bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computational Smocking through Fabric‐Thread Interaction
Authors: Zhou Ningfeng , Ren Jing , Sorkine‐Hornung Olga 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe formalize Italian smocking, an intricate embroidery technique that gathers flat fabric into pleats along meandering lines of stitches, resulting in pleats that fold and gather where the stitching veers. In contrast to English smocking, characterized by colorful stitches decorating uniformly shaped pleats, and Canadian smocking, which uses localized knots to form voluminous pleats, Italian smocking permits the fabric to move freely along the stitched threads following curved paths, resulting in complex and unpredictable pleats with highly diverse, irregular structures, achieved simply by pulling on the threads. We introduce a novel method for digital previewing of Italian smocking results, given the thread stitching path as input. Our method uses a coarse‐grained mass‐spring system to simulate the interaction between the threads and the fabric. This configuration guides the fine‐level fabric deformation through an adaptation of the state‐of‐the‐art simulator, C‐IPC [LKJ21]. Our method models the general problem of fabric‐thread interaction and can be readily adapted to preview Canadian smocking as well. We compare our results to baseline approaches and physical fabrications to demonstrate the accuracy of our method.
A Survey on Cage‐based Deformation of 3D Models
Authors: Ströter D. , Thiery J. M. , Hormann K. , Chen J. , Chang Q. , Besler S. , Mueller‐Roemer J. S. , Boubekeur T. , Stork A. , Fellner D. W. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractInteractive deformation via control handles is essential in computer graphics for the modeling of 3D geometry. Deformation control structures include lattices for free‐form deformation and skeletons for character articulation, but this report focuses on cage‐based deformation. Cages for deformation control are coarse polygonal meshes that encase the to‐be‐deformed geometry, enabling high‐resolution deformation. Cage‐based deformation enables users to quickly manipulate 3D geometry by deforming the cage. Due to their utility, cage‐based deformation techniques increasingly appear in many geometry modeling applications. For this reason, the computer graphics community has invested a great deal of effort in the past decade and beyond into improving automatic cage generation and cage‐based deformation. Recent advances have significantly extended the practical capabilities of cage‐based deformation methods. As a result, there is a large body of research on cage‐based deformation. In this report, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art in cage‐based deformation of 3D geometry. We discuss current methods in terms of deformation quality, practicality, and precomputation demands. In addition, we highlight potential future research directions that overcome current issues and extend the set of practical applications. In conjunction with this survey, we publish an application to unify the most relevant deformation methods. Our report is intended for computer graphics researchers, developers of interactive geometry modeling applications, and 3D modeling and character animation artists.
Virtual Instrument Performances (VIP): A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Kyriakou T. , de la Campa Crespo M. Álvarez , Panayiotou A. , Chrysanthou Y. , Charalambous P. , Aristidou A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDriven by recent advancements in Extended Reality (XR), the hype around the Metaverse, and real‐time computer graphics, the transformation of the performing arts, particularly in digitizing and visualizing musical experiences, is an ever‐evolving landscape. This transformation offers significant potential in promoting inclusivity, fostering creativity, and enabling live performances in diverse settings. However, despite its immense potential, the field of Virtual Instrument Performances (VIP) has remained relatively unexplored due to numerous challenges. These challenges arise from the complex and multi‐modal nature of musical instrument performances, the need for high precision motion capture under occlusions including the intricate interactions between a musician's body and fingers with instruments, the precise synchronization and seamless integration of various sensory modalities, accommodating variations in musicians' playing styles, facial expressions, and addressing instrument‐specific nuances. This comprehensive survey delves into the intersection of technology, innovation, and artistic expression in the domain of virtual instrument performances. It explores musical performance multi‐modal databases and investigates a wide range of data acquisition methods, encompassing diverse motion capture techniques, facial expression recording, and various approaches for capturing audio and MIDI data (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). The survey also explores Music Information Retrieval (MIR) tasks, with a particular emphasis on the Musical Performance Analysis (MPA) field, and offers an overview of various works in the realm of Musical Instrument Performance Synthesis (MIPS), encompassing recent advancements in generative models. The ultimate aim of this survey is to unveil the technological limitations, initiate a dialogue about the current challenges, and propose promising avenues for future research at the intersection of technology and the arts.
