bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PRECIOUS study (PREterm Caesarean/vaginal birth and IVH/OUtcomeS): does mode of birth reduce the risk of death or brain injury in very preterm babies? A cohort and emulated target trial protocol
Authors: Odd David , Reeve Nicola F , Barnett Jane , Cutter Judith , Daniel Rhian , Gale Chris , Siasakos Dimitris 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionVery preterm babies are at risk of poor neurodevelopmental outcomes and death. Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) after birth is the most prevalent cause of this. Birth by caesarean section may protect against IVH in very preterm babies, but the evidence is limited. The aim is to identify and obtain the quantitative evidence needed to inform a future definitive clinical trial to determine the optimal mode of delivery in preterm birth.Methods and analysisWe will use three broad workstreams (WS) to answer complementary questions. WSs 1 and 2 involve the analysis of routinely recorded national clinical data held in an established research database. In WS1 (October 2023–March 2024), we will use conventional methods to identify what is needed to undertake a trial: the population of interest, areas of equipoise and a plausible range of effect sizes. In WS2 (April 2024–October 2024), using an emulated target trial framework, we will attempt to make inferences about the treatment effect from such a future trial and will identify potential challenges in recruitment and estimate likely ‘intention-to-treat’ versus ‘per-protocol’ profiles; these analyses will also be useful for power calculations for future possible trials. In WS3 (October 2024–March 2025), we will convene a consensus meeting with key stakeholders, supported by a clinical trials unit, to develop a multicentre clinical trial to identify the optimal mode of birth for preterm deliveries.Ethics and disseminationIn this study, we will use deidentified data held in the National Neonatal Research Database (NNRD), an established national population database; parents can opt out of their baby’s data being held in the NNRD. HRA/Health and Care Research Wales and National Health Service (NHS) study-specific Research Ethics Committee approval (London—Queen Square Research Ethics Committee) (Ref: 23/LO/0826) ethical approval has been obtained. Key outputs of the PRECIOUS (PREterm Caesarean/vaginal birth and IVH/OUutcomeS) study include the identification of the data, and accordingly of the multidisciplinary team required, to develop, gain funding and complete, a clinical trial to definitively identify the optimal mode of delivery for preterm infants and their mothers.
Acupuncture and Escitalopram for Treating Major Depression Clinical Study (AE-TMDCS): protocol for a factorial randomised controlled trial
Authors: Yang Kaiqi , Tiwari Sagun , Liu Dezhi , Xu Qinfeng , Qi Lili , Zhu Yue , Jiang Liling , Zouqin Huang , Wong John , Chen Jianhua , Han Zhenxiang 
Published: September 2024

IntroductionMajor depressive disorder (MDD), the second leading cause of disability globally, is considered to be associated with a consequent deterioration in the quality of life and can lead to a major economic burden on medical service and suicide-related costs. Previous research has shown that acupuncture may be beneficial for treating MDD. However, there is a lack of rigorous evidence from previous studies comparing acupuncture with antidepressant medications. This study aims to assess the therapeutic potential of acupuncture in the management of depressive disorders.Methods and analysisA multicentre, randomised, participant-blind, sham-controlled, 2×2 factorial clinical trial, Acupuncture and Escitalopram for Treating Major Depression Clinical Study, aims to compare the efficacy of acupuncture versus escitalopram in treating depression. This study will be conducted at three hospitals in China, enrolling 260 patients with moderate-to-severe major depression, as defined by DSM-5 criteria and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) Scores above 17. Participants will be randomly assigned in equal proportions to one of four groups (acupuncture/escitalopram, sham acupuncture/escitalopram, acupuncture/placebo and sham acupuncture/placebo) and undergo 30 sessions across 10 weeks. The primary outcome is change in HDRS-17 Score and secondary outcomes include BDI, Clinical Global Impression, Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 and Mini-Mental State Examination Scores, alongside potential biological markers.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval for the study was granted by the Ethics Committees of the Seventh People’s Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2023-7th-HIRB-020), Shanghai Mental Health Centre (2022–86) and Shanghai Pudong New Area Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (2023–003). Informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The study’s findings are intended for publication in a scholarly journal.Trial registrationNCT05901571.
Neonatal and short-term outcome after late vertical transmission in congenital CMV-infected fetuses following primary first-trimester maternal seroconversion
Authors: De Keersmaecker Bart , Vanwinkel Sanne , Lagrou Katrien , Jansen Katrien , Naulaers Gunnar , De Catte Luc 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveTo document the course of neonatal and short-term outcomes in pregnancies after first trimester CMV (cytomegalovirus) seroconversion and negative amniotic fluid (AF) CMV PCR.MethodsWe included 375 patients with a first-trimester CMV seroconversion and amniocentesis at ≥21 weeks. Termination of pregnancy (TOP) was offered in case antenatally severe CMV-related fetopathy was documented either by ultrasound or by MRI. AF CMV PCR-negative fetuses underwent a PCR CMV on neonatal urine (NU). Perinatal and short-term infant outcomes were investigated by a questionnaire, sent to parents.ResultsAF CMV PCR was positive in 118/375 cases (31.4%). TOP was performed in 46/118 (38.9%) and fetal demise occurred twice. Questionnaires were sent to 327 patients with an overall response rate of 77%. Three groups were considered: Group 1: the early infected group (AF CMV PCR positive; N=62), group 2: the late infected group (AF CMV PCR negative, NU CMV PCR positive; N=7) and group 3: the control group (AF+NU CMV PCR negative; N=160). Compared with group 3, group 1 was more frequently symptomatic at birth (6.2% vs 19.4%; p=0.006). In short-term follow-up, hearing impairment (23.5%; p<0.001), mild motor deficit - defined as abnormal early motor development or the need for physiotherapy in later life (21.6%; p=0.005) - and subnormal vision (15.7%; p=0.02) were significantly more frequent. Compared with group 3, group 2 showed more often jaundice (57.1%; p=0.04) and petechiae (28.6%; p=0.04) at birth, but other short-term symptoms were lacking.ConclusionAlthough neonates may screen positive on urine for CMV after an AF CMV negative PCR, they show rarely and only mild sequelae in early life.
Endosialin-positive CAFs promote hepatocellular carcinoma progression by suppressing CD8+T cell infiltration
Authors: Gan Lunbiao , Lu Tong , Lu Yu , Song Hongtao , Zhang Jiayu , Zhang Keying , Lu Shiqi , Wu Xinjie , Nie Fengze , Di Sijia , Han Donghui , Yang Fa , Qin Weijun , Wen Weihong 
Published: September 2024

