bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mathematical Models for the Large Spread of a Contact-Based Infection: A Statistical Mechanics Approach
Authors: Bisi Marzia , Lorenzani Silvia 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this work, we derive a system of Boltzmann-type equations to describe the spread of contact-based infections, such as SARS-CoV-2 virus, at the microscopic scale, that is, by modeling the human-to-human mechanisms of transmission. To this end, we consider two populations, characterized by specific distribution functions, made up of individuals without symptoms (population 1) and infected people with symptoms (population 2). The Boltzmann operators model the interactions between individuals within the same population and among different populations with a probability of transition from one to the other due to contagion or, vice versa, to recovery. In addition, the influence of innate and adaptive immune systems is taken into account. Then, starting from the Boltzmann microscopic description we derive a set of evolution equations for the size and mean state of each population considered. Mathematical properties of such macroscopic equations, as equilibria and their stability, are investigated, and some numerical simulations are performed in order to analyze the ability of our model to reproduce the characteristic features of Covid-19 type pandemics.
Added value of EURO-CORDEX downscaling over the complex orography region of the Pyrenees
Authors: Bilbao-Barrenetxea Nerea , Santolaria-Otín María , Teichmann Claas , Faria Sérgio Henrique , Máñez-Costa María 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study presents an assessment of the added value of downscaling utilizing Regional Climate Models (RCMs) compared to Global Climate Models (GCMs) in the high mountain region of the Pyrenees, characterized by complex topography. The EURO-CORDEX ensemble was investigated, employing a gridded high-resolution observational database as a reference. A recently proposed method is applied to quantify the performance gains or losses associated with dynamic downscaling. Our analysis focuses on calculating the added value by exploring the extremes of the Probability Density Function (PDF), spatial distribution patterns, and its relationship with elevation. Overall, our findings reveal significant improvements in the representation and general characterization of precipitation, minimum temperature, and maximum temperature in the Pyrenean region. Furthermore, RCMs demonstrate enhanced performance in capturing maximum precipitation events; however, they struggle to represent low precipitation rates, particularly in the Mediterranean area of the mountain range. Regarding temperature extremes, dynamical downscaling exhibits improvements in capturing maximum events. Nevertheless, deficiencies are observed in the RCMs’ representation of minimum temperature events for both minimum and maximum temperature variables, as well as in representing near-freezing temperatures.
A versatile method for facile and reliable synthesis of colloidal particles with a size and composition gradient
Authors: Berger Alexander , Theis Maximilian , von Wedel Henrike , Rößler Tamino , Papastavrou Georg , Senker Jürgen , Retsch Markus 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Colloidal particles play a pivotal role in numerous applications across various disciplines, many of which necessitate precise control over particle size and size distribution. Seeded growth reactions have been established as effective methods for reproducibly accessing tailor-made particles. However, conventional batch-wise syntheses only yield discrete particle sizes. With the increasing focus on complex structures in current research, there is a demand for innovative and adaptable techniques to produce colloidal particles with precise sizes and size distributions. The Controlled Emulsion Extraction Process (CrEEP) is capable of addressing this challenge. Here, we present in detail how this synthesis works and demonstrate its reliability and versatility. Our approach exploits the time-dependent particle growth and enables accessing dispersions of controlled particle size distributions. We highlight these possibilities through a variation of the monomer feed and feed composition, resulting in gradual changes in both size and glass transition temperature, respectively. Beyond its application to polymer particles, CrEEP can be seamlessly extended to other seeded-growth mechanisms, such as the silica Stöber synthesis. Consequently, the Controlled Extraction Stöber Process (CrESP) similarly yields a size gradient, showcasing the generality of this synthetic advancement.

Graphical abstract
The use of biologics in patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps – a 4-year real life observation
Authors: Frankenberger Hanna , Wiebringhaus Robert , Paul Benedikt , Huber Patrick , Haubner Frank , Gröger Moritz , Stihl Clemens 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Antibody therapy for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) has been established in Germany since 2019. With limited long-term data on biologic treatment for CRSwNP, we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of our 4-year data. This monocentric study aims to assess the real-world effects of this treatment on clinical course, quality of life, treatment adherence, biologic switching, dual therapy, and comorbidities.

