bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automatic Segmentation and Quantification of Nigrosome‐1 Neuromelanin and Iron in MRI: A Candidate Biomarker for Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Ariz Mikel , Martínez Martín , Alvarez Ignacio , Fernández‐Seara Maria A. , Castellanos Gabriel ,   The Catalonian Neuroimaging Parkinson's Disease Consortium, Pastor Pau , Pastor Maria A. , Ortiz de Solórzano Carlos 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundThere is a lack of automated tools for the segmentation and quantification of neuromelanin (NM) and iron in the nigrosome‐1 (N1). Existing tools evaluate the N1 sign, i.e., the presence or absence of the “swallow‐tail” in iron‐sensitive MRI, or globally analyze the MRI signal in an area containing the N1, without providing a volumetric delineation.PurposePresent an automated method to segment the N1 and quantify differences in N1's NM and iron content between Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and healthy controls (HCs). Study whether N1 degeneration is clinically related to PD and could be used as a biomarker of the disease.Study TypeProspective.SubjectsSeventy‐one PD (65.3 ± 10.3 years old, 34 female/37 male); 30 HC (62.7 ± 7.8 years old, 17 female/13 male).Field Strength/Sequence3 T Anatomical T1‐weighted MPRAGE, NM‐MRI T1‐weighted gradient with magnetization transfer, susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI).AssessmentN1 was automatically segmented in SWI images using a multi‐image atlas, populated with healthy N1 structures manually annotated by a neurologist. Relative NM and iron content were quantified and their diagnostic performance assessed and compared with the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). The association between image parameters and clinically relevant variables was studied.Statistical TestsNonparametric tests were used (Mann–Whitney's U, chi‐square, and Friedman tests) at P = 0.05.ResultsN1's relative NM content decreased and relative iron content increased in PD patients compared with HCs (NM‐CRHC = 22.55 ± 1.49; NM‐CRPD = 19.79 ± 1.92; NM‐nVolHC = 2.69 × 10−5 ± 1.02 × 10−5; NM‐nVolPD = 1.18 × 10−5 ± 0.96 × 10−5; Iron‐CRHC = 10.51 ± 2.64; Iron‐CRPD = 19.35 ± 7.88; Iron‐nVolHC = 0.72 × 10−5 ± 0.81 × 10−5; Iron‐nVolPD = 2.82 × 10−5 ± 2.04 × 10−5). Binary logistic regression analyses combining N1 and SNc image parameters yielded a top AUC = 0.955. Significant correlation was found between most N1 parameters and both disease duration (ρNM‐CR = −0.31; ρiron‐CR = 0.43; ρiron‐nVol = 0.46) and the motor status (ρNM‐nVol = −0.27; ρiron‐CR = 0.33; ρiron‐nVol = 0.28), suggesting NM reduction along with iron accumulation in N1 as the disease progresses.Data ConclusionThis method provides a fully automatic N1 segmentation, and the analyses performed reveal that N1 relative NM and iron quantification improves diagnostic performance and suggest a relative NM reduction along with a relative iron accumulation in N1 as the disease progresses.Evidence Level1Technical EfficacyStage 1
Intratumoral and Peritumoral Radiomics Based on Preoperative MRI for Evaluation of Programmed Cell Death Ligand‐1 Expression in Breast Cancer
Authors: Wu Zengjie , Lin Qing , Wang Haibo , Chen Jingjing , Wang Guanqun , Fu Guangming , Li Lili , Bian Tiantian 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundProgrammed cell death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) is a promising target for immune checkpoint blockade therapy in breast cancer. However, the preoperative evaluation of PD‐L1 expression in breast cancer is rarely explored.PurposeTo determine the ability of radiomics signatures based on preoperative dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI to evaluate PD‐L1 expression in breast cancer.Study TypeRetrospective.Population196 primary breast cancer patients with preoperative MRI and postoperative pathological evaluation of PD‐L1 expression, divided into training (n = 137, 28 PD‐L1‐positive) and test cohorts (n = 59, 12 PD‐L1‐positive).Field Strength/Sequence3.0T; volume imaging for breast assessment DCE sequence.AssessmentRadiomics features were extracted from the first phase of DCE‐MRI by using the minimum redundancy maximum relevance method and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm. Three radiomics signatures were constructed based on the intratumoral, peritumoral, and combined intra‐ and peritumoral regions. The performance of the