bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developments in Secure Random Number Generators
Authors: Deng Lih‐Yuan , Kumar Nirman , Lu Henry Horng‐Shing , Yang Ching‐Chi 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTDesigns of pseudo‐random number generators have been divided into two areas of applications: computer simulation and computer security. The requirement for computer simulation application is long period length and great distributional property whereas generators for computer security need to be secure with unpredictability and a nice distributional property. Most popular secure ciphers have used similar strategies: (a) applying some long key expansion scheme to initialize internal state vectors without using external generators, (b) applying a complex sequence of ARX (Addition, Rotation, XOR) transformations to diffuse the initial state vectors and outputs via additional transformations. We discuss a general framework to design a class of random number generators suitable for both computer simulation and computer security applications. The key idea is to add several good external generators to the existing popular ciphers (with minimal changes) for the purpose of better initialization and continuously updating these internal vectors with external generators.
Directed Transit Functions
Authors: Anil Arun , Changat Manoj , Chavara John J. , K-Sheela Lekshmi Kamal , Narasimha-Shenoi Prasanth G. , Schmidt Bruno J. , Shanavas Ameera Vaheeda , Stadler Peter F. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Transit functions were introduced as models of betweenness on undirected structures. Here we introduce directed transit function as the directed analogue on directed structures such as posets and directed graphs. We first show that betweenness in posets can be expressed by means of a simple set of first order axioms. Similar characterizations can be obtained for graphs with natural partial orders, in particular, forests, trees, and mangroves. Relaxing the acyclicity conditions leads to a generalization of the well-known geometric transit function to the directed structures. Moreover, we discuss some properties of the directed analogues of prominent transit functions, including the all-paths, induced paths, and shortest paths (or interval) transit functions. Finally we point out some open questions and directions for future work.
Geometrical characterization of circular multi-layered CMT WAAM specimens by 3D structured light scanning
Authors: Lettori Jacopo , Esposto Cesare , Peruzzini Margherita , Pellicciari Marcello , Raffaeli Roberto 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
To ensure the geometric accuracy of wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) components, it is essential to analyze how process parameters influence the weld bead dimensions and shape. This paper presents a formal and repeatable procedure to entirely characterize the geometry of beads by enhanced full-coverage optical scanning with focus on multi-layered thin-walled closed specimens realized by the cold metal transfer (CMT) welding process. A series of circular specimens have been manufactured according to a DOE plan of process parameters, scanned with a GOM fringe projection 3D optical scanner, geometrically processed in the Rhinoceros 3D CAD environment, and analyzed by statistical indices according to the ANOVA approach. Average dimensions, lateral surface waviness, interaction between successive layers, and the torch switch-on/off zone of closed layer paths have been assessed. Numerical correlations between bead sizes and deposition parameters have been established. The obtained results also reveal shape and dimensional variability, highlighting the challenges in controlling geometry accuracy. Finally, process planning guidelines are formulated based on such results.
The metamathematics of separated determinacy
Authors: Aguilera J. P. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Determinacy axioms are mathematical principles which assert that various infinite games are determined. In this article, we prove three general meta-theorems on the logical strength of determinacy axioms. These allow us to reduce a metamathematical analysis of the principle of

$\Gamma $

Γ

-determinacy over a weak base theory to an analysis of a principle

$\Gamma '$

Γ
′

-determinacy, where

$\Gamma '$

Γ
′

is a strictly smaller complexity class than

$\Gamma $

Γ

. The meta-theorems are proved in the weak theory

${\mathsf{RCA_{0}}}$

R
C

A
0

. However, they are formulated in a general way and also have applications in the context of

${\mathsf{ZFC}}$

ZFC

, eventually leading to an optimal generalization of Martin’s Borel determinacy theorem and optimal strengthenings of the transfer theorems of Martin-Harrington, Kechris-Woodin, and Neeman. As the main application of the meta-theorems, we carry out all the reverse-mathematical analyses of theories of determinacy below

$T = \boldsymbol{\Pi }^{1}_{1}{-}{\mathsf{CA_{0}}}+ \Pi ^{1}_{4}{-}{ \mathsf{CA_{0}}}$

