bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elementary Negative Group Delay Filter Functions
Authors: Nako Julia , Psychalinos Costas , Maundy Brent J. , Elwakil Ahmed S. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA theoretical study of the behavior of some elementary first- and second-order functions, which are suitable for realizing negative group delay, is performed in this work. As both the gain and phase responses are simultaneously considered, important derivations related to the actual bandwidth of operation are derived accompanied by useful design tips. The presented theory is supported by simulation and experimental results obtained through the utilization of typical active-RC filter structures, as well as from a field-programmable analog array device.
Patient and Public Involvement am Deutschen Zentrum für Psychische Gesundheit: Erreichtes und Herausforderungen
Authors: Lipinski Silke , Sünkel Ulrike , Totzeck Christina , Dresler Thomas , Baskow Irina , Bea Myriam , Hannig Rüdiger , Dziobek Isabel 
Published: March 2024

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) beschreibt die Partizipation von Betroffenen und Angehörigen, d. h. Erfahrungsexpert:innen (EE), am Forschungsprozess. PPI ist in Deutschland in der Medizin und klinischen Psychologie wenig verbreitet, eine institutionelle Verankerung fehlt bislang. Die deutschlandweite und zentrumsübergreifende Umsetzung von PPI ist eines der Hauptziele des sich seit Mai 2023 im Aufbau befindenden Deutschen Zentrums für Psychische Gesundheit (DZPG). Partizipation von EE soll im DZPG auf allen Ebenen der Entscheidungsfindung implementiert werden.

Ziele
Der Artikel beschreibt die Anfänge, Entwicklung und Herausforderungen der Umsetzung von Partizipationsstrukturen und -projekten im DZPG. Das zentrale politische PPI-Gremium im DZPG, der Trialogische Zentrumsrat (TZR), hat noch vor dem Beginn der finanziellen Förderung des DZPG in fast dreijähriger Arbeit eine umfassende PPI-Strategie für das DZPG entwickelt. Die Strategie sieht u. a. vor, eine weitreichende Mitsprache für EE in allen Entscheidungsgremien des DZPG zu implementieren, EE als Reviewer in die Begutachtung von Forschungsanträgen einzubeziehen, partizipative Elemente in alle Studien des DZPG zu integrieren und nutzerinitiierte Studien zu fördern. Die Implementierung der Strategie wird durch eine zentrumsübergreifende PPI-Infrastruktur, das Center for PPI, und die wissenschaftlichen PPI-Referent:innen gewährleistet. Zu den Aufgaben des Center for PPI gehört die Unterstützung der Mitsprache der EE sowie u. a. die Entwicklung von Instrumenten und Leitfäden für partizipative Forschung, die Zusammenführung von EE und Forschenden für gemeinsame Projekte sowie die Dokumentation und Qualitätssicherung für Partizipative Forschung.
Zu den besonderen Herausforderungen für die erfolgreiche Umsetzung der PPI-Strategie gehört die geringe Erfahrung mit PPI in Deutschland im Bereich der psychischen Gesundheitsforschung und weitestgehend fehlende strukturelle Implementierung. Derzeit erarbeitete Lösungsstrategien umfassen z. B. Schulungen für Forschende und EE, um die Vorteile und Wege zur Realisierung von PPI zu vermitteln und so gemeinsame Entscheidungsfindung und Forschung zu ermöglichen. Außerdem werden weitreichend der Zugang zu Wissen und Ressourcen für EE geschaffen und einheitliche Vergütungsregeln für EE erarbeitet.

Schlussfolgerungen
Eine PPI-Strategie am DZPG wurde erfolgreich erarbeitet und wird derzeit durch die zentrumsübergreifende Infrastruktur Center for PPI implementiert.
CK2 activity is crucial for proper glucagon expression
Authors: Ampofo Emmanuel , Pack Mandy , Wrublewsky Selina , Boewe Anne S. , Spigelman Aliya F. , Koch Hanna , MacDonald Patrick E. , Laschke Matthias W. , Montenarh Mathias , Götz Claudia 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Aims/hypothesis
Protein kinase CK2 acts as a negative regulator of insulin expression in pancreatic beta cells. This action is mainly mediated by phosphorylation of the transcription factor pancreatic and duodenal homeobox protein 1 (PDX1). In pancreatic alpha cells, PDX1 acts in a reciprocal fashion on glucagon (GCG) expression. Therefore, we hypothesised that CK2 might positively regulate GCG expression in pancreatic alpha cells.

