bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deep learning technology in vascular image segmentation and disease diagnosis
Authors: Du Chengyang , Zhuang Jie , Huang Xinglu 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBlood vessel segmentation is a crucial aspect of medical image processing, aiding medical professionals in more accurate disease analysis and diagnosis. Manual blood vessel segmentation methods are time‐consuming and cumbersome, making the development of automatic segmentation methods essential. The rapid advancements in deep learning technology have introduced new tools and methods for vascular image segmentation. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of deep learning‐based blood vessel segmentation methods across various fields, including retinal vessel segmentation, cerebrovascular segmentation, and pulmonary vessel segmentation. Several prevalent diseases, such as retinal vascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, pulmonary vascular diseases, and tumors, have posed significant health challenges globally. This review also discusses the application of deep learning technology in disease diagnosis within these contexts. Finally, considering the current research landscape, we discuss existing challenges and potential future developments in blood vessel segmentation. We aim to assist researchers in gaining a comprehensive understanding and designing effective blood vessel segmentation models, ultimately offering opportunities for early disease diagnosis and treatment.
Visualizing the assumptions of network meta‐analysis
Authors: Tu Yu‐Kang , Lai Pei‐Chun , Huang Yen‐Ta , Hodges James 
Published: September 2024

AbstractNetwork meta‐analysis (NMA) incorporates all available evidence into a general statistical framework for comparing multiple treatments. Standard NMAs make three major assumptions, namely homogeneity, similarity, and consistency, and violating these assumptions threatens an NMA's validity. In this article, we suggest a graphical approach to assessing these assumptions and distinguishing between qualitative and quantitative versions of these assumptions. In our plot, the absolute effect of each treatment arm is plotted against the level of effect modifiers, and the three assumptions of NMA can then be visually evaluated. We use four hypothetical scenarios to show how violating these assumptions can lead to different consequences and difficulties in interpreting an NMA. We present an example of an NMA evaluating steroid use to treat septic shock patients to demonstrate how to use our graphical approach to assess an NMA's assumptions and how this approach can help with interpreting the results. We also show that all three assumptions of NMA can be summarized as an exchangeability assumption. Finally, we discuss how reporting of NMAs can be improved to increase transparency of the analysis and interpretability of the results.
Augmented Reality‐Guided Mastoidectomy Simulation: A Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing Surgical Proficiency
Authors: Hadida Barzilai Dor , Tejman‐Yarden Shai , Yogev David , Vazhgovsky Oliana , Nagar Netanel , Sasson Lior , Sion‐Sarid Racheli , Parmet Yisrael , Goldfarb Abraham , Ilan Ophir 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveMastoidectomy surgical training is challenging due to the complex nature of the anatomical structures involved. Traditional training methods based on direct patient care and cadaveric temporal bone training have practical shortcomings. 3D‐printed temporal bone models and augmented reality (AR) have emerged as promising solutions, particularly for mastoidectomy surgery, which demands an understanding of intricate anatomical structures. Evidence is needed to explore the potential of AR technology in addressing these training challenges.Methods21 medical students in their clinical clerkship were recruited for this prospective, randomized controlled trial assessing mastoidectomy skills. The participants were randomly assigned to the AR group, which received real‐time guidance during drilling on 3D‐printed temporal bone models, or to the control group, which received traditional training methods. Skills were assessed on a modified Welling scale and evaluated independently by two senior otologists.ResultsThe AR group outperformed the control group, with a mean overall drilling score of 19.5 out of 25, compared with the control group's score of 12 (p < 0.01). The AR group was significantly better at defining mastoidectomy margins (p < 0.01), exposing the antrum, preserving the lateral semicircular canal (p < 0.05), sharpening the sinodural angle (p < 0.01), exposing the tegmen and attic, preserving the ossicles (p < 0.01), and thinning and preserving the external auditory canal (p < 0.05).ConclusionAR simulation in mastoidectomy, even in a single session, improved the proficiency of novice surgeons compared with traditional methods.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 135:894–900, 2025