signatures was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.Statistical TestsUnivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis, t‐tests, chi‐square tests, Fisher exact test or Yates correction, ROC analysis, and one‐way analysis of variance. P < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsIn the test cohort, the combined radiomics signature (AUC, 0.853) exhibited superior performance compared to the intratumoral (AUC, 0.816; P = 0.528) and peritumoral radiomics signatures (AUC, 0.846; P = 0.905) in PD‐L1 status evaluation, although the differences did not reach statistical significance.Data ConclusionIntratumoral and peritumoral radiomics signatures based on preoperative breast MRI showed some potential accuracy for the non‐invasive evaluation of PD‐L1 status in breast cancer.Level of Evidence4Technical EfficacyStage 2
Thoracic Aortic Volume as a Predictor of Cardiovascular Events: The Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Sanampudi Sreeja , Teixidó‐Turà Gisela , Fujii Tomoki , Noda Chikara , Redhueil Alban , Wu Colin O. , Hundley W. Gregory , Gomes Antoinette S. , Bluemke David A. , Lima João A.C. , Ambale‐Venkatesh Bharath 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundIt is unclear whether thoracic aortic volume (TAV) is useful for cardiovascular (CV) disease prognosis and risk assessment.PurposeThis study evaluated cross‐sectional associations of TAV with CV risk factors, and longitudinal association with incident CV events in the multiethnic study of atherosclerosis.Study TypeRetrospective cohort analysis of prospective data.Population1182 participants (69 ± 9 years, 54% female, 37% Caucasian, 18% Chinese, 31% African American, 14% Hispanic, 60% hypertensive, and 20% diabetic) without prior CV disease.Field Strength and sequencesAxial black‐blood turbo spin echo or bright blood steady‐state free precession images on 1.5T scanners.AssessmentTAV was calculated using Simpson's method from axial images, and included the ascending arch and descending segments. Traditional CV risk factors were assessed at the time of MRI. CV outcomes over a 9‐year follow‐up period were recorded and represented a composite of stroke, stroke death, coronary heart disease (CHD), CHD death, atherosclerotic death, and CVD death.Statistical TestsMultivariable linear regression models adjusted for height and weight were used to determine the relationship (β coefficient) between TAV and CV risk factors. Cox regression models assessed the association of TAV and incident CV events. A P‐value of <0.05 was deemed statistically significant.ResultsMean TAV was = 139 ± 41 mL. In multivariable regression, TAV was directly associated with age (β = 1.6), male gender (β = 23.9), systolic blood pressure (β = 0.1), and hypertension medication use (β = 7.9); and inversely associated with lipid medication use (β = −5.3) and treated diabetes (β = −8.9). Compared to Caucasians, Chinese Americans had higher TAV (β = 11.4), while African Americans had lower TAV (β = −7.0). Higher TAV was independently associated with incident CV events (HR: 1.057 per 10 mL).ConclusionGreater TAV is associated with incident CV events, increased age, and hypertension in a large multiethnic population while treated diabetes and lipid medication use were associated with lower TAV.Level of Evidence2Technical EfficacyStage 2
Advancing scientific inquiry through data reuse: Necessary condition analysis with archival data
Authors: Dul Jan , van Raaij Erik , Caputo Andrea 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThis article discusses the importance of reusing existing data in research. In addition to reuse data for replication of earlier findings and for answering extended or new research questions, we propose a third application of data reuse: studying the phenomenon from an alternative causal perspective. We focus on the reuse of data with a necessity causal perspective (“if not X, then not Y”) as employed in necessary condition analysis (NCA). Such reuse of data offers additional insights compared with those obtained from the conventional probabilistic causal perspective (“if X, then probably Y”) as employed in regression analysis. NCA is gaining recognition in various fields, including strategic management. Reusing data for conducting NCA is an efficient way to get new causal insights. We provide recommendations on how to use NCA with existing data and emphasize the importance of transparency when reusing data.