The effectiveness of government incentives for outward investment: The case of China's Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Xu Hangtian , Yang Fuqiang , Zheng Wenzhuo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractChinese government introduced a package of incentives to encourage enterprise internationalization under the 2013 Belt and Road Initiative. There is regional variation of this policy incentive, based on which, we examine its impact on listed firms' outward investment. The results evident resource misallocation in firms in specific industries which received incentives; instead of utilizing them for overseas investment, the beneficiary firms were directed toward increasing domestic investment. Contrarily, firms in industries that were not incentivized (restricted industries whose domestic development is not encouraged) were inclined to engage in overseas investment. We provide possible explanations.
Implications of intestinal microecology and immune function alterations for immunotherapy outcomes in advanced unresectable lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: He Shuang , Tian Jin , Zang Jianhua , Long Lin , Liu Peng , Zhang Yexi , Xiao Jun 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis investigation aims to explore alterations in intestinal microecology and immune function among patients with advanced, unresectable lung adenocarcinoma undergoing different outcomes from immunotherapy.MethodsA cohort of 30 patients diagnosed with advanced unresectable lung adenocarcinoma received sintilimab immunotherapy as a monotherapy. Post four treatment cycles, efficacy was assessed, leading to the segregation of patients into two distinct cohorts: those responsive to treatment and those nonresponsive. Analysis involved observing variations in the abundance, distribution, and composition of fecal intestinal microorganisms pretreatment and posttreatment via 16S rRNA gene sequencing.ResultsIn this study involving 30 advanced lung adenocarcinoma patients, significant observations were made regarding the impact of immunotherapy on immune function and the gut microbiome composition. Patients were divided into treatment and control groups, revealing that immunotherapy led to a significant increase in CD4+ T cells and a decrease in CD8+ T cells among the treatment‐responsive individuals, indicating an enhanced immune response. Furthermore, an in‐depth analysis of the gut microbiome showed an increase in diversity and abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Faecalibacterium and Subdoligranulum in the treatment group. These findings highlight the dual effect of immunotherapy on modulating immune function and altering gut microbiome diversity, suggesting its potential therapeutic benefits in improving the health status of patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma.ConclusionThe structuring of gut flora plays a pivotal role in augmenting the efficacy of anti‐tumor immunotherapy, underscoring the interplay between intestinal microecology and immune response in cancer treatment outcomes.
Diagnostic outcomes of radial endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy guided by manual navigation in the evaluation of peripheral pulmonary lesions: An observational study
Authors: Yuan Mingli , Hu Yi , Wang Liangchao , Yin Wen , Xiao Yang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsManual navigation (MN), drawing a bronchoscopic road map simply by looking at the consecutive computed tomography (CT), is feasible and economical. However, scant data about the use of MN in radial endobronchial ultrasound (r‐EBUS) bronchoscopy have been documented till now. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of r‐EBUS bronchoscopy guided by MN for diagnosing peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) and to determine clinical factors affecting the diagnostic yield.MethodsWe performed a retrospective, cohort study of consecutive patients with PPLs who underwent r‐EBUS bronchoscopic biopsy via guidance of MN from May 2020 to June 2021 in our Respiratory Endoscopic Division. The overall diagnostic yield of MN‐guided r‐EBUS, the factors affecting the yield, and the diagnostic performance for malignancy were evaluated.ResultsA total of 102 patients (103 lesions) were evaluated. The overall diagnostic yield of MN‐guided r‐EBUS was 82.0%, and it ranged from 79.6% to 82.5%, assuming the undermined cases were all positive cases (79.6%) or negatives (82.5%). The sensitivity of MN‐guided r‐EBUS for malignancy was 71.4%, ranging from 68.2% to 71.4%, the specificity was 100%, the positive predictive value was 100%, and the negative predictive value was 67.3%, ranging from 63.8% to 69.0%. The multivariate logistic regression showed that “bronchus sign on CT” was the only predictor of the overall diagnostic yield (odds ratio = 11.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.9–70.9, P = 0.009).ConclusionsMN‐guided r‐EBUS is feasible in diagnosing PPLs, especially for lesions with bronchus sign on CT.
