bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantification of left ventricular myocardial strain: Comparison between MRI tagging, MRI feature tracking, and ultrasound speckle tracking
Authors: Brandt Yentl , Lubrecht Jolijn M. , Adriaans Bouke P. , Aben Jean‐Paul , Gerretsen Suzanne C. , Ghossein‐Doha Chahinda , Spaanderman Marc E. A. , Prinzen Frits W. , Kooi M. Eline 
Published: April 2024

AbstractUltrasound speckle tracking is frequently used to quantify myocardial strain, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) feature tracking is rapidly gaining interest. Our aim is to validate cardiac MRI feature tracking by comparing it with the gold standard method (i.e., MRI tagging) in healthy subjects and patients. Furthermore, we aim to perform an indirect validation by comparing ultrasound speckle tracking with MRI feature tracking. Forty‐two subjects (17 formerly preeclamptic women, three healthy women, and 22 left bundle branch block patients of both sexes) received 3‐T cardiac MRI and echocardiography. Cine and tagged MRI, and B‐mode ultrasound images, were acquired. Intrapatient global and segmental left ventricular circumferential (MRI tagging vs. MRI feature tracking) and longitudinal (MRI feature tracking vs. ultrasound speckle tracking) peak strain and time to peak strain were compared between the three techniques. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (< 0.50 = poor, 0.50–0.75 = moderate, > 0.75–0.90 = good, > 0.90 = excellent) and Bland–Altman analysis were used to assess correlation and bias; p less than 0.05 indicates a significant ICC or bias. Global peak strain parameters showed moderate‐to‐good correlations between methods (ICC = 0.71–0.83, p < 0.01) with no significant biases. Global time to peak strain parameters showed moderate‐to‐good correlations (ICC = 0.56–0.82, p < 0.01) with no significant biases. Segmental peak strains showed significant biases in all parameters and moderate‐to‐good correlation (ICC = 0.62–0.77, p < 0.01), except for lateral longitudinal peak strain (ICC = 0.23, p = 0.22). Segmental time to peak strain parameters showed moderate‐to‐good correlation (ICC = 0.58–0.74, p < 0.01) with no significant biases. MRI feature tracking is a valid method to examine myocardial strain, but there is bias in absolute segmental strain values between imaging techniques. MRI feature tracking shows adequate comparability with ultrasound speckle tracking.
What is the point of Beast Philanthropy?
Authors: Wade Matt 
Published: April 2024

AbstractJimmy ‘MrBeast’ Donaldson is the most watched person on earth. There are undeniably far worse figures who could be commanding such attention, but there remains uncertainty about his methods of philanthropic giving and what Beast Philanthropy ultimately hopes to achieve. Beast Philanthropy claims that, through entertainment‐based giving, they are inspiring a new generation of young people to be more civic‐minded. However, this jars harshly with the hedonistic indulgence of many MrBeast videos, which delight in spectacular wastefulness and luxury consumerism. Moreover, Beast Philanthropy fosters both passive and romanticized notions of generosity, conditioning viewers to think of their attention as a gift and that giving should be always and endlessly fun. Finally, the insistent anti‐politicism of Beast Philanthropy entails a refusal to offer even the slightest of opinions on the underlying causes of suffering and inequality. This deliberately incurious worldview may promote a narrow and stunted perspective on how meaningful social and political change is achieved. However, there are reasons to be optimistic and open‐minded, and philanthropic foundations should not outright dismiss the prospects for Beast‐style giving.
Good intent, or just good content? Assessing MrBeast's philanthropy
Authors: Davies Rhodri 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMrBeast is the world's most successful individual YouTube content creator. Having made his name with videos of high‐concept challenges and stunts, he has subsequently produced a series of viral videos centring on acts of philanthropy – drawing both praise and criticism in the process. This paper attempts to place MrBeast's approach in the context of wider historical and current debates about the nature and role of philanthropy, in order to ascertain what (if anything) is genuinely novel about it, and how we should understand it in relation to models of philanthropy that have gone before. The paper considers “Beast Philanthropy” through a range of lenses − aesthetic, ethical, economic and political − and what these can tell us about the key questions we should be asking and whether, on balance, we should view this phenomenon positively or not.
