bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Path Planning in a Weighted Planar Subdivision Under the Manhattan Metric
Authors: Davoodi Mansoor , Safari Ashkan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we consider the problem of path planning in a weighted polygonal planar subdivision. Each polygon has an associated positive weight which shows the cost of path per unit distance of movement in that polygon. The goal is to find a minimum cost path under the Manhattan metric for two given start and destination points. First, we propose an$$O(n^2)$$O(n2)time and space algorithm to solve this problem, wherenis the total number of vertices in the subdivision. Then, we improve the time and space complexity of the algorithm to$$O(n \log ^2 n)$$O(nlog2n)and$$O(n \log n)$$O(nlogn), respectively, by applying a divide and conquer approach. We also study the case of rectilinear regions in three dimensions and show that the minimum cost path under the Manhattan metric is obtained in$$ O(n^2 \log ^3 n) $$O(n2log3n)time and$$ O(n^2 \log ^2 n) $$O(n2log2n)space.
Screening for rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease—a Delphi-based consensus statement
Authors: Hackner Klaus , Hütter Lisa , Flick Holger , Grohs Michael , Kastrati Kastriot , Kiener Hans , Lang David , Mosheimer-Feistritzer Birgit , Prosch Helmut , Rath Eva , Schindler Otmar , Moazedi-Fürst Florentine 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Objective
Rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) is a major driver of premature mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Detection of RA-ILD is crucial but requires awareness among the treating physicians. To date, however, there is no international recommendation concerning screening for ILD in RA patients.

Methods
After a systematic literature review, the modified Delphi technique in combination with the nominal group technique was used to provide a Delphi consensus statement elaborated by an expert panel of pneumonologists, rheumatologists, and a radiologist. Based on the available evidence, several clusters of questions were defined and discussed until consent was reached.

Results
A screening algorithm for ILD in patients with RA based on clinical signs, respiratory symptoms, and risk factors has been developed. Further, the recommendations address diagnostic tools for RA-ILD and the follow-up of RA patients qualifying for ILD screening.
Accuracy of Bruch’s membrane opening minimum rim width and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in glaucoma diagnosis depending on optic disc size
Authors: Englmaier Verena Anna , Storp Jens Julian , Leclaire Martin Dominik , Lahme Larissa , Brücher Viktoria Constanze , Biermann Julia , Diener Raphael , Eter Nicole 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background/aim
The aim of this paper is to compare retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) and Bruch’s membrane opening-based minimum rim width (BMO-MRW) in terms of their performance in detecting early and moderate/advanced glaucoma using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis and the classification using the 5th percentile as a cut-off.

Methods
One hundred eyes from 100 patients with early glaucoma (mean deviation (MD): < -5.0 dB) and 100 eyes from 100 patients with moderate/advanced glaucoma (MD: > -5.0 dB) were carefully matched to healthy controls based on optic disc size. Then, the dataset was divided, based on the 50th percentile of the measured Bruch’s membrane opening area (BMO-A), into small (BMO-A < 1.95 mm2) and large optic discs (BMO-A > 1.95 mm2). Finally, the discriminative performance of BMO-MRW and RNFL between glaucoma and controls using ROC analysis and the manufacturer’s classification based on the 5th percentile was analyzed.

Results
In discriminating between glaucoma and matched healthy controls, global BMO-MRW and global RNFL thickness had comparable areas under the ROC curve for eyes with early glaucoma and both small BMO-As (ROC ± confidence interval [CI] 0.91 [0.87 to 0.95] and 0.88 [0.83 to 0.93]) and large BMO-As (0.86 [0.82 to 0.92] and 0.84 [0.79 to 0.90]), as well as in moderate/advanced glaucoma with small BMO-As (0.99 [0.98 to 1.00] and 0.97 [0.95 to 1.00]) and large BMO-As (0.94 [0.91 to 0.98] and 0.97 [0.94 to 1.00]). Using the calculated 5th percentile as a threshold value, the sensitivities for the detection of early and moderate/advanced glaucoma were comparable for BMO-MRW and RNFL in eyes with small optic discs (early glaucoma: fifty-two percent and 61%; moderate/advanced glaucoma: ninety-one percent and 92%). In eyes with large optic discs, the sensitivity of BMO-MRW was inferior to that of RNFL for both early (38% versus 51%) and moderate/advanced (80% versus 91%) glaucoma.