Psychological assessment of patients on the heart transplant waiting list: A single center experience
Authors: De Santis Simona , Ladisa Valeria , Giovannico Lorenzo , Fischetti Giuseppe , Parigino Domenico , Savino Luca , Silva Aline Maria , Di Bari Nicola , Taurisano Paolo , De Caro Maria Fara , Bottio Tomaso 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze the data of the psychological assessment, focusing attention on the quality of life and the psychological status of patients who are listed for heart transplant.MethodsAll heart failure patients listed for heart transplant at the Cardiac Surgery Unit of Bari University, Italy, were evaluated from September to November 2023, by administering the Symptom Checklist‐90‐R (SCL‐90‐R) and the Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF‐36).ResultsOverall, 27 patients were studied. Mean age was 60 years, 88% were males. One third of the patients showed a clinically significant overall mental distress. The symptoms leading to domains such as somatization (55.55%), anxiety (40.74%) and depression (33.33%) were frequently observed. The majority of the population studied (96.30%) showed low levels of perceived physical health status, while 59,62% of them presented levels of perceived physical health status below normal ranges.ConclusionsHeart transplant candidates show elements of overall mental distress and low quality of life related to physical health status.
Atypical glandular cells and predictive features of malignancy in Pap smears: A retrospective monocentric study
Authors: Cianfrini Federica , d'Amati Antonio , Arciuolo Damiano , Travaglino Antonio , D'Alessandris Nicoletta , Scaglione Giulia , Valente Michele , Urtueta Belen Padial , Addante Francesca , Narducci Nadine , Angelico Giuseppe , Piermattei Alessia , Mulè Antonino , Santoro Angela , Rossi Esther Diana , Zannoni Gian Franco 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe introduction of cytological screening with the Papanicolau smear significantly reduced cervical cancer mortality. However, Pap smear examination can be challenging, being based on the observer ability to decode different cytological and architectural features. This study aims to evaluate the malignancy rate of AGC (atypical glandular cells) category, investigating the relationships between cytological and histological diagnosis.MethodsEighty‐nine patients, diagnosed as AGC at cytological evaluation and followed up with biopsy or surgical procedure at Policlinico Gemelli Hospital, Rome, Italy, were included in the study. The cytopathological architectural (feathering, rosette formation, overlapping, loss of polarity, papillary formation, three‐dimensional formation) and nuclear (N/C ratio, nuclear enlargement and hyperchromasia, mitoses, nuclei irregularity, evident nucleoli) features of AGC were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed to assess cyto‐histological correlation and determine the relevance of architectural and nuclear features in the diagnosis of malignancy.ResultsOf the 89 AGC patients, 48 cases (53.93%) were diagnosed as AGC‐NOS and 41 (46.07%) were diagnosed as AGC‐FN, according to the Bethesda classification system. The follow‐up biopsies or surgical resections revealed malignancy in 46 patients (51.69%). The rates of malignancy for AGC‐NOS and AGC‐FN were 35.41% and 70.73% respectively. Furthermore, analysing cytopathological features, we found that both architectural and nuclear criteria were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Only overlapping, nuclear irregularity and increased N/C ratio were not found to be statistically significant for detecting malignancy.ConclusionsCytological diagnosis of glandular lesions remains a valid tool, when appropriate clinical correlation and expert evaluation are available.
