bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A high-sensitivity radon emanation detector system for future low-background experiments
Authors: Wiebe Daniel , Lindemann Sebastian , Schumann Marc 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Radioactive radon atoms originating from the primordial
238U and 232Th decay chains are
constantly emanated from the surfaces of most materials. The radon
atoms and their radioactive daughter isotopes can significantly
contribute to the background of low-background experiments. The
222Rn progeny 214Pb, for example,
dominates the background of current liquid xenon-based direct dark
matter detectors. We report on a new detector system to quantify
the 222Rn surface emanation rate of materials. Using
cryogenic physisorption traps, emanated radon atoms are transferred
from an independent emanation vessel and concentrated within the
dedicated detection vessel. The charged radon daughter isotopes are
collected electrostatically on a silicon PIN photodiode to
spectrometrically measure the alpha decays of 214Po
and 218Po. The overall detection efficiency is
∼ 36 % for both polonium channels. The radon emanation
activity of the emanation vessel was measured to be
(0.16± 0.03) mBq, resulting in a detection sensitivity
of ∼ 0.06 mBq at 90 % C.L.
Anthropogenic NO
x
emissions of China, the U.S. and Europe from 2019 to 2022 inferred from TROPOMI observations
Authors: Mao Yu , Wang Hengmao , Jiang Fei , Feng Shuzhuang , Jia Mengwei , Ju Weimin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Anthropogenic nitrogen oxide (NO
x
) emissions are closely associated with human activities. In recent years, global human activity patterns have changed significantly owing to the COVID‐19 epidemic and international energy crisis. However, their effects on NO
x
emissions are not yet fully understood. In this study, we developed a two-step inversion framework using NO2 observations from the TROPOMI satellite and the GEOS-Chem global atmospheric chemical transport model, and inferred global anthropogenic NO
x
emissions from 2019 to 2022, focusing on China, the United States (U.S.), and Europe. Our results indicated an 1.68% reduction in NO
x
emissions in 2020 and a 5.72% rebound in 2021 across all regions. China rebounded faster than the others, surpassing its 2019 levels by July 2020. In 2022, emissions declined in all regions, driven mainly by the Omicron variant, energy shortages, and clean energy policies. Our findings provide valuable insights for the development of effective future emission management strategies.
Delusive chirality and periodic strain pattern in moiré systems
Authors: Pásztor Árpád , Pushkarna Ishita , Renner Christoph 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Geometric phase analysis (GPA) is a widely used technique for extracting displacement and strain fields from scanning probe images. Here, we demonstrate that GPA should be implemented with caution when several fundamental lattices contribute to the image, in particular in twisted heterostructures featuring moiré patterns. We find that in this case, GPA is likely to suggest the presence of chiral displacement and periodic strain fields, even if the structure is completely relaxed and without distortions. These delusive fields are subject to change with varying twist angles, which could mislead the interpretation of twist angle-dependent properties.
An adapted approach for solidification crack elimination in Al7075 TIG welding
Authors: Abdollahi Alireza , Nganbe Michel , Kabir Abu Syed 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Solidification cracking is a long-standing issue in fusion welding of high-strength aluminum alloys like Al7075, imposing limitations on their aerospace and automotive applications. The current study introduces a novel adapted approach in solidification crack elimination by incorporating TiC nanoparticles into the fusion zone using a filler paste as an easier to fabricate alternative to filler metals investigated so far. To assess the weldability of the proposed method, 3-mm thick Al7075 sheets were TIG welded (i) autogenously without any TiC nanoparticles (autogenous), (ii) heterogeneously using 1 vol.% TiC-nanoparticle enhanced Al7075 filler metal (heterogeneous filler metal), and (iii) heterogeneously using an in-house fabricated Al7075 paste containing 1 vol.% TiC nanoparticles (heterogeneous filler paste). Macroscopic analysis of weld specimens proved that both heterogeneous welding approaches effectively eliminated solidification cracks. This was confirmed by Houldcroft solidification susceptibility index deduction tests that demonstrated a strong reduction in solidification crack susceptibly in all heterogeneous joints as compared to the autogenous joint. Microstructural analysis confirmed the transformation from columnar to equiaxed grain morphology in the fusion zone as crucial factor in crack elimination. Overall, the proposed filler paste method represents a highly cost-efficient approach for eliminating solidification cracks in TIG joining of difficult to weld aluminium alloys.
Investigating the detection of breast cancer with deep transfer learning using ResNet18 and ResNet34