Conclusion
Based on an ROC analysis, the discriminative performance of BMO-MRW and RNFL between patients with early and moderate/advanced glaucoma and a healthy control group matched based on optic disc size is comparable in eyes with BMO-As smaller and larger 1.95 mm2. Using a classification based on the 5th percentile, as used in clinical practice, RNFL is shown to be superior to BMO-MRW regarding sensitivity in glaucoma detection with large optic discs. This study underscores the importance of RNFL imaging and measurement in the diagnostic evaluation of glaucoma, especially in cases of large optic discs.
Autonomic activity and cardiovascular system risk assessment in pediatric patients with hemolytic uremic syndrome
Authors: Duman Derya , Sürmeli Döven Serra , Karpuz Derya , Danacı Vatansever Esra , Taşdelen Bahar , Delibaş Ali 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn pediatric patients with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), cardiac involvement and autonomic nervous system function can be evaluated by a non-invasive method called heart rate variability (HRV). This study aims to evaluate heart rate variability and electrocardiography findings in patients with HUS by comparing a healthy group. Patients who are diagnosed with HUS at a university hospital from December 2020 to June 2022 are screened by electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography, and 24-h Holter ECG. A healthy control group, compatible in age and gender with the patient group, was selected from healthy subjects. HRV parameters, laboratory values, and ECG findings were analyzed and compared with the healthy group and each other. There were 25 patients with HUS and 51 participants in the healthy control group. Statistically significant differences were found in some HRV parameters: standard deviation of normal to normal intervals, the mean of the 5-min RR interval standard deviations, the standard deviation of 5-min RR interval means, the triangular interpolation of normal to normal interval, and very-low-frequency power. HUS patients had impaired and declined HRV values compared to the healthy group. There was a significant decrease in the PR distance, while a significant increase in the corrected QT and QT dispersion values was detected in the electrocardiographic findings of the patient group. HRV values impaired as renal failure parameters increased. Conclusion: Patients with HUS may have autonomic nervous system dysfunction. HRV measurement is a non-invasive method that can evaluate this. It can be thought that there may be an increased risk of cardiovascular events and arrhythmias in some patients with HUS. ECG should be also considered to detect arrhythmia.

What is Known:• Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) primarily effects the hematologic parameters and kidney.• Secondary cardiomyopathy with hypertension and renal failure could be observed in these patients.• Rhythm problems are not expected primarily in these patients.• There is very limited data in evaluating autonomic function and arrhythmia risk for these patients.

