bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Neck-Persistency-Net: a three-dimensional, convolution, deep neural network aids in distinguishing vital from non-vital persistent cervical lymph nodes in advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after primary concurrent radiochemotherapy
Authors: Santer Matthias , Zelger Philipp , Schmutzhard Joachim , Freysinger Wolfgang , Runge Annette , Gottfried Timo Maria , Tröger Andrea , Vorbach Samuel , Mangesius Julian , Widmann Gerlig , Graf Simone , Hofauer Benedikt Gabriel , Dejaco Daniel 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the diagnostic performance (DP) of the high-resolution contrast computed tomography (HR-contrast-CT) based Neck-Persistency-Net in distinguishing vital from non-vital persistent cervical lymph nodes (pcLNs) in patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) following primary concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and high-resolution contrast-enhanced computed tomography ([18F]FDG-PET-CT). Furthermore, the Neck-Persistency-Net’s potential to justify omitting post-CRT neck dissection (ND) without risking treatment delays or preventing unnecessary surgery was explored.

Methods
All HNSCC patients undergoing primary CRT followed by post-CRT-ND for pcLNs recorded in the institutional HNSCC registry were analyzed. The Neck-Persistency-Net DP was explored for three scenarios: balanced performance (BalPerf), optimized sensitivity (OptSens), and optimized specificity (OptSpec). Histopathology of post-CRT-ND served as a reference.

Results
Among 68 included patients, 11 were female and 32 had vital pcLNs. The Neck-Persistency-Net demonstrated good DP with an area under the curve of 0.82. For BalPerf, both sensitivity and specificity were 78%; for OptSens (90%), specificity was 62%; for OptSpec (95%), sensitivity was 54%. Limiting post-CRT-ND to negative results would have delayed treatment in 27%, 40%, and 7% for BalPerf, OptSens and OptSpec, respectively, versus 23% for [18F]FDG-PET-CT. Conversely, restricting post-CRT-ND to positive results would have prevented unnecessary post-CRT-ND in 78%, 60%, and 95% for BalPerf, OptSens and OptSpec, respectively, versus 55% for [18F]FDG-PET-CT.

Conclusion
The DP of the Neck-Persistency-Net was comparable to [18F]-FDG-PET-CT. Depending on the chosen decision boundary, the potential to justify the omission of post-CRT-ND without risking treatment delays in false negative findings or reliably prevent unnecessary surgery in false positive findings outperforms the [18F]-FDG-PET-CT.
A real-life experience with eculizumab and efgartigimod in generalized myasthenia gravis patients
Authors: Pane Chiara , Di Stefano Vincenzo , Cuomo Nunzia , Sarnataro Alessio , Vinciguerra Claudia , Bevilacqua Liliana , Brighina Filippo , Rini Nicasio , Puorro Giorgia , Marsili Angela , Garibaldi Matteo , Fionda Laura , Saccà Francesco 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Eculizumab, a complement active antibody, and efgartigimod, an Fc fragment that blocks neonatal Fc receptor, are both approved to treat generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) patients. The objective of this study is to describe the clinical response to both treatments in a real-life setting.

Methods
We collected baseline and follow-up clinical data using the Myasthenia Gravis-Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL), and Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG). We included 63 patients, 32 treated with eculizumab and 31 with efgartigimod. Of the efgartigimod-treated patients, 22 were anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive (AChR-Ab +) and 9 were AChR-Ab- (3 MuSK-Ab + and 6 seronegative).

Results
Both treatments showed similar efficacy relative to the MG-ADL scale reduction (p = 0.237). Efgartigimod had a similar effect on both AChR-Ab + and AChR-Ab- (p = 0.280). Eculizumab was superior to efgartigimod relative to the QMG score reduction for the entire dataset (p = 0.003) and was more likely to achieve a clinical response at the QMG compared to efgartigimod (OR 1.373; p = 0.016). Steroid-sparing effect was higher for eculizumab than efgartigimod ( – 16.7 vs  – 5.2 mg of the baseline daily dose at follow-up; p = 0.001). Mean speed of prednisone reduction was  – 13.1 mg of the daily dose for each month of follow-up for eculizumab-treated patients and  – 3.2 for efgartigimod (p = 0.001). We found three serious events, all not related to treatment in the investigator’s opinion. One eculizumab-treated patient experienced a severe pneumonia and died despite treatment.