Authors: Subaar Christiana , Addai Fosberg Tweneboah , Addison Eric Clement Kotei , Christos Olivia , Adom Joseph , Owusu-Mensah Martin , Appiah-Agyei Nelson , Abbey Shadrack 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
A lot of underdeveloped nations particularly in Africa struggle with cancer-related, deadly diseases. Particularly in women, the incidence of breast cancer is rising daily because of ignorance and delayed diagnosis. Only by correctly identifying and diagnosing cancer in its very early stages of development can be effectively treated. The classification of cancer can be accelerated and automated with the aid of computer-aided diagnosis and medical image analysis techniques. This research provides the use of transfer learning from a Residual Network 18 (ResNet18) and Residual Network 34 (ResNet34) architectures to detect breast cancer. The study examined how breast cancer can be identified in breast mammography pictures using transfer learning from ResNet18 and ResNet34, and developed a demo app for radiologists using the trained models with the best validation accuracy. 1, 200 datasets of breast x-ray mammography images from the National Radiological Society’s (NRS) archives were employed in the study. The dataset was categorised as implant cancer negative, implant cancer positive, cancer negative and cancer positive in order to increase the consistency of x-ray mammography images classification and produce better features. For the multi-class classification of the images, the study gave an average accuracy for binary classification of benign or malignant cancer cases of 86.7% validation accuracy for ResNet34 and 92% validation accuracy for ResNet18. A prototype web application showcasing ResNet18 performance has been created. The acquired results show how transfer learning can improve the accuracy of breast cancer detection, providing invaluable assistance to medical professionals, particularly in an African scenario.
Defining a systems framework for characterizing physical work demands with wearable sensors
Authors: Stirling Leia , Acosta-Sojo Yadrianna , Dennerlein Jack T 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Measuring the physical demands of work is important in understanding the relationship between exposure to these job demands and their impact on the safety, health, and well-being of working people. However, work is changing and our knowledge of job demands should also evolve in anticipation of these changes. New opportunities exist for noninvasive long-term measures of physical demands through wearable motion sensors, including inertial measurement units, heart rate monitors, and muscle activity monitors. Inertial measurement units combine accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to provide continuous measurement of a segment’s motion and the ability to estimate orientation in 3-dimensional space. There is a need for a system-thinking perspective on how and when to apply these wearable sensors within the context of research and practice surrounding the measurement of physical job demands. In this paper, a framework is presented for measuring the physical work demands that can guide designers, researchers, and users to integrate and implement these advanced sensor technologies in a way that is relevant to the decision-making needs for physical demand assessment. We (i) present a literature review of the way physical demands are currently being measured, (ii) present a framework that extends the International Classification of Functioning to guide how technology can measure the facets of work, (iii) provide a background on wearable motion sensing, and (iv) define 3 categories of decision-making that influence the questions that we can ask and measures that are needed. By forming questions within these categories at each level of the framework, this approach encourages thinking about the systems-level problems inherent in the workplace and how they manifest at different scales. Applying this framework provides a systems approach to guide study designs and methodological approaches to study how work is changing and how it impacts worker safety, health, and well-being.
Real-world study of pegylated interferon α-2a to treat mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome using time to next treatment as a measure of clinical benefit: an EORTC CLTG study
Authors: Mitsunaga Keila , Bagot Martine , Ram-Wolff Caroline , Guenova Emmanuella , von Gugelberg Christina , Hodak Emmilia , Amitay-Laish Iris , Papadavid Evangelia , Jonak Constanze , Porkert Stefanie , Scarisbrick Julia , Applewaite Rona , Beylot-Barry Marie , Nicolay Jan , Quaglino Pietro , Sanches José Antonio , Cury-Martins Jade , Lora-Pablos David , Ortiz Pablo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are chronic malignant diseases that typically necessitate diverse strategies to achieve remission. Systemic interferon (IFN)-α (subtypes 2a and 2b) has been used to treat MF/SS since 1984; however, its production was recently stopped. The recombinant pegylated (PEG) form of IFN-α-2a remains the only alternative IFN treatment, although it has not been approved for use in MF/SS.

