bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deterministic n-person shortest path and terminal games on symmetric digraphs have Nash equilibria in pure stationary strategies
Authors: Boros Endre , Franciosa Paolo Giulio , Gurvich Vladimir , Vyalyi Michael 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe prove that a deterministic n-person shortest path game has a Nash equlibrium in pure and stationary strategies if it is edge-symmetric (that is (u, v) is a move whenever (v, u) is, apart from moves entering terminal vertices) and the length of every move is positive for each player. Both conditions are essential, though it remains an open problem whether there exists a NE-free 2-person non-edge-symmetric game with positive lengths. We provide examples for NE-free 2-person edge-symmetric games that are not positive. We also consider the special case of terminal games (shortest path games in which only terminal moves have nonzero length, possibly negative) and prove that edge-symmetric n-person terminal games always have Nash equilibria in pure and stationary strategies. Furthermore, we prove that an edge-symmetric 2-person terminal game has a uniform (subgame perfect) Nash equilibrium, provided any infinite play is worse than any of the terminals for both players.
Measurement of chemiluminescence induced by cytochrome c plus hydrogen peroxide to characterize the peroxidase activity of various wines and the Botrytis cinerea related quality of Aszú wines of Tokaj in Hungary
Authors: Sipka Sándor , Nagy Andrea , Nagy János , Nokhoijav Erdenetsetseg , Csősz Éva , Baráth Sándor 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIt was suggested that the measurement of chemiluminescence induced by cytochrome c plus hydrogen peroxide might characterize the peroxidase activity of various wines added and, furthermore, the Botrytis cinerea related quality of Aszú wines of Tokaj in Hungary. The chemiluminescence produced by cytochrome c plus hydrogen peroxide reaction was detected by a luminometer. The chemiluminescence stimulating effects of various wines (n = 146) including Aszú wines from Tokaj and other Hungarian white and red wines were compared and analysed by using an “Index of Stimulation”. The content of gluconic acid in Aszú wines was determined colorimetrically. All types of wines tested could stimulate the intensity of chemiluminescence induced by the cytochrome c plus hydrogen peroxide expressed by an Index of Stimulation. This effect could mainly be regarded as a result of the peroxidase activity of wines. The highest values of the Index of Stimulation were found in the Aszú wines of Tokaj reflecting their 5–6 „baskets” types, which characterized their „Botrytis related qualities”. Three categories of Aszú wines could be created on the basis of the Index of Stimulation. The stimulating effect was also proven by pure Botrytis cinerea particles owning peroxidase activity on the cytochrome c plus hydrogen peroxide reaction. The Botrytis influences and gluconic acid concentrations correlated positively. The augmentation of chemiluminescence in the cytochrome c plus hydrogen peroxide reaction could characterize the peroxidase activity of various wines and, furthermore, the „Botrytis cinerea related quality” of various Botrytis wines. However, this quality did not reflect completely the values of flavour and odour in these wines.
Bidirectional pharmacokinetic drug interactions between olaparib and metformin
Authors: Stanisławiak-Rudowicz Joanna , Karbownik Agnieszka , Szkutnik-Fiedler Danuta , Otto Filip , Grabowski Tomasz , Wolc Anna , Grześkowiak Edmund , Szałek Edyta 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objective
Olaparib is a PARP (poly-ADP-ribose polymerase) inhibitor used for maintenance therapy in BRCA-mutated cancers. Metformin is a first-choice drug used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Both drugs are commonly co-administered to oncologic patients with add-on type 2 diabetes mellitus. Olaparib is metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme, which may be inhibited by metformin through the Pregnane X Receptor. In vitro studies have shown that olaparib inhibits the following metformin transporters: OCT1, MATE1, and MATE2K. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of ‘the perpetrator drug’ on the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of ‘the victim drug’ after a single dose. To evaluate the effect, the AUC0→∞ (area under the curve) ratio was determined (the ratio between AUC0→∞ in the presence of the perpetrator and AUC0→∞ without the presence of the perpetrator).

