bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of liver standardized uptake value in F18-FDG PET/CT scanning: impact of different malignancies, blood glucose level, body weight normalization, and imaging systems
Authors: Abd-Elkader Mohamed S. , Elmaghraby Sherif M. , Abdel-Mohsen Mohamed A. , Khalil Magdy M. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The aim of this work was to investigate homogeneity and stability of liver SUV in terms of different malignancies considering different body normalization schemes and blood glucose concentrations as well as PET/CT imaging systems.

Methods
The study included 207 patients with four different types of cancers namely breast, lymphoma, lung, and bone-metastasis. Data acquisition was performed with GE Discovery IQ, Biograph mCT, uMI 550, and Ingenuity TF64 after a single intravenous injection of 194 ± 67.5 MBq of 18F-FDG.

Results
In body weight normalization, SUVmax and SUVmean in bone-mets as well as SUVmean in lung patients were not statistically different among scanners especially for data corrected for glucose levels (p = 0.062, 0.121, and 0.150, respectively). In SUVlbm derived from lung patients, there was no significant differences in Philips in comparison to GE and Siemens (both, p > 0.05) for data corrected and not corrected for glucose levels. In SUVbsa, the only non-significant difference revealed among scanners was in the measurements of SUVmean obtained from lung and bone-mets (p = 0.107 and 0.114) both corrected for glucose levels. In SUVbmi, SUVmean of lung and bone-mets as well as SUVmax of bone-mets showed a non-significant differences among the four different scanning systems (p = 0.303, 0.091, and 0.222, respectively) for data corrected for glucose levels.

Conclusion
Liver glucose correction needs further investigations in individual tumors but could be potentially affected by whether measurements are made on SUVmean versus SUVmax, body weight normalization, as well as the imaging system. As such, selection of normalization to body weight method should be carefully selected before clinical adoption and clinically adopted and body surface area would provide the highest correlation. As such, normalization of body weight should be carefully made before clinical adoption. SUVmean proves to be useful and stable metric when liver is corrected for blood glucose levels.
Cardiac Fatigue in Male Athletes with Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Impairments After a Very Long-Distance Triathlon
Authors: Hédon Christophe , Gouzi Fares , Padovani Caroline , Schuster Iris , Maufrais Claire , Cade Stéphane , Cransac Frédéric , Bui Gaspard , Morcillo Samuel , Ayoub Bronia , Thireau Jérôme , Izem Omar , Reboul Cyril , Walther Guillaume , Hayot Maurice , Nottin Stéphane , Cazorla Olivier 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Prolonged strenuous exercise can transiently decrease cardiac function. Other studies have identified three major exercise-induced pulmonary changes: bronchoconstriction, dynamic hyperinflation and pulmonary oedema with reduced alveolar–capillary membrane diffusing capacity. This study investigated whether athletes with one of these pulmonary dysfunctions following a very long-distance triathlon exhibit similar cardiac alterations as those without dysfunctions.

Methods
Sixty trained male triathletes (age 39 ± 9 years) underwent baseline and post-race assessments, including echocardiography (with standard, 2D-strain and myocardial work assessments), spirometry and double-diffusion technique to evaluate alveolar–capillary membrane diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DMCO). Cardiac function in athletes with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (> 10% decrease FEV1), dynamic hyperinflation (> 10% decrease inspiratory capacity) or impaired diffusion capacity (> 20% decrease DMCO/alveolar volume) were compared with those without these dysfunctions.

Results
The race lasted 14 h 20 min ± 1 h 26 min. Both systolic and diastolic cardiac functions declined post-race. Post-race, 18% of athletes had bronchoconstriction, 58% dynamic hyperinflation and 40% impaired diffusing capacity. Right and left ventricular standard and 2D-strain parameters were similar before the race in all subgroups and changed similarly post-race, except E/E′, which decreased in the bronchoconstriction subgroup and increased in those with diffusion impairment. Global constructive work decreased by ~ 19% post-race (2302 ± 226 versus 1869 ± 328 mmHg%, P < 0.001), more pronounced in athletes with diffusion impairment compared with others (− 26 ± 13 versus − 15 ± 9%, P = 0.001) and positively correlated with DMCO/alveolar volume reduction.

