bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extra-pleural space on CT: common lesions and diagnostic approach
Authors: Sabri Youssriah Yahia , Elroos Mohamed Salah Eldin Mohamed , El Hinnawy Yasmine Hamdy , Kahiry Mostafa Ahmed , Abd El-Mageed Mohamed Raafat , Tadros Sally Fouad 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
The extra-pleural space is challenging to view radiologically and is commonly overlooked. Therefore, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of its anatomy in order to correctly classify lesions as either pleural or extra-pleural so as to choose the most appropriate treatment. CT with multi-planar reformatting allows the assessment of pathological conditions involving the extra-pleural space. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the role of CT in the detection and evaluation of the extra-pleural space lesions and to classify them according to their CT appearance in order to reach a proper diagnosis and successful management plan.

Results
This study was conducted on 131 patients who underwent CT scan of the chest for different chest complaints, and the detected extra-pleural space abnormalities were classified according to their CT appearance into three major groups which are fatty expansion and soft tissue stranding group that included 59 cases (45%), abnormal attenuation group that included 13 cases (10%), and soft tissue expansion group that included 59 cases (45%). Out of the 59 cases with increased fatty expansion and soft tissue stranding, 73% were of inflammatory cause (either pulmonary or pleural), 17% were of neoplastic cause, and 3 cases were caused by systemic conditions. The abnormal extra-pleural space attenuation group was classified into air-containing and blood-containing groups, and both were mainly caused by trauma. Soft tissue infiltration of extra-pleural space was classified into neoplastic (85%) and non-neoplastic (15%) lesions, while most of the non-neoplastic pathologies were caused by severe inflammatory processes. The axial images were mostly sufficient to detect extra-pleural space lesions.

Conclusions
CT has a crucial role in the assessment of extra-pleural space and the different lesions involving it. Those lesions can be classified according to their CT appearance in order to reach a proper diagnosis and as a result aid in better management of these pathologies.
Fractal Dimension Analysis of Pixel Dynamic Contrast Enhanced-Magnetic Resonance Imaging Pharmacokinetic Parameters for Discrimination of Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions
Authors: Sherminie Lahanda Purage G. , Jayatilake Mohan L. 
Published: February 2023

PURPOSE Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women worldwide. However, its diagnosis mostly depends on visual examination of radiologic images, leading to an overdiagnosis with substantial costs. Therefore, a quantitative approach such as dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) through pharmacokinetic (PK) modeling is required for reliable analysis. As PK parameters lack information on parameter heterogeneity, texture-based analysis is required to quantify PK parameter heterogeneity. Therefore, this study focused on determining the usefulness of fractal dimension (FD) as a potential imaging biomarker of tumor heterogeneity for discriminating benign and malignant breast lesions. METHODS Parametric maps for PK parameters, extravasation rate of contrast agent from blood plasma to extravascular extracellular space (Ktrans) and volume fraction of extravascular extracellular space (ve), were generated for the regions of interest (ROIs) under the standard model using 18 lesions. Then, tumor ROI and pixel DCE-MRI time-course data were analyzed to extract pixel values of Ktrans and ve. For each ROI, FD values of Ktrans and ve were computed using the blanket method. RESULTS The FD values of Ktrans for benign and malignant lesions varied from 2.96 to 3.49 and from 2.37 to 3.16, respectively, whereas FD values of ve for benign and malignant lesions varied from 3.01 to 5.15 and 2.42 to 3.44, respectively. There were significant differences in FD values derived from Ktrans parametric maps ( P = .0053) and ve parametric maps ( P = .0271) between benign and malignant lesions according to the statistical analysis. CONCLUSION Incorporating texture heterogeneity changes in breast lesions captured by FD with quantitative DCE-MRI parameters generated under the standard model is a potential marker for prediction of malignant lesions.
Cortisol and ACTH Measurements at Extubation From Pituitary Surgery Predicts Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Function
Authors: Asuzu David T , Bhatt Shyama , Nwokoye Diana , Hayes Christina , Cortes Michaela , McGlotten Raven , Keil Meg , Tatsi Christina , Nieman Lynnette , Chittiboina Prashant 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Context
Early prediction of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function following transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) can improve patient safety and reduce costs.

