bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stereotactic anatomy of the third ventricle
Authors: da Silva Alexandra Campos , Silva Susana Maria , Alves Hélio , Cunha-Cabral Diogo , Pinto Filipe F. , Fernandes‑Silva João , Arantes Mavilde , Andrade José Paulo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a surgical procedure that can lead to complications and requires detailed preoperative planning. This study aimed to provide a more accurate understanding of the anatomy of the third ventricle and the location of important structures to improve the safety and success of ETV.

Methods
We measured the stereotactic coordinates of six points of interest relative to a predefined stereotactic reference point in 23 cadaver brain hemi-sections, 200 normal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and 24 hydrocephalic brain MRI scans. The measurements were statistically analyzed, and comparisons were made.

Results
We found some statistically significant differences between genders in MRIs from healthy subjects. We also found statistically significant differences between MRIs from healthy subjects and both cadaver brains and MRIs with hydrocephalus, though their magnitude is very small and not clinically relevant. Some stereotactic points were more posteriorly and inferiorly located in cadaver brains, particularly the infundibular recess and the basilar artery. It was found that all stereotactic points studied were more posteriorly located in brains with hydrocephalus.

Conclusion
The study describes periventricular structures in cadaver brains and MRI scans from healthy and hydrocephalic subjects, which can guide neurosurgeons in planning surgical approaches to the third ventricle. Overall, the study contributes to understanding ETV and provides insights for improving its safety and efficacy. The findings also support that practicing on cadaveric brains can still provide valuable information and is valid for study and training of neurosurgeons unfamiliar with the ETV technique.
A retrospective study on the mechanism underlying quick transfer from response to resistance in a repeated recurrent chordoma patient with molecular alterations treated with Palbociclib
Authors: Zhong Nanzhe , Yu Dong , Yang Minglei , Lu Xingyi , Zhang Qiangzu , Wei Wei , Jiao Jian , Yang Xinghai , Zhu Zhi , Chen Su , Xiao Jianru 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
There is no approved targeted therapy for chordoma at present. Although several preclinical studies have implied the potential applicability of CDK4/6 inhibitor for this rare tumor, no clinical evidence has been documented so far. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the therapeutic efficacy of CDK4/6 inhibitor for chordoma.

Methods
The next generation sequencing (as for whole-exome sequencing, WES assay) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of the chordoma tissue from a patient with an advanced lesion were performed before treatment. Then, the patient was treated with Palbociclib for 4 months until progression occurred in the 5th month. Surgical resection was implemented and the tumor tissue was obtained postoperatively for assessment of molecular alterations.

Results
Molecular features of the tumor before medical treatment suggested applicability of CDK4/6 inhibitor and the patient showed partial response (PR) according to Choi Criteria after 4 months treating with Palbociclib until progression occurred. Then, a drastic molecular alteration of the tumor as represented by emergence of dramatic E2F amplification, which is known to induce CDK4/6 independent cell-cycle entry and progression after treatment, was detected. The findings in this patient demonstrated tumor evolution under drug pressure.

Conclusion
The findings of the present study suggest the feasibility of Palbociclib for the clinical treatment of chordoma, and imply the necessity of combination therapies rather single drug administration due to the quick resistance of the tumor to Palbociclib treatment.
Eigenverantwortliche Heilkundeausübung durch Notfallsanitäter in Bayern: ein landesweiter Konsens zur Anwendung des § 2a NotSanG
Authors: Gottschalk Johannes , Dittmar Michael , Meier Florian , Schnelzer Hannelore , Lange Sebastian , Nerlinger Thomas , Bayeff-Filloff Michael ,   Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Durchführenden des Rettungsdienstes in Bayern,   Ärztliche Leiter und Ärztliche Bezirksbeauftragte Rettungsdienst Bayern
Published: February 2024

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Die eigenverantwortliche Heilkundeausübung in Notfällen ist ein wesentlicher Bestandteil des Berufsbilds der Notfallsanitäter (NotSan). Bis dato liegt kein konsentierter spezifischer Tätigkeitskatalog für eigenverantwortliche Handlungen nach § 2a Notfallsanitätergesetz (NotSanG) vor, an dem sich die Aus- und Fortbildung sowie der einzelne NotSan orientieren kann.

