bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphologic Adjustment of a River Reach with Groynes to Channel Bypassing
Authors: Lehotský Milan , Horáčková Šárka , Rusnák Miloš , Štefanička Tomáš , Kleň Jaroslav 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis article is focused on the investigation of the spatio-temporal variability of the Danube River reach’s vertical accretion thickness due to the response of the Danube River reach to bypassing. Five groyne-induced benches (GIBs) of the bypassed channel developed after water diversion in 1992 was studied by changes in topography for three-time spans (for the original gravel surface, for the surface before the 2013 flood and for the surface after the 2013 flood). The allostratigraphic approach was applied to 548 drilling probes at all GIBs and toptop, supra-platform, tail and backchannel geomorphic units have been identified at each GIB. The main to side-channel system connectivity increase sedimentation rates and the accretion was controlled by large flood events. The 100-year flood in 2013 contributed to the total volume by almost 26%. During study period 1992–2017, totally 1,146,589 m3 was accreted on five GIBs, of this 209,752 m3 during flood event in 2013 and 267,700 m3 in post flood period 2014–2017. The top geomorphic unit exhibits the highest median values of vertical accretion and for all GIBs accretion thickness are not related to the height above the mean channel water level. The thickness of accretion varied, likely because the variability of the vegetation cover caused variable hydraulic conditions and accretion rate span from 3.8 cm.year−1 to 5.3 cm.year−1. The investigation of the sediment thickness over long time spans 24 years and a large flood event) allowed us to conclude that the thickness is spatially variable for individual GIBs; however, its trend over time remains constants depending on the intake of sediments during large floodsd events. This article also provides a methodological template for the detailed investigation of river channel adjustment due to bypassing.
Mangroves of the Maldives: a review of their distribution, diversity, ecological importance and biodiversity of associated flora and fauna
Authors: Cerri Federico , Louis Yohan Didier , Fallati Luca , Siena Federica , Mazumdar Arindam , Nicolai Rossella , Zitouni M. Sami , Adam Aishath Shehenaz , Mohamed Shazla , Lavorano Silvia , Galli Paolo 
Published: March 2024

