bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automated 3D Cobb Angle Measurement Using U-Net in CT Images of Preoperative Scoliosis Patients
Authors: Li Lening , Zhang Teng , Lin Fan , Li Yuting , Wong Man-Sang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
To propose a deep learning framework “SpineCurve-net” for automated measuring the 3D Cobb angles from computed tomography (CT) images of presurgical scoliosis patients. A total of 116 scoliosis patients were analyzed, divided into a training set of 89 patients (average age 32.4 ± 24.5 years) and a validation set of 27 patients (average age 17.3 ± 5.8 years). Vertebral identification and curve fitting were achieved through U-net and NURBS-net and resulted in a Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS) curve of the spine. The 3D Cobb angles were measured in two ways: the predicted 3D Cobb angle (PRED-3D-CA), which is the maximum value in the smoothed angle map derived from the NURBS curve, and the 2D mapping Cobb angle (MAP-2D-CA), which is the maximal angle formed by the tangent vectors along the projected 2D spinal curve. The model segmented spinal masks effectively, capturing easily missed vertebral bodies. Spoke kernel filtering distinguished vertebral regions, centralizing spinal curves. The SpineCurve Network method’s Cobb angle (PRED-3D-CA and MAP-2D-CA) measurements correlated strongly with the surgeons’ annotated Cobb angle (ground truth, GT) based on 2D radiographs, revealing high Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.983 and 0.934, respectively. This paper proposed an automated technique for calculating the 3D Cobb angle in preoperative scoliosis patients, yielding results that are highly correlated with traditional 2D Cobb angle measurements. Given its capacity to accurately represent the three-dimensional nature of spinal deformities, this method shows potential in aiding physicians to develop more precise surgical strategies in upcoming cases.
Fixed point theorem for generalized Chatterjea type mappings
Authors: Păcurar C. M. , Popescu O. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractWe introduce a new type of mappings in metric spaces which are
three-point analogue of the well-known Chatterjea type mappings, and call them
generalized Chatterjea type mappings. It is shown that such mappings can be
discontinuous as is the case of Chatterjea type mappings and this new class includes
the class of Chatterjea type mappings. The fixed point theorem for generalized
Chatterjea type mappings is proven.
Disulfidptosis-related long non-coding RNA signature predicts the prognosis, tumor microenvironment, immunotherapy, and antitumor drug options in colon adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Kang , Yu Jing , Xu Qihuan , Peng Yuanhong , Li Haibin , Lu Yan , Ouyang Manzhao 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the role and prognostic significance of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with disulfidptosis in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). The TCGA database’s clinical data and transcriptome profiles were employed. Analysis of previous studies identified 10 disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs). We used these genes to construct a signature that could independently and accurately predict the prognosis of patients with COAD. The Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curve analysis showed that the lower-risk group had a better prognosis. With the help of multivariate Cox regression analysis, the risk score produced from the patient’s signature might independently predict the outcomes. Utilizing a nomogram, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and principal component analysis (PCA), the signature’s predictive ability was also confirmed. It’s interesting to note that immunotherapy, especially PD-1 immune checkpoint suppression, was more likely to benefit low-risk patients. The IC50 levels for certain anticancer agents were lower in the high-risk group. Finally, qRT-PCR analyses in colon cancer cell lines revealed elevated levels of lncRNAs CASC9, ZEB1-AS1, ATP2A1-AS1, SNHG7, AL683813.1, and AP003555.1, and reduced levels of FAM160A1-DT and AC112220.2, compared to normal cell lines. This signature offers insights into prognosis, tumor microenvironment, and options for immunotherapy and antitumor drugs in patients with COAD.
MEG Microstates: An Investigation of Underlying Brain Sources and Potential Neurophysiological Processes
Authors: Valt Christian , Tavella Angelantonio , Berchio Cristina , Seebold Dylan , Sportelli Leonardo , Rampino Antonio , Salisbury Dean F. , Bertolino Alessandro , Pergola Giulio 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMicrostates are transient scalp configurations of brain activity measured by electroencephalography (EEG). The application of microstate analysis in magnetoencephalography (MEG) data remains challenging. In one MEG dataset (N = 113), we aimed to identify MEG microstates at rest, explore their brain sources, and relate them to changes in brain activity during open-eyes (ROE) or closed-eyes resting state (RCE) and an auditory Mismatch Negativity (MMN) task. In another dataset of simultaneously recorded EEG-MEG data (N = 21), we investigated the association between MEG and EEG microstates. Six MEG microstates (mMS) provided the best clustering of resting-state activity, each linked to different brain sources: mMS 1–2: left/right occipito-parietal; mMS 3: fronto-temporal; mMS 4: centro-medial; mMS 5–6: left/right fronto-parietal. Increases in occipital alpha power in RCE relative to ROE correlated with greater mMS 1–2 time coverage (τbs < 0.20, ps > .002), while the lateralization of deviance detection in MMN was associated with mMS 5–6 time coverage (τbs < 0.16, ps > .012). No temporal correlation was found between EEG and MEG microstates (ps > .05), despite some overlap in brain sources and global explained variance between mMS 2–3 and EEG microstates B-C (rs > 0.60, ps < .002). Hence, the MEG signal can be decomposed into microstates, but mMS brain activity clustering captures phenomena different from EEG microstates. Source reconstruction and task-related modulations link mMS to large-scale networks and localized activities. Thus, mMSs offer insights into brain dynamics and task-specific processes, complementing EEG microstates in studying physiological and dysfunctional brain activity.
Impact of mechanical weed control on soil N dynamics, soil moisture, and crop yield in an organic cropping sequence
Authors: Beiküfner Mareike , Kühling Insa , Vergara-Hernandez Maria Elena , Broll Gabriele , Trautz Dieter 
Published: August 2024

