bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Energy availability modulates regional blood flow via estrogen-independent pathways in regularly menstruating young women
Authors: Hutson Mark J. , O’Donnell Emma , McConnell Kyle , Chauntry Aiden J. , Blagrove Richard C. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the impact of short-term low energy availability (LEA) on vascular function in young, regularly menstruating women.

Methods
Participants were 19 women, aged 22.9 ± 4.2 years, with body mass index 18–30 kg·m2. They were divided into two groups and completed two conditions in a crossover design: a 3-day control condition (CON) with an energy availability of 45 kcals·kgFFM−1·day−1 and a 3-day LEA condition of 15 kcals·kgFFM−1 day–1. Assessments were conducted during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Outcome measures included forearm blood flow (FBF), heart rate, blood pressure, arterial stiffness, resting energy expenditure (REE), metabolic blood markers and body composition.

Results
Significant time-by-condition interactions were found for resting FBF (p = .004), REE (p = .042), triiodothyronine (p = .006), β-hydroxybutyrate (p = .002) and body mass (p < .001). Resting FBF was 1.43 ± 1.01 and 1.31 ± 0.61 (arbitrary units) at pre and post, respectively, in LEA and 1.52 ± 0.7 and 1.76 ± 0.57 at pre and post in CON. The LEA condition led to a decrease in triiodothyronine (pre: 1.54 ± 0.28, post: 1.29 ± 0.27 ng ml−1), REE (pre: 1588 ± 165, post: 1487 ± 160 kcals day−1) and body mass (pre: 61.4 ± 7.5, post: 59.6 ± 7.3 kg). Changes in resting FBF were significantly correlated with changes in REE in the LEA condition (r = 0.53; p = 0.02).

Conclusion
Short-term LEA modifies regional blood flow and this might contribute to the observed decreased in REE. Findings emphasize the need for careful management of energy availability in populations at risk of LEA.
New Algorithms for Steiner Tree Reoptimization
Authors: Bilò Davide 
Published: May 2024

AbstractReoptimization is a setting in which we are given a good approximate solution of an optimization problem instance and a local modification that slightly changes the instance. The main goal is that of finding a good approximate solution of the modified instance. We investigate one of the most studied scenarios in reoptimization known as Steiner tree reoptimization. Steiner tree reoptimization is a collection of strongly $$\textsf {NP}$$
NP
-hard optimization problems that are defined on top of the classical Steiner tree problem and for which several constant-factor approximation algorithms have been designed in the last decades. In this paper we improve upon all these results by developing a novel technique that allows us to design polynomial-time approximation schemes. Remarkably, prior to this paper, no approximation algorithm better than recomputing a solution from scratch was known for the elusive scenario in which the cost of a single edge decreases. Our results are best possible since none of the problems addressed in this paper admits a fully polynomial-time approximation scheme, unless $$\textsf {P}=\textsf {NP}$$

P
=
NP
Antegrade balloon dilatation of the duodenal papilla during laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in patients with acute choledocholithiasis: a case control matched study
Authors: Gloor Severin , Minder Simone , Schnell Bianca , Prevost Gian Andrea , Wiest Reiner , Candinas Daniel , Schnüriger Beat 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Introduction
In acute obstructive common bile duct (CBD) stones endoscopic retrograde cholangiography for CBD stone removal before cholecystectomy (ChE) (‘ERC-first’) is the gold standard of treatment. Intraoperative antegrade balloon dilatation of the duodenal papilla during ChE with flushing of CBD stones to the duodenum (‘ABD-during-ChE’) may be an alternative ‘one-stop-shop’ treatment option. However, a comparison of outcomes of the ‘ABD-during-ChE’ technique and the’ERC-first’ approach has never been performed.

Methods
Retrospective case control matched study of patients suffering from obstructive CBD stones (< 8 mm) without severe pancreatitis or cholangitis that underwent the traditional ‘ERC-first’ approach versus the ‘ABD-during-ChE’ technique. Primary endpoint was the overall Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI®) from diagnosis to complete CBD stone removal and performed ChE.