Automatic Differentiation Accelerated Shape Optimization Approaches to Photonic Inverse Design in FDFD/FDTD
Authors: Hooten Sean , Sun Peng , Gantz Liron , Fiorentino Marco , Beausoleil Raymond , Van Vaerenbergh Thomas 
Published: September 2024

AbstractShape optimization approaches to inverse design offer low‐dimensional, physically‐guided parameterizations of structures by representing them as combinations of primitives. However, on fixed grids, computing the gradient of a user objective via the adjoint variables method requires a product of forward/adjoint field solutions and the Jacobian of the simulation material distribution with respect to the structural shape parameters. Shape parameters often perturb global parts of the simulation grid resulting in many non‐zero Jacobian entries. These are often computed by finite‐difference (FD) in practice, and hence can be non‐trivial. In this work, the gradient calculation is accelerated by invoking automatic differentiation (AD) in instantiations of structural material distributions, enabled by the development of extensible differentiable feature‐mappings from parameters to primitives and differentiable effective logic operations (denoted AutoDiffGeo or ADG). ADG can also be used to accelerate FD‐based shape optimization by efficient boundary selection. AD‐enhanced shape optimization is demonstrated using three integrated photonic examples: a blazed grating coupler, a waveguide transition taper, and a polarization‐splitting grating coupler. The accelerations of the gradient calculation by AD relative to FD with boundary selection exceed 10, resulting in total optimization wall time accelerations of – on the same hardware with no compromise to device figure‐of‐merit.
Theory of Classical Electrodynamics with Topologically Quantized Singularities as Electric Charges
Authors: Golik Bruno , Jukić Dario , Buljan Hrvoje 
Published: September 2024

AbstractA theory of classical electrodynamics, where the only admissible electric charges are topological singularities in the electromagnetic field, is formulated. Charge quantization is accounted by the Chern theorem, such that Dirac magnetic monopoles are not needed. The theory allows positive and negative charges of equal magnitude, where the sign of the charge corresponds to the chirality of the topological singularity. Given the trajectory of the singularity, one can calculate electric and magnetic fields identical to those produced by Maxwell's equations for a moving point charge, apart from a multiplicative constant factor related to electron charge and vacuum permittivity. The theory is based on the relativistic Weyl equation in frequency‐wavevector space, with eigenstates comprising the position, velocity, and acceleration of the singularity, and eigenvalues defining the retarded position of the charge. From the eigenstates, one calculates the Berry connection and the Berry curvatures, and identifies the curvatures as electric and magnetic fields.
Generalized predictions of the pumping characteristics and viscous dissipation of single‐screw extruders including three‐dimensional curvature effects
Authors: Herzog Daniel , Roland Wolfgang , Marschik Christian , Berger‐Weber Gerald Roman 
Published: September 2024

AbstractReliable predictions of the flow rate and viscous dissipation in the melt conveying zone of single‐screw extruders are crucial for designing high‐quality and efficient extrusion processes. Full‐scale computational fluid dynamics simulations offer deep insights into the process, but they cover only specific use cases. Conversely, state‐of‐the‐art analytical approximation models suffer from a systematic error by neglecting channel curvature. To overcome these limitations, we employed a hybrid modeling approach that efficiently combines analytical, numerical, and data‐based techniques. First, the mathematical problem was formulated for a three‐dimensional, isothermal Stokes flow of power‐law fluids in curved channel segments of unit length, and the theory of similarity was applied to render it in a dimensionless form. Using the finite‐volume method, the flow problem was then solved numerically for a wide range of extrusion setups. Finally, by means of symbolic regression and genetic programming, three dimensionless approximation equations were derived from the numerical dataset. These regression models provide continuous and remarkably accurate predictions of both flow rate and viscous dissipation rate, and clearly outperform existing approximations due to the included effects of channel curvature. Implemented within screw design software, our novel regression models will enable faster progress in screw design and process troubleshooting.Highlights
