bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inclusion of tumor periphery in radiomics analysis of magnetic resonance images does not improve predictions of preoperative therapy response in patients with rectal cancer
Authors: Korsavidou Hult Nafsika , Tarai Sambit , Hammarström Klara , Kullberg Joel , Lundström Elin , Bjerner Tomas , Glimelius Bengt , Ahlström Håkan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background/Purpose
To evaluate the advantages of including versus excluding the tumor periphery and combining diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with T2-weighted imaging (T2w) for outcome predictions of preoperative radio(chemo)therapy in rectal cancer.

Methods
Four analysis strategies, based on two segmentation methods and two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences, were evaluated in 106 patients examined with pretreatment MRI. One segmentation method included the tumor periphery in the region of interest (ROI) encompassing the whole tumor (wROI), considered as the reference segmentation approach, and one included only the central part (cROI). Relevant radiomics imaging features were extracted from either T2w alone or from both T2w and DWI and used by a machine learning algorithm for the prediction of pathologic complete response (pCR), neoadjuvant rectal (NAR) score, and disease recurrence. The area under the curve (AUC) was the performance measure. AUCs were compared with a bootstrapping method based on 104 bootstraps.

Results
cROI applied to both T2w and DWI provided the highest numerical prediction of pCR (AUC 0.76), however, not significantly superior to the other strategies (p ≥ 0.138). cROI applied to both T2w and DWI also yielded the highest numerical prediction of NAR score (AUC 0.84), showing advantages over wROI-based analysis strategies (AUC 0.66 and 0.69; p ≤ 0.008). When compared to cROI applied to T2w alone (AUC 0.73), the benefit was borderline statistically significant (p = 0.053). For prediction of disease recurrence, no differences were found between the analysis strategies.

Conclusions
Inclusion of the tumor periphery in radiomic analysis of magnetic resonance images does not improve predictions of the preoperative therapy response in patients with rectal cancer. Excluding tumor periphery while adding DWI to T2w improves prediction of the NAR score, although it does not affect pCR or recurrence prediction.

Graphical abstract
Key drivers of large scale changes in North Atlantic atmospheric and oceanic circulations and their predictability
Authors: Dong Buwen , Aksenov Yevgeny , Colfescu Ioana , Harvey Ben , Hirschi Joël , Josey Simon , Lu Hua , Mecking Jenny , Oltmanns Marilena , Osprey Scott , Robson Jon , Rynders Stefanie , Shaffrey Len , Sinha Bablu , Sutton Rowan , Weisheimer Antje 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Significant changes have occurred during the last few decades across the North Atlantic climate system, including in the atmosphere, ocean, and cryosphere. These large-scale changes play a vital role in shaping regional climate and extreme weather events across the UK and Western Europe. This review synthesizes the characteristics of observed large-scale changes in North Atlantic atmospheric and oceanic circulations during past decades, identifies the drivers and physical processes responsible for these changes, outlines projected changes due to anthropogenic warming, and discusses the predictability of these circulations. On multi-decadal time scales, internal variability, anthropogenic forcings (especially greenhouse gases), and natural forcings (such as solar variability and volcanic eruptions) are identified as key contributors to large-scale variability in North Atlantic atmospheric and oceanic circulations. However, there remain many uncertainties regarding the detailed characteristics of these various influences, and in some cases their relative importance. We therefore conclude that a better understanding of these drivers, and more accurate quantification of their relative roles, are crucial for more reliable decadal predictions and projections of regional climate for the North Atlantic and Europe.
Association of alcohol consumption and rotator cuff retear: a case control matched cohort study
Authors: Kim Suchung , Menzel Kerstina , Lacheta Lucca , Moroder Philipp , Dekena Jan , Akgün Doruk , Thiele Kathi , Karpinski Katrin 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Failure of healing or retear after surgical repair of the rotator cuff tendons are still a problem and can cause ongoing shoulder pain and dysfunction. Compromised microcirculation as seen in regular alcohol consumption may lead to poor healing.

