julilili42/papers huggingface dataset:
Sex-specific prognostic value of automated epicardial adipose tissue quantification on serial lung cancer screening chest computed tomography
2025-08-28

Abstract Aims Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a metabolically active fat depot associated with coronary atherosclerosis and cardiovascular (CV) risk. While EAT is a known prognostic marker in lung cancer screening, its sex-specific prognostic value remains unclear. This study investigated sex differences in the prognostic utility of serial EAT measurements on low-dose chest computed tomography (CT). Methods and results We analysed baseline and 2-year changes in EAT volume and density using a validated automated deep-learning algorithm in 24 008 heavy-smoking participants from the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST). Sex-stratified multivariable Cox models, adjusted for CV risk factors, body mass index (BMI), and coronary artery calcium (CAC), assessed associations between EAT and all-cause and CV mortality [median follow-up 12.3 years (IQR: 11.9–12.8), 4668 (19.4%) all-cause deaths, 1083 (4.5%) CV deaths]. Women (n = 9841; 41%) were younger, with fewer CV risk factors, lower BMI, fewer pack-years, and lower CAC than men (all P &amp;lt; 0.001). Baseline EAT was associated with similar all-cause and CV mortality risk in both sexes [max. aHR women: 1.70; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13–2.55; men: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.40–2.40, P-interaction = 0.986]. However, 2-year EAT changes predicted CV death only in women (aHR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.37–2.49; P &amp;lt; 0.001), and showed a stronger association with all-cause mortality in women (aHR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.31–1.77) than in men (aHR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.13–1.40; P-interaction = 0.041). Conclusion In this large lung cancer screening cohort, serial EAT changes independently predicted CV mortality in women and were more strongly associated with all-cause mortality in women than in men. These findings support routine EAT quantification on chest CT for improved sex-specific cardiovascular risk stratification.
Impact of pH and salinity fluctuations on oxidation of Fe(II) by nitrate-reducing microorganisms enriched from the reduced tidal sediment of an extreme acidic river (Río Tinto, Spain)
2025-08-28

Abstract Nitrate reduction coupled to Fe(II) oxidation (NRFeOx) contributes to Fe cycling in the estuarian sediments of the Río Tinto river (Huelva, Spain). However, it is not yet known (i) whether and which NRFeOx microorganisms can be enriched from the reduced sediment layer and (ii) how in situ pH and salinity fluctuations affect NRFeOx. Therefore, we (i) used two different approaches, such as microcosm experiments (sediment amended with either NO3−/Fe2+aq or acetate/NO3−/Fe2+aq) and enrichment cultures (medium amended with acetate/NO3−/Fe2+aq) to enrich NRFeOx microorganisms to (ii) test their salinity and pH tolerance under simulated high tide and low tide conditions. We found that different microorganisms such as Thiobacillus (up to 9.7 ± 5.8% DNA-based 16S rRNA gene abundance) and Denitromonas (83.6% DNA-based 16S rRNA gene abundance) were contributing to NRFeOx in the microcosm experiments and enrichment culture approach, respectively. The strong buffering capacity of the native sediment and the presence of additional organic carbon as acetate can favor NRFeOx microorganisms during acidic water influx (low tide) events. The ∼100% conversion of NO3− to NO2− under high tide conditions was observed both in the enrichment cultures and microcosm experiment when acetate was added suggesting the chemodenitrification may be the primary Fe(II) oxidation pathway under salty conditions.
Influence of vibrational motion and temperature on interatomic Coulombic electron capture
2025-08-28

