bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On tree decompositions whose trees are minors
Authors: Blanco Pablo , Cook Linda , Hatzel Meike , Hilaire Claire , Illingworth Freddie , McCarty Rose 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn 2019, Dvořák asked whether every connected graph has a tree decomposition so that is a subgraph of and the width of is bounded by a function of the treewidth of . We prove that this is false, even when has treewidth 2 and is allowed to be a minor of .
Three‐Dimensional Multifrequency MR Elastography for Microvascular Invasion and Prognosis Assessment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Guixue , Shen Zhehan , Chong Huanhuan , Zhou Jiahao , Zhang Tianyi , Wang Yikun , Ma Di , Yang Yuchen , Chen Yongjun , Wang Huafeng , Sack Ingolf , Guo Jing , Li Ruokun , Yan Fuhua 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundPretreatment identification of microvascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is important when selecting treatment strategies.PurposeTo improve models for predicting MVI and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) by developing nomograms containing three‐dimensional (3D) MR elastography (MRE).Study TypeProspective.Population188 patients with HCC, divided into a training cohort (n = 150) and a validation cohort (n = 38). In the training cohort, 106/150 patients completed a 2‐year follow‐up.Field Strength/Sequence1.5T 3D multifrequency MRE with a single‐shot spin‐echo echo planar imaging sequence, and 3.0T multiparametric MRI (mp‐MRI), consisting of diffusion‐weighted echo planar imaging, T2‐weighted fast spin echo, in‐phase out‐of‐phase T1‐weighted fast spoiled gradient‐recalled dual‐echo and dynamic contrast‐enhanced gradient echo sequences.AssessmentMultivariable analysis was used to identify the independent predictors for MVI and RFS. Nomograms were constructed for visualization. Models for predicting MVI and RFS were built using mp‐MRI parameters and a combination of mp‐MRI and 3D MRE predictors.Statistical TestsStudent's t‐test, Mann–Whitney U test, chi‐squared or Fisher's exact tests, multivariable analysis, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), DeLong test, Kaplan–Meier analysis and log rank tests. P < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsTumor c and liver c were independent predictors of MVI and RFS, respectively. Adding tumor c significantly improved the diagnostic performance of mp‐MRI (AUC increased from 0.70 to 0.87) for MVI detection. Of the 106 patients in the training cohort who completed the 2‐year follow up, 34 experienced recurrence. RFS was shorter for patients with MVI‐positive histology than MVI‐negative histology (27.1 months vs. >40 months). The MVI predicted by the 3D MRE model yielded similar results (26.9 months vs. >40 months). The MVI and RFS nomograms of the histologic‐MVI and model‐predicted MVI‐positive showed good predictive performance.Data ConclusionBiomechanical properties of 3D MRE were biomarkers for MVI and RFS. MVI and RFS nomograms were established.Level of Evidence2Technical EfficacyStage 2
Understanding Spatial Correlation Between Multiparametric MRI Performance and Prostate Cancer
Authors: Zabihollahy Fatemeh , Naim Sohaib , Wibulpolprasert Pornphan , Reiter Robert E. , Raman Steven S. , Sung Kyunghyun 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundMultiparametric MRI (mpMRI) has shown a substantial impact on prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis. However, the understanding of the spatial correlation between mpMRI performance and PCa location is still limited.PurposeTo investigate the association between mpMRI performance and tumor spatial location within the prostate using a prostate sector map, described by Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) v2.1.Study TypeRetrospective.SubjectsOne thousand one hundred forty‐three men who underwent mpMRI before radical prostatectomy between 2010 and 2022.Field Strength/Sequence3.0 T. T2‐weighted turbo spin‐echo, a single‐shot spin‐echo EPI sequence for diffusion‐weighted imaging, and a gradient echo sequence for dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI sequences.AssessmentIntegrated relative cancer prevalence (rCP), detection rate (DR), and positive predictive value (PPV) maps corresponding to the prostate sector map for PCa lesions were created. The relationship between tumor location and its detection/missing by radiologists on mpMRI compared to WMHP as a reference standard was investigated.Statistical TestsA weighted chi‐square test was performed to examine the statistical differences for rCP, DR, and PPV of the aggregated sectors within the zone, anterior/posterior, left/right prostate, and different levels of the prostate with a statistically significant level of 0.05.ResultsA total of 1665 PCa lesions were identified in 1143 patients, and from those 1060 lesions were clinically significant (cs)PCa tumors (any Gleason score [GS] ≥7). Our sector‐based analysis utilizing weighted chi‐square tests suggested that the left posterior part of PZ had a high likelihood of missing csPCa lesions at a DR of 67.0%. Aggregated sector analysis indicated that the anterior or apex locations in PZ had the significantly lowest csPCa detection at 67.3% and 71.5%, respectively.Data ConclusionSpatial characteristics of the per‐lesion‐based mpMRI performance for diagnosis of PCa were studied. Our results demonstrated that there is a spatial correlation between mpMRI performance and locations of PCa on the prostate.Evidence Level4Technical EfficacyStage 2