Objective
Systematic measurement of ACTH and cortisol at extubation following anesthesia to predict remission from Cushing's disease (CD) and HPA axis preservation following non-CD surgery.

Design
Retrospective analysis of clinical data between August 2015 and May 2022.

Setting
Referral center.

Patients
Consecutive patients (n = 129) undergoing TSS who had perioperative ACTH and cortisol measurements.

Interventions
ACTH and cortisol measurement at extubation. Further serial 6-hourly measurements in CD patients.

Main outcome measures
Prediction of future HPA axis status based on ACTH/cortisol at extubation.

Results
ACTH and cortisol increased sharply in all patients at extubation. CD patients (n = 101) had lower ACTH values than non-CD patients (110.1 vs 293.1 pg/mL; P &lt; 0.01). In non-CD patients, lower plasma ACTH at extubation predicted the need for eventual corticosteroid replacement (105.8 vs 449.1 pg/mL, P &lt; 0.01). In CD patients, the peak post-extubation cortisol at 6 hours was a robust predictor for nonremission (60.7 vs 219.2 µg/dL, P = 0.03). However, normalized early postoperative value (NEPV; the post-extubation values minus the peak preoperative CRH or desmopressin test values) of cortisol reliably distinguished nonremission earlier, at the time of extubation (−6.1 vs 5.9, P = 0.01), and later.

Conclusions
We found that at extubation following TSS, ACTH can predict the need for eventual steroid replacement in non-Cushing's patients. In patients with CD, we found a robust prediction of nonremission with NEPV cortisol at extubation and later.
An essential endoplasmic reticulum-resident N-acetyltransferase ortholog in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Polino Alexander J. , Hasan Muhammad M. , Floyd Katherine , Avila-Cruz Yolotzin , Yang Yujuan , Goldberg Daniel E. 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT
N-terminal acetylation is a common eukaryotic protein modification that involves the addition of an acetyl group to the N-terminus of a polypeptide. This modification is largely performed by cytosolic N-terminal acetyltransferases (NATs). Most associate with the ribosome, acetylating nascent polypeptides co-translationally. In the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, exported effectors are thought to be translated into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), processed by the aspartic protease plasmepsin V and then N-acetylated, despite having no clear access to cytosolic NATs. Here, we used inducible gene deletion and post-transcriptional knockdown to investigate the primary ER-resident NAT candidate, Pf3D7_1437000. We found that it localizes to the ER and is required for parasite growth. However, depletion of Pf3D7_1437000 had no effect on protein export or acetylation of the exported proteins HRP2 and HRP3. Despite this, Pf3D7_1437000 depletion impedes parasite development within the host red blood cell and prevents parasites from completing genome replication. Thus, this work provides further proof of N-terminal acetylation of secretory system proteins, a process unique to apicomplexan parasites, but strongly discounts a promising candidate for this post-translational modification.
The combination of prostate MRI PI-RADS scoring system and a genomic classifier is associated with pelvic lymph node metastasis at the time of radical prostatectomy
Authors: Benidir Tarik , Lone Zaeem , Nguyen Jane K , Ward Ryan , Hofmann Martin , Klein Eric A , Mian Omar Y , Weight Christopher J , Purysko Andrei S 
Published: February 2023

