bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the optimal MRI descriptors to diagnose Ménière’s disease and the added value of analysing the vestibular aqueduct
Authors: Connor Steve , Pai Irumee , Touska Philip , McElroy Sarah , Ourselin Sebastien , Hajnal Joseph V. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate the diagnostic performance and reliability of MRI descriptors used for the detection of Ménière’s disease (MD) on delayed post-gadolinium MRI. To determine which combination of descriptors should be optimally applied and whether analysis of the vestibular aqueduct (VA) contributes to the diagnosis.

Materials and methods
This retrospective single centre case-control study evaluated delayed post-gadolinium MRI of patients with Ménièriform symptoms examined consecutively between Dec 2017 and March 2023. Two observers evaluated 17 MRI descriptors of MD and quantified perilymphatic enhancement (PLE) in the cochlea. Definite MD ears according to the 2015 Barany Society criteria were compared to control ears. Cohen’s kappa and diagnostic odds ratio (DORs) were calculated for each descriptor. Forward stepwise logistic regression determined which combination of MRI descriptors would best predict MD ears, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for this model was measured.

Results
A total of 227 patients (mean age 48.3 ± 14.6, 99 men) with 96 definite MD and 78 control ears were evaluated. The presence of saccular abnormality (absent, as large as or confluent with the utricle) performed best with a DOR of 292.6 (95% confidence interval (CI), 38.305–2235.058). All VA descriptors demonstrated excellent reliability and with DORs of 7.761 (95% CI, 3.517–17.125) to 18.1 (95% CI, 8.445–39.170). Combining these saccular abnormalities with asymmetric cochlear PLE and an incompletely visualised VA correctly classified 90.2% of cases (sensitivity 84.4%, specificity 97.4%, AUC 0.938).

Conclusion
Either absent, enlarged or confluent saccules are the best predictors of MD. Incomplete visualisation of the VA adds value to the diagnosis.

Clinical relevance statement
A number of different MRI descriptors have been proposed for the diagnosis of Ménière’s disease, but by establishing the optimally performing MRI features and highlighting new useful descriptors, there is an opportunity to improve the diagnostic performance of Ménière’s disease imaging.

Key Points
• A comprehensive range of existing and novel vestibular aqueduct delayed post-gadolinium MRI descriptors were compared for their diagnostic performance in Ménière’s disease.
• Saccular abnormality (absent, confluent with or larger than the utricle) is a reliable descriptor and is the optimal individual MRI predictor of Ménière’s disease.
• The presence of this saccule descriptor or asymmetric perilymphatic enhancement and incomplete vestibular aqueduct visualisation will optimise the MRI diagnosis of Ménière’s disease.
The recovery of octocoral populations following periodic disturbance masks their vulnerability to persistent global change
Authors: Cant James , Bramanti Lorenzo , Tsounis Georgios , Martínez Quintana Ángela , Lasker Howard R. , Edmunds Peter J. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAs the major form of coral reef regime shift, stony coral to macroalgal transitions have received considerable attention. In the Caribbean, however, regime shifts in which scleractinian corals are replaced by octocoral assemblages hold potential for maintaining reef associated communities. Accordingly, forecasting the resilience of octocoral assemblages to future disturbance regimes is necessary to understand these assemblages' capacity to maintain reef biodiversity. We parameterised integral projection models quantifying the survival, growth, and recruitment of the octocorals, Antillogorgia americana, Gorgonia ventalina, and Eunicea flexuosa, in St John, US Virgin Islands, before, during, and after severe hurricane disturbance. Using these models, we forecast the density of populations of each species under varying future hurricane regimes. We demonstrate that although hurricanes reduce population growth, A. americana, G. ventalina, and E. flexuosa each display a capacity for quick recovery following storm disturbance. Despite this recovery potential, we illustrate how the population dynamics of each species correspond with a longer-term decline in their population densities. Despite their resilience to periodic physical disturbance events, ongoing global change jeopardises the future viability of octocoral assemblages.
Serendipity in oto-rhino-laryngology
Authors: van Andel Pek , Feenstra Louw , Schmidt Henk G. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Serendipitous findings are findings that were initially unsought but nevertheless contribute to the development of the discipline. This article reviews eight serendipitous findings in oto-rhino-laryngology important to its advancement.