Methods
We retrospectively analysed biologic therapy data in patients with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. 191 patients with CRSwNP treated with Dupilumab, Mepolizumab, or Omalizumab were observed for up to 4 years in a real-life setting.

Results
We observed clear symptom improvements with few side effects. No loss of efficacy or tolerability was noted during the 4-year period. Patients reported high satisfaction compared to previous therapies, with overall improved quality of life. Revision surgery or oral steroid use during biologic therapy was rare. Some patients prolonged injection intervals or discontinued steroid nasal spray. Biologic switching occurred infrequently due to side effects or inadequate response and was generally well tolerated. Many patients reported additional positive effects such as asthma or allergy symptom improvement and reduced medication intake.

Conclusion
In summary, this study confirms the potency and tolerability of biologics for CRSwNP treatment, with sustained efficacy over 4 years. Biologic switching is a viable option for inadequate response or intolerable side effects. Therapy positively impacts Th2 comorbidities, corticosteroid requirements, surgery need, and overall compliance remains high.

Clinical trial registration
Project No.: 22–0802. Registry name: Biologika bei Patient*innen mit chronischer Sinusitis mit Nasenpolypen.
Patient Perception of Cough in Interstitial Lung Disease; Impact of Cough Hypersensitivity
Authors: Hirons B. , Rhatigan K. , Wright L. , Kesavan H. , Mackay E. , Cho P. S. P. , Birring S. S. , Myall K. J. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Cough is common in interstitial lung disease (ILD) and is associated with disease progression, yet its mechanisms are understudied. We investigated cough hypersensitivity features and impact in ILD.

Methods
Participants with ILD and cough (n = 195) completed a multiple choice and free text questionnaire on cough sensations/triggers and impacts.

Results
The majority of participants were male (54%), aged > 65 (64%), with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF, 75%). Common cough triggers were body position (74%), physical activity (72%), and talking (62%). Common laryngeal sensations were globus (43%), and itch/tickle (42%). Cough impacted everyday life in 55%, and all activities in 31%, causing exhaustion (59%), social embarrassment (70%), urinary incontinence (46% females), and syncope/pre-syncope (12%). The total number of cough-provoking sensations/triggers correlated with impacts; ρ = 0.73, p < 0.001.

Conclusion
Cough hypersensitivity symptoms are prevalent in ILD and detrimentally affect quality of life. Further studies investigating mechanisms of cough hypersensitivity and targeted pharmacotherapy are warranted.
Spinal movement disorders in NMOSD, MOGAD, and idiopathic transverse myelitis: a prospective observational study
Authors: Abboud Hesham , Sun Rongyi , Modak Nikhil , Elkasaby Mohamed , Wang Alexander , Levy Michael 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Retrospective studies suggest that spinal movement disorders, especially tonic spasms, are prevalent in NMOSD. However, there have been no prospective studies evaluating spinal movement disorders in NMOSD, MOGAD, and idiopathic transverse myelitis (ITM).

Methods
Patients referred to a tertiary neuroimmunology clinic for spinal cord demyelination (excluding MS) were evaluated. All patients answered a movement disorders survey and underwent a movement disorder-focused exam. Movement disorders were compared among patients with NMOSD with and without AQP4-IgG, MOGAD, and ITM. Patients with and without involuntary movements were also compared to identify predictors of spinal movement disorders.

Results
Sixty-three patients were evaluated from 2017 to 2021 (71% females, median age 49 years, range 18–72 years, median disease duration 12 months, range 1–408). Of the total, 49% had ITM, 21% had NMOSD without AQP4-IgG, 19% had NMOSD with AQP4-IgG, and 11% had MOGAD. Movement disorders were present in 73% of the total patients and were most frequent in NMOSD with AQP4-IgG (92%) and least frequent in MOGAD (57%). The most frequent spinal movement disorders were tonic spasms (57%), focal dystonia (25%), spinal tremor (16%), spontaneous clonus (9.5%), secondary restless limb syndrome (9.5%), and spinal myoclonus (8%). Multivariate analysis showed that longitudinally extensive myelitis and AQP4-IgG are independent risk factors for the development of spinal movement disorders, while MOG-IgG and African American race were associated with a lower risk of developing these movement disorders.