Objective: Pelvic lymph node metastasis (PLNM) at the time of radical prostatectomy (RP) portends an unfavorable prognosis in prostate cancer patients. Conventional and advanced imaging remains limited in its ability to detect PLNM. We sought to evaluate the combination of a genomic classifier Decipher with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) scores in improving the detection of PLNM. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of patients whom underwent RP, Decipher analysis, and pre-operative prostate MRI. Categorical variables were compared using Pearson chi-squareχ2 tests. Quantitative variables were assessed with Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of PLNM on final pathology. Results: In total, 202 patients were included in the analysis, 23 of whom (11%) had PLNM. Patients with PLNM had higher median Decipher scores (0.73) than those without PLNM (0.61; p = 0.003). Patients with PLNM were more likely to demonstrate PI-RADS scores ≥ 4 (96%) than those without PLNM (74%; p = 0.012). Logistic regression demonstrated an interaction between Decipher score with PI-RADS score ≥4 (OR = 20.41; 95% CI, 2.10–198.74; p = 0.009) The combination demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.73 (95% CI, 0.63–0.82; p < 0.001) for predicting PLNM. Conclusion: The combination of elevated Decipher genomic score (≥ 0.6) and clinically significant PI-RADS score (≥ 4) is associated with PLNM at the time of RP in a modern high-risk cohort of patients with PCaprostate cancer. Advances in knowledge: Prostate MRI and genomic testing may help identify patients with adverse pathology.
Prediction of 3-year recurrence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma after resection based on contrast-enhanced CT: a single-centre study
Authors: Lv Chao , He Nan , Yang Jie Jie , Xiao Jing Jing , Zhang Yan , Du Jun , Zuo Shi , Li Hai Yang , Gu Huajian 
Published: February 2023

Objective:
We present a new artificial intelligence-powered method to predict 3-year hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence by analysing the radiomic profile of contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) images that was validated in patient cohorts.

Methods:
This retrospective cohort study of 224 HCC patients with follow-up for at least 3 years was performed at a single centre from 2012 to 2019. Two groups of radiomic signatures were extracted from the arterial and portal venous phases of pre-operative CECT. Then, the radiological model (RM), deep learning-based radiomics model (DLRM), and clinical & deep learning-based radiomics model (CDLRM) were established and validated in the area under curve (AUC), calibration curve, and clinical decision curve.

Results:
Comparison of the clinical baseline variables between the non-recurrence (n = 109) and recurrence group (n = 115), three clinical independent factors (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging, microvascular invasion, and α-fetoprotein) were incorporated into DLRM for the CDLRM construction. Among the 30 radiomic features most crucial to the 3 year recurrence rate, the selection from deep learning-based radiomics (DLR) features depends on CECT. through the Gini index. In most cases, CDLRM has shown superior accuracy and distinguished performance than DLRM and RM, with the 0.98 AUC in the training cohorts and 0.83 in the testing.

Conclusion:
This study proposed that DLR-based CDLRM construction would be allowed for the predictive utility of 3-year recurrence outcomes of HCCs, providing high-risk patients with an effective and non-invasive method to possess extra clinical intervention.

Advances in knowledge:
This study has highlighted the predictive value of DLR in the 3-year recurrence rate of HCC.
Toxicity, quality of life, and PSA control after 50 Gy stereotactic body radiation therapy to the dominant intraprostatic nodule with the use of a rectal spacer: results of a phase I/II study
Authors: Cloitre Minna , Valerio Massimo , Mampuya Ange , Rakauskas Arnas , Berthold Dominik , Tawadros Thomas , Meuwly Jean-Yves , Heym Leonie , Duclos Frederic , Vallet Véronique , Zeverino Michele , Jichlinski Patrice , Prior John , Roth Beat , Bourhis Jean , Herrera Fernanda G 
Published: February 2023

Objectives:
We conducted a phase I/II prospective trial to determine whether stereotactic dose escalation to the dominant intra-prostatic nodule (DIN) up to 50 Gy incorporating a rectal balloon spacer is safe, does not affect patient quality of life, and preserves local control in patients with intermediate-high risk PCa.

Methods:
Eligible patients included males with stage ≤T3b localized disease, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level ≤50 , International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≤14, and a gland volume ≤70 cm3. Patients underwent perirectal spacer placement, followed by a planning MRI and were subsequently treated with SBRT doses of 36.25 Gy in five fractions to the whole prostate while simultaneously escalating doses to the magnetic resonance image visible DIN up to 50 Gy. Primary endpoint: safety. Secondary endpoints: biochemical control, quality of life (QofL), and dosimetry outcome.