Purpose
To compare the clinical outcomes and tendon integrity of patients after rotator cuff repair with and without regular alcohol intake.

Study design
Case control matched cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods
Patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR), had regular alcohol intake (according to world health organization (WHO) definition of harmful alcohol consumption) and were at least 2 years postoperative were included, and matched according to age, sex, involved tendon, and tear size with patients who underwent ARCR without regular alcohol intake. Patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores were collected at final follow-up including the Constant Murley Score (CMS), Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Score (WORC), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and visual analog scale (VAS). Tendon integrity (maintained continuity: yes/no = full thickness) was assessed by ultrasound examination at final follow-up. Complications and revision surgeries are reported.

Results
Twenty-two patients (versus twenty-two matched—controls) were available for follow-up. There were two female (9%) and twenty male (91%) patients with a mean age of 66.6 years (standard deviation, 36–85 years). The mean follow-up was 4 years (standard deviation, 2–5 years) in the alcohol group and 5 years (standard deviation, 2–10 years) in the non-alcohol group. No differences in mean PRO scores between alcohol and non-alcohol groups were seen except VAS (0.5 (standard deviation, 0–5) vs. 1.6 (standard deviation, 0–8), (P = 0.049*) respectively). Intact tendon insertion was seen in 77% (17/22) for the alcohol group and 100% (22/22) for non-alcohol group, (P = 0.021*). One patient underwent revision surgery (5%) in the alcohol group due to a retear, no further peri- or postoperative complications were noticed.

Conclusion
Patients with torn rotator cuff tendons benefited similarly from ARCR independently of their alcohol use concerning clinical presentation. However, significantly higher retear rates were recorded in the alcohol group.
Challenges in blood pressure measurement in children with obesity: focus on the cuff
Authors: Evripidou Kleo , Chainoglou Athanasia , Kotsis Vasilios , Stabouli Stella 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Childhood obesity is a well-known risk factor for primary hypertension (HTN), especially during puberty. Validated automated oscillometric devices based on universal protocols using proper cuffs according to arm sizes must be selected for blood pressure (BP) measurement in clinical practice. Recent recommendations have addressed the importance of accurate BP measurement in patients with obesity. The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests using a cone-shaped cuff, while the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) emphasizes the significance of cuff characteristics based on arm size. The applicability of cone-shaped cuffs over cylindrical cuffs has been studied in adults with obesity. Most studies focused on the upper arm’s shape and provided evidence that the use of cylindrical cuffs may overestimate BP in individuals with obesity, while the conical cuff was proposed as a proper alternative. However, current validation studies for BP measurement devices have not included the arm’s size as a recruiting criterion, which may compromise the accuracy of devices in individuals with obesity. This review discusses the role of arm characteristics in cuff selection and the potential role of conical cuffs as an alternative to commonly used cylindrical ones in BP measurement in pediatric patients with obesity.

Graphical abstract
Periodontal status and risk factors in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Costa Rosana , Ríos-Carrasco Blanca , López-Jarana Paula , Cabral Cristina , Cunha Filipe , Gonçalves Maria , Relvas Marta 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective
Conduct a cross-sectional study to investigate the periodontal conditions and oral health behaviours among adult subjects with type one diabetes mellitus and compare them with those of a group of age- and gender-matched without diabetes. Furthermore, we also intend to evaluate the potential indicators of the risk for the development of periodontal disease.

Methods
The evaluation was undertaken with patients with diabetes (n = 70) from a patients’ cohort of the the Hospitalar Center of Tâmega e Sousa and subjects without diabetes (n = 69).

Results
The prevalence of periodontal disease showed significant differences between groups. Gingivitis reached a prevalence of 37.1% in patients with type one diabetes mellitus and periodontitis 55.7%. These systemically compromised patients exhibited a higher prevalence of Plaque Index, Bleeding on Probing and Periodontal Probing Depth and a reduced number of teeth when compared to the control group. The stage II was the most prevalent in the diabetes population, followed by the stage IV and most of diabetes subjects presented grade C progression.