Methods
Male Wistar rats were assigned to three groups (eight animals in each group), which were orally administered: metformin and olaparib (IMET+OLA), vehiculum with metformin (IIMET), and vehiculum with olaparib (IIIOLA). Blood samples were collected after 24 h. HPLC was applied to measure the concentrations of olaparib and metformin. The PK parameters were calculated in a non-compartmental model.

Results
Metformin did not affect the olaparib PK parameters. The AUC0→∞ IMET+OLA/IIIOLA ratio was 0.99. Olaparib significantly increased the metformin Cmax (by 177.8%), AUC0→t (by 159.8%), and AUC0→∞ (by 74.1%). The AUC0→∞ IMET+OLA/IIMET ratio was 1.74.

Conclusions
A single dose of metformin did not affect the PK parameters of olaparib, nor did it inhibit the olaparib metabolism, but olaparib significantly changed the metformin pharmacokinetics, which may be of clinical importance.
Distinct long-term disease activity trajectories differentiate early on treatment with etanercept in both rheumatoid arthritis and spondylarthritis patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Flouri Irini , Goutakoli Panagiota , Repa Argyro , Bertsias Antonios , Avgoustidis Nestor , Eskitzis Anastasios , Pitsigavdaki Sofia , Kalogiannaki Eleni , Terizaki Maria , Bertsias George , Sidiropoulos Prodromos 
Published: October 2023

AbstractTo characterize disease activity trajectories and compare long-term drug retention between rheumatoid (RA) and spondylarthritis (SpA) patients initiating tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) treatment (etanercept). Prospective observational study of RA, axial (AxSpA) and peripheral SpA (PerSpA) patients initiating etanercept during 2004–2020. Kaplan–Meier plots were used for drug retention comparisons and multivariable Cox regression models for predictors of discontinuation. Long-term disease activity trajectories were identified by latent class growth models using DAS28-ESR or ASDAS-CRP as outcome for RA and AxSpA respectively. We assessed 711 patients (450 RA, 178 AxSpA and 83 PerSpA) with a median (IQR) follow-up of 12 (5–32) months. At 5 years, 22%, 30% and 21% of RA, AxSpA and PerSpA patients, respectively, remained on therapy. Etanercept discontinuation was independent of the diagnosis and was predicted by gender and obesity in both RA and SpA groups. Four disease activity (DA) trajectories were identified from 6th month of treatment in both RA and AxSpA. RA patients in remission-low DA groups (33.7%) were younger, had shorter disease duration, fewer comorbidities and lower baseline disease activity compared to moderate (40.6%) & high DA (25.7%) groups. In AxSpA 74% were in inactive-low DA and they were more often males, non-obese and had lower number of comorbidities compared to higher ASDAS-CRP trajectories. In RA and AxSpA patients, disease activity trajectories revealed heterogeneity of TNFi treatment responses and prognosis. Male gender, lower baseline disease activity and fewer comorbidities, characterize a favourable outcome in terms of disease burden accrual and TNFi survival.
Assisted reproduction after SARS-CoV-2-infection: results of a single-center cohort-study
Authors: Eckstein Violet , Glaß Katrin , Leßmann Marie-Elisabeth , Schaar Jessica , Klimova Anna , Wimberger Pauline , Goeckenjan Maren 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The effects of SARS-CoV-2 infections on the outcome of assisted reproduction techniques (ART) were studied in a retrospective cohort study.

Methods
The outcome of 1581 treatment cycles with embryo transfer at a university fertility center in Germany was compared in years before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. For 335 treatment cycles in 2022 a detailed analysis was carried out depending on infection and immunization status of both partners.