Diagnostic Value of the HEAD‐US‐C Scale for the Knees of Severe Hemophilia A Patients
Authors: Fang Yunmei , Sun Rui , Chang Jingxuan , Zhang Cuiming 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the reliability of the Hemophilia Early Arthropathy Detection with Ultrasound in China (HEAD‐US‐C) scale for the knees of severe hemophilia A (SHA) patients and to determine its diagnostic accuracy for assessments of knee‐joint lesions in comparison with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsWe collected data from 32 knee joints of 21 patients diagnosed with SHA. The knees were evaluated based on the HEAD‐US‐C scale and the results were compared with the International Prevention Study Group (IPSG) scale. The HEAD‐US‐C scale was applied independently by two trained ultrasonographers blinded to the MRI results. The IPSG scale was applied independently by two radiologists blinded to the clinical data and ultrasound (US) results.ResultsThe IPSG and HEAD‐US‐C scales exhibited good to excellent inter‐rater reliability. Additionally, there was good to excellent agreement between the US and MRI results for the detection of knee lesions in SHA patients. The sensitivities of US for joint effusion, synovial hyperplasia, cartilage loss, and bone‐surface irregularities in the knees of patients were 92.59, 100, 95.45, and 87.50%, respectively. The HEAD‐US‐C scale was positively correlated with the IPSG scale.ConclusionsUS is important for evaluating knee lesions in patients with SHA and may potentially replace MRI.
Feasibility and Safety of 5G‐Based Telerobotic Abdominal Ultrasonography
Authors: Liang Wei‐Hsin , Chan Sean‐Chen , Lee Ho‐Hsin , Hung Shang‐Chih , Lin Ching‐Chung , Chen Chih‐Jen , Chen Ming‐Jen , Lai Jian‐Han 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveTelemedicine can offer services to remote patients regardless of the distance. Fifth‐generation (5G) mobile networks may make telemedicine practical because of their low latency. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a novel 5G robot‐assisted remote abdominal ultrasound (AUS) telemedicine technology in clinical applications in distant locations.MethodsWe performed 5G‐based telerobotic AUS in patients who were located more than 100 km away from the physicians.ResultsThe telerobotic AUS had a longer examination time than the conditional bedside AUS; however, the complete examination rate was not inferior. None of the volunteers experienced discomfort during the examination and the examination time was acceptable for all.ConclusionOur findings confirm the feasibility and safety of 5G‐based telerobotic AUS in clinical practice.
Reduced miR‐513a‐5p expression in COPD may regulate airway mucous cell hyperplasia through TFR1‐dependent signaling
Authors: Zhou Jia , Du Jun‐Yi , Xu Rui , Wu Xiao‐Juan , Zhang Guo‐Yue 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAirway mucous cell metaplasia and mucous hypersecretion is one of the key characteristic pathophysiological status of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). micro(mi)RNAs are acknowledged as non‐encoding RNA molecules playing important roles in gene expression regulation. In this study, we searched the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for the differentially expressed miRNAs between COPD and non‐COPD controls with bioinformatics analysis. Finally, we focused on miR‐513a‐5p and investigated the potential mechanism by which miR‐513a‐5p regulates airway mucous hypersecretion and goblet cell metaplasia. A dual‐luciferase reporter assay was then showing that miR‐513a‐5p targeted the 3′‐UTR of TFR1 and inhibited its expression in vitro. In vivo transfection demonstrated that TFR1 downregulation partially blocked MUC5AC hypersecretion and goblet cell hyperplasia in COPD model rats. In vitro study, CSE increased the intracellular expression and secretion of MUC5AC by BEAS‐2B branchial epithelial cells in the BEAS‐2B cell and THP‐1 cell coculture system. Coculture with either miR‐513a‐5p mimic‐pretreated or TFR1‐deficient THP‐1 cells attenuated intracellular MUC5AC expression in BEAS‐2B cells exposed to CSE. ELISA demonstrated that transfection of TFR1 siRNA or pretreatment with miR‐513a‐5p mimic reduced the secretion of inflammatory factors that are responsible for airway goblet cell hyperplasia, such as IL‐1β, IL‐13, and IL‐17, by THP‐1 cells after CSE stimulation. Our findings supported that miR‐513a‐5p/TFR1 signaling axis might activate macrophages as well as promote airway inflammation and airway mucous cell hyperplasia in COPD.
