bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of teledermatology in Mohs micrographic surgery: a review
Authors: Algarin Yanci A. , Jaalouk Dana , Pulumati Anika , Nouri Keyvan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis paper explores the role of teledermatology (TD) in Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) at various stages of patient care. The study aims to assess the benefits, limitations, and patient experiences surrounding TD integration into MMS practices. We conducted a PubMed search using keywords related to TD and MMS, categorizing selected articles into pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative stages of MMS. TD reduced waiting times (26.10 days for TD compared to 60.57 days for face-to-face [FTF]) and consultation failure rates (6% for TD vs. 17% for FTF) for MMS preoperative consultations. It also shortened time to treatment by two weeks and led to notable travel savings (162.7 min, 144.5 miles, and $60.00 per person). Telepathology facilitated communication and decision-making during MMS, improving accuracy and efficiency, especially in challenging cases requiring collaboration where physical presence of another surgeon or pathologist is not feasible. Telepathology definitively diagnosed benign lesions and malignant tumors in 81.8% of cases (18/22). Additionally, there was a 95% agreement between conventional light microscopy diagnosis and telepathology in tumors (19/20), and 100% agreement for all 20 Mohs frozen section consultations. For post-operative follow-up, telephone follow-up (TFU) and text messaging proved effective, cost-efficient alternatives with high patient satisfaction (94% in New Zealand and 96% in the U.K.) and early complication identification. This study underscores TD’s multifaceted benefits in MMS: enhanced patient experience preoperatively, improved communication during surgery, and cost-effective postoperative follow-up. Limitations include the financial expense and technical issues that can arise with TD (connectivity problems, delays in video/audio transmission, etc.). Further studies are needed to explore emerging TD modalities in post-operative patient management. The integration of TD into MMS signifies a progressive step in dermatological care, offering convenient, cost-effective, and better solutions with the potential to enhance patient experiences and outcomes.
Platinum-based adjuvant chemoradiotherapy versus adjuvant radiotherapy in patients with head and neck adenoid cystic carcinoma
Authors: Qiu Zichen , Wu Zheng , Zhou Xiong , Lin Minchuan , Su Yong , Tao Yalan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness and toxicity of platinum-based adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (POCRT) in comparison to postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) in patients with head and neck adenoid cystic carcinoma (HNACC).

Materials and methods
This retrospective study analyzed patients diagnosed with HNACC at our center between January 2010 and April 2020. A 1:1 propensity score matching method was used to create a matched cohort.

Results
In this study, 206 patients were analyzed, with 147 patients (71.4%) receiving postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) and 59 patients (28.6%) receiving POCRT. Twenty-one patients experienced local–regional failure. The 3-, 5-, and 10-yr local–regional control (LRC) rate for the cohort were 92.0%, 90.6%, and 86.9%, respectively. In both the entire cohort and the matched cohort, the POCRT group exhibited superior LRC compared to the PORT group (Gray's test, all P < 0.05*). Multivariate analysis identified adjuvant concurrent chemotherapy as an independent prognostic factor for LRC (Competing risks regression, HR = 0.144, 95% CI 0.026–0.802, P = 0.027*). In addition, the POCRT group had higher incidences of upper gastrointestinal toxicity and hematologic toxicities, including leukopenia, neutropenia, and anemia (all P < 0.05*).