Results
ART cycles did not differ in most of the parameters examined between 2018–2022. In spite of comparable clinical pregnancy rates, there was a significantly higher miscarriage rate at 34.6% (27/78) in 2022, compared to 19.7% (29/147) in the pre-pandemic years of 2018–2019 (p = 0.014). In 37.0% of the treatment cycles (124/335) 2022 at least one partner reported a SARS-CoV-2-Infection 6 months before ART, mostly with the virus variant Omicron. Clinical pregnancy rates were lower in cycles without infection. Comparing women with confirmed infection to no infection, a significantly higher risk of miscarriage was seen (62.5% vs. 26.2%, p = 0.009). In treatment cycles of partners with basic immunization against SARS-CoV-2 a statistically significant increase of pregnancy rates was seen comparing to cycles with both unvaccinated partners (p = 0.011).

Conclusion
The results indicate a negative impact of SARS-CoV-2-infections up to 6 months on ART treatment, in particular an increased risk of miscarriage. Vaccination was associated with a better outcome of ART treatment.
Personalized checkpoint acupuncture can reduce postoperative pain after abdominal surgery—a STRICTA-conform pilot study
Authors: Ghanad Erfan , Yang Cui , Weiß Christel , Goncalves Mario , Santos Maria Joao , Correia Nuno , Reissfelder Christoph , Greten Henry Johannes , Herrle Florian 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Optimal pain management is one of the core elements of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) protocols and remains a challenge. Acupuncture (AC) is an effective treatment for various pain conditions. Systematic and personalized allocation of acupoints may be decisive for efficacy.

Methods
Based on the predominant pressure sensitivity of six gastrointestinal (GI) checkpoints (G1-G6), we devised a method to detect personalized patterns of pain and a corresponding set of acupoints. We performed a single AC treatment with semi-permanent needles and assessed the visual analogue scale (VAS) score, pain threshold based on pressure algometry (PA), and temperature changes on abdominal skin areas before and 5 min after AC.

Results
Between April and June 2021, thirty-eight patients were prospectively included in this pilot study. The mean reduction in subjective pain sensation as assessed by VAS was 86%, paralleled by an augmentation of the pain threshold as measured by PA by 64%. A small but significant increase in the skin temperature was observed above the abdominal surface. These effects were independent of the type of surgery.