AbstractMechanical weed control is a major element of weed suppression in organic farming systems. In addition to the direct effect on weed growth, mechanical weeding, such as harrowing or hoeing, is known to induce side effects on several soil- and crop-related properties. In this study, we investigated the impact of mechanical weeding on soil mineral nitrogen (SMN), soil moisture, and crop yield in an organic crop rotation of grass-clover (Lolium multiflorumLam., Trifolium pratense L.), silage maize (Zea mays L.) and winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The experiment was conducted in two consecutive years (2021, 2022), where each crop was grown in each year on a Plaggic Anthrosol with sandy loam in North-West Germany. Two weed control treatments (mechanical: harrowing, hoeing; chemical: herbicide application) were implemented in a randomized block design with four replications. Greater net nitrogen (N) mineralization in maize compared to winter barley were attributed to the incorporation of grass-clover residues before sowing of maize and greater mineralization potential during the maize growing season. Higher weed growth in maize after mechanical weeding resulted in a reduction of up to 47% in SMN content in the topsoil. In barley, no differences in weed suppression were observed between the treatments and only small effects on SMN were determined after mechanical weeding. The soil water content in the mechanically weeded plots was significantly higher at several events in both years and for both crops, which was attributed to increased water infiltration by disrupting the soil crust. Neither crop yield nor N uptake in harvest products was affected by the different treatments.
Comparative Study on the Reduction of Tritium Breeding Ratio Caused by Inventory Changes of a Solid-State Tritium Breeding Blanket in a Fusion Demonstration Reactor Using MCNP and FISPACT-II
Authors: Kim Byung Chul 
Published: August 2024

AbstractThe self-sufficient supply of tritium in the deuterium-tritium nuclear fusion demonstration reactor (DEMO) is a fundamental design requirement. But, it is hindered by depletion of tritium breeding materials resulting in reduction of tritium breeding ratio (TBR) less than the initial design value especially in the solid-state tritium breeding blanket (TBB) of the DEMO. Unlike the liquid tritium breeding blanket of DEMO, compensation measures of the depleted breeding material in the solid-state TBB will be its substitution depending on the reduction rate of TBR. To estimate the replacement period of the solid-state TBB, it is required to estimate the reduction rate of TBR according to the operation conditions of the DEMO and the physical configuration of a solid-state TBB. In this study, the representative simulation codes, MCNP and FISPACT-II, are used for assessment of the reduction rate of TBR with the benchmarking model which is modified from the one poloidal segment of the TBB in the Korean-DEMO. After 3 full power-year operations with the neutron irradiation with the benchmarking model, the TBR simulated by MCNP is reduced to 96.84% of the initially calculated TBR, but the TBR calculated by FISPACT-II is reduced to 90.57% of the initially calculated TBR.
Path Dynamics of Time-Changed Lévy Processes: A Martingale Approach
Authors: De Gregorio Alessandro , Iafrate Francesco 
Published: August 2024

