bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Information fusion for fully automated segmentation of head and neck tumors from PET and CT images
Authors: Shiri Isaac , Amini Mehdi , Yousefirizi Fereshteh , Vafaei Sadr Alireza , Hajianfar Ghasem , Salimi Yazdan , Mansouri Zahra , Jenabi Elnaz , Maghsudi Mehdi , Mainta Ismini , Becker Minerva , Rahmim Arman , Zaidi Habib 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundPET/CT images combining anatomic and metabolic data provide complementary information that can improve clinical task performance. PET image segmentation algorithms exploiting the multi‐modal information available are still lacking.PurposeOur study aimed to assess the performance of PET and CT image fusion for gross tumor volume (GTV) segmentations of head and neck cancers (HNCs) utilizing conventional, deep learning (DL), and output‐level voting‐based fusions.MethodsThe current study is based on a total of 328 histologically confirmed HNCs from six different centers. The images were automatically cropped to a 200 × 200 head and neck region box, and CT and PET images were normalized for further processing. Eighteen conventional image‐level fusions were implemented. In addition, a modified U2‐Net architecture as DL fusion model baseline was used. Three different input, layer, and decision‐level information fusions were used. Simultaneous truth and performance level estimation (STAPLE) and majority voting to merge different segmentation outputs (from PET and image‐level and network‐level fusions), that is, output‐level information fusion (voting‐based fusions) were employed. Different networks were trained in a 2D manner with a batch size of 64. Twenty percent of the dataset with stratification concerning the centers (20% in each center) were used for final result reporting. Different standard segmentation metrics and conventional PET metrics, such as SUV, were calculated.ResultsIn single modalities, PET had a reasonable performance with a Dice score of 0.77 ± 0.09, while CT did not perform acceptably and reached a Dice score of only 0.38 ± 0.22. Conventional fusion algorithms obtained a Dice score range of [0.76–0.81] with guided‐filter‐based context enhancement (GFCE) at the low‐end, and anisotropic diffusion and Karhunen–Loeve transform fusion (ADF), multi‐resolution singular value decomposition (MSVD), and multi‐level image decomposition based on latent low‐rank representation (MDLatLRR) at the high‐end. All DL fusion models achieved Dice scores of 0.80. Output‐level voting‐based models outperformed all other models, achieving superior results with a Dice score of 0.84 for Majority_ImgFus, Majority_All, and Majority_Fast. A mean error of almost zero was achieved for all fusions using SUVpeak, SUVmean and SUVmedian.ConclusionPET/CT information fusion adds significant value to segmentation tasks, considerably outperforming PET‐only and CT‐only methods. In addition, both conventional image‐level and DL fusions achieve competitive results. Meanwhile, output‐level voting‐based fusion using majority voting of several algorithms results in statistically significant improvements in the segmentation of HNC.
A structured FMEA approach to optimizing combinations of plan‐specific quality assurance techniques for IMRT and VMAT QA
Authors: O'Daniel Jennifer C. , Giles William , Cui Yunfeng , Adamson Justus 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundMany commercial tools are available for plan‐specific quality assurance (QA) of radiotherapy plans, with their functionality assessed in isolation. However, multiple QA tools are required to review the full range of potential errors. It is important to assess their effectiveness in combination with each other to look for ways to both streamline the QA process and to make certain that errors of high impact and/or high occurrence are caught before reaching patient treatment.PurposeTo develop a structured method to assess the effective risk reduction of combinations of QA methods for IMRT/VMAT treatments.MethodsFirst, a structured prospective risk assessment was performed to establish the major failure modes (FMs) of IMRT/VMAT QA, and assign occurrence (O), severity (S), and baseline detectability (BD) rankings to them. The baseline assumed that chart checks and linear accelerator QA was performed, but no plan‐specific secondary dose calculation or measurement was done. Second, the detectability of each FM for two secondary dose calculation methods and four plan measurement methods (point‐based dose calculation, Monte‐Carlo‐based dose calculation, 2D fluence‐based measurement, 2.5D phantom‐based measurement, log file analysis with dose recalculation, and log file analysis combined with MLC QA) was determined. Third, we used a minimum detectability approach in addition to each FM's occurrence and severity to determine the optimal combination of QA methods. We analyzed the cumulative risk priority number of eight combinations of QA methods. The analysis was done on (1) all FMs, (2) FMs with high severity, (3) FMs with high‐risk priority numbers (RPN) of O*S*BD, and (4) on FMs with both high severity and high RPN.ResultsOur analysis resulted in 54 FMs, including commissioning, planning, data transfer, and linear accelerator failures. 1D secondary dose calculation plus measurement provided a 19%–22% risk reduction from baseline. 1D/3D secondary dose calculation plus log files created a 25%–32% reduction. 3D secondary dose calculation plus measurement resulted in a 27%–34% reduction. 3D secondary dose calculation plus log files with additional machine QA provided the greatest reduction of 31%–42%.ConclusionThis novel structured approach to comparing combinations of QA methods will allow us to optimize our procedures, with the goal of detecting all clinically significant FMs. Our results show that log‐file QA with 3D dose recalculation and supplemental machine QA provides better risk reduction than measurement‐based QA. This work builds evidence to justify reducing or eliminating measurement‐based PSQA with an independent 3D dose verification, log‐file measurement, and appropriate supplementation of machine QA. The process also highlights FMs that cannot be caught by pre‐treatment QA, prompting us to consider future directions for on‐treatment QA.
Movement, not survival, differs between wild and hatchery-reared imperiled desert fishes
Authors: Hedden Skyler C. , Gido Keith B. , Hedden Crosby K. , Hickerson Brian T. , Stewart William T. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objective
Stocking streams with hatchery-produced fishes is an increasingly common practice to restore native populations, but the fate of these fish is uncertain due to low survival or high emigration rates. Monitoring these vital population rates is needed to assess stocking and translocation of rare and endangered fishes to identify approaches that maximize persistence and survival and ultimately result in established populations.

