bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative MRI-based radiomics analysis identifies blood flow feature associated to overall survival for rectal cancer patients
Authors: Knuth Franziska , Tohidinezhad Fariba , Winter René M. , Bakke Kine Mari , Negård Anne , Holmedal Stein H. , Ree Anne Hansen , Meltzer Sebastian , Traverso Alberto , Redalen Kathrine Røe 
Published: January 2024

AbstractRadiomics objectively quantifies image information through numerical metrics known as features. In this study, we investigated the stability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiomics features in rectal cancer using both anatomical MRI and quantitative MRI (qMRI), when different methods to define the tumor volume were used. Second, we evaluated the prognostic value of stable features associated to 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). On a 1.5 T MRI scanner, 81 patients underwent diagnostic MRI, an extended diffusion-weighted sequence with calculation of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and a multiecho dynamic contrast sequence generating both dynamic contrast-enhanced and dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) MR, allowing quantification of Ktrans, blood flow (BF) and area under the DSC curve (AUC). Radiomic features were extracted from T2w images and from ADC, Ktrans, BF and AUC maps. Tumor volumes were defined with three methods; machine learning, deep learning and manual delineations. The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) assessed the stability of features. Internal validation was performed on 1000 bootstrap resamples in terms of discrimination, calibration and decisional benefit. For each combination of image and volume definition, 94 features were extracted. Features from qMRI contained higher prognostic potential than features from anatomical MRI. When stable features (> 90% ICC) were compared with clinical parameters, qMRI features demonstrated the best prognostic potential. A feature extracted from the DSC MRI parameter BF was associated with both PFS (p = 0.004) and OS (p = 0.004). In summary, stable qMRI-based radiomics features was identified, in particular, a feature based on BF from DSC MRI was associated with both PFS and OS.
A novel portable flip-phone based visual behaviour assay for zebrafish
Authors: Rodwell Vanessa , Birchall Annabel , Yoon Ha-Jun , Kuht Helen J. , Norton William H. J. , Thomas Mervyn G. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe optokinetic reflex (OKR) serves as a vital index for visual system development in early life, commonly observed within the first six months post-birth in humans. Zebrafish larvae offer a robust and convenient model for OKR studies due to their rapid development and manageable size. Existing OKR assays often involve cumbersome setups and offer limited portability. In this study, we present an innovative OKR assay that leverages the flexible screen of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip to optimize setup and portability. We conducted paired slow-phase velocity measurements in 5-day post-fertilization (dpf) zebrafish larvae (n = 15), using both the novel flip-phone-based assay and a traditional liquid–crystal display (LCD) arena. Utilizing Bland–Altman plots, we assessed the agreement between the two methods. Both assays were efficacious in eliciting OKR, with eye movement analysis indicating high tracking precision in the flip-phone-based assay. No statistically significant difference was observed in slow-phase velocities between the two assays (p = 0.40). Our findings underscore the feasibility and non-inferiority of the flip-phone-based approach, offering streamlined assembly, enhanced portability, and the potential for cost-effective alternatives. This study contributes to the evolution of OKR assay methodologies, aligning them with emerging research paradigms.
Assessment of the renal angina index in patients hospitalized in a cardiac intensive care unit
Authors: Sakaguchi Eirin , Naruse Hiroyuki , Ishihara Yuya , Hattori Hidekazu , Yamada Akira , Kawai Hideki , Muramatsu Takashi , Tsuboi Yoshiki , Fujii Ryosuke , Suzuki Koji , Ishii Junnichi , Saito Kuniaki , Sarai Masayoshi , Yanase Masanobu , Ozaki Yukio , Izawa Hideo 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe renal angina index (RAI) is a validated scoring tool for predicting acute kidney injury (AKI). We investigated the efficacy of the RAI in 2436 heterogeneous patients (mean age, 70 years) treated in cardiac intensive care units (CICUs). The RAI was calculated from creatinine and patient condition scores. AKI was diagnosed by the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcome criteria. The primary and secondary endpoints were the development of severe AKI and all-cause mortality, respectively. Four hundred thirty-three patients developed AKI, 87 of them severe. In multivariate analyses, the RAI was a significant independent predictor of severe AKI. During the 12-month follow-up period, 210 patients suffered all-cause death. Elevated RAI was independently associated with all-cause mortality, as was NT-proBNP (p < 0.001). The RAI is a potent predictor not only of severe AKI but also of adverse outcomes and substantially improved the 12-month risk stratification of patients hospitalized in CICUs.
Tremor clustering reveals pre-eruptive signals and evolution of the 2021 Geldingadalir eruption of the Fagradalsfjall Fires, Iceland
Authors: Zali Zahra , Mousavi S. Mostafa , Ohrnberger Matthias , Eibl Eva P. S. , Cotton Fabrice 
Published: January 2024

