bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Constitutive neural networks for main pulmonary arteries: discovering the undiscovered
Authors: Vervenne Thibault , Peirlinck Mathias , Famaey Nele , Kuhl Ellen 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Accurate modeling of cardiovascular tissues is crucial for understanding and predicting their behavior in various physiological and pathological conditions. In this study, we specifically focus on the pulmonary artery in the context of the Ross procedure, using neural networks to discover the most suitable material model. The Ross procedure is a complex cardiac surgery where the patient’s own pulmonary valve is used to replace the diseased aortic valve. Ensuring the successful long-term outcomes of this intervention requires a detailed understanding of the mechanical properties of pulmonary tissue. Constitutive artificial neural networks offer a novel approach to capture such complex stress–strain relationships. Here, we design and train different constitutive neural networks to characterize the hyperelastic, anisotropic behavior of the main pulmonary artery. Informed by experimental biaxial testing data under various axial-circumferential loading ratios, these networks autonomously discover the inherent material behavior, without the limitations of predefined mathematical models. We regularize the model discovery using cross-sample feature selection and explore its sensitivity to the collagen fiber distribution. Strikingly, we uniformly discover an isotropic exponential first-invariant term and an anisotropic quadratic fifth-invariant term. We show that constitutive models with both these terms can reliably predict arterial responses under diverse loading conditions. Our results provide crucial improvements in experimental data agreement, and enhance our understanding into the biomechanical properties of pulmonary tissue. The model outcomes can be used in a variety of computational frameworks of autograft adaptation, ultimately improving the surgical outcomes after the Ross procedure.
Long-term outcomes of volume de-escalation for breast nodal irradiation
Authors: Colciago Riccardo Ray , Ferrario Federica , Chissotti Chiara , Rossano Giulia , De Sanctis Lorenzo , Faccenda Valeria , Panizza Denis , Trivellato Sara , Arcangeli Stefano 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Introduction
NCCN recommendations suggest irradiating chest wall/breast only + regional node irradiation (RNI) of the undissected axillary levels for node-positive breast cancer (BC) patients. We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of node-positive BC patients who received adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) with a volume de-escalation at the level of axillary nodes.

Material and methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of node-positive BC patients treated with adjuvant RT administered following a conventional fractionation schedule using a 3D-conformal technique to the chest wall or breast and only the IV axillary level. The primary endpoint of the study was disease free survival (DFS). Secondary endpoints included loco-regional control (LRC), and Overall Survival (OS). Toxicity was documented according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) criteria.

Results
A total cohort of 343 patients was analyzed. Loco-regional recurrence occurred in 100 (29.1%). The 5- and 10-year Kaplan-Meyer curves for DFS were 81.4% (95% CI: 79.3%–83.5%) and 60.9% (95% CI: 57.6%–64.5%), respectively. Multivariate Cox analysis confirmed that lymph node ratio (HR = 9.76, 95% CI: 3.12–30.53, p = 0.0001), Luminal B subtype (HR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.26–3.29, p = 0.004), and triple-negative subtype (HR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.22–5.99, p = 0.01) were significant predictors of poor DFS. Lymphedema in the ipsilateral arm was reported in 32 (9.3%) patients, primarily Grade 1 or 2.

