bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in tumor-to-blood ratio as a prognostic marker for progression-free survival and overall survival in neuroendocrine tumor patients undergoing PRRT
Authors: Weber Manuel , Pettersson Olof , Seifert Robert , Schaarschmidt Benedikt M. , Fendler Wolfgang P. , Rischpler Christoph , Lahner Harald , Herrmann Ken , Sundin Anders 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Historically, patient selection for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) has been performed by virtue of somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS). In recent years, somatostatin receptor positron emission tomography (SSTR-PET) has gradually replaced SRS because of its improved diagnostic capacity, creating an unmet need for SSTR-PET-based selection criteria for PRRT. Tumor-to-blood ratio (TBR) measurements have shown high correlation with the net influx rate Ki, reflecting the tumor somatostatin receptor expression, to a higher degree than standardized uptake value (SUV) measurements. TBR may therefore predict treatment response to PRRT. In addition, changes in semiquantitative SSTR-PET parameters have been shown to predate morphological changes, making them a suitable metric for response assessment.

Methods
The institutional database of the Department of Nuclear Medicine (University Hospital Essen) was searched for NET patients undergoing ≥ 2 PRRT cycles with available baseline and follow-up SSTR-PET. Two blinded independent readers reported the occurrence of new lesions quantified tumor uptake of up to nine lesions per patient using SUV and TBR. The association between baseline TBR and changes in uptake/occurrence of new lesions with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was tested by use of a Cox regression model and log-rank test.

Results
Patients with baseline TBR in the 1st quartile had a shorter PFS (14.4 months) than those in the 3rd (23.7 months; p = 0.03) and 4th (24.1 months; p = 0.02) quartile. Similarly, these patients had significantly shorter OS (32.5 months) than those with baseline TBR in the 2nd (41.8 months; p = 0.03), 3rd (69.2 months; p < 0.01), and 4th (42.7 months; p = 0.03) quartile. Baseline to follow-up increases in TBR were independently associated with shorter PFS when accounting for prognostic markers, e.g., RECIST response (hazard ratio = 2.91 [95%CI = 1.54–5.50]; p = 0.01). This was confirmed with regard to OS (hazard ratio = 1.64 [95%CI = 1.03–2.62]; p = 0.04). Changes in SUVmean were not associated with PFS or OS.

Conclusions
Baseline TBR as well as changes in TBR were significantly associated with PFS and OS and may improve patient selection and morphological response assessment. Future trials need to assess the role of TBR for therapy monitoring also during PRRT and prospectively explore TBR as a predictive marker for patient selection.
Proposal of a diagnostic algorithm for radiation-induced dropped head syndrome in long-term childhood cancer survivors based on a prospective study in a specialized clinical setting and a review of the literature
Authors: Rieken Sarah , Kronziel Lea Louisa , Langer Thorsten , Rades Dirk , Boppel Tobias , Trillenberg Peter , Gebauer Judith 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To prospectively assess the incidence of Dropped Head Syndrome (DHS) in childhood cancer survivors (CCS) and to develop and evaluate a diagnostic algorithm for DHS.

Methods
A systematic literature search for DHS in combination with neck radiotherapy (RT) exposure was performed. Analyses and a combination of the most common examination methods were integrated into a diagnostic algorithm. Almost all CCSs visiting the local late effects clinic between May 2020 and April 2022 were included in the study. CCS exposed to neck RT with doses ≥ 19 Gy received standardized clinical and neurological assessment and, in case of abnormal results, an MRI scan to confirm muscle atrophy.

Results
Two hundred and five CCS were included of whom 41 received RT to the neck with ≥ 19 Gy. In the entire cohort and in the subgroup receiving RT, 2.4% and 12% of CCS were affected by DHS, respectively. Results of clinical and neurological assessment correlated well with MRI results. Neck circumference and neck/thigh ratio were lower after neck RT. Over 50% of CCS experienced neck disability and pain.