Conclusions
Spinal movement disorders are highly prevalent in non-MS demyelinating disorders of the spinal cord. Prevalence rates exceed those reported in MS and retrospective NMOSD studies.
Unveiling the cell dynamics during the final shape formation of the tarsus in Drosophila adult leg by live imaging
Authors: Hiraiwa Shotaro , Takeshita Shumpei , Terano Tensho , Hayashi Ryuhei , Suzuki Koyo , Tajiri Reiko , Kojima Tetsuya 
Published: July 2024

AbstractOrganisms display a remarkable diversity in their shapes. Although substantial progress has been made in unraveling the mechanisms that govern cell fate determination during development, the mechanisms by which fate-determined cells give rise to the final shapes of organisms remain largely unknown. This study describes in detail the process of the final shape formation of the tarsus, which is near the distal tip of the adult leg, during the pupal stage in Drosophila melanogaster. Days-long live imaging revealed unexpectedly complicated cellular dynamics. The epithelial cells transiently form the intriguing structure, which we named the Parthenon-like structure. The basal surface of the epithelial cells and localization of the basement membrane protein initially show a mesh-like structure and rapidly shrink into the membranous structure during the formation and disappearance of the Parthenon-like structure. Furthermore, macrophage-like cells are observed moving around actively in the Parthenon-like structure and engulfing epithelial cells. The findings in this research are expected to significantly contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms involved in shaping the final structure of the adult tarsus.
Immunohistochemical analysis of tumor budding in stage II colon cancer: exploring zero budding as a prognostic marker
Authors: Pihlmann Kristensen Maria , Korsgaard Ulrik , Timm Signe , Frøstrup Hansen Torben , Zlobec Inti , Kjær-Frifeldt Sanne , Hager Henrik 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTumor budding, a biomarker traditionally evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, has gained recognition as a prognostic biomarker for stage II colon cancer. Nevertheless, while H&E staining offers valuable insights, its limitations prompt the utilization of pan-cytokeratin immunohistochemistry (IHC). Consequently, this study seeks to evaluate the prognostic significance of tumor budding using IHC in a contemporary cohort of stage II colon cancer patients, aiming to deepen our understanding of this critical facet in cancer prognosis. We conducted a retrospective, population-based cohort study including 493 patients with stage II colon cancer and evaluated tumor budding using IHC, following the H&E-based guidelines proposed by the International Tumor Budding Consensus Conference Group. Correlation between H&E-based and IHC-based tumor budding was assessed using a four-tiered scoring system that included a zero budding (Bd0) category. Survival analyses explored the prognostic significance of tumor budding assessed by IHC and H&E. As expected, IHC-based tumor budding evaluation yielded significantly higher bud counts compared to H&E (p < 0.01). Interestingly, 21 patients were identified with no tumor budding using IHC. This was associated with significantly improved recurrence-free survival (HR = 5.19, p = 0.02) and overall survival (HR = 4.47, p = 0.04) in a multivariate analysis when compared to tumors with budding. The Bd0 category demonstrated a 100% predictive value for the absence of recurrence. In conclusion, IHC-based tumor budding evaluation in stage II colon cancer provides additional prognostic information. The absence of tumor budding is associated with a favorable prognosis and may serve as a potential marker for identifying patients with no risk of recurrence.
Parameter identification and uncertainty propagation of hydrogel coupled diffusion-deformation using POD-based reduced-order modeling
Authors: Agarwal Gopal , Urrea-Quintero Jorge-Humberto , Wessels Henning , Wick Thomas 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This study explores reduced-order modeling for analyzing time-dependent diffusion-deformation of hydrogels. The full-order model describing hydrogel transient behavior consists of a coupled system of partial differential equations in which the chemical potential and displacements are coupled. This system is formulated in a monolithic fashion and solved using the finite element method. We employ proper orthogonal decomposition as a model order reduction approach. The reduced-order model performance is tested through a benchmark problem on hydrogel swelling and a case study simulating co-axial printing. Then, we embed the reduced-order model into an optimization loop to efficiently identify the coupled problem’s material parameters using full-field data. Finally, a study is conducted on the uncertainty propagation of the material parameter.
Sharp Exponents for Anisotropic Hardy–Littlewood Type of Inequalities
Authors: Núñez-Alarcón Daniel , Serrano-Rodríguez Diana , Teixeira Katiuscia B. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe establish refined exponent ranges for anisotropic Hardy–Littlewood type of inequalities concerning m-linear operators. We further explore the optimality of these novel exponents.
MRI study on the influence of lumbosacral vertebral body and disc factors on lumbar lordosis in children
Authors: Ren Hong , Lin Nan , Zhao Peng , Han Huizhi , Zhao Hui , Xiao Lianxiang , Tian Mimi , Lin Xiangtao 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the influence of vertebral and disc wedging on the contribution of lumbar lordosis and the change of disc thickness before and after walking based on MRI.