AbstractLévy processes time-changed by inverse subordinators have been intensively studied in the last years. Their importance in connection with non-local operators and semi-Markov dynamics is well understood, but, in our view, several questions remain open concerning the probabilistic structure of such processes. The time-changed Lévy processes are particularly useful to describe complex systems with fractional and/or anomalous dynamics. The purpose of our work is to analyze the features of the sample paths of such processes, focusing on a martingale-based approach. We introduce the fractional Poisson random measure as the main tool for dealing with the jump component of time-changed càdlàg processes. Further, the fractional random measure is an interesting and novel topic in itself, and thus, it is thoroughly analyzed in the paper. A central role in our analysis is then played by fractional Poisson integrals (involving the aforementioned fractional Poisson measure) which allow a useful description of the random jumps. We investigate these stochastic integrals and the martingale property of their compensated counterpart. Therefore, we are able to obtain a semimartingale representation of time-changed processes analogous to the celebrated Lévy–Itô decomposition. Finally, an approximation scheme of such random processes will be discussed.
The detection of pathological parathyroid glands is facilitated by identifying vascular features on ultrasound: the potential benefit of a low-frequency vascular probe
Authors: Michaelsen Sanne Høxbroe , Bay Mette , Gerke Oke , Graumann Ole , Madsen Anders Rørbæk , Godballe Christian , Bonnema Steen Joop , Nielsen Viveque Egsgaard 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the potential benefit of adding a low frequency vascular probe to the conventional pre-operative ultrasound examination of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Methods
A prospective cohort of 136 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism underwent a conventional ultrasound examination of the neck with a high frequency ( > 10 MHz) linear ultrasound probe, followed by an add-on examination with a low frequency vascular probe. For each ultrasound probe, and for every potential parathyroid lesion, the presence of a feeding vessel, a polar placement of the feeding vessel, and the presence of a vascular arch was recorded.

Results
A total of 146 ultrasound lesions were evaluated for vascularity by each probe. For both ultrasound probes, the odds of a hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland being correctly identified increased with the number of visible vascular features. The vascular probe identified a significantly higher number of vascular features among ultrasound true positive glands compared with the conventional probe (p < 0.0001). Among histopathologically verified pathological parathyroid glands, the vascular probe identified 20% more feeding vessels, 27% more polar placements of the feeding vessel, and 65% more vascular arches than the high frequency probe. However, the diagnostic confidence score for true positive glands did not differ significantly between the probes (p = 0.11).

Conclusion
The addition of a low frequency vascular probe increases the number of visible vascular features in hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands, which facilitates their preoperative detection. Whether or not this can increase the diagnostic confidence of ultrasound examiners has yet to be substantiated.
The property of Kelley by arcs
Authors: Chacón-Tirado Mauricio , de J. López María , Suárez-López José Luis 
Published: August 2024

AbstractFor a metric continuum X and a point $$p\in X$$

p
∈
X

, the hyperspace of arcs in X containing p, Arcs(p, X), is defined as the set containing $$\{p\}$$

{
p
}

and all arcs in X that contain the point p, we endow this hyperspace with the Hausdorff metric. In this paper we introduce the property of Kelley by arcs; a continuum X has the property of Kelley by arcs provided that for each $$p\in X$$

p
∈
X

, for each $$A\in Arcs(p, X)$$

A
∈
A
r
c
s
(
p
,
X
)

, and for each sequence of points $$\{p_{n}\}_{n\in \mathbb {N}}$$

{

p
n

}

n
∈
N

that converges to p, there exists a sequence $$\{A_{n}\}_{n\in \mathbb {N}}$$

{

A
n

}

n
∈
N

that converges to A such that $$A_{n}\in Arcs(p_{n}, X)$$

A
n

∈
A
r
c
s

(

p
n

,
X
)

