bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automated magnetic resonance imaging‐based grading of the lumbar intervertebral disc and facet joints
Authors: Nikpasand Maryam , Middendorf Jill M. , Ella Vincent A. , Jones Kristen E. , Ladd Bryan , Takahashi Takashi , Barocas Victor H. , Ellingson Arin M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundDegeneration of both intervertebral discs (IVDs) and facet joints in the lumbar spine has been associated with low back pain, but whether and how IVD/joint degeneration contributes to pain remains an open question. Joint degeneration can be identified by pairing T1 and T2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with analysis techniques such as Pfirrmann grades (IVD degeneration) and Fujiwara scores (facet degeneration). However, these grades are subjective, prompting the need to develop an automated technique to enhance inter‐rater reliability. This study introduces an automated convolutional neural network (CNN) technique trained on clinical MRI images of IVD and facet joints obtained from public‐access Lumbar Spine MRI Dataset. The primary goal of the automated system is to classify health of lumbar discs and facet joints according to Pfirrmann and Fujiwara grading systems and to enhance inter‐rater reliability associated with these grading systems.MethodsPerformance of the CNN on both the Pfirrmann and Fujiwara scales was measured by comparing the percent agreement, Pearson's correlation and Fleiss kappa value for results from the classifier to the grades assigned by an expert grader.ResultsThe CNN demonstrates comparable performance to human graders for both Pfirrmann and Fujiwara grading systems, but with larger errors in Fujiwara grading. The CNN improves the reliability of the Pfirrmann system, aligning with previous findings for IVD assessment.ConclusionThe study highlights the potential of using deep learning in classifying the IVD and facet joint health, and due to the high variability in the Fujiwara scoring system, highlights the need for improved imaging and scoring techniques to evaluate facet joint health. All codes required to use the automatic grading routines described herein are available in the Data Repository for University of Minnesota (DRUM).
Prediction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with machine learning algorithms using brain volumetric measurements
Authors: Payas Ahmet , Kocaman Hikmet , Yıldırım Hasan , Batın Sabri 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundIt is known that neuroanatomical and neurofunctional changes observed in the brain, brainstem and cerebellum play a role in the etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). This study aimed to investigate whether volumetric measurements of brain regions can be used as predictive indicators for AIS through machine learning techniques.MethodsPatients with a severe degree of curvature in AIS (n = 32) and healthy individuals (n = 31) were enrolled in the study. Volumetric data from 169 brain regions, acquired from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of these individuals, were utilized as predictive factors. A comprehensive analysis was conducted using the twelve most prevalent machine learning algorithms, encompassing thorough parameter adjustments and cross‐validation processes. Furthermore, the findings related to variable significance are presented.ResultsAmong all the algorithms evaluated, the random forest algorithm produced the most favorable results in terms of various classification metrics, including accuracy (0.9083), AUC (0.993), f1‐score (0.970), and Brier score (0.1256). Additionally, the most critical variables were identified as the volumetric measurements of the right corticospinal tract, right corpus callosum body, right corpus callosum splenium, right cerebellum, and right pons, respectively.ConclusionThe outcomes of this study indicate that volumetric measurements of specific brain regions can serve as reliable indicators of AIS. In conclusion, the developed model and the significant variables discovered hold promise for predicting scoliosis development, particularly in high‐risk individuals.