Objectives
To assess the effectiveness and safety of PEG-IFN-α-2a in monotherapy and in combination with other treatments using time to next treatment (TTNT) as a measure of clinical therapeutic benefit in a real-world setting.

Methods
We conducted an international, multicentre retrospective study of patients with MF and SS (of any stage) treated with PEG-IFN-α-2a from July 2012 to February 2022. Patients were included across 11 centres in 10 countries. The primary endpoints were to determine the TTNT of PEG-IFN-α-2a and adverse events (AEs) in MF/SS.

Results
In total, 105 patients were included [mean (SD) age 61 (13.1) years]; 42 (40.0%) had stage IA–IIA and 63 (60.0%) had stage IIB–IVB disease. PEG-IFN-α-2a was combined with other therapies in 67 (63.8%) patients, most commonly with extracorporeal photopheresis (36%) and bexarotene (22%). Patients with stage I–IIA disease achieved an overall response rate (ORR) of 57%; the ORR in those with stage IIB–IVB disease was 51%. Combination treatment resulted in a median TTNT of 10.4 months (range 0.6–50.7) vs. 7.0 months (range 0.7–52.4) for those who received monotherapy (P &lt; 0.01). Overall, the mean (SD) TTNT was 9.2 (10.6) months and the ORR was 53.3% (n = 56). A complete response was seen in 13% of patients and a partial response in 40%. AEs were described in 68.6% (n = 72) of patients. Flu-like symptoms (n = 28; 26.7%), lymphopenia (n = 24; 22.9%) and elevated liver function (n = 10; 9.5%) were the most frequently reported. Grade 3–4 AEs were reported in 23 (21.9%) patients, mostly related to myelosuppression.

Conclusions
PEG-IFN-α-2a for MF/SS resulted in an ORR of 53.3% and a mean (SD) TTNT of 9.2 (10.6) months. Combination regimens were superior to monotherapy and doses of 180 µg PEG-IFN-α-2a weekly were related to a higher ORR.
De-escalation of axillary treatment in the event of a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy in cT1–2 N0 breast cancer treated with mastectomy: nationwide registry study (BOOG 2013-07)
Authors: de Wild Sabine R , van Roozendaal Lori M , de Wilt Johannes H W , van Dalen Thijs , van der Hage Jos A , van Duijnhoven Frederieke H , Simons Janine M , Schipper Robert-Jan , de Munck Linda , van Kuijk Sander M J , Boersma Liesbeth J , Linn Sabine C , Lobbes Marc B I , Poortmans Philip M P , Tjan-Heijnen Vivianne C G , van de Vijver Koen K B T , de Vries Jolanda , Westenberg A Helen , Strobbe Luc J A , Smidt Marjolein L 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Trials have demonstrated the safety of omitting completion axillary lymph node dissection in patients with cT1–2 N0 breast cancer operated with breast-conserving surgery who have limited metastatic burden in the sentinel lymph node. The aim of this registry study was to provide insight into the oncological safety of omitting completion axillary treatment in patients operated with mastectomy who have limited-volume sentinel lymph node metastasis.

Methods
Women diagnosed in 2013–2014 with unilateral cT1–2 N0 breast cancer treated with mastectomy, with one to three sentinel lymph node metastases (pN1mi–pN1a), were identified from the Netherlands Cancer Registry, and classified by axillary treatment: no completion axillary treatment, completion axillary lymph node dissection, regional radiotherapy, or completion axillary lymph node dissection followed by regional radiotherapy. The primary endpoint was 5-year regional recurrence rate. Secondary endpoints included recurrence-free interval and overall survival, among others.

Results
In total, 1090 patients were included (no completion axillary treatment, 219 (20.1%); completion axillary lymph node dissection, 437 (40.1%); regional radiotherapy, 327 (30.0%); completion axillary lymph node dissection and regional radiotherapy, 107 (9.8%)). Patients in the group without completion axillary treatment had more favourable tumour characteristics and were older. The overall 5-year regional recurrence rate was 1.3%, and did not differ significantly between the groups. The recurrence-free interval was also comparable among groups. The group of patients who did not undergo completion axillary treatment had statistically significantly worse 5-year overall survival, owing to a higher percentage of non-cancer deaths.