Methods
We quantified survival, emigration, movement directionality, and long-term (24 months) trends in apparent survival of stocked and wild-caught fish implanted with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags. We PIT-tagged and tracked 1419 individuals, consisting of direct comparisons between two species of hatchery and wild fish, as well as four other wild-captured species, from 2020 to 2022 in three desert streams in Arizona and New Mexico.

Result
We found that hatchery fish had high (&gt;98%) estimates of survival after being released (&lt;40 days) that was similar to all tagged wild fish. But hatchery fish had a fivefold higher emigration rate than wild conspecifics shortly (&lt;40 days) after being released. Emigrating hatchery fish also tended to move downstream, whereas wild fish were more likely to move upstream. Additionally, apparent survival estimates were about 10 times higher for tagged wild fish than hatchery conspecifics 6 months after release; hatchery fish apparent survival approached zero after about 165 days but did not approach zero for wild fish until 690 days following tagging and release.

Conclusion
Our results suggest emigration, rather than reduced survival, might limit the success of stocking efforts. Thus, choosing optimal stocking locations and the time of year of the stocking, such as upstream reaches during times near the species reproduction season, might improve retention and establishment of stocked fish.
Mediating effects of general self‐efficacy on social support and quality of life in patients after surgical aortic valve replacement
Authors: Zhang Xuecui , Huang Xizhen , Peng Yanchun , Huang Long , Lin Lingyu , Chen Liangwan , Lin Yanjuan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAimTo explore whether general self‐efficacy can mediate the relationship between social support and quality of life in patients after surgical aortic valve replacement.DesignA cross‐sectional design.MethodsThe final analysis included 283 patients who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement from May 2021 to September 2021. They completed a set of questionnaires, including the Chinese version of the General Self‐Efficacy Scale, the Chinese Questionnaire of Quality of life in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases and the Social Support Rating Scale. The PROCESS Macro in SPSS was used to analyse the mediating effect.ResultsQuality of life and all of its dimensions were significantly related to social support and general self‐efficacy. A significant indirect effect of social support existed through general self‐efficacy in relation to quality of life with the mediation effect ratio of 32.82%.
ER stress aggravates diaphragm weakness through activating PERK/JNK signaling in obesity hypoventilation syndrome
Authors: Xiang Xiaoxin , Zhu Yanhua , Pan Xuya , Xin Wei , Chen Jianning , Tang Weijian , Guo Ruomi , Yuan Wu , He Xuemin , Zhou Li , Ren Zhitao , Wen Siying , Wang Heting , Lu Yan , Li Shasha , Chen Tufeng , Zhou Yuqi , Dou Zulin , Cai Mengyin , Zhang Xiaoyue , Chen Yanming , Shi Guojun 
Published: July 2023