T
=

Π

1

1

−

C

A
0

+

Π

4

1

−

C

A
0

which are missing from the literature. More precisely, let

$\Gamma \subset \mathcal{P}(\mathbb{R})$

Γ
⊂
P
(
R
)

be called a Wadge class if

$\Gamma $

Γ

is closed under continuous preimages. For each Wadge class

$\Gamma $

Γ

such that the consistency of

$\Gamma $

Γ

-Determinacy is provable in

$T$

T

, we reduce the principle of

$\Gamma $

Γ

-Determinacy to a combination of Comprehension, Monotone Induction, and

$\beta $

β

-Reflection axioms. It follows from our results that these classes

$\Gamma $

Γ

are precisely those which satisfy

$$ o(\Gamma ) < \omega _{1}^{\omega _{1}^{2}} \text{ and $T\vdash $``$\Gamma $ is a Wadge class.''} $$

o
(
Γ
)
<

ω
1

ω

1

2

and

T
⊢

“
Γ
is a Wadge class.”

Our work extends and generalizes results of Friedman, Hachtman, Heinatsch, Martin, MedSalem, Montalbán, Möllerfeld, Nemoto, Shore, Steel, Tanaka, Welch, and others, and concludes the project of metamathematical analysis of determinacy principles (cf. e.g., Montalbán’s “Open Questions in Reverse Mathematics”, Bull. Symb. Log. 16:431–454, 2011), as far as subsystems of

$T$

T

are concerned.
Zufriedenheit und Herausforderungen im akademischen Mittelbau
Authors: Ohm Marc , Arlinghaus Clarissa Sabrina , Mertes Silvan 
Published: February 2025

Zusammenfassung
Die Lage des wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchses wird als angespannt wahrgenommen. Um das aktuelle Stimmungsbild dieser Gruppe in Deutschland besser zu verstehen, wurde eine umfassende Untersuchung durchgeführt. Zu diesem Zweck wurde eine Umfrage an die spezifische Zielgruppe versandt, um aktuelle Herausforderungen und Lösungsvorschläge in strukturierter Form zu erfassen. Die Resultate der Untersuchung offenbaren eine Vielzahl an Faktoren, welche die Arbeitssituation des wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchses beeinträchtigen. Dazu zählen insbesondere eine hohe Mehrfachbelastung, Überarbeitung sowie eine fehlende langfristige Perspektive, welche durch ständige Befristungen bedingt ist. Die befragten Personen äußerten deutlich den Wunsch nach Verbesserungen ihrer Arbeitsbedingungen. Dazu zählen beispielsweise längere Vertragslaufzeiten, geringerer Stress, unbefristete Stellen sowie ein stärkerer Schutz der physischen und psychischen Gesundheit.
Effect of high energy laser processing on defect and structural phase state of titanium products made by additive technologies
Authors: Len Evgen , Galstian Iryna , Gustmann Tobias , Gerasymov Olexandr , Savvakin Dmytro , Bondarchuk Vadim , Oryshych Denis 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The microstructure, physical, and mechanical characteristics of 3D-printed metal products can be improved with high-energy heat treatment included in the manufacturing process. In the present study, Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy products were 3D-printed with electron beam melting of wire of appropriate composition, while surface laser treatment of 3D-printed material was studied to determine the potential of microstructure modification and characteristics improvement. It was found that certain laser processing modes make it possible to eliminate micro defects (pores) in the samples that are harmful to structural materials. The obtained results also open the prospect of creating 3D-printed metal parts with specified profiles of physical and chemical properties, including gradients, as they model the change in material properties depending on the depth of the deposited layer during high-energy processing of each layer during its application. As demonstrated, both the condition of 3D printing as the velocity of deposition and thickness of each layer, the chemical composition and amount of impurities added to the matrix material during deposition, and the high-energy processing (heating or remelting) parameters are important to form the phase composition and mechanical properties of the final products. The high-energy processing also can be used to control the physicochemical properties of the product’s surface.
Characterization of 3D oxygen concentrations in hydrogels combining astigmatic particle tracking with phosphorescence decay measurements
Authors: Werner Till , Schmidt Mareike , Etzold Bastian J. M. , Fritschen Anna , Blaeser Andreas , Hussong Jeanette 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In this work, we combine astigmatic particle tracking with phosphorescence decay measurements to determine 3D oxygen concentration distributions in microfluidic systems. Out-of-plane positions are reconstructed to an accuracy of 1.5