Neuronal synchrony and critical bistability: Mechanistic biomarkers for localizing the epileptogenic network
Authors: Wang Sheng H. , Arnulfo Gabriele , Nobili Lino , Myrov Vladislav , Ferrari Paul , Ciuciu Philippe , Palva Satu , Palva J. Matias 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectivePostsurgical seizure freedom in drug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE) patients varies from 30% to 80%, implying that in many cases the current approaches fail to fully map the epileptogenic zone (EZ). We aimed to advance a novel approach to better characterize epileptogenicity and investigate whether the EZ encompasses a broader epileptogenic network (EpiNet) beyond the seizure zone (SZ) that exhibits seizure activity.MethodsWe first used computational modeling to test putative complex systems‐driven and systems neuroscience‐driven mechanistic biomarkers for epileptogenicity. We then used these biomarkers to extract features from resting‐state stereoelectroencephalograms recorded from DRE patients and trained supervised classifiers to localize the SZ against gold standard clinical localization. To further explore the prevalence of pathological features in an extended brain network outside of the clinically identified SZ, we also used unsupervised classification.ResultsSupervised SZ classification trained on individual features achieved accuracies of .6–.7 area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Combining all criticality and synchrony features further improved the AUC to .85. Unsupervised classification discovered an EpiNet‐like cluster of brain regions, in which 51% of brain regions were outside of the SZ. Brain regions in the EpiNet‐like cluster engaged in interareal hypersynchrony and locally exhibited high‐amplitude bistability and excessive inhibition, which was strikingly similar to the high seizure risk regime revealed by our computational modeling.SignificanceThe finding that combining biomarkers improves SZ localization accuracy indicates that the novel mechanistic biomarkers for epileptogenicity employed here yield synergistic information. On the other hand, the discovery of SZ‐like brain dynamics outside of the clinically defined SZ provides empirical evidence of an extended pathophysiological EpiNet.
Mandatory ESG disclosure, information asymmetry, and litigation risk: Evidence from initial public offerings
Authors: Boulton Thomas J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractI use the staggered adoption of mandatory environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure regulations around the world to explore the impact of ESG disclosure on initial public offering (IPO) underpricing. I find robust evidence that underpricing is substantially lower in countries with ESG disclosure mandates. High‐quality disclosure environments moderate and tougher liability standards amplify the negative association between ESG disclosure mandates and underpricing, which suggests that ESG disclosure mandates reduce information asymmetry and litigation risk. The impact of ESG disclosure mandates on underpricing is stronger in countries with more pronounced environmental, social, and governance concerns.
The mechanism on surface integrity and fatigue performance of double‐sided micro‐cutting enhanced FeCoCrNiAl0.6 high entropy alloy
Authors: Zhang Ping , Lin Zhenyong , Gao Yeran , Zhang Songting , Yue Xiujie , Wang Shunxiang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study examines the impact of cutting parameters on the fatigue properties of FeCoCrNiAl0.6 high‐entropy alloy under bi‐directional micro‐cutting. Utilizing Abaqus/fe−safe for analysis, we evaluated surface roughness, internal stress distribution, and fatigue longevity. Enhanced cutting speed resulted in smoother surfaces, whereas increased cut depth intensified surface roughness. Optimal cutting at 60,000 mm/min and 40 μm depth yielded a notable 91% rise in compressive stress (207 MPa) compared to slower speeds (108 MPa at 30,000 mm/min). Yield strength remained stable at 700 MPa across conditions. Fatigue resistance improved post‐bi‐directional cutting, with a 21.8–26.6% boost in life cycles, highlighting a consistent 10% advantage over single‐direction cutting.