AbstractObjectiveObesity hypoventilation syndrome is associated with diaphragmatic dysfunction. This study aimed to explore the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in mediating obesity‐induced diaphragmatic dysfunction.MethodsA pulmonary function test and ultrasound were applied to evaluate diaphragmatic function and magnetic resonance imaging was applied to measure diaphragmatic lipid deposition in human patients. For the mechanistic study, obese mice were introduced to a high‐fat diet for 24 weeks, followed by diaphragmatic ultrasound measurement, transcriptomic sequencing, and respective biochemical analysis. Automatic force mapping was applied to measure the mechanical properties of C2C12 myotubes.ResultsPeople with obesity showed significant diaphragm weakness and lipid accumulation, which was further confirmed in obese mice. Consistently, diaphragms from obese mice showed altered gene expression profile in lipid metabolism and activation of ER stress response, indicated by elevated protein kinase R‐like ER kinase (PERK) and c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK) activation. In C2C12 myotubes, inhibition of PERK or JNK signaling abrogated lipotoxicity‐induced intracellular lipid deposition and insulin resistance. Inhibition of JNK signaling reversed lipotoxicity‐induced impairment of elasticity in C2C12 myotubes.ConclusionsThese data suggest that ectopic lipid deposition impairs the diaphragmatic function of people with obesity. Activation of PERK/JNK signaling is involved in the pathogenesis of lipotoxicity‐induced diaphragm weakness in obesity hypoventilation syndrome.
Maximum principle for mean‐field controlled systems driven by a fractional Brownian motion
Authors: Sun Yifang 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe study a stochastic control problem of mean‐field controlled stochastic differential systems driven by a fractional Brownian motion with Hurst parameter . As a necessary condition of the optimal control we obtain a stochastic maximum principle. The associated adjoint mean‐field backward stochastic differential equation driven by a fractional Brownian motion and a classical Brownian motion. Applying the stochastic maximum principle to a mean‐field stochastic linear quadratic problem, we obtain the optimal control and prove that the necessary condition for the optimality of an admissible control is also sufficient under certain assumptions.
Interlocking models in classroom science
Authors: Manz Eve , Georgen Chris 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBoth professional and classroom‐based scientific communities develop and test explanatory models of the natural world. For students to take up models as tools for sensemaking, practice must be agentive (where students use and revise modelsforspecific purposes) and conceptually productive (where students make progress on their ideas). In this paper, we explore principles to support agentive and conceptually productive modeling. One is that models can “do work”; that is, participate in students' sensemaking by offering resources, making gaps visible, or pushing back on modelers' understandings. A second is that working across, and seeking to align, multiple models—what we explain asinterlockingmodels—supports models to do work. A third is that modeling activity can support fine‐grained conceptual progress. We detail how we used these ideas to guide and refine the design of a fifth‐grade investigation into the conservation of matter across phase change. We identify four ways that models participated in students' sensemaking as they interlocked: by providingcontradictions,constraints,representational surplus, andgapsfor students to engage with. We discuss how designing for models to be co‐participants in sense‐making and to interlock can provide productive paths forward for curriculum designers, researchers, and teachers.
A Scalable Architecture for Electronic Payments
Authors: Goodell Geoff , Toliver D. R. , Nakib Hazem Danny 
Published: July 2023