AbstractAnalyzing seismic data in a timely manner is essential for potential eruption forecasting and early warning in volcanology. Here, we demonstrate that unsupervised machine learning methods can automatically uncover hidden details from the continuous seismic signals recorded during Iceland’s 2021 Geldingadalir eruption. By pinpointing the eruption’s primary phases, including periods of unrest, ongoing lava extrusion, and varying lava fountaining intensities, we can effectively chart its temporal progress. We detect a volcanic tremor sequence three days before the eruption, which may signify impending eruptive activities. Moreover, the discerned seismicity patterns and their temporal changes offer insights into the shift from vigorous outflows to lava fountaining. Based on the extracted patterns of seismicity and their temporal variations we propose an explanation for this transition. We hypothesize that the emergence of episodic tremors in the seismic data in early May could be related to an increase in the discharge rate in late April.
Global conservation priorities for wetlands and setting post-2025 targets
Authors: Yi Qu , Huixin Gong , Yaomin Zheng , Jinlian Shi , Xingyu Zeng , Huize Yang , Jiaxin Wang , Zhenguo Niu , Liping Li , Shudong Wang , Tianjie Zhao , Yue Cao , Zongming Wang , Dehua Mao , Mingming Jia , Ke Guo , Peng Gong , Guofa Cui , Xiankai Huang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWetland conservation is becoming increasingly important as wetland areas decline globally. However, no comprehensive global-scale mapping of wetland conservation priorities and targets has been published. This information is needed to extend the current protected area network and improve the conservation efficiency for wetlands. Here, we propose a cost-effective assessment model for wetland conservation by integrating wetland conservation value- and human impact-related indicators to identify global wetland conservation priorities. These priorities cover 28% of the potential global wetland distribution, and of that, only 44% is currently protected by existing protected areas. To protect more wetland conservation priorities, we propose three target-setting scenarios for protected area expansion that offer additional contributions of 9.40%, 42.40%, and 55.97%, respectively. These three global targets can be downscaled to the national level and used to update national wetland biodiversity conservation strategies and action plans under a harmonized legal and regulatory regime at different scales and jurisdictions.
Liquid-shaped microlens for scalable production of ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography microendoscope
Authors: Xu Chao , Guan Xin , Abbasi Syeda Aimen , Xia Neng , Ngai To , Zhang Li , Ho Ho-Pui , Ng Sze Hang Calvin , Yuan Wu 
Published: January 2024

AbstractEndoscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a valuable tool for providing diagnostic images of internal organs and guiding interventions in real time. Miniaturized OCT endoscopes are essential for imaging small and convoluted luminal organs while minimizing invasiveness. However, current methods for fabricating miniature fiber probes have limited ability to correct optical aberrations, leading to suboptimal imaging performance. Here we introduce a liquid shaping technique for the rapid and scalable fabrication of ultrathin and high-performance OCT microendoscopes suitable for minimally invasive clinical applications. This technique enables the flexible customization of freeform microlenses with sub-nanometer optical surface roughness by regulating the minimum energy state of curable optical liquid on a wettability-modified substrate and precisely controlling the liquid volume and physical boundary on a substrate. Using this technique, we simultaneously fabricated 800-nm OCT microendoscopes with a diameter of approximately 0.6 mm and evaluated their ultrahigh-resolution imaging performance in the esophagus of rats and the aorta and brain of mice.
Outperforming the market: a comparison of Star and NonStar analysts’ investment strategies and recommendations
Authors: Vukovic Darko B. , Kurbonov Orifjon O. U. , Maiti Moinak , Özer Mustafa , Radovanovic Milan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWe employ StarMine to investigate the impact of analyst recommendations on stock performance. We test whether star-ranked analysts generate abnormal returns and outperform non-stars in short and long portfolios. Utilizing buy-and-hold calendar-time portfolio methodology, we calculate portfolio alphas using various asset pricing models, including CPM, the Fama and French 3-factor model, and the Carhart 4-factor model. Results indicate that all analyst groups can generate abnormal returns exceeding the market average. Star-ranked analysts outperform non-stars in short portfolios by 0.5523% in monthly alpha, though no significant difference exists in long portfolio alphas. We also conduct regressor endogeneity tests and explore investor sentiment mechanisms by utilizing the GARCH model and frequency-domain causality analysis, with NASDAQ as a proxy for investor sentiment. These tests reveal that the momentum factor is exogenous, and investor sentiments have a statistically significant positive effect on stock return volatility, with changes occurring between 5 and 10 days. This research underscores the value of analyst insights for investors, validates StarMine’s ranking effectiveness, and suggests market participants can benefit from incorporating analyst recommendations into their investment decisions. Our study makes a significant contribution to the existing literature by introducing a novel approach to understanding investor sentiment mechanisms through a causality model.
Developmental effects on Daphnia magna induced by titanium dioxide and iron oxide mixtures
Authors: Chorfi Amira , Zebsa Rabah , Boudalia Sofiane , Amari Hichem , Bensouilah Soufyane , Bensakhri Zinette , Djekoun Mohamed , Bensoltane Samira 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Developmental effects of a binary mixture of nanoparticles (NPs) composed of Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and iron oxide (Fe2O3) were identified in Daphnia magna using a chronic toxicity test. Survival, growth, reproduction, and age at first brood were measured throughout 21 days of exposure. Results from this study demonstrated that mixture exposure to NPs (TiO2 and Fe2O3) significantly affects the development of D. magna to maturation and disturbs the reproductive performance in a dose-dependent manner and beginning from the lower dose. Mortality recorded in control group (1 ± 0.365) was significantly lower than in experimental groups (6.94 ± 0.193, 7.19 ± 0.188, 7.62 ± 0.125, 7.62 ± 0.155 individual, in C1, C2, C3, and C4, respectively). Moreover, swimming performances (F4, 35 = 112.9, df = 4, p < 0.0001) and heart rate (F4, 25 = 19.37, df = 4, p < 0.0001) were also affected. In conclusion, the interaction of binary mixtures can exacerbate toxicological effects that have significant implications for appropriately assessing the ecotoxicological effects of emerging pollutants. Further investigation and the results reported in the present study will be useful in environmental policies.
Large deviations for small noise diffusions over long time
Authors: Budhiraja Amarjit , Zoubouloglou Pavlos 
Published: January 2024

We study two problems. First, we consider the large deviation behavior of empirical measures of certain diffusion processes as, simultaneously, the time horizon becomes large and noise becomes vanishingly small. The law of large numbers (LLN) of the empirical measure in this asymptotic regime is given by the unique equilibrium of the noiseless dynamics. Due to degeneracy of the noise in the limit, the methods of Donsker and Varadhan [Comm. Pure Appl. Math. 29 (1976), pp. 389–461] are not directly applicable and new ideas are needed. Second, we study a system of slow-fast diffusions where both the slow and the fast components have vanishing noise on their natural time scales. This time the LLN is governed by a degenerate averaging principle in which local equilibria of the noiseless system obtained from the fast dynamics describe the asymptotic evolution of the slow component. We establish a large deviation principle that describes probabilities of divergence from this behavior. On the one hand our methods require stronger assumptions than the nondegenerate settings, while on the other hand the rate functions take simple and explicit forms that have striking differences from their nondegenerate counterparts.
A case report of a rapidly growing giant coronary pseudoaneurysm: challenges and lessons learned
Authors: Alturkmani Hani J , Vallurupalli Srikanth , Al-Hawwas Malek , Freeland Kristofer T , Uretsky Barry F 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Coronary pseudoaneurysm is a rare, potentially fatal, complication of coronary intervention. A challenging management case of a giant right coronary pseudoaneurysm is presented.