Method
The following serendipitous findings are discussed: the accidental discovery of the laryngeal mirror and indirect laryngoscopy by Garcia (1854), the invention of direct oesophagoscopy by Kußmaul (circa 1868), Czermák’s (1863) development of diaphanoscopy, the unintentional emergence of bronchography from a clinical error made by Weingartner (1914), adenotomy by Meyer (1869), the discovery of the causes of unbalance related to the vestibular nerve by Flourens (1830), Bárány’s (1914) finding that the semi-circular canal reflex is involved in equilibrium, and the relationship between gastroesophageal reflux and middle-ear infections by Poelmans and Feenstra (2002).

Discussion
Based on these case studies we conclude that serendipity, defined as the art of making an initially unsought find, does not always appear out of nowhere. Often the researcher is already wrestling with a problem for which the serendipitous finding provides a solution. Sometimes the serendipitous finding enables the application of a known solution to a new problem. And sometimes a serendipitous finding is not recognized as such or considered unimportant. Since observations tend to be theory-loaded, having appropriate background knowledge is a conditio sine qua non to elaborate an unanticipated observation.
Mathematik und Zaubern: Welche Karte bleibt übrig?
Authors: Behrends Ehrhard 
Published: February 2024

ZusammenfassungEin Zauberkunststück gab Anlass zu einem zahlentheoretischen Problem: Wenn n Karten auf spezielle Weise ausgegeben werden, welche Karte bleibt dann übrig? Die Ergebnisse geben Anlass zu interessanten Variationen des Kunststücks.
Applied deep learning in neurosurgery: identifying cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt systems in hydrocephalus patients
Authors: Rhomberg Thomas , Trivik-Barrientos Felipe , Hakim Arsany , Raabe Andreas , Murek Michael 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Over the recent decades, the number of different manufacturers and models of cerebrospinal fluid shunt valves constantly increased. Proper identification of shunt valves on X-ray images is crucial to neurosurgeons and radiologists to derive further details of a specific shunt valve, such as opening pressure settings and MR scanning conditions. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of an AI-assisted shunt valve detection system.

Methods
The dataset used contains 2070 anonymized images of ten different, commonly used shunt valve types. All images were acquired from skull X-rays or scout CT-images. The images were randomly split into a 80% training and 20% validation set. An implementation in Python with the FastAi library was used to train a convolutional neural network (CNN) using a transfer learning method on a pre-trained model.

Results
Overall, our model achieved an F1-score of 99% to predict the correct shunt valve model. F1-scores for individual shunt valves ranged from 92% for the Sophysa Sophy Mini SM8 to 100% for several other models.

Conclusion
This technology has the potential to automatically detect different shunt valve models in a fast and precise way and may facilitate the identification of an unknown shunt valve on X-ray or CT scout images. The deep learning model we developed could be integrated into PACS systems or standalone mobile applications to enhance clinical workflows.
Childhood obesity and adolescent follow-up depressive symptoms: exploring a moderated mediation model of body esteem and gender
Authors: Beltrán-Garrayo Lucia , Larsen Junilla K. , Eisinga Rob , Vink Jacqueline M. , Blanco Miriam , Graell Montserrat , Sepúlveda Ana Rosa 
Published: February 2024

AbstractObesity is a well-recognized risk factor for adolescent depressive symptoms, but mediating mechanisms of this association have scarcely been studied. This study is unique in examining an indirect pathway of this link via body esteem (BE) prospectively from childhood (8–12 years) to adolescence (13–18 years). In addition, potential gender moderation was examined. This study utilized data from a case–control study comparing 100 children with and without obesity matched on important confounders (age, gender, and socioeconomic status). Our findings provide support for the mediating role of BE in the link between childhood weight status and adolescent depressive symptoms at a 5-year follow-up. This mediation effect did not differ between boys and girls. The findings suggest the relevance of specifically targeting children’s BE in preventive intervention programs among children with obesity to prevent future mental health problems.
Precursors and Effects of Self-reported Parental Reflective Functioning: Links to Parental Attachment Representations and Behavioral Sensitivity
Authors: Kungl Melanie T. , Gabler Sandra , White Lars O. , Spangler Gottfried , Vrticka Pascal 
Published: February 2024