$$\upmu$$

μ

m. The calibrated measurement range covers oxygen concentrations between 0.6 to 27.6 ppm. A method is presented to systematically correct for measurement errors caused by photobleaching taking into account the excitation energy, the cumulative laser irradiation time and the spatially varying intensity profile of the laser. With this method, low measurement errors of less than 2 ppm at ambient oxygen levels can be achieved even after thousands of excitation cycles. To demonstrate the capability of the measurement technique, 3D oxygen concentrations are measured in an agarose hydrogel filled microfluidic chamber across which different pressure and oxygen gradients can be set independently. The results show that oxygen diffusion is superposed by a convective transport of interstitial flow. By matching numerical simulations to the experimental data, further insights into the ratio of convective and diffusive transport are given and a methodology for estimating relevant material parameters is presented. This in situ measurement technique can be applied to improve the design process of supply networks for tissue models.

Graphical abstract
High risk of short-term mortality and postoperative complications in patients with generalized peritonitis undergoing major emergency abdominal surgery—a cohort study
Authors: Olausson Maria , Tolver Mette A. , Gögenur Ismail 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Secondary generalized peritonitis is a potentially life-threatening condition. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between secondary generalized peritonitis and short-term mortality and postoperative complications in patients undergoing major abdominal emergency surgery.

Methods
The study included patients with the age ≥ 18 years undergoing major emergency abdominal surgery in a University Hospital from 2017 to 2019 after the introduction of a perioperative bundle care program. The primary outcome measures were short-term mortality, defined as death within 30 and 90 days after surgery and postoperative complications within 30 days after surgery. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors for 30- and 90-days mortality and 30-days postoperative complications.

Results
A total of 591 patients were included, of whom 21% (124/591) had generalized peritonitis. The overall 30 day-mortality rate was 12.5% (74/591). Patients with generalized peritonitis had a significantly higher 30-day mortality rate than patients with non-generalized peritonitis 18.5% (23/124) vs. 10.9% (51/467), P = 0.033. Generalized peritonitis was an independent risk factor for 30- and 90- days mortality. There was a significantly higher rate of admission to ICU for patients with generalized peritonitis 39.5% (49/124) vs. 12.6% (59/467), P < 0.001. Patients with generalized peritonitis had significantly higher rates of surgical and non-surgical complication compared to patients with non-generalized peritonitis 87.1% (108/124) vs. 65.7% (307/467), P < 0.001. Generalized peritonitis was an independent risk factor of 30 days postoperative complications.

Conclusion
In a population undergoing major emergency abdominal surgery treated in a perioperative optimization protocol, generalized peritonitis was an independent risk factor for both 30- and 90-days mortality and postoperative complications.
Can viral load predict a symptomatic congenital CMV infection? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Salomè Serena , Gammella Roberta , Coppola Clara , Dolce Pasquale , Capasso Letizia , Blázquez-Gamero Daniel , Raimondi Francesco 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of congenital infection. Although only 10% of infected newborns are symptomatic at birth, a clinical disease may develop later in infancy. An early diagnosis of symptomatic congenital CMV is important for successful treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate if a higher viral load in different biological fluids at the time of diagnosis correlates with symptomatic disease. A systematic search of Medline, Embase, and SCOPUS from 1976 to August 2024 was performed. Studies were included if the viral load was clearly identifiable as median and mean. Two independent reviewers completed screening, full-text review, data extraction, and quality assessment. Study results were reported as median and interquartile range (IQR: Q1–Q3), with group comparisons based on median differences. Pooled estimates of median differences with 95% confidence intervals were obtained using a median-based meta-analysis approach. Of 4558 studies identified, 11 were used in the meta-analysis with a total of 796 patients (376 symptomatic and 420 asymptomatic babies) for blood determinations and 919 patients for urine (331 symptomatic and 588 asymptomatic babies). Symptomatic infants showed significant higher viral load in blood (pooled difference of median = 1.77 × 104, 0.82;2.72 IU/mL) and a trend in urine (pooled difference of median = 339.7 × 104, − 22.2;701.43 IU/mL).