Audiological Characteristics of Vestibular Schwannoma Patients With Normal Pure‐Tone Audiometry
Authors: Zhang Weixun , Shi Jianan , Yin Yanbo , Ma Mengye , Lyu Jihan , Yang Juanmei , Zhao Weidong , Yuan Yasheng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the audiological characteristics of vestibular schwannoma (VS) patients with normal pure‐tone audiometry (PTA) results.Study DesignA retrospective study.SettingForty‐two VS patients with normal PTA results from October 2016 to October 2022 were included.MethodsNormal PTA was defined when the hearing threshold is ≤25 dB hearing loss (HL) in each test frequency and the PTA is ≤25 dB HL. Results of multiple audiological tests such as the auditory brainstem response (ABR), distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE), multiple auditory steady‐state responses threshold (ASSR), and speech discrimination score were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data of these patients were also been collected.ResultsAccording to our results, the ABR and average ASSR threshold of the affected side were statistically significantly higher in VS patients with normal PTA. ABR waveforms on the affected side also showed more abnormalities. The DPOAE pass rates of the affected side were lower than the unaffected side while the amplitude and signal‐to‐noise ratio rate was also lower. In addition, we used magnetic resonance imaging 3‐dimensional reconstruction images to measure the volume of tumors in these patients. We also found that higher ABR threshold means lager tumor size in patients with normal PTA.ConclusionVS patients with normal PTA result cannot be assumed to have no impairment of hearing function. ABR, DPOAE, and ASSR results showed the characteristic changes in the affect ear. ABR threshold has the highest sensitivity for hearing abnormalities and is strong relative with tumor size in patients with normal PTA.
Egyptian Dynasties to Biologics: A Historical Review of Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Jongbloed Walter M. , Tessema Belachew 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe history of nasal polyposis originates even before Hippocrates described a nasal mass that he likened to a sea polyp. References to sinonasal disease and treatment can be found in ancient texts, such as the Ebers Papyrus and the Edwin Smith Papyrus of Ancient Egypt, as well as in the foundational texts of Ayurvedic medicine. Greek philosophers marked a significant shift away from the belief that illness was a result of divine intervention and embraced medical theory. Over the subsequent millennia, the understanding of nasal polyposis expanded, resulting in notable progress in surgical procedures and medical treatments. However, the complex pathophysiology of this condition remained enigmatic until breakthroughs in basic science and immunology. This historical journey takes us from the tomb of the first rhinologist in 2500 BC to the development of immune‐modulating biologics.
Diet Outcome in Patients With Hypopharyngeal Defects Repaired With Different Reconstruction Flaps: A Comparative Study
Authors: Shih Pin‐Keng , Chen Jian‐Xun , Morrison Shane D. , Lin Mei‐Chen , Wang Ti‐Hao , Wu Shih‐Chi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectivesTo assess potential risk factors influencing diet outcomes after reconstruction of subtotal hypopharyngeal defects using free patch‐ or tube‐shaped anterolateral thigh (ALT) fasciocutaneous flaps.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingFirst‐level referral hospital.MethodsBetween January 2011 and December 2020, we studied hypopharyngeal cancer patients who underwent the reconstruction of hypopharyngeal defects using free patch‐ or tube‐shaped ALT fasciocutaneous flaps. The choice between patch‐ or tube‐shaped ALT flaps depended on the defect's nature, favoring patch‐shaped for subtotal defects and tube‐shaped for circumferential defects. A restricted diet was characterized by a history of enterostomy or endoscopic esophageal dilation treatment postreconstruction. We analyzed patients with restricted diets at 1‐ and 3‐year follow‐up visits.ResultsNinety‐eight patients were enrolled; 39 patch‐shaped flaps, and 59 tube‐shaped flaps. No significances were noted in demographics, postoperative radiotherapy (RT) or chemotherapy, rates of free flap reoperation/salvage, or complications. However, a significant difference emerged in diet outcomes at the 1‐year follow‐up (P = .005). The rate of a restricted diet was 6.08 times higher in patients with tube‐shaped flaps compared to patch‐shaped flaps (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.95‐18.94). Stratifying based on postoperative RT revealed a 5.47 times higher rate of a restricted diet in tube‐shaped flap recipients compared to patch‐shaped flap recipients (95% CI: 1.44‐20.48). No significances were observed in 5‐year survival rates.ConclusionConcerning postoperative RT, patch‐shaped flaps exhibited a lower incidence of a restricted diet compared to tube‐shaped flaps. Preservation of the posterior mucosa may play a crucial role in preventing RT‐induced esophageal stricture.