AbstractParental reflective functioning is thought to provide a missing link between caregivers’ own attachment histories and their ensuing parenting behaviors. The current study sought to extend research on this association involving 115 parents, both mothers and fathers, of 5-to-6-year-old preschoolers using the German version of the Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (PRFQ). Our study was the first to combine Adult Attachment Interview classifications of parental attachment, behavioral observations of parental sensitivity and PRFQ ratings while drawing on a sizable father subsample. We found theoretically consistent significant relations between all measures, while our results particularly highlighted the role of dismissing attachment for decreases in parenting quality on both cognitive and behavioral levels as the dismissing status differentially affected specific components of self-reported parental reflective functioning and observed sensitivity. Interestingly, these patterns were largely comparable in mothers and fathers. Exploratory mediation analyses further suggested that decreased parental reflective functioning may partially mediate the relationship between parents’ dismissing attachment and decreased parental sensitivity. Thus, for prevention and intervention programs targeting parental sensitivity and thus children’s long term healthy mental development, the interplay between parental reflective functioning and parents’ own attachment history emerges as a key mechanism. Finally, our study served as a further validation of the PRFQ given the caveat that the pre-mentalizing subscale may need further revision in the German version.
Persistent immune abnormalities discriminate post-COVID syndrome from convalescence
Authors: Sbierski-Kind Julia , Schlickeiser Stephan , Feldmann Svenja , Ober Veronica , Grüner Eva , Pleimelding Claire , Gilberg Leonard , Brand Isabel , Weigl Nikolas , Ahmed Mohamed I. M. , Ibarra Gerardo , Ruzicka Michael , Benesch Christopher , Pernpruner Anna , Valdinoci Elisabeth , Hoelscher Michael , Adorjan Kristina , Stubbe Hans Christian , Pritsch Michael , Seybold Ulrich , Roider Julia ,   The Post COVID Care and KoCo19 study groups
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are key organizers of tissue immune responses and regulate tissue development, repair, and pathology. Persistent clinical sequelae beyond 12 weeks following acute COVID-19 disease, named post-COVID syndrome (PCS), are increasingly recognized in convalescent individuals. ILCs have been associated with the severity of COVID-19 symptoms but their role in the development of PCS remains poorly defined.

Methods and results
Here, we used multiparametric immune phenotyping, finding expanded circulating ILC precursors (ILCPs) and concurrent decreased group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) in PCS patients compared to well-matched convalescent control groups at > 3 months after infection or healthy controls. Patients with PCS showed elevated expression of chemokines and cytokines associated with trafficking of immune cells (CCL19/MIP-3b, FLT3-ligand), endothelial inflammation and repair (CXCL1, EGF, RANTES, IL-1RA, PDGF-AA).

Conclusion
These results define immunological parameters associated with PCS and might help find biomarkers and disease-relevant therapeutic strategies.
Endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular risk in post-COVID-19 patients after 6- and 12-months SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Poyatos Paula , Luque Neus , Sabater Gladis , Eizaguirre Saioa , Bonnin Marc , Orriols Ramon , Tura-Ceide Olga 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction
SARS-CoV-2 infection causes severe endothelial damage, an essential step for cardiovascular complications. Endothelial-colony forming cells (ECFCs) act as a biomarker of vascular damage but their role in SARS-CoV-2 remain unclear. The aim of this study was to assess whether the number of ECFCs and angiogenic biomarkers remained altered after 6 and 12-months post-infection and whether this imbalance correlated with the presence of long-COVID syndrome and other biological parameters measured.

Methods
Seventy-two patients were recruited at different time-points after overcoming COVID-19 and thirty-one healthy controls. All subjects were matched for age, gender, BMI, and comorbidities. ECFCs were obtained from peripheral blood and cultured with specific conditions.