Conclusion
In this registry study of patients with cT1–2 N0 breast cancer treated with mastectomy, with low-volume sentinel lymph node metastasis, the 5-year regional recurrence rate was low and comparable between patients with and without completion axillary treatment.
Reliability of the TMS-evoked potential in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
Authors: Gogulski Juha , Cline Christopher C , Ross Jessica M , Parmigiani Sara , Keller Corey J 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
We currently lack a reliable method to probe cortical excitability noninvasively from the human dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC). We recently found that the strength of early and local dlPFC transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)–evoked potentials (EL-TEPs) varied widely across dlPFC subregions. Despite these differences in response amplitude, reliability at each target is unknown. Here we quantified within-session reliability of dlPFC EL-TEPs after TMS to six left dlPFC subregions in 15 healthy subjects. We evaluated reliability (concordance correlation coefficient [CCC]) across targets, time windows, quantification methods, regions of interest, sensor- vs. source-space, and number of trials. On average, the medial target was most reliable (CCC = 0.78) and the most anterior target was least reliable (CCC = 0.24). However, all targets except the most anterior were reliable (CCC &gt; 0.7) using at least one combination of the analytical parameters tested. Longer (20 to 60 ms) and later (30 to 60 ms) windows increased reliability compared to earlier and shorter windows. Reliable EL-TEPs (CCC up to 0.86) were observed using only 25 TMS trials at a medial dlPFC target. Overall, medial dlPFC targeting, wider windows, and peak-to-peak quantification improved reliability. With careful selection of target and analytic parameters, highly reliable EL-TEPs can be extracted from the dlPFC after only a small number of trials.
Ethnicity differences in geometric remodelling and myocardial composition in hypertension unveiled by cardiovascular magnetic resonance
Authors: Georgiopoulos Georgios , Faconti Luca , Mohamed Aqeel T , Figliozzi Stefano , Asher Clint , Keehn Louise , McNally Ryan , Alfakih Khaled , Vennin Samuel , Chiribiri Amedeo , Lamata Pablo , Chowienczyk Philip , Masci Pier-Giorgio 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aims
Hypertensive patients of African ancestry (Afr-a) have higher incidences of heart failure and worse clinical outcomes than hypertensive patients of European ancestry (Eu-a), yet the underlying mechanisms remain misunderstood. This study investigated right (RV) and left (LV) ventricular remodelling alongside myocardial tissue derangements between Afr-a and Eu-a hypertensives.

Methods and results
63 Afr-a and 47 Eu-a hypertensives underwent multi-parametric cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Biventricular volumes, mass, function, mass/end-diastolic volume (M/V) ratios, T2 and pre-/post-contrast T1 relaxation times, synthetic extracellular volume, and myocardial fibrosis (MF) were measured. 3D shape modelling was implemented to delineate ventricular geometry. LV and RV mass (indexed to body-surface-area) and M/V ratio were significantly greater in Afr-a than Eu-a hypertensives (67.1 ± 21.7 vs. 58.3 ± 16.7 g/m2, 12.6 ± 3.48 vs. 10.7 ± 2.71 g/m2, 0.79 ± 0.21 vs. 0.70 ± 0.14 g/mL, and 0.16 ± 0.04 vs. 0.13 ± 0.03 g/mL, respectively; P &lt; 0.03). Afr-a patients showed greater basal interventricular septum thickness than Eu-a patients, influencing LV hypertrophy and RV cavity changes. This biventricular remodelling was associated with prolonged T2 relaxation time (47.0 ± 2.2 vs. 45.7 ± 2.2 ms, P = 0.005) and higher prevalence (23% vs. 4%, P = 0.001) and extent of MF [2.3 (0.6–14.3) vs. 1.6 (0.9–2.5) % LV mass, P = 0.008] in Afr-a patients. Multivariable linear regression showed that modifiable cardiovascular risk factors and greater end-diastolic volume, but not ethnicity, were independently associated with greater LV mass.

Conclusion
Afr-a hypertensives had distinctive biventricular remodelling, including increased RV mass, septal thickening and myocardial tissue abnormalities compared with Eu-a hypertensives. From this study, modifiable cardiovascular risk factors and ventricular geometry, but not ethnicity, were independently associated with greater LV myocardial mass.
Anterolateral thoracotomy with partial sternotomy: a feasible approach for treating the complex pathology of the aortic arch
Authors: Yamanaka Katsuhiro , Hasegawa Shota , Kawabata Ryo , Shiraki Hironaga , Chomei Shunya , Inoue Taishi , Tsujimoto Takanori , Miyahara Shunsuke , Takahashi Hiroaki , Okada Kenji 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Our goal was to review our surgical experiences in patients with complex pathologies of the aortic arch who have undergone anterolateral thoracotomy with a partial sternotomy (ALPS).