AbstractMangrove forests are one of the most important biological, ecological and economic ecosystems in the world. In the Maldives, they play a crucial role in maintaining coastal biodiversity, providing ecosystem services, such as coastal protection, and supporting livelihoods by providing income and food. Overall, 23 Maldivian islands have at least 1 protected mangrove area. However, knowledge of the mangroves of the Maldives is scarce, scattered and sometimes conflicting. There is a lack of information on a national scale regarding their distribution, diversity, ecological importance and associated biodiversity. The aim of this review is to analyse scientific publications, reports, and online documents on mangroves for the entire Maldivian archipelago to provide the first comprehensive summary of the current state of knowledge of mangroves from a national perspective. This includes the geographical location of mangrove forests, the identity and distribution of mangrove species, ecosystem services, ecological importance and diversity of mangrove-associated flora and fauna. We analysed available information from both the grey literature and scientific publications and found that 14 mangrove species have been documented on 108 islands (9% of all Maldivian islands). Mangroves are mainly concentrated in northern atolls and are associated with diverse flora and fauna. Furthermore, we identified inconsistencies and gaps in the literature and proposed future directions for research. This is crucial for informed decision-making, developing effective conservation strategies and long-term sustainability of mangrove ecosystems.
Exploiting the therapeutic potential of contracting skeletal muscle-released extracellular vesicles in cancer: Current insights and future directions
Authors: Pinto Ana Carolina , Tavares Patrícia , Neves Bruno , Oliveira Pedro F. , Vitorino Rui , Moreira-Gonçalves Daniel , Ferreira Rita 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe health benefits of exercise training in a cancer setting are increasingly acknowledged; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. It has been suggested that extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from contracting skeletal muscles play a key role in mediating the systemic benefits of exercise by transporting bioactive molecules, including myokines. Nevertheless, skeletal muscle-derived vesicles account for only about 5% of plasma EVs, with the immune cells making the largest contribution. Moreover, it remains unclear whether the contribution of skeletal muscle-derived EVs increases after physical exercise or how muscle contraction modulates the secretory activity of other tissues and thus influences the content and profile of circulating EVs. Furthermore, the destination of EVs after exercise is unknown, and it depends on their molecular composition, particularly adhesion proteins. The cargo of EVs is influenced by the training program, with acute training sessions having a greater impact than chronic adaptations. Indeed, there are numerous questions regarding the role of EVs in mediating the effects of exercise, the clarification of which is critical for tailoring exercise training prescriptions and designing exercise mimetics for patients unable to engage in exercise programs. This review critically analyzes the current knowledge on the effects of exercise on the content and molecular composition of circulating EVs and their impact on cancer progression.
Assembly Theory: What It Does and What It Does Not Do
Authors: Jaeger Johannes 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA recent publication in Nature has generated much heated discussion about evolution, its tendency towards increasing diversity and complexity, and its potential status above and beyond the known laws of fundamental physics. The argument at the heart of this controversy concerns assembly theory, a method to detect and quantify the influence of higher-level emergent causal constraints in computational worlds made of basic objects and their combinations. In this short essay, I briefly review the theory, its basic principles and potential applications. I then go on to critically examine its authors’ assertions, concluding that assembly theory has merit but is not nearly as novel or revolutionary as claimed. It certainly does not provide any new explanation of biological evolution or natural selection, or a new grounding of biology in physics. In this regard, the presentation of the paper is starkly distorted by hype, which may explain some of the outrage it created.
Preoperative evaluation of mediastinal lymph nodes in non-small cell lung cancer using [68Ga]FAPI-46 PET/CT: a prospective pilot study
Authors: Kang Yeon-koo , Na Kwon Joong , Park Jimyung , Kwak Nakwon , Lee Yun-Sang , Choi Hongyoon , Kim Young Tae 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Mediastinal nodal staging is crucial for surgical candidate selection in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but conventional imaging has limitations often necessitating invasive staging. We investigated the additive clinical value of fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) PET/CT, an imaging technique targeting fibroblast activation protein, for mediastinal nodal staging of NSCLC.

Methods
In this prospective pilot study, we enrolled patients scheduled for surgical resection of NSCLC based on specific criteria designed to align with indications for invasive staging procedures. Patients were included when meeting at least one of the following: (1) presence of FDG-positive N2 lymph nodes, (2) clinical N1 stage, (3) central tumor location or tumor diameter of ≥ 3 cm, and (4) adenocarcinoma exhibiting high FDG uptake. [68Ga]FAPI-46 PET/CT was performed before surgery after a staging workup including [18F]FDG PET/CT. The diagnostic accuracy of [68Ga]FAPI-46 PET/CT for “N2” nodes was assessed through per-patient visual assessment and per-station quantitative analysis using histopathologic results as reference standards.

Results
Twenty-three patients with 75 nodal stations were analyzed. Histopathologic examination confirmed that nine patients (39.1%) were N2-positive. In per-patient assessment, [68Ga]FAPI-46 PET/CT successfully identified metastasis in eight patients (sensitivity 0.89 (0.52–1.00)), upstaging three patients compared to [18F]FDG PET/CT. [18F]FDG PET/CT detected FDG-avid nodes in six (42.8%) of 14 N2-negative patients. Among them, five were considered non-metastatic based on calcification and distribution pattern, and one was considered metastatic. In contrast, [68Ga]FAPI-46 PET/CT correctly identified all non-metastatic patients solely based on tracer avidity. In per-station analysis, [68Ga]FAPI-46 PET/CT discriminated metastasis more effectively compared to [18F]FDG PET/CT-based (AUC of ROC curve 0.96 (0.88–0.99) vs. 0.68 (0.56–0.78), P < 0.001).