Conclusions
Our study provides evidence that eculizumab and efgartigimod can be used in clinical practice to reduce disability in gMG patients. Eculizumab-treated patients had a higher QMG response and steroid sparing effect. Efgartigimod may offer a more flexible schedule due to its cyclical use, no need for vaccination, and efficacy in AChR-Ab- patients.
Distribution and morphologic characterization of telocytes in rat ovary and uterus: insights from ultrastructural and immunohistochemical analysis
Authors: Purelku Merjem , Sahin Hakan , Erkanli Senturk Gozde , Tanriverdi Gamze 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTelocytes (TCs) are characterized by a small oval-shaped cell body with long prolongations that are called telopods (Tps). PDGFR-β and c-kit markers may assist for the immunohistochemical identification of TCs; however, by these means they cannot be identified with absolute specificity. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is considered as a gold standard method for TCs observation. Studies on TCs in the female reproductive system are limited, and there is a lack of awareness regarding TCs in rat ovaries. We aimed to demonstrate the existence and morphology of TCs in rat ovaries, alongside previously studied TCs in rat uteri. Thus, ovaries and uteri from young adult Sprague–Dawley female rats (n = 8) with regular estrous cycles were collected. Then, left ovaries and uteri were proccessed for TEM analysis, while the right ones were used for immunohistochemistry. As a result, TCs were seen throughout the rat’s ovarian stroma with their characteristic cell bodies, Tps, podomes (Pds) and podomers (Pdms). Tps were situated within the thecal layer of the follicles, surrounding the corpus luteum and blood vessels. Ovarian TCs were recognized to have relationship with other TCs/stromal cells. Subsequently, TCs were seen in stroma of endometrium with surrounding blood vessels and uterine glands, myometrium and perimetrium in rat uteri. There was also no statistical significance between the number of c-kit+ and PDGFR-β+ telocyte-like cells in both rat ovarian (p = 0.137) and endometrial stroma (p = 0.450). Further investigation of the roles and functions of TCs in the female reproductive system is needed.
Testing the joint effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and ants on insect herbivory on potato plants
Authors: Moreira Xoaquín , Martín-Cacheda Lucía , Quiroga Gabriela , Lago-Núñez Beatriz , Röder Gregory , Abdala-Roberts Luis 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Main conclusion
Ants, but not mycorrhizae, significantly affected insect leaf-chewing herbivory on potato plants. However, there was no evidence of mutualistic interactive effects on herbivory.

Abstract
Plants associate with both aboveground and belowground mutualists, two prominent examples being ants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), respectively. While both of these mutualisms have been extensively studied, joint manipulations testing their independent and interactive (non-additive) effects on plants are rare. To address this gap, we conducted a joint test of ant and AMF effects on herbivory by leaf-chewing insects attacking potato (Solanum tuberosum) plants, and further measured plant traits likely mediating mutualist effects on herbivory. In a field experiment, we factorially manipulated the presence of AMF (two levels: control and mycorrhization) and ants (two levels: exclusion and presence) and quantified the concentration of leaf phenolic compounds acting as direct defenses, as well as plant volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions potentially mediating direct (e.g., herbivore repellents) or indirect (e.g., ant attractants) defense. Moreover, we measured ant abundance and performed a dual-choice greenhouse experiment testing for effects of VOC blends (mimicking those emitted by control vs. AMF-inoculated plants) on ant attraction as a mechanism for indirect defense. Ant presence significantly reduced herbivory whereas mycorrhization had no detectable influence on herbivory and mutualist effects operated independently. Plant trait measurements indicated that mycorrhization had no effect on leaf phenolics but significantly increased VOC emissions. However, mycorrhization did not affect ant abundance and there was no evidence of AMF effects on herbivory operating via ant-mediated defense. Consistently, the dual-choice assay showed no effect of AMF-induced volatile blends on ant attraction. Together, these results suggest that herbivory on potato plants responds mainly to top-down (ant-mediated) rather than bottom-up (AMF-mediated) control, an asymmetry in effects which could have precluded mutualist non-additive effects on herbivory. Further research on this, as well as other plant systems, is needed to examine the ecological contexts under which mutualist interactive effects are more or less likely to emerge and their impacts on plant fitness and associated communities.
Identifying regional hotspots of heatwaves, droughts, floods, and their co-occurrences
Authors: Vieira Passos Marlon , Kan Jung-Ching , Destouni Georgia , Barquet Karina , Kalantari Zahra 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this paper we present a framework to aid in the selection of optimal environmental indicators for detecting and mapping extreme events and analyzing trends in heatwaves, meteorological and hydrological droughts, floods, and their compound occurrence. The framework uses temperature, precipitation, river discharge, and derived climate indices to characterize the spatial distribution of hazard intensity, frequency, duration, co-occurrence, and dependence. The relevant climate indices applied are Standardized Precipitation Index, Standardized Precipitation and Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), Standardized Streamflow Index, heatwave indices based on fixed (HWI$$_\textrm{S}$$