METHODS
From October 2019 to November 2023, a total of 23 patients underwent one-stage repairs of complex pathologies of the aortic arch through the ALPS approach. The mean age was 61.9 ± 16.7 years old. The aortic pathologies were as follows: aorta-related infection in 11 (aorto-oesophageal fistula: 4, graft infection: 6, native aortic infection: 1); aortic dissection in 9 including shaggy aorta in 2, non-dissecting aneurysm in 1, and coarctation of the aorta (CoA) in 2.

RESULTS
Eighteen patients underwent aortic replacement from either the sinotubular junction or the ascending aorta to the descending aorta; 1 patient underwent it from the aortic root to the descending aorta (redo Bentall procedure and extensive aortic arch replacement); 3 patients underwent it from the aortic arch between the left carotid artery and left subclavian artery to the descending aorta; and 1 patient underwent a descending aortic replacement. Ten patients underwent omentopexy, latissimus dorsi muscle flap installation or both procedures. The hospital mortality rate was 13.0% (3/23). The overall survival and freedom from aortic events were 73.3%±10.2% and 74.1%±10.2%, respectively, at the 3-year follow-up. There was an absence of aorta-related deaths, and no recurrent infections were identified.

CONCLUSIONS
The short-term outcomes using the ALPS approach for the treatment of complex pathologies of the aortic arch were acceptable. Further studies will be required to determine the long-term results.
Low-dose colchicine for atherosclerosis: long-term safety
Authors: Nidorf Stefan Mark , Ben-Chetrit Eldad , Ridker Paul M 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Low-dose colchicine (0.5 mg daily) is now FDA-approved for secondary prevention in patients with coronary disease and will be increasingly prescribed in clinical practice. In this State-of-the-Art Review, data were collated from contemporary systemic reviews of case reports, drug registries, and placebo-controlled trials that assessed specific issues of safety related to the continuous use of colchicine in a range of clinical settings to inform physicians, pharmacists, and patients of the absolute risks of continuous use of low-dose colchicine, including among individuals taking statin therapy. Based upon these collective data, it is concluded that aside mild diarrhoea on initiation of colchicine that typically subsides in the vast majority of patients within a week of therapy, continuous use of low-dose colchicine is well tolerated and very safe. It does not affect renal, liver, or cognitive function, has no adverse effects on bleeding, wound healing, fertility, or pregnancy, and does not increase risks of cancer, serious infection, or cause-specific mortality. When appropriately prescribed to patients without significant renal or hepatic impairment, reports of myelosuppression, myotoxicity, and serious drug–drug interactions are rare and no more frequent than placebo, including in patients taking statin therapy. Physicians, pharmacists, and patients can be reassured that in the absence of significant renal or hepatic impairment continuous use of low-dose colchicine can be used safely in patients with atherosclerosis for the purpose of reducing cardiovascular risk.
Allelopathic Potential of Coniferous Species to Old-Field Weeds in Eastern Quebec
Authors: Jobidon Robert 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Phytotoxicity of Abies balsamea (L.) Mill., Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP., Pinus resinosa Ait., Pinus divaricata (Ait.) Dumont, and Thuya occidentalis L. fresh leaf and leaf litter leachates were evaluated on the germination and growth of four weed species: Phleum pratense L., Poa pratensis L., Agropyron repens (L.) Beauv., and Epilobium angustifolium L. Three dilutions of leachates were used for the germination tests. Germination of all weed species was inhibited in proportion to the dilutions used. Fresh leaf leachates of A. balsamea and P. resinosa were most inhibitory to germination. P. pratense was usually less affected by the treatments than were the other three species. Germination or E. angustifolium and P. pratensis was delayed by the different solutions; germination of P. pratense was delayed only by fresh leaf leachates of A. balsamea and P. divaricata. Height growth and root elongation of A. repens, P. pratensis and P. pratense were inhibited by most extracts. P. mariana leaf leachates were the most inhibitory to height growth and root elongation. All seedlings treated with P. mariana leaf leachates exhibited severe root necroses which affected normal root development. Laboratory experiments suggested that allelopathic weed control, using coniferous leaf litter or fresh leaves, could aid in reforestation of abandoned fields by reducing undesirable competition. Forest Sci. 32:112-118.