Conclusion
[68Ga]FAPI-46 PET/CT holds promise as an imaging tool for preoperative mediastinal nodal staging in NSCLC, with improved sensitivity and the potential to reduce false-positive results, optimizing the need for invasive staging procedures.
Cine-cardiac magnetic resonance to distinguish between ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies: a machine learning approach
Authors: Cau Riccardo , Pisu Francesco , Pintus Alessandra , Palmisano Vitanio , Montisci Roberta , Suri Jasjit S. , Salgado Rodrigo , Saba Luca 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective
This work aimed to derive a machine learning (ML) model for the differentiation between ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM) on non-contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR).

Methods
This retrospective study evaluated CMR scans of 107 consecutive patients (49 ICM, 58 NICM), including atrial and ventricular strain parameters. We used these data to compare an explainable tree-based gradient boosting additive model with four traditional ML models for the differentiation of ICM and NICM. The models were trained and internally validated with repeated cross-validation according to discrimination and calibration. Furthermore, we examined important variables for distinguishing between ICM and NICM.

Results
A total of 107 patients and 38 variables were available for the analysis. Of those, 49 were ICM (34 males, mean age 60 ± 9 years) and 58 patients were NICM (38 males, mean age 56 ± 19 years). After 10 repetitions of the tenfold cross-validation, the proposed model achieved the highest area under curve (0.82, 95% CI [0.47–1.00]) and lowest Brier score (0.19, 95% CI [0.13–0.27]), showing competitive diagnostic accuracy and calibration. At the Youden’s index, sensitivity was 0.72 (95% CI [0.68–0.76]), the highest of all. Analysis of predictions revealed that both atrial and ventricular strain CMR parameters were important for the identification of ICM patients.

Conclusion
The current study demonstrated that using a ML model, multi chamber myocardial strain, and function on non-contrast CMR parameters enables the discrimination between ICM and NICM with competitive diagnostic accuracy.

Clinical relevance statement
A machine learning model based on non-contrast cardiovascular magnetic resonance parameters may discriminate between ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathy enabling wider access to cardiovascular magnetic resonance examinations with lower costs and faster imaging acquisition.

Key Points
• The exponential growth in cardiovascular magnetic resonance examinations may require faster and more cost-effective protocols.
• Artificial intelligence models can be utilized to distinguish between ischemic and non-ischemic etiologies.
• Machine learning using non-contrast CMR parameters can effectively distinguish between ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies.

Graphical Abstract
Space partitioning within groups of social coral reef fish
Authors: Engel Anael , Reuben Yaela , Kolesnikov Irina , Churilov Dmitri , Nathan Ran , Genin Amatzia 
Published: March 2024

AbstractSite-attached fish that form social groups may face a trade-off between the advantages of group living and the disadvantages related to intra-group competition for food. A possible solution for the latter is space partitioning among group members. Technological limitations related to individual tagging and underwater tracking hindered such spatial studies in grouping fishes. Here, using underwater video cameras and recent developments in deep learning tools, we successfully tracked the 3D movements of individually tagged fish in 4 groups of the damselfish Dascyllus marginatus in the coral reef of Eilat, Red Sea. Our findings, based on tracking sessions lasting 3–11 min that were recorded during a period of > 1 month, show that the individual fish kept separate foraging spaces with minimal overlap and that this separation was stable in time. When the tidally driven current reversed, the separation was kept, and a corresponding reversal was found in the positions of each fish relative to the coral and its neighbors. We propose that the stable spatial partitioning observed in our study is a primary mechanism through which site-attached species can organize themselves in order to reduce intra-group competition.
Contribution of plant-based dairy and fish alternatives to iodine nutrition in the Swiss diet: a Swiss Market Survey
Authors: Khalil Zulekha Abbas , Herter-Aeberli Isabelle 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
With dairy products and fish being major sources of iodine in Switzerland, the growing popularity of plant-based alternatives may impact iodine nutrition. This study aimed to assess the iodine content in plant-based dairy and fish alternatives available in the Swiss market and compare them with conventional products.

Methods
In 2022, a market survey was conducted in Zurich, Switzerland, to identify the plant-based dairy and fish alternatives available and assess their iodine content. To evaluate the impact of plant-based alternatives on iodine consumption in Switzerland, we modeled dietary scenarios by substituting the intake of dairy and fish items with plant-based alternatives. In addition, we investigated fortification with calcium, vitamins B2, B12, and D.