Conclusion
After a very long-distance triathlon, bronchoconstriction and hyperinflation were not associated with significant cardiac changes, whereas impaired alveolar–capillary membrane diffusing capacity was associated with a more significant decline in myocardial function. These findings highlight the complex relationship between pulmonary gas exchange abnormalities and cardiac fatigue following prolonged strenuous exercise.
Expectation analysis for bounding solutions of the 0–1 knapsack problem
Authors: Morales Fernando A. , Martínez Jairo A. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this paper, an entirely novel discrete probabilistic model is presented to generate 0–1 Knapsack Problem instances. We analyze the expected behavior of the greedy algorithm, the eligible-first algorithm and the linear relaxation algorithm for these instances; all used to bound the solution of the 0–1 Knapsack Problem (0–1 KP) and/or its approximation. The probabilistic setting is given and the main random variables are identified. The expected performance for each of the aforementioned algorithms is analytically established in closed forms in an unprecedented way.
On the feasibility of a predictive model of mechanical properties of AM Inconel 718 thin wallets produced by DED-LB process monitored with thermal methods
Authors: D’Accardi E. , Chiappini F. , Giannasi A. , Guerrini M. , Maggiani G. , Palumbo D. , Galietti U. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractNickel-based superalloys are widely used in applications requiring resistance to high temperatures and high strain rates. Various additive manufacturing (AM) processes, such as Laser Metal Deposition (LMD), a Directed Energy Deposition (DED) process, can be used to produce these components. The quality of the components depends on the process parameters, so it is crucial to investigate the influence of each parameter and their combinations through extensive experimental campaigns. In this scenario, it would be very important to predict the mechanical properties of the produced components through the online monitoring of the process parameters using non-destructive techniques, such as thermography. The aim of this work was to explore the feasibility to predict the mechanical properties of Inconel 718 thin wallets around 10 mm produced by DED-LB, based on the extraction of suitable thermal features directly during the production. An experimental campaign analysed the effect of different process parameters (laser power, scan speed, powder flow rate, and energy density) on the mechanical properties achieved. All sample production was monitored with an infrared uncooled camera integrated with the laser head moving at the same scan speed. After the process, hardness measurements and tensile tests in both growth directions were carried out for each sample to evaluate the mechanical behaviour of the "as-built" coupons and the influence of selected process parameters. Macrographic analyses of the material structure were performed to determine the morphology of the passes and the degree of overlap between different passes and layers. Various thermal features and statistical models were considered to demonstrate the possibility of establishing a predictive model. The obtained results demonstrated the correlation between the hardness and the apparent temperature assuming a confidence level of 95%, and the possibility of predicting in this sense the final macrostructure and the mechanical behaviour of the printed material considering an empirical model with the R2 coefficient around 0.8.
