bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automated peripheral nerve segmentation for MR-neurography
Authors: Beste Nedim Christoph , Jende Johann , Kronlage Moritz , Kurz Felix , Heiland Sabine , Bendszus Martin , Meredig Hagen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) is increasingly used as a diagnostic tool for peripheral neuropathies. Quantitative measures enhance MRN interpretation but require nerve segmentation which is time-consuming and error-prone and has not become clinical routine. In this study, we applied neural networks for the automated segmentation of peripheral nerves.

Methods
A neural segmentation network was trained to segment the sciatic nerve and its proximal branches on the MRN scans of the right and left upper leg of 35 healthy individuals, resulting in 70 training examples, via 5-fold cross-validation (CV). The model performance was evaluated on an independent test set of one-sided MRN scans of 60 healthy individuals.

Results
Mean Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) in CV was 0.892 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.888–0.897) with a mean Jaccard index (JI) of 0.806 (95% CI: 0.799–0.814) and mean Hausdorff distance (HD) of 2.146 (95% CI: 2.184–2.208). For the independent test set, DSC and JI were lower while HD was higher, with a mean DSC of 0.789 (95% CI: 0.760–0.815), mean JI of 0.672 (95% CI: 0.642–0.699), and mean HD of 2.118 (95% CI: 2.047–2.190).

Conclusion
The deep learning-based segmentation model showed a good performance for the task of nerve segmentation. Future work will focus on extending training data and including individuals with peripheral neuropathies in training to enable advanced peripheral nerve disease characterization.

Relevance statement
The results will serve as a baseline to build upon while developing an automated quantitative MRN feature analysis framework for application in routine reading of MRN examinations.

Key Points

Quantitative measures enhance MRN interpretation, requiring complex and challenging nerve segmentation.

We present a deep learning-based segmentation model with good performance.

Our results may serve as a baseline for clinical automated quantitative MRN segmentation.

Graphical Abstract
Assessment of the ecological status of an ancient reservoir using macroinvertebrate assemblage and water quality parameters
Authors: Amusan Babatunde Omokunle , Adeleke Sikiru Oladimeji , Koleosho Ayorinde Fola 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Atori Reservoir, located in the heart of southwestern Nigeria, is a tribute to the region's historical significance and natural splendor. Its establishment as a reservoir in 1935 marked a water resource management watershed in the region, transforming Atori into one of Nigeria’s oldest and most important waterbodies. Despite its ancient age and indisputable importance, the exact ecological state of Atori Reservoir has been shrouded in mystery for decades. This study was necessitated by a paucity of information on the ecological status of Atori Reservoir.

Results
The study identified 953 macroinvertebrates belonging to four classes, distributed across nine orders and nineteen families within Atori Reservoir. Among these, the class Insecta exhibited the highest diversity, while Melanoides tuberculata, a member of the Mollusca class, emerged as the dominant species. Despite the diverse macroinvertebrate community, the physicochemical parameters of the water raised concerns. Elevated values of total dissolved solids and conductivity indicated poor water quality, which was further reflected in the predominance of pollution-tolerant species and the absence of pollution-sensitive ones. Canonical correspondence analysis highlighted potential correlations between macroinvertebrates and water quality variables, yet statistical significance was lacking, as demonstrated by the Monte Carlo permutation test.

