bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioplausible Unsupervised Delay Learning for Extracting Spatiotemporal Features in Spiking Neural Networks
Authors: Nadafian Alireza , Ganjtabesh Mohammad 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
The plasticity of the conduction delay between neurons plays a fundamental role in learning temporal features that are essential for processing videos, speech, and many high-level functions. However, the exact underlying mechanisms in the brain for this modulation are still under investigation. Devising a rule for precisely adjusting the synaptic delays could eventually help in developing more efficient and powerful brain-inspired computational models. In this article, we propose an unsupervised bioplausible learning rule for adjusting the synaptic delays in spiking neural networks. We also provide the mathematical proofs to show the convergence of our rule in learning spatiotemporal patterns. Furthermore, to show the effectiveness of our learning rule, we conducted several experiments on random dot kinematogram and a subset of DVS128 Gesture data sets. The experimental results indicate the efficiency of applying our proposed delay learning rule in extracting spatiotemporal features in an STDP-based spiking neural network.
A Bayesian incorporated linear non-Gaussian acyclic model for multiple directed graph estimation to study brain emotion circuit development in adolescence
Authors: Zhang Aiying , Zhang Gemeng , Cai Biao , Wilson Tony W. , Stephen Julia M. , Calhoun Vince D. , Wang Yu-Ping 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Emotion perception is essential to affective and cognitive development which involves distributed brain circuits. Emotion identification skills emerge in infancy and continue to develop throughout childhood and adolescence. Understanding the development of the brain’s emotion circuitry may help us explain the emotional changes during adolescence. In this work, we aim to deepen our understanding of emotion-related functional connectivity (FC) from association to causation. We proposed a Bayesian incorporated linear non-Gaussian acyclic model (BiLiNGAM), which incorporated association model into the estimation pipeline. Simulation results indicated stable and accurate performance over various settings, especially when the sample size was small. We used fMRI data from the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort (PNC) to validate the approach. It included 855 individuals aged 8–22 years who were divided into five different adolescent stages. Our network analysis revealed the development of emotion-related intra- and intermodular connectivity and pinpointed several emotion-related hubs. We further categorized the hubs into two types: in-hubs and out-hubs, as the center of receiving and distributing information, respectively. In addition, several unique developmental hub structures and group-specific patterns were discovered. Our findings help provide a directed FC template of brain network organization underlying emotion processing during adolescence.
Newly Found Burial Catacombs and Inscriptions from the Necropolis at Beth Sheʿarim
Authors: Erlich Adi , Price Jonathan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Beth Sheʿarim in Lower Galilee was an important Jewish village in the Roman period, with an extensive necropolis containing lavish tombs that provided burial for Jews from across the Roman East. The necropolis is renowned for its many inscriptions in Greek, Aramaic, Hebrew, and more. Two catacombs previously unknown were discovered recently in the western part of the necropolis. Each contains a few halls shaped as corridors with arcosolium chambers along the walls. Each arcosolium accommodates 3–4 burial places. In one of the caves, two Greek inscriptions painted in red were found; one, written on a slab of stone, mentions a proselyte named Jacob, while the other, inscribed on the wall, mentions Judah, the owner of the tomb. This article deals with the catacombs and the inscriptions in the context of late Roman Palestine.
Physically Explainable Deep Learning for Convective Initiation Nowcasting Using GOES-16 Satellite Observations
Authors: Fan Da , Greybush Steven J. , Clothiaux Eugene E. , Gagne David John 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Convective initiation (CI) nowcasting remains a challenging problem for both numerical weather prediction models and existing nowcasting algorithms. In this study, an object-based probabilistic deep learning model is developed to predict CI based on multichannel infrared GOES-16 satellite observations. The data come from patches surrounding potential CI events identified in Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor Doppler weather radar products over the Great Plains region from June and July 2020 and June 2021. An objective radar-based approach is used to identify these events. The deep learning model significantly outperforms the classical logistic model at lead times up to 1 h, especially on the false alarm ratio. Through case studies, the deep learning model exhibits dependence on the characteristics of clouds and moisture at multiple altitudes. Model explanation further reveals that the contribution of features to model predictions is significantly dependent on the baseline, a reference point against which the prediction is compared. Under a moist baseline, moisture gradients in the lower and middle troposphere contribute most to correct CI forecasts. In contrast, under a clear-sky baseline, correct CI forecasts are dominated by cloud-top features, including cloud-top glaciation, height, and cloud coverage. Our study demonstrates the advantage of using different baselines in further understanding model behavior and gaining scientific insights.
Association Between Congenital Heart Disease-Related Diagnosis Codes and Trauma Surgery Outcomes
Authors: Babatunde Titilola , Wolf Seth , Tumin Dmitry , Sarno Lauren , Greene Erika , Longshore Shannon 
Published: May 2024