Methods
We suppressed CK2 kinase activity in αTC1 cells by two pharmacological inhibitors and by the CRISPR/Cas9 technique. Subsequently, we analysed GCG expression and secretion by real-time quantitative RT-PCR, western blot, luciferase assay, ELISA and DNA pull-down assays. We additionally studied paracrine effects on GCG secretion in pseudoislets, isolated murine islets and human islets. In vivo, we examined the effect of CK2 inhibition on blood glucose levels by systemic and alpha cell-specific CK2 inhibition.

Results
We found that CK2 downregulation reduces GCG secretion in the murine alpha cell line αTC1 (e.g. from 1094±124 ng/l to 459±110 ng/l) by the use of the CK2-inhibitor SGC-CK2-1. This was due to a marked decrease in Gcg gene expression through alteration of the binding of paired box protein 6 (PAX6) and transcription factor MafB to the Gcg promoter. The analysis of the underlying mechanisms revealed that both transcription factors are displaced by PDX1. Ex vivo experiments in isolated murine islets and pseudoislets further demonstrated that CK2-mediated reduction in GCG secretion was only slightly affected by the higher insulin secretion after CK2 inhibition. The kidney capsule transplantation model showed the significance of CK2 for GCG expression and secretion in vivo. Finally, CK2 downregulation also reduced the GCG secretion in islets isolated from humans.

Conclusions/interpretation
These novel findings not only indicate an important function of protein kinase CK2 for proper GCG expression but also demonstrate that CK2 may be a promising target for the development of novel glucose-lowering drugs.

Graphical Abstract
The impact of environmental regulation on innovation and international competitiveness
Authors: Fabrizi Andrea , Gentile Marco , Guarini Giulio , Meliciani Valentina 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of environmental regulation on innovation and international competitiveness. We test the weak, narrow, and strong versions of Porter's hypotheses by looking at the impact of environmental regulation on exports both directly and indirectly through innovation and by introducing the role of pollution intensity in moderating the impact of stringent regulation on innovation and international competitiveness. Green policies are measured with the OECD Environmental Stringency Policy Index, distinguishing between market, non-market instruments, and technology support policies. Differently from previous papers, we adopt the technology gap approach to trade, which is suitable for relating environmental regulation to trade competitiveness and we apply the simultaneous-equation system econometric model with a moderating factor represented by pollution intensity. The results support the weak and strong versions of Porter’s hypotheses and find that the positive impact of regulation on innovation and exports increases with a country’s pollution intensity, suggesting that green policies, if properly coordinated, can represent a win–win strategy, fostering, at the same time, sustainability and international competitiveness.
Impact of Underweight, Overweight, and Obesity on Health-Related Quality of Life in Children with Tetralogy of Fallot Variants
Authors: Hidestrand Pip , Svensson Birgitta , Simpson Pippa , Liuba Petru , Weismann Constance G. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Traditional cardiovascular risk factors put patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) at increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether body mass index (BMI) is associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with variants of Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). Patients and parents of children with variants of TOF–CHD were asked to fill out the PedsQL 4.0 questionnaire and provide weight and length. Patients were categorized into low, normal, and high BMI percentiles. Other demographic data were obtained from the Swedish national registry for congenital heart disease (SWEDCON). Statistical analyses included non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test, Fisher exact, and Chi-square tests. Eighty-five patients were included. Twelve were overweight or obese, 57 had a normal BMI, and 16 were underweight. There was a significant difference in age and gender between the groups. Comparing overweight/obese children to those with normal BMI, physical and social functioning were impaired, while emotional and school function were comparable between the groups. This applied to both child and parental assessment. When comparing underweight to normal weight children, school functioning assessed by the parent was the only domain significantly different from patients with a normal BMI. Children with variants of TOF and overweight/obesity have lower HRQoL, particularly in physical and social functioning, while underweight children may have impaired school functioning. We suggest that preventive measures aimed at maintaining a normal weight should be taken early in life to reduce long-term cardiovascular risk in the CHD population.
Rare earth contamination of edible vegetation: Ce, La, and summed REE in fungi
Authors: Falandysz Jerzy , Kilanowicz Anna , Fernandes Alwyn R. , Zhang Ji 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The increasing and diversified use of rare earth elements (REE) is considered a potential source of pollution of environmental media including soils. This work documents critically overview data on the occurrence of REE in the fruiting bodies of wild and farmed species of edible and medicinal mushrooms, as this was identified as the largest published dataset of REE occurrence in foodstuff. Most of the literature reported occurrences of cerium (Ce) and lanthanum (La), but a number of studies lacked data on all lanthanides. The Ce, La, and summed REE occurrences were assessed through the criteria of environmental geochemistry, analytical chemistry, food toxicology, mushroom systematics, and ecology. Ce and La accumulate similarly in fruiting bodies and are not fractionated during uptake, maintaining the occurrence patterns of their growing substrates. Similarly, there is no credible evidence of variable REE uptake because the evaluated species data show natural, unfractionated patterns in accordance with the Oddo-Harkins’ order of environmental lanthanide occurrence. Thus, lithosphere occurrence patterns of Ce and La as the first and the third most abundant lanthanides are reflected in wild and farmed mushrooms regardless of substrate and show that Ce is around twice more abundant than La. The current state of knowledge provides no evidence that mushroom consumption at these REE occurrence levels poses a health risk either by themselves or when included with other dietary exposure. Macromycetes appear to bio-exclude lanthanides because independently reported bioconcentration factors for different species and collection sites, typically range from < 1 to 0.001. This is reflected in fruiting body concentrations which are four to two orders of magnitude lower than growing substrates.