S

) and anomalous temperatures (HWI$$_\textrm{E}$$

E

), and Daily Flood Index (DFI). We selected suitable environmental indicators and corresponding thresholds for each hazard based on estimated extreme event detection performance using receiver operating characteristics (ROC), area under curve (AUC), and accuracy, which is defined as the proportion of correct detections. We assessed compound hazard dependence using a Likelihood Multiplication Factor (LMF). We tested the framework for the case of Sweden, using daily data for the period 1922–2021. The ROC results showed that HWI$$_\textrm{S}$$

S

, SPEI12 and DFI are suitable indices for representing heatwaves, droughts, and floods, respectively (AUC > 0.83). Application of these indices revealed increasing heatwave and flood occurrence in large areas of Sweden, but no significant change trend for droughts. Hotspots with LMF > 1, mostly concentrated in Northern Sweden from June to August, indicated that compound drought-heatwave and drought-flood events are positively correlated in those areas, which can exacerbate their impacts. The novel framework presented here adds to existing hydroclimatic hazard research by (1) using local data and historical records of extremes to validate indicator-based hazard hotspots, (2) evaluating compound hazards at regional scale, (3) being transferable and streamlined, (4) attaining satisfactory performance for indicator-based hazard detection as demonstrated by the ROC method, and (5) being generalizable to various hazard types.
Evaluating changes in flood frequency due to climate change in the Western Cape, South Africa
Authors: Pillay Kamleshan , Simatele Mulala Danny 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study assesses the impact of climate change on flood frequency across seven sites in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The calibrated Water Resources Simulation Model (WRSM)/Pitman hydrological model was run using precipitation inputs from two representative concentration pathways (RCP) scenarios (RCP 4.5 and 8.5) using a combination of eight global circulatory models (GCM) for the two periods (2030–2060 and 2070–2100). GCMs were statistically downscaled using the delta change (DC), linear scaling (LS) and quantile delta mapping (QDM) approaches. Average daily discharge was estimated from each downscaled daily precipitation dataset using the Pitman/WRSM model with the Fuller and Sangal estimation methods used to calculate daily instantaneous peak flows. Flood frequency curves (FFC) were generated using the annual maximum series (AMS) for the GCM ensemble mean and individual GCMs for the return periods between 2 and 100 years. FFCs generated based on LS and QDM downscaling methods were aligned for the GCM ensemble mean in terms of the direction of FFCs. Further analysis was conducted using outputs based on the QDM approach, given its suitability in projecting peak flows. Under this method, both Fuller and Sangal FFCs exhibited a decreasing trend across the Jonkershoek and Little Berg River sites; however, estimated quantiles for low-probability events were higher under the Fuller method. This study noted the variation in FFCs from individual GCMs compared to the FFC representing the GCM ensemble mean. Further research on climate change flood frequency analysis (FFA) in South Africa should incorporate other advanced downscaling and instantaneous peak flow estimation (IPF) methods.
Orthodontic findings in adults with Trisomy 21
Authors: Wriedt Susanne , Service Fabienne , Schmidtmann Irene , Erbe Christina 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Objective of this study was to describe orthodontic findings in adults with Down’s syndrome, a matter insufficiently regarded in literature.