Results
The results confirm the presence of a long-term sequela in post-COVID-19 patients, with an abnormal increase in ECFC production compared to controls (82.8% vs. 48.4%, P < 0.01) that is maintained up to 6-months (87.0% vs. 48.4%, P < 0.01) and 12-months post-infection (85.0% vs. 48.4%, P < 0.01). Interestingly, post-COVID-19 patients showed a significant downregulation of angiogenesis-related proteins compared to controls indicating a clear endothelial injury. Troponin, NT-proBNP and ferritin levels, markers of cardiovascular risk and inflammation, remained elevated up to 12-months post-infection. Patients with lower numbers of ECFC exhibited higher levels of inflammatory markers, such as ferritin, suggesting that ECFCs may play a protective role. Additionally, long-COVID syndrome was associated with higher ferritin levels and with female gender.

Conclusions
These findings highlight the presence of vascular sequela that last up to 6- and 12-months post-infection and point out the need for preventive measures and patient follow-up.
Enhancing biodiesel stability and performance: synthesis and extraction of macauba biodiesel for sustainable engine applications
Authors: Arumugam Sivashankar , Muthaiyan Ravikumar , Dhairiyasamy Ratchagaraja , Rajendran Silambarasan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe demand for sustainable fuels has driven research on biodiesel blends’ combustion characteristics and emissions. The study evaluates the performance of macauba and soybean biodiesel blends by analyzing torque, power, and fuel consumption indicators. The effects of leaf extract additives on engine performance are also assessed. Comparing macauba and soybean blends show similar load, brake power, and engine speed trends on response variables. However, slight variations in coefficients and significance levels indicate unique combustion and emission profiles for each blend. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for optimizing engine performance and emission control strategies. Parameters analyzed include brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC), brake thermal efficiency (BTE), exhaust gas temperature (EGT), carbon monoxide (CO) emissions, hydrocarbon (HC) emissions, oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions, smoke opacity, cylinder pressure, heat release rate, and ignition delay. Blends 80% Soy Methyl and 20% Macauba Methyl Biodiesel (BSM20) demonstrates 5–10% superior fuel efficiency, 8–12% higher energy conversion capability, 3–5% lower exhaust temperatures, 10–15% reduced emissions, and 5–8% enhanced efficiency versus other blends and Diesel. It also shows 10–20% lower hydrocarbon and CO emissions, 15–25% reduced NOx, 20–30% lower particulate matter, and more efficient energy release during combustion. Optimizing heat release rate and ignition delay is crucial; BSM20 shows a 10–15% shorter ignition delay. Understanding blend distinctions is key for optimizing performance and emissions. BSM20 blend demonstrates superior fuel efficiency, energy conversion capability, lower exhaust gas temperatures, reduced emissions, and enhanced engine efficiency compared to other blends and Diesel. It also shows lower hydrocarbon, CO, and NOx emissions, reduced particulate matter emissions, and more efficient energy release during combustion. Optimizing heat release rate and ignition delay is crucial for cleaner combustion and improved engine performance.
Deep Structure of Siletzia in the Puget Lowland: Imaging an Obducted Plateau and Accretionary Thrust Belt With Potential Fields
Authors: Anderson M. L. , Blakely R. J. , Wells R. E. , Dragovich J. D. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDetailed understanding of crustal components and tectonic history of forearcs is important due to their geological complexity and high seismic hazard. The principal component of the Cascadia forearc is Siletzia, a composite basaltic terrane of oceanic origin. Much is known about the lithology and age of the province. However, glacial sediments blanketing the Puget Lowland obscure its lateral extent and internal structure, hindering our ability to fully understand its tectonic history and its influence on modern deformation. In this study, we apply map‐view interpretation and two‐dimensional modeling of aeromagnetic and gravity data to the magnetically stratified Siletzia terrane revealing its internal structure and characterizing its eastern boundary. These analyses suggest the contact between Siletzia (Crescent Formation) and the Eocene accretionary prism trends northward under Lake Washington. North of Seattle, this boundary dips east where it crosses the Kingston arch, whereas south of Seattle the contact dips west where it crosses the Seattle uplift (SU). This westward dip is opposite the dip of the Eocene subduction interface, implying obduction of Siletzia upper crust at this southern location. Elongate pairs of high and low magnetic anomalies over the SU suggest imbrication of steeply‐dipping, deeply rooted slices of Crescent Formation within Siletzia. We hypothesize these features result from duplication of Crescent Formation in an accretionary fold‐thrust belt during the Eocene. The active Seattle fault divides this Eocene fold‐thrust belt into two zones with different structural trends and opposite frontal ramp dips, suggesting the Seattle fault may have originated as a tear fault during accretion.
MYRIAM: Open‐Source Software to Estimate Torque Variations Associated With Plate‐Motion Temporal Changes
Authors: Espinoza Valentina , Martin de Blas Juan , Iaffaldano Giampiero 
Published: February 2024