AbstractWe present a scalable architecture for electronic retail payments via central bank digital currency and offer a solution to the perceived conflict between robust regulatory oversight and consumer affordances such as privacy and control. Our architecture combines existing work in payment systems and digital currency with a new approach to digital asset design for managing unforgeable, stateful, and oblivious assets without relying on either a central authority or a monolithic consensus system. Regulated financial institutions have a role in every transaction, and the consumer affordances are achieved through the use of non-custodial wallets that unlink the sender from the recipient in the transaction channel. This approach is fully compatible with the existing two-tiered banking system and can complement and extend the roles of existing money services businesses and asset custodians.
Though five‐strand hamstring autografts demonstrate greater graft diameter, postoperative outcomes are equivocal to four‐strand hamstring autograft preparations: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of level I and II studies
Authors: Vivekanantha Prushoth , Nedaie Soroush , Grzela Patrick , Cohen Dan , Hoshino Yuichi , Nagai Kanto , Kay Jeffrey , de SA Darren 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPurposeTo compare graft dimensions, functional outcomes, and failure rates following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with either five‐strand or four‐strand hamstring autograft options.MethodsThree databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE) were searched from inception to 22 April 2023 for level I and II studies comparing five‐ and four‐strand hamstring autografts in ACLR. The authors adhered to the PRISMA and R‐AMSTAR guidelines as well as the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Data on demographics, surgical details and rehabilitation, graft diameter, patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs), and rates of positive Lachman test, positive pivot shift test, and graft rupture were extracted. PROMs included Knee Osteoarthritis and Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales, Lysholm, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC).ResultsOne randomized controlled trial (RCT) and four prospective cohort studies with 572 patients were included. Graft diameters were larger in the five‐strand group with a mean difference of 0.93 mm (95% CI 0.61 to 1.25, p < 0.001, I2 = 66%). The five‐strand group reported statistically higher KOOS ADL subscale and Lysholm scores with a mean difference of 4.85 (95% CI 0.14 to 9.56, p = 0.04, I2 = 19%) and 3.01 (95% CI 0.48 to 5.53, p = 0.02, I2 = 0%), respectively. There were no differences in KOOS symptoms, pain, quality of life, or sports subscales, or IKDC scores. There were no differences in rates of positive Lachman test, positive pivot shift test, or graft rupture with pooled odds ratios of 0.62 (95% CI 0.13 to 2.91, n.s., I2 = 80%), 0.94 (95% CI 0.51 to 1.75, n.s., I2 = 31%), and 2.13 (95% CI 0.38 to 12.06, n.s., I2 = 0%), respectively.ConclusionsAlthough five‐stranded hamstring autografts had significantly larger graft diameters compared to four‐stranded grafts with a mean difference of 0.93 mm, similar graft rupture rates and clinical laxity assessments were identified following ACLR. While some PROMs were statistically superior in the five‐stranded hamstring groups, the threshold for the minimal clinical important difference was not reached indicating similar clinical outcomes overall.Level of EvidenceLevel II.
Prospective T1 mapping to assess gadolinium retention in brain after intrathecal gadobutrol
Authors: Ringstad Geir , Valnes Lars Magnus , Vatnehol Svein Are Sirirud , Pripp Are Hugo , Eide Per Kristian 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
A possible pathway behind gadolinium retention in brain is leakage of contrast agents from blood to cerebrospinal fluid and entry into brain along perivascular (glymphatic) pathways. The object of this study was to assess for signs of gadolinium retention in brain 4 weeks after intrathecal contrast enhanced MRI.

Methods
We prospectively applied standardized T1 mapping of the brain before and 4 weeks after intrathecal administration of 0.5 mmol gadobutrol in patients under work-up of cerebrospinal fluid circulation disorders. Due to methodological limitations, a safety margin for percentage change in T1 time was set to 3%. Region-wise differences were assessed by pairwise comparison using t-tests and forest plots, and statistical significance was accepted at .05 level (two-tailed).

Results
In a cohort of 76 participants (mean age 47.2 years ± 17.9 [standard deviation], 47 women), T1 relaxation times remained unchanged in cerebral cortex and basal ganglia 4 weeks after intrathecal gadobutrol. T1 was reduced from 1082 ± 46.7 ms to 1070.6 ± 36.5 ms (0.98 ±2.9%) (mean [standard deviation]) (p=0.001) in white matter, thus within the pre-defined 3% safety margin. The brain stem and cerebellum could not be assessed due to poor alignment of posterior fossa structures at scans from different time points.