Methoden
In einem informellen Gruppenprozess wurde eine modulare Kompetenzmatrix entlang der gesetzlichen Anforderungen an die eigenverantwortliche Heilkundeausübung durch NotSan erstellt und mögliche heilkundliche Maßnahmen und Medikamente den Kategorien der Matrix zugeordnet. Dies wurde im Anschluss von den Durchführenden des Rettungsdiensts und den Ärztlichen Leitern Rettungsdienst Bayern konsentiert.

Ergebnisse
Die Kompetenzmatrix zur eigenverantwortlichen Heilkundeausübung unterscheidet drei Kategorien: die Standardkompetenz wird nach der Berufsausbildung von jedem NotSan erwartet und umfasst 23 Medikamente und 18 Maßnahmen. Durch Berufserfahrung und definierte zusätzliche Bildungsmaßnahmen kann ein erweitertes Kompetenzniveau erreicht werden (bis zu 10 Medikamente und 2 Maßnahmen). Nicht unter den Anwendungsbereich von § 2a NotSanG fallen 20 vorgehaltene Pharmaka und alle sonstigen invasiven Maßnahmen.

Schlussfolgerung
Das vorliegende konsentierte Konzept definiert für Bayern die spezifischen Inhalte der NotSan-Ausbildung nach § 4 Abs. 2 Nr. 1c NotSanG sowie den Umfang der Garantenstellung der NotSan und bietet den NotSan eine berufliche Entwicklungsmöglichkeit. Für die Zukunft ist eine Konkretisierung der Anforderungen für das erweiterte Kompetenzniveau vorgesehen.
Partizipative Entscheidungsfindung in der Notfallmedizin
Authors: Wehking Felix , Nürnberger Matthias , Geiger Friedemann 
Published: February 2024

ZusammenfassungIn der partizipativen Entscheidungsfindung arbeiten ÄrztInnen und PatientInnen zusammen, wenn mehr als eine diagnostische oder therapeutische Herangehensweise an eine medizinische Fragestellung vertretbar ist. Dieses Konzept ist in zahlreichen Fachgebieten erprobt, aber noch weit entfernt davon, der Versorgungsstandard zu sein. Im fokussierten Blick auf die Notfallmedizin sind die USA Vorreiter, während in anderen Ländern – insbesondere Deutschland – die Thematik noch kaum diskutiert wird. Die aktuelle Debatte über eine Reform der Notfallmedizin sehend, beschreibt dieser Artikel den Stand partizipativer Entscheidungsfindung in der Notfallmedizin und zeigt die potenziellen ethischen, rechtlichen und gesundheitsökonomischen Vorteile auf.
The contribution of children’s effortful control to math performance is partially mediated by math anxiety
Authors: Sánchez-Pérez Noelia , Fuentes Luis J. , González-Salinas Carmen 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to ascertain the contribution of children’s effortful control (EC) to math achievement by testing the mediational involvement of math anxiety. Participants were 704 children (367 girls) aged between 7 and 12 years (M = 9.43, SD = 1.23). Children’s EC was measured by parent’s report, math anxiety was assessed through self-report, whereas math achievement was evaluated by performance on standard math tests. The models tested involved EC higher-order factor or specific EC components (activation control, attentional focusing, and inhibitory control). The results showed that activation control, attentional focusing, and EC higher-order factor contributed to math performance directly and through the mediation of math anxiety. Inhibitory control did not yield a significant effect on math performance. The findings suggest that children with higher dispositional effortful self-regulation tend to experience lower levels of math anxiety, with positive effects on math performance.
Landmark-based distributed topological mapping and navigation in GPS-denied urban environments using teams of low-cost robots
Authors: Teymouri Mohammad Saleh , Bhattacharya Subhrajit 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we address the problem of autonomous multi-robot mapping, exploration and navigation in unknown, GPS-denied indoor or urban environments using a team of robots equipped with directional sensors with limited sensing capabilities and limited computational resources. The robots have no a priori knowledge of the environment and need to rapidly explore and construct a map in a distributed manner using existing landmarks, the presence of which can be detected using onboard senors, although little to no metric information (distance or bearing to the landmarks) is available. In order to correctly and effectively achieve this, the presence of a necessary density/distribution of landmarks is ensured by design of the urban/indoor environment. We thus address this problem in two phases: (1) During the design/construction of the urban/indoor environment we can ensure that sufficient landmarks are placed within the environment. To that end we develop a filtration-based approach for designing strategic placement of landmarks in an environment. (2) We develop a distributed algorithm which a team of robots, with no a priori knowledge of the environment, can use to explore such an environment, construct a topological map requiring no metric/distance information, and use that map to navigate within the environment. This is achieved using a topological representation of the environment (called a Landmark Complex), instead of constructing a complete metric/pixel map. The representation is built by the robot as well as used by them for navigation through a balanced strategy involving exploration and exploitation. We use tools from homology theory for identifying “holes” in the coverage/exploration of the unknown environment and hence guide the robots towards achieving a complete exploration and mapping of the environment. Our simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed metric-free topological (simplicial complex) representation in achieving exploration, localization and navigation within the environment.
Artifishial: naturalness and the CRISPR-salmon
Authors: Winther Hannah 
Published: February 2024