What is New:• Patients with HUS may have autonomic nervous system dysfunction.• HRV measurement is a non-invasive method that can evaluate this.• Cardiovascular events and arrhythmias due to the deterioration of the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems could manifest in patients with HUS.• An ECG and screening patients for cardiac events, and monitoring them closely should be considered.
Are Saudi Arabian banks’ mobile applications accessible for blind or partially sighted users?: a customers’ perspective and evaluation
Authors: Alayed Asmaa 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study investigated the accessibility problems and barriers faced by visually impaired Arabic speakers when using banking mobile applications. The sample included mobile applications for the top three banks in Saudi Arabia in terms of their customer base, including applications for AlRajhi, SNB, and Riyad bank. The focus was on the three most popular e-services provided by those applications. Using a mixed method approach, accessibility was inspected manually according to current Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1). In addition, in-depth usability testing for those applications was conducted with 12 blind Arabic-speaking users. The results revealed that the accessibility level for all sample applications did not conform to WCAG 2.1, which reflected the low accessibility level provided by these applications. However, AlRajhi’s application was the best among the tested applications. In manual inspection, it had the lowest number of violations of success criteria compared to SNB’s and Riyad’s applications. It also achieved the best results in usability testing in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction compared to the other two applications. The overall results showed that the current situation of accessibility of Saudi banking applications is not very satisfactory in terms of number of violations to WCAG 2.1 success criteria. The most violated principle by all the applications was operable, with around 37% of total violations, followed by perceivable, then robust and understandable.
Efficacy of omalizumab in adult patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis: a multicentre study in China
Authors: Chen Peixv , Yu Yali , He Li , Zhang Chunyi , Li Yiting , Wu Di , Chen Ying , Wang Ran , Xu Guopeng , Cao Chao 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDespite conventional glucocorticoid and antifungal therapy, acute exacerbation and hospitalization occur frequently in patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). Whether omalizumab is an effective and safe treatment for adult patients with ABPA complicating asthma. Patients with ABPA complicating asthma who were treated with omalizumab from October 2019 to May 2023 were collected from five tertiary hospitals and evaluated. The frequencies of acute exacerbation and hospitalization; the number of eosinophils; the total IgE levels; and the average monthly medical dosages after 3, 6, and 12 months of omalizumab treatment were analysed, and the data before and after treatment (up to one year) were compared. The efficacy and safety of omalizumab treatment were assessed. In total, 26 patients were enrolled. The average monthly glucocorticoid dosage significantly decreased (median 0 vs. 24 mg/m) after 6 months of omalizumab treatment compared with 3 months; 73.68% of patients discontinued glucocorticoids after ≤ 12 months of treatment. Similarly, the average monthly dosage of antifungal agents was significantly decreased (median 0 vs. 3.49 g/m) after 12 months of treatment compared with 3 months. The average monthly glucocorticoid dosage (median 213.75 vs. 65.42 mg/m, P = 0.002) and the frequency of acute exacerbation (median 0.94 vs. 0.44 events, P = 0.033) were considerably reduced after omalizumab treatment. Omalizumab is effective in reducing the frequency of acute exacerbation and the necessary dosage of glucocorticoids in adult patients with ABPA complicating asthma. Patient age and BMI may affect the efficacy of treatment.
Helios characterized circulating follicular helper T cells with enhanced functional phenotypes and was increased in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Zeng Xingyue , Alimu Xiayidan , Bahabayi Ayibaota , Zhang Zhonghui , Zheng Mohan , Yuan Zihang , Liu Tianci , Liu Chen 
Published: January 2024

AbstractHelios was related to the immunosuppressive capacity and stability of regulatory T cells. However, the significance of Helios in follicular help T (TFH) and follicular regulatory T (TFR) cells is unclear. This research aimed to clarify the significance of Helios (IKZF2) in TFH and TFR cells and its clinical value in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). IKZF2 mRNA in different cell subsets was analyzed. Helios+ percentages in TFH and TFR cells were identified in the peripheral blood of 75 SLE patients and 62 HCs (healthy controls). PD-1 and ICOS expression were compared between Helios+ and Helios− cells. The capacity of TFH cells to secrete IL-21 and TFR cells to secrete IL-10 was measured. Correlation analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were conducted to assess the clinical significance of Helios-related TFH and TFR cell subsets in SLE. There was Helios expression in TFH and TFR cells. PD-1 and ICOS were lower in Helios+ TFR than in Helios− TFR. ICOS was increased in Helios+ TFH cells compared with Helios− TFH cells, and ICOS in Helios+ TFH cells was downregulated in SLE. Helios+ TFH cells secreted more IL-21 than Helios− TFH cells, and Helios+ TFH cells from SLE patients had a stronger IL-21 secretion than HCs. Helios+ TFH percentages were negatively correlated with C3 and C4 and positively related to CRP and SLEDAI, and the AUC of Helios+ TFH to distinguish SLE from HC was 0.7959. Helios characterizes circulating TFH cells with enhanced function. Increased Helios+ TFH cells could reflect the autoimmune status of SLE.
Graphical abstract
Discrete half-logistic distributions with applications in reliability and risk analysis
Authors: Barbiero Alessandro , Hitaj Asmerilda 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn the statistical literature, several discrete distributions have been developed so far for modeling non-negative integer-valued phenomena, yet there is still room for new counting models that adequately capture the diversity of real data sets. Here, we first discuss a count distribution derived as a discrete analogue of the continuous half-logistic distribution, which is obtained by preserving the expression of its survival function at each non-negative integer support point. The proposed discrete distribution has a mode at zero and allows for over-dispersion; these two features make it suitable for modeling purposes in many fields (e.g., insurance and ecology), when these conditions are satisfied by the data. In order to widen its spectrum of applications, a discrete analogue is also presented of the type I generalized half-logistic distribution (obtained by adding a shape parameter to the simple one-parameter half-logistic), which allows us to model count data whose mode is not necessarily zero. For these new count distributions, the main statistical properties are outlined, and parameter estimation along with related issues is discussed. Their feasibility is proved on two real data sets taken from the literature, which have already been fitted by other well-established count distributions. Finally, a possible application is illustrated in the insurance field, related to the exact/approximate determination of the distribution of the total claims amount through the well-known Panjer’s recursive formula, within the framework of collective risk models.
The association between HER2-low status and survival in patients with metastatic breast cancer treated with Cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 inhibitors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Guven Deniz Can , Sahin Taha Koray 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors significantly altered the treatment landscape of hormone-positive (HR+), HER2- metastatic breast cancer (MBC). However, biomarkers predicting long-term benefit and early progression are yet to be defined. Several studies suggested the possibility of diminished efficacy in patients with HER2-low disease. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between low-level HER2 expression and efficacy outcomes (PFS, OS, ORR) with CDK 4/6 inhibitors.