A simple and low‐cost open dynamic chamber for the versatile determination of methane emissions from aquatic surfaces
Authors: Rodríguez‐García Víctor Germán , Palma‐Gallardo Leobardo Ottmar , Silva‐Olmedo Francisco , Thalasso Frederic 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMethane (CH4) emissions from aquatic ecosystems require accurate monitoring in the context of climate change. Among the several methods for CH4 flux measurement, open dynamic chambers (ODC) are a reliable option. This method consists of a floating chamber through which a carrier gas is constantly flowing, providing accurate flux measurement with high temporal resolution. However, this method requires expensive and heavy CH4 analyzers with high sensitivity, as well as a carrier gas system that comprises a gas cylinder and a gas flow controller, among other components. This system involves significant weight and cost challenges, limiting method implementation in certain settings and hindering its wider adoption. To address these limitations, we developed a simplified ODC configuration using atmospheric air as the carrier gas and a light and relatively less expensive detector. We applied this method to a 450‐ha urban lake with CH4 emissions ranging from moderate diffusive to high ebullitive fluxes. Concurrent measurements using a high‐sensitivity CH4 analyzer allowed us to compare the accuracy of the simplified ODC method and to assess its advantages and disadvantages. Results show that our method provides accurate CH4 flux measurements with a spatial resolution comparable to high‐sensitivity analyzers. This offers a more cost‐effective, straightforward, and lightweight alternative to high‐sensitivity detectors and carrier gas systems, simplifying ODC deployment in aquatic ecosystems.
Qualitative assessment of the impact of restricting number of drug treatments for rheumatoid arthritis: Experience of prescribers and patients
Authors: Walker David , Robinson Sandra 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroductionIn 2020, almost half of all Clinical Commissioning Groups in England were restricting the number of higher cost drugs (HCDs) that could be prescribed for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) before an Individual Funding Request was required. We were interested in qualitatively exploring the experiences of prescribers affected by these restrictions and the experiences of patients who required four or more of these drugs.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with five prescribers in restricted areas and six patients from our own service who had received four or more HCDs. The interviews were analysed thematically.ResultsPrescribers reported feeling distressed and frustrated by the unsatisfactory service they were constrained to provide. Some prescribers continued partially effective treatments in order not to run out of options. They did not find Individual Funding Requests or the Blueteq High Cost Drug (HCD) System helpful in the management of these patients. The Blueteq HCD System is an electronic platform that allows health managers to monitor the prescribing of high‐cost medicines and manage the complexities associated with their use. Patients expressed severe distress at the prospect of running out of options and anxiety around the process of gaining approval for their next treatment.ConclusionsRestricting drugs for RA by the number which can be prescribed results in persistence with partially effective treatments, which is unsatisfactory for prescribers and patients, further it does not save money. Patients need to travel in their journey with RA and be able to try the next drug even though they know that it may not work.
The u‐p approximation versus the exact dynamic equations for anisotropic fluid‐saturated solids. II. Harmonic waves
Authors: Osinov Vladimir A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe paper presents a comparative analysis of three systems of dynamic equations for fluid‐saturated solids: the exact equations and two simplified versions known as the u‐p approximations obtained by neglecting certain acceleration terms in the exact equations. The constitutive relations for the solid skeleton are written in the general anisotropic incrementally linear form without considering any specific constitutive model or a particular type of anisotropy. The dynamic equations are compared in relation to the existence of solutions in the form of plane harmonic waves. Emphasis is placed on finding conditions for the non‐existence or existence of growing waves whose amplitude increases in time or space as the wave propagates. The conditions are formulated in terms of the acoustic tensor of the skeleton and the compressibility of the pore fluid. In particular, it is shown that for a hyperelastic skeleton, the exact equations and one of the u‐p approximations do not have growing wave solutions, whereas the other u‐p approximation may have such solutions even if the skeleton is hyperelastic.