Conclusion
This study sheds light on the ecological state of Atori Reservoir, revealing a diverse macroinvertebrate community but highlighting concerns regarding water quality. The study also emphasizes the pressing need for improved management practices to safeguard the ecological health of Atori Reservoir, given the critical role it plays in the region's ecosystem and local communities.
Analysis of the gain factors of 5G-assisted BDS RTK positioning in urban environments
Authors: Chen Weixiang , Wang Tengfei , Yao Zheng , Lu Mingquan , Wang Yi , Li Cheng 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe joint utilization of the Fifth Generation Communications Technology (5G) and the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) serves as a promising solution to address the challenges associated with insufficient visible satellites and lower observation quality in urban environments. 5G allows for the angle and distance measurements, augmenting the performance of Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning. To quantify the improvement of 5G observations on RTK positioning, this paper proposes a float solution gain factor and the Ambiguity Dilution of Precision (ADOP) gain factor. Based on these gain factors, the theoretical analysis and simulation are performed. This study designs an extended Kalman filter for 5G-assisted BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) RTK positioning, employing both the Full Ambiguity Resolution (FAR) and Partial Ambiguity Resolution (PAR) modes. Our experiment verified the effectiveness of 5G-assisted BDS RTK positioning in mitigating outlier occurrences and improving the ambiguity fixing rate as well as the positioning accuracy. In the FAR and PAR modes, the Three-Dimensional (3D) spatial accuracy increased by 48% and 18.8%, respectively, and the results are consistent with theoretical analysis based on gain factors. The fixing rate of RTK increased from 11.11% to 13.93%, while it increased from 32.58% to 44.43% for the PAR mode. The assistance of 5G observations reduced the median error for the FAR mode from over 1.3m to 0.9 m, and the third quartile from 2.1m to 1.05 m. For the PAR mode, the median error decreased from 0.5m to 0.12 m, and the third and fourth quartiles decreased from 0.65m to 0.38 m.
Incidence of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in patients with acute coronary syndrome: a single center retrospective analysis
Authors: Poruban Tibor , Studencan Martin , Kirsch Peter , Novotny Robert 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TTC) is an acute and usually reversible condition that often mimics the course of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), making it particularly challenging to differentiate, especially in the initial phases. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the incidence, clinical course, examination results, and in-hospital mortality of TTC in patients with ACS hospitalized at our cardiology center from January 2018 to October 2023.

Results
During the study period, a total of 3835 selective coronary angiograms were urgently performed at our facility, with a diagnosis of TTC established in 52 (1.35%) patients, the majority of whom were females—48 (93%), with an average age of 64.2 ± 10.2 years. Stress-induced mechanisms were identified in 36 (69%) patients. The most common symptom was chest pain (86.5%). Electrocardiographic changes primarily included ST-segment elevations (61.6%) and depressions (14%). The average left ventricular ejection fraction was 45.1 ± 8.3 (33–57%), typically with an echocardiographic pattern of apical ballooning dysfunction followed by midventricular dyskinesia. In-hospital mortality was zero.

Conclusions
TTC is a reversible condition with a low incidence of complications. Its occurrence in our patient cohort is lower compared to international registries. However, as demonstrated in this study, it is associated with significant in-hospital morbidity.
Oxaliplatin Added to Fluoropyrimidine/Bevacizumab as Initial Therapy for Unresectable Metastatic Colorectal Cancer in Older Patients: A Multicenter, Randomized, Open-Label Phase III Trial (JCOG1018)
Authors: Takashima Atsuo , Hamaguchi Tetsuya , Mizusawa Junki , Nagashima Fumio , Ando Masahiko , Ojima Hitoshi , Denda Tadamichi , Watanabe Jun , Shinozaki Katsunori , Baba Hideo , Asayama Masako , Hasegawa Seiji , Masuishi Toshiki , Nakata Ken , Tsukamoto Shunsuke , Katayama Hiroshi , Nakamura Kenichi , Fukuda Haruhiko , Kanemitsu Yukihide , Shimada Yasuhiro ,   on behalf of Colorectal Cancer Study Group in Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG)
Published: August 2024

PURPOSE
Doublet chemotherapy with fluoropyrimidine (FP) and oxaliplatin (OX) plus bevacizumab (BEV) is a standard regimen for unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC). However, the efficacy of adding OX to FP plus BEV (FP + BEV) remains unclear for older patients, a population for whom FP + BEV is standard. We aimed to confirm the superiority of adding OX to FP + BEV for this population.

METHODS
This open-label, randomized, phase III trial was conducted at 42 institutions in Japan. Patients with unresectable MCRC age 70-74 years with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS) 2 and those 75 years and older with ECOG-PS 0-2 were randomly assigned (1:1) to an FP + BEV arm or an OX addition (FP + BEV + OX) arm. Fluorouracil plus levofolinate calcium or capecitabine was declared before enrollment. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). The study was registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (identifier: jRCTs031180145).

