bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exercising with a robotic exoskeleton can improve memory and gait in people with Parkinson’s disease by facilitating progressive exercise intensity
Authors: McGibbon Chris A. , Sexton Andrew , Gryfe Pearl 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPeople with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD) can benefit from progressive high-intensity exercise facilitated with a lower-extremity exoskeleton, but the mechanisms explaining these benefits are unknown. We explored the relationship between exercise intensity progression and memory and gait outcomes in PwPD who performed 8 weeks (2 × per week) of progressive exercise with and without a lower-extremity powered exoskeleton, as the planned exploratory endpoint analysis of an open-label, parallel, pilot randomized controlled trial. Adults 50–85 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of PD participated. Twenty-seven participants randomized to exercise with (Exo = 13) or without (Nxo = 14) the exoskeleton were included in this exploratory endpoint analysis. Detailed exercise logs were kept and actigraphy was used to measure activity count*min−1 (ACPM) during all exercise sessions. Only the Exo group were able to progressively increase their ACPM over the entire 8-week intervention, whereas the Nxo group plateaued after 4 weeks. Exercise intensity progression correlated with change in the memory sub-scale of the SCOPA-COG and change in gait endurance from the 6MWT, consistent with the prevailing hypotheses linking high-intensity interval exercise to improved muscle and brain function via angiogenic and neurotrophic mechanisms. Facilitating high-intensity exercise with advanced rehabilitation technology is warranted for improving memory and gait endurance in PwPD.Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT 03583879 (7/10/2018).
Helium-electrospray improves sample delivery in X-ray single-particle imaging experiments
Authors: Yenupuri Tej Varma , Rafie-Zinedine Safi , Worbs Lena , Heymann Michael , Schulz Joachim , Bielecki Johan , Maia Filipe R. N. C. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractImaging the structure and observing the dynamics of isolated proteins using single-particle X-ray diffractive imaging (SPI) is one of the potential applications of X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs). Currently, SPI experiments on isolated proteins are limited by three factors: low signal strength, limited data and high background from gas scattering. The last two factors are largely due to the shortcomings of the aerosol sample delivery methods in use. Here we present our modified electrospray ionization (ESI) source, which we dubbed helium-ESI (He-ESI). With it, we increased particle delivery into the interaction region by a factor of 10, for 26 nm-sized biological particles, and decreased the gas load in the interaction chamber corresponding to an 80% reduction in gas scattering when compared to the original ESI. These improvements have the potential to significantly increase the quality and quantity of SPI diffraction patterns in future experiments using He-ESI, resulting in higher-resolution structures.
Insights into attention and memory difficulties in post-COVID syndrome using standardized neuropsychological tests and experimental cognitive tasks
Authors: Arbula Sandra , Pisanu Elisabetta , Bellavita Giulia , Menichelli Alina , Lunardelli Alberta , Furlanis Giovanni , Manganotti Paolo , Cappa Stefano , Rumiati Raffaella 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to post-acute cognitive symptoms, often described as ‘brain fog’. To comprehensively grasp the extent of these issues, we conducted a study integrating traditional neuropsychological assessments with experimental cognitive tasks targeting attention control, working memory, and long-term memory, three cognitive domains most commonly associated with ‘brain fog’. We enrolled 33 post-COVID patients, all self-reporting cognitive difficulties, and a matched control group (N = 27) for cognitive and psychological assessments. Our findings revealed significant attention deficits in post-COVID patients across both neuropsychological measurements and experimental cognitive tasks, evidencing reduced performance in tasks involving interference resolution and selective and sustained attention. Mild executive function and naming impairments also emerged from the neuropsychological assessment. Notably, 61% of patients reported significant prospective memory failures in daily life, aligning with our recruitment focus. Furthermore, our patient group showed significant alterations in the psycho-affective domain, indicating a complex interplay between cognitive and psychological factors, which could point to a non-cognitive determinant of subjectively experienced cognitive changes following COVID-19. In summary, our study offers valuable insights into attention challenges faced by individuals recovering from COVID-19, stressing the importance of comprehensive cognitive and psycho-affective evaluations for supporting post-COVID individuals.