Conclusion
In terms of reducing locoregional failures in HNACC patients, POCRT may potentially offer a more effective therapeutic approach than using PORT alone, although it also entails an augmented burden of treatment-related toxicity.
Augmented reality presentation system of skeleton image based on biomedical features
Authors: Sun Yuqing , Yuan Tianran , Wang Yimin , Sun Quanping , Hou Zhiwei , Du Juan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAimed at limitations in the description and expression of three-dimensional (3D) physical information in two-dimentsional (2D) medical images, feature extraction and matching method based on the biomedical characteristics of skeletons is employed in this paper to map the 2D images of skeletons into a 3D digital model. Augmented reality technique is used to realize the interactive presentation of skeleton models. Main contents of this paper include: Firstly, a three-step reconstruction method is used to process the bone CT image data to obtain its three-dimensional surface model, and the corresponding 2D–3D bone library is established based on the identification index of the 2D image and the 3D model; then, a fast and accurate feature extraction and matching algorithm is developed to realize the recognition, extraction, and matching of 2D skeletal features, and determine the corresponding 3D skeleton model according to the matching result. Finally, based on the augmented reality technique, an interactive immersive presentation system is designed to achieve visual effects of the virtual human bone model superimposed and rendered in the world scenes, which improves the effectiveness of information expression and transmission, as well as the user's immersion and embodied experience.
Classification and estimation of case-mix adjusted performance indices for binary outcomes
Authors: Doretti Marco , Montanari Giorgio E. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a general class of indices that can be used for comparing the performances of organizations providing a given public service to citizens, such as universities, hospitals, nursing homes, employment agencies or other institutions. In particular, we handle the case where evaluation is performed by assessing the probability that a given event has happened as a result of the service provided to users requiring it. Indices are designed for settings where users can be divided into groups with similar characteristics in order to account for case-mix, that is, for the different composition of users within each organization with respect to personal features influencing the probability of the event at hand. For the proposed class, we build a taxonomy leading to nine index types. These different types constitute a useful toolbox to satisfy specific needs and/or criteria set by the evaluator in applied contexts. A general inferential framework is also discussed to deal with settings where, whatever the index chosen, its value has to be estimated from sample data. A simulation study based on a real-world dataset is presented to assess the behavior of indices’ estimators.
An Efficient Inexact Gauss–Seidel-Based Algorithm for Image Restoration with Mixed Noise
Authors: Wu Tingting , Min Yue , Huang Chaoyan , Li Zhi , Wu Zhongming , Zeng Tieyong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractA challenge in image restoration is to recover a clear image from the blurry observation in the presence of different types of noise. There are few works addressing image deblurring under mixed noise. To handle this issue, we propose a general model based on classical wavelet tight frame regularization. We utilize a convexity-preserving term to obtain a component-wise convex model under a mild condition. Indeed, to reduce the cost of solving subproblems, the inexact Gauss–Seidel-based majorized semi-proximal alternating direction method of multipliers (sGS-imsPADMM) with relative error control is developed. Besides, the global convergence of sGS-imsPADMM is demonstrated. Numerical results for the image restoration problems show that the proposed model and solving approach are superior to some state-of-the-art methods both in numerical analysis and visual quality.
Learning-based and quality preserving super-resolution of noisy images
Authors: Cammarasana Simone , Patanè Giuseppe 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPurpose:Several applications require the super-resolution of noisy images and the preservation of geometrical and texture features. State-of-the-art super-resolution methods do not account for noise and generally enhance the output image’s artefacts (e.g., aliasing, blurring).Methods:We propose a learning-based method that accounts for the presence of noise and preserves the properties of the input image, as measured by quantitative metrics, e.g., normalised crossed correlation, normalised mean squared error, peak-signal-to-noise-ration, structural similarity feature-based similarity, universal image quality. We train our network to up-sample a low-resolution noisy image while preserving its properties. We perform our tests on the Cineca Marconi100 cluster, at the 26th position in the “top500” list.Results:The experimental results show that our method outperforms learning-based methods, has comparable results with standard methods, preserves the properties of the input image as contours, brightness, and textures, and reduces the artefacts. As average quantitative metrics, our approach has a PSNR value of 23.81 on the super-resolution of Gaussian noise images with a 2X up-sampling factor. In contrast, previous work has a PSNR value of 23.09 (standard method) and 21.78 (learning-based method).Conclusion:Our learning-based and quality-preserving super-resolution improves the high-resolution prediction of noisy images with respect to state-of-the-art methods with different noise types and up-sampling factors.
Stochastic dynamics of mechanical systems with impacts via the Step Matrix multiplication based Path Integration method
Authors: Sykora Henrik T. , Kuske Rachel , Yurchenko Daniil 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this work we propose the Step Matrix Multiplication based Path Integration method (SMM-PI) for nonlinear vibro-impact oscillator systems. This method allows the efficient and accurate deterministic computation of the time-dependent response probability density function by transforming the corresponding Chapman–Kolmogorov equation to a matrix–vector multiplication using high-order numerical time-stepping and interpolation methods. Additionally, the SMM-PI approach yields the computation of the joint probability distribution for response and impact velocity, as well as the time between impacts and other important characteristics. The method is applied to a nonlinear oscillator with a pair of impact barriers, and to a linear oscillator with a single barrier, providing relevant densities and analysing energy accumulation and absorption properties. We validate the results with the help of stochastic Monte-Carlo simulations and show the superior ability of the introduced formulation to compute accurate response statistics.
Introgression of early shoot vigour in wheat modifies root systems, increases competitiveness and provides options for integrated weed management
Authors: Hendriks Pieter-Willem , Gurusinghe Saliya , Weston Paul A. , Ryan Peter R. , Delhaize Emmanuel , Weston Leslie A. , Rebetzke Gregory J. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background and aims
Weeds are a major biotic stressor impacting crop production. Improving the competitiveness of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) could provide a useful tool in integrated weed management. While wheat typically exhibits conservative early growth, early vigour has been increased through long-term recurrent selection for greater early biomass and leaf area. However, the influence of integrating such vigour into breeding lines for improving competitive ability remains to be explored.