RESULTS

Between September 2012 and March 2019, 251 patients were randomly assigned to the FP + BEV arm (n = 125) and the FP + BEV + OX arm (n = 126). The median age was 80 and 79 years in the respective arm. The median PFS was 9.4 months (95% CI, 8.3 to 10.3) in the FP + BEV arm and 10.0 months (9.0 to 11.2) in the FP + BEV + OX arm (hazard ratio [HR], 0.84 [90.5% CI, 0.67 to 1.04]; one-sided
P
= .086). The median overall survival was 21.3 months (18.7 to 24.3) in the FP + BEV arm and 19.7 months (15.5 to 25.5) in the FP + BEV + OX arm (HR, 1.05 [0.81 to 1.37]). The proportion of any grade ≥3 adverse events was higher in the FP + BEV + OX arm (52%
v
69%). There was one treatment-related death in the FP + BEV arm and three in the FP + BEV + OX arm.

CONCLUSION
No benefit of adding OX to FP + BEV as first-line treatment was demonstrated in older patients with MCRC. FP + BEV is recommended for this population.
Comparison of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test Variables to Predict Adverse Events in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: KROESEN SOPHIE H. , SNOEK JOHAN A. , VAN KIMMENADE ROLAND R. J. , MOLINGER JEROEN , ARAÚJO CLAUDIO G. , HOPMAN MARIA T. E. , EIJSVOGELS THIJS M. H. , BAKKER ESMÉE A. 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

Purpose
Given the rising burden of heart failure (HF), stratification of patients at increased risk for adverse events is critical. We aimed to compare the predictive value of various maximal and submaximal cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) variables for adverse events in patients with HF.

Methods
A total of 237 patients with HF (66 (58–73) yr, 30% women, 70% HF with reduced ejection fraction) completed a CPET and had 5 yr of follow-up. Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes (all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events, and cardiovascular-related hospitalization) were extracted from electronic patient files. Receiver operating characteristics curves for maximal (e.g., peak V̇O2) and submaximal CPET variables (e.g., VE/V̇CO2 slope, cardiorespiratory optimal point (COP), V̇O2 at anaerobic threshold) were compared using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) method, whereas their calibration was assessed.

Results
One hundred three participants (43%) reached the composite endpoint, and 55 (23%) died. Percent predicted peak V̇O2 was the best predictor for adverse outcomes (AIC: 302.6) followed by COP (AIC: 304.3) and relative peak V̇O2 (mL·(kg·min)−1, AIC: 304.4). Relative peak V̇O2 (AIC: 217.1) and COP (AIC: 224.4) were also among the three best predictors for mortality, together with absolute peak V̇O2 (mL·min−1, AIC: 220.5). A good calibration between observed and predicted event rate was observed for these variables.

Conclusions
Percent predicated and relative peak V̇O2 had the best predictive accuracy for adverse events and mortality, but the submaximal COP had a noninferior predictive accuracy for adverse events in patients with HF. These findings highlight the potential of submaximal exercise testing in patients with HF.
Determining Individualized Foot Progression Angle for Reduction of Knee Medial Compartment Loading during Stepping
Authors: BAGHI RAZIYEH , YIN WEI , RAMADAN AHMED , BADHYAL SUBHAM , OPPIZZI GIOVANNI , XU DALI , BOWMAN PETER , HENN FRANK , ZHANG LI-QUN 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

Purpose
Modifying foot progression angle (FPA), the angle between the line from the heel to the second metatarsal head and the line of progression, can reduce peak knee adduction moment (pKAM). However, determining the optimal FPA that minimizes pKAM without inducing unnatural walking patterns can be challenging. This study investigated the FPA–pKAM relationship using a robotic stepping trainer to assess the feasibility of determining the optimal FPA based on this relationship. In addition, it examined knee moments during stepping with three different FPAs, as stepping is a recommended exercise for knee osteoarthritis rehabilitation.

Methods
Twenty-six asymptomatic individuals stepped on a robotic stepping trainer, which measured six-axis footplate-reaction forces/torques and three-dimensional ankle kinematics to determine external knee moments. The robot rotated the footplates slowly (~0.5 deg·s−1) between 10°-toe-out and 10°-toe-in while participants stepped continuously, unaware of the footplate rotations. The slope of pKAM–FPA relationship during continuous stepping was determined. Peak three-dimensional knee moments were compared between the 10°-toe-in, 0°-FPA, and 10°-toe-out FPAs with repeated-measures ANOVA. Multiple linear regression determined the covariates that predicted pKAM during stepping.