AbstractOne of the reasons why GMOs have met public resistance in the past is that they are perceived as “unnatural”. The basis for this claim has, in part, to do with crossing species boundaries, which is considered morally objectionable. The emergence of CRISPR is sometimes argued to be an ethical game-changer in this regard since it does not require the insertion of foreign genes. Based on an empirical bioethics study including individual interviews and focus groups with laypeople and other stakeholders, this article analyses the normative role of appeals to naturalness in discussions about the moral acceptability of using CRISPR in salmon farming. It discusses two dimensions of naturalness found in the material– living by species-specific nature and being unaffected by humans– and argues that these dimensions put down criteria for the application of CRISPR that lead to a conflict between our moral duties towards the farmed salmon and those we hold towards the wild salmon as a threatened species. It also points to a paradox which is likely to gain traction with further climate change and biodiversity loss, namely that while nature, understood as that which is unaffected by humans, is presented as an ideal, conserving nature in its pristine state may rely on technology and human intervention.
Signal dynamic range expansion and power supply voltage reduction for an exponentiation conversion IC
Authors: Nishiyama Naoya , Matsui Fumiya , Sano Yuji 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn order to compensate for the non-linearity of an electronic device, an exponentiation conversion circuit that can change the power exponent to any value has been proposed. The exponentiation conversion circuit multiplies the logarithmically converted input signal by a power exponent value to perform exponential conversion. As a result, we can obtain the power function characteristic of a power exponent value. This circuit is a small-scale circuit that utilizes the exponential characteristics of the MOSFET subthreshold region. In a conventional circuit, expansion of the signal dynamic range and reduction of the power supply voltage have been an issue. In this paper, it was confirmed by simulation that the signal dynamic range has expanded by optimizing the current density of MOSFETs. In addition, the linearity of the multiplying circuit was improved by feedback produced by the operational amplifier circuits. We proposed reducing its power supply voltage from 6.0 to 3.3 V by a new multiplying circuit that can eliminate the restriction of maximum voltage gain. Our circuit expands its signal dynamic range from 17.5 to 42.7 dB in condition of the power exponent value from 0.50 to 2.0.
An MRI Study of Morphology, Asymmetry, and Sex Differences of Inferior Precentral Sulcus
Authors: Zhao Xinran , Wang Yu , Wu Xiaokang , Liu Shuwei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNumerous studies utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have observed sex and interhemispheric disparities in sulcal morphology, which could potentially underpin certain functional disparities in the human brain. Most of the existing research examines the precentral sulcus comprehensively, with a rare focus on its subsections. To explore the morphology, asymmetry, and sex disparities within the inferior precentral sulcus (IPCS), we acquired 3.0T magnetic resonance images from 92 right-handed Chinese adolescents. Brainvisa was used to reconstruct the IPCS structure and calculate its mean depth (MD). Based on the morphological patterns of IPCS, it was categorized into five distinct types. Additionally, we analyzed four different types of spatial relationships between IPCS and inferior frontal sulcus (IFS). There was a statistically significant sex disparity in the MD of IPCS, primarily observed in the right hemisphere. Females exhibited significantly greater asymmetry in the MD of IPCS compared to males. No statistically significant sex or hemispheric variations were identified in sulcal patterns. Our findings expand the comprehension of inconsistencies in sulcal structure, while also delivering an anatomical foundation for the study of related regions’ function.