Key points
•Original REE occurrence patterns in soils/substrates are reflected in mushrooms
•No evidence for the fractionation of REE during uptake by fungi
•Mushrooms bio-exclude REE in fruiting bodies

Graphical Abstract
Vocal and genetic variation between a land-bridge island and mainland populations of the Black-crowned Antshrike (Thamnophilus atrinucha)
Authors: Sedano-Cruz Raul Ernesto , Pérez-Amaya Natalia , Rivera-Gutierrez Hector Fabio 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Island-mainland systems serve as natural laboratories for studying communication signals. We explored potential divergence in the song of the black-crowned antshrike between Gorgona Island, a land-bridge island off the Pacific coast of Colombia, and several mainland populations. We found that the perching song of this species, the so called loudsong, was distinctly different on Gorgona Island. This differentiation encompassed an increase in frequency bandwidth, a decrease in vocal performance, and a reduction in song duration. All are consistent with documented patterns of divergence observed in avian acoustic signals on oceanic islands. The observed distinctions in loudsong acoustics, including variations in frequency and temporal features, led to the inference that the population on Gorgona Island produces the least complex loudsong dialect across the entire species range. This pattern of how an innate vocalization manifests within a land-bridge island, which was connected to the mainland not long ago, lends support to the Character Release Hypothesis. To ensure an unbiased comparison, we considered genetic clusters and analyzed them by comparing ten acoustic signals between the land-bridge island and several mainland populations. Combined with the gene genealogy, this finding supports the validity of two geographic forms: Thamnophilus atrinucha atrinucha and Thamnophilus atrinucha gorgonae (island). However, they also reveal the existence of additional unrecognized dialects of loudsong that transcend current taxonomic classifications. We provide evidence that challenges the long-standing presumption suggesting minimal intraspecific geographic variation in the vocalization among non-vocal learning species.