Results:
Nine patients were treated in the Phase I part of the study. Dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) were not observed. Further characterization of tolerability and efficacy was conducted in the subsequent 24 patients irradiated at the recommended Phase II dose (50 Gy, RP2D). At a median follow-up of 61 months, biochemical control is 69%. Grade 1 and 2 acute GU and GI toxicity was 57.5 and 15%, and 24.2 and 6.1%, respectively. Grade 1 and 2 late GU and GI toxicity was 66.6 and 12.1%, and 15.1 and 3%, respectively. No Grade 3 or higher toxicity was reported. QofL data confirmed physician’s reported side effects. Dosimetry analysis showed adherence to the doses prescribed in the protocol.

Conclusions
SBRT of the whole prostate with 36.25 Gy in 5 fractions and dose escalation to 50 Gy to the DIN, when combined with a peri-rectal balloon spacer, was tolerable and established the RP2D. QofL analysis showed minimal negative impact in GU, GI, and sexual domains.

Advances in knowledge:
Extreme hypofractionated prostate radiation therapy with focal dose escalation to the DIN is well tolerated with efficacy comparable to normal fractionated radiation therapy.
Precise realtime current consumption measurement in IoT TestBed
Authors: Balass Rihards , Medvedevs Vladislavs , Mackus Andris Ivars , Ormanis Juris , Ancans Armands , Judvaitis Janis 
Published: February 2023

Background: The Internet of Things, similar to wireless sensor networks, has been integrated into daily life of almost everyone. These wearable, stationary, or mobile devices are in multiple locations, collecting data or monitoring and executing certain tasks. Some can monitor environmental values and interact with the environment, while others are used for data collection, entertainment, or even life-saving. To achieve the wireless part of the system, the majority of sensor nodes are designed to be battery-powered. While battery power has become increasingly ubiquitous, it tends to increase the global carbon footprint of electronic devices. This issue can be mitigated by employing some form of energy harvesting so that batteries can be refilled and the gadget lasts longer, but this does not alter the reality that batteries are still used and eventually discarded. Methods: In this paper, the authors emphasise the significance of power consumption in battery powered devices. To be able to monitor devices power consumption, one of the measurable parameters is current. When users know the exact current consumption, they can decrease it by polishing the program or tweaking the duty cycle, making radio transmit less data or less frequently, thus decreasing overall power draw. Results: In order to simplify current consumption monitoring, the authors have developed a testbed facility that provides real-time current consumption measurements, which may be used to enhance the duty cycle and battery life of the aforementioned devices. Conclusions: While minimising total current consumption is a great way to extend the battery life and, thus, the carbon footprint, the primary culprit in the Internet of Things is the radio communications. This transmission is the primary source of current consumption. By determining the exact amount of current drawn during transmission and adjusting it, users can significantly extend battery life.
TRAINING OF PERSONNEL FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN — CURRENT STATE AND PROSPECTS
Authors: Garnik S. , Ladygina Oxana , Ayzhanov S. 
Published: February 2023

The article deals with the actual problems of personnel training for the law enforcement sphere of the Republic of Kazakhstan, taking into account the ongoing socio-economic transformations at the present stage of state development. The current situation with the staffing of law enforcement agencies, primarily internal affairs agencies, is analyzed. The system of personnel training for the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan is described. The article reveals the essence of the ongoing measures in Kazakhstan to improve human resource management and modernize this activity in the law enforcement sphere of the state. The reasons for the existing difficulties with staffing police units at the present time are shown.
The article also contains a forecast of changes in the staffing of professional resources prepared by higher education institutions of Kazakhstan for internal affairs bodies.
DIGITAL SOLUTIONS FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF THE ADAPTATION PROCESS USED IN REMOTE FORMS OF PERSONNEL EMPLOYMENT
Authors: Kashtanova YEkatyerina , Shushakov V. , Pavlov A. , Pikalov N. 
Published: February 2023