Background and aimsEndosialin, also known as tumor endothelial marker1 or CD248, is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is mainly expressed in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our previous study has found that endosialin-positive CAFs could recruit and induce the M2 polarization of macrophages in HCC. However, whether they may regulate other types of immune cells to promoting HCC progression is not known.Approach and resultsThe growth of both subcutaneous and orthotopic HCC tumors was significantly inhibited in endosialin knockout (ENKO) mice. Single-cell sequencing and flow cytometry analysis showed that tumor tissues from ENKOmice had increased CD8+T cell infiltration. Mixed HCC tumor with Hepa1-6 cells and endosialin knockdown fibroblasts also showed inhibited growth and increased CD8+T cell infiltration. Data from in vitro co-culture assay, chemokine array and antibody blocking assay, RNA-seq and validation experiments showed that endosialin inhibits the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of STAT1 in CAFs. This inhibition leads to a decrease in CXCL9/10 expression and secretion, resulting in the suppression of CD8+T cell infiltration. High level of endosialin protein expression was correlated with low CD8+T infiltration in the tumor tissue of HCC patients. The combination therapy of endosialin antibody and PD-1 antibody showed synergistic antitumor effect compared with either antibody used individually.ConclusionsEndosialin could inhibit CD8+T cell infiltration by inhibiting the expression and secretion of CXCL9/10 in CAFs, thus promote HCC progression. Combination therapy with endosialin antibody could increase the antitumor effect of PD-1 antibody in HCC, which may overcome the resistance to PD-1 blockade.
Petrochemical and geochronological constraints on the origin of the Sops Arm group, the most westerly Silurian volcano-sedimentary extensional basin on the western Newfoundland composite Laurentian margin
Authors: Sandeman H.A.I. , Honsberger I.W. , Peddle C. , Kamo S.L. , Dunning G.R. 
Published: September 2024

The Sops Arm group of western Newfoundland, a sequence of subaerial to shallow marine mainly bimodal volcanic rocks and coarse- to fine-grained clastic sedimentary rocks, forms the only known Silurian overstep volcano-sedimentary basin in the Humber Zone of Newfoundland and the northern Appalachians. The group is divided into Western and Eastern sequences, separated by the Long Steady reverse fault, an arcuate, east-dipping, high-strain zone. Mafic volcanic rocks of both sequences are tholeiitic, transitional to calc-alkaline continental basalts derived from an enriched mid-ocean ridge basalt-like source contaminated by older Grenvillian lithosphere. Eastern sequence basalts are more primitive and exhibit less lithospheric contamination. Silicic volcanic rocks are dominantly ferroan, alkaline to strongly peralkaline, within-plate (A2-type) rhyolitic, upper crustal fractionates. Silicic rocks of the Western sequence are Telychian (ca. 434 Ma), whereas rhyolite from the Sops Island volcanic member of the Eastern sequence gave a new high-precision U–Pb zircon age of 429.39 ± 0.57 Ma (Homerian). Telychian and Homerian magmatism and associated sedimentation reflect episodic extension and/or transtension within an intracontinental basin of the eastern Humber Zone. Folding and imbrication of the group is constrained between ca. 401 Ma, the age of a deformed silicic dyke in the Eastern sequence and ca. 374 Ma, a muscovite cooling age from rocks in the Long Steady Fault. The Siluro-Devonian evolution of the group is consistent with widespread post-Salinic extension, far-field Acadian and Neoacadian deformation, and the emplacement of gold mineralization across the Dunnage Zone of Newfoundland.
Indicators of soil degradation on a pipeline footprint, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Whitson Ivan R. 
Published: September 2024