Background Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one the most common congenital anomalies, with a prevalence of 8-10 cases per 1000 live births in the United States. Congenital heart disease has been recognized as a risk factor for poor perioperative and postoperative outcomes in non-cardiac surgery. We aimed to determine if documentation of CHD-related diagnosis codes was associated with similar risks for trauma surgery. Methods Data were acquired from the 2010-2019 American College of Surgeons’ Trauma Quality Programs Participant Use Files. This study included trauma patients of all ages with one or more surgical procedures and at least one documented non-trauma (comorbidity) International Classification of Diseases code. Patients were stratified based on presence of CHD-related comorbidity codes vs any other comorbidity. Outcomes included mortality, hospital length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, and in-hospital complications. Results Using 1:1 propensity score matching, we matched 215 cases with CHD-related comorbid diagnoses to non-CHD controls. Compared to patients with other comorbidities, patients with CHD-related comorbidites were less likely to be discharged home to self-care (odds ratio: 0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.25, 078 P = .005) and tended to have prolonged hospital LOS (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.001, 1.13, P = .046). Conclusions We present the first quantitative multicenter analysis correlating documentation of comorbid CHD-related diagnoses with higher risk of adverse outcomes after trauma surgery. These results support the need to routinely acknowledge and document CHD as comorbidity in trauma admissions that could lead to surgical intervention and for trauma centers to prepare for patients with a possible CHD comorbidity.
Enhanced optical, dielectric, and mechanical properties of starch-based nanocomposite films reinforced with layered double hydroxide
Authors: Rhalmi Othmane , Lahkale Redouane , Ben Zarouala Khadija , Chouni Khadija , Garmim Taoufik , Sabbar Elmouloudi 
Published: May 2024

In this study, we present the optical, electrical, dielectric, and mechanical properties of nanocomposite films containing different inorganic filler content. Starch is used as the biopolymer while the carbonate intercalated Mg-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) is used as the inorganic filler. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS) are used to characterize and evaluate the dispersion of LDH in the biopolymer matrix. Increasing the filler content was found to improve the optical properties by increasing the light absorption coefficients, reducing the optical gap energy and increasing the refractive index. Improved dielectric properties were demonstrated by the significant decrease in the dielectric energy dissipation with increasing filler content. In addition, mechanical properties were enhanced by increasing the Young’s modulus when the filler content reached 5 wt %.
Sociodemographic and Clinicoradiological Profile in Acute Stroke Patients Admitted in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Rajasekhar G  , Yadavendra Reddy KB  , Soha Nimmanapalli Thaseen , Jose Angel , Reddy Ketham Reddy Girish , Kumar Gudluru Pujith 
Published: May 2024