Results
Out of 477 identified products, only four milk-alternative products were iodine fortified (median iodine concentration: 22.5 μg/100 ml). The median iodine concentration in unfortified plant-based alternatives was negligible compared to conventional dairy and fish products (milk: 0.21 vs 9.5 μg/100 ml; yogurt 0.36 vs 6.1 μg/100 g; cheese: 0.10 vs 20 μg/100 g; fish 0.50 vs 44 μg/100 g). Three portions of dairy per day as recommended by the Swiss Food Pyramid provide 25% of the RDA for iodine (150 μg/day), whereas substituting those with unfortified alternatives provides only 0.7% of the RDA.

Conclusion
Only four out of 477 plant-based alternative products are iodine fortified in the Swiss market. Thus, the risk for consumers to miss out on the ca. 25% of the RDA for iodine by consuming plant-based alternatives is high, placing them at a risk for inadequate iodine intake.
Effectiveness of Comprehensive Intervention Programme on Quality of life, fatigue, self-efficacy, and psychosocial distress among head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy
Authors: Nayak Shalini Ganesh , George Anice , Sharan Krishna , Nayak Baby S. , Ravishankar N. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The study aimed at evaluating the Effectiveness of Comprehensive Intervention Programme (CIP) on Quality of life (QOL), fatigue, self-efficacy, and psychosocial distress among Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients receiving radiotherapy treatment.

Methods
Single-centre non-RCT time series study was conducted among 134 HNC patients (67 observed, followed by 67 subjected to CIP). FACT- H&N, FACT-F, Cancer Behavior Inventory and psychosocial distress scales were used to assess QOL, fatigue, self-efficacy, and psychosocial distress respectively. CIP was provided to the intervention arm twice a week during the course of radiation therapy along with the standard care; the control arm received only standard care. Data were collected before commencing radiotherapy, and post-test assessments were carried out at the end of radiotherapy treatment, and at 3 and 6 months after completion of radiotherapy.

Results
Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a statistically significant improvement with CIP in QOL (F (1.917) = 454.103, p = 0.001), fatigue (F (2.106) = 183.775, p = 0.001), self-efficacy (F (2.429) = 190.861, p = 0.001), and psychosocial distress (F (2.288) = 290.105, p = 0.001) in the intervention arm.

Conclusion
The CIP implemented to address multitude of issues in HNC patients receiving radiotherapy, proved to be effective in reducing the impact of treatment on QOL, fatigue, self-efficacy and psychosocial distress in HNC patients receiving radiotherapy.
A homogenization result in finite plasticity
Authors: Davoli Elisa , Gavioli Chiara , Pagliari Valerio 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe carry out a variational study for integral functionals that model the stored energy of a heterogeneous material governed by finite-strain elastoplasticity with hardening. Assuming that the composite has a periodic microscopic structure, we establish the $$\Gamma $$
Γ
-convergence of the energies in the limiting of vanishing periodicity. The constraint that plastic deformations belong to $$\textsf{SL}(3)$$

SL
(
3
)

poses the biggest hurdle to the analysis, and we address it by regarding $$\textsf{SL}(3)$$

SL
(
3
)

as a Finsler manifold.
The Dirichlet problem for Lévy-stable operators with $$L^2$$-data
Authors: Grube Florian , Hensiek Thorben , Schefer Waldemar 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe prove Sobolev regularity for distributional solutions to the Dirichlet problem for generators of 2s-stable processes and exterior data, inhomogeneity in weighted $$L^2$$

L
2

-spaces. This class of operators includes the fractional Laplacian. For these rough exterior data the theory of weak variational solutions is not applicable. Our regularity estimate is robust in the limit $$s\rightarrow 1-$$

s
→
1
-

which allows us to recover the local theory.
Central giant cell granuloma of the jaws—long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of surgical and pharmacological management
Authors: Capucha Tal , Krasovsky Andrei , Abdalla-Aslan Ragda , Ginini Jiriys George , Noy Dani , Emodi Omri , Rachmiel Adi , Shilo Dekel 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objectives
To compare long-term results of different treatment modalities in central giant cell granuloma of the maxillofacial-skeleton. Primary resection may result in major defects. Alternative treatments include pharmacological agents. As yet there has been no consensus on the use of the variety of treatment options, and few studies have reported clarifying long-term results.