Results
Eighteen participants had lower pKAM and KAM impulse with 10°-toe-in than 10°-toe-out (P < 0.001) and 0°-FPA (P < 0.001 and P = 0.008, respectively; called toe-in responders). Conversely, eight participants reduced pKAM and KAM impulse with 10°-toe-out compared with 0°-FPA (P < 0.001, P = 0.017) and 10°-toe-in (P = 0.026, P = 0.004; called toe-out responders). A linear pKAM–FPA relationship was determined for each individual, and its slope (the pKAM rate with FPA) was positive for toe-in responders (P < 0.01) and negative for toe-out responders (P = 0.02). Regression analysis revealed that smaller pKAM with toe-in, in toe-in responders, was explained by increased tibia medial tilt, tibia internal rotation, footplate-reaction lateral force, footplate-reaction anterior force, and decreased footplate-reaction internal rotation torque.

Conclusions
Individuals may exhibit different responses to FPA modification during stepping. The slope and intercept of the linear pKAM–FPA relationship can be determined for individual subjects. This allows for a targeted pKAM reduction through guided FPA positioning and potentially offers subject-specific precision knee osteoarthritis rehabilitation.
Sharp Waiting-Time Bounds for Multiserver Jobs
Authors: Hong Yige , Wang Weina 
Published: August 2024

Multiserver jobs, which are jobs that occupy multiple servers simultaneously during service, are prevalent in today’s computing clusters. But, little is known about the delay performance of systems with multiserver jobs. We consider queueing models for multiserver jobs in scaling regimes where the system load becomes heavy and meanwhile, the total number of servers in the system and the number of servers that a job needs become large. Prior work has derived upper bounds on the queueing probability in this scaling regime. However, without proper lower bounds, the existing results cannot be used to differentiate between policies. In this paper, we study the delay performance by establishing sharp bounds on the steady-state mean waiting time of multiserver jobs, where the waiting time of a job is the time spent in queueing rather than in service. We first characterize the exact order of the mean waiting time under the first come, first serve (FCFS) policy. Then, we prove a lower bound on the mean waiting time of all policies, which has an order gap with the mean waiting time under FCFS. We show that the lower bound is achievable by a priority policy that we call smallest need first (SNF). Funding: This research was supported in part by the National Science Foundation [Grant ECCS-2145713]. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/stsy.2023.0006 .
High-speed 2D materials inspection using a microscopic dynamic spectroscopic imaging ellipsometer
Authors: Choi Sukhyun , Woo Chae Young , Hwang Gukhyeon , Kheiryzadehkhanghah Saeid , Choi Inho , Cho Yong Jai , Lee Hyung Woo , Chegal Won , Kim Daesuk 
Published: August 2024

We describe a high-speed two-dimensional (2D) materials inspection method by using a microscopic dynamic spectroscopic imaging ellipsometer. This system employs a high-numerical-aperture (NA) objective telecentric lens module. Unlike conventional spectroscopic imaging ellipsometers, which require relatively long acquisition times due to rotating polarization elements, our proposed system uses a monolithic polarizing interferometric module. This allows it to extract a spatio-spectral ellipsometric phase map Δ(λ,x) of 2D materials like graphene. It achieves a spatial resolution of a few microns at a speed of a few tens of milliseconds. In this study, we demonstrate that the proposed microscopic dynamic spectroscopic imaging ellipsometer can provide spectroscopic ellipsometric phase data Δ(λ) with 165 spectral bands in the visible range. It inspects a monolayer graphene flake area of 2.5mm∗1.65mm in just 1 min, which is the fastest 2D materials inspection capability ever reported, to our knowledge.
Multi-component gas sensing and signal reception principles using a Raman spectroscopy fiber-optic sensor based on free-space optical coupling
Authors: Cheng Mengen , Nie Qilu , Yu Haihu , Liu Zhixiong , Pei Shilong , Yang Dexun , Cheng Cheng , Yang Minghong , Guo Donglai 
Published: August 2024