Conclusions
A relevant proportion of CCS exposed to neck RT is affected by DHS. High concordance of MRI results with the neurological examination supports the clinical value of the diagnostic algorithm. Measurement of neck circumference might be an easy tool for assessment of neck muscle atrophy in survivors at risk.

Implications for cancer survivors
Integration of a diagnostic algorithm for DHS in standard long-term follow-up care facilitates diagnosis as well as initiation of early treatment and obviates the need for invasive examinations.
Spa therapy and peripheral serotonin and dopamine function: a systematic review
Authors: Gálvez Isabel , Fioravanti Antonella , Ortega Eduardo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSpa therapy consists of multiple techniques based on the healing effects of water, including hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, and mud therapy, often combined with therapeutic exercises, massage, or physical therapy. Balneotherapy is a clinically effective complementary approach in the treatment of low-grade inflammation- and stress-related pathologies, especially rheumatic conditions due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The main objective of this investigation was to conduct a systematic review analyzing the available evidence on the effect of spa therapy on serotonin and dopamine function. The databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were used from June to July 2023. Exclusion criteria were (1) articles not written in English, (2) full text not available, (3) article not related to the objective of the review. JADAD scale was used for methodological quality evaluation. Four studies were included in the systematic review. Two studies were related to serotonin in healthy individuals, one to serotonin in fibromyalgia, and one to dopamine in healthy individuals. One of the studies evaluated hydrotherapy, another one balneotherapy and mud-bath therapy, and the other two assessed balneotherapy interventions. Studies were very heterogeneous, and their methodological quality was low, making it difficult to draw clear conclusions regarding the effect of spa therapy on peripheral serotonin and dopamine function. The findings of this review highlight the lack of studies evaluating these neurotransmitters and hormones in the context of spa therapy. Further research is needed to evaluate the potential effects of these therapies on serotonin or dopamine function.
Effects of traditional Chinese culture-based bibliotherapy on the spiritual health of patients with liver cancer
Authors: Huang Ling , Zhang Honghui , Xiao Yuting , Li Qian , Huang Xiu , Li Lihui , Xiao Shan , Li Ou , Wang Le 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Liver cancer is a serious global health problem and is associated with poor spiritual health. Bibliotherapy is beneficial in improving health outcomes in cancer patients, yet there is a lack of empirical evidence of its effect on the spiritual health of liver cancer patients in China. The study aimed to investigate the effects of bibliotherapy based on Chinese traditional culture on the spiritual health of patients with liver cancer in China. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Hunan Normal University School of Medicine and registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry with the registration (No: 2021260), which registration in June 30th 2021.

Methods
A total of 60 patients with liver cancer were divided into the intervention group (n = 30) and the control group (n = 30) through WeChat. The intervention group received bibliotherapy therapy based on traditional Chinese culture, while the control group received routine care. Spiritual health was assessed using the Spiritual Attitude and Involvement List (SAIL) and compared before and after the intervention between the two groups. The chi-square test and t-test were used to analyze the intervention effects.

Results
The two groups were comparable in all baseline characteristics including the SAIL score. After 5 weeks of intervention, the score of SAIL increased significantly from 96.76 ± 15.08 to 106.93 ± 13.82 in the intervention group (t =  − 29.380, p < 0.001), while no significant difference in SAIL score was observed in the control group (from 95.27 ± 16.40 to 95.31 ± 16.24, t =  − 0.189, p = 0.852). Similar patterns were also observed in its three dimensions of connecting with oneself, connecting with the environment, and connecting with transcendence.