Inner retinal oxygen delivery and metabolism in progressive stages of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Rahimi Mansour , Hossain Farzana , Leahy Sophie , Blair Norman P. , Jiang Xuejuan , Shahidi Mahnaz 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPrevious studies have reported increased retinal venous oxygen saturation and decreased retinal blood flow and oxygen metabolism in non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). The current study aimed to determine alterations in both inner retinal oxygen delivery (DO2) and metabolism (MO2) in proliferative DR (PDR) as well as at stages of NPDR. A total of 123 subjects participated in the study and were categorized into five groups: non-diabetic control (N = 32), diabetic with no diabetic retinopathy (NDR, N = 34), mild NPDR (N = 31), moderate to severe NPDR (N = 17), or PDR (N = 9). Multi-modal imaging was performed to measure oxygen saturation and blood flow, which were used for derivation of DO2 and MO2. There were significant associations of groups with DO2 and MO2. DO2 was lower in PDR and not significantly different in NDR and NPDR stages as compared to the non-diabetic control group. MO2 was decreased in PDR and moderate to severe NPDR as compared to the control group, and not significantly reduced in NDR and mild NPDR. The findings demonstrate reductions in both DO2 and MO2 in PDR and MO2 in moderate to severe NPDR, suggesting their potential as biomarkers for monitoring progression and treatment of DR.
Anti-staphylococcal activity of soilless cultivated cannabis across the whole vegetation cycle under various nutritional treatments in relation to cannabinoid content
Authors: Malikova Lucie , Malik Matej , Pavlik Jan , Ulman Milos , Pechouckova Eva , Skrivan Milos , Kokoska Ladislav , Tlustos Pavel 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAntibiotic resistance in staphylococcal strains and its impact on public health and agriculture are global problems. The development of new anti-staphylococcal agents is an effective strategy for addressing the increasing incidence of bacterial resistance. In this study, ethanolic extracts of Cannabis sativa L. made from plant parts harvested during the whole vegetation cycle under various nutritional treatments were assessed for in vitro anti-staphylococcal effects. The results showed that all the cannabis extracts tested exhibited a certain degree of growth inhibition against bacterial strains of Staphylococcus aureus, including antibiotic-resistant and antibiotic-sensitive forms. The highest antibacterial activity of the extracts was observed from the 5th to the 13th week of plant growth across all the nutritional treatments tested, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 32 to 64 µg/mL. Using HPLC, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) was identified as the most abundant cannabinoid in the ethanolic extracts. A homolog of THCA, tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCVA), reduced bacterial growth by 74%. These findings suggest that the cannabis extracts tested in this study can be used for the development of new anti-staphylococcal compounds with improved efficacy.
Combined effect of interstitial-substitutional elements on dislocation dynamics in nitrogen-added austenitic stainless steels
Authors: Kawahara Yasuhito , Kobatake Shunya , Kaneko Kenji , Sasaki Taisuke , Ohkubo Tadakatsu , Takushima Chikako , Hamada Jun-ichi 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCombined addition of interstitial-substitutional elements has been acknowledged to contribute to the increase in the strengths of steels. For further improvements in mechanical properties, their atomic-scale interaction mechanisms with dislocations are required to be examined. In this study, both high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and atom-probe tomography were used to correlate interstitial-substitutional elements with dislocation characteristics in austenitic stainless steels. Three types of dislocation core structures are identified and associated with their strain fields as well as N and Cr atoms in the N-added steels. It is revealed that N atoms interact elastically with the dislocations, followed by the segregation of Cr atoms via the chemical interaction between N and Cr atoms. This insight significantly improves the understanding of the multiple alloying mechanism in metallic materials such as interstitial alloys and high-entropy alloys.