Significance statement
Significant evolutionary implications exist for an intriguing pattern of variation of the loudsong behavior in the Black-crowned Antshrike over a land-bridge island. Our gene tree does provide evidence of the enormous haplotypic diversity accumulated in the trans-Andean region long after the final uplift of the northern Andes. The acoustic divergence of the loudsong suggests substantial geographic variation within a non-vocal learning suboscine. Genetic and loudsong divergence on a land-bridge island add to document that evolution of acoustic traits may be relaxed in islands as compared to those observed on the species-rich mainland. The island-mainland system is one of the few definitive biogeographic contexts for understanding evolution of acoustic behavior.
High-intensity focused ultrasound with visually directed power adjustment for focal treatment of localized prostate cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Peretsman Samuel J. , Emberton Mark , Fleshner Neil , Shoji Sunao , Bahler Clinton D. , Miller Larry E. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
To characterize patient outcomes following visually directed high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for focal treatment of localized prostate cancer.

Methods
We performed a systematic review of cancer-control outcomes and complication rates among men with localized prostate cancer treated with visually directed focal HIFU. Study outcomes were calculated using a random-effects meta-analysis model.

Results
A total of 8 observational studies with 1,819 patients (median age 67 years; prostate-specific antigen 7.1 mg/ml; prostate volume 36 ml) followed over a median of 24 months were included. The mean prostate-specific antigen nadir following visually directed focal HIFU was 2.2 ng/ml (95% CI 0.9–3.5 ng/ml), achieved after a median of 6 months post-treatment. A clinically significant positive biopsy was identified in 19.8% (95% CI 12.4–28.3%) of cases. Salvage treatment rates were 16.2% (95% CI 9.7–23.8%) for focal- or whole-gland treatment, and 8.6% (95% CI 6.1–11.5%) for whole-gland treatment. Complication rates were 16.7% (95% CI 9.9–24.6%) for de novo erectile dysfunction, 6.2% (95% CI 0.0–19.0%) for urinary retention, 3.0% (95% CI 2.1–3.9%) for urinary tract infection, 1.9% (95% CI 0.1–5.3%) for urinary incontinence, and 0.1% (95% CI 0.0–1.4%) for bowel injury.

Conclusion
Limited evidence from eight observational studies demonstrated that visually directed HIFU for focal treatment of localized prostate cancer was associated with a relatively low risk of complications and acceptable cancer control over medium-term follow-up. Comparative, long-term safety and effectiveness results with visually directed focal HIFU are lacking.
Unveiling the challenges of UTUC biopsies and cytology: insights from a global real-world practice study
Authors: Baard Joyce , Cormio Luigi , Dasgupta Ranan , Maruzzi Daniele , Rais-Bahrami Soroush , Serrano Alvaro , Geavlete Bogdan , Giannakopoulos Stilianos , de la Rosette Jean , Laguna Pilar 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Diagnostic ureteroscopy (dURS) is optional in the assessment of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and provides the possibility of obtaining histology.

Methods
To evaluate endoscopic biopsy techniques and outcomes, we assessed data from patients from the CROES-UTUC registry. The registry includes multicenter prospective collected data on diagnosis and management of patients suspected having UTUC.

Results
We assessed 2380 patients from 101 centers. dURS with biopsy was performed in 31.6% of patients. The quality of samples was sufficient for diagnosis in 83.5% of cases. There was no significant association between biopsy techniques and quality (p = 0.458). High-grade biopsy accurately predicted high-grade disease in 95.7% and high-risk stage disease in 86%. In ureteroscopic low-grade tumours, the prediction of subsequent low-grade disease was 66.9% and low-risk stage Ta-disease 35.8%. Ureteroscopic staging correctly predicted non-invasive Ta-disease and ≥ T1 disease in 48.9% and 47.9% of patients, respectively. Cytology outcomes did not provide additional value in predicting tumour grade.

Conclusion
Biopsy results adequately predict high-grade and high-risk disease, but approximately one-third of patients are under-staged. Two-thirds of patients with low-grade URS-biopsy have high-risk stage disease, highlighting the need for improved diagnostics to better assess patient risk and guide treatment decisions.
Clinical trial registration: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02281188; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02281188).
Feasibility of stereotactic optical navigation for needle positioning in percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Authors: Spenkelink I. M. , Zhu X. , Fütterer J. J. , Langenhuijsen J. F. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
This study assessed the feasibility of acquiring single-attempt access to the pelvicalyceal system during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) using stereotactic optical navigation combined with cone-beam CT (CBCT) imaging.