Synergistically enhanced electromagnetic interference shielding and mechanical properties of epoxy resin composites with a preconstructed hierarchical structure
Authors: Yuan Ting , Luo Jiamei , Yang Chenxi , Yang Xueqin , He Yi , Liu Yong , Zhang Liying , Zhang Hui , Yu Jianyong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractElectromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials have attracted extensive attention as highly integrated electronic devices generate large amounts of electromagnetic pollution. Here, PNF/NGx‐EP composites with excellent EMI shielding properties and superior flexural strength were reported, where nickel‐plated carbon fiber (NF) felts and NH2‐Graphene (NG) were adopted to pre‐construct a hierarchical structure within epoxy resin (EP). The macroscopic NF network constructed a continuous conductive pathway and the NG grafted on the surface of NF formed a second microscopic conductive network. Consequently, the PNF/NG0.5 felts exhibited a quite high electrical conductivity of 138.4 S/cm, and the PNF/NG0.5‐EP composites presented excellent EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) (57.4 dB at 11.9 GHz). Intriguingly, the flexural strength of the NF/EP composites was enhanced after the incorporation of NG, which was attributed to the mechanical locking effect and covalent bonding. In summary, this approach reconciles the contradiction between EMI shielding properties and mechanical properties of EP composites, and allows them to be promisingly employed for EMI shielding and protection in aerospace, weaponry, and communications.Highlights
A hierarchical structure of PNF/NGx felts was preconstructed within EP via Michael addition/Schiff base reaction.
The PNF/NGx‐EP composites exhibited remarkable EMI shielding properties (57.4 dB) and superior flexural strength (137.0 MPa), which are expected to realize practical applications in EMI shielding.
Fetal aortic valvuloplasty as the first step in a complex therapeutic strategy
Authors: Grinenco Sofía , Aiello Horacio Antonio , Meller César Hernán , Lucini Victorio , Nápoli Natalia , Trentacoste Luis , Córdoba Antonela , Saenz Tejeira Mercedes , Osuna Juan Manuel , Barretta Jorge , Villa Alejandra Beatriz , Marantz Pablo , Otaño Lucas 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundFetal aortic valvuloplasty (FAV) is proposed to prevent hypoplastic left heart syndrome due to fetal critical aortic stenosis. Objective: to report our experience on FAV as the first step in a complex therapeutic strategy.MethodSeries of patients with FAV over an 18‐year period.Results27 FAVs were performed in 26 fetuses, with technical success in 82% (22/27) and periprocedural fetal demise in 22% (6/27), decreasing to 15% in the second half‐cohort. Loss to follow‐up was due to birth or postnatal therapy in other centers (5) and termination of pregnancy (1), A normal‐sized LV at birth was observed in 46% (6/13), 4 neonates underwent aortic valvuloplasty and 2 cardiac surgeries, with 5/6 achieving biventricular circulation at 28 days, and 3 transplant‐free survival at mid‐term follow‐up. The 7/13 born with a borderline LV underwent LV rehabilitation strategy, with survival at 28 days in 4/7 and at mid‐term in 3: one with biventricular circulation, one with a ventricle‐and‐a‐half repair, and one lost to follow‐up.ConclusionFAV was feasible in most cases, with no maternal complications, and biventricular circulation at 28 days in ∼40% of survivors. After FAV, a diverse range of postnatal cardiac interventions are performed, reflecting the challenging innovation in current cardiovascular therapy.