Conclusions
There is a higher prevalence of periodontal disease in type one diabetes mellitus individuals when compared to the controls. Age, Bleeding on Probing and number of cigarettes per day are associated with higher risk of periodontal disease in type one diabetes mellitus patients.

Clinical relevance
Our study provides evidence about the prevalence of periodontal disease among type 1 diabetes mellitus and creates awareness regarding the factors that potentially contribute to worsening periodontal tissues. Furthermore, informing diabetic patients about the importance of early diagnosis and prevention of periodontal disease and the importance of reducing/quitting smoking.
Comparison of the efficacy of different protocols of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial direct current stimulation on motor function, activities of daily living, and neurological function in patients with early stroke: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Ni Xueyi , Yuan Zinan , Xie Ruimou , Zhai Xiaoxue , Cheng Xiang , Pan Yu 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The application of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients with early stroke has recently received considerable attention, but the optimal protocol remains inconclusive. This study intends to evaluate and compare the effects of different protocols of tDCS and rTMS on improving motor function, activities of daily living (ADL), and neurological function in patients with early stroke, and to comprehensively assess their efficacy and safety.

Methods
MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool, and Bayesian NMA was conducted using R4.3.1 and Stata16.

Results
The results of NMA showed that after early intervention, bilateral application of high- and low-frequency rTMS (BL-rTMS) performed best in improving the upper extremity motor function at the end of intervention (SUCRA: 92.8%) and 3 months (SUCRA: 95.4%). Besides, low-frequency rTMS (LF-rTMS) performed best in improving the lower extremity motor function (SUCRA: 67.7%). BL-rTMS was the most effective in ameliorating the ADL at the end of intervention (SUCRA: 100%) and 3 months (SUCRA: 85.6%). In terms of the NIHSS scores, BL-rTMS had the highest probability of being the most effective measure at the end of intervention (SUCRA: 99.7%) and 3 months (SUCRA: 97.05%). Besides, LF-rTMS (0%), 5 Hz-rTMS (0%), and intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) (0%) all exhibited a good safety profile.

Conclusion
BL-rTMS is the optimal stimulation protocol for improving upper extremity motor function, ADL, and neurological function in early stroke, with long-term efficacy.
Palatability of insecticides and protein in sugar solutions to Argentine ants
Authors: Wagner Thomas , Vorjans Moana , Garsi Elias , Werneke Cosmina , Czaczkes Tomer J. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Invasive ant species like Linepithema humile cause significant ecological and economic harm, making effective control strategies essential. Insecticide baits are currently the most effective approach for controlling ants. Therefore, quantifying how palatable or unpalatable baits, bait additives, or toxicants are, is critical for developing effective control methods. Recent research shows that when animals can compare a test food containing a bitterant with another option, they are much better at detecting the bitterant and thus rejecting the test food. Here, we deploy a newly developed comparative evaluation methodology to examine the palatability to L. humile workers of three toxicants commonly used in invasive ant control: fipronil, spinosad, and imidacloprid. Additionally, we tested egg-white protein in sucrose solutions to assess its impact on bait acceptance. Ants showed no significant preference between pure sucrose and sucrose-toxicant solutions, indicating that they either cannot detect the toxicants or do not find them distasteful. Survival tests confirmed that the toxicant concentrations used, fipronil at 0.0001% and 0.001%, spinosad at 0.015% and 0.15%, and imidacloprid at 0.005%, were lethal, with a survival rate of 50% or below after 72 h. However, ants found egg protein additive unpalatable, significantly preferring pure sucrose to a sucrose egg-white protein mix. These findings confirm that three major toxicants are suitable for use in baits, and that reported abandonment or avoidance of toxic baits is not due to the unpalatability of these toxicants. However, the addition of egg protein alone to sucrose baits, even at ratios which optimise colony growth, is likely counterproductive. Future research should investigate the relative preference of invasive ants for various bait matrixes over naturally available food, ensuring more effective pest management strategies.
Quasi-Monte Carlo methods for mixture distributions and approximated distributions via piecewise linear interpolation
Authors: Cui Tiangang , Dick Josef , Pillichshammer Friedrich 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We study numerical integration over bounded regions in