Case summary
A 56-year-old man presented with an atypical presentation for ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Initial angiogram showed a crescent-shaped ostial lesion with probable connection to the aorta, which disappeared after placing a drug-eluting stent. A few hours later, patient was found to have staph aureus bacteraemia and infective endocarditis for which he received a prolonged antibiotic course. Patient presented a few weeks later with second degree heart block. Echocardiography showed a large cystic lesion adjacent to the right coronary cusp suspicious for a coronary pseudoaneurysm, which was confirmed with angiography. Attempts to treat it with a covered stent were unsuccessful and patient ultimately underwent surgical resection.

Discussion
Coronary pseudoaneurysm develops when there is a contained breach of all three layers of the vessel. It may develop from direct iatrogenic trauma to the vessel wall but can be infectious in aetiology. The treatment approach remains uncertain due to limited evidence. Here, we present the diagnostic and technical challenges of managing such an uncommon entity and discuss an algorithm for management.
Tolerance variations and mechanisms of Salmonella enterica serovar Newport in response to long-term hypertonic stress
Authors: Zhang Yue , Liao Xinyu , Ding Tian , Feng Jinsong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To assess the variations in hypertonic tolerance among Salmonella enterica serovar Newport (S. Newport) strains isolated from diverse sources and investigate the mechanism underlying the tolerance differences between the sensitive and tolerant strain.

Materials and Methods
In this work, various S. Newport strains were cultured in 5% and 10% NaCl solutions (hypertonic stress), and the most sensitive and tolerant strains were selected using a Weibull model. The regulatory mechanisms underlying the hypertonic tolerance differences of S. Newport were preliminarily investigated in the aspects of cell phenotype, intracellular solute concentration, and gene expression level.

Results
With prolonged hypertonic stress time, the leakage of nucleic acids and proteins of S. Newport increased gradually, and the membrane potential of S. Newport declined after increasing. Compared with the sensitive strain, the tolerant counterpart exhibited the ability to maintain the integrity of the cell membrane and sustain a high membrane potential level. The expression levels of the upstream genes proV and otsB in the tolerant strain were significantly lower than those in the sensitive strain; but the Kdp and Trk systems and downstream genes proX, proW, and otsA were highly expressed in the tolerant strain compared with the sensitive strain, leading to higher concentrations of intracellular K+ and trehalose, enabling better survival in a hypertonic environment.

Conclusions
The findings of this work offer valuable insights into pathogen survival mechanisms under hypertonic stress and contribute to the development of strategies for mitigating microbiological risks during long-term processing and storage in the cured food industry.
Development of a competitive array for discriminative determination of amphenicols in egg based on ribosomal protein L16
Authors: Cai Yi , Ma Ning , Wu Ningpeng , Wang Jianping 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objective
Amphenicols (chloramphenicol, thiamphenicol and florfenicol) can cause aplastic anaemia and other severe side effects to consumers; therefore, it is necessary to inspect their residues in foods of animal origin. However, there has been no report on the use of amphenicols receptor for the determination of their residues, and none of the previously reported immunoassays for amphenicols can differentiate the specific species.

Materials and Methods
In this study, the ribosomal protein L16 of Escherichia coli was first expressed, and its intermolecular interaction mechanisms with the three amphenicols was studied using the molecular docking technique. The protein was then combined with three enzyme-labelled conjugates to develop a direct competitive array on microplate for determination of the three drugs in egg.

Results
Due to the use of principal component analysis to analyse the data, this method could discriminate the three drugs in the range 0.1–10 ng/mL, and the limits of detection for the three drugs were in the range of 0.0002–0.0009 ng/mL. The analysis results for the unknown egg samples were consistent with a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method, and the method performances were superior to the previous immunoassays for amphenicols.