Three‐dimensional flow of power‐law fluids in helical screw channels
Generalized problem description using dimensional analysis
Melt conveying simulations considering both curvature and flight effects
Integration of process knowledge into symbolic regression modeling
Analytical screw characteristic curves with extended scope of validity
Development and validation of a two‐tier number sense test for sixth‐grade students in fractions and decimals
Authors: Birgin Osman , Peker Elif Seval 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to develop an instrument for assessing sixth‐grade students’ number sense skills in fractions and decimals. This study was conducted on 452 sixth graders (10–11 years old) from the western region of Turkey. The construct validity of the number sense test (NST) was examined via exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). First, the draft NST, which consists of 36 two‐tier items, was administered to 208 students for the EFA. Repeated EFA results indicated that the NST consisted of five number sense components with 25 items (understanding the meaning and magnitude of numbers, recognizing the effects of operations on numbers, using multiple representations of numbers, using reference points in numbers, and judging the reasonableness of a computational result). The NST, with factor loadings ranging from 0.60 to 0.87, accounted for 72.39% of the total variance. The composite reliability and Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranged from 0.88 to 0.92. The CFA was administered to an additional 244 students in the school. The results of the first‐ and second‐order CFA revealed that the model fit of the NST was good (Chi‐square/df = 2.04; RMSEA = 0.066; NNFI = 0.97; IFI = 0.98; CFI= 0.97; and S‐RMR = 0.065). The results of the present study indicate that the NST is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing sixth‐grade students' number sense skills in fractions and decimals.
Effects on growth, weight and body composition after CFTR modulators in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: López Cárdenes CM. , Merino Sánchez‐Cañete A. , Vicente Santamaría S. , Gascón Galindo C. , Merino Sanz N. , Tabares González A. , Blitz Castro E. , Morales Tirado A. , Garriga García M. , López Rozas M. , Ramos Riesgo T. , Álvarez Beltrán M. , Gutiérrez Martínez JR. , Suárez González M. , García Romero R. , De la Mano Hernández A. , Muñoz Codoceo MR. , Martín Fernández C. , Tutau Gómez C. , Torcuato Rubio E. , Ortiz Pérez P. , Loverdos Eseverri I. , García Volpe C. , Salcedo Lobato E. , Martín Rivada A. , Castro Millan AM. , Del Brio Castillo R. , Sierra San Nicolás S. , Murray Hurtado M. , Crehuá Gaudiza E. , Medina Martínez M. , González Jiménez D. ,   y grupo de trabajo de FQ y páncreas de la SEGHNP
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundCystic Fibrosis (CF) is associated with compromised nutrition status, which is responsible for morbidity and mortality along with lung function decline. This study was designed to examine changes in anthropometric markers and body composition parameters by bioelectrical impedance analysis after CFTR modulator (CFTRm) treatment.MethodsWe compared anthropometric parameters and body composition before and after 6 and 12 months of CFTRm treatment. Results are stratified into subgroups according to the modulator used with dual therapy with lumacaftor + ivacaftor or tezacaftor + ivacaftor (LUMA/TEZ + IVA) or triple therapy with elexacaftor + tezacaftor + ivacaftor (ELE + TEZ + IVA). Body composition data are available in patients treated with ELE + TEZ + IVA.ResultsTwo hundred and thirty‐four children (55.1% male) were recruited. The median age was 13.6 years (inter‐quartile range [IQR] 10.7–16.1). We can observe a statistically significant increase in the weight Z score and BMI Z score after CFTRm. In terms of changes in body composition, we observe a significant increase in fat mass (FM) expressed both in kilograms and as a percentage at 6 months (p < .05; Wilcoxon‐test), with no such differences found at 12 months. We also observe a statistically significant increase in fat‐free‐mass (FFM), expressed in kilograms at 6 and 12 months (p < .05; Wilcoxon‐test).ConclusionWeight status improved and changes in body composition occurred in children after CFTRm therapy, including an increase of fat mass. Further studies are needed to confirm these changes in body composition and their impact on disease progression.