Conclusions
Improved patients’ selection and a broader use of systemic therapy could make de-escalation a feasible option. However, this approach should be avoided in patients with extensive nodal involvement, specific molecular subtypes, or comorbidities that prevent the use of chemotherapy.
Synthesis and structure of a new ‘hybrid’ β-diketonato coumarin-chalcone ligand
Authors: Chandrasekar Lavanya , Flood James P. , Chang Yo-Cheng , Liu Evonne , Zhang Kenneth , Li Feng , Liu Wei-Min 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Here, a new ‘hybrid’ β-diketonato ligand derived from the structure of coumarin and chalcone precursors, namely L, has been designed and synthesised, and the complete structural characterisation was achieved using NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction studies. Potential applications of this compound include metal detection and/or sensing, as well as potential bioactive functions.
On the usefulness of the fit-on-test view on evaluating calibration of classifiers
Authors: Kängsepp Markus , Valk Kaspar , Kull Meelis 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Calibrated uncertainty estimates are essential for classifiers used in safety-critical applications. If a classifier is uncalibrated, then there is a unique way to calibrate its uncertainty using the idealistic true calibration map corresponding to this classifier. Although the true calibration map is typically unknown in practice, it can be estimated with many post-hoc calibration methods which fit some family of potential calibration functions on a validation dataset. This paper examines the connection between such post-hoc calibration methods and calibration evaluation. Despite the negative connotations of fitting on test data in machine learning, we claim that fitting calibration maps on test data as part of the calibration evaluation process is a method worth considering, and we refer to this view as fit-on-test. This view enables the usage of any post-hoc calibration method as an evaluation measure, unlocking missed opportunities in development of evaluation methods. We prove that even ECE, which is the most common calibration evaluation method, is actually a fit-on-test measure. This observation leads us to a new method of tuning the number of bins in ECE with cross-validation. Fitting on test data can lead to test-time overfitting, and therefore, we discuss the limitations and concerns with the fit-on-test view. Our contributions also include: (1) enhancement of reliability diagrams with diagonal filling; (2) development of new calibration map families PL and PL3; and (3) an experimental study of which families perform strongly both as post-hoc calibrators and calibration evaluators.
HIV-1 gp120 Interactions with Nicotine Modulate Mitochondrial Network Properties and Amyloid Release in Microglia
Authors: Graur Alexandru , Erickson Natalie , Sinclair Patricia , Nusir Aya , Kabbani Nadine 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections remain a significant public health burden globally with infected individuals at high risk for cognitive decline and memory loss even on combination antiretroviral therapy. Almost half of HIV infected individuals smoke, which drives poorer health outcomes including a higher dementia rate. Microglia are the brain’s immune cells that serve as a persistent HIV reservoir contributing to neuroinflammatory signaling. We examined interactions between the HIV envelope glycoprotein gp120 and nicotine within human microglia cells (HMC3) that endogenously express chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/MS) shows that gp120 alters mitochondria proteins within HMC3 cells. In the presence of nicotine, gp120 increased the expression of mitochondrial prohibitin 2 (PHB2), cytochrome c (cyt c), and mitofusin 2 (MFN2) but decreased fission 1 (FIS1) levels. An analysis of mito-YFP expression confirms that interaction between nicotine and gp120 increases the size and branching of mitochondrial networks. Interaction between nicotine and gp120 is also surprisingly found to promote the release of amyloid precursor protein (APP) peptides from microglia. This was accompanied by visualization of amyloid containing vesicles that colocalized with the autophagy protein LC3B-II in the cell. Taken together, our findings show that interaction between nicotine and gp120 impact microglia in a manner that regulates mitochondrial proteins and network properties and impacts amyloid protein management and release within microglia. These mechanisms may contribute to understanding neuroinflammatory signaling in smokers with HIV.
Transcriptional responses to changing environments: insights from salmonids
Authors: Ahi Ehsan Pashay , Lindeza Ana Sofia , Miettinen Antti , Primmer Craig R. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Understanding the molecular basis of plasticity and physiological tolerance to environmental changes is crucially important in the era of global change. Salmonids, a diverse family of fishes that includes salmon, trout, and charr, are emerging as powerful models for studying molecular responses to such changes. These species inhabit a wide range of aquatic environments, including freshwater and marine ecosystems, and are known for their remarkable adaptability to varying environmental conditions and for their variety of life history strategies. This review synthesizes current research on some of the major molecular mechanisms underlying transcriptional responses to important environmental changes. We discuss key studies that have applied state-of-the-art genomic tools in salmonids to uncover some of the gene expression changes underpinning plastic or acclimatory responses due to changes in temperature, salinity, oxygen levels or pH. By presenting examples of genes involved in these processes in salmonids, this review aims to provide insights into the broader implications of these findings, namely for conservation strategies and management. We also consider the potential of salmonids as emerging model species for monitoring the impacts of climate change on aquatic ecosystems, and their capacity to cope with rapid and inevitable environmental change. Finally, we outline future research directions to further elucidate the molecular pathways underlying plastic responses to environmental changes, with potential implications for evolutionary adaptation in these species.
Awareness, knowledge, and motivations about lifespan, healthspan, and Healthy Longevity Medicine in the general population: the HEalthy LOngevity (HELO) conceptual framework
Authors: Wang Belinda , Szücs Anna , Sandalova Elena , Horberg E. J. , O’Keefe Paul A. , Island Louis , Meij Hans J. , Rosenthal Sonny , Maier Andrea B. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The global population is ageing and the gap between lifespan (total years lived) and healthspan (years lived free of diseases) is increasing. Healthy Longevity Medicine (HLM) is an approach to optimise health and healthspan, and it has substantial public health implications. Despite those implications, the understanding of public perspectives on this field is lacking. The HEalthy LOngevity (HELO) framework was developed through a literature review guided by expert discussions across disciplines to include evidence-based concepts of health-related decision-making, ageing, and HLM. The framework organises concepts into three components. The first two components, awareness and knowledge, explore public perception and understanding of the healthy longevity field, respectively. The third component, motivations, reflects factors underlying motivations towards healthy longevity. These include personality, current behaviours, personal values and beliefs, and health-related perceptions. The framework outlines the theoretical foundation to explore public knowledge and interest in healthy longevity. The framework will be refined based on findings from qualitative focus groups in Singapore and then applied to quantitative population surveys globally. These HELO initiatives aim to inform strategies for integrating HLM into public healthcare, promoting health and healthspan.