Introduction: This study was carried out to know the demographic and clinicoradiological profile of acute stroke patients in our hospital, which will provide baseline data to plan for future preventive strategies for government and will help young physicians to deal with this disabling disease. Materials and Methods: A total of 250 patients with age >18 years were recruited for a hospital-based prospective analytical study. The participants were selected from those who attended the emergency department or were admitted to the hospital with a new onset of stroke, confirmed by neuroimaging such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The study population comprised patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of acute stroke, above 18 years of age, and willing to provide informed written consent. Patients with old cerebrovascular accidents, transient ischemic attacks, stroke mimics, intracerebral bleed posthead trauma, or inconclusive or normal CT/MRI scans were excluded from the study. Results: Our study population ( n = 262) had a mean age of 60.1 ± 14.8 years, with 181 males (69%) and 81 females (31%). The stroke subtypes were as follows: ischemic (54.6%), hemorrhagic (42%), and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) (3.4%). Hypertension (85.1%), alcohol consumption (63%), and dyslipidemia (59.5%) were the predominant risk factors in our patients. In our study, majority of the hemorrhagic stroke was distributed in capsuloganglionic area (77 patients), followed by temporoparietal area and intraventricular bleed (10 patients each). In our study, there were 143 patients with ischemic stroke, among which 58 were in the left middle cerebral artery (MCA), 46 in the right MCA, 6 in the left anterior cerebral artery (ACA), 14 in the right ACA, and 18 in posterior cerebral artery territories. In our study, the sensitivity of clinical localization of anterior circulation stroke was 94.35%, specificity of 89.47%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 70.83%, and positive predictive value (PPV) of 98.32%. Similarly, the sensitivity of clinical localization of posterior circulation stroke (PCS) was 89.47%, specificity of 94.35%, NPV of 98.32%, and PPV of 70.83%. Conclusion: The most common stroke subtype was ischemic (54.6%), followed by hemorrhagic (42%) and SAH (3.4%). Hypertension, alcohol consumption, and dyslipidemia were the predominant risk factors. Among hemorrhagic strokes, the capsuloganglionic area had the highest distribution. The clinical localization showed high sensitivity and specificity for both anterior and PCSs.
A modified “outside-in” Broström-Gould procedure yielding favorable outcomes for the management of chronic lateral ankle instability-a retrospective study with mid-term follow-up
Authors: Zhang Guolei , Li Wenqing , Yao Haibo , Tan Rongzhi , Li Chuyan 
Published: May 2024

Purpose: There are various surgical interventions available for the management of Chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). The Broström-Gould procedure has gained widespread recognition among foot and ankle specialists for its favorable surgical outcomes. However, with advancements in anatomical understanding and medical technology, further enhancements to the effectiveness of the Gould procedure are warranted. This study introduces a all-inside modified “outside-in” Broström -Gould procedure as an alternative approach for addressing lateral ankle instability. Methods: From August 2020 to October 2022, 40 patients with lateral ankle instability who underwent arthroscopic repair of the modified “outside-in” Broström-Gould procedure were retrospectively analyzed. All patients received standard non-surgical treatment before surgery for more than 6 months without symptom relief. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and Karlsson-Peterson score were used to evaluate the postoperative effect. Results: All patients were followed up for (14.62 ± 2.04) months. One year after operation, all patients could walk normally, ankle instability sensation disappeared, varus stress test and anterior drawer test were negative. The VAS , AOFAS and Karlsson-Peterson scores of all patients were significantly better compared with those before operation, and the difference between before and after operation was statistically significant. Conclusions: The modified “outside-in” Broström-Gould procedure can effectively treat CLAI, which can obtain satisfactory results. The procedure is straightforward, the impact is minimal, and the aesthetics are pleasing.
Travel Distance and Spanish-Speaking are Associated with Delays in the Treatment of Cleft Palate
Authors: Stanton Eloise W. , Rochlin Danielle , Lorenz H. Peter , Sheckter Clifford C. 
Published: May 2024

