bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation for refractory stiff-person syndrome: the UK experience
Authors: Kass-Iliyya Lewis , Snowden John A. , Thorpe Alice , Jessop Helen , Chantry Andrew D. , Sarrigiannis Ptolemaios G. , Hadjivassiliou Marios , Sharrack Basil 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) is a rare immune-mediated disabling neurological disorder characterised by muscle spasms and high GAD antibodies. There are only a few case reports of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) as a treatment for SPS.

Objective
To describe the UK experience of treating refractory SPS with auto-HSCT.

Methods
Between 2015 and 2019, 10 patients with SPS were referred to our institution for consideration of auto-HSCT. Eight patients were deemed suitable for autograft and four were treated. Of the treated patients, three had classical SPS and one had the progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus variant. All patients were significantly disabled and had failed conventional immunosuppressive therapy. Patients were mobilised with Cyclophosphamide (Cy) 2 g/m2 + G-CSF and conditioned with Cy 200 mg/kg + ATG followed by auto-HSCT.

Results
Despite their significantly reduced performance status, all patients tolerated the procedure with no unexpected toxicities. Following autograft, all patients improved symptomatically and stopped all forms of immunosuppressive therapies. Two patients were able to ambulate independently from being wheelchair dependent. One patient’s walking distance improved from 300 meters to 5 miles and one patient’s ambulation improved from being confined to a wheelchair to be able to walk with a frame. Two patients became seronegative for anti-GAD antibodies and normalised their neurophysiological abnormalities.

Conclusions
Auto-HSCT is an intensive but well tolerated and effective treatment option for patients with SPS refractory to conventional immunotherapy. Further work is warranted to optimise patient selection and establish the efficacy, long-term safety, and cost-effectiveness of this treatment.
Axial and rotational alignment of lower limb in a Caucasian aged non-arthritic cohort
Authors: Farinelli L. , Baldini M. , Bucci A. , Ulisse S. , Carle F. , Gigante A. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Background
The alignment of human lower limb has been an area of ongoing study for decades. The purpose of this study was to analyze the axial and rotational alignment from hip to ankle in a Caucasian aged non-arthritic cohort.

Methods
A non-arthritic cohort of aged patients was retrospectively analyzed by computer tomography. Anatomical–mechanical angle of femur (AMA), femur inclination (FI), femoral anteversion (FA), posterior condylar angle (PCA), proximal tibial torsion (TEAs-PTC and TEAs-PTT) and tibial fibular torsion (PTC-TFA) were measured.

Results
The median age of the patients was 76 years (range 67 to 91 years). Regarding axial alignment, the AMA was 5 (2.94; 6.80). No significance differences were reported by side and age. AMA was significantly lower in men. The FI was 125.3 (120.0; 134.8) with no differences in terms of side, age or gender. Regarding torsion alignment, the median values of FA, PTC-TFA and TEAs-PTT were, respectively, 16.8, 28.5 and − 1.4. No differences were reported by age. Right tibia was externally rotated by 1.5 degrees as compared to the left side (P 0.035).

Conclusion
The broad variability of the parameters analyzed highlights the necessity for a more anatomical and individualized approach during surgery of lower limb. The present study offers the fundament to understand and treat lower limb deformities. Hence, these data can constitute the normal reference values useful to investigate lower limb malalignment. Moreover, it helps to assess the possible changes of axial and rotational alignment in idiopathic OA of lower limb.

Level of evidence III
Retrospective cohort study
Early detection of infectious complications using C-reactive protein and the procalcitonin levels after laparoscopic colorectal resection: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Tatsuoka Teppei , Okuyama Takashi , Takeshita Emiko , Oi Haruka , Noro Takuji , Mitsui Takashi , Yoshitomi Hideyuki , Oya Masatoshi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Purpose
The predictive values of the C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) levels for postoperative infectious complications were investigated in patients who underwent elective laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer.