$$\mathbb {R}^s$$

R

s

,

$$s \ge 1$$

s
≥
1

, with respect to some probability measure. We replace random sampling with quasi-Monte Carlo methods, where the underlying point set is derived from deterministic constructions which aim to fill the space more evenly than random points. Ordinarily, such quasi-Monte Carlo point sets are designed for the uniform measure, and the theory only works for product measures when a coordinate-wise transformation is applied. Going beyond this setting, we first consider the case where the target density is a mixture distribution where each term in the mixture comes from a product distribution. Next, we consider target densities which can be approximated with such mixture distributions. In order to be able to use an approximation of the target density, we require the approximation to be a sum of coordinate-wise products and that the approximation is positive everywhere (so that they can be re-scaled to probability density functions). We use tensor product hat function approximations for this purpose here, since a hat function approximation of a positive function is itself positive. We also study more complex algorithms, where we first approximate the target density with a general Gaussian mixture distribution and approximate this mixture distribution with an adaptive hat function approximation on rotated intervals. The Gaussian mixture approximation allows us (at least to some degree) to locate the essential parts of the target density, whereas the adaptive hat function approximation allows us to approximate the finer structure of the target density. We prove convergence rates for each of the integration techniques based on quasi-Monte Carlo sampling for integrands with bounded partial mixed derivatives. The employed algorithms are based on digital (t, s)-sequences over the finite field

$$\mathbb {F}_2$$

F
2

and an inversion method. Numerical examples illustrate the performance of the algorithms for some target densities and integrands.
One shero and/or a group of sheroes? Top executive gender and innovation in tech-based new venture
Authors: Wei Li-Qun 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Strategic leadership theories, especially the upper-echelon perspective, emphasize the critical role of the top management team (TMT) in determining a firm’s short- and long-term performance. However, there is limited evidence on whether the gender of strategic leaders matters to firm innovation—which determines a firm’s long-term competitiveness, especially in new ventures. More specifically, at the TMT level, whether the gender of CEO, as the leader of TMT, influences the gender composition of the TMT remains unknown. Drawing on the notion of CEO-TMT interface and the opposing views on gender in leadership, this article examined the determinant role of CEO gender on the gender composition of the TMT, which in turn affects the venture’s innovation performance. The contextual role of a prominent CEO trait, i.e., CEO self-efficacy in shaping the CEO gender-TMT gender composition linkage was also tested. Findings from a sample of 300 Chinese tech-based new ventures indicate that female CEOs are more likely to appoint female TMT members, supporting the “similarity-attraction effect/homophily view” but failing to support the “queen bee syndrome theory.” Moreover, female representation in TMT is positively related to the innovation of new ventures. Finally, the positive link between female CEO and female representation in TMT is stronger when CEO self-efficacy is relatively lower.
Ultra-small world detection in networks: subgraphs with prescribed distance distributions
Authors: Veremyev Alexander , Boginski Vladimir , Pasiliao Eduardo L. , Prokopyev Oleg A. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We introduce a class of distance-based clique relaxation models, which enforce certain distributions on vertex pairwise distances in the corresponding induced subgraphs. Both “local” and “global” versions of the proposed approach are studied. For the global case, the distribution of distances is considered for all vertex pairs in the subgraph. For the local (and, in a sense, more restrictive) case, the required property must be satisfied for any vertex with respect to its distances to the other vertices in the subgraph. We refer to the proposed clique relaxations as global and local