Conclusion
Checkpoint acupuncture may be a complementary tool for postoperative pain management. Further investigations are needed to explore this analgesic effect.
Hedgehog pathway in sarcoma: from preclinical mechanism to clinical application
Authors: Banaszek Natalia , Kurpiewska Dominika , Kozak Katarzyna , Rutkowski Piotr , Sobczuk Paweł 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSarcomas are a diverse group of malignant neoplasms of mesenchymal origin. They develop rarely, but due to poor prognosis, they are a challenging and significant clinical problem. Currently, available therapeutic options have very limited activity. A better understating of sarcomas’ pathogenesis may help develop more effective therapies in the future. The Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway is involved in both embryonic development and mature tissue repair and carcinogenesis. Shh pathway inhibitors are presently used in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma. Its increased activity has been demonstrated in many sarcomas, including osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, chondrosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and malignant rhabdoid tumor. In vitro studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of inhibitors of the Hedgehog pathway in inhibiting proliferation in those sarcomas in which the components of the pathway are overexpressed. These results were confirmed by in vivo studies, which additionally proved the influence of Shh pathway inhibitors on limiting the metastatic potential of sarcoma cells. However, until now, the efficacy of sarcomas treatment with Shh pathway inhibitors has not been established in clinical trials. The reason for that may be the non-canonical activation of the pathway or interactions with other signaling pathways, such as Wnt or Notch. In this review, we present the Shh signaling pathway's role in the pathogenesis of sarcomas, including both canonical and non-canonical signaling. We also propose how this knowledge could be potentially translated into clinics.
Newton and interior-point methods for (constrained) nonconvex–nonconcave minmax optimization with stability and instability guarantees
Authors: Chinchilla Raphael , Yang Guosong , Hespanha João P. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe address the problem of finding a local solution to a nonconvex–nonconcave minmax optimization using Newton type methods, including primal-dual interior-point ones. The first step in our approach is to analyze the local convergence properties of Newton’s method in nonconvex minimization. It is well established that Newton’s method iterations are attracted to any point with a zero gradient, irrespective of it being a local minimum. From a dynamical system standpoint, this occurs because every point for which the gradient is zero is a locally asymptotically stable equilibrium point. We show that by adding a multiple of the identity such that the Hessian matrix is always positive definite, we can ensure that every non-local-minimum equilibrium point becomes unstable (meaning that the iterations are no longer attracted to such points), while local minima remain locally asymptotically stable. Building on this foundation, we develop Newton-type algorithms for minmax optimization, conceptualized as a sequence of local quadratic approximations for the minmax problem. Using a local quadratic approximation serves as a surrogate for guiding the modified Newton’s method toward a solution. For these local quadratic approximations to be well-defined, it is necessary to modify the Hessian matrix by adding a diagonal matrix. We demonstrate that, for an appropriate choice of this diagonal matrix, we can guarantee the instability of every non-local-minmax equilibrium point while maintaining stability for local minmax points. Using numerical examples, we illustrate the importance of guaranteeing the instability property. While our results are about local convergence, the numerical examples also indicate that our algorithm enjoys good global convergence properties.
Validity of the NTNU Prediction Model for D&B Tunnelling
Authors: Jakobsen Pål Drevland , Grøv Eivind , Bruland Amund , Gjengedal Sondre 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) has since the early 1970s published prediction models for estimated production rates, time consumption, and costs for rock works. Since the early development of the NTNU models the tunnelling industry has continuously improved and the models have been updated on several occasions. The NTNU models are presently being updated to better fit the modern tunnelling trends in Norway. The current prediction model for D&B blast design is in this research paper compared with new data from thirteen recent Norwegian tunnel projects. The paper demonstrates that the empirical methodology behind the prediction model is still highly relevant, but some further improvements and additional empirical relations are suggested to enable the model to better cope with the recent 16 years of development in technology, equipment, contractual-issues and blast design. The new datasets show that modern D&B tunnelling employ more drill holes and specific charging per blast round than before. The current NTNU model thus under-predicts the actual tunnelling performance in the blast design. Some suggestions are made for further improving the model, where the updated drill length, the contour requirements, and the tendency to including the longitudinal ditches into the main blast are suggested as the main reasons for the disparity in drill hole numbers. Yet, the current trend in specific charging seem to have doubled since the early 2000s and cannot be explained by the increase in drill holes alone. Further development ought to be included in the blastability index (SPR) so that geological conditions that are on the extreme side of poor blastability can be properly accounted for in the blast design.
Socio-demographic determinants of intimate partner violence in Angola: a cross-sectional study of nationally representative survey data
Authors: Skandro Simona , Abio Anne , Baernighausen Till , Lowery Wilson Michael 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIntimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a global problem of public health importance, which can be found across all social layers and cultural backgrounds worldwide. Angola is still an under-explored country in the context of domestic violence and was therefore chosen as our focus of interest. Our study’s goal was to identify the socio-demographic determinants of IPV in Angola. We used nationally representative data from female respondents of the 2015 Angolan Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). Simple bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between the experience of IPV and the women’s’ individual and contextual characteristics. Out of the 7,699 respondents, 3,070 (41.1%) reported having experienced at least one form of violence by their partners, with physical violence being more prevalent (32.5%) than emotional (27.7%) and sexual violence (7.2%). The partner’s use of alcohol, the respondent’s tendency to hurt her partner, her having witnessed her father beating her mother and being the first wife showed significantly higher odds of experiencing one or more types of IPV, whereas being older than the partner appears to have protective effects. Our findings reflect the widespread prevalence rates of violence against women in African countries. Future intervention programs should focus on women with risky background characteristics to help decrease domestic abuse in Angola. Our results indicate to focus on young women who have witnessed domestic violence in childhood, those whose partners use alcohol and those who tend to physically hurt their partners themselves. It is also recommended to intensify future research on the effects of co-wives on a relationship since first wives were found to have a higher risk of being physically abused by their partners.
User appraisal of a booklet for advance care planning in multiple sclerosis: a multicenter, qualitative Italian study
Authors: Giordano Andrea , De Panfilis Ludovica , Veronese Simone , Bruzzone Michela , Cascioli Marta , Farinotti Mariangela , Giovannetti Ambra Mara , Grasso Maria Grazia , Kruger Paola , Lugaresi Alessandra , Manson Leigh , Perin Marta , Pucci Eugenio , Solaro Claudio , Ghirotto Luca , Solari Alessandra 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Implementation of advance care planning (ACP) in people with progressive multiple sclerosis (PwPMS) is limited. We aimed to involve users (PwPMS, significant others, and healthcare professionals involved in PwPMS care) in the evaluation and refinement of a booklet to be used during the ACP conversations.