Objective Delayed repair of cleft palate is associated with worse speech outcomes. Social determinants of health may influence the timing of surgery; however, there are no population health investigations to evaluate factors such as travel distance, language barriers, and payer. This study sought to identify factors that may interfere with timely cleft palate repair. Design Retrospective cohort. Setting National/multi-center. Patients/Participants All cleft palate repairs within California were extracted from 2000–2021. Main Outcomes Measures The primary outcome was age at surgical repair, which was modeled with linear regression. Covariates included race, primary language, distance from patient home to hospital, socioeconomic status, primary payer, and managed care enrollment status. Results 11 260 patients underwent surgical repair of a cleft palate. Black race was associated with delayed repair (22 additional days, P = .004, 95% CI 67.00–37.7) along with Asian/Pacific-Islander race (11 additional days, P = .006, 95% CI 3.26-18.9) compared to white race. Spanish-speaking patients had significantly later cleft palate repairs by 19 days, ( P < .001, 95% CI 10.8-27.7) compared with English-speaking. Further distances from the hospital were significantly associated with later cleft surgeries with out-of-state patients undergoing surgery 52 days later ( P < .001, 95% CI 11.3-24.3). Managed care plans and Medi-Cal were significantly associated with earlier surgical repair compared with private insurance. Conclusion Black, Asian Pacific Islander, and Spanish-speaking patients and greater distance traveled to hospital were associated with delayed cleft palate repairs. These results underscore the importance of addressing structural and social barriers to care to improve outcomes and reduce health disparities for patients with cleft palate.
Outcome of antiemetic prophylaxis among pediatric cancer patients receiving moderate to highly emetogenic chemotherapy at pediatric hemato-oncology ward of Tikur Anbessa specialized hospital: A prospective observational study
Authors: Hadero Hawaryaw Mathewos , Beyene Melak Gedamu , Baye Assefa Mulu , Sisay Eskinder Ayalew 
Published: May 2024

Introduction Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a major issue for chemotherapy pediatric patients, especially in developing countries due to limited access to essential antiemetics. This study aimed to assess antiemetic prophylaxis outcomes in pediatric cancer patients at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods A longitudinal prospective observational study design was conducted among 201 pediatric cancer patients followed up to 120 h post-chemotherapy. Results The majority of patients (75.1%) received combination prophylactic antiemetics in the acute phase. Complete response (CR) was the highest in the acute phase (71.1%). Emesis episodes occurred most frequently on the first day of treatment (28.4%) and gradually decreased over time. History of motion sickness, platinum-based chemotherapy, and prior chemotherapy-induced vomiting (CIV) were associated with emesis during the acute phase whereas multiple-day chemotherapy, prior CIV, receipt of antiemetics, and a history of motion sickness in the delayed phase. However, the odds of CIV were reduced with steroid presence in the chemotherapy regimen. Conclusions A considerable number of participants could not achieve a CR. It is important for clinicians to be cognizant of risk factors that influence the outcome of antiemetic prophylaxis to achieve better control of CINV among pediatric cancer patients.
Factors affecting return to work following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
Authors: Kalejman Ivan Perez , Pasqualini Ignacio , Larrague Catalina , Gallego Federico , Tanoira Ignacio , Ranalletta Maximiliano , Rossi Luciano A 
Published: May 2024

Background Prolonged work absence following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) is a major concern, yet factors influencing return to work are poorly understood. The primary aim of this study is to retrospectively assess the proportion of patients who successfully resume equivalent occupational demands after ARCR, along with the time taken for their return to work. Methods Eighty-three patients underwent ARCR. Work intensity and worker's compensation status were recorded. Patients were interviewed at ≥12 months to determine return to work rate and timing. Results In total, 83 patients were included, with a median age of 58.7 (±8.36) and a follow-up of at least 12 months. 98.8% returned to work at a median of eight weeks. Heavy manual labor significantly delayed return to work compared to light work (HR 0.15 95% CI). Receiving worker's compensation was associated with delayed return to work (HR 0.26 95% CI). Conclusion This study found that nearly all patients returned to work following ARCR, but high-intensity manual labor and worker compensation status significantly delayed their return to work. Patients with physically demanding jobs and those receiving workers’ compensation had a 60–85% lower likelihood of returning to work at any given time point compared to light work and noncompensated patients.
Transcutaneous Retrobulbar Amphotericin B Injection for Invasive Fungal Sinusitis with Orbital Involvement: A Systematic Review
Authors: Abdulbaki Hasan , Callander Jacquelyn K. , Fastenberg Judd H. , Russell Matthew S. , Vagefi M. Reza , Kersten Robert C. , Loftus Patricia A. 
Published: May 2024