Conclusions
Our study showed that bibliotherapy based on traditional Chinese culture using the WeChat platform can greatly improve the spiritual health of patients with liver cancer and has the potential to be widely applied to cancer patients to improve their well-being.
Automation of interaction—interaction design at the crossroads of user experience (UX) and artificial intelligence (AI)
Authors: Wiberg Mikael , Stolterman Bergqvist Erik 
Published: November 2023

AbstractInteraction design/HCI seems to be at a crossroads. On the one hand, it is still about designing for engaging user experiences (UX). Still, on the other hand, it seems to be increasingly about reducing interaction and automating human–machine interaction through the use of AI and other new technologies. In this paper, we explore this seemingly unavoidable gap. First, we discuss the fundamental design rationality underpinning interaction and automation of interaction from the viewpoints of classic theoretical standpoints. We then illustrate how these two come together in interaction design practice. Here we examine four examples from already published research on automation of interaction, including how different levels of automation of interaction affect or enable new practices, including coffee making, self-tracking, automated driving, and conversations with AI-based chatbots. Through an interaction analysis of these four examples, we show (1) how interaction and automation are combined in the design, (2) how interaction is dependent on a certain level of automation, and vice versa, and (3) how each example illustrates a different balance between, and integration of interaction and automation. Based on this analysis, we propose a two-dimensional design space as a conceptual construct that takes these aspects into account to understand and analyze ways of combining interaction and automation in interaction design. We illustrate the use of the proposed two-dimensional design space, discuss its theoretical implications, and suggest it as a useful tool—when designing for engaging user experiences (UX), with interaction and automation as two design materials.
Elastic graphs with clamped boundary and length constraints
Authors: Dall’Acqua Anna , Deckelnick Klaus 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe study two minimization problems concerning the elastic energy on curves given by graphs subject to symmetric clamped boundary conditions. In the first, the inextensible problem, we fix the length of the curves while in the second, the extensible problem, we add a term penalizing the length. This can be considered as a one-dimensional version of the Helfrich energy. In both cases, we prove existence, uniqueness and qualitative properties of the minimizers. A key ingredient in our analysis is the use of Noether identities valid for critical points of the energy and derived from the invariance of the energy functional with respect to translations. These identities allow us also to prove curvature bounds and ordering of the minimizers even though the problem is of fourth order and hence in general does not allow for comparison principles.
Influence of Participant Perceptions of Adherence-Related Interactions with Study/Study Team on Drug Levels: HPTN069 Analysis of Self-Reported Adherence Experiences While on Study
Authors: Amico K. R. , Mayer K. H. , Landovitz R. J. , Marzinke M. , Hendrix C. , McCauley M. , Wilkin T. , Gulick R. ,   HPTN 069/A5305 study team
Published: November 2023