Development and validation of Mathematical Higher‐Order Thinking Scale for high school students
Authors: Zhou Ying , Ning Yimin , Chen Jihe , Zhang Wenjun , Wijaya Tommy T. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractGlobally, significant attention is given to the cultivation and evaluation of Mathematical Higher‐Order Thinking Skills (MHOTS). This study aims to address the gap in developing and validating suitable MHOTS structures for high school students. In this study, 53 items were determined by experts in the field of mathematics education and scale development. The study group of this study consists of 654 students educated at the high school level. We decided to split the samples randomly in two by designating a random half as exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the other half as confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). EFA was used to confirm a robust “four‐dimensional, nine‐factor” measurement structure, encompassing four key dimensions, namely mathematical critical thinking, mathematical creative thinking, mathematical problem‐solving, and mathematical metacognitive skills. The scale's quality was assessed through a retest using CFA and the structural validity was evaluated through CFA and correlation analysis. The criterion validity of the scale was also examined using math scores. The results from the double validity analysis showed that the scale had a reasonable and valid structure. The findings established the MHOTS for high school students as a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the level of MHOTS among high school students. This newly developed scale holds promise as an effective tool to assess and enhance mathematical higher‐order thinking in the student population.
Characterisation of the observed diurnal cycle of precipitation over the Maritime Continent
Authors: Mustafa Jack M. , Matthews Adrian J. , Hall Rob A. , Heywood Karen J. , Azaneu Marina V. C. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the temporal and spatial complexities of the mean diurnal cycle (DC) of precipitation over the Maritime Continent during the wet season using the Integrated Multi‐satellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) data product and highlights systematic inaccuracies of amplitude and phase representation using the first diurnal harmonic (FDH). The first‐order nature of the DC of precipitation is already well documented, typically featuring heavy precipitation over near‐coastal land areas in the late afternoon and evening followed by maximum precipitation overnight over the surrounding seas, with offshore propagation evident in places. The DC is often described concisely in terms of an amplitude and phase based on the FDH parameters, however the omission of higher‐order components of variability results in the FDH parameters being poor indicators of the magnitude and peak time of diurnal variability in many locations. This study improves the accuracy of the amplitude and phase parameters by characterising the DC using two novel waveforms—a skew‐permitting waveform and a spike‐permitting waveform—which are constructed to characterise single‐peak cycles with rapid transitions more accurately. Key characterisation improvements include correction of a phase lag (averaging approximately 1 h) over near‐coastal land areas and capture of the short‐lasting but extreme peak in precipitation rate over Java which increases the amplitude by the order of 20%. The new skew parameter shows that locations close to coastlines experience rapid intensification and gradual weakening of diurnal precipitation, while there is a tendency toward gradual intensification and rapid weakening far inland and offshore. The new spike parameter shows that near‐coastal land experiences a brief and precisely timed peak in precipitation, whereas diurnal activity over inland locations is longer‐lasting and less precisely timed, and waters surrounding Java experience a precisely timed suppression of precipitation. Other potential applications of the novel waveforms used in this study are discussed.