Multiphase MRI‐Based Radiomics for Predicting Histological Grade of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Yan Yang , Si Zhang , Chun Cui , Chao‐qun Pen , Ke Mu , Dong Zhang , Li Wen 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly heterogeneous cancer. Accurate preoperative prediction of histological grade holds potential for improving clinical management and disease prognostication.PurposeTo evaluate the performance of a radiomics signature based on multiphase MRI in assessing histological grade in solitary HCC.Study TypeRetrospective.SubjectsA total of 405 patients with histopathologically confirmed solitary HCC and with liver gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd‐EOB‐DTPA)‐enhanced MRI within 1 month of surgery.Field Strength/SequenceContrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted spoiled gradient echo sequence (LAVA) at 1.5 or 3.0 T.AssessmentTumors were graded (low/high) according to results of histopathology. Basic clinical characteristics (including age, gender, serum alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) level, history of hepatitis B, and cirrhosis) were collected and tumor size measured. Radiomics features were extracted from Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI data. Three feature selection strategies were employed sequentially to identify the optimal features: SelectFromModel (SFM), SelectPercentile (SP), and recursive feature elimination with cross‐validation (RFECV). Probabilities of five single‐phase radiomics‐based models were averaged to generate a radiomics signature. A combined model was built by combining the radiomics signature and clinical predictors.Statistical TestsPearson χ2 test/Fisher exact test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), univariable/multivariable logistic regression analysis, area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), DeLong test, calibration curve, Brier score, decision curve, Kaplan–Meier curve, and log‐rank test. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsHigh‐grade HCCs were present in 33.8% of cases. AFP levels (odds ratio [OR] 1.89) and tumor size (>5 cm; OR 2.33) were significantly associated with HCC grade. The combined model had excellent performance in assessing HCC grade in the test dataset (AUC: 0.801), and demonstrated satisfactory calibration and clinical utility.Data ConclusionA model that combined a radiomics signature derived from preoperative multiphase Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI and clinical predictors showed good performance in assessing HCC grade.Level of Evidence3Technical EfficacyStage 5
Diagnostic value of colour Doppler ultrasound in differentiating malignant and benign nodules in thyroiditis background
Authors: Alamdaran Seyed Ali , Farshidianfar Melika , Masoumi Alireza , Rashed Masoud Mahdavi , Jaberi Masoumeh 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIntroductionDifferentiating malignant thyroid nodules from benign ones is challenging. Sonography is a non‐invasive modality that can be helpful in this regard and is far better than invasive methods like fine needle aspiration (FNA). This study aimed to assess the diagnostic value of colour Doppler ultrasonography in distinguishing malignant and benign nodules of thyroid gland.MethodsThe study involved patients with thyroiditis and thyroid nodules, who underwent sonography. Ultrasound findings were assessed. All the nodules were classified according to the FNA into malignant, follicular nodules and lymphatic. Then, sonography findings were compared between these three groups.ResultsThere were 216 nodules, including 108 (50%) malignant nodules, 80 (37%) benign and 28 (13%) lymphatic follicles, were evaluated. Micro‐calcification was present in 50 (46.3%) malignant cases, 11 (13.7%) benign cases and 2 (2.1%) lymphatic follicles. Decreased or mixed vascularity was reported in 43 (69%) malignant nodules, 4 (5%) benign cases and 7 (25%) lymphatic follicles. Also, 9.7% and 42% of malignant and benign nodules had peripheral circular vascularity, respectively; however, none of the lymphatic follicles had this finding. With 89% specificity, 49% sensitivity and 73.5% accuracy, calcification with or without decreased or mixed vascularity could differentiate benign and malignant nodules.ConclusionDecreased or mixed vascularity with or without calcification shows high sensitivity in differentiating malignant and benign nodules.