The article discusses the modern aspects of the personnel adaptation process in the organization. It is noted that the indisputable is the fact that the higher the involvement and satisfaction of employees with the company from the first days of work in it, the better the results achieved with any scheme of organization of their activities. Recognizing that successful adaptation of employees is a key goal in achieving such interaction, the authors consider this technology from the point of view of its adaptation to the changes that have occurred in the era of digital technologies and remote forms of employment.
The key idea of the article is to answer the question of what processes, methods and tools of adaptation can be used to achieve this goal of adapting the adaptation process itself to the challenges of today and what transformation they may be subject to.
DIGITALIZATION OF PERSONNEL DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT
Authors: Konobevcev F. 
Published: February 2023

The theoretical aspects of the use of electronic document management in Russia are considered. The stages of institutionalization of an electronic signature at the state level are given. Approaches to the use of machine-readable power of attorney have been developed. The practical experience of digitalization of personnel document flow is analyzed. Aspects of the use of electronic workbooks, documentation of remote employment, stages of transition to personnel electronic document management are revealed. Recommendations on the use of tokens in electronic signature technology are given. Typical examples of information technologies and HR systems are shown on the example of 1C solutions. Based on the results of the work, the factors preventing the transition of organizations to personnel electronic document management are considered — the lack of a free qualified electronic signature and the risk of leakage of personal data.
Optimal Ratcheting in Executive Compensation
Authors: Hwang Iny , Kim Youngsoo , Lim Michael K. 
Published: February 2023

Recent empirical studies point out that the firms do not fully incorporate the managers’ past performance when revising future contractual terms. This study offers a theoretical perspective on the firm’s executive compensation strategy that supports such latest empirical findings. Using a two-period principal-agent model, we examine firm’s compensation schemes with ratchet principle taking into account key factors such as informational rent, capability uncertainty, and performance noise. After characterizing the optimal incentive rates for a given degree of ratcheting, we examine the efficacy of ratcheting contract in executive compensation. We also explore the optimal degree of ratcheting that strikes a fine balance between informational rent and ratchet effect. We find that the capability gap-performance noise ratio plays a critical role in determining the optimal degree of ratcheting. Funding: I. Hwang and M. K. Lim acknowledge support from the Institute of Management Research at Seoul National University. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/deca.2023.0467 .
Covariate Dependent Sparse Functional Data Analysis
Authors: Kim Minhee , Allen Todd , Liu Kaibo 
Published: February 2023

This study proposes a method to incorporate covariate information into sparse functional data analysis. The method aims at cases where each subject has a limited number of longitudinal measurements and is associated with static covariates. This research is motivated by several use cases in practice. One representative example is void swelling, a nuclear-specific material degradation mechanism. Void swelling is affected by many covariates, including alloy composition and irradiation type. How to accurately model the complicated joint effects of such covariates on the swelling process is the key to mitigating the effect of swelling and ensuring safe operation. Unlike most of the existing methods, the proposed method can handle high-dimensional covariates with the informative covariate identification procedure and sparse and irregularly spaced measurements, that is, does not require complete or dense observations. The main innovation of the proposed method is that we model the variation coming from covariates and the variation left conditioned on covariates, such that the functional principal component analysis and Gaussian process can be conducted in a unified manner. We also propose a systematic approach to identify important covariates in the hypothesis testing context. The methodology is demonstrated on applications in nuclear engineering and healthcare and simulation studies.History: Bianca Maria Colosimo served as senior editor for this article.Funding: This work was supported in part by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research [Grant FA9550-20-1-0072] and in part by the Department of Energy [Award DE-NE0008993].Data Ethics & Reproducibility Note: No data ethics considerations are foreseen related to this article. The code capsule is available on Code Ocean at https://codeocean.com/capsule/9363709 and in the e-Companion to this article (available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijds.2023.0025 ).