Association between copy number variations in parkin (PRKN) and schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder: A case–control study
Authors: Lo Tzuyao , Kushima Itaru , Kimura Hiroki , Aleksic Branko , Okada Takashi , Kato Hidekazu , Inada Toshiya , Nawa Yoshihiro , Torii Youta , Yamamoto Maeri , Kimura Ryo , Funabiki Yasuko , Kosaka Hirotaka , Numata Shusuke , Kasai Kiyoto , Sasaki Tsukasa , Yokoyama Shigeru , Munesue Toshio , Hashimoto Ryota , Yasuda Yuka , Fujimoto Michiko , Usami Masahide , Itokawa Masanari , Arai Makoto , Ohi Kazutaka , Someya Toshiyuki , Watanabe Yuichiro , Egawa Jun , Takahashi Tsutomu , Suzuki Michio , Yamasue Hidenori , Iwata Nakao , Ikeda Masashi , Ozaki Norio 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAimThe present study aimed to examine the association between copy number variations (CNVs) in parkin (PRKN) and schizophrenia (SCZ) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a large case–control sample.MethodArray comparative genomic hybridization was performed on 3111 cases with SCZ, 1236 cases with ASD, and 2713 controls. We systematically prioritized likely pathogenic CNVs (LP‐CNVs) in PRKN and examined their association with SCZ and ASD.ResultsIn total, 3014 SCZ cases (96.9%), 1205 ASD cases (97.5%), and 2671 controls (98.5%) passed quality control. We found that monoallelic carriers of LP‐CNVs in PRKN were common (70/6890, 1.02%) and were not at higher risk of SCZ (p = 0.29) or ASD (p = 0.72). We observed that the distribution pattern of LP‐CNVs in the Japanese population was consistent with those in other populations. We also identified a patient diagnosed with SCZ and early‐onset Parkinson's disease carrying biallelic pathogenic CNVs in PRKN. The absence of Parkinson's symptoms in 10 other monoallelic carriers of the same pathogenic CNV further reflects the lack of effect of monoallelic pathogenic variants in PRKN in the absence of a second hit.ConclusionThe present findings suggest that monoallelic CNVs in PRKN do not confer a significant risk for SCZ or ASD. However, further studies to investigate the association between biallelic CNVs in PRKN and SCZ and ASD are warranted.
A new parameter to describe crippling strength: Experimental and theoretical investigations for post‐buckling behaviors of the composite structures
Authors: Yıldırım Emine Gülşah , Ünal Rahmi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe post‐buckling strength, which is simply called as crippling, is investigated for laminated composite structures in this study. L profiles that had various stacking sequences of carbon fiber reinforced epoxies were tested. Three different layups configurations were used by changing flange‐to‐thickness ratios. The main objective of this research was to show that flange‐to‐thickness ratio was not the only effecting parameter for crippling. Therefore, a new parameter, EGY number, was developed by considering the positions of 0° and 45° plies. Depending on EGY number, a new semi‐empirical formulation was presented to calculate crippling strength of the laminated composite structures. One of the test results was employed to verification of EGY number. In addition, the test results were validated with finite element analyses. Static, Riks and Dynamic, Explicit computational results were compared to simulate the experiments.Highlights
Determination of crippling strength both experimentally and theoretically.
Comparison of numerical models: Static, Riks versus Dynamic, Explicit.
Developing a new parameter called as EGY number.
Developing of a new analytical semi‐empirical formula for crippling strength.
Arpeggio fest in Frauenhand
Authors: Mathelitsch Leopold , Verovnik Ivo 
Published: November 2023

ZusammenfassungDie Harfe ist ein uraltes Instrument, das bereits in altägyptischen Darstellungen abgebildet ist. Sie ist Kulturgut vieler Völker. Traditionelle Harfen sind allerdings in einer Tonart gestimmt. Für einen Tonartwechsel muss umgestimmt werden. Das galt auch für die chromatischen Doppel‐ und Tripelharfen der Barock‐ und Rokokozeit. Erst Sébastien Érards Patente von 1810 ermöglichten die Konstruktion moderner Konzertharfen, die über sieben Pedale in allen Tonarten spielbar sind. Die typische Form der Harfe ist durch die physikalischen Eigenschaften der Saiten vorgegeben. Im Wesentlichen basiert sie aus einem Zusammenspiel zwischen der linear geformten unteren Aufhängeleiste und einer abschnittsweise exponentiellen Form des oberen Halses.
Effect of anisotropic deformation on the differential scanning calorimetry response of polymer glasses
Authors: Song Hosup , Medvedev Grigori A. , Caruthers James M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractLarge anisotropic deformation affects the physical state of a polymer glass, where the changes in the state of material are revealed by performing a differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiment. Previously, the deformation was applied to polymers well below their glass transition temperatures, and it was found that uniaxial compressive loading–unloading resulted in a broad exothermic peak on the DSC trace. Here we report on the effect on the subsequent DSC response of a deformation experiment performed in uniaxial extension on a ductile 50:50 co‐polymer poly(BMA‐co‐MMA) (PBMA/MMA). The deformation of up to 80% strain was applied at Tg − 30°C and Tg − 40°C, that is, closer to Tg than in the previous work. Unlike in the well below Tg deformation case, the DSC trace contains an endothermic peak followed by an exothermic peak. The magnitude of the endothermic peak as well as the asymptotic glassy heat capacity increase with the amount of mechanical work performed during the deformation cycle.