Honorary authorship is highly prevalent in health sciences: systematic review and meta-analysis of surveys
Authors: Meursinge Reynders Reint A. , ter Riet Gerben , Di Girolamo Nicola , Cavagnetto Davide , Malički Mario 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA systematic review and meta-analysis of survey research was conducted to estimate honorary authorship prevalence in health sciences. We searched PubMed, Lens.org, and Dimensions.ai. until January 5 2023. Methodological quality was assessed and quantitative syntheses were conducted. Nineteen surveys were included and rated as having low methodological quality. We found a pooled prevalence of 26% [95% CI 21–31] (6 surveys, 2758 respondents) of researchers that perceived co-author(s) as honorary on the publication at issue (when they were not referred to any authorship criteria). That prevalence was 18% [95% CI 15–21] (11 surveys, 4272 respondents) when researchers were referred to Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) authorship criteria, and 51% [95% CI 47–56] (15 surveys, 5111 respondents) when researchers were asked to declare their co-author(s) contributions on the publication at issue (and these were then compared to ICMJE criteria). 10% of researchers [95% CI 9–12] (11 surveys, 3,663 respondents) reported being approached by others to include honorary author(s) on the publication at issue and 16% [95% CI 13–18] (2 surveys, 823 respondents) admitted adding (an) honorary author(s). Survey research consistently indicates that honorary authorship in the health sciences is highly prevalent, however the quality of the surveys’ methods and reporting needs improvement.
Fully-automated multi-organ segmentation tool applicable to both non-contrast and post-contrast abdominal CT: deep learning algorithm developed using dual-energy CT images
Authors: Jeon Sun Kyung , Joo Ijin , Park Junghoan , Kim Jong-Min , Park Sang Joon , Yoon Soon Ho 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA novel 3D nnU-Net-based of algorithm was developed for fully-automated multi-organ segmentation in abdominal CT, applicable to both non-contrast and post-contrast images. The algorithm was trained using dual-energy CT (DECT)-obtained portal venous phase (PVP) and spatiotemporally-matched virtual non-contrast images, and tested using a single-energy (SE) CT dataset comprising PVP and true non-contrast (TNC) images. The algorithm showed robust accuracy in segmenting the liver, spleen, right kidney (RK), and left kidney (LK), with mean dice similarity coefficients (DSCs) exceeding 0.94 for each organ, regardless of contrast enhancement. However, pancreas segmentation demonstrated slightly lower performance with mean DSCs of around 0.8. In organ volume estimation, the algorithm demonstrated excellent agreement with ground-truth measurements for the liver, spleen, RK, and LK (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs] > 0.95); while the pancreas showed good agreements (ICC = 0.792 in SE-PVP, 0.840 in TNC). Accurate volume estimation within a 10% deviation from ground-truth was achieved in over 90% of cases involving the liver, spleen, RK, and LK. These findings indicate the efficacy of our 3D nnU-Net-based algorithm, developed using DECT images, which provides precise segmentation of the liver, spleen, and RK and LK in both non-contrast and post-contrast CT images, enabling reliable organ volumetry, albeit with relatively reduced performance for the pancreas.
Unraveling atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors through conditional probability analysis with Bayesian networks: insights from the AZAR cohort study
Authors: Esmaeili Parya , Roshanravan Neda , Ghaffari Samad , Mesri Alamdari Naimeh , Asghari-Jafarabadi Mohammad 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study aimed at modelling the underlying predictor of ASCVD through the Bayesian network (BN). Data for the AZAR Cohort Study, which evaluated 500 healthcare providers in Iran, was collected through examinations, and blood samples. Two BNs were used to explore a suitable causal model for analysing the underlying predictor of ASCVD; Bayesian search through an algorithmic approach and knowledge-based BNs. Results showed significant differences in ASCVD risk factors across background variables’ levels. The diagnostic indices showed better performance for the knowledge-based BN (Area under ROC curve (AUC) = 0.78, Accuracy = 76.6, Sensitivity = 62.5, Negative predictive value (NPV) = 96.0, Negative Likelihood Ratio (LR−) = 0.48) compared to Bayesian search (AUC = 0.76, Accuracy = 72.4, Sensitivity = 17.5, NPV = 93.2, LR− = 0.83). In addition, we decided on knowledge-based BN because of the interpretability of the relationships. Based on this BN, being male (conditional probability = 63.7), age over 45 (36.3), overweight (51.5), Mets (23.8), diabetes (8.3), smoking (10.6), hypertension (12.1), high T-C (28.5), high LDL-C (23.9), FBS (12.1), and TG (25.9) levels were associated with higher ASCVD risk. Low and normal HDL-C levels also had higher ASCVD risk (35.3 and 37.4), while high HDL-C levels had lower risk (27.3). In conclusion, BN demonstrated that ASCVD was significantly associated with certain risk factors including being older and overweight male, having a history of Mets, diabetes, hypertension, having high levels of T-C, LDL-C, FBS, and TG, but Low and normal HDL-C and being a smoker. The study may provide valuable insights for developing effective prevention strategies for ASCVD in Iran.