Conclusion: In conclusions, we provide preliminary data that a high CMV load in blood and urine may be associated with symptomatic disease in newborns. Wider and more homogeneous evidence is warranted to confirm our conclusions and to identify a threshold for patients at risk of clinical disease.

What is Known:

• CMV is the most common cause of congenital infection and an early diagnosis of symptomatic disease is important for successful treatment. A higher viral load in blood was supposed to correlate with symptomatic disease but with non-unique results and data are lacking for different biological fluids.

What is New:

• We provide preliminary data that a great CMV load in blood and urine may predict newborns at risk of symptoms. Wider and more homogeneous evidence is warranted to confirm our conclusions and to identify a specific viral load threshold for patients at risk of clinical disease.
Vitamin D status and muscle strength in a pan-European cohort of children and adolescents with normal weight and overweight/obesity
Authors: Zeeb Hajo , Brand Tilman , Lissner Lauren , Lauria Fabio , Molnár Dénes , Veidebaum Toomas , Nauck Matthias , Tornaritis Michael , De Henauw Stefaan , Moreno Luis A. , Ahrens Wolfgang , Pohlabeln Hermann , Wolters Maike ,   On behalf of IDEFICS and I.Family consortia
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This aimed to investigate associations between the vitamin D status and handgrip strength in children and adolescents considering weight status. Participants aged 7 to < 16 years from the European IDEFICS/I.Family cohort were included. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and handgrip strength were measured in 2013/2014. In multivariable logistic regression models, we investigated the association of vitamin D status with handgrip strength adjusted for demographic variables, BMI z-score, sports club membership, screen time and UV intensity. Vitamin D-sufficient children had higher odds for a high handgrip strength (OR = 1.92, 95%-CI: 1.12, 3.30), but this association was limited to children with thinness/normal weight (OR = 2.60, 95%-CI: 1.41–4.81). Children with overweight (OR = 2.64, 95%-CI: 2.00, 3.49) and obesity (OR = 4.53, 95%-CI: 2.93, 7.02) were more likely to have a high handgrip strength than thin/normal weight children. Conclusions: The positive association of vitamin D with muscle strength in our study is limited to children with low and normal BMI. In children with overweight or obesity, the higher muscle strength seems to superimpose the association with vitamin D. Overall, our results indicate the importance of sufficient levels of vitamin D and offers physical activity perspectives for children with overweight and obesity.

Study registration: ISRCTN: https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN62310987.

What is known
:• Studies have shown a positive association between vitamin D status and handgrip strength in older adults while studies in children and adolescents are scarce.• Conflicting results were found on whether overweight and obesity are associated with reduced or increased handgrip strength compared to normal weight.

What is new:
• The results of this large pan-European study in children and adolescents indicate that a sufficient vitamin D status is associated with better handgrip strength, particularly in participants with thinness/normal weight.• Children with overweight and obesity have a higher handgrip strength as compared to children with thinness/normal weight which seems to superimpose the positive association between vitamin D status and handgrip strength in this group.
Causal inference from observational data in neurosurgical studies: a mini-review and tutorial
Authors: Liu Mingxuan , Wang Xinru , Lee Jin Wee , Chakraborty Bibhas , Liu Nan , Volovici Victor 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background:
Establishing a causation relationship between treatments and patient outcomes is of essential importance for researchers to guide clinical decision-making with rigorous scientific evidence. Despite the fact that randomized controlled trials are widely regarded as the gold standard for identifying causal relationships, they are not without its generalizability and ethical constraints. Observational studies employing causal inference methods have emerged as a valuable alternative to exploring causal relationships.

Methods:
In this tutorial, we provide a succinct yet insightful guide about identifying causal relationships using observational studies, with a specific emphasis on research in the field of neurosurgery.

Results:
We first emphasize the importance of clearly defining causal questions and conceptualizing target trial emulation. The limitations of the classic causation framework proposed by Bradford Hill are then discussed. Following this, we introduce one of the modern frameworks of causal inference, which centers around the potential outcome framework and directed acyclic graphs. We present the obstacles presented by confounding and selection bias when attempting to establish causal relationships with observational data within this framework.