The morphological discrepancy of neuromuscular junctions between bilateral paraspinal muscles in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A quantitative immunofluorescence assay
Authors: Zhang Tianyuan , Sui Wenyuan , Li Bin , Shao Xiexiang , Deng Yaolong , Zhang Zifang , Yang Jingfan , Huang Zifang , Yang Wenjun , Yang Junlin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionPrior studies suggested that neuromuscular factors might be involved in the pathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is the important pivot where the nervous system interacts with muscle fibers, but it has not been well characterized in the paraspinal muscles of AIS. This study aims to perform the quantitative morphological analysis of NMJs from paraspinal muscles of AIS.MethodsAIS patients who received surgery in our center were prospectively enrolled. Meanwhile, age‐matched congenital scoliosis (CS) and non‐scoliosis patients were also included as controls. Fresh samples of paraspinal muscles were harvested intraoperatively. NMJs were immunolabeled using different antibodies to reveal pre‐synaptic neuronal architecture and post‐synaptic motor endplates. A confocal microscope was used to acquire z‐stack projections of NMJs images. Then, NMJs images were analyzed on maximum intensity projections using ImageJ software. The morphology of NMJs was quantitatively measured by a standardized ‘NMJ‐morph’ workflow. A total of 21 variables were measured and compared between different groups.ResultsA total of 15 AIS patients, 10 CS patients and 5 normal controls were enrolled initially. For AIS group, NMJs in the convex side of paraspinal muscles demonstrated obviously decreased overlap when compared with the concave side (34.27% ± 8.09% vs. 48.11% ± 10.31%, p = 0.0036). However, no variables showed statistical difference between both sides of paraspinal muscles in CS patients. In contrast with non‐scoliosis controls, both sides of paraspinal muscles in AIS patients demonstrated significantly smaller muscle bundle diameters.ConclusionsThis study first elucidated the morphological features of NMJs from paraspinal muscles of AIS patients. The NMJs in the convex side showed smaller overlap for AIS patients, but no difference was found in CS. This proved further evidence that neuromuscular factors might contribute to the mechanisms of AIS and could be considered as a novel potential therapeutic target for the treatment of progressive AIS.
Transport and reactivity of nitrous oxide and methane in two contrasting subterranean estuaries
Authors: Calvo‐Martin Elisa , de la Paz Mercedes , Álvarez‐Salgado Xosé Antón , Pazó Fernández María José , Vieitez Dos Santos Vanesa , Ibánhez J. Severino P. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractContinental groundwaters are commonly enriched in nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4), which can discharge into the coast. The contribution of this diffuse source to coastal N2O and CH4 emissions largely depends on the biogeochemical processes of coastal aquifer exit zones, known as subterranean estuaries. Here, we study the role of subterranean estuaries in modulating N2O and CH4 exports toward the coast. The two studied subterranean estuaries are located at Panxón and Ladeira beaches (Ría de Vigo, NW Iberian Peninsula) and had opposite oxygenation at their interior. Groundwater‐borne N2O was detected in the oxygenated subterranean estuary of Panxón Beach, although denitrification attenuated N2O before porewater was discharged into the coast. An N2O hotspot was detected at about 50 cm depth in this subterranean estuary, characterized by the presence of nitrate under suboxic conditions. This N2O also seems to be consumed along the flow path before discharging into the coast. The anoxic subterranean estuary of Ladeira Beach completely removed groundwater‐borne N2O. Yet, nitrification within its suboxic upper saline plume produced and exported N2O toward the coast, hiding the role of this subterranean estuary as an N2O sink. The anoxic subterranean estuary exported CH4 toward the coast. This CH4 was not sourced by continental groundwater, hence it was produced in situ fuelled by the accumulation of organic matter within the beach. The suboxic upper saline plume in Ladeira Beach and the oxygenated subterranean estuary of Panxón Beach acted as CH4 sinks.
Selection of Various Indications of Tempering Lubricant Concentration Reuse in the Wet Rolling Process
Authors: Junjian Zeng , Yijun Du , Sheng Fang , Haitao Shen , Jigang Zhao 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTDiscarded tempering lubricants retained significant reuse potential, making their recycling a vital step in reducing resource wastage and wastewater treatment costs in the strip steel industry. Hence, developing an accurate, rapid evaluation indicator for recycled fluid concentration was essential for facilitating this process. Research showed that among common evaluation indicators for metal fluids, three—electrical conductivity, refractive index and total base number (TBN)—due to their high linear correlation with tempering lubricant concentration (R
2 > 0.995), could be utilised to monitor the dynamic changes in the concentration of tempering lubricants. Subsequent experiments on reused tempering lubricants revealed that electrical conductivity, significantly altered by iron powder (7%–24% variance), and refractive index, impacted by hydraulic oil (3% deviation), highlighted contaminant challenges; yet, filtration effectively mitigated iron powder's effect on TBN. Finally, A 17‐day reused tempering lubricants simulation demonstrated consistent effectiveness of the three indicators in monitoring the need to update tempering lubricant concentration. However, in terms of sensitivity, precision, and particularly stability and relative mean deviation, the TBN concentration evaluation indicator outperformed, with TBN (3.38%) < Refractive Index (7.92%) < Electrical Conductivity (11.05%). This indicates the TBN method's superior stability over conductivity and refractive index methods, with its accuracy deviation below 2%, making it a stable, simple and reliable metric worthy of broader adoption.