Results
A total of 70 patients were included (35 patients each in the ‘ERC first’- and ‘ABD-during-ChE’-group). There were no statistical significant differences in terms of demographics and disease specific characteristics between the two study groups. However, there was a not significant difference towards an increased overall CCI® in the ‘ERC-first’ group versus the ‘ABD-during-ChE’ group (14.4 ± 15.4 versus 9.8 ± 11.1, p = 0.225). Of note, six major complications (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥ IIIa) occurred in the ‘ERC-first’ group versus two in the ‘ABD-during-ChE’ group (17% versus 6%, p = 0.136). In addition, significantly more interventions and a longer overall time from diagnosis to complete clearance of bile ducts and performed ChE was found, when comparing the ‘ERC-first’ group and the ‘ABD-during-ChE’ group (3.7 ± 0.8 versus 1.1 ± 0.4, p < 0.001; 160.5 ± 228.6 days versus 12.0 ± 18.0 days, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
In patients suffering from acute obstructive CBD stones smaller than 8 mm, compared to the ‘ERC-first’ approach, the ‘ABD-during-ChE’ technique resulted in significantly less interventions and reduced overall treatment time from diagnosis to complete clearance of bile ducts and performed ChE. This comes together with a strong trend of less intervention related complications in the ‘ABD-during-ChE’ group.
Oocyte collection and outcome following oncologic treatment: a retrospective multicentre study
Authors: Fernández-González Marta J. , Borgmann-Staudt Anja , Llagostera Clara González , Ceballos-Garcia Elena , Gebauer Judith , Jantke Andreas , Barnbrock Anke , Kentenich Heribert , Klco-Brosius Stephanie , Lotz Laura , Balcerek Magdalena 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study assesses fertility treatment outcomes in female patients who had undergone successful oocyte retrieval following cancer therapy.

Methods
Between January 2020 and December 2022, we collected fertility treatment data from six participating centres in Spain and Germany. All patients associated with this data had undergone successful oocyte retrieval following cancer treatment.

Results
Women had most frequently been diagnosed with a haematological (41.9%), breast (22.6%) or gynaecological malignancy (12.9%); two thirds (67.7%) had previously received a chemotherapy, half a radiotherapy (53.3%) and 45.2% had undergone surgery. On average, 7 years (range 0–28) had passed between cancer treatment and first ovarian stimulation cycle. Forty-nine ovarian stimulation cycles had been conducted on these 31 women between 2004 and 2021 (mean age at first oocyte collection following treatment: 34.8 ± 5.7 years). On average, 7 oocytes were collected per cycle (range 0–26) and 11 were collected per patient (range 0–51). Out of the 190 oocytes collected for immediate use of artificial reproductive technique, 139 were fertilised at a rate of 73%. Live birth rate per fresh transfer was 45% (9/20); no births were reported following cryotransfer (0/10). Mean values of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) before stimulation declined with time since treatment; however, oocytes were successfully collected from four women with an AMH of <0.5 ng/ml, although no pregnancies were reported. Ten pregnancies were documented; 3 ended in miscarriage. Two twin and 5 single pregnancies resulted in nine live births. On average, children were carried to term.

Conclusion
In this small cohort, oocytes were successfully collected after chemotherapy and radiotherapy, despite—in individual cases—low AMH values. Further studies are needed to enrich the database and ultimately provide appropriate counselling to female cancer patients regarding expectations and ART outcome following cancer therapy.
Erector spinae could be the game changer in surgical decision-making in patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis: a cross-sectional analysis of an age-, sex-, subtype-, level-matched patients with similar spinopelvic parameters received surgical or conservative management
Authors: Ekşi Murat Şakir , Öztaş Uğur Ozan , Topaloğlu Fatma , Yeşilyurt Sidar Cenk , Duymaz Umut Can , Osama Mahmoud , Özcan-Ekşi Emel Ece 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose
In this study we aimed to identify whether paraspinal muscle morphology could play a role in surgical decision-making in patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a prospectively collected database between January 2013 and May 2023. Consecutive women and men, who visited our outpatient clinics with chronic LBP, neurogenic claudication, and had lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for their complaints were included into the preliminary dataset. We compared the patients who had conservative management (conservative group) or underwent surgery for lumbar spondylolisthesis (surgical group) in terms of intervertebral disc degeneration, end-plate changes, fatty infiltration in the paraspinal muscles and spinopelvic parameters.