Materials and methods
A group of 104 adults (33.8 ± 15 years) with trisomy 21 had an orthodontic check-up in their accustomed environment. Anamnestic and dental findings completed the examination and descriptive analysis was performed using SPSS23. Relative frequencies with 95% confidence intervals were compared to the average population (SHIP-study, 2003; DMS IV, 2006).

Results
Among the participants 46.2% (36.3–56.2%) (SHIP 36.7%) had already undergone orthodontic treatment. In 87.5% (79.6–93%) of the patients, less than 25.6 properly functioning permanent teeth (DMS IV’s mean) were found. Gingival bleeding and recessions, as well as periodontal disease, were increasingly found in older affected persons. Patients with Down’s syndrome showed less crowding, e.g., maxillary incisors 28% (19.3–39%) versus 41.9% (SHIP). Frontal open bite (35.2% (25.3–46.1%) versus 3.6% (SHIP)) and frontal crossbite (40.9% (30.5–51.9%) versus 4.2% (SHIP)) were more often observed. No considerable differences in frequencies of orthodontic findings were detected in the comparison of the subgroups “18–28 years” versus “>28 years”, “with” versus “without orthodontic treatment”, “male” versus “female”, “with” versus “without periodontal problems”, or “with” versus “without orofacial disturbances”.

Conclusions
Within the bounds of this study, we gathered orthodontic findings in adults with trisomy 21 for the first time. In comparison to the average population, the subject group showed a greater number of complex orthodontic findings.

Clinical relevance
These persisting dental and orofacial problems must be considered when treating patients with Down’s syndrome.
Effector and regulatory B-cell imbalance in systemic sclerosis: cooperation or competition?
Authors: Liu Mengguo 
Published: July 2024