Gut microbiota and inflammatory mediators differentiate IgE mediated and non‐IgE mediated cases of cow's milk protein at diagnosis
Authors: Castro Ana M. , Gutiérrez‐Díaz Isabel , Saiz María L. , Navarro Sandra , Suárez Marta , Carbajal Ignacio , García Águeda , Sariego Lydia , Toyos Paula , Rodríguez Silvia , Jiménez Santiago , González David , Molinos Cristina , Pérez David , Fernández Porfirio , Suárez‐Alvarez Beatriz , Margolles Abelardo , Díaz Juan J. , Delgado Susana 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObjectiveAnalyze fecal and blood samples at point of diagnosis in IgE mediated cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) and non‐IgE mediated (NIM)‐CMPA patients to look for potential new biomarkers.Patients and MethodsFourteen patients with IgE mediated CMPA and 13 with NIM‐CMPA were recruited in three hospitals in the north of Spain, and were compared with 25 infants from a control group of the same age range. To characterize intestinal microbiota, 16S rDNA gene and internal transcribed spacer amplicons of bifidobacteria were sequenced with Illumina technology. Fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography, meanwhile intestinal inflammation markers were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and a multiplex system. Immunological analysis of blood was performed by flow cytometry.ResultsThe fecal results obtained in the NIM‐CMPA group stand out. Among them, a significant reduction in the abundance of Bifidobacteriaceae and Bifidobacterium sequences with respect to controls was observed. Bifidobacterial species were also different, highlighting the lower abundance of Bifidobacterium breve sequences. Fecal calprotectin levels were found to be significantly elevated in relation to IgE mediated patients. Also, a higher excretion of IL‐10 and a lower excretion of IL‐1ra and platelet derived growth factor‐BB was found in NIM‐CMPA patients.ConclusionsThe differential fecal parameters found in NIM‐CMPA patients could be useful in the diagnosis of NIM food allergy to CM proteins.
Selective Generation of Luminescent Defects in Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Authors: Venturi Giacomo , Chiodini Stefano , Melchioni Nicola , Janzen Eli , Edgar James H. , Ronning Carsten , Ambrosio Antonio 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSingle photon emitters from atomic defects in crystals like hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) are vital for quantum technologies. Although various techniques are devised to obtain defects emission in hBN, simultaneous control over defects position, type, and emission spectrum has not been achieved yet. Here, ion implantation with 12C, 20Ne, and 69Ga are used to create a composite defects population with emission ≈820 nm. The correlation of Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy helps to identify the defects’ type. After selecting Ga as the ion species yielding the maximum emitter brightness, a strategy based on thermal annealing is developed to modify the composition of the induced defects. This results in an emitter ensemble with selected spectral properties, even when starting from different implantation conditions. Specifically, thermal annealing induces a defect transmutation from one type to another, shifting the emission wavelength from 820 to 625 nm. Moreover, sample patterning is combined with focused ion beam implantation and subsequent annealing in an efficient method to deterministically set the defects position as well as the PL spectral composition. These results offer a practical avenue to achieve in situ positioning and tuning of ensembles of emitters in hBN, promising for quantum information and sensing applications.