Results
Conservative and surgical groups were similar in terms of severe IVDD and Modic changes at any lumbar level. Surgical group had significantly fattier erector spinae compared to the conservative group. Regression analysis and ROC analysis revealed an OR of 1.088 and a cut-off value of 17 points for fatty infiltration in the erector spinae to predict which patient could undergo surgery for lumbar spondylolisthesis.

Conclusion
Each 1-point increment in fatty infiltration in the erector spinae at any lumbar level increased the likelihood of surgery by 8%. Lumbar spondylolisthesis patients with fatty infiltration score for erector spinae at or above 17 were more likely to have surgery. We recommend clinicians to focus on improving erector spinae muscles in patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis.
An N-terminal acidic β-sheet domain is responsible for the metal-accumulation properties of amyloid-β protofibrils: a molecular dynamics study
Authors: Gómez-Castro Carlos Z. , Quintanar Liliana , Vela Alberto 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe influence of metal ions on the structure of amyloid-$$\beta $$
β
(Aβ) protofibril models was studied through molecular dynamics to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying metal-induced Aβ aggregation relevant in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The models included 36-, 48-, and 188-mers of the Aβ42 sequence and two disease-modifying variants. Primary structural effects were observed at the N-terminal domain, as it became susceptible to the presence of cations. Specially when β-sheets predominate, this motif orients N-terminal acidic residues toward one single face of the β-sheet, resulting in the formation of an acidic region that attracts cations from the media and promotes the folding of the N-terminal region, with implications in amyloid aggregation. The molecular phenotype of the protofibril models based on Aβ variants shows that the AD-causative D7N mutation promotes the formation of N-terminal β-sheets and accumulates more Zn2+, in contrast to the non-amyloidogenic rodent sequence that hinders the β-sheets and is more selective for Na+ over Zn2+ cations. It is proposed that forming an acidic β-sheet domain and accumulating cations is a plausible molecular mechanism connecting the elevated affinity and concentration of metals in Aβ fibrils to their high content of β-sheet structure at the N-terminal sequence.
Graphic abstract
Constraining acyclicity of differentiable Bayesian structure learning with topological ordering
Authors: Tran Quang-Duy , Nguyen Phuoc , Duong Bao , Nguyen Thin 
Published: May 2024