Background Orbital involvement of invasive fungal sinusitis (IFS) is an ominous prognostic marker that should prompt rapid intervention. Transcutaneous retrobulbar administration of amphotericin B (TRAMB) is an off-label adjunctive treatment that can increase drug penetrance into diseased orbital tissue. To date, there is a lack of consensus regarding the use of TRAMB for treatment of IFS with orbital involvement. Objective This systematic review aims to synthesize the indications, efficacy, and potential complications of TRAMB. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were probed for systematic review. Article search was conducted through June 2023 using the keywords “invasive fungal sinusitis,” “invasive fungal rhinosinusitis,” “rhino-orbital mucormycosis,” “rhinosinusitis,” “orbital,” “retrobulbar,” and “amphotericin.” Results In suitable cases as determined by radiologic and clinical evaluation, TRAMB administration has the potential to improve orbital salvage rates and improve versus stabilize visual acuity. Treatment complications are more likely with deoxycholate than with liposomal amphotericin formulations. The existing literature describing use of TRAMB is limited due to its retrospective nature, but the increase in IFS cases since 2020 due to the COVID pandemic has broadened the literature. Conclusions TRAMB is an effective adjunctive treatment in IFS with mild-to-moderate orbital involvement when used in combination with standard of care debridement, systemic antifungal therapy, and immunosuppression reversal. Prospective longitudinal studies and multi-institutional randomized trials are necessary to determine the definitive utility of TRAMB.
The influence of renal impairment and race on maintenance warfarin dosing in a multi-ethnic Southeast Asian population
Authors: Tan Olivia , Lau Yee How , Chua Terrance SJ , Hon Jin Shing , Loke Michelle , Fam Jiang Ming 
Published: May 2024

Background Warfarin remains an important anticoagulant in certain patient groups. Though primarily liver-metabolised, recent research suggests renal function influences warfarin dosing. This has yet to be explored in a Southeast Asian population. Objectives To investigate the impact of renal impairment and ethnicity on warfarin dosing in a multi-ethnic Asian population. Methods A retrospective cohort analysis on patients seen at the institution’s anticoagulation clinic (ACC) between 2010 and 2019 was conducted. Results Among 3610 eligible patients, 70.7% had no/ mild renal impairment (eGFR≥60 ml/min/1.73m2), 24.7% had moderate renal impairment (eGFR 30 to <60ml/min/1.73m2), and 4.5% had severe renal impairment (eGFR<30 ml/min/1.73m2). Patients with moderate renal impairment required a 19% lower maintenance warfarin dose (β = 0.81, 95% CI 0.79–0.84, p < .001), and those with severe renal impairment needed a 30% lower dose (β = 0.70, 95% CI 0.66–0.75, p < .001) compared to patients with normal kidney function. Ethnically, 84.4% were Chinese, 9.5% Malay, and 6.1% South Asian. Compared to Chinese, Malays required an 18% larger maintenance dose (β = 1.18, 95% CI 1.12–1.23, p < .001), and South Asians needed an 83% larger dose (β = 1.83, 95% CI 1.73–1.94, p < .001). Compared to patients with normal renal function of the same race, South Asians with impaired renal function required a 16% lower dose, while Malay and Chinese patients needed 21% and 23% lower doses, respectively. Conclusion In this large multi-ethnic Asian study, renal function and ethnicity significantly affected maintenance warfarin dosing. South Asian patients required larger doses but were less affected by renal impairment compared to Chinese and Malays.