Methods
Cross-sectional study. A total of 96 normally developing children, aged 5.7 ± 3.0 years old, 55 boys and 41 girls. They were divided into 3 groups: Pre-walking group, Walking group, and Post-walking group. Parameters: lumbar lordosis Angle (LLA), the sum of the lumbar disc wedge Angle (∑D), the sum of the lumbar vertebral body wedge Angle (∑B), disc height (DH).

Results
(1) LLA, ∑D, ∑B, and DHL1-S1 were 33.2 ± 8.7°, 14.1 ± 8.6°, 11.9 ± 8.6°, and 6.9 ± 1.2 mm, 7.6 ± 1.4 mm, 8.2 ± 1.6 mm, 8.9 ± 1.7 mm, 8.5 ± 1.8 mm. (2) The difference in LLA values between the Pre-walking and the Post-walking group was statistically significant. DH were significantly different among the three groups. (3) In the Post-walking group, LLA value of girls was significantly higher than that of boys, and DHL3 − 4 and DHL4 − 5 values of girls were significantly lower than that of boys. (4) Age had a low positive correlation with LLA and ∑D and a moderate to strong positive correlation with DH; LLA showed a moderate positive correlation with ∑D, and a low positive correlation with ∑B and DH.

Conclusion
Age and walking activity are the influencing factors of lumbar lordosis and disc thickening. Walking activity can significantly increase lumbar lordosis, and age is the main factor promoting lumbar disc thickening. DHL4-5 was the thickest lumbar intervertebral disc with the fastest intergroup thickening. Disc wedging contributes more to lumbar lordosis than vertebral wedging.
Boosting person ReID feature extraction via dynamic convolution
Authors: Akbaba Elif Ecem , Gurkan Filiz , Gunsel Bilge 
Published: July 2024

AbstractExtraction of discriminative features is crucial in person re-identification (ReID) which aims to match a query image of a person to her/his images, captured by different cameras. The conventional deep feature extraction methods on ReID employ CNNs with static convolutional kernels, where the kernel parameters are optimized during the training and remain constant in the inference. This approach limits the network's ability to model complex contents and decreases performance, particularly when dealing with occlusions or pose changes. In this work, to improve the performance without a significant increase in parameter size, we present a novel approach by utilizing a channel fusion-based dynamic convolution backbone network, which enables the kernels to change adaptively based on the input image, within two existing ReID network architectures. We replace the backbone network of two ReID methods to investigate the effect of dynamic convolution on both simple and complex networks. The first one called Baseline, is a simpler network with fewer layers, while the second, CaceNet represents a more complex architecture with higher performance. Evaluation results demonstrate that both of the designed dynamic networks improve identification accuracy compared to the static counterparts. A significant increase in accuracy is reported under occlusion tested on Occluded-DukeMTMC. Moreover, our approach achieves a performance comparable to the state-of-the-art on Market1501, DukeMTMC-reID, and CUHK03 with a limited computational load. These findings validate the effectiveness of the dynamic convolution in enhancing the person ReID networks and push the boundaries of performance in this domain.
Innerklinische Notfallnarkose – Sicherheit durch Standards
Authors: Speicher Chris , Gordon Benjamin , Hossfeld Björn , Markus Christian , Schmid Benedikt , Meybohm Patrick , Wurmb Thomas , Kippnich Maximilian 
Published: July 2024