AbstractDistributional estimates in Bayesian approaches in structure learning have advantages compared to the ones performing point estimates when handling epistemic uncertainty. Differentiable methods for Bayesian structure learning have been developed to enhance the scalability of the inference process and are achieving optimistic outcomes. However, in the differentiable continuous setting, constraining the acyclicity of learned graphs emerges as another challenge. Various works utilize post-hoc penalization scores to impose this constraint which cannot assure acyclicity. The topological ordering of the variables is one type of prior knowledge that contains valuable information about the acyclicity of a directed graph. In this work, we propose a framework to guarantee the acyclicity of inferred graphs by integrating the information from the topological ordering into the inference process. Our integration framework does not interfere with the differentiable inference process while being able to strictly assure the acyclicity of learned graphs and reduce the inference complexity. Our extensive empirical experiments on both synthetic and real data have demonstrated the effectiveness of our approach with preferable results compared to related Bayesian approaches.
A framework for trust-related knowledge transfer in human–robot interaction
Authors: Diab Mohammed , Demiris Yiannis 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTrustworthy human–robot interaction (HRI) during activities of daily living (ADL) presents an interesting and challenging domain for assistive robots, particularly since methods for estimating the trust level of a human participant towards the assistive robot are still in their infancy. Trust is a multifaced concept which is affected by the interactions between the robot and the human, and depends, among other factors, on the history of the robot’s functionality, the task and the environmental state. In this paper, we are concerned with the challenge of trust transfer, i.e. whether experiences from interactions on a previous collaborative task can be taken into consideration in the trust level inference for a new collaborative task. This has the potential of avoiding re-computing trust levels from scratch for every new situation. The key challenge here is to automatically evaluate the similarity between the original and the novel situation, then adapt the robot’s behaviour to the novel situation using previous experience with various objects and tasks. To achieve this, we measure the semantic similarity between concepts in knowledge graphs (KGs) and adapt the robot’s actions towards a specific user based on personalised interaction histories. These actions are grounded and then verified before execution using a geometric motion planner to generate feasible trajectories in novel situations. This framework has been experimentally tested in human–robot handover tasks in different kitchen scene contexts. We conclude that trust-related knowledge positively influences and improves collaboration in both performance and time aspects.
Exploring the Concept of Social Reconciliation Through the Experience of a Dance/Movement Therapy Group of Migrant Women in Spain
Authors: Castellanos-Montenegro Catherine Sophia , de Zárate Margaret Hills 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis paper explores the potential of Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) as a means of contributing to social reconciliation processes. The study, conducted through a group process with migrant women living in Spain, suggests that the relationships developed between participants in the DMT group reflect some of the key elements underpinning theories of social reconciliation. The elements of trust, empathy, and a willingness to coexist with others can be understood as the return to a sense of community and belonging. Furthermore, working with migrant women appeared as an opportunity to explore the concept of social reconciliation beyond national borders as an initial step to understanding this phenomenon through DMT. In summary, it is proposed that Dance Movement Therapy, oriented towards the configuration of new forms of relationship, has the potential to contribute to the modification of polarization frameworks in group and community relationships, particularly in areas affected by conflict or social marginalization experienced by migrants and refugees.
The (In)Visibility of Diversity in Alternative Organizations
Authors: Bendl Regine , Fleischmann Alexander , Schmidt Angelika 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Reflecting current debates on ‘organizational virtues’ as going beyond the capitalocentrist bias of contemporary economies and to see diversity as ‘ethical responsibility,’ this article explores ‘ethical organizing’ at the intersection of alternative organizations and diversity. Our interest in a diversity-oriented analysis of alternative organizations stems from the assumption that those which question taken-for-granted notions of existing economies and follow alternative values of autonomy, solidarity, and responsibility might also be likely to challenge existing diversity relations and, thus, potentially open up new avenues for ethical organizing. Discussing our findings in terms of Lewis and Simpson’s (in)visibility vortex, our study shows that even though organizations position themselves discursively as ‘alternative,’ this positioning is not related to diversity issues. We conclude that a shift is needed to fully constitute ethical organizing, namely the establishment of a strong connection between alternative organizations’ virtues with, e.g., the feminist, anti-racist, queer, and disability rights movements.
Hypocrites! Social Media Reactions and Stakeholder Backlash to Conflicting CSR Information
Authors: Lewin Lisa D. , Warren Danielle E. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