Forecasting Bank Failure in the U.S.: A Cost-Sensitive Approach
Authors: Ekinci Aykut , Sen Safa 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPreventing bank failure has been a top priority among regulatory institutions and policymakers driven by a robust theoretical and empirical foundation highlighting the adverse correlation between bank failures and real output. Therefore, the importance of creating early signals is an essential task to undertake to prevent bank failures. We used J48, Logistic Regression, Multilayer Perceptron, Random Forest, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Cost-Sensitive Forest (CSForest) to predict bank failures in the U.S. for 1482 (59 failed) national banks between 2008 to 2010 during the global financial crisis and its aftermath. This research paper stands as a prominent contribution within the existing literature, employing contemporary machine learning algorithms, namely XGBoost and CSForest. Distinguished by its emphasis on mitigating Type-II errors, CSForest, a novel algorithm introduced in this study, exhibits superior performance in minimizing such errors, while XGBoost performed as one of the weakest among the peers. The empirical findings reveal that Logistic Regression maintains its relevance and efficacy, thus underscoring its continued importance as a benchmark model.
The sharka disease on stone fruits in Italy: a review, with a focus on Tuscany
Authors: Pedrelli Athos , Panattoni Alessandra , Cotrozzi Lorenzo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSharka, caused by plum pox virus (PPV), is by far the most harmful disease of stone fruits (genus Prunus). Although Italy is a major producer of stone fruits, and sharka has spread in most Italian regions since its first identification in the 1970s, information on the diffusion of the disease in Italy results still scattered and incomplete. To address this knowledge gap, the present review aimed to firstly provide a historical overview of sharka in Italy, summarizing outcomes on the disease achieved since the first identification of its causal agent PPV. Data retrieved from a variety of sources (i.e., published literature, official reports and personal communications) showed that (i) sharka spread across almost the whole Italian peninsula as only Liguria, Umbria and Aosta Valley regions officially result disease-free; (ii) the regions with higher rates of infected districts are not always those more dedicated to the production of stone fruits; (iii) only the three major PPV strains causing sharka, i.e., PPV-Dideron (D), PPV-Marcus (M), and PPV-Recombinant (Rec), have been reported in Italy; and (iv) only apricot, peach and plum (i.e., widespread and economically relevant species) are hosts of PPV, with different scenarios among regions. A focus on Tuscany (Central Italy) showed that, (i) sharka has been reported since the 1990s, but extensive PPV monitoring campaigns were run from 2013 to 2021, especially in nurseries; (ii) higher number of symptomatic and PPV positive samples were recorded in farms, mostly in the Arezzo and Florence districts; and (iii) only PPV-M and PPV-Rec strains seem still present. We believe that the present overview will benefit and encourage both researchers for future investigations on sharka and farmers that have to manage the disease.
Monitoring root rot in flat-leaf parsley via machine vision by unsupervised multivariate analysis of morphometric and spectral parameters
Authors: Agarwal Avinash , de Jesus Colwell Filipe , Bello Rodriguez Julian , Sommer Sarah , Correa Galvis Viviana Andrea , Hill Tom , Boonham Neil , Prashar Ankush 
Published: February 2024