Expansions of real closed fields with the Banach fixed point property
Authors: Thamrongthanyalak Athipat 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe study a variant of converses of the Banach fixed point theorem and its connection to tameness in expansions of a real closed field. An expansion of a real closed ordered field is said to have the Banach fixed point property when, for every locally closed definable set , if every definable contraction on has a fixed point, then is closed. Let be an expansion of a real closed field. We prove that if has an o‐minimal open core, then it has the Banach fixed point property; and if is definably complete and has the Banach fixed point property, then it has a locally o‐minimal open core.
A comparison of postoperative outcomes based on recipient vessels in scalp free flap reconstruction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pekcan Asli , Roohani Idean , Stanton Eloise , Choe Deborah , Tomaro Micaela , Premaratne Ishani D. , Wallace Langley G. , Carey Joseph N. , Daar David A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPurposeThe superficial temporal artery (STA) and facial artery (FA) are two commonly used recipient vessels when performing free tissue transfer to the head and neck. This meta‐analysis compares the impact of recipient vessel location on free flap outcomes in scalp reconstruction.MethodsA systematic review was conducted following PRISMA‐P guidelines using six databases. Studies reporting free tissue transfer using the STA or FA as a recipient vessel for reconstructing scalp defects were included. Outcomes of interest included flap loss, partial flap necrosis, wound dehiscence, venous thrombosis, and infection rates. Quality evaluation was performed using ASPS criteria and the ROBINS‐I tool.ResultsOf 3270 identified articles, 12 were included for final analysis. In total, 125 free flaps were identified (75 STA, 50 FA). Pooled analysis demonstrated an overall flap survival rate of 98.4% (STA 98.7% vs. FA 98.0%; p = .782). The mean defect size was significantly greater for flaps using the STA compared with the FA (223.7 ± 119.4 cm2 vs. 157.1 ± 96.5 cm2, p = .001). The FA group had a higher incidence of wound dehiscence than the STA group (14.0% vs. 1.3%, p = .005). However, meta‐analysis demonstrated no significant difference in rates of wound dehiscence, flap loss, partial flap necrosis, venous congestion, or postoperative infection between groups.ConclusionThis is the first systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess recipient vessel selection in scalp reconstruction. Our results do not support a single vessel as the superior choice in scalp reconstruction. Rather, these findings suggest that the decision between using the STA or FA is multifaceted, requiring a flexible approach that considers the individual characteristics of each case. Further research is needed to explore additional factors influencing recipient vessel selection, including defect location, radiation therapy, and prior head and neck surgery.
A systematic and comprehensive review of the role of microbiota in urinary chronic pelvic pain syndrome
Authors: Hashemi Negin , Tondro Anamag Farhad , Javan Balegh Marand Aida , Rahnama'i Mohammad Sajjad , Herizchi Ghadim Hamideh , Salehi‐Pourmehr Hanieh , Hajebrahimi Sakineh 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundMany genitourinary tract disorders could be attributed partly to the microbiota. This study sought to conduct a systematic review of the role of the microbiota in urinary chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS).MethodsWe searched Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed with no time, language, or study type restrictions until December 1, 2023. The JBI Appraisal Tool was used to assess the quality of the studies. Study selection followed the PRISMA statement. Studies addressing microbiome variations among patients suffering from interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) or chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) and a control group were considered eligible.ResultsA total of 21 studies (1 UCPPS, 12 IC/BPS, and 8 CP/CPPS) comprising 1125 patients were enrolled in our final data synthesis. It has been shown that the reduced diversity and discrepant composition of the gut microbiota may partly be attributed to the UCPPS pathogenesis. In terms of urine microbiota, some operational taxonomic units were shown to be elevated, while others became less abundant. Furthermore, various bacteria and fungi are linked to specific clinical features. Few investigations denied UCPPS as a dysbiotic condition.ConclusionsUrinary and intestinal microbiota appear to be linked with UCPPS, comprising IC/BPS and CP/CPPS. However, given the substantial disparity of published studies, a battery of prospective trials is required to corroborate these findings.