Methods
The Pubmed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were used to systematically filter the published studies from inception to 08 August 2023 for this systemic review. Studies including MBC patients treated with CDK 4/6 inhibitors and reported survival outcomes according to HER2 expression were included. We performed the meta-analyses with the generic inverse-variance method with a fixed-effects model and used HRs with 95% two-sided CIs as the principal summary measure.

Results
Nine studies encompassing 2705 patients were included in the analyses. In the pooled analysis of nine studies, the risk of progression and/or death was higher in patients with HER2-low tumors compared to HER2-zero (HR: 1.22, 95% CI 1.10–1.35, p < 0.001). In the pooled analysis of five studies, although the median follow-up was short, the risk of death was higher in the HER2-low group compared to the HER2-zero group (HR: 1.22, 95% CI 1.04–1.44, p = 0.010).

Conclusion
The available evidence demonstrates a significantly higher risk of progression or death with CDK 4/6 inhibitors in HER2-low tumors. Further research is needed to improve outcomes in patients with HR+-HER2-low tumors.
Inverse design of aluminium alloys using multi-targeted regression
Authors: Bhat Ninad , Barnard Amanda S. , Birbilis Nick 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe traditional design process for aluminium alloys has primarily relied upon iterative alloy production and testing, which can be time intensive and expensive. Machine learning has recently been demonstrated to have promise in predicting alloy properties based on the inputs of alloy composition and alloy processing conditions. In the search for optimal alloy concentrations that meet desired properties, as the search space expands, the optimisation process can become more time intensive and computationally expensive, depending on the methodology used. We propose a faster workflow for inverse alloy design by using multi-target machine-learning models. We train a random forest regressor to predict the concentration of alloying elements and a random forest classifier to determine the processing condition. We further analysed the inverse model and validated findings against alloys reported in the literature.
Microrheological comparison of melanoma cells by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Brás M. Manuela , Sousa Aureliana , Cruz Tânia B. , Michalewski Jonas , Leite Marina , Sousa Susana R. , Granja Pedro L. , Radmacher Manfred 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMelanoma is one of the most severe cancers due to its great potential to form metastasis. Recent studies showed the importance of mechanical property assessment in metastasis formation which depends on the cytoskeleton dynamics and cell migration. Although cells are considered purely elastic, they are viscoelastic entities. Microrheology atomic force microscopy (AFM) enables the assessment of elasticity and viscous properties, which are relevant to cell behavior regulation. The current work compares the mechanical properties of human neonatal primary melanocytes (HNPMs) with two melanoma cell lines (WM793B and 1205LU cells), using microrheology AFM. Immunocytochemistry of F-actin filaments and phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (p-FAK) and cell migration assays were performed to understand the differences found in microrheology AFM regarding the tumor cell lines tested. AFM revealed that HNPMs and tumor cell lines had distinct mechanical properties. HNPMs were softer, less viscous, presenting a higher power-law than melanoma cells. Immunostaining showed that metastatic 1205LU cells expressed more p-FAK than WM793B cells. Melanoma cell migration assays showed that WM73B did not close the gap, in contrast to 1205LU cells, which closed the gap at the end of 23 h. These data seem to corroborate the high migratory behavior of 1205LU cells. Microrheology AFM applied to HNPMs and melanoma cells allowed the quantification of elasticity, viscous properties, glassy phase, and power-law properties, which have an impact in cell migration and metastasis formation. AFM study is important since it can be used as a biomarker of the different stages of the disease in melanoma.
The Effect of Mechanical Recycling on the Thermal, Mechanical, and Chemical Properties of Poly (Butylene Adipate-Co-Terephthalate) (PBAT), Poly (Butylene Succinate) (PBS), Poly (Lactic Acid) (PLA), PBAT-PBS Blend and PBAT-TPS Biocomposite
Authors: Nomadolo Nomvuyo , Mtibe Asanda , Ofosu Osei , Mekoa Caroline , Letwaba John , Muniyasamy Sudhakar 
Published: January 2024