Natural rhenium sulfide clusters formed under conditions of laser desorption‐ionization
Authors: Lebedev Viacheslav V. , Yarykin Daniil I. , Chaplygin Ilya V. , Gorelkov Oleg P. , Zalavutdinov Rinad Kh. , Buryak Aleksey K. 
Published: September 2024

RationaleCluster forms of rhenium sulfides have important practical applications as catalysts in oil refining and thus present high interest. However, only a limited number of rhenium sulfide clusters have been described previously. It is known that cluster formation actively occurs under conditions of laser desorption–ionization; nevertheless, detailed studies of rhenium sulfides under such conditions were apparently not conducted previously.MethodsA sample of natural rhenium sulfide, collected from the fumarolic field of Kudriavy volcano (Iturup island, Russia) in 2002, was investigated using the laser desorption–ionization mass spectrometry method. The formed rhenium sulfide clusters were registered by a time‐of‐flight detector and identified programmatically using the software developed in IPCE RAS. The identification involved a comparison of the distribution of isotopic peak intensities, observed in the resulting mass spectra, with the theoretical probabilities of occurrence of various isotopologues for hypothetical rhenium sulfide species.ResultsOver 60 rhenium sulfide clusters of RexSy+ and RexSyOz− types containing up to 10 rhenium atoms were formed when a sample of natural rhenium sulfide was exposed to laser desorption–ionization conditions. Several isolated heterometallic ReXMoSY+ and ReXMoSYOZ− clusters containing up to eight rhenium atoms were additionally observed in the resulting mass spectra. The species with compositions, for which the electrically neutral analogs are known, apparently were the most stable rhenium sulfide clusters among the detected ones.ConclusionsThe obtained data allowed summarizing the patterns of formation of rhenium sulfide clusters under conditions of laser desorption‐ionization. The ability of rhenium and sulfur to form cluster species containing from 7 to 10 atoms of rhenium was likely discovered for the first time. The majority of the rhenium sulfide clusters described in this study, notably RexSy+ ions containing over seven atoms of rhenium, were apparently not observed previously.
Advances in Stability of NiFe‐Based Anodes toward Oxygen Evolution Reaction for Alkaline Water Electrolysis
Authors: Song Wenyu , Xia Chenfeng , Zaman Shahid , Chen Shenghua , Xiao Chunhui 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAlkaline electrolysis plays a crucial role in sustainable energy solutions by utilizing electrolytic cells to produce hydrogen gas, providing a clean and efficient method for energy storage and conversion. Efficient, stable, and low‐cost electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are essential to facilitate alkaline water electrolysis on a commercial scale. Nickel‐iron‐based (NiFe‐based) transition metal electrocatalysts are considered the most promising non‐precious metal catalysts for alkaline OER due to their low cost, abundance, and tunable catalytic properties. Nevertheless, the majority of existing NiFe‐based catalysts suffer from limited activity and poor stability, posing a significant challenge in meeting industrial applications. This also highlights a common situation where the emphasis on material activity receives significant attention, while the equally critical stability aspect is often underemphasized. Initiating with a comprehensive exploration of the stability of NiFe‐based OER materials, this article first summarizes the debate surrounding the determination of active sites in NiFe‐based OER electrocatalysts. Subsequently, the degradation mechanisms of recently reported NiFe‐based electrocatalysts are outlined, encompassing assessments of both chemical and mechanical endurance, along with essential approaches for enhancing their stability. Finally, suggestions are put forth regarding the essential considerations for the design of NiFe‐based OER electrocatalysts, with a focus on heightened stability.