Conclusion
This is the first paper reporting the use of ribosomal protein L16 to develop a competitive array for discriminative determination of amphenicols in food samples.
Assessment of bovine cortical bone fracture behavior using impact microindentation as a surrogate of fracture toughness
Authors: Jahani Babak , Vaidya Rachana , Jin James M , Aboytes Donald A , Broz Kaitlyn S , Krothapalli Siva , Pujari Bhanuteja , Baig Walee M , Tang Simon Y 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The fracture behavior of bone is critically important for evaluating its mechanical competence and ability to resist fractures. Fracture toughness is an intrinsic material property that quantifies a material’s ability to withstand crack propagation under controlled conditions. However, properly conducting fracture toughness testing requires the access to calibrated mechanical load frames and the destructive testing of bone samples, and therefore fracture toughness tests are clinically impractical. Impact microindentation mimicks certain aspects of fracture toughness measurements, but its relationship with fracture toughness remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to compare measurements of notched fracture toughness and impact microindentation in fresh and boiled bovine bone. Skeletally mature bovine bone specimens (n = 48) were prepared, and half of them were boiled to denature the organic matrix, while the other half remained preserved in frozen conditions. All samples underwent a notched fracture toughness test to determine their resistance to crack initiation (KIC) and an impact microindentation test using the OsteoProbe to obtain the Bone Material Strength index (BMSi). Boiling the bone samples increased the denatured collagen content, while mineral density and porosity remained unaffected. The boiled bones also showed significant reduction in both KIC (P &lt; .0001) and the average BMSi (P &lt; .0001), leading to impaired resistance of bone to crack propagation. Remarkably, the average BMSi exhibited a high correlation with KIC (r = 0.86; P &lt; .001). A ranked order difference analysis confirmed the excellent agreement between the 2 measures. This study provides the first evidence that impact microindentation could serve as a surrogate measure for bone fracture behavior. The potential of impact microindentation to assess bone fracture resistance with minimal sample disruption could offer valuable insights into bone health without the need for cumbersome testing equipment and sample destruction.
Adipose c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase promotes angiotensin II-induced and deoxycorticosterone acetate salt-induced hypertension and vascular dysfunction by inhibition of adiponectin production and activation of SGK1 in mice
Authors: Gan Jing , Shi Yaru , Zhao Ruyi , Li Dan , Jin Hua , Wu Maolan , Liu Zhen , Li Xiaokun , Xu Aimin , Li Yulin , Lin Zhuofeng , Wu Fan 
Published: January 2024

Background:
Adipose c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) is a central mediator involved in the development of obesity and its complications. However, the roles of adipose JNK1/2 in hypertension remain elusive. Here we explored the role of adipose JNK1/2 in hypertension.

Methods and results:
The roles of adipose JNK1/2 in hypertension were investigated by evaluating the impact of adipose JNK1/2 inactivation in both angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced and deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salt-induced hypertensive mice. Specific inactivation of JNK1/2 in adipocytes significantly alleviates Ang II-induced and DOCA salt-induced hypertension and target organ damage in mice. Interestingly, such beneficial effects are also observed in hypertensive mice after oral administration of JNK1/2 inhibitor SP600125. Mechanistically, adipose JNK1/2 acts on adipocytes to reduce the production of adiponectin (APN), then leads to promote serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) phosphorylation and increases epithelial Na+ channel α-subunit (ENaCα) expression in both renal cells and adipocytes, respectively, finally exacerbates Na+ retention. In addition, chronic treatment of recombinant mouse APN significantly augments the beneficial effects of adipose JNK1/2 inactivation in DOCA salt-induced hypertension. By contrast, the blood pressure-lowering effects of adipose JNK1/2 inactivation are abrogated by adenovirus-mediated SGK1 overexpression in Ang II -treated adipose JNK1/2 inactivation mice.

Conclusion:
Adipose JNK1/2 promotes hypertension and targets organ impairment via fine-tuning the multiorgan crosstalk among adipose tissue, kidney, and blood vessels.