AbstractTectonic plate motions are a prime constraint on lithosphere dynamics and on the torques acting upon plates. Researchers typically test hypotheses on the controlling torques via forward computer models, which allow accepting or rejecting hypotheses on the basis of the fit of model–output plate velocities to kinematic reconstructions. Such models typically require a significant amount of input information (e.g., tectonic boundaries, structure of the lithosphere, lateral variations of rheology, among others) to appropriately model the tectonic system, and obtain sufficiently–realistic realizations of plate motions. Alternatively, the inverse problem approach takes the difference between the plate torque–balance at two distinct moments in time. This results in an equation in which (a) torques that have not varied through time are canceled out and (b) torques that instead have varied through time are linked to the resulting plate–motion change through a term that accounts for the plate shape and the rheology of the underlying asthenosphere. This approach sacrifices the capability to describe the different individual forces/torques acting upon a plate. Instead, it focuses on determining torque temporal variations, which significantly reduces the amount of input knowledge required. In this technical note we introduce MYRIAM, an open–source software that implements such an inverse approach. MYRIAM takes plate–motion temporal changes, and outputs an estimate of the torque variation required upon a plate to generate the input kinematic change. MYRIAM is released as an open–source repository hosted at GitHub, complete with source code and executable files for Windows and Unix–based operating systems.
Detachment Fault‐Hosted Subduction Re‐Initiation of the (Ultra)Slow‐Spreading Western Neo‐Tethys in the Jurassic
Authors: Liu Tong , Liu Chuan‐Zhou , Wu Fu‐Yuan , Topuz Gültekin , Wan Bo , Wang Jia‐Min , Chen Guohui 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSubduction initiation in oceans is key to understanding regional and global plate tectonics and ocean basin dynamics; however, its genetic mechanism is still enigmatic. The most famous model that predicts intraoceanic subduction initiation along transform faults or fracture zones (i.e., the Subduction Initiation Rule) has been widely used to explain arc‐like geochemical signatures within the Neo‐Tethyan ophiolites, but fails to account for the speculation and/or calculation of a sub‐parallel relationship between the Jurassic subduction zones and paleo ridges of the western Neo‐Tethys. Here, we propose a ridge‐parallel detachment fault‐hosted subduction re‐initiation model for the Jurassic western Neo‐Tethys. Based on field geological and geochemical evidence, we show that the Refahiye ophiolite in the İzmir–Ankara–Erzincan suture of northern Turkey has diagnostic characteristics indicative of (ultra)slow seafloor spreading. An (ultra)slow‐spreading nature also characterizes many Neo‐Tethyan ophiolites from the Alps to Southeast Asia, either at mid‐ocean ridges or in suprasubduction zones. Due to its extremely weak nature, detachment faults were probably a key candidate for the Jurassic intraoceanic subduction re‐initiation of the western Neo‐Tethys in response to far‐field compression after its long‐lived northward subduction. This model is applicable to both the Jurassic and Early Cretaceous ophiolites, but is questionable for the Late Cretaceous ophiolites. Its utility deponds on the kinematics of ancient plate boundaries and compositions of ophiolites. The detachment fault‐hosted subduction re‐initiation model can explain the arc‐like geochemical features of the Jurassic western Neo‐Tethyan ophiolites, but its effect on the structure and component of ophiolites is diverse.