Methods
A total of 154 consecutive patients who underwent elective laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer (CRC) were prospectively studied. The CRP and PCT levels on the first postoperative day (POD1) and the fourth postoperative day (POD4) were measured. Any correlations between the CRP and PCT levels on POD1 and POD4 with the occurrence of infectious complications were examined.

Results
Infectious complications occurred in 18 (11.7%) patients. CRP on POD1 and CRP and PCT on POD4 were significantly higher in patients who developed infectious complications than in those who did not. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of CRP on POD1 and CRP and PCT on POD4 were 0.597, 0.763 and 0.768, respectively. The cut-off values of CRP and PCT levels on POD4 were 14.33 mg/dl and 0,264 ng/ml, respectively. Whereas the positive predictive value of an elevated CRP level was high, the negative predictive value of an elevated PCT was high.

Conclusion
The CRP and PCT levels on POD4 are both considered to be useful for the early detection of infectious complications after laparoscopic resection of CRC.
Average frequencies of digits in infinite IFS’s and applications to continued fractions and Lüroth expansions
Authors: Olsen L. , West M. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe detailed investigation of the distribution of frequencies of digits of points belonging to attractors K of Infinite iterated functions systems (IIFS’s) is a fundamental and important problem in the study of attractors of IIFS’s. This paper studies the Baire category of different families of sets of points belonging to attractors of IIFS’s characterised by the behaviour of the frequencies of their digits. All our results are of the following form:
a typical (in the sense of Baire) point $$x\in K$$

x
∈
K

has the following property: the average frequencies of digits of x have maximal oscillation.
We consider general types of average frequencies, namely, average frequencies associated with general averaging systems. These averages include, for example, all higher order Hölder and Cesaro averages, and Riesz averages. Surprising, for all averaging systems (regardless of how powerful they are) we prove that a typical (in the sense of Baire) point $$x\in K$$

x
∈
K

has the following property: the average frequencies of digits of x have maximal oscillation. This substantially extends previous results and provides a powerful topological manifestation of the fact that “points of divergence” are highly visible. Several applications are given, e.g. to continued fraction digits and Lüroth expansion digits.
Using Red List species in designating protection status to forest areas: a case study on the problem of spatio-temporal dynamics
Authors: Tingstad Lise , Grytnes John-Arvid , Sætersdal Magne , Gjerde Ivar 
Published: August 2020

AbstractRed-listed species are often used as target species in selection of sites for conservation. However, limitations to their use have been pointed out, and here we address the problem of expected high spatio-temporal dynamics of red-listed species. We used species data (vascular plants, bryophytes, macrolichens and polypore fungi) from two inventories 17 years apart to estimate temporal turnover of red-listed and non-red-listed species in two forest areas (147 and 195 ha) and of plots (0.25 ha) within each area. Furthermore, we investigated how turnover of species affected the rank order of plots regarding richness of red-listed species, using two different national Red List issues (1998 and 2015). In both study areas, temporal turnover was substantial, despite minor changes in the overall number of species. At plot level, temporal turnover in red-listed species was higher than in non-red-listed species, but similar to non-red-listed species of the same frequency of occurrence. Adding the effect of changing identities of species red-listed according to the two Red List issues, further increased the estimated spatio-temporal dynamics. Recorded spatio-temporal turnover also resulted in substantial changes in the rank order of plots regarding richness of red-listed species. Using rare red-listed species for site selection may therefore be accompanied by a higher loss of conservation effectiveness over time than for more common species, and particularly at finer scales.
What to share, when, and where: balancing the objectives and complexities of open source software contributions
Authors: Linåker Johan , Regnell Björn 
Published: August 2020