Zusammenfassung
Die innerklinische Notfallnarkose ist eine komplexe medizinische Maßnahme, da zum einen Informationen zur Vorgeschichte des Patienten fehlen und zum anderen die Maßnahmen häufig aufgrund drohender Lebensgefahr für den Patienten zeitkritisch sind. Die Durchführung der innerklinischen Notfallnarkose erfordert zudem hohe personelle und materielle Ressourcen. Die Sicherheit einer innerklinischen Notfallnarkose kann durch gute Teamarbeit, etablierte Standards und die Verwendung von Hilfsmitteln erhöht werden. Die hier vorgestellten für die Klinik entwickelten, auf Checklisten basierenden Taschenkarten sind eine gute Möglichkeit, auch unter Zeitdruck das gesamte verfügbare Wissen zum Thema innerklinische Notfallnarkose strukturiert zur Anwendung zu bringen.
Measurement of the distance between tumor micro-foci and gross tumor in rectal cancer pathological specimens: implication on margin distance of clinical target volume treated with high-dose radiotherapy for rectal cancer
Authors: Bao Xu-Jie , Chen Xiao-Yan , Wen Lu , Liu Yuan-Yuan , Yu En-Hao , Wu Zheng , Liu Ke , Zhou Ju-Mei , Zhu Su-Yu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To measure the micro-foci distance away from gross tumor and to provide reference to create the clinical target volume (CTV) margin for boost radiotherapy in rectal adenocarcinoma.

Methods
Twenty-eight rectal cancer surgical specimens of only total mesorectal excision were collected. The pathological specimens were retrospectively measured, and the nearest distance between the tumor micro-foci and gross tumor was microscopically measured. The “in vivo–in vitro” retraction factor was calculated as the ratio of the deepest thickness laterally and the vertical height superior/inferiorly of the rectal tumor measured in MRI and those measured in immediate pathological specimens. The retraction factor during pathological specimen processing was calculated as the distance ratio before and after dehydration in the lateral, superior, and inferior sides by the “knot marking method.” The distances of tumor micro-foci were individually corrected with these two retraction factors.

Results
The mean “in vivo–in vitro” tumor retraction factors were 0.913 peripherally and 0.920 superior/inferiorly. The mean tumor specimen processing retraction factors were 0.804 peripherally, 0.815 inferiorly, and 0.789 superiorly. Of 28 patients, 14 cases (50.0%) had 24 lateral micro-foci, 8 cases (28.6%) had 13 inferior micro-foci, and 7 cases (25.0%) had 19 superior micro-foci. The 95th percentiles of the micro-foci distance for 28 patients were 6.44 mm (peripheral), 5.54 mm (inferior), and 5.42 mm (superior) after retraction correction.

Conclusion
The micro-foci distances of 95% of rectal adenocarcinoma patients examined were within 6.44 mm peripherally, 5.54 mm inferiorly, and 5.42 mm superiorly. These findings provide reference to set the boost radiotherapy CTV margin for rectal cancer.
Adaptive context-aware access control for IoT environments leveraging fog computing
Authors: Kalaria Rudri , Kayes A. S. M. , Rahayu Wenny , Pardede Eric , Salehi Shahraki Ahmad 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe increasing use of the Internet of Things (IoT) has driven the demand for enhanced and robust access control methods to protect resources from unauthorized access. A cloud-based access control approach brings significant challenges in terms of communication overhead, high latency, and complete reliance. In this paper, we propose a Fog-Based Adaptive Context-Aware Access Control (FB-ACAAC) framework for IoT devices, dynamically adjusting access policies based on contextual information to prevent unauthorised resource access. The main purpose of FB-ACAAC is to provide adaptability to changing access behaviors and context by bringing decision-making and information about policies closer to the end nodes of the network. FB-ACAAC improves the availability of resources and reduces the amount of time for information to be processed. FB-ACAAC extends the widely used eXtensible Access Control Markup Language (XACML) to manage access control decisions. Traditional XACML-based methods do not take into account changing environments, different contexts, and changing access behaviors and are vulnerable to certain types of attacks. To address these issues, FB-ACAAC proposes an adaptive context-aware XACML scheme for heterogeneous distributed IoT environments using fog computing and is designed to be context-aware, adaptable, and secure in the face of unauthorised access. The effectiveness of this new scheme is verified through experiments, and it has a low processing time overhead while providing extra features and improved security.