AbstractUse of vertical farms is increasing rapidly as it enables year-round crop production, made possible by fully controlled growing environments situated within supply chains. However, intensive planting and high relative humidity make such systems ideal for the proliferation of fungal pathogens. Thus, despite the use of bio-fungicides and enhanced biosecurity measures, contamination of crops does happen, leading to extensive crop loss, necessitating the use of high-throughput monitoring for early detection of infected plants. In the present study, progression of foliar symptoms caused by Pythium irregulare-induced root rot was monitored for flat-leaf parsley grown in an experimental hydroponic vertical farming setup. Structural and spectral changes in plant canopy were recorded non-invasively at regular intervals using a 3D multispectral scanner. Five morphometric and nine spectral features were selected, and different combinations of these features were subjected to multivariate data analysis via principal component analysis to identify temporal trends for early segregation of healthy and infected samples. Combining morphometric and spectral features enabled a clear distinction between healthy and diseased plants at 4–7 days post inoculation (DPI), whereas use of only morphometric or spectral features allowed this at 7–9 DPI. Minimal datasets combining the six most effective features also resulted in effective grouping of healthy and diseased plants at 4–7 DPI. This suggests that selectively combining morphometric and spectral features can enable accurate early identification of infected plants, thus creating the scope for improving high-throughput crop monitoring in vertical farms.
Positive and negative health events and trust
Authors: Umer Hamza , Li Yanjun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTrust plays a vital role in shaping numerous socio-economic behaviors. However, little is known about how significant life events, such as adverse and beneficial health events, shape up trust. Therefore, we examine the impact of positive and negative health events on general trust using the LISS panel (3911 respondents) from the Netherlands. The primary health event variable is constructed by comparing self-reported health in 2017 with 2018, while trust measured in 2019 (after the health survey) is used as the outcome variable. We find a significant and negative impact of adverse health events on trust, while positive health events have an insignificant effect. We perform several robustness checks that support our main findings. Further investigation shows that negative health events impact trust by reducing psychological wellbeing and social interactions. The results provide fresh insights into the health events and trust nexus.
Evaluation of downy mildew resistance in spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
Authors: Olaoye Dotun , Bhattarai Gehendra , Feng Chunda , Correll Jim , Shi Ainong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSpinach (Spinacia oleracea) is an economically important leafy vegetable grown in the United States and world-wide. The downy mildew pathogen, Peronospora effusa (Pfs), is a major biotic constraint impacting spinach production and quality. The use of resistant cultivars is an economical and environmentally-friendly management option especially in organic production systems. As new races of the pathogen continue to appear, there is a need to continue to select for resistance to the emerging races. The objectives of this study were to evaluate a set of spinach hybrids and F2 breeding populations for resistance to Pfs race 5 to develop a better understanding of the genetics of downy mildew resistance. Also, we screened 39 commercial spinach cultivars for resistance to a recently identified race, Pfs race 19. The genetics of resistance to Pfs 5 was determined by greenhouse inoculations of F1 progeny (individual crosses between near isogenic lines, NIL3 or NIL1 and susceptible genotype, Viroflay) and F2 population progeny (cross between Califlay and susceptible Viroflay). Two hybrids were examined for resistance to Pfs 5. The results indicated that resistance conferred at the RPF1 or the RPF3 loci in a heterozygous (Rr) condition to Pfs 5 was completely dominant. Also, Chi-square analysis of the segregation pattern in the F2 population showed that resistance to Pfs race 5 was conferred by a single dominant gene. A total of 22 out of 39 spinach commercial cultivars were resistant to the newly reported Pfs race 19 and could be used in breeding programs to develop new cultivars with resistance to Pfs 19.
The Dirac equation across the horizons of the 5D Myers–Perry geometry: separation of variables, radial asymptotic behaviour and Hamiltonian formalism
Authors: Wang Qiu Shi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWe analytically extend the 5D Myers–Perry metric through the event and Cauchy horizons by defining Eddington–Finkelstein-type coordinates. Then, we use the orthonormal frame formalism to formulate and perform separation of variables on the massive Dirac equation, and analyse the asymptotic behaviour at the horizons and at infinity of the solutions to the radial ordinary differential equation (ODE) thus obtained. Using the essential self-adjointness result of Finster–Röken and Stone’s formula, we obtain an integral spectral representation of the Dirac propagator for spinors with low masses and suitably bounded frequency spectra in terms of resolvents of the Dirac Hamiltonian, which can in turn be expressed in terms of Green’s functions of the radial ODE.