Methods
This qualitative study consisted of cognitive interviews with PwPMS and significant others and a focus group with healthcare professionals from three Italian centers. We analyzed the interviews using the framework method and the focus group using thematic analysis.

Results
We interviewed 10 PwPMS (3 women; median age 54 years; median Expanded Disability Status Scale score 6.0) and three significant others (2 women; 2 spouses and one daughter). The analysis yielded three themes: booklet comprehensibility and clarity, content acceptability and emotional impact, and suggestions for improvement. Twelve healthcare professionals (7 neurologists, 3 psychologists, one nurse, and one physiotherapist) participated in the focus group, whose analysis identified two themes: booklet’s content importance and clarity and challenges to ACP implementation. Based on analysis results, we revised the booklet (text, layout, and pictures) and held a second-round interviews with two PwPMS and one significant other. The interviewees agreed on the revisions but reaffirmed their difficulty in dealing with the topic and the need for a physician when using the booklet.

Conclusions
Appraisal of the booklet was instrumental in improving its acceptability and understandability before using it in the ConCure-SM feasibility trial. Furthermore, our data reveal a lack of familiarity with ACP practice in the Italian context.
Measures of interrater agreement for quantitative data
Authors: Marella Daniela , Bove Giuseppe 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this paper measures of interrater absolute agreement for quantitative measurements based on the standard deviation are proposed. Such indices allow (i) to overcome the limits affecting the intraclass correlation index; (ii) to measure the interrater agreement on single targets. Estimators of the proposed measures are introduced and their sampling properties are investigated for normal and non-normal data. Simulated data are employed to demonstrate the accuracy and practical utility of the new indices for assessing agreement. Finally, an application to assess the consistency of measurements performed by radiologists evaluating tumor size of lung cancer is presented.
Learning to Live with a Circle: Reflective Equilibrium and the Received View of the Scientific Realism Debate
Authors: Brousalis Kosmas , Psillos Stathis 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe Scientific Realism Debate (SRD) has been accused of going around in circles without reaching a consensus, so that several scholars have advocated its dissolution in favor of reformed projects that are eliminativist towards the distinctively philosophical aims and methods. In this paper, after outlining the project that SRD-participants have been involved in for some time now—which we call the Received View—we discuss two dissolution-proposals: sociological externalism and localism. We argue that these projects are incomplete and that, even when judged in themselves, they cannot flourish without the ‘traditional’ philosophical reflection they wish to get rid of. However, although not substitutes for the Received View, those projects have some insightful features. These are assigned their proper place in the dialectics of SRD, which is shown to be an instance of the method of reflective equilibrium (MRE). Lastly—based on Michael DePaul’s work—we provide a response to the well-known concern that MRE is epistemically circular, by claiming that MRE is the only rational method of inquiry. Overall, our goal is ‘therapeutic’: we try to mitigate the anxiety caused by simultaneously believing that SRD is circular and suspecting that there is a good way out of the circle that we just haven’t found yet. For, having dismissed the suspicion that there might be a good trick to dissolve the circle, one may learn to live in it and be more calm in carrying on with what one has.