$$\varvec{\gamma }$$

γ

-ultra-small worlds, respectively, where parameter

$$\varvec{\gamma }$$

γ

controls the required distance distributions. Our modeling approach has several meaningful interpretations; in particular, it is closely related to the concept of an “effective” graph diameter. Furthermore, density- and degree-based quasi-cliques are two well-known special cases of the proposed concept. We exploit these relationships to develop mixed integer programs (MIPs) that can be used with an off-the-shelf solver for finding maximum global and local ultra-small worlds. Then, we outline a simple-to-implement algorithm that iteratively solves feasibility versions of our MIPs for each possible subgraph size within some lower and upper bounds; we derive one non-trivial upper bound using the linear programming relaxations. Our modeling approach also generalizes the k-club concept; hence, some links to this well-known distance-based clique relaxation are also explored. Finally, to illustrate the obtained results, we perform a computational study on graphs representing various types of real-world datasets and systems. Some interesting empirical observations and insights are provided.
New results on non-disjoint and classical strong external difference families
Authors: Huczynska Sophie , Hume Sophie 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Classical strong external difference families (SEDFs) are much-studied combinatorial structures motivated by information security applications; it is conjectured that only one classical abelian SEDF exists with more than two sets. Recently, non-disjoint SEDFs were introduced; it was shown that families of these exist with arbitrarily many sets. We present constructions for both classical and non-disjoint SEDFs, which encompass all known non-cyclotomic examples for either type (plus many new examples) using a sequence-based framework. Moreover, we introduce a range of new external difference structures (allowing set-sizes to vary, and sets to be replaced by multisets) in both the classical and non-disjoint case, and show how these may be applied to various communications applications.
Machine learning of the dynamics of strain hardening based on contact transformations
Authors: Szyndler Joanna , Härtel Sebastian , Bambach Markus 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Dislocation density-based models offer a physically grounded approach to modeling strain hardening in metal forming. Since these models are typically defined by Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs), their accuracy is constrained by both, the model formulation and the parameter identification process. Machine Learning (ML) provides an alternative by allowing models to be constructed directly from experimental data, bypassing the accuracy limitations of explicitly defined models. However, applying ML to ODEs introduces the need for novel training techniques. This work presents a new approach for developing neural ODE models for flow curve description, utilizing a contact transformation to simplify the problem of learning an ODE into a learning a multivariate function.

Graphical abstract
New relationships between macroseismic intensity and local magnitude for the volcanic region of Mt. Etna (Italy)
Authors: D’Amico Salvatore , Tuvè Tiziana , Mantovani Ambra 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The volcanic region of Mt. Etna (Italy) has a well-documented historical seismic activity, with records of seismic and volcanic events on the volcano dating back to late 1633. This historical data, covering a time span longer than that recorded by instrumental seismological data, is a testament to the reliability of the intensity-magnitude relations, the only means to obtain macroseismic information, the sole indicator of the energy released by earthquakes. Previous studies in the literature have proposed various methods for converting epicentral intensity into macroseismic magnitude for the Etna region. Still, these methods were based on older datasets with limited instrumental data. The updated relationship proposed in the paper significantly improves the accuracy of macroseismic magnitude estimates, aligning them more closely with local magnitudes calculated for recent earthquakes. The study uses a dataset of 58 volcano-tectonic events from 1997 to 2018, with magnitudes between 2.5 and 4.8 and intensities ranging from IV to VIII on the EMS scale. The instrumental magnitudes were obtained from the Mt. Etna seismic catalogue and the Italian seismological database, while macroseismic data were sourced from the macroseismic catalogue of Etnean earthquakes. In the volcanic area of ​​Etna, macroseismic epicenters are often located very close to the sites where the maximum intensity is observed, this is due to the strong attenuation of seismic energy and the shallowness of the epicenters. For this reason, the epicentral intensity is generally assumed to be equal to the maximum intensity. The new relationship is tailored explicitly for shallow earthquakes (H ≤ 3 km), which are the most recurrent. It includes a correction factor for depth, making it applicable to deeper events and enhancing its relevance in real-world scenarios.