AbstractB cells play a central role in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Most B-cell studies have focused on their pathological role as antibody producers. However, in addition to immunoglobulin secretion, these cells have a wide range of functions in the immune response, including antigen presentation to T cells and cytokine production. Importantly, not all B-cell subsets promote the immune response. Regulatory B cells (Bregs) attenuate inflammation and contribute to the maintenance of immune tolerance. However, effector B cells (Beffs) positively modulate the immune response through the production of various cytokines. In SSc, Bregs are insufficient and/or dysfunctional. B-cell-targeting biologics have been trialled with promising results in the treatment of SSc. These therapies can affect Bregs or Beffs, which can potentially limit their long-term efficacy. Future strategies might involve the modulation of effector B cells in combination with the stimulation of regulatory subsets. Additionally, the monitoring of individual B-cell subsets in patients may lead to the discovery of novel biomarkers that could help predict disease relapse or progression. The purpose of this review is to summarize the relevant literatures and explain how Bregs and Beffs jointly participate in the pathogenesis of SSc.
Using driver monitoring to estimate readiness in automation: a conceptual model based on simulator experimental data
Authors: Gonçalves Rafael C. , Goodridge Courtney M. , Kuo Jonny , Lenné Mike G. , Merat Natasha 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis paper provides a theoretical overview of how the concept of driver readiness can be objectively measured, using controlled experimental data. First, a literature review regarding the concept of driver readiness is provided. Then, it highlights challenges for a standardized readiness estimation model. A conceptual readiness estimation model is presented, and a methodology is proposed for defining readiness thresholds for use by Driver State Monitoring (DSM) systems. The paper then explores how this model can be used to estimate readiness thresholds. A proof of concept for the model application is presented, using previously collected experimental involving SAE Level 2 automation. This paper contributes to the state of the art in DSM-development, by providing a methodology for estimating driver readiness, while considering variabilities across individual drivers. The model also allows readiness thresholds to be defined with data from driving simulator experiments, without relying on subjective assessment of readiness as its ground truth.
Envy-freeness in 3D hedonic games
Authors: McKay Michael , Cseh Ágnes , Manlove David 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe study the problem of fairly partitioning a set of agents into coalitions based on the agents’ additively separable preferences, which can also be viewed as a hedonic game. We study three successively weaker solution concepts, related to envy, weakly justified envy, and justified envy. In a model in which coalitions may have any size, trivial solutions exist for these concepts, which provides a strong motivation for placing restrictions on coalition size. In this paper, we require feasible coalitions to have size three. We study the existence of partitions that are envy-free, weakly justified envy-free, and justified envy-free, and the computational complexity of finding such partitions, if they exist. We impose various restrictions on the agents’ preferences and present a complete complexity classification in terms of these restrictions.
Does geopolitical risk escalate environmental degradation in Turkey? Evidence from a Fourier approach
Authors: Kızılkaya Fatma , Kızılkaya Oktay , Mike Faruk 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study examines the long-run impacts of geopolitical risk on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Turkey using Shin and Fourier Shin cointegration methods for yearly observations from 1985 to 2019. The cointegration test results reveal a long-run relation between CO2 emissions and geopolitical risk, economic growth, renewable energy, and the population size in Turkey. According to dynamic ordinary least squares estimation, geopolitical risk and renewable energy consumption have negative and statistically significant impacts on CO2 emissions, whereas economic growth and population size have positive and statistically significant effects on CO2 in the long-run. This shows that increases in geopolitical risks tend to reduce CO2 emissions in Turkey, by depressing production in polluting industries as well as economic growth. In addition, the study performs TY and Fourier TY causality analyses to check for consistency (or robustness) in the cointegration results. Accordingly, the Fourier TY test results demonstrate a unidirectional relationship from geopolitical risk and population size to CO2 emissions, whereas the Toda–Yamamoto test procedure indicates no causal relationship between the series in the long run. Overall, increases in geopolitical risks decrease the rate of production and pollution in the polluting sector in Turkey. However, this also means a decrease in economic growth rates for Turkey which focuses its economic policy and strategy on sustainable growth and development. Therefore, it is very important for Turkey to immediately implement an environmental practice that will not harm its economic policies.
Advancing Content Synthesis in Macro-Task Crowdsourcing Facilitation Leveraging Natural Language Processing
Authors: Gimpel Henner , Laubacher Robert , Meindl Oliver , Wöhl Moritz , Dombetzki Luca 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMacro-task crowdsourcing presents a promising approach to address wicked problems like climate change by leveraging the collective efforts of a diverse crowd. Such macro-task crowdsourcing requires facilitation. However, in the facilitation process, traditionally aggregating and synthesizing text contributions from the crowd is labor-intensive, demanding expertise and time from facilitators. Recent advancements in large language models (LLMs) have demonstrated human-level performance in natural language processing. This paper proposes an abstract design for an information system, developed through four iterations of a prototype, to support the synthesis process of contributions using LLM-based natural language processing. The prototype demonstrated promising results, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in synthesis activities for macro-task crowdsourcing facilitation. By streamlining the synthesis process, the proposed system significantly reduces the effort to synthesize content, allowing for stronger integration of synthesized content into the discussions to reach consensus, ideally leading to more meaningful outcomes.
Psychological Capital, Self-Advocacy, and Future Orientation among Adults on the Autism Spectrum
Authors: Hazan-Liran Batel , Walter Ofra 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe paper offers an innovative exploration of the mediating role of psychological capital (PsyCap) in the relations between future orientation and self-advocacy among high-functioning adults on the autism spectrum. We posited that PsyCap, a composite of hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism, serves as a crucial mediator of future orientation and self-advocacy. The sample comprised 40 high-functioning adults on the autism spectrum. Future orientation, self-advocacy, and PsyCap were significantly correlated among young adults with ASD. PsyCap was a mediator of the relations between future orientation and self-advocacy. The findings contribute to the understanding of psychological factors influencing self-advocacy and future orientation and have practical implications for interventions aimed at enhancing PsyCap to improve self-advocacy and future orientation in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.