Kinetics of the hepatitis B core‐related antigen and treatment responses in chronic hepatitis B patients treated with tenofovir alafenamide
Authors: Itokawa Norio , Atsukawa Masanori , Tsubota Akihito , Ishikawa Toru , Toyoda Hidenori , Takaguchi Koichi , Watanabe Tsunamasa , Ogawa Chikara , Hiraoka Atsushi , Okubo Hironao , Uojima Haruki , Chuma Makoto , Nozaki Akito , Kato Keizo , Mikami Shigeru , Tani Joji , Morishita Asahiro , Tada Toshifumi , Asano Toru , Senoh Tomonori , Oikawa Tsunekazu , Okubo Tomomi , Kumada Takashi , Iwakiri Katsuhiko 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimAn association between hepatitis B core‐related antigen (HBcrAg) kinetics and hepatocarcinogenesis during nucleoside (t)id analog (NA) treatment has recently been reported. HBcrAg kinetics and factors associated with HBcrAg response during tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) administration remain unclear. In this multicenter retrospective study, we aimed to clarify the efficacy and safety of TAF in treatment‐naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B, focusing on the reduction in HBcrAg levels.MethodsPatients were treated with TAF monotherapy for 96 weeks, and the kinetics of HBcrAg during treatment and the factors associated with HBcrAg response (defined as a change in HBcrAg of −1 log IU/mL from baseline) were evaluated.ResultsThe study population comprised 241 patients, 36.9% of whom were HBeAg‐positive. The median baseline HBcrAg level was 4.7 log IU/mL. The median change in HBcrAg from baseline was −1.1 log IU/mL at 96 weeks after treatment. The HBcrAg response rate at 96 weeks was 56.6% (43/76). Multivariate analysis revealed high alanine transaminase level as an independent baseline factor associated with HBcrAg response at 96 weeks of treatment (p = 4.53 × 10−6). No correlation was found between the HBcrAg and hepatitis B surface antigen kinetics in patients treated with TAF monotherapy.ConclusionsIn TAF monotherapy for patients with chronic hepatitis B, HBcrAg levels were significantly decreased and baseline alanine transaminase level is an important factor associated with HBcrAg reduction. As no correlation was found between HBcrAg and reduced hepatitis B surface antigen levels in this study, HBcrAg kinetics in addition to hepatitis B surface antigen may need to be monitored during TAF treatment.
Topical application of retinyl propionate, 4 hexyl resorcinol, and niacinamide reverses molecular and clinical features of ageing
Authors: Davis Andrew , Furtak Ashley , Paterson Sarah , Velthuizen Robert , Shen Jeremy , Nip John , Bappal Arthika , Lathrop William , Villa Ana , Lee Jian‐Ming , Guelakis Marian 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveTopical tretinoin is the mainstay of treatment for photoageing, despite the risk of skin irritation. Cosmetic combination anti‐ageing formulations may offer similar efficacy to tretinoin, while improving on tolerability. We aim to demonstrate facial appearance benefits of a novel triple‐active cosmetic formulation containing 4‐hexylresorcinol, retinyl propionate, and niacinamide and to identify transcriptomic biomarkers underpinning these benefits.MethodsA cosmetic prototype formulation containing 4‐hexylresorcinol, retinyl propionate, and niacinamide was evaluated ex vivo and in a clinical study. For ex vivo experiments, the cosmetic formulation was applied for 3 days to healthy surgical discard skin from female donors aged 31–51 years, with tissues harvested for gene expression and histologic analyses. In the clinical study, females aged 47–66 years with moderate‐to‐severe overall visual photodamage on the face applied either topical 0.02% tretinoin or the cosmetic formulation to the face for 16 weeks and to forearms for 1 week, with forearm biopsies taken for gene expression analyses. Visual grading for facial photodamage and VISIA‐CR images was taken throughout the clinical study. Safety was visually assessed during site visits, and adverse event monitoring was conducted throughout.ResultsGene expression analyses in both studies revealed modulation of pathways associated with skin rejuvenation, with several genes of interest identified due to being implicated in ageing and differentially expressed following the application of the cosmetic formulation. Reversal of a consensus skin ageing gene signature was observed with the cosmetic formulation and tretinoin in the ex vivo and clinical studies. Both the cosmetic formulation and tretinoin clinically improved the overall appearance of photoageing, crow's feet, lines, wrinkles, and pores. Adverse event reporting showed that the cosmetic formulation caused less skin irritation than tretinoin.ConclusionIn a double‐blind clinical study, the novel triple‐active cosmetic combination formulation improved the visual appearance of photoageing similarly to prescription tretinoin. The cosmetic formulation and tretinoin reversed a consensus gene signature associated with ageing. Together with adverse event reporting, these results suggest that the cosmetic formulation may be a well‐tolerated and efficacious alternative to tretinoin for improving the visual features of photoageing.