Monitoring data are needed to assess the effectiveness of soil conservation measures applied on agricultural lands during pipeline construction. Soil data were collected on the footprint of a pipeline constructed in 2016–2017 in west-central Alberta. Construction practices were expected to mitigate for topsoil loss and admixture, compaction, and erosion. Sites were established on the footprint and on adjacent reference areas on 24 parcels. Field measurements included point-sample results for horizon thickness, bulk density and soil erosion-rate including suspended sediment in runoff, and laboratory measurements from composite samples including pH, total organic carbon and texture. Admixture rate was estimated from change in percentage clay. Topsoil thickness was more variable on the reclaimed footprint than references. Topsoil pH was about 0.4 units higher and percent clay was 6.2% higher on the footprint than references but total organic carbon was not different. Admixture rates in the topsoil at six parcels ranged from 0.18 to 0.60. Penetration resistance on four measured aggregate size classes of subsoil was significantly higher on the footprint than reference. Subsoil loss from rill erosion ranged from 0.1 to 8.1 cm in the first year after construction when little vegetation was present and sediment concentrations in runoff sometimes exceeded 10 g L−1. Mitigations applied to limit soil degradation were less effective than expected. The use of quantitative techniques to monitor soil reclamation outcomes will improve the credibility of results but add costs to the process. Similar monitoring is needed to determine the effectiveness of current reclamation practices.
Comparison of conventional methods with Haney H3A version 4 for available phosphorus and potassium in southern Manitoba soils
Authors: Crittenden Stephen , Molina Oscar , Sager Steve , Cavers Curtis , Xing Zisheng , St. Luce Mervin , Lawley Yvonne 
Published: September 2024

The H3A-4 extraction is a new method to determine plant available nutrients but has not been compared with standard soil tests or calibrated to crop response in Manitoba, Canada. Olsen P and ammonium acetate K were related to H3A-4 P and K for 961 soil samples. Significant relations were found between Olsen P and H3A-4 ( R2 = 0.74, P < 0.01) and ammonium acetate K and H3A-4 ( R2 = 0.83, P < 0.01). New thresholds were established for fertilizer recommendations with H3A-4 as 24 mg kg–1 for P and 32 mg kg–1 for K.
Migratory behaviour of Ipswich Sparrows during spring
Authors: Bliss Sydney , Leonard Marty , Crysler Zoe , Taylor Phil 
Published: September 2024

Optimal migration theory predicts birds will follow migration strategies that minimize time, energy, or predation risk, and these strategies employ specific and conflicting behaviours. Many behaviours driving songbird strategies are relatively well known, however gaps remain, especially for spring migration. Here, we describe the behaviours of a short-distance migrant, the Ipswich Sparrow ( Passerculus sandwichensis princeps Maynard, 1872), during spring migration. We determined the start and end dates of migration, migratory duration, travel speed, distance per night, and stopover location and duration. We also examined whether behaviours differed by sex and age. Sparrows migrated between March and June, and took an average of 29.1 days at a speed of 7.2 ± 9.4 m/s (SD) to fly ∼1574 km to their breeding grounds. Sparrows flew approximately 100 km/night and made stopovers of >7 days adjacent to ecological barriers. Males migrated before females, and behaviour did not differ with age. Overall, Ipswich Sparrows had a relatively slow travel speed and covered short distances each night consistent with efforts to minimize energy costs or predation risk. They had prolonged stopovers suggesting that they were also trying to minimize time. More work is required to determine which strategy sparrows may be using during spring migration.
Foundations of automatic feature extraction at LHC–point clouds and graphs
Authors: Bhardwaj Akanksha , Konar Partha , Ngairangbam Vishal 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDeep learning algorithms will play a key role in the upcoming runs of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), helping bolster various fronts ranging from fast and accurate detector simulations to physics analysis probing possible deviations from the Standard Model. The game-changing feature of these new algorithms is the ability to extract relevant information from high-dimensional input spaces, often regarded as “replacing the expert” in designing physics-intuitive variables. While this may seem true at first glance, it is far from reality. Existing research shows that physics-inspired feature extractors have many advantages beyond improving the qualitative understanding of the extracted features. In this review, we systematically explore automatic feature extraction from a phenomenological viewpoint and the motivation for physics-inspired architectures. We also discuss how prior knowledge from physics results in the naturalness of the point cloud representation and discuss graph-based applications to LHC phenomenology.
COMPARISON OF FIXATION USING SCREWS AND SUTURE BUTTONS IN THE TREATMENT OF DISTAL TIBIOFIBULAR DIASTASIS ASSOCIATED WITH ANKLE FRACTURES
Authors: Kim Bum Soo , Shin Seungyup , Lee Ji-Won , Choi Gyeonggyu 
Published: September 2024

