bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Semigroup models for biochemical reaction networks
Authors: Loutchko Dimitri 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe catalytic reaction system (CRS) formalism by Hordijk and Steel is a versatile method to model autocatalytic biochemical reaction networks. It is particularly suited, and has been widely used, to study self-sustainment and self-generation properties. Its distinguishing feature is the explicit assignment of a catalytic function to chemicals that are part of the system. In this work, it is shown that the subsequent and simultaneous catalytic functions give rise to an algebraic structure of a semigroup with the additional compatible operation of idempotent addition and a partial order. The aim of this article is to demonstrate that such semigroup models are a natural setup to describe and analyze self-sustaining CRS. The basic algebraic properties of the models are established and the notion of the function of any set of chemicals on the whole CRS is made precise. This leads to a natural discrete dynamical system on the power set of chemicals, which is obtained by iteratively considering the self-action on a set of chemicals by its own function. The fixed points of this dynamical system are proven to correspond to self-sustaining sets of chemicals, which are functionally closed. Finally, as the main application, a theorem on the maximal self-sustaining set and a structure theorem on the set of functionally closed self-sustaining sets of chemicals are proven.
Robustness of pulmonary nodule radiomic features on computed tomography as a function of varying radiation dose levels—a multi-dose in vivo patient study
Authors: Bartholomeus Gijs A. , van Amsterdam Wouter A. C. , Harder Annemarie M.den , Willemink Martin J. , van Hamersvelt Robbert W. , de Jong Pim A. , Leiner Tim 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Objective
Analysis of textural features of pulmonary nodules in chest CT, also known as radiomics, has several potential clinical applications, such as diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment response monitoring. For clinical use, it is essential that these features provide robust measurements. Studies with phantoms and simulated lower dose levels have demonstrated that radiomic features can vary with different radiation dose levels. This study presents an in vivo stability analysis of radiomic features for pulmonary nodules against varying radiation dose levels.

Methods
Nineteen patients with a total of thirty-five pulmonary nodules underwent four chest CT scans at different radiation dose levels (60, 33, 24, and 15 mAs) in a single session. The nodules were manually delineated. To assess the robustness of features, we calculated the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). To visualize the effect of milliampere-second variation on groups of features, a linear model was fitted to each feature. We calculated bias and calculated the R2 value as a measure of goodness of fit.

Results
A small minority of 15/100 (15%) radiomic features were considered stable (ICC > 0.9). Bias increased and R2 decreased at lower dose, but shape features seemed to be more robust to milliampere-second variations than other feature classes.

Conclusion
A large majority of pulmonary nodule radiomic features were not inherently robust to radiation dose level variations. For a subset of features, it was possible to correct this variability by a simple linear model. However, the correction became increasingly less accurate at lower radiation dose levels.

Clinical relevance statement
Radiomic features provide a quantitative description of a tumor based on medical imaging such as computed tomography (CT). These features are potentially useful in several clinical tasks such as diagnosis, prognosis prediction, treatment effect monitoring, and treatment effect estimation.

Key Points
• The vast majority of commonly used radiomic features are strongly influenced by variations in radiation dose level.
• A small minority of radiomic features, notably the shape feature class, are robust against dose-level variations according to ICC calculations.
• A large subset of radiomic features can be corrected by a linear model taking into account only the radiation dose level.
Surface tension behavior of superspreading and non-superspreading trisiloxane surfactants
Authors: Silva Séforah Carolina Marques , Gambaryan-Roisman Tatiana , Venzmer Joachim 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
One parameter frequently considered to be relevant for superspreading of trisiloxane surfactants is surface tension kinetics. In the scientific literature, some experimental results reported for trisiloxane surfactants are in contradiction with fundamental concepts of surfactant monomer diffusion. Therefore, maximum bubble pressure tensiometry has been used to determine dynamic surface tension (DST) of two types of trisiloxane surfactants: superspreader and non-superspreader. Results show that both surfactants behave similarly at concentrations below critical micelle concentration (CMC), as expected. The CMC curves, as determined by drop shape analysis, confirmed that the more hydrophilic non-superspreader has a higher CMC as compared to the more hydrophobic superspreader. Accordingly, the lower surfactant monomer concentration of the superspreader results in a higher DST than the non-superspreader at the same surface age. So, in contrary to claims in the literature, there is nothing mysterious or unexpected concerning the surface tension behavior of trisiloxane surfactants.