, for each $$n\in \mathbb {N}$$

n
∈
N

. We show that in the class of finite graphs the property of Kelley by arcs characterizes the fact of being either an arc or a simple closed curve. We prove that in arc-continua the property of Kelley by arcs is equivalent to the property of Kelley. Also, we prove that homogeneous continua have the property of Kelley by arcs. Moreover, we prove that in the class of dendroids the property of Kelley by arcs implies the property of Kelley, and we show that the arc is the only dendroid with the property of Kelley by arcs. Finally, we study the property of Kelley by arcs in the class of compactifications of the ray $$[0, \infty )$$

[
0
,
∞
)

with remainder a finite graph or a dendroid.
Development of Fragility Curves for Tall Buildings with Tuned Liquid Dampers for Vibration Control Under Wind Loading
Authors: Nava-González R. , Pozos-Estrada A. , López-Ibarra A. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn this study, fragility curves of a tall building subjected to along-wind loads are developed to evaluate the enhancement in reliability when a Tuned Liquid Damper (TLD) system is employed. For the analysis, a mathematical model of a tall building is designed and subjected to along-wind loads simulated with an autoregressive and moving-average (ARMA) model that includes spatial and temporal variations in the turbulent wind component. For comparison purposes, fragility curves of the tall buildings fitted with a Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) system are also developed. To develop the fragility curves, predefined wind-induced acceleration thresholds are employed as damage states. The numerical results indicate that the use of optimal TLD or TMD systems is effective at reducing the wind-induced acceleration for different mean wind speeds. In addition, the auxiliary damping systems are more effective at reducing the probability of exceedance as the percentage of individuals who perceive acceleration increases from 10 to 50%. Finally, the highest reliability enhancement with the use of both damping systems is achieved for mean wind speed values ranging from 41 to 62 m/s for the damage states considered.
Understanding temporal dynamics of jumps in cryptocurrency markets: evidence from tick-by-tick data
Authors: Saef Danial , Nagy Odett , Sizov Sergej , Härdle Wolfgang Karl 
Published: August 2024

AbstractCryptocurrency markets have recently attracted significant attention due to their potential for high returns; however, their underlying dynamics, especially those concerning price jumps, continue to be explored. Building on previous research, this study examines the presence and clustering of jumps in an extensive tick data set covering six major cryptocurrencies traded against Tether on seven leading exchanges worldwide over nearly 2.5 years. Our analysis reveals that jumps occur on up to 58% of trading days, with negative jumps predominating in both frequency and size. Notably, we observe systematic clustering of jumps over time, especially in Bitcoin and Ethereum, indicating interconnected market dynamics and potential predictive power for market movements. By employing high-frequency econometric tools, we identify temporal patterns in jump occurrence, highlighting heightened activity during specific trading hours and days. We also find evidence of jumps influencing intraday returns, underscoring their significance in short-term price dynamics. Our findings enhance understanding of the cryptocurrency market microstructure and offer insights for risk management and predictive modeling strategies. Nevertheless, further research is needed to develop robust methodologies for detecting and analyzing co-jumps across multiple assets.
Pupillary Light Reflex Metrics as an Objective Biomarker for Sport-Related Concussion in Elite Field Hockey
Authors: Murphy Róisín , Rankin Alan , Archbold Pooler , Bleakley Chris 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Background
Concussion diagnosis is based on subjective assessment of several nonspecific clinical signs and symptoms with no objective test to aid in diagnosis. The pupillary system, in particular the pupil light reflexes (PLR) has attracted plausible consideration in this area, given its complex neural circuitry and autonomic function.

Aim
To assess the reliability and validity of using the NeurOptics PLR-3000 pupilometer to measure PLR, and to determine normative data for female athletes.

Methods
A cross sectional cohort study of 33 senior elite female field hockey athletes (aged 19–34 years) were recruited. Three valid pupillometry readings were acquired, per eye. Measurements of nine PLR metrics were obtained. Reliability was determined using intraclass coefficients, standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimum detectable change (MDC). Between group differences (concussion history vs. controls) were analysed using non-parametric tests.