AbstractAdherence to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) study drug is critical for safety, tolerability, and efficacy trials, and may be affected by how adherence is communicated by the study staff to trial participants. Increasingly, clinical trials investigating PrEP are creating and implementing ‘participant-centered’ approaches that discuss potential non-adherence neutrally (without negative judgement) and support efforts to adhere versus insisting on perfect adherence. In the HPTN069/ACTG A5305 study, we evaluated participant experiences of potentially negative adherence-related interactions with study teams using ten items to characterize the frequency of such experiences. We related these individual items and a combined set of seven negative experience items (total negative experience score) to drug concentrations (detectable or consistent with daily-dosing). The exploratory analyses used logistic regression for each experience item on the full sample and disaggregated by sex. Several experiences were related to drug detection and to daily-dosing, although more so for participants identifying as men than women. Total negative experience scores associated with not having detection drug concentrations for the full sample, and remained significant even when controlling for sex, age, and race. Daily dosing was associated with total negative experience score for men in the sample. Additional investigations into adherence-related interactions with study teams that are most problematic or helpful in general and uniquely for men and women are warranted.
A flexible short recurrence Krylov subspace method for matrices arising in the time integration of port-Hamiltonian systems and ODEs/DAEs with a dissipative Hamiltonian
Authors: Diab Malak , Frommer Andreas , Kahl Karsten 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFor several classes of mathematical models that yield linear systems, the splitting of the matrix into its Hermitian and skew Hermitian parts is naturally related to properties of the underlying model. This is particularly so for discretizations of dissipative Hamiltonian ODEs, DAEs and port-Hamiltonian systems where, in addition, the Hermitian part is positive definite or semi-definite. It is then possible to develop short recurrence optimal Krylov subspace methods in which the Hermitian part is used as a preconditioner. In this paper, we develop new, right preconditioned variants of this approach which, as their crucial new feature, allow the systems with the Hermitian part to be solved only approximately in each iteration while keeping the short recurrences. This new class of methods is particularly efficient as it allows, for example, to use few steps of a multigrid solver or a (preconditioned) CG method for the Hermitian part in each iteration. We illustrate this with several numerical experiments for large scale systems.
Exploring the effects of digital technology on deep learning: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Xiu-Yi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe impact of digital technology on learning outcomes, specifically deep learning, has been a subject of considerable debate and scrutiny in educational settings. This study aims to provide clarity by conducting a meta-analysis of empirical publications that examine students' deep learning outcomes in relation to digital technology. A comprehensive search of databases and a thorough literature review yielded 60 high-quality, peer-reviewed journal articles that met the inclusion criteria. Using Review Manager 5.4.1 software, a meta-analysis was conducted to assess the overall effectiveness of digital technology. The calculated effect size indicates a positive influence of digital technology on students' deep learning outcomes. Furthermore, a moderator variable analysis revealed several significant findings: 1. Different categories of digital technology tools have a favorable impact on deep learning outcomes; 2. The duration of digital technology treatment does not significantly affect deep learning outcomes; 3. Digital technology demonstrates a highly positive influence on deep learning within the humanities and social sciences disciplines; 4. Combining online and offline utilization of digital technology in education leads to a substantially greater enhancement in deep learning compared to relying solely on online methods; 5. The effectiveness of digital technology on deep learning is enhanced when accompanied by appropriate instructional guidance; 6. Utilizing digital technology in a systematic manner produces different outcomes compared to fragmented approaches, highlighting the importance of a cohesive implementation; 7. Integrating digital technology with collaborative learning has a more pronounced effect on deep learning compared to independent learning. These findings contribute to our understanding of the impact of digital technology on deep learning outcomes and underscore the importance of thoughtful integration and instructional support in educational contexts.
Distortions in Investment Timing and Quantity in Real Options with Asymmetric Information
Authors: Oosterhout Maarten van , Zwart Gijsbert 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe analyze real options investment under asymmetric information on investment costs, where decisions not only involve investment timing, but also investment quantity. A principal, the regulator, offers a menu of contracts to the agent (the regulated firm). The regulated firm has better information on costs than the regulator, and the optimal regulation trades off distortions in investment decisions and informational rents left to the firm. In a non-dynamic situation, it is well known that optimal contracts involve downward distortions on investment quantity. In the dynamic, real options situation, distortions also occur in investment timing: a high-cost firm’s investment will be delayed beyond the optimal time, until revenues reach a higher investment threshold. We explore the effect on investment quantity in this real option regulation under various assumptions on the stochastic process for revenues. On the one hand, the higher investment threshold tends to increase investment quantities, whereas screening of high-cost firms would favour reducing their investment quantity. We find a simple sufficient condition for the latter, quantity-reducing, effect to dominate, and show that it is satisfied for a wide range of commonly used stochastic processes.