AbstractContext:Software-intensive organizations’ rationale for sharing Open Source Software (OSS) may be driven by both idealistic, strategic and commercial objectives, and include both monetary as well as non-monetary benefits. To gain the potential benefits, an organization may need to consider what they share and how, while taking into account risks, costs and other complexities.Objective:This study aims to empirically investigate objectives and complexities organizations need to consider and balance between when deciding on what software to share as OSS, when to share it, and whether to create a new or contribute to an existing community.Method:A multiple-case study of three case organizations was conducted in two research cycles, with data gathered from interviews with 20 practitioners from these organizations. The data was analyzed qualitatively in an inductive and iterative coding process.Results:12 contribution objectives and 15 contribution complexities were found. Objectives include opportunities for improving reputation, managing suppliers, managing partners and competitors, and exploiting externally available knowledge and resources. Complexities include risk of loosing control, risk of giving away competitive advantage, risk of creating negative exposure, costs of contributing, and the possibility and need to contribute to an existing or new community.Conclusions:Cross-case analysis and interview validation show that the identified objectives and complexities offer organizations a possibility to reflect on and adapt their contribution strategies based on their specific contexts and business goals.
Deceptive Appearances: the Turing Test, Response-Dependence, and Intelligence as an Emotional Concept
Authors: Wheeler Michael 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe Turing Test is routinely understood as a behaviourist test for machine intelligence. Diane Proudfoot (Rethinking Turing’s Test,Journal of Philosophy, 2013) has argued for an alternative interpretation. According to Proudfoot, Turing’s claim that intelligence is what he calls ‘an emotional concept’ indicates that he conceived of intelligence in response-dependence terms. As she puts it: ‘Turing’s criterion for “thinking” is…: x is intelligent (or thinks) if in the actual world, in an unrestricted computer-imitates-human game, x appears intelligent to an average interrogator’. The role of the famous test is thus to provide the conditions in which to examine the average interrogator’s responses. I shall argue that Proudfoot’s analysis falls short. The philosophical literature contains two main models of response-dependence, what I shall call thetransparencymodel and thereference-fixingmodel. Proudfoot resists the thought that Turing might have endorsed one of these models to the exclusion of the other. But the details of her own analysis indicate that she is,in fact, committed to the claim that Turing’s account of intelligence is grounded in a transparency model, rather than a reference-fixing one. By contrast, I shall argue that while Turing did indeed conceive of intelligence in response-dependence terms, his account is grounded in a reference-fixing model, rather than a transparency one. This is fortunate (for Turing), because, as an account of intelligence, the transparency model is arguably problematic in a way that the reference-fixing model isn’t.
Detection of anomalies in compiled computer program files inspired by immune mechanisms using a template method
Authors: Wawryn Krzysztof , Widuliński Patryk 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAn intrusion detection system inspired by the human immune system is described: a custom artificial immune system that monitors a local area containing critical files in the operating system. The proposed mechanism scans the files and checks for possible malware-induced alterations in them, based on a negative selection algorithm. The system consists of two modules: a receptor generation unit, which generates receptors using an original method based on templates, and an anomaly detection unit. Anomalies detected in the files using previously generated receptors are reported to the user. The system has been implemented and experiments have been conducted to compare the effectiveness of the algorithms with that of a different receptor generation method, called the random receptor generation method. In a controlled testing environment, anomalies in the form of altered program code bytes were injected into the monitored programs. Real-world tests of this system have been performed regarding its performance and scalability. Experimental results are presented, evaluated in a comparative analysis, and some conclusions are drawn.
A comparison of different optical instruments and machine learning techniques to identify sprouting activity in potatoes during storage
Authors: Rady Ahmed M. , Guyer Daniel E. , Donis-González Irwin R. , Kirk William , Watson Nicholas James 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe quality of potato tubers is dependent on several attributes been maintained at appropriate levels during storage. One of these attributes is sprouting activity that is initiated from meristematic regions of the tubers (eyes). Sprouting activity is a major problem that contributes to reduced shelf life and elevated sugar content, which affects the marketability of seed tubers as well as fried products. This study compared the capabilities of three different optical systems (1: visible/near-infrared (Vis/NIR) interactance spectroscopy, 2: Vis/NIR hyperspectral imaging, 3: NIR transmittance) and machine learning methods to detect sprouting activity in potatoes based on the primordial leaf count (LC). The study was conducted on Frito Lay 1879 and Russet Norkotah cultivars stored at different temperatures and classification models were developed that considered both cultivars combined and classified the tubers as having either high or low sprouting activity. Measurements were performed on whole tubers and sliced samples to see the effect this would have on identifying sprouting activity. Sequential forward selection was applied for wavelength selection and the classification was carried out using K-nearest neighbor, partial least squares discriminant analysis, and soft independent modeling class analogy. The highest classification accuracy values obtained by the hyperspectral imaging system and was 87.5% and 90% for sliced and whole samples, respectively. Data fusion did not show classification improvement for whole tubers, whereas a 7.5% classification accuracy increase was illustrated for sliced samples. By investigating different optical techniques and machine learning methods, this study provides a first step toward developing a handheld optical device for early detection of sprouting activity, enabling advanced aid potato storage management.
Thickness of epicardial and pericoronary adipose tissue measured using 128-slice MSCT as predictors for risk of significant coronary artery diseases
Authors: Gać Paweł , Macek Piotr , Poręba Małgorzata , Kornafel-Flak Olga , Mazur Grzegorz , Poręba Rafał 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Aim
Determination the relationship between the epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EATT) and pericoronary adipose tissue thickness (PATT) and the risk of significant coronary artery diseases (CAD) using the coronary artery calcium score (CACS).