Methods
In replicated controlled environment experiments, the effect of breeding early shoot vigour on root development and below-ground competitiveness was carefully examined. Physical and chemical characteristics of wheat vigour lines were assessed and compared with commercial cultivars in hydroponics and field soil experiments. Measurements included early root growth, rhizosheath size and growth responses in the presence of annual ryegrass, a major weed in wheat production.

Results
The vigorous lines exhibited larger leaf widths, increased cell file number, increased total root length and larger rhizosheaths compared with commercial parents. Numerous secondary metabolites with known allelopathic effects on weeds were detected in the roots and the rhizosphere, and significant allelochemical level differences observed between distilled water and soil water extract-treated plants. Although the vigour lines were significantly more competitive than the commercial cultivars against ryegrass, they produced similar levels of phytotoxic secondary metabolites.

Conclusion
Competition below-ground was strongly suppressive of ryegrass for the more vigorous genotypes suggesting that breeding with shoot vigour had pleiotropic effects on key root traits for below-ground wheat competitiveness.
Co-occurrence and cognitive basis of low language and low reading skills in children speaking a transparent language
Authors: Kamykowska Joanna , Łuniewska Magdalena , Banasik-Jemielniak Natalia , Czaplewska Ewa , Kochańska Magdalena , Krajewski Grzegorz , Maryniak Agnieszka , Wiejak Katarzyna , Krasowicz-Kupis Grażyna , Haman Ewa 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWe investigated the comorbidity of low language and reading skills in 6- to 8-year-old monolingual Polish-speaking children (N = 962) using three different approaches: norming data to determine the prevalence of co-morbid difficulties, group comparisons of profiles on key cognitive-linguistic measures, and a case series analysis examining the frequency of single versus multiple deficits. We identified four groups of children based on their oral language and reading skills: children with low oral language skills alone, low reading skills alone, comorbid low language/reading skills, and typically developing chronological-age controls. We characterized the four groups (n = 38 per group) in terms of oral language and reading skills measured with normed test batteries, and in terms of the cognitive-linguistic profiles measured by the phonological awareness test (PA), rapid automatized naming test (RAN), and nonword repetition tests (NWR). We found that 24–31% of children with one type of difficulty had comorbid difficulties in the other domain. All groups differed significantly in cognitive-linguistic profiles. For each measure, the comorbid group had the lowest results. The group of children with isolated low language skills had better results than the comorbid group in (1) Sentence repetition (sub-test in an oral language test), (2) discrimination-based, blending-based, and elision-based PA sub-tests, (3) RAN (both digits and letters). The group with isolated low reading skills had better results than the comorbid group in: (1) discrimination-based PA sub-test, (2) NWR tests. The results indicate differences in cognitive-linguistic profiles between the groups with low language and/or low reading skills. They highlight the need to control for both types of difficulties in researching low language and/or reading skills, and to screen for comorbid issues while diagnosing children.
Colour change in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers by disruption of the anthocyanin pathway via ribonucleoprotein complex delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 system
Authors: Wulff-Vester Anders , Andersson Mariette , Brurberg May Bente , Hofvander Per , Alsheikh Muath , Harwood Wendy , Hvoslef-Eide Trine 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPotato is an important part of the traditional Norwegian diet, and the crop faces several challenges with respect to pests and diseases, as well as the increasingly challenging changes in climate. Genome editing may provide tools to improve the resilience of Norwegian potato cultivars to new climate challenges. We have altered the skin colour of two potato cultivars, ‘Desirée’ and ‘Nansen’ from red to yellow, as a proof-of-concept for the use of CRISPR/Cas9 in a Norwegian cultivar. Our method has involved the use of protoplasts and we have grown the regenerants for three successive clonal tuber generations to evaluate the stability of the edited plants over time and under varying temperature conditions in contained rooms in a greenhouse. We found that the protoplast method is well suited to achieving CRISPR/Cas9 applications. The results show that the yellow skin is consistent over the three generations of tuber propagation. We found some suspected somaclonal variation in the protoplast regenerants. Some of the variation which we observed under high temperatures (up to nearly 40ºC) during the second growth cycle, disappeared when cultivated under lower temperatures in the third cultivation cycle.