Phyllanthus emblica‐Loaded Cryogels for Improved Wound Care: Characterization and In Vitro Studies
Authors: Canatar İpek , Özdaş Sibel , Baydemir Peşint Gözde 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWound dressings developed by combining plant extracts with polymers have made a great progress in wound care treatment. One plant with remarkable healing properties isPhyllanthus emblica Linn(P. emblica), which is described as having potent antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory properties. The aim of this study is to evaluate the biocompatibility ofP. emblica‐loaded polyvinyl alcohol/gelatin‐based cryogels (PVA/Gel/P.emblica) through cytotoxicity and proliferation tests in HaCaT cells and examine their potential in wound dressing applications. Accordingly, PVA/Gel/P.emblicacryogels are successfully synthesized and characterization studies and in vitro cell culture studies are performed. The swelling tests and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis results show that swelling and surface area properties of cryogels increase with increasingP. emblicaamounts. Morphological results display that the cryogels have a dense, interconnected pore morphology and a macroporous structure. 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide, trypan blue exclusion, and live–dead assay results reveal thatP. emblicaenhances cell proliferation, increases cell number, and improves cell viability. Based on the scanning electron microscope, immunofluorescence, and Giemsa staining images, it is observed thatP. emblicapromotes cell attachment, proliferation, and penetration. These findings confirm that PVA/Gel/P.emblicacryogels are suitable for use as wound dressing materials and can be developed with further studies.
Bilinear Θ$\Theta$‐type Calderón–Zygmund operators and their commutators on product generalized fractional mixed Morrey spaces
Authors: Lu Guanghui , Tao Shuangping , Wang Miaomiao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to investigate the boundedness of the bilinear ‐type Calderón–Zygmund operator and its commutator on the product of generalized fractional mixed Morrey spaces. Under assumption that the positive and increasing functions defined on satisfy doubling conditions, we prove that the bilinear ‐type Calderón–Zygmund operator is bounded from the product of generalized fractional mixed Morrey spaces into spaces , where , , , for , and for . Furthermore, the boundedness of the commutator formed by and on spaces is also obtained.
Dependence of surface dose on atomic number in megavoltage photon beams
Authors: Khan Ahtesham Ullah , Das Indra J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundSurface dose in megavoltage photon radiotherapy has a significant clinical impact on the skin‐sparing effect. In previously published works, it was established that the presence of medium atomic number (Z) absorbers, such as tin, decreases the surface dose. It was concluded that high‐Z absorbers, such as lead, increase the surface dose, relative to medium‐Z absorbers, due to the increased contributions from photoelectrons and electron‐positron pairs.PurposeThe purpose of this investigation is to revisit these conclusions in the context of photon beams from modern linacs.MethodsA metric estimating the relative intensity of charged particles emitted in the forward direction, , was proposed using cross‐sections for the photon interactions. The values were calculated for various absorbers using energy spectra of 6 and 10 MV photon beams from a Varian TrueBeam linac. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were performed using TOPAS MC code to calculate the surface dose for various absorbers. Surface dose measurements were performed with 6 and 10 MV photon beams with tin and lead absorbers.ResultsThe values were found to decrease as a function of Z for both 6 and 10 MV photon beams indicating that the surface dose from electrons emitted in the forward direction consistently decreases with increasing Z. With the increasing Z of the absorbers, both experimental and MC‐calculated surface dose decreased without exhibiting a minimum at medium‐Z absorbers. The surface dose for lead and tin was determined to be within 1% of each other for both 6 and 10 MV photon beams using MC simulations and experimental measurements. Therefore, no statistically significant difference in surface dose was found between the tin and lead absorbers disproving the presence of any minima in the surface dose versus the Z curve as has been reported in the literature.ConclusionsSurface dose for modern photon beams can be reduced using both medium and high Z absorbers since a consistent decrease in surface dose was found with increasing absorber Z.
Multi‐omics analyses uncover metabolic signatures and gene expression profiles of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome
Authors: Yi Xianyanling , Li Jin , Han Zeyu , Zhang Tianyi , Liao Dazhou , Lv Xiaoyan , Ai Jianzhong 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveWe explore molecular and metabolic pathways involved in interstitial cystitis (IC) with integrating multi‐omics analysis for identifying potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets.MethodsMouse models of IC/bladder pain syndrome (BPS) were established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide and bladder tissue samples were collected for metabolomics and transcriptome analysis.ResultsWe found a total of 82 and 145 differential metabolites in positive ion modes and negative ion modes, respectively. Glycerophospholipid metabolism, choline metabolism in cancer, and nucleotide metabolism pathways were significantly enriched in the IC/BPS group. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that 1069 upregulated genes and 1087 downregulated genes were detected. Importantly, the stronger enrichment for cell cycle pathway was observed in IC/BPS than that in normal bladder tissue, which may be involved in the process of bladder remodeling. Moreover, the inflammatory response and inflammatory factors related pathways were enriched in the IC/BPS group.ConclusionsOur findings provide critical directions for further exploration of the molecular pathology underlying IC/BPS.