Materials and methods
This retrospective study on 22 patients with 25 lesions evaluated clinical, radiological and histological features, treatment preformed and lesion recurrence. Success was defined as regression/calcification and failure as recurrence, progression or un-responsiveness.

Results
Of the presenting patients, 77% were under age 40. Lesion prevalence was higher in the anterior mandible and left posterior maxilla. Most cases exhibited pain, tooth-mobility or mucosal-expansion. The appearance was predominantly unilocular in the maxilla and multilocular in the mandible, which also exhibited higher prevalence of cortical perforation. Up to 80% of lesions were classified as aggressive.
Intralesional steroids/calcitonin were used in 7 cases. Mean follow-up was 39.8 months. Two cases showed recurrence. In 71% of the cases treated pharmacologically, calcification/regression were observed.

Conclusions
Our analysis indicates better outcomes using a combined approach, including both pharmacological and surgical treatments in large aggressive lesions. Pharmacological treatment resulted in decreased size or well-defined lesions, thus reducing the need for extensive bone resection. Dual treatment with corticosteroids and calcitonin showed no superior outcomes, but a larger cohort should be assessed.

Clinical Relevance
There are several protocols for treatment of central-giant-cell-granuloma lesions, but most are not fully established. It is important to report results that contribute to the establishment of proven protocols. This report attempts to establish the relevance of the combined approach: pharmacological treatment followed by surgical resection.
Serial reversal learning in nectar-feeding bats
Authors: Chidambaram Shambhavi , Wintergerst Sabine , Kacelnik Alex , Nachev Vladislav , Winter York 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
We explored the behavioral flexibility of Commissaris’s long-tongued bats through a spatial serial reversal foraging task. Bats kept in captivity for short periods were trained to obtain nectar rewards from two artificial flowers. At any given time, only one of the flowers provided rewards and these reward contingencies reversed in successive blocks of 50 flower visits. All bats detected and responded to reversals by making most of their visits to the currently active flower. As the bats experienced repeated reversals, their preference re-adjusted faster. Although the flower state reversals were theoretically predictable, we did not detect anticipatory behavior, that is, frequency of visits to the alternative flower did not increase within each block as the programmed reversal approached. The net balance of these changes was a progressive improvement in performance in terms of the total proportion of visits allocated to the active flower. The results are compatible with, but do not depend on, the bats displaying an ability to ‘learn to learn’ and show that the dynamics of allocation of effort between food sources can change flexibly according to circumstances.
Vanadium Accumulation and Reduction by Vanadium-Accumulating Bacteria Isolated from the Intestinal Contents of Ciona robusta
Authors: Yuliani Dewi , Morishita Fumihiro , Imamura Takuya , Ueki Tatsuya 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe sea squirt Ciona robusta (formerly Ciona intestinalis type A) has been the subject of many interdisciplinary studies. Known as a vanadium-rich ascidian, C. robusta is an ideal model for exploring microbes associated with the ascidian and the roles of these microbes in vanadium accumulation and reduction. In this study, we discovered two bacterial strains that accumulate large amounts of vanadium, CD2-88 and CD2-102, which belong to the genera Pseudoalteromonas and Vibrio, respectively. The growth medium composition impacted vanadium uptake. Furthermore, pH was also an important factor in the accumulation and localization of vanadium. Most of the vanadium(V) accumulated by these bacteria was converted to less toxic vanadium(IV). Our results provide insights into vanadium accumulation and reduction by bacteria isolated from the ascidian C. robusta to further study the relations between ascidians and microbes and their possible applications for bioremediation or biomineralization.