Interatomic Coulombic electron capture (ICEC) is an environment-mediated process in which a free electron attaches to a species by transferring excess energy to a neighbor. While previous theoretical investigations assumed fixed nuclei, recent studies indicate that nuclear dynamics significantly influences the ICEC process. In this work, we incorporate the vibrational motion into an analytical model of the ICEC cross section, including both energy and electron transfer. To validate this approach, we compare the results to the adiabatic-nuclei approximation based on fixed-nuclei ab initio R-matrix calculations. We apply our theory to the helium–neon dimer, which is ideal for studying diverse dynamical effects. We show that while vibrational dynamics can slightly reduce ICEC efficiency, ICEC remains dominant over photorecombination and can trigger dimer dissociation. Accounting for the nuclear motion also enables to describe the broadening of the electron spectrum and enables evaluation of temperature-dependent cross sections—capabilities beyond the reach of fixed-nuclei approaches.
Hominin and carnivore roles during the formation of the early Middle Pleistocene site of Loreto (Venosa Basin, southern Italy)
2025-08-28

ABSTRACT The site of Loreto (Venosa Basin, Italy) was first discovered in 1929 and subsequently excavated during the latter half of the 20th century. The excavation revealed three archaeo‐palaeontological levels, with the lowermost level (Level A) yielding the largest number of remains. Despite the site's notable fossil record, which underscores its importance within the framework of the early Middle Pleistocene, extant research on the site's substantial mammalian fauna has hitherto been confined to a modest number of palaeontological descriptions. The present study constitutes the first taphonomic research of the faunal remains recovered from Level A of Loreto. The anatomical and taxonomic diversity is low, with a marked predominance of cervids. However, the sample appears to be biased by the almost complete absence of small fragments and the high proportion of identifiable remains. The influence of water on the osteological assemblage is minimal, thereby ruling out a fluvial origin of the accumulation. Moreover, anthropogenic and carnivore activity is limited, suggesting that these predators did not significantly contribute to the formation of the assemblages as accumulating agents. It is hypothesised that carnivores and hominins acted in independent events on different carcasses, with little or no interaction among them, as part of the foraging and resource acquisition activities developed in the region. The comparison of these data with those presented for the nearby site of Notarchirico facilitates an understanding of hominin behaviour in the Venosa Basin during the early Middle Pleistocene.
Ease of retrieval in evaluative conditioning
2025-08-28

Evaluative conditioning (EC), the change in the liking of a conditioned stimulus due to its pairing with a positive or negative stimulus, is a key effect in attitude formation. Current theories on EC emphasize the role of memory in EC, assuming that explicit memory on the stimulus pairings strengthens the EC effect. In this paper, we extend the scope of memory’s role in EC by focusing on whether the metacognitive experience of ease during memory retrieval influences EC effects beyond the effects of the retrieved memory content. In two preregistered experiments (total N = 392), we tested for ease-of-retrieval effects in EC by letting participants recall few vs. many unconditioned stimuli before giving an evaluative judgment. Although the manipulation was successful in manipulating ease-of-retrieval, we found no evidence for an influence of ease-of-retrieval effects resulting from the experimental manipulation on EC. However, the subjectively perceived ease of retrieval was indeed associated with stronger EC effects. Overall, these findings show no evidence that ease resulting from an instruction to recollect more/less US information contributes to EC effects but leave open whether ease-of-retrieval from other sources contributes to EC effects.
Enhancing Situational Mastery Experience and Willingness to Learn with Game Elements in Children with Specific Learning Disorders
2025-08-28

ABSTRACT Children with dyscalculia show less self‐efficacy and more anxiety while engaging in mathematical tasks. In addition to difficulties in basic mathematical skills, such non‐cognitive factors negatively impact their mathematics achievement. In contrast, game elements have been found to increase performance, motivation, and task engagement. Accordingly, this study evaluated the effects of game elements in mathematical tasks for children with dyscalculia, dyslexia, or both. Sixty children performed a digital game version, a digital nongame version, and a paper‐pencil version of a number line estimation task. As expected, children with dyscalculia reported higher math anxiety compared to those with dyslexia. Furthermore, results indicated that game elements did not affect performance, suggesting no cognitive overload. Importantly, however, children favored the game version most and believed they performed best in it. This preference and higher subjective performance suggest that game elements mitigate negative feelings toward mathematics, possibly supporting the development of self‐efficacy and enhancing motivation.
When Does Learning by Non-interactive Teaching Work? A Large-Scale Analysis of Learner Characteristics in a Classroom Setting
2025-08-28