Numerical Simulations of Viscous Fingering in Fractured Porous Media
Authors: Berge Runar L. , Berre Inga , Keilegavlen Eirik , Nordbotten Jan M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe effect of heterogeneity induced by highly permeable fracture networks on viscous miscible fingering in porous media is examined using high-resolution numerical simulations. We consider the planar injection of a less viscous fluid into a two-dimensional fractured porous medium that is saturated with a more viscous fluid. This problem contains two sets of fundamentally different preferential flow regimes; the first is caused by the viscous fingering, and the second is due to the permeability contrasts between the fractures and the rock matrix. We study the transition from the regime where the flow is dominated by the viscous instabilities, to the regime where the heterogeneity induced by the fractures define the flow paths. Our findings reveal that even minor permeability differences between the rock matrix and fractures significantly influence the behavior of viscous fingering. The interplay between the viscosity contrast and permeability contrast leads to the preferential channeling of the less viscous fluid through the fractures. Consequently, this channeling process stabilizes the displacement front within the rock matrix, ultimately suppressing the occurrence of viscous fingering, particularly for higher permeability contrasts. We explore three fracture geometries: two structured and one random configuration and identify a complex interaction between these geometries and the development of unstable flow. While we find that the most important factor determining the effect of the fracture network is the ratio of fluid volume flowing through the fractures and the rock matrix, the exact point for the cross-over regime is dependent on the geometry of the fracture network.
Dynamic Tunable Liquid-Core Photonic Crystal Fiber Sensor Based on Graphene Plasmon
Authors: Luo Wei , Abbasi Syeda Aimen , Li Xuejin , Ho Ho-Pui , Yuan Wu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe combination of photonic crystal fiber (PCF) and graphene-supporting surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) presents a new approach to achieving a plasmonic sensor with adjustable properties in the terahertz (THz) frequency range. In this study, we investigate a liquid-core PCF-based graphene plasmonic sensor, where the analyte to be detected is located on both the sensing layer surface and the fiber core. As a result, the dispersion relations of both graphene plasmon (GP) and core-guide mode can be influenced by the analyte, leading to a negative refractive index (RI) wavelength sensitivity. This unique performance is attributed to the higher modulation degree of the core mode on the analyte RI (Δneff.core) compared to that of the GP mode (Δneff.GP). By reducing the graphene Fermi energy, a positive sensibility is achieved with the modulation relationship of Δneff.core < Δneff.GP. Subsequently, the geometry dependence is explored to optimize the sensing capabilities. Furthermore, we demonstrate the sensor’s tunability by dynamically varying the graphene Fermi energy (Ef). By adjusting the Ef from 0.6 to 0.9 eV, the detection range can be artificially shifted from 0.554–0.574 THz to 0.686–0.724 THz, obtaining a tunability of 0.44 THz/eV and a higher sensitivity of 1.2667 THz/RIU. This design facilitates the efficient utilization of the limited bandwidth to detect various RIs and provides a flexible approach to constructing multiple sensing channels. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of graphene plasmonic sensing based on core-filled PCF in the THz frequency range. The novel analysis method of modulation degree and dispersion matching has the potential to be widely applied in THz plasmonic sensing and could lead to various nanoscience applications.
Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Long-Term Depression Symptoms among Veterans
Authors: Chen Jason I. , Bui David , Iwashyna Theodore J. , Shahoumian Troy A. , Hickok Alex , Shepherd-Banigan Megan , Hawkins Eric J. , Naylor Jennifer , Govier Diana J. , Osborne Thomas F. , Smith Valerie A. , Bowling C. Barrett , Boyko Edward J. , Ioannou George N. , Maciejewski Matthew L. , O’Hare Ann M. , Viglianti Elizabeth M. , Bohnert Amy S.-B. , Hynes Denise M. ,   for the V. A. HSRDSARS-C.O.V.-2 Observational Research Collaboratory (CORC)
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Prior research demonstrates that SARS-COV-2 infection can be associated with a broad range of mental health outcomes including depression symptoms. Veterans, in particular, may be at elevated risk of increased depression following SARS-COV-2 infection given their high rates of pre-existing mental and physical health comorbidities. However, few studies have tried to isolate SARS-COV-2 infection associations with long term, patient-reported depression symptoms from other factors (e.g., physical health comorbidities, pandemic-related stress).