Materials and methods
The study group consisted of 80 patients. The risk of significant CAD was estimated based on CACS. Adipose tissue thickness was measured based on multiplanar reformation (MPR), left ventricle short axis and mid-chamber level. EATT in the middle of the length of the right ventricular free wall, PATT around the left anterior descending (LAD), around the left circumflex (LCX) and around the right coronary artery in the posterior interventricular sulcus (RCA).

Results
The median (IQR) values of CACS and EATT were 12.00 (97.90) and 8.65 (3.90) mm. It was found that in the subgroup CACS = 0 statistically significantly lower than in the subgroup CACS > 0 were mean values EATT and PATT RCA. Based on the regression analysis, it was demonstrated that higher CACS is associated with higher EATT, independent of older age and higher BMI. On the basis the ROC curve analysis, the highest prediction sensitivity of 98.4% was demonstrated for EATT ≥ 16.7 mm as a predictor of high risk of significant CAD and the highest specificity of 61.5% for the criterion EATT ≤ 8.7 mm as a predictor of practically no risk of significant CAD.

Conclusion
There is a positive relationship between the risk of a significant CAD estimated based on the coronary artery calcium score and the epicardial adipose tissue thickness.
Big Data Approaches in Heart Failure Research
Authors: Lanzer Jan D. , Leuschner Florian , Kramann Rafael , Levinson Rebecca T. , Saez-Rodriguez Julio 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe goal of this review is to summarize the state of big data analyses in the study of heart failure (HF). We discuss the use of big data in the HF space, focusing on “omics” and clinical data. We address some limitations of this data, as well as their future potential.Recent FindingsOmics are providing insight into plasmal and myocardial molecular profiles in HF patients. The introduction of single cell and spatial technologies is a major advance that will reshape our understanding of cell heterogeneity and function as well as tissue architecture. Clinical data analysis focuses on HF phenotyping and prognostic modeling.SummaryBig data approaches are increasingly common in HF research. The use of methods designed for big data, such as machine learning, may help elucidate the biology underlying HF. However, important challenges remain in the translation of this knowledge into improvements in clinical care.
Three-dimensional spatial structure of the macro-pores and flow simulation in anthracite coal based on X-ray μ-CT scanning data
Authors: Fang Hui-Huang , Sang Shu-Xun , Liu Shi-Qi 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The three-dimensional (3D) structures of pores directly affect the CH4 flow. Therefore, it is very important to analyze the 3D spatial structure of pores and to simulate the CH4 flow with the connected pores as the carrier. The result shows that the equivalent radius of pores and throats are 1–16 μm and 1.03–8.9 μm, respectively, and the throat length is 3.28–231.25 μm. The coordination number of pores concentrates around three, and the intersection point between the connectivity function and the X-axis is 3–4 μm, which indicate the macro-pores have good connectivity. During the single-channel flow, the pressure decreases along the direction of CH4 flow, and the flow velocity of CH4 decreases from the pore center to the wall. Under the dual-channel and the multi-channel flows, the pressure also decreases along the CH4 flow direction, while the velocity increases. The mean flow pressure gradually decreases with the increase of the distance from the inlet slice. The change of mean flow pressure is relatively stable in the direction horizontal to the bedding plane, while it is relatively large in the direction perpendicular to the bedding plane. The mean flow velocity in the direction horizontal to the bedding plane (Y-axis) is the largest, followed by that in the direction horizontal to the bedding plane (X-axis), and the mean flow velocity in the direction perpendicular to the bedding plane is the smallest.