Thiophanate-methyl and its major metabolite carbendazim weaken rhizobacteria-mediated defense responses in cucumbers against Fusarium wilt
Authors: Cui Kai , Xia Xiaoming , Wang Youwei , Zhang Yueli , Zhang Ying , Cao Junli , Xu Jun , Dong Fengshou , Liu Xingang , Pan Xinglu , Zheng Yongquan , Wu Xiaohu 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe effect of fungicides on the plant-rhizosphere microbiome is a subject of ongoing debate, but whether any alteration in the rhizosphere microbiome could affect plant health is an issue that has not been thoroughly investigated. To address this deficiency, we analyzed the rhizosphere microbiome of wilt disease—resistant and disease-susceptible cucumber cultivars to determine whether (and which) plant-associated microorganisms have a role in disease resistance. We further assessed whether the fungicides thiophanate-methyl and carbendazim affect the rhizosphere microbiome, which may contribute to the plant’s immune response. Based on results acquired with both radicle-inoculation and soil-inoculation methods, cultivars Longyuanxiuchun (LYXC) and Shuyan2 (SY2) were identified as being disease resistant, whereas Zhongnong6 (ZN6) and Zhongnong38 (ZN38) were susceptible. The microbiome structure differed substantially between the resistant and susceptible plants, with LYXC and SY2 each having a significantly greater Shannon index than Zhongnong38. These results revealed that the disease-resistant cucumber cultivars recruited more beneficial bacteria, i.e., Bacillus, in their rhizosphere soil; as such, Bacillus was identified as a keystone genus in the microbial co-occurrence network. Thus, the presence of Bacillus may help cucumbers defend against fungal pathogens within the rhizosphere. Bacillus subtilis strain LD15, which was isolated from LYXC rhizosphere soil, could suppress pathogen growth, in vitro, and reduce disease severity in pot assays. Moreover, evidence also confirmed the accumulation of LD1 in the rhizosphere soil of resistant cucumber cultivars. For LYXC, application of thiophanate-methyl or carbendazim altered the microbiome structure, decreased bacterial diversity, and reduced the abundance of Bacillus species. Finally, pot assays verified that fungicide application decreased the proportion of LD15 in rhizosphere soil. From a microbial perspective, thiophanate-methyl and carbendazim may weaken the rhizobacteria-mediated defense response of cucumbers against cucumber Fusarium wilt disease. Our findings reveal a role for the rhizosphere microbiome in protecting plants from pathogens and constitute a reference for assessing the ecotoxicological risk of pesticides to non-target soil microorganisms.
Wirbelsäule und Haltung: Eisners WiPiHi
Authors: Eisner Wilhelm 
Published: October 2024

ZusammenfassungEisners Wirbelsäulen-Position und Hilfe-Methode, kurz WPH-Methode oder besser WiPiHi-Methode – umfasst verschiedene Testungen zur Diagnosestellung sowie Übungen mit dem Ziel, Fehlhaltungen in eine gute Haltung zurückzuführen, sprich in eine schmerzfreie oder zumindest schmerzreduzierte Haltung inklusive Prophylaxe von Wirbelsäulenschmerzen bzw. von Schmerzen des Haltungs- und Bewegungssystems. Eine zentrale Rolle kommt dabei dem kontinuierlichen Training der Haltemuskulatur zu, um die häufige muskuläre Dysbalance zwischen Halte- und Bewegungsmuskulatur zu reduzieren oder ganz aufzuheben.
Concrete crack classification based on fourier image enhancement and convolutional neural network
Authors: Sun Xiaoli , Yang Jun , Huang Wei , Teng Shuai 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates the application of Fourier image enhancement combined with Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for detecting cracks in concrete structures. Fourier enhancement is used to preprocess crack images, improving their clarity and reducing noise, which in turn enhances the performance of the CNN in accurately classifying cracks. The results demonstrate that this combination improves the classification accuracy, with the enhanced images achieving a higher accuracy compared to non-enhanced images. Additionally, the study examines the effects of this preprocessing on CNN training time. However, accuracy varies depending on the dataset used, with one dataset reaching a maximum accuracy of 95% after enhancement. These findings highlight the potential of using frequency-domain image enhancement techniques in conjunction with deep learning models for structural health monitoring.