Technology-based interactive guidance to promote learning performance and self-regulation: a chatbot-assisted self-regulated learning approach
Authors: Lee Yen-Fen , Hwang Gwo-Jen , Chen Pei-Ying 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Self-regulated learning (SRL) is an approach to learning which aims to improve learners' learning outcomes. In the SRL cycle, the quality of students' reflections is a critical factor in SRL performance that can improve learning outcomes. The feedback provided by teachers often has a significant impact on the quality of students' reflections. However, research has shown that teachers are often confronted with many students and so are unable to give individual feedback. To address this problem, this study proposed chatbot-assisted SRL, which provides personal and immediate feedback during the SRL process to promote the quality of students' reflection. This study applied this approach in the "Website Design" unit of an Introduction to Multimedia course. Two classes of second-year university students were the participants. One class with 23 students was the experimental group using the chatbot-assisted SRL mode, whereas the other class with 24 students was the control group using the conventional SRL mode. The experiment results showed that the proposed approach improved the students' performance, motivation, SRL, reflection, and meta-cognition tendency more than the conventional SRL approach.
Role-playing monument exploration: an online educational game with a role-playing mechanism and multi-dimensional scaffolding for monument tours
Authors: Liu Shu-Wei , Chan Hung-Yu , Hou Huei-Tse 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The current monument guide teaching has proven to have many challenges, as the learning effectiveness may be reduced by external interference in the real guide activities, and online approaches may cause the problem of insufficient interaction. This study integrated role-playing and multi-dimensional scaffolding theories to develop a remote scaffolding-based educational game that involved a role-playing mechanism, in which guides and learners play the roles of historical characters and participate in historical events in an authentic game environment, with the aim of improving the problems of existing monument teaching and of enhancing the motivation to visit. The results showed that this learning model has advantages in flow and motivation compared to the traditional online guide. It was demonstrated that the multi-dimensional scaffolding formed by the guides, the game environment, and the peers could keep the learners quite engaged in the game, while the dynamic scaffolding of the guides could also be effective and even keep the learners interested in the monument after the activity.
Review of System Identification for Manoeuvring Modelling of Marine Surface Ships
Authors: Xu Haitong , Guedes Soares C. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
A state-of-the-art review is presented of mathematical manoeuvring models for surface ships and parameter estimation methods that have been used to build mathematical manoeuvring models for surface ships. In the first part, the classical manoeuvring models, such as the Abkowitz model, MMG, Nomoto and their revised versions, are revisited and the model structure with the hydrodynamic coefficients is also presented. Then, manoeuvring tests, including both the scaled model tests and sea trials, are introduced with the fact that the test data is critically important to obtain reliable results using parameter estimation methods. In the last part, selected papers published in journals and international conferences are reviewed and the statistical analysis of the manoeuvring models, test data, system identification methods and environmental disturbances used in the paper is presented.
Straddled optical solitons with polarization mode dispersion via the improved extended modified tanh-function algorithm
Authors: Jawad Anwar Ja’afar Mohamad , Noaman Saja Faeq , Arnous Ahmed H. , Hussein Layth , Biswas Anjan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This paper implements the improved version of the modified extended tanh—function approach to retrieve a few new exact soliton solutions the model with differential group delay. The self—phase modulation structure is from the Kerr law of nonlinearity. A few numerical simulations are included that support the analytical solutions recovered with the applied scheme.
Solvent extraction systems for selective isolation of light rare earth elements with high selectivity for Sm and La
Authors: Salehi Hossein , Maroufi Samane , Khayyam Nekouei Rasoul , Sahajwalla Veena 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study details a comprehensive approach focusing on the effective separation of light rare earth elements (REEs) via solvent extraction technique. A stock solution containing lanthanum, cerium, neodymium, praseodymium, and samarium was prepared by dissolving their pure mixed oxide (reclaimed from spent Ni-MH batteries) in a diluted HCl solution. Key extractants, including bis (2,4,4-trimethylpentyl) phosphinic acid (Cyanex 272), Cyanex 572, trialkylphosphine oxide (Cyanex 923), and 2-ethylhexylphosphonic acid mono-2-ethylhexyl ester (PC 88A), along with tributyl phosphate (TBP) as a phase modifier, were utilized to form organic systems. The extraction behavior and separability of these systems at various pH levels as well as their extraction mechanisms were investigated. The results demonstrated a direct relationship between the extraction trend and the experimental pH value, with enhanced selectivity when TBP was added. Notably, Nd and Pr exhibited similar extraction behaviors, with minor deviations from Ce, making their separation difficult to achieve. Sm extraction followed a distinct trend, allowing for its separation from other elements at pH ≤ 2. In contrast, La exhibited a low affinity for coordination with extractants when pH was ≤ 3.5, facilitating the separation of other elements from La, which could then be isolated in the raffinate. Among the studied organic systems, combinations of Cyanex 572 and PC 88A with TBP demonstrated superior performance in element separation. Optimum separation factors were calculated with β
Ce/La = 12, β
Nd/La = 87, β
Pr/La = 127, and β
Sm/La = 3191 for the former, and β
Sm/Ce = 54, β
Sm/Nd = 20, and β
Sm/Pr = 14 for the latter. These findings provide valuable insights for selecting extraction systems and designing experiments for the effective solvent extraction separation of light REEs from their mixture.