Single Photon Compressive Imaging Based on Digital Grayscale Modulation Method
Authors: Yuan Chenglong , Yan Qiurong , Wu Yiqiang , Wang Yifan , Wang Yuhao 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn single-pixel imaging or computational ghost imaging, the measurement matrix has a great impact on the performance of the imaging system, because it involves modulation of the optical signal and image reconstruction. The measurement matrix reported in the existing literatures is first binarized and then loaded onto the digital micro-mirror device (DMD) for optical modulation, that is, each pixel can only be modulated into on-off states. In this paper, we propose a digital grayscale modulation method for more efficient compressive sampling. On the basis of this, we demonstrate a single photon compressive imaging system. A control and counting circuit, based on field-programmable gate array (FPGA), is developed to control DMD to conduct digital grayscale modulation and count single-photon pulse output from the photomultiplier tube (PMT) simultaneously. The experimental results show that the imaging reconstruction quality can be improved by increasing the sparsity ratio properly and compressive sampling ratio (SR) of these gray-scale matrices. However, when the compressive SR and sparsity ratio are increased appropriately to a certain value, the reconstruction quality is usually saturated, and the imaging reconstruction quality of the digital grayscale modulation is better than that of binary modulation.
Temporal partitioning by felids, dholes and their potential prey in northern Laos
Authors: Rasphone Akchousanh , Kamler Jan F. , Macdonald David W. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTemporal partitioning can allow sympatric carnivores to coexist, especially if overlap of other resources is high. Using camera trap data from 2013 to 2017, we investigated the temporal partitioning of a community of wild felids and a canid in Nam Et–Phou Louey National Protected Area, Laos, to determine the extent to which temporal avoidance might be facilitating coexistence of similarly sized carnivores. We also investigated temporal overlap of these carnivore species and their presumed main prey, to determine if their activity is likely most influenced by their prey or potential competitors. The dhole (Cuon alpinus) and clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), the two largest carnivores, had low temporal overlap, and activity appeared to be synchronized with the main prey for dhole, but not clouded leopard. Thus, it was possible that clouded leopard used temporal partitioning to coexist with dhole. The temporal overlap of Asian golden cat (Catopuma temminckii) was high with clouded leopard and moderate with dhole, and overall appeared to be influenced most by its presumed prey species, rather than by its potential competitors. The two small felids had the least temporal overlap between any species, as the marbled cat (Pardofelis marmorata) was primarily diurnal whereas the leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) was primarily nocturnal. Given that the two small felids reportedly have similar diets consisting of small rodents and birds, their temporal partitioning is likely to help facilitate their coexistence. For carnivore species in northern Laos that are most similar in body size and diet, temporal partitioning is likely to be an important mechanism of coexistence. Otherwise, temporal patterns appear to be synchronized with their main prey.