The Spanish translation, adaptation, and validation of a Community-Engaged Research survey and a pragmatic short version: Encuesta Comunitaria and FUERTES
Authors: Rodriguez Espinosa Patricia , Peña Juan M. , Devia Carlos , Boursaw Blake , Avila Magdalena , Rudametkin Diana , Aguilar-Gaxiola Sergio , Alegria Margarita , Soto de Laurido Lourdes E. , Acosta Pérez Edna , Wallerstein Nina 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroduction:Community-Engaged Research (CEnR) and Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) require validated measures and metrics for evaluating research partnerships and outcomes. There is a need to adapt and translate existing measures for practical use with diverse and non-English-speaking communities. This paper describes the Spanish translation and adaptation of Engage for Equity’s Community Engagement Survey (E2CES), a nationally validated and empirically-supported CEnR evaluation tool, into the full-length “Encuesta Comunitaria,” and a pragmatic shorter version “Fortaleciendo y Uniendo EsfueRzos Transdisciplinarios para Equidad de Salud” (FUERTES).Methods:Community and academic partners from the mainland US, Puerto Rico, and Nicaragua participated in translating and adapting E2CES, preserving content validity, psychometric properties, and importance to stakeholders of items, scales, and CBPR constructs (contexts, partnership processes, intervention and research actions, and outcomes). Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and convergent validity was assessed via a correlation matrix among scales.Results:Encuesta Comunitariarespondents (N= 57) self-identified as primarily Latinos/as/x (97%), female (74%), and academics (61%). Cronbach’s alpha values ranged from 0.72 to 0.88 for items in the context domain to 0.90–0.92 for items in the intervention/research domain. Correlations were found as expected among subscales, with the strongest relationships found for subscales within the same CBPR domain. Results informed the creation of FUERTES.Conclusions:Encuenta Comunitariaand FUERTES offer CEnR/CBPR practitioners two validated instruments for assessing their research partnering practices, and outcomes. Moreover, FUERTES meets the need for shorter pragmatic tools. These measures can further strengthen CEnR/CBPR involving Latino/a/x communities within the US, Latin America, and globally.
Direct measurements of firn-density evolution from 2016 to 2022 at Wolverine Glacier, Alaska
Authors: Stevens C. Max , Sass Louis , Florentine Caitlyn , McNeil Christopher , Baker Emily , Bollen Katherine 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Knowledge of snow and firn-density change is needed to use elevation-change measurements to estimate glacier mass change. Additionally, firn-density evolution on glaciers is closely connected to meltwater percolation, refreezing and runoff, which are key processes for glacier mass balance and hydrology. Since 2016, the U.S. Geological Survey Benchmark Glacier Project has recovered firn cores from a site on Wolverine Glacier in Alaska's Kenai Mountains. We use annual horizons in repeat cores to track firn densification and meltwater retention over seasonal and interannual timescales, and we use density measurements to quantify how the firn air content (FAC) changes through time. The results suggest the firn is densifying due primarily to compaction rather than refreezing. Liquid-water retention in the firn is transient, likely due to gravity-fed drainage and irreducible-water-content decreases that accompany decreasing porosity. We show that the uncertainty (±60 kg m−3) in the commonly used volume-to-mass conversion factor of 850 kg m−3 is an underestimation when glacier-wide FAC variability exceeds 12% of the glacier-averaged height change. Our results demonstrate how direct measurements of firn properties on mountain glaciers can be used to better quantify the uncertainty in geodetic volume-to-mass conversions.
(When) are lobbying expenditures a good proxy for lobbying activity?
Authors: Thieme Sebastian 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Lobbying expenditures are widely used as a proxy variable for measuring lobbying activity. However, the validity of this approach has rarely been examined and existing justifications do not account for heterogeneity in expenditure formats across types of lobbyists. I address the question using unique lobbying disclosure data from Wisconsin, where lobbying organizations report both expenditures on lobbying-related activities and lobbyists’ hours worked. Strong overall correlations between changes in expenditures and hours worked within organization–lobbyist dyads indicate that lobbying expenditures can serve as a reasonable proxy. However, caution is warranted due to substantial heterogeneity, with contract lobbyist relationships exhibiting weaker correlations than in-house relationships. I conclude by providing suggestions to improve empirical analyses that rely on lobbying expenditures.
Overview of anti-inflammatory diets and their promising effects on non-communicable diseases
Authors: Yu Xiaoping , Pu Haomou , Voss Margaret 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAn anti-inflammatory diet is characterised by incorporating foods with potential anti-inflammatory properties, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, spices, herbs and plant-based protein. Concurrently, pro-inflammatory red and processed meat, refined carbohydrates and saturated fats are limited. This article explores the effects of an anti-inflammatory diet on non-communicable diseases (NCD), concentrating on the underlying mechanisms that connect systemic chronic inflammation, dietary choices and disease outcomes. Chronic inflammation is a pivotal contributor to the initiation and progression of NCD. This review provides an overview of the intricate pathways through which chronic inflammation influences the pathogenesis of conditions including obesity, type II diabetes mellitus, CVD, autoinflammatory diseases, cancer and cognitive disorders. Through a comprehensive synthesis of existing research, we aim to identify some bioactive compounds present in foods deemed anti-inflammatory, explore their capacity to modulate inflammatory pathways and, consequently, to prevent or manage NCD. The findings demonstrated herein contribute to an understanding of the interplay between nutrition, inflammation and chronic diseases, paving a way for future dietary recommendations and research regarding preventive or therapeutic strategies.
