUG score showed a significant association with the gluteus maximum volume and the gluteus medius/minimus quality on the affected side.

Conclusion
Patients with HOA showed significant muscle atrophy and fatty degeneration in the affected pelvic and thigh regions. The gluteus maximum volume and gluteus medius/minimus quality were associated with early postoperative physical function. Preoperative rehabilitation targeting the gluteal muscles on the affected side could potentially enhance recovery of physical function in the early postoperative period.
A modeling approach to determine substitutive tree species for sweet chestnut in stands affected by ink disease
Authors: Heinz Malve , Prospero Simone 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Biological invasions, driven mainly by human activities, pose significant threats to global ecosystems and economies, with fungi and fungal-like oomycetes playing a pivotal role. Ink disease, caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi and P. × cambivora, is a growing concern for sweet chestnut stands (Castanea sativa) in Europe. Since both pathogens are thermophilic organisms, ongoing climate change will likely exacerbate their impact. In this study, we applied species distribution modeling techniques to identify potential substitutive species for sweet chestnut in the light of future climate scenarios SSP126 and SSP370 in southern Switzerland. Using the presence-only machine learning algorithm MaxEnt and leveraging occurrence data from the global dataset GBIF, we delineated the current and projected (2070–2100) distribution of 28 tree species. Several exotic species emerged as valuable alternatives to sweet chestnut, although careful consideration of all potential ecological consequences is required. We also identified several native tree species as promising substitutes, offering ecological benefits and potential adaptability to climatic conditions. Since species diversification fosters forest resilience, we also determined communities of alternative species that can be grown together. Our findings represent a valuable decision tool for forest managers confronted with the challenges posed by ink disease and climate change. Given that, even in absence of disease, sweet chestnut is not a future-proof tree species in the study region, the identified species could offer a pathway toward resilient and sustainable forests within the entire chestnut belt.
Unveiling the potential of 360° videos: Tailored interventions for test anxiety within cognitive behavioral therapies
Authors: Doğan Uğur , Sarıcaoğlu Halim , Acar Sinem , Türkcapar Hakan , Sağkal Ali Serdar , Büyüköksüz Engin , Erözkan Atılgan , Çaktı Saide Umut Zeybek , Üzmez Halil , Dağılgan Elif Betül , Onay Samet 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of 360° video technology in reducing test anxiety. The objective is to evaluate whether 360° exposure in individual psychological counseling, aligned with Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBT), is more effective than imagined exposure at reducing test anxiety. The study was conducted with a sample of 26 participants who met the research criteria. 14 participants who met the inclusion criteria were included in the 360° exposure (experimental) group, while the remaining 12 participants were placed in the imaginary exposure (control) group. Data were gathered from seven measurements (Pre-test, 360° video Before, 360° video After, Post-test, 1 month before Exam, 1 week before Exam, 1 month after Exam). The effectiveness of the intervention was assessed using the Westside Test Anxiety Scale, the State Anxiety Inventory, and the Five Factor Model Personality Scales. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and ANCOVA. According to the results of these analyses, 360° video exposure was found to be significantly more effective than imaginary exposure (F(6,144) = 105.64; p ¡ .001; 2p = 0.81). Similarly, the inclusion of covariates (neuroticism, state anxiety, and gender) in the analysis did not change. The findings suggest that 360° videos may offer a potential therapeutic tool in the treatment of test anxiety, demonstrating superiority over imaginary exposure. Nevertheless, additional research on the efficacy of 360° video is warranted, considering that the effectiveness of 360° video may differ across demographic groups and various types of 360° video and virtual reality experiences.