Single Posthepatic Portosystemic Shunt Communicated With Internal Thoracic Vein and Azygos Continuation of the Caudal Vena Cava in a Dog
Authors: Takeuchi Ryo , Ishigaki Kumiko , Yoshida Orie , Heishima Tatsuya , Iida Kaito , Asano Kazushi 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTComputed tomography angiography (CTA) was performed under general anaesthesia on a 7‐month‐old toy poodle that was referred with the chief complaints of salivation and neurological symptoms. The CTA revealed a rare form of posthepatic portosystemic shunt (PSS) via the suspected persistent left umbilical vein communicating with the internal thoracic vein in addition to an azygos continuation of the caudal vena cava (CVC). The patient underwent surgery for partial ligation of PSS on Day 4 after the initial examination. On Day 71, after the initial examination, a second surgery was performed for complete ligation. Approximately 10 years have passed since the patient's second surgery, and he is still healthy, and generally in good condition. Although the morphology of the shunt in this case was unusual and was accompanied by an azygos continuation of the CVC, a favourable course of treatment was obtained by ligating the shunt vessel. This case report suggests that CTA can reveal the complex morphological characteristics like our case. Surgical treatment in this case resulted in favourable progress, similar to that in dogs with commonly observed extrahepatic PSS.
Does donor country impact the efficacy of health aid?: Evidence from the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Un Anthony , Un Paul 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDuring the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, many nations relied on unprecedented amounts of health‐sector aid to efficiently vaccinate their populations. These vaccines and supporting materials came from a variety of traditional and nontraditional donors, with the majority donor differing by recipient country. Previous research has examined the political benefits to donor states of providing health aid before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Less is known, however, about how recipients view health aid based on the donor and whether this impacts health aid resource use. This research aims to investigate whether recipient preferences over the source of health assistance affects the efficacy of aid, while using a novel vax‐score method to account for existing trends and predictors of vaccine uptake. Using COVID‐19 vaccine donation and uptake statistics collected by the Duke Global Health Innovation Center, the IMF, and the World Health Organization, we compare vaccine uptake across many vaccine recipient countries to investigate the impact of vaccine origin (Chinese vs. non‐Chinese source). We find that while increased donated vaccines per capita significantly raises the proportion of the population vaccinated at 12 months, the source of the donated vaccines has no impact. Previously reported recipient‐side concerns over vaccine origin have no impact on population‐level uptake at 12 months. Additionally, we observe that a vax‐score metric derived from vaccine uptake of a suite of childhood vaccines predicts COVID‐19 vaccine uptake beyond differences in GDP and GDP per capita. These results have implications for health aid policy and future research into foreign aid efficacy.
Modeling temporal dynamics of a radiant Casson fluid near a steeped plate emitting heat and mass fluxes
Authors: Das Sanatan , Karmakar Poly , Banu Ayesha Siddika , Sarkar Soumitra , Ali Asgar , Jana Rabindra Nath 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn today's rapidly advancing world, more deliberate development and implementation of energy‐efficient thermal management systems is emergent. In industrial and engineering contexts, the regulation of heat and mass transfer phenomena is heavily swayed by factors such as heat and mass fluxes, and wall temperature, and concentration levels. In cryogenic containers, understanding heat flux and wall temperature is essential for maintaining ultra‐low temperatures over extended periods. In this context, our paper embarks on modeling the transient dynamics of a radiant Casson fluid adjacent to a steeped plate, which is featured by its emission of both heat and mass fluxes. The plate is under two thermal conditions, namely uniform wall temperature (UWT) and uniform heat flux (UHF), which are crucial in modulating both upward and downward heat transport processes. The Laplace transform (LT) technique yields close‐form solutions for the model's governing equations. The distribution of flow and salient physical quantities are graphed and elucidated in response to intricate physical parameters. A comparative graphical analysis of UWT and UHF scenarios reveals stark differences. Notably, the fluid's flow rate appears considerably amplified in the UWT scenario compared to the UHF one. Furthermore, the UHF setting profoundly influences the heat and mass transportation within the fluid's flow realm. A pronounced Casson parameter tends to thin out the velocity profile. Concurrently, a heightened radiation parameter results in a reduction in fluid temperature. The theoretical framework explored in our study is not just an academic exercise but holds tangible applicability across varied sectors. This spans from rocket chamber cooling, where fine‐tuned heat flux conditions are paramount for safeguarding operations, to industries like cosmetics and food processing, which demand meticulous thermal regulation to ensure product excellence.