Raman spectroscopy has demonstrated widespread applicability across diverse medical, environmental, and industrial sectors. This paper introduces a Raman spectroscopy fiber-optic sensor based on free-space optical coupling. Its simplified structure and high tolerance to alignment render it highly adaptable to various complex environments, thereby significantly expanding the on-site utility of Raman spectroscopy technology. Through a detailed analysis of Raman signal reception system principles, we have discovered the relationship between signal intensity and the diameter of the optical fiber responsible for signal reception. Leveraging this insight, we have implemented a fiber bundle to boost the system’s signal intensity by a factor of 2.5. This enhancement has enabled us to achieve a methane detection limit of 18 ppm with an exposure time of 60 s. These findings validate the enhanced performance of our Raman spectroscopy fiber-optic sensor probe and highlight its potential for various practical applications.
Repetition rate optimized 2  µm gain-switched diode pumped MIR supercontinuum
Authors: Smith C. R. , Yeh D. H. , Montague P. B. , Petersen C. R. , Bang O. 
Published: August 2024

Mid-infrared supercontinuum (SC) sources can benefit from low-cost pumps with center wavelength longer than the zero-dispersion wavelength of fluoride fibers (∼1600nm). This makes thulium-doped lasers an attractive technology, but their relative intensity noise (RIN) is typically not characterized. Furthermore, is low pump noise even a requirement for SC applications? With focus on low cost, we have developed a three-stage amplified 1946 nm gain-switched diode (GSD) demonstrating 12% RIN and flexible repetition rate control, which crucially allows the user to optimize SC performance specific to the application. We demonstrate a maximum −10dB bandwidth of 1873–3986 nm at 2 MHz and a minimum RIN of 6.1% at 1900 nm, 10.4% at 2300 nm, and 16.6% at 3250 nm at 1 MHz. We define a figure of merit for operation between the 3000 and 3500 nm region and demonstrate that it is maximized at 3 MHz, showcasing the power of this control in optimizing specific performance metrics. This performance is compared with a SC spanning 1900–3796 nm, pumped by an amplified thulium-doped mode-locked fiber laser operating at 5.8 MHz with <0.11% RIN. Despite the vastly superior pump noise, comparative SC RIN values of 2.0% at 1900 nm, 9.5% at 2300 nm, and 8.5% at 3250 nm were obtained, indicating that the modulational instability driven SC generation process dominates noise performance, thereby reducing the need for low pump noise.
The pattern of rpoB gene mutation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and predictors of rifampicin resistance detected by GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay in Tanzania
Authors: Torokaa Peter Richard , Majigo Mtebe V. , Kileo Heledy , Urio Loveness , Mbwana Mariam R. , Monah Mariam C. , Ntibabara Sephord Saul , Kimambo Jasper , Seleman Paschal , Franklin Collins , Balama Robert , Kisonga Riziki M. , Joachim Agricola 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionAntimicrobial resistance inMycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) poses asignificant challenge to tuberculosis (TB) management worldwide. Rifampicin resistance (RR) has been associated with therpoBgene mutation. No study was conducted in Tanzania to determine the commonest mutation. The inconsistent findings from various studies support the need to determine whether reported mutation patterns are applicable in our setting. We determined the frequency ofrpoBgene mutation and factors associated with RR, which were detected using GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study involving data from the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Program database from 2020 to 2022 for cases investigated using GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay. Descriptive analysis was performed to determine the frequency of categorical variables. The chi-square test and logistic regression analysis assessed the relationship between the independent variables and outcome. The 95% confidence interval and a significance level of p<0.05 were used to assess the strength of association.ResultsA total of 56,004 participants had a status of MTB and RR, where 38,705/56,004 (69.11%) were males. Probe E mutation (codon 529–533), 89/219 (40.64%) was predominant. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients had a higher gene mutation, 134/10601 (1.26%) than HIV-negative, 306/45016 (0.68%) (p<0.001). Patients with both pulmonary and extra-pulmonary TB had about four times greater odds of developing rifampicin resistance (AOR 3.88, 95%CI: 1.80–8.32). RR was nearly nine times higher in previously treated patients than new patients (AOR 8.66, 95% CI: 6.97–10.76). HIV-positive individuals had nearly twice the odds of developing RR than HIV-negative individuals (AOR 1.91, 95%CI: 1.51–2.42).ConclusionThe rate of RR was lower compared to other studies in Tanzania, with probe E mutations the most prevalent. Patients with disseminated TB, HIV co-infection and those with prior exposure to anti-TB had more risk of RR. The findings highlight the need to strengthen surveillance of multidrug-resistant TB among high risk patients.