Bee pollination in the shadows: The role of pseudopollen and agamospermy in the mycoheterotrophic orchid Gastrodia elata
Authors: Suetsugu Kenji , Yamamoto Takenori 
Published: July 2024

Societal Impact StatementThe family Orchidaceae is renowned for its reliance on specialized pollinators and mycorrhizal symbioses. This study examined how the nonphotosynthetic orchid Gastrodia elata thrives on the dim forest floor, focusing on its pollination biology, particularly the chemical properties of pseudopollen and reproductive assurance mechanisms. It was found that G. elata mainly relies on Lasioglossum bees, attracted by its starch‐rich pseudopollen. Additionally, G. elata in the studied population can produce fruit through agamospermy (seeds from unfertilized ovules). Overall, the findings reveal that G. elata relies on fungi for nutrition and employs reproductive strategies such as mimicking pollen to attract bees and resorting to asexual reproduction when pollinators are scarce.Summary

Mycoheterotrophy is an adaptation that allows survival in environments with low irradiance and minimal competition from autotrophic plants. However, such environments can negatively impact bee pollination, as most bees prefer open habitats. Despite this, the mycoheterotrophic orchid Gastrodia elata is known to rely on Lasioglossum bees for pollination.
We investigated the reproductive biology of G. elata to understand how it overcomes pollinator limitation. Our research focused on the chemical composition and anatomical basis of G. elata pseudopollen (a substance that mimics pollen and may facilitate pollination), based on micromorphological and nutritional analyses, as well as observations of pollinator behavior. Additionally, we explored the potential presence of autogamy or agamospermy as mechanisms for reproductive assurance.
The pseudopollen in G. elata originates from the disintegration of the adaxial parenchymatous tissue of the callus and is rich in starch. This contrasts with pseudopollen in most orchids, which typically originates from lip hairs and whose potential attractant is protein. Lasioglossum bees pollinating G. elata visit multiple flowers and actively collect pseudopollen. Furthermore, agamospermy serves as a reproductive safeguard in shaded habitats where insect‐mediated pollination is infrequent, at least in the investigated population.
Our findings suggest that Gastrodia elata pseudopollen plays an important role in enhancing insect‐mediated pollination, particularly in relatively open habitats, while agamospermy ensures fruit set in shaded environments of the investigated population. Both pseudopollen production and agamospermy likely help overcome the pollination constraints posed by the mycoheterotrophic lifestyle.