Graphic Abstract
Contemplative Practices in a Teamwork Setting: A Preliminary Study on Mindfulness Meditations and Interpersonal Skills
Authors: Chies Matteo , Penazzi Gabriele , Pavesi Maria Chiara , Gadotti Erik , De Pisapia Nicola 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objectives
This study took place in a high-level educational framework; it evaluated the effects of four contemplative practices: Focused Attention Meditation (FAM), Open Monitoring Meditation (OMM), Loving Kindness Meditation (LKM), and Self-Loving Kindness Meditation (self-LKM). The focus was on their impact on teamwork competencies, as well as how they were influenced by both the individual and the group mindfulness levels.

Method
Using a pre-post experimental design, three groups were compared: the first engaged in FAM, OMM, and LKM (Core Mindfulness Training); the second in OMM, LKM, and self-LKM (Empathy Expansion Training); and a control group participated in no meditation activities. The Experience Sampling Method (ESM) was used to evaluate state mindfulness and teamwork competencies in Empathy Expansion Training. Teamwork competencies were measured across two main categories: empathy skills and interpersonal skills.

Results
Both training interventions significantly increased teamwork competencies. Core Mindfulness Training enhanced Perspective-taking, Fantasy, Extraversion, and Initiating relationships. Conversely, Empathy Expansion Training more effectively improved Empathic concern and Openness. The study confirmed the influence of both individual and group state mindfulness on teamwork competencies, though the relationships did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions
The integration of contemplative practices within educational settings significantly enhances teamwork competencies, with distinct effects of different meditation practices on various competencies. These findings suggest that training frameworks incorporating contemplative practices improve cognitive and emotional well-being. Additionally, they enhance essential interpersonal skills critical for effective teamwork.

Preregistration
This study is not preregistered.
Female Labour Participation in Sub-Saharan African: The Role of Institutional Quality
Authors: Umar Habiba Mohammedbello , Seraj Mehdi , Ozdeser Huseyin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The study examines the impact of institutional quality on female labour force participation across 48 Sub-Saharan African nations from 1996 to 2021. We specify and estimate the linear regression, pooled panel estimate, and system-generalized method of moments (SYS-GMM) estimation. Findings from the study showed that while economic growth significantly increases female labour force participation in Africa, population growth, fertility rate, and self-employment significantly degrade it. On the other hand, voice, accountability, and regulatory quality considerably boost female labour force participation in Africa, whereas effective governance and political stability indices significantly hinder it. Additionally, sectorial studies revealed that while economic growth and fertility rates boost female employment in the sector within the SSA region, population and self-employment considerably inhibit it. Based on these findings, potential policy directions are suggested.
Aggregation-Induced Emissive Scintillators: A New Frontier for Radiation Detection and Imaging
Authors: Li Xinyi , Yu Jiafu , Fan Yinghao , Gao Yuting , Niu Guangda 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) is a unique phenomenon where certain organic materials exhibit enhanced luminescence in their aggregated states, overcoming the typical quenching observed in conventional organic materials. Since its discovery in 2001, AIE has driven significant advances in fields like OLEDs and biological imaging, earning recognition in fundamental research. However, its application in high-energy radiation detection remains underexplored. Organic scintillators, though widely used, face challenges such as low light yield and poor radiation attenuation. AIE materials offer promising solutions by improving light yield, response speed, and radiation attenuation. This review summarizes the design strategies behind AIE scintillators and their very recent applications in X-ray, γ-ray, and fast neutron detection. We highlight their advantages in enhancing detection sensitivity, reducing background noise, and achieving high-resolution imaging. By addressing the current challenges, we believe AIE materials will play a pivotal role in advancing future radiation detection and imaging technologies.