At a time when firms signal their commitment to CSR through online communication, news sources may convey conflicting information, causing stakeholders to perceive firm hypocrisy. Here, we test the effects of conflicting CSR information that conveys inconsistent outcomes (results-based hypocrisy) and ulterior motives (motive-based hypocrisy) on hypocrisy perceptions expressed in social media posts, which we conceptualize as countersignals that reach a broad audience of stakeholders. Across six studies, we find that (1) conflicting CSR information from internal (firm) and external (news) sources elicits hypocrisy perceptions regardless of whether the CSR information reflects inconsistencies in results or motives, (2) individuals respond to conflicting CSR information with countersignals accusing firms of hypocrisy expressed in social media posts, (3) hypocrisy perceptions are linked to other damaging stakeholder consequences, including behavior (divestment, boycotting, lower employment interest), affect (moral outrage), and cognition (moral condemnation), and (4) firms with higher credibility are more likely to experience adverse effects of conflicting CSR information. These findings advance theory regarding the effects of conflicting CSR information as it relates to the role of credibility and different forms of hypocrisy. Importantly, damaging social media posts and stakeholder backlash can arise from hypocrisy perceptions associated with inconsistent CSR results as well as inconsistent motives, and strong firm credibility only makes a firm more vulnerable to this backlash.
Assessing petroleum contamination in parts of the Niger Delta based on a sub-catchment delineated field assessment
Authors: Ola Ibukun , Drebenstedt Carsten , Burgess Robert M. , Mensah Martin , Hoth Nils , Okoroafor Precious , Külls Christoph 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe Niger Delta in Nigeria is a complex and heavily contaminated area with over 150,000 interconnected contaminated sites. This intricate issue is compounded by the region’s strong hydrological processes and high-energy environment, necessitating a science-based approach for effective contamination assessment and management. This study introduces the concept of sub-catchment contamination assessment and management, providing an overarching perspective rather than addressing each site individually. A description of the sub-catchment delineation process using the digital elevation model data from an impacted area within the Delta is provided. Additionally, the contamination status from the delineated sub-catchment is reported. Sediment, surface water and groundwater samples from the sub-catchment were analyzed for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), respectively. Surface sediment TPH concentrations ranged from 129 to 20,600 mg/kg, with subsurface (2-m depth) concentrations from 15.5 to 729 mg/kg. PAHs in surface and subsurface sediment reached 9.55 mg/kg and 0.46 mg/kg, respectively. Surface water exhibited TPH concentrations from 10 to 620 mg/L, while PAHs ranged from below detection limits to 1 mg/L. Groundwater TPH concentrations spanned 3 to 473 mg/L, with total PAHs varying from below detection limits to 0.28 mg/L. These elevated TPH and PAH levels indicate extensive petroleum contamination in the investigated sediment and water environment. Along with severe impacts on large areas of mangroves and wetlands, comparison of TPH and PAH concentrations with sediment and water quality criteria found 54 to 100% of stations demonstrated exceedances, suggesting adverse biological effects on aquatic and sediment biota are likely occurring.
Do Agile scaling approaches make a difference? an empirical comparison of team effectiveness across popular scaling approaches
Authors: Verwijs Christiaan , Russo Daniel 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWith the prevalent use of Agile methodologies, organizations are grappling with the challenge of scaling development across numerous teams. This has led to the emergence of diverse scaling strategies, from complex ones such as “SAFe", to more simplified methods e.g., “LeSS", with some organizations devising their unique approaches. While there have been multiple studies exploring the organizational challenges associated with different scaling approaches, so far, no one has compared these strategies based on empirical data derived from a uniform measure. This makes it hard to draw robust conclusions about how different scaling approaches affect Agile team effectiveness. Thus, the objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of Agile teams across various scaling approaches, including “SAFe", “LeSS", “Scrum of Scrums", and custom methods, as well as those not using scaling. This study focuses initially on responsiveness, stakeholder concern, continuous improvement, team autonomy, management approach, and overall team effectiveness, followed by an evaluation based on stakeholder satisfaction regarding value, responsiveness, and release frequency. To achieve this, we performed a comprehensive survey involving 15,078 members of 4,013 Agile teams to measure their effectiveness, combined with satisfaction surveys from 1,841 stakeholders of 529 of those teams. We conducted a series of inferential statistical analyses, including Analysis of Variance and multiple linear regression, to identify any significant differences, while controlling for team experience and organizational size. The findings of the study revealed some significant differences, but their magnitude and effect size were considered too negligible to have practical significance. In conclusion, the choice of Agile scaling strategy does not markedly influence team effectiveness, and organizations are advised to choose a method that best aligns with their previous experiences with Agile, organizational culture, and management style.