Graphical Abstract
The relationship of the efficiency of energy conversion into growth as an indicator for the determination of the optimal dose for mutation breeding with the appearance of chromosomal abnormalities and incomplete mitosis after gamma irradiation of kernels of Triticum turgidum ssp. durum L.
Authors: Von Well Eben , Fossey Annabel , Booyse Mardé 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe study aim was to determine the optimal gamma irradiation dose for mutation breeding in Triticum turgidum ssp. durum L. Root, shoot and seedling growth, as well as the efficiency of energy conversion into growth were determined to examine the growth retardation effects of gamma irradiation that are the result of DNA damage (bridges, ring chromosomes, micronuclei, incomplete mitosis) in Triticum turgidum ssp. durum L. The kernels were irradiated with doses of 50, 150, 250 and 350 Gy using a 60Cobalt gamma-ray source. The kernels were placed in germination paper at 25 °C to grow for a 132 h period for the determination of shoot and root growth and the efficiency of energy conversion into growth. Root tips were collected and fixated over a 47.5 h growth period for the determination of the chromosomal abnormalities and incomplete mitosis. The control differed highly significantly (p < 0.01) from irradiated samples at all doses in root growth and from 250 to 350 Gy samples in shoot growth and the efficiency of energy conversion into growth. There was a highly significant (p < 0.01) increase in the number of bridges and micronuclei between 50 Gy samples and samples irradiated with the higher irradiation doses while 50 Gy samples differed only from 250 and 350 Gy samples regarding ring chromosomes and interphase cells with incomplete mitosis. Root and seedling growth on the one hand and the efficiency of energy conversion into growth on the other were found to be measuring different effects of gamma irradiation on plant growth. The latter was used for the determination of the optimal dose for mutation breeding as 155.52 Gy.
Keratoconus tomographic indices in osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Correia Barão Rafael , Santos Miguel , Marques Raquel Esteves , Quintas Ana Miguel , Guerra Paulo 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare inherited disease affecting collagen-rich tissues. Ocular complications have been reported such as thin corneas, low ocular rigidity, keratoconus, among others. The purpose of this study is to characterize corneal tomographic features in OI patients compared to unaffected patients, with particular focus on commonly studied keratoconus indices.

Methods
Cross-sectional case–control study including 37 OI patients and 37 age-matched controls. Patients and controls underwent comprehensive ophthalmological examination including corneal Scheimpflug tomography with a Pentacam HR device (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) to analyse and compare topometric, tomographic, pachymetric and Belin-Ambrósio Enhanced Ectasia Display III (BAD-D) data of both eyes of each patient.

Results
Most OI patients had type I disease (n = 24; 65%) but type III–VII patients were also included. Two patients had clinically overt bilateral keratoconus. OI patients had significantly higher maximum keratometry (45.2 ± 2.1 vs. 43.7 ± 1.2; p = 0.0416), front and back elevation (3.0 ± 3.3 vs. 2.1 ± 1.3, p = 0.0201; 11.1 ± 8.2 vs. 5.0 ± 3.7, p < 0.0001), index of surface variance (25.5 ± 13 vs. 17.4 ± 8.3; p = 0.0016), index of vertical asymmetry (0.21 ± 0.14 vs. 0.15 ± 0.06; p = 0.0215), index of height asymmetry (9.2 ± 14 vs. 6.0 ± 4.5; p = 0.0421), index of height decentration (0.02 ± 0.01 vs. 0.01 ± 0.01; p < 0.0001) and average pachymetric progression (1.01 ± 0.19 vs. 0.88 ± 0.14; p < 0.0001) readings. Thinnest corneal thickness and maximum Ambrósio relational thickness were significantly lower (477 ± 52 vs. 543 ± 26; 387 ± 95 vs. 509 ± 49; p < 0.0001). Two-thirds of OI patients had corneas with a minimum thickness < 500 µm. BAD-D value was significantly higher in OI patients (2.1 ± 1.4 vs. 0.9 ± 0.2; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion
OI patients showed significant changes in corneal profiles compared with healthy subjects. A high proportion of patients had tomographically