Results
NeurOptics PLR-3000 showed good to excellent reliability for eight PLR metrics derived from the pupilometer [latency, average constriction velocity (ACV), peak constriction velocity (PCV), average dilation velocity (ADV), T75%max. pupil diameter, min. pupil diameter and percent constriction]. There was no statistical difference between any of the PLR metrics in athletes who had a history of concussion and those that had no history of concussion. The two athletes with a recent history of concussion (< 3 months) showed trends towards slowed latency, ACV, PCV and ADV when compared to controls.

Conclusion
This research does not support previous research that the PLR-3000 is an accurate instrument for distinguishing between those with and without a history of concussion. However, the ICC values for intratester reliability were good to excellent for most PLR metrics, with data comparing favourably to normative values previously reported from other populations. Some PLR metrics may distinguish between distinct group of female athletes (recent history of concussion), but this is a small sample size and exploratory in nature. Larger studies are required to confirm its validity and responsiveness.
Impact of Exercise Heat Acclimation on Performance in Hot, Cool and Hypoxic Conditions
Authors: Périard JD , Nichols D , Travers G , Cocking S , Townsend N , Brown HA , Racinais S 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to confirm the impact of heat acclimation on aerobic performance in hot conditions and elucidate the transfer of heat adaptations to cool and hypoxic environments.

Methods
Ten males (VO2peak: 4.50 ± 0.50 L/min) completed two three-week interventions consisting of heat acclimation (HA: 36°C and 59% RH) and temperate training (TEMP: 18°C and 60% RH) in a counter-balanced crossover design. Training weeks consisted of four work-matched controlled heart rate sessions interspersed with one intermittent sprint session, and two rest days. Before and after the interventions VO2peak and 20-min time trial performance were evaluated in COOL (18°C), HOT (35°C) and hypoxic (HYP: 18°C and FiO2: 15.4%) conditions.

Results
Following HA, VO2peak increased significantly in HOT (0.24 L/min [0.01, 0.47], P = 0.040) but not COOL (P = 0.431) or HYP (P = 0.411), whereas TEMP had no influence on VO2peak (P ≥ 0.424). Mean time trial power output increased significantly in HOT (20 W [11, 28], P < 0.001) and COOL (12 W [4, 21], P = 0.004), but not HYP (7 W [−1, 16], P = 0.075) after HA, whereas TEMP had no influence on mean power output (P ≥ 0.110). Rectal (−0.13°C [−0.23, −0.03], P = 0.009) and skin (−0.7°C [−1.2, −0.3], P < 0.001) temperature were lower during the time trial in HOT after HA, whereas mean heart rate did not differ (P = 0.339).

Conclusions
HA improved aerobic performance in HOT in conjunction with lower thermal strain and enhanced cardiovascular stability (similar heart rate for higher workload), whereas the mechanistic pathways improving performance in COOL and HYP remain unclear.
RegionSizeR– A Novel App for Regional Sample Size Planning in MRCTs
Authors: Sun Guannan , Sun Xin , Su Huijuan , Liao Yuqin , Wei Di , Ma Hanqing , Li Xinyu , Fan Ran , Ren Xiaowei 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn multi-regional clinical trials, planning the sample size for participating regions is essential for the evaluation of the treatment effect consistency across regions. Based on the MRCT design and sample size allocation to regions, consistency probability is usually used to predict the consistent trend between regions and the overall population, while preserving a certain proportion of the overall treatment effect. Specific enrollment characteristics in a region of interest should also be considered during the time of the sample size planning. To facilitate efficient and harmonized regional sample size planning, we have developed RegionSizeR, a comprehensive and user-friendly interactive web-based R shiny application that can be obtained from https://github.com/rsr-ss/RegionSizeR. This simulation-based app can serve as an initial point for discussions on sample size allocation plans, following preservation of treatment effect method in ICH E17. The app accommodates various types of endpoints and designs, including continuous, binary, and time-to-event endpoints, for superiority, non-inferiority, and MCP-Mod designs. To ensure the validity of this app, independent testing is conducted allowing a discrepancy of no more than 1% across all results considering various scenarios.