Genome-wide association study and pathway analysis to decipher loci associated with Fusarium ear rot resistance in tropical maize germplasm
Authors: Ayesiga Stella Bigirwa , Rubaihayo Patrick , Oloka Bonny Michael , Dramadri Isaac Ozinga , Sserumaga Julius Pyton 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBreeding for host resistance is the most efficient and environmentally safe method to curb the spread of fusarium ear rot (FER). However, conventional breeding for resistance to FER is hampered by the complex polygenic nature of this trait, which is highly influenced by environmental conditions. This study aimed to identify genomic regions, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and putative candidate genes associated with FER resistance as well as candidate metabolic pathways and pathway genes involved in it. A panel of 151 tropical inbred maize lines were used to assess the genetic architecture of FER resistance over two seasons. During the study period, seven SNPs associated with FER resistance were identified on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 5, and 9, accounting for 4–11% of the phenotypic variance. These significant markers were annotated into four genes. Seven significant metabolic pathways involved in FER resistance were identified using the Pathway Association Study Tool, the most significant being the superpathway of the glyoxylate cycle. Overall, this study confirmed that resistance to FER is indeed a complex mechanism controlled by several small to medium-effect loci. Our findings may contribute to fast-tracking the efforts to develop disease-resistant maize lines through marker-assisted selection.
Psychometric Properties of the North Carolina Family Assessment Scale (NCFAS) for Vulnerable Preschoolers from Ecuador
Authors: Ramírez-Morales Karina , Sadurní Marta , Ramirez-Morales Iván 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPositive parenting and appropriate interaction with children are globally recognized as pivotal in enhancing children’s quality of life. Evaluating family intervention programs is therefore vital, particularly in regions that lack reliable tools for assessment. This manuscript details a study conducted in Ecuador, a country noted for its scarcity of validated instruments to assess the impact of such interventions, especially for vulnerable preschool children. We focused on the application of the North Carolina Family Assessment Scale (NCFAS), a well-established measure to evaluate family functioning internationally, to Ecuadorian families with preschool children who are deemed vulnerable. The Spanish translation of the original scale was administered by trained evaluators to 470 preschool children in Machala, Ecuador. Our examination of the psychometric properties of the NCFAS in this context demonstrated high internal consistency. Additionally, factor analysis corroborated the reliability and validity of this adapted version of the NCFAS, albeit with a reduced item count. This research supports the effectiveness of the NCFAS in the Ecuadorian setting and underscores its potential utility in further studies involving varied demographic groups within the country. The results of this study have substantial implications for the enhancement of children’s quality of life in Ecuador through family intervention programs.
Performance evaluation of an indirect–direct evaporative cooler using aluminum oxide-based nanofluid
Authors: Ganesha A. , Kumar Shiva , Kumar Nitesh , Girish H. , Harsha Anala Krishna , Sekhar Matam Vidya 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIndoor comfort has become a necessity in recent times with the advancement of science and technology. The usage of direct type air coolers increases the humidity of the closed room, and this increase in humidity is unfavorable. The present work deals with the study related to the combination of direct and indirect type air cooler to increase the performance. A set of mild steel plates have been arranged to form a cross flow heat exchanger to exchange the heat between cold nanofluid and warm air forms the indirect heat exchanger. Al2O3-based nanoparticles have been blended with pure water and used in indirect air coolers. Celdek pad 7090 is used as the cooling pad in the direct type of air cooling. Experiments are performed by varying the flow rates of water from 1 to 4 lpm, by varying the air velocities from 3 to 6 ms−1, and by varying the concentration of nanoparticles in the water from 0 to 0.2.5%. Performance parameters such as change in temperature, change in Relative humidity (RH), cooling efficiency and coefficient of performance (COP) are determined. It was found that by adding the nanoparticles, the performance of the cooler has been enhanced. Chane in dry bulb temperature (ΔDBT), cooling efficiency increased by 13.1%, 14% as compared to the indirect method without using the nanoparticles and 39.2% and 21% as compared to the only direct type. Similarly, ΔRH reduced by 27% when compared to only direct evaporative cooler. 3 LPM showed the best performance with the highest humidification efficiency and COP of 96% and 5.9, respectively. When the air velocity is increased from 3 to 6 ms−1, energy consumption increases by 49%. Combination of indirect–direct techniques with the use of nanofluid has shown the potential of greater reduction in the exit DBT with simultaneously without appreciably increasing the exit RH.