Methods
Patients with a PCNL indication were prospectively included in this IRB approved study. After sterile preparation, fiducial markers were attached to patients’ skin. An initial intraprocedural CBCT scan was acquired, on which the urologist planned the needle trajectory using the navigation software. After verifying that no critical structures were crossed, the needle guide was aligned with the plan. A needle was manually inserted through the needle guide to the indicated depth and a second CBCT scan was performed for needle position confirmation. Both, scanning and needle insertion, were performed under apnea. The study evaluated technical success, accuracy, procedure time, complication rate, and radiation dose.

Results
Between June 2022 and April 2023, seven patients were included. In all patients, the navigation system allowed safe puncture. However, the technical success rate was only 29%. In 42% of the cases, pelvicalyceal access was achieved by a small manual adjustment. In the remaining 29%, the needle was retracted and positioned per clinical standard. The average deviation between the needle and target was 5.9 ± 2.3 mm. The average total procedure time was 211 ± 44 min. The average radiation exposure was 6.4 mSv, with CBCT scanning contributing to 82% of this exposure.

Conclusions
The optical navigation system facilitated safe needle insertion but did not consistently ensure accurate one-attempt needle positioning for PCNL. Real-time visualization and trajectory correction may improve the technical success rate.
PSA-density, DRE, and PI-RADS 5: potential surrogates for omitting biopsy?
Authors: Falkenbach Fabian , Ambrosini Francesca , Kachanov Mykyta , Ortner Gernot , Maurer Tobias , Köhler Daniel , Beyersdorff Dirk , Graefen Markus , Budäus Lars 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective
In contrast to other malignancies, histologic confirmation prior treatment in patients with a high suspicion of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCA) is common. To analyze the impact of extracapsular extension (ECE), cT-stage defined by digital rectal examination (DRE), and PSA-density (PSA-D) on detection of csPCA in patients with at least one PI-RADS 5 lesion (hereinafter, “PI-RADS 5 patients”).

Materials and methods
PI-RADS 5 patients who underwent MRI/Ultrasound fusion biopsy (Bx) between 2016 and 2020 were identified in our institutional database. Uni- and multivariable logistic-regression models were used to identify predictors of csPCA-detection (GGG ≥ 2). Risk models were adjusted for ECE, PSA-D, and cT-stage. Corresponding Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and areas under the curve (AUC) were calculated.

Results
Among 493 consecutive PI-RADS 5 patients, the median age and PSA was 69 years (IQR 63–74) and 8.9 ng/ml (IQR 6.0–13.7), respectively. CsPCA (GGG ≥ 2) was detected in 405/493 (82%); 36/493 patients (7%) had no cancer. When tabulating for PSA-D of > 0.2 ng/ml/cc and > 0.5 ng/ml/cc, csPCA was found in 228/253 (90%, PI-RADS5 + PSA-D > 0.2 ng/ml/cc) and 54/54 (100%, PI-RADS5 + PSA-D > 0.5 ng/ml/cc). Finally, a model incorporating PSA-D and cT-stage achieved an AUC of 0.79 (CI 0.74–0.83).

Conclusion
In PI-RADS 5 patients, PSA-D and cT-stage emerged as strong predictors of csPCA at biopsy. Moreover, when adding the threshold of PSA-D > 0,5 ng/ml/cc, all PI-RADS 5 patients were diagnosed with csPCA. Therefore, straight treatment for PCA can be considered, especially if risk-factors for biopsy-related complications such as obligatory dual platelet inhibition are present.
Dynamic proportional rankings
Authors: Israel Jonas , Brill Markus 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Proportional ranking rules aggregate approval-style preferences of agents into a collective ranking such that groups of agents with similar preferences are adequately represented. Motivated by the application of live Q&A platforms, where submitted questions need to be ranked based on the interests of the audience, we study a dynamic extension of the proportional rankings setting. In our setting, the goal is to maintain the proportionality of a ranking when alternatives (i.e., questions)—not necessarily from the top of the ranking—get selected sequentially. We propose generalizations of well-known ranking rules to this setting and study their monotonicity and proportionality properties. We also evaluate the performance of these rules experimentally, using realistic probabilistic assumptions on the selection procedure.