Broadcasting Law and Gospel: Paul Tillich's Wartime Ministry to Nazi Germany
Authors: Skiles William Stewart 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
During World War II, the German theologian Paul Tillich, then a professor at Union Theological Seminary, partnered with the United States’ organization Voice of America to deliver over 100 religious addresses in the German language into his homeland. In these broadcasts, Tillich utilized the Lutheran categories of Law and Gospel to identify and discuss the sins of the Nazis (and Hitler in particular) and to remind the German population that there was still hope in redemption. Remarkably, well before the war's end, Tillich argued for German collective guilt and the need for the atonement and expiation of the German people. He continually warned them of impending judgment and inescapable punishment – both human and divine – as the Allies advanced on the battlefield in a race toward Berlin. Yet Tillich often tempered this focus on judgment with an emphasis on the Gospel, the certain hope Germans have in God's salvation. This prism of Law and Gospel pervades the religious addresses. I will place these broadcasts in the context of the war, the wartime work of Voice in America, and what we know of other religious addresses delivered over the airwaves to Nazi Germany, to reveal how Tillich preached resistance to Nazi Germany.
Labour-saving sowing tools for direct dry seeding of rice in Madagascar
Authors: Andriatsiorimanana Aina , Mujawamariya Gaudiose , Tefy Irina Andrianina , Harison Nomenjanahary Fifaliana , Saito Kazuki , Senthilkumar Kalimuthu 
Published: October 2024

Summary
Manual rainfed rice sowing is laborious and time-consuming, leading to delayed crop establishment due to labour shortage. To increase production and productivity, we proposed introducing single-row rotary seeders (for dibbling seeds) and fertiseeders (for simultaneous dibbling seeds and fertilizer) for smallholders. We evaluated ‘CFFAMMA seeder’ (already developed seeder by CFFAMMA), ‘New seeder’ (a newly designed seeder), and a fertiseeder in terms of sowing time, crop establishment, and yield in Madagascar. We also obtained farmers’ feedback on the machines’ effectiveness, desirability, their willingness to use, and to pay for it (farmer participatory approach). Finally, we evaluated the profitability of using these machines under rainfed conditions. On-farm experiments across four locations in the central highlands of Madagascar revealed up to 82% time savings using seeders and fertiseeder over two seasons compared with manual methods. The CFFAMMA seeder outperformed the other two, with similar numbers of missing hills, yield, and benefit–cost (B:C) ratios to manual sowing. Despite farmers’ desire to adopt seeders (96%), high cost of equipment acquisition remains a significant obstacle: farmers’ willingness to pay per unit of the equipment (US$8–11); actual price ($68–81). Addressing this financial burden is crucial for wider adoption. Though the seeders and fertiseeder achieved >80% time reduction for sowing and comparable yields to manual methods, fine-tuning of the tools for technical efficiency is also required for wider adoption.
Commons land management in Southern, post-unification Italy: New evidence from a micro analysis on Salerno province
Authors: Zanibelli Giacomo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The aim of this study is to observe the ability of Southern Italian municipalities to respond to and redefine the management of common lands following the national privatisation and partition policies promoted by the State during the second half of the nineteenth century. The hypothesis tested is whether, through the analysis of new archival sources such as management rules, it is possible to identify good practices of management of common lands, along with the presence of resilience on the part of local communities during a period defined as one of uncontrollable ‘decline’ for these resources. Three Apennine areas (Campania Region) were identified as the observation sample. The analysis revealed that for these specific cases, it is imprecise to speak of decline and a lack of propensity to develop good management practices, but rather of institutions that are attentive to the protection and preservation of their commons through specific rules.