Abstract Non-interactive teaching, in which students explain previously learned content to a non-present peer, is a generative learning activity that has gained increasing attention in recent years. While meta-analyses indicate small-to-moderate benefits, findings have been inconsistent, suggesting that its effectiveness depends on contextual factors. Drawing on the aptitude-treatment interaction framework, this study examines how learner characteristics—specifically (meta-)cognitive, motivational, personality, and demographic prerequisites—moderate the effects of non-interactive teaching on immediate and lasting learning outcomes. By adopting a one-stage individual participant meta-analytic approach, we synthesized data from three analogous classroom experiments ( N = 1074) in secondary physics education. Results showed that non-interactive teaching resulted in higher immediate scientific knowledge and stronger under-confidence compared to restudy but did not enhance long-term retention. However, the effectiveness of non-interactive teaching varied by learner characteristics: Immediate monitoring accuracy depended on language proficiency. Long-term retention was moderated by students’ interest in physics, as low- and medium-interest students, but not high-interest students, demonstrated superior performance 8 weeks after the intervention. This effect was explained by increased mental effort allocation. These findings highlight the importance of demographic and motivational prerequisites in shaping the effectiveness of non-interactive teaching and contribute to refining aptitude-treatment interaction models in instructional research.
Cretaceous crocodyliform reconciles conflicting evidence on the Mesozoic paleogeography of Europe during the Gondwana-Laurasia split
2025-08-28

Abstract Inferred biotic exchanges between Europe and Africa during the Cretaceous have been used to support the hypothesis that the complete separation of Europe from Gondwana postdated the split of the remaining Laurasian landmasses from Gondwana. Under this framework, Europe, conceptualized as part of a proposed ‘Eurogondwana’, is thought to have maintained biogeographic connections with Africa well into the Cretaceous. A key piece of evidence underpinning this hypothesis has been the crocodyliform Doratodon carcharidens from the Late Cretaceous of Europe, previously interpreted as closely related to Gondwanan taxa. However, the material attributed to this species is fragmentary, and its skeletal anatomy—critical for phylogenetic inference—remains poorly understood. Here we describe a new partial skull of Doratodon carcharidens which represents some of the most complete material of ‘Gondwanan’ taxa in the European Cretaceous. Our updated phylogenetic analysis unexpectedly and robustly places D. carcharidens among the Laurasian clade Paralligatoridae and reveals that morphological similarities to Gondwanan ziphosuchians, such as ziphodont dentition, are the result of ecomorphological convergence rather than shared ancestry. By reinterpreting the systematic position of further taxa representing biogeographic enigma, such as Ogresuchus furatus , our phylogeny implies a major role of the primary breakup of Pangea into Laurasia and Gondwana for crocodyliform divergence. A critical reassessment of the purported evidence for ‘Gondwanan’ fish and tetrapod immigrants in Europe reveals that it is largely based on highly fragmentary and sporadic specimens, as well as weakly supported phylogenetic hypotheses. Given the sparse and uneven Jurassic and Cretaceous fossil record in both Europe and Africa, it remains plausible that taxa previously interpreted as Gondwanan dispersers instead represent vicariant relicts. Our results conflict with recent paleobiogeographic scenarios, highlight the absence of compelling evidence for the Eurogondwana hypothesis and instead support a primary Gondwana-Laurasia split.
The burden of dengue fever in travellers: a systematic literature review
2025-08-29

Findings highlight the challenges in quantifying individual risk and the need for improved surveillance, prospective data collection, and targeted prevention strategies. These results support improved travel health guidance and may inform vaccination strategies for travellers to endemic regions.
Case Report: severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae-associated acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in an adult: challenges in diagnosis and management
2025-08-29