Die adaptive Messung des Freiburger Einsilbertests im Störschall mit einer verringerten Anzahl an Testlisten
Authors: Memmeler Tobias , Schönweiler Rainer , Schlattmann Peter , Löhler Jan 
Published: February 2024

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Berücksichtigt man die unterschiedliche Kalibrierung und Verdeckung des Störschalls, waren der adaptive Freiburger Einsilbertest im Störschall (aFBE-S) und der Oldenburger Satztest im Störschall (OLSA-S) bezüglich der Genauigkeit beider Tests in einer vorherigen Untersuchung vergleichbar. Allerdings war der Zeitbedarf des aFBE-S durch die adaptive Messweise größer als beim OLSA-S. In dieser Studie soll theoretisch ermittelt werden, ob der aFBE-S auch mit weniger Testlisten angewendet werden kann; die Ergebnisse werden mit denen des OLSA-S verglichen.
Methoden Anhand der Ergebnisse von 40 otologisch gesunden Probanden, welche bereits in randomisierter Reihenfolge mit dem OLSA-S und aFBE-S getestet wurden, erfolgte der Vergleich der Mittelwertdifferenzen der 95%-Konfidenzintervalle für eine bestimmte Anzahl an Testlisten des aFBE-S und des OLSA-S. Der mittlere Signal-Rausch-Abstand für das 50%-Sprachverstehen (S/N50) des aFBE-S wurde für 3, 4 und 5 anstatt 7,5 Testlisten berechnet. Zudem wurde der Zeitbedarf für die verringerte Anzahl an Testlisten ermittelt und die Ergebnisse im Vergleich mit denen des OLSA-S untersucht.
Ergebnisse Es konnte jeweils kein signifikanter Unterschied der Mittelwertdifferenzen der Konfidenzintervalle zwischen den S/N50 des originalen aFBE-S, des auf 3, 4 oder 5 Testlisten verkürzten aFBE-S und des OLSA-S nachgewiesen werden. Der Zeitbedarf des verkürzten aFBE-S war jeweils signifikant geringer als für den OLSA-S.
Schlussfolgerung Der aFBE-S ist theoretisch auch mit einer verringerten Anzahl an Testlisten möglich und dem OLSA-S dabei nicht unterlegen. Dadurch ließe sich der verkürzte aFBE-S bis zu 5-mal anwenden, ohne dass sich die Testlisten wiederholen. Es bedarf jedoch einer praktischen Überprüfung der berechneten Ergebnisse.