Purpose: We aimed to compare the treatment results of fixation using screws and a suture button when treating distal tibiofibular joint diastasis combined with ankle fractures Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 30 patients with ankle fractures who were treated with screws and 34 patients who were treated with suture buttons for distal tibiofibular joint diastasis. Postoperative clinical outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and radiologic outcomes were evaluated by measuring tibiofibular clear space, tibiofibular overlap, and medial clear space on pre- and post-operative radiographs. The average length of hospital stay, whether surgery was performed to remove the internal fixation, the time of weight bearing, and whether the internal fixation was damaged were investigated. Results: One year after surgery, the average AOFAS score showed no statistically significant difference between the screw surgery group and the suture button surgery group. The averages of tibiofibular clear space, tibiofibular overlap, and medial clear space measured immediately postoperatively did not show statistically significant differences between the screw surgery group and the suture button surgery group, but the measurements taken 1 year after surgery were significantly different statistically. Screw removal surgery was performed in all cases in the screw surgery group. In the screw surgery group, there were 3 cases of screw breakage and 3 cases of surgical wound infection, and the length of hospitalization and the postoperative weight-bearing start time in the screw surgery group were longer. Conclusion: When treating distal tibiofibular joint diastasis, the screw surgery group and the suture button surgery group showed no statistically significant difference in clinical outcomes measured by AOFAS 1 year after surgery, but the suture button surgery group had better results in radiological evaluation and in complication frequency.
Fast and stable second-order credit sensitivities of credit valuation adjustment
Authors: Daluiso Roberto 
Published: September 2024

Credit Valuation Adjustment is a balance sheet item which is nowadays subject to active risk management by specialized traders. However, the most important risk factors, which are the default intensities of the counterparties, affect in a nondifferentiable way the most general Monte Carlo estimator of the adjustment, through simulation of default times. Thus the computation of first- and second-order (pure and mixed) sensitivities with respect to inputs affecting these risk factors cannot rely on direct path-wise differentiation, while any approach involving finite differences is slow and shows very high statistical noise. We present ad hoc estimators which have empirically a much smaller variance while offering very low runtime overheads over the baseline computation of the price adjustment, regardless of the number of sensitivities of interest, by leveraging adjoint (i.e., backward) algorithmic differentiation in their implementation. These estimators allow for a generic copula-based dependence structure among the default events, and can be applied beyond our main application, to payoffs depending on more than two of them. We also discuss the conversion of the so-obtained sensitivities to model parameters (e.g., default intensities) into sensitivities to the market quotes used in calibration (e.g., Credit Default Swap spreads) by generalizations of an existing implicit-function based first-order algorithm.
Early Devonian bioclastic contourites in the High Atlas: a plastered drift recording the convergence between Gondwana and Laurussia (Sub-Meseta Zone, Morocco)
Authors: Gibb M. Arwed , Hüneke Heiko , Pingel Nora , Gibb Laura M. , Richter Christian , Mayer Oliver , Aboussalam Z. Sarah , Becker R. Thomas , El Hassani Ahmed , Baidder Lahssen 
Published: September 2024

Bottom-current deposits, formed in association with ancient oceanic gateways, preserve records of past global oceanic circulation, plate-tectonic events and palaeogeographical change. This outcrop study showcases a Pragian–early Emsian carbonate contourite drift, plastered on the northern upper margin of Gondwana, which recorded the convergence of Laurussia and Gondwana and the (temporal) closure of the nearby American Gateway. The results underscore the value of bed-scale features, including microfacies and primary sedimentary structures, in interpreting bottom-current dynamics.
The documented contourite-specific bi-gradational sequences, 40–80 cm thick, are largely complete and closely comparable with the standard facies sequence identified in modern oceans. The bioclastic contourites show subtle variations in grain size and mud content in the lower part, distinct sequences of inverse to normal grading at different scales in the middle and a large variety of traction structures in the upper part of the succession. This long-term coarsening-upward trend was caused by a successive increase in maximum bottom-current strength during drift growth.
Traction structures such as current ripples and dunes document a westward-directed palaeocirculation of surface or intermediate water during the Pragian–Emsian. They provide evidence of enhanced bottom-current episodes towards the top of the drift, before the contourites were buried by late Emsian shales.