We report a rare case of severe Mycoplasma (M.) pneumoniae -associated acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in a previously healthy 26-year-old woman. The patient presented with delayed-onset encephalopathy following a mild respiratory infection. Rapid neurological deterioration, signs of transtentorial herniation, and refractory intracranial hypertension necessitated emergency decompressive hemicraniectomy. Diagnostic workup revealed elevated M. pneumoniae IgM and borderline PCR positivity. The patient was successfully treated with corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, and targeted azithromycin. Complete clinical and radiological recovery was achieved. This case emphasizes the need for awareness of severe M. pneumoniae -associated CNS manifestations and highlights the challenges in diagnosis and management.
Mini-Workshop: New Directions in Correlated Quantum Systems
2025-08-29

The mathematical study of quantum many-body physics has seen significant breakthroughs in the past 15–20 years. Mathematical physicists have approached these systems from different perspectives with different methods. The mini-workshop aimed to connect two rapidly growing fields: the mathematical analysis of many-body systems in scaling regimes (which has led to precise asymptotic formulas of the ground state energy and time evolution, e.g., of Bose gases) and the study of strongly correlated quantum systems via Lieb-Robinson bounds (which provide fundamental insights into the spreading of quantum information).
Compatibility of family and clinical–scientific career for German gynecologists in different workplaces: a sub-analysis of the systematic trinational FARBEN survey
2025-08-29

Abstract Introduction The trinational survey project conducted by the young forums of the German, Austrian, and Swiss societies for gynecology and obstetrics aims to evaluate the preferences of prospective and practicing gynecologists regarding various working time models, training systems, career pathways, and the reconciliation of professional and family life. Materials and methods Between October 2023 and May 2024, 1364 participants completed the FARBEN survey. The questionnaire comprised 62 items addressing aspects such as general workplace conditions, working time models, training priorities, team structures, and professional aspirations. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. The present analysis constitutes a national sub-analysis focusing on the preferences of German respondents, stratified by their current workplace setting (university hospitals, non-university hospitals, or outpatient care facilities). Results Among the 1008 German respondents, 26.3% were employed in university hospitals, 55.4% in non-university hospitals, and 10.8% in outpatient care. Respondents working in university hospitals were significantly more likely to pursue an academic career (68.0% held a doctoral degree, and 7.5% held a habilitation—the highest academic qualification in German-speaking countries—or a professorship; 38.5% aspired to a habilitation, compared to 6.6% in non-university hospitals). Female respondents employed in university hospitals tended to have children at a later stage and returned to work earlier following parental leave. Institutional childcare was reported to be more accessible and flexible at university hospitals (20.4%) compared to non-university hospitals (9.6%) and outpatient care (8.4%). Furthermore, 34.1% of university hospital respondents indicated that their department head was female, in contrast to 19.2% in non-university hospitals ( p &lt; 0.001). Conclusions Work–life balance and the compatibility of family life with a medical career are essential for most gynecologists in training, irrespective of their workplace setting. Respondents employed in academic institutions were more inclined to pursue scientific careers and reported greater flexibility and better childcare support. In light of the growing shortage of medical professionals, employment policies should prioritize these aspects. Initiatives such as the guideline “Safe Surgery During Pregnancy” can support the alignment of clinical training with family planning and help prevent career disadvantages related to parenthood.
Overparametrization, Regularization, Identifiability and Uncertainty in Machine Learning
2025-08-29

In machine learning, a field addressing the extraction of information and structure from finite data with the means of computer science and mathematics, maps from finite-dimensional spaces of data or computations into spaces of higher, or infinite dimensionality are a central theme. The workshop brought together researchers with diverse viewpoints to discuss how different theoretical sub-communities within the field treat the resulting ill-posed operations, and what kind of features of algorithms and models can emerge as a result.
Interpregnancy Interval as a Determinant of Outcome in Women with Prophylactic Cerclage Following Preterm Birth or Late Miscarriage
2025-08-29