Development of benzimidazole derivatives as efficient matrices for the analysis of acidic small‐molecule compounds using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry in negative ion mode
Authors: Cen Xianyi , Fang Yuhao , Chen Zilong , Zhu Xinhai 
Published: April 2024

RationaleWith the development of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) in spatial localisation omics research on small molecules, the detection sensitivity of the matrix must increase. However, the types of matrices suitable for detecting acidic small molecules in (−) MALDI‐MS mode are very limited and are either not sensitive enough or difficult to obtain.MethodsMore than 10 commercially available benzimidazole and benzothiazole derivatives were selected as MALDI matrices in negative ion mode. MALDI‐MS analysis was performed on 38 acidic small molecules and mouse serum, and the matrix effects were compared with those of the common commercial matrices 9‐aminoacridine (9AA), 1,5‐naphthalenediamine (DAN) and 3‐aminoquinoline (3AQ). Moreover, the proton affinity (PA) of the selected potential matrix was calculated, and the relationships among the compound structure, PA value and matrix effect were discussed.ResultsIn (−) MALDI‐MS mode, a higher PA value generally indicates a better matrix effect. Amino‐substituted 2‐phenyl‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole derivatives had well‐defined matrix effects on all analytes and were generally superior to the commonly used matrices 9AA, DAN and 3AQ. Among them, 2‐(4‐(dimethylamino‐phenyl)‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazole‐5‐amine (E‐4) has the best sensitivity and versatility for detecting different analytes and has the best ability to detect fatty acids in mouse serum; moreover, the limit of detection (LOD) of some analytes can reach as low as ng/L.ConclusionsCompared to 9AA, DAN and 3AQ, matrix E‐4 is more effective at detecting low‐molecular‐weight acidic compounds in (−) MALDI‐MS mode, with higher sensitivity and better versatility. In addition, there is a clear correlation between compound structure, PA and matrix effects, which provides a basis for designing more efficient matrices.
An example of ventilatory limitation during cardiopulmonary exercise testing in a patient with COPD
Authors: Farah Claude S. , Seccombe Leigh M. , King Greg G. , Chapman David G. , Irvin Charles G. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA 64‐year‐old obese gentleman attended for further evaluation of ongoing dyspnoea in the context of a previous diagnosis of moderate COPD treated with dual long‐acting bronchodilators. A cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) was performed, which demonstrated reduced peak work and oxygen consumption with evidence of dynamic hyperinflation, abnormal gas exchange and ventilatory limitation despite cardiac reserve. The CPET clarified the physiological process underpinning the patient's dyspnoea and limiting the patient's activities. This, in turn, helped the clinician tailor the patient's management plan.
Liquidity provision and trading skill: Evidence from mutual funds' daily transactions
Authors: Weh René , Westerholm Peter Joakim , Wilkens Marco , Yao Juan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractExamining risk‐adjusted returns for executed trades over horizons of up to 1 year, we document strong evidence of short‐term trading skill using daily mutual fund transactions from Finland. We find that trading performance is highly persistent up to the 1 month horizon, with an annualized Carhart abnormal return of 5.03% observed for both buys and sells. Moreover, the returns observed for the first week account for almost 36% of a fund's 1 year trade return, underscoring the significance of short‐term trading in mutual funds. For the best‐performing funds, this short‐term performance also translates into sustained long‐term outperformance. Investigating possible sources, we find that liquidity provision, rather than price pressure, is a significant contributor. In addition, short‐term trading performance is significantly positively related to trade size, fund size, and expenses, depending on whether buys or sells are considered.
VERO: A vacuum‐cleaner‐equipped quadruped robot for efficient litter removal
Authors: Amatucci Lorenzo , Turrisi Giulio , Bratta Angelo , Barasuol Victor , Semini Claudio 
Published: April 2024

AbstractLitter nowadays presents a significant threat to the equilibrium of many ecosystems. An example is the sea, where litter coming from coasts and cities via gutters, streets, and waterways, releases toxic chemicals and microplastics during its decomposition. Litter removal is often carried out manually by humans, which inherently lowers the amount of waste that can be effectively collected from the environment. In this paper, we present a novel quadruped robot prototype that, thanks to its natural mobility, is able to collect cigarette butts (CBs) autonomously, the second most common undisposed waste worldwide, in terrains that are hard to reach for wheeled and tracked robots. The core of our approach is a convolutional neural network for litter detection, followed by a time‐optimal planner for reducing the time needed to collect all the target objects. Precise litter removal is then performed by a visual‐servoing procedure which drives the nozzle of a vacuum cleaner that is attached to one of the robot legs on top of the detected CB. As a result of this particular position of the nozzle, we are able to perform the collection task without even stopping the robot's motion, thus greatly increasing the time‐efficiency of the entire procedure. Extensive tests were conducted in six different outdoor scenarios to show the performance of our prototype and method. To the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first time that such a design and method was presented and successfully tested on a legged robot.