Disentangling the complexity of human–nature interactions
Authors: Bennett Elena M. , Reyers Belinda 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Human–nature interactions have been identified as an important leverage point for achieving sustainability. Processes to recognize, protect, improve and reimagine human–nature interactions will be central to shift the world to more sustainable and equitable pathways and futures.

In the context of the interconnected and rapidly changing Anthropocene, work on human–nature interactions must move beyond dominant linear assumptions of a relatively simple and easily and predictably manipulated world to acknowledge and engage with the complex, dynamic, asymmetrical and unequal nature of the interactions connecting people and nature.

Based on three key features highlighted by the study of complex social–ecological systems (SES)—that these systems are relational, open and dynamic—we propose three new directions for the study and management of human–nature interactions that can help to acknowledge and disentangle the globally intertwined and dynamic nature of these interactions.

These features suggest new directions and foci for sustainability science: the inseparable and relational qualities of the interactions between people and nature; the cross‐scale nature of these relationships; and the continuously evolving and changing form of these relationships.

To bridge the gap between the theory of complex, inseparable and unequal human–nature interactions and the reductionist tendencies in research and practice, SES research raises opportunities to connect local action and global learning; to mobilize and develop new cross‐scale and relational capacities to encourage synergies and avoid trade‐offs; and to explore, experiment and learn our way forward onto more sustainable and equitable pathways.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Synthesis and properties of modified thermoplastic polyimide films with good dielectric properties at high frequency and enhanced thermal stability via incorporation of rigid ester and biphenyl structural units
Authors: Han Shujun , Qi Yuexin , Zhi Xinxin , Ren Xi , Wang Zhenzhong , He Zhibin , Yang Changxu , Yu Haifeng , Liu Jingang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA series of ester‐ and fluoro‐containing thermoplastic polyimide (PI) films, PEsI‐1 ~ PEsI‐4 have been prepared by the two‐step thermal imidization procedure via the soluble poly(amic acid) (PEsAA) precursors from the copolymerization of four monomers, including the dianhydrides of bisphenol A dibenzoate‐3,3′,4,4′‐tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride (TMBPA) and 3,3′, 4,4′‐biphenyl tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride (BPDA) and the diamine monomers of 4‐aminophenyl‐4′‐ aminobenzoate (APAB) and 2,2′‐bis(trifluoromethyl)‐4,4′‐diamino biphenyl (TFMB) in the polar aprotic solvent of N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone (NMP). The PI films obtained from the high‐temperature dehydration of the PEsAA solutions exhibited the good thermal stabilities with the glass transition temperatures (Tg) over 269°C, the 5% weight loss temperatures (T5%) higher than 480°C, and the linear coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) values in the range of 17.7 × 10−6/K–33.6 × 10−6/K in the temperature range of 50–250°C. Meanwhile, the PI films showed good thermoplasticity in the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) tests, in which the storage modulus of the PI films dropped sharply in the temperature range of glass transition of the polymers. At last, the PI films exhibited the good dielectric properties with the breakdown voltages (Vb) over 5200 V, the dielectric strength (Ds) higher than 210 V/μm, the dielectric constants (Dk) in the range of 3.26 ~ 3.32 at the frequency of 10 GHz, and the dielectric dissipation factors (Df) of 0.0038 ~ 0.0047. Compared with the commonly used PEsI‐ref film for high‐frequency flexible copper clad laminates (FCCL), the currently developed PI films exhibited the obviously increased Tg values, decreased CTE values, and comparable dielectric properties.