Abstract Patients with a history of late miscarriage or preterm birth in a previous pregnancy may have a cerclage with total cervical closure (TCC) in a subsequent pregnancy to increase the likelihood of term delivery. This analysis investigates whether the interpregnancy interval influences the outcome of the subsequent pregnancy. In a retrospective cohort of 131 women who received a prophylactic cerclage with TCC following late miscarriage or preterm birth, the impact of the interpregnancy interval on pregnancy outcome was evaluated. Women were divided into three interpregnancy interval groups (0–6, 6–12, and &gt; 12 months). Outcomes assessed included late miscarriage, preterm birth (stratified by gestational age), term birth (≥ 37+0 weeks of gestation), and neonatal parameters (Apgar scores, umbilical cord pH, birth weight, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit [NICU]). An interpregnancy interval of more than 12 months was associated with the highest rate of term deliveries (85.4%) and the best neonatal outcomes overall. This group had the lowest NICU admission rates, the highest birth weights, and the best Apgar scores. Very early preterm births (&lt; 28+0 weeks) were observed more frequently in the shorter interval groups. Umbilical artery pH showed no correlation with the interpregnancy interval. A longer interpregnancy interval of more than 12 months was associated with a higher rate of deliveries ≥ 37+0 weeks and improved fetal outcomes in women with prophylactic cerclage and TCC after prior preterm birth or late miscarriage. In contrast, very early preterm births (&lt; 28+0 weeks) occurred more often with shorter intervals.
Liver fat quantification at 0.55 T enabled by locally low‐rank enforced deep learning reconstruction
2025-08-29

Abstract Purpose The emergence of new medications for fatty liver conditions has increased the need for reliable and widely available assessment of MRI proton density fat fraction (MRI–PDFF). Whereas low‐field MRI presents a promising solution, its utilization is challenging due to the low SNR. This work aims to enhance SNR and enable precise PDFF quantification at low‐field MRI using a novel locally low‐rank deep learning–based (LLR–DL) reconstruction. Methods LLR–DL alternates between regularized SENSE and a neural network (U‐Net) throughout several iterations, operating on complex‐valued data. The network processes the spectral projection onto singular value bases, which are computed on local patches across the echoes dimension. The output of the network is recast into the basis of the original echoes and used as a prior for the following iteration. The final echoes are processed by a multi‐echo Dixon algorithm. Two different protocols were proposed for imaging at 0.55 T. An iron‐and‐fat phantom and 10 volunteers were scanned on both 0.55 and 1.5 T systems. Linear regression, t‐statistics, and Bland–Altman analyses were conducted. Results LLR–DL achieved significantly improved image quality compared to the conventional reconstruction technique, with a 32.7% increase in peak SNR and a 25% improvement in structural similarity index. PDFF repeatability was 2.33% in phantoms (0% to 100%) and 0.79% in vivo (3% to 18%), with narrow cross‐field strength limits of agreement below 1.67% in phantoms and 1.75% in vivo. Conclusion An LLR–DL reconstruction was developed and investigated to enable precise PDFF quantification at 0.55 T and improve consistency with 1.5 T results.
Artificial intelligence in the work and view of Latin American filmmakers: insights from a qualitative interview study
2025-08-30

Abstract Previous research on the representation of artificial intelligence (AI) in science fiction (SF) film has largely focused on the Global North. Little is known about how filmmakers from the Souths envision and portray AI and how their creative processes and outputs relate to specific conditions of film production, socio-political realities, and global power imbalances, as well as personal experiences and attitudes toward AI. This paper aims to address this gap by presenting the findings of an exploratory interview study with Latin American filmmakers who have dealt with AI in their films. The qualitative text analysis of 10 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 11 participants from 6 countries reveals that their cinematic visions of AI differ significantly from those prevalent in Western SF: The Latin American filmmakers predominantly associate AI with social control, surveillance, labor exploitation, data colonialism, and the abuse of power by (authoritarian) governments or powerful tech corporations—issues that decolonial scholars have emphasized in their critiques of AI. However, the participants’ visions are not primarily inspired by these academic debates but by their lived experiences. The filmmakers’ strong engagement with everyday life and socio-political conditions, rather than distant or unattainable technological scenarios, can, thus, be considered a distinctive feature of the Latin American approach. This is further reflected in their use of particular esthetic concepts and strategies, such as retrofuturism, which enable them to navigate budgetary constraints and other structural inequalities that limit their visibility and their potential to actively shape technological visions and futures through film.