AbstractMechanical recycling of plastics is regarded as the best option to minimize plastic waste pollution in the environment as it is well established and offers valorisation of plastics; however, there is limited research on the mechanical recyclability of biopolymers. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of multiple reprocessing on the mechanical, thermal, physical, chemical, and morphological properties of poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), poly (butylene succinate) (PBS), poly (lactic acid) (PLA), PBAT-PBS blend, and PBAT-thermoplastic starch (TPS) composite. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a conventional non-biodegradable plastic, was also reprocessed for comparison studies. The biopolymers were extruded seven times in a twin-screw extruder and injection moulded into test specimens. Their properties were investigated at each extrusion cycle. Tensile, impact strength, and melt flow index (MFI) results of neat PBAT and PBAT-TPS were stable with slight changes throughout the seven reprocessing cycles and were comparable to LDPE. The properties of PBS, PLA, and PBAT-PBS blend, on the other hand, started to decrease after the second melt extrusion cycle. In addition, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TGA), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results showed that LDPE, PBAT, and PBAT-TPS exhibited better thermal and mechanical stability as compared to PBS, PLA, and PBAT-PBS blend. The FTIR spectroscopy results showed that the characteristic peaks of C=O and C–O around 1710 cm−1 and 1046–1100 cm−1 for PBS, PLA, and PBAT-PBS decreased due to multiple thermal processing, while those of PBAT and PBAT-TPS were unaffected. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of the fractured cross-sectional surface of PBS, PLA, and PBAT-PBS tensile specimens clearly evidenced the degradation of the biopolymers by severely fractured morphology as a result multiple reprocessing cycle. The results demonstrate that the fully biodegradable PBAT and PBAT-TPS can be mechanically recycled for at least seven cycles, and therefore, the service life of biodegradable polymers can be extended, and it is comparable with petroleum-based plastic.
Graphical Abstract
Bipolar Disorder: Identity, Social Support, Religiosity and Spirituality. Can Religiosity/Spirituality be a Mood Balancing Factor? An Italian Case Report
Authors: Santambrogio Jacopo , Maissen Jessica , Calini Cosima , Filippo Maria Cristina , Frigerio Roberto , Rampin Roberto , Locorotondo Giovanna , Pontiggia Adriana , Riboldi Stefania , Chiorazzo Rossella , Amatulli Antonio , De Berardis Domenico , Clerici Massimo , Milani Simona , Cavalleri Pietro Riccardo 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis paper presents a case study to support the hypothesis that religiosity and spirituality (R/S), as mood balancing factors, could facilitate the recovery process for patients suffering from bipolar disorder (BD) once they have been stabilized and are receiving appropriate support (e.g., in a residential rehabilitative center). After a succinct review of BD and R/S, the patient’s medical history and rehabilitation pathway are described, with a particular focus on the role played by R/S. The authors found that in this case, once the patient was stabilized, R/S helped to consolidate her feelings of well-being, increasing her positive perception of social support services and ultimately her self-confidence.