A putative endonuclease reduces the efficiency of oral RNA interference in Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Gao Yuanyuan , Cai Tingwei , Yu Chang , Zeng Qinghong , Wan Yue , Song Ludan , He Shun , Li Jianhong , Wan Hu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe RNA interference (RNAi) efficiency of double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) delivery to insects by various methods is different and the reduced efficacy of feeding dsRNA is partly due to the presence of DNA/RNA non‐specific endonuclease in the insect gut. However, the mechanism leading to the low RNAi efficiency of Nilaparvata lugens by feeding remains elusive.RESULTSIn this study, we identified a putatively DNA/RNA non‐specific endonuclease gene in the N. lugens genome database that was highly expressed in the first nymphal instar and the midgut. Different expression levels of NldsRNase after feeding and injection suggested that NldsRNase might interfere with oral RNAi in N. lugens. A co‐delivery RNAi strategy further revealed that the presence of NldsRNase reduces RNAi efficiency. In vitro dsRNA degradation experiments also showed that the stability of dsRNA was higher in a gut mixture from nymphs injected with dsNldsRNase. These results support the idea that the low oral RNAi response observed in N. lugens is likely due to the presence of NldsRNase.CONCLUSIONSOur study provides insight into the differences in RNAi response between the injection and feeding of dsRNA in N. lugens and sheds light on the mechanisms underlying the reduced efficacy of RNAi via feeding. These findings may help to inform the development of more‐effective RNAi‐based strategies controlling N. lugens and other insect pests. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Towards unified land data assimilation at ECMWF: Soil and snow temperature analysis in the SEKF
Authors: Herbert Christoph , de Rosnay Patricia , Weston Peter , Fairbairn David 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWeather centres use a variety of data assimilation schemes to analyze different land variables in their operational forecast systems. Current activities at the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) are working towards a unified and more consistent land data assimilation system to provide more accurate initial conditions for the atmospheric forecasts. The first step is to replace the current 1D optimal interpolation (1D‐OI) used for first‐layer soil and snow temperature analyses, and integrate multi‐layer soil and first‐layer snow temperature into the ensemble‐based simplified extended Kalman filter (SEKF) currently used for multi‐layer soil moisture. This work focuses on the technical developments and the evaluation of the atmospheric forecast skill of a series of numerical weather prediction experiments to compare different SEKF configurations with the former 1D‐OI over a three‐month summer and winter period. Using the SEKF leads to seasonally varying significant improvements in the 2‐m temperature forecast in the verification against own analyses and to slightly improved results in the validation using independent synoptic observations. This work lays the foundation for integrating additional land variables into the SEKF and investigating stronger land–atmosphere coupling.
Deterministic modelling of asymptomatic spread and disease stage progression in vaccine preventable infectious diseases
Authors: Kiss Gabor , Moutari Salissou , Mctaggart Cara , Patterson Lynsey , Kee Frank , Lamrock Felicity 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study introduces a deterministic formulation for modelling the asymptotic spread of a vaccine preventable disease as well as the different stages for the progression of the disease. We derive the formula for the associated basic reproduction number. To illustrate the proposed model, we use data from the 2017–2018 diphtheria outbreak in Yemen and fit the parameters of the model. A sensitivity analysis of the basic reproduction number, with respect to the model parameters, show that this number increases with an increase of the transmission rate while this number decreases when vaccination rate increases.
Application of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization in the studies of phosphotungstic acid
Authors: Minenkova Irina V. , Lebedev Viacheslav V. , Buryak Alexey K. 
Published: July 2024

RationalePhosphorotungstic acid (PTA) has many applications, especially in the field of catalysis, due to its structural properties. However, the structure of PTA is studied mainly using theoretical methods. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) has the potential to be an effective method for the experimental study of heteropolyacids. Limitations of MALDI are the high molecular weight of the particles and the complex distribution of isotopic peak intensities. Both problems can be solved by automatically identifying observed signals by generating hypothetical molecular formulas and estimating their isotopic distributions.MethodsPhosphotungstic acid was studied under conditions of laser desorption/ionization in the absence and in the presence of the matrix. Three types of matrices were used: 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid in water, α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid in acetonitrile, and sinapic acid (SA) in tetrahydrofuran. Part of the peaks in the resulting mass spectra was identified using in‐house developed software that implements the automated isotopic distribution brute force.ResultsThe most informative mass spectra were obtained using SA as the matrix, which enabled the detection of particles containing PTA dimers for the first time. The compositions of particles incorporating PTA dimers were determined in an automated manner and can be written as [H3PW12O40]2·2H2O (m/z = 5791.2 Da) and [H3PW12O40]2·4H2O (m/z = 5836.5 Da). Other observed species included (WO3)n·PO3−, HPO2·(WO3)n, and WO2·(WO3)n clusters, with the latter containing W in mixed oxidation states.ConclusionsThe combined use of MALDI and an automated identification procedure provided valuable experimental data on the structure and fragmentation of phosphotungstic acid. To the best of our knowledge, this study was the first to report on particles containing phosphotungstic acid dimers.