Endoscopic Mucosal Incision to Remove a Chain of Magnets Completely Embedded under the Gastric Mucosa
Authors: Doiphode Mandar Vijay , Nemade Pankaj , Mahadik Mahesh Rangrao , Bharambe Suyog , Landayan Hamilton John Reyes 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe rising use of electronic toys containing magnets has led to an increased incidence of magnet ingestion in children. While endoscopic extraction is the preferred approach in these cases, challenges arise when multiple magnets get swallowed, which can erode through the mucosal surface and become embedded in fibrous tissue. Extraction using simple endoscopic techniques and instruments is not possible in such cases and many times, surgical intervention becomes necessary.This case showcases the application of cap-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucous dissection principles and the use of magnetic forceps, enabling the safe and complete removal of the embedded magnet pieces and highlighting the remarkable effectiveness of advanced endoscopic techniques in managing this unique challenge. The multidisciplinary approach and tailored interventions demonstrated in this case underscore the importance of prompt and comprehensive evaluation in cases of ingested foreign bodies, particularly those involving multiple magnets
End-user perspectives on fintech services adoption in the Bangladesh insurance industry: the moderating role of trust
Authors: Hassan Md. Sharif , Islam Md. Aminul , Abdullah A. B. M. , Nasir Hussen 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study focuses on understanding the factors that influence end-users’ (customers’) acceptance of fintech services in the insurance industry. The study employed a modified Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 model, incorporating perceived security and personal innovativeness as independent variables, and trust as a moderating variable. A total of 391 responses were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling in SmartPLS software. The study’s findings indicate that factors such as effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, perceived, and personal innovativeness positively affect users’ behavioral intention (BI) to use fintech services in the insurance industry. Moreover, BI positively influences the actual use (AU) of fintech services. Additionally, trust plays a positive moderating role between BI and AU. The results of this study have practical implications for academicians, researchers, insurance companies, and insurance regulatory bodies. Academicians and researchers can further explore the acceptance of fintech in developing countries based on these findings. Insurance companies and regulatory bodies can take necessary steps and formulate strategies to promote the adoption of fintech services in the insurance industry, considering the identified factors and the role of trust.
Flexible preparation of the W state via the GRAPE algorithm in a nanoring-quantum-dot system
Authors: Chen Zhen , Shi Zhi-Cheng , Song Jie , Huang Bi-Hua , Xia Yan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we put forward a scheme for flexibly preparing W states in the presence of detunings and asymmetric couplings in a nanoring-quantum-dot (nanoring-QD) system. Based on the gradient ascent pulse engineering algorithm, the coupling strength modulation (CSM) and the energy level modulation (ELM) methods are proposed, respectively. In the CSM method, the waveforms of the coupling strengths are properly designed to compensate for detunings, thus the decline on the fidelity is effectively suppressed. For the asymmetric couplings, a high-fidelity W state can be generated by the ELM method, which alters the energy levels of QDs in a desired manner. Finally, we generalize the current scheme to realize the preparation of N-particle W states in nanoring-QD systems.
The influence of structure, sensitization and corrosion on the fatigue properties of austenitic steel
Authors: Hudecová S , Uhríčik M , Palček P , Mikolajčík M , Chvalníková V , Slezák M 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The article will be focused on examining and comparing the influence of structure, sensitization and corrosion on the fatigue properties of austenitic stainless steel. The methodology of the experiment includes fatigue tests of samples attacked by intercrystalline corrosion. Therefore, the test samples were subjected to heat treatment for sensitization. Then these samples were subjected to long-term exposure in an aggressive corrosion solution. Experiments deal with microstructural material analysis, fractographic analysis, mechanical and fatigue tests.
Effect of welding mode on selected properties of additively manufactured AA5087 aluminium alloy parts
Authors: Sahul Martin , Sahul Miroslav , Bočáková B , Kolařík L , Němec T , Kolaříková M 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is a popular direct energy deposition (DED) method for producing large-scale metallic components. The main advantages of the technique are a high deposition rate and low cost. Furthermore, the utilization of the WAAM is prevalent in the aerospace industry. The AA5087 aluminium alloy with 4.5 wt.% of magnesium has been investigated because of its excellent properties. The present research deals with the study of thermal cycles and fields developed in the alloy during additive manufacturing with two different Cold metal transfer (CMT) modes, namely conventional (CMT) and cycle-step (CMT-CS). The welding system was equipped with a Fronius TransPulse Synergic 3200 CMT power source, a Fanuc Arc Mate 1000iC 6-axes robot with an R 30iA control unit, a welding torch, and a 1-axis positioner. The AA5087 aluminium alloy welding wire with a diameter of 1.2 mm was deposited onto the AA5083 aluminium alloy plate with dimensions of 70 mm x 200 mm x 3 mm during the experiment. The thermal cycles were documented using an Ahlborn Almemo 5690-2 measuring station equipped with K-type thermocouples. The thermal fields were monitored with a FLIR E95 thermography camera. The results showed the evident influence of arc mode on the temperatures developed in manufactured aluminium alloy parts during the process of WAAM.