Objective
To evaluate the association between SARS-COV-2 infection and subsequent depression symptoms among United States Military Veterans.

Design
Survey-based non-randomized cohort study with matched comparators.

Participants
A matched-dyadic sample from a larger, stratified random sample of participants with and without known to SARS-COV-2 infection were invited to participate in a survey evaluating mental health and wellness 18-months after their index infection date. Sampled participants were stratified by infection severity of the participant infected with SARS-COV-2 (hospitalized or not) and by month of index date. A total of 186 participants in each group agreed to participate in the survey and had sufficient data for inclusion in analyses. Those in the uninfected group who were later infected were excluded from analyses.

Main Measures
Participants were administered the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 as part of a phone interview survey. Demographics, physical and mental health comorbidities were extracted from VHA administrative data.

Key Results
Veterans infected with SARS-COV-2 had significantly higher depression symptoms scores compared with those uninfected. In particular, psychological symptoms (e.g., low mood, suicidal ideation) scores were elevated relative to the comparator group (MInfected = 3.16, 95%CI: 2.5, 3.8; MUninfected = 1.96, 95%CI: 1.4, 2.5). Findings were similar regardless of history of depression.

Conclusion
SARS-COV-2 infection was associated with more depression symptoms among Veterans at 18-months post-infection. Routine evaluation of depression symptoms over time following SARS-COV-2 infection is important to facilitate adequate assessment and treatment.