Conclusion
Gadolinium retention was not detected in the cerebral hemispheres 4 weeks after an intrathecal dose of 0.5 mmol gadobutrol, implying that presence of contrast agents in cerebrospinal fluid is of minor importance for gadolinium retention in brain.
Early biochemical and radiographic response after one cycle of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA I&T radioligand therapy in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients
Authors: Cytawa Wojciech , Hendel Robin , Tomasik Bartłomiej , Weinzierl Franz-Xaver , Bley Thorsten , Jassem Jacek , Schirbel Andreas , Buck Andreas K. , Bundschuh Ralph A. , Hartrampf Philipp E. , Werner Rudolf A. , Lapa Constantin 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to investigate very early radiographic PSMA PET response after one cycle of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA I&T radioligand therapy (RLT) of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and to assess its role in predicting overall response and survival.

Methods
This retrospective study enrolled 40 mCRPC patients who were treated with a median of 3 (2–9) [177Lu]Lu-PSMA I&T RLT cycles. Biochemical response was based on the relative change of serum PSA according to PCWG3 criteria, while radiographic response referred to the relative change of PSMA-derived total viable tumor volumes expressed as total lesion PSMA (TLP).

Results
After one cycle of RLT, biochemical partial response (PR) was seen in 8/40 (20.0%), stable disease (SD) in 22/40 (55.0%), and progressive disease (PD) in 10/40 (25%) patients. In PSMA PET, very early molecular PR was observed in 12 (30.0%), SD in 19 (47.5%), and PD in 9 (22.5%) subjects. The PSA and TLP nadir were achieved after a median of 1 (1–5) and 2 (1–6) cycles, respectively. Nineteen (47.5%) patients showed overall biochemical PR, 11 (27.5%) had SD, and 10 (25%) experienced PD. In PSMA-directed PET, 4 patients experienced molecular complete response (CR), 24 (60.0%) had PR, 4 (10.0%) SD, and 8 (20.0%) PD. Early biochemical or radiographic response was not associated with longer overall survival (OS). Overall biochemical responders had a nearly significantly longer median OS (22.7 months) than non-responders (14.4 months, p = 0.08). Early PSA progression was associated with shorter OS (12.2 months), compared to biochemical SD/PR (18.7 months, p = 0.09).

Conclusion
In this retrospective cohort, there was no association between early PSMA PET radiographic response and overall survival; hence, treatment should not be prematurely discontinued. In contrast, early PSA progression after one cycle of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA I&T RLT was an indicator of overall progression and poor clinical outcome.
Cosmetic satisfaction and patient-reported outcomes following surgical treatment of single-suture craniosynostosis: a systematic review
Authors: Klieverik Vita M. , Singhal Ash , Woerdeman Peter A. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
This study provides a systematic review on cosmetic satisfaction and other patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) of patients who underwent surgical treatment of SSC.

Methods
A systematic review of all articles published from inception to 1 June 2022 was performed. Articles were included if they reported on subjective assessment of cosmetic satisfaction or other PROMs by patients or their families using questionnaires or interviews.

Results
Twelve articles, describing 724 surgical treatments of SSC, met the inclusion criteria. Cosmetic satisfaction was evaluated in the following ways: 1) use of the VAS score, binary questions or a 5-point scale to rate general, facial or skull appearance; 2) use of an aesthetic outcome staging in which personal opinion was added to the treating surgeon’s opinion; and 3) use of an evaluation of anatomical proportions of the skull and face. A trend towards an overall improvement in cosmetic satisfaction following surgical treatment of SSC was observed. Reported PROMs included general health, socioeconomic status, patients’ and their families’ rating of the normalcy and noticeability of their appearance and how much this bothered them, and patients’ answers to the Youth Quality of Life with Facial Differences (YQOL-FD) questionnaire. No clear overall trend of the reported PROMs was identified.

Conclusion
This systematic review illuminates that there is a wide variation in outcomes for evaluating cosmetic satisfaction and other PROMs of patients who underwent surgical treatment of SSC, suggesting that further research is needed to develop an inclusive and uniform approach to assess these outcomes.