Conclusion:
To provide a comprehensive overview, we present a summary of efficient causal inference methods that can address these challenges, along with a simulation example to illustrate these techniques.
Design of profile corrections and tolerances in cylindrical gears for noise-sensitive applications in line with production efforts
Authors: Roth Laurenz , Westphal Christian , Brecher Christian 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In many applications of cylindrical gearboxes, the reduction of noise from the gear mesh is an important criterion. In addition to electrified vehicle drives, gear excitations also play an important role in stationary applications such as wind turbines. When designing gearboxes, elastic surrounding structures or material combinations are increasingly being used in order to reduce mass and manufacturing costs. This has a decisive effect on the misalignment behavior of the cylindrical gears and the need for micro geometric corrections. At the same time, it must be taken into account that deviations can occur during the production of the micro geometries, which must be tolerated and have different effects on the NVH behavior.
The aim is to develop a method for the design of profile corrections for elastic environmental conditions and materials. It takes into account that the nominal design is subject to different manufacturing deviations, which have to be tolerated. This is done by means of a tolerance design mechanism that determines the best compromise between tolerance definition and manufacturing costs depending on assumptions for the relationship between manufacturing accuracy and resulting costs.
In the first step of the nominal design, the load-dependent misalignments are determined by FE-simulation. This is followed by an optimization of the micro geometric gear profile using a penetration calculation in order to optimize the excitations and improve the NVH behavior. An AI-supported substitute model of the excitation behavior of the entire gearbox is then determined. This is used to determine a suitable compromise between tolerance requirements and expected production costs using a metaheuristic optimization process. This is demonstrated using a cylindrical gearbox for electric cars. The calculation method presented enables the design of profile modifications and production tolerances using modern tools and shows further potential for noise reduction.
Real-world outcomes with avelumab + axitinib in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma in Japan: subgroup analyses from the J-DART2 study by International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium risk classification
Authors: Furukawa Junya , Kato Taigo , Yamasaki Toshinari , Monji Keisuke , Tanaka Toshiaki , Tsuchiya Norihiko , Miyagawa Tomoaki , Yaegashi Hiroshi , Sano Tomoyasu , Karashima Takashi , Fujita Kazutoshi , Hori Jun-ichi , Ito Takayuki , Kajita Masahiro , Tomita Yoshihiko , Shinohara Nobuo , Eto Masatoshi , Oya Mototsugu , Uemura Hirotsugu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Avelumab + axitinib was approved for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (aRCC) in Japan in December 2019. We report long-term real-world subgroup analyses with first-line avelumab + axitinib in patients with aRCC by International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) risk classification from the J-DART2 study in Japan.

Methods
J-DART2 was a multicenter, noninterventional, retrospective study examining characteristics, treatment patterns, and outcomes in patients with aRCC who started first-line avelumab + axitinib in Japan between December 2019 and October 2022.

Results
Data from 150 patients across 19 sites were analyzed. IMDC risk was favorable in 39 patients (26.0%), intermediate (1 risk factor) in 46 (30.7%), intermediate (2 risk factors) in 36 (24.0%), and poor in 29 (19.3%). Baseline characteristics were generally consistent across IMDC risk subgroups. In subgroups with favorable, intermediate (1 risk factor), intermediate (2 risk factors), and poor risk, median progression-free survival was 31.0, 15.3, 16.4, and 8.1 months; median overall survival (OS) was not reached, but 24-month OS rates were 95.2%, 91.3%, 85.3%, and 57.6%, respectively. Objective response rates were 54.5%, 56.8%, 47.1%, and 54.2%, respectively. High-dose corticosteroid treatment for immune-related adverse events was administered in 5.1%, 8.7%, 8.3%, and 6.9% of patients, respectively.

Conclusion
Subgroup analyses from J-DART2 confirm the long-term real-world effectiveness of first-line avelumab + axitinib across IMDC risk groups in patients with aRCC in Japan. Our findings were consistent with previous analyses by IMDC risk and support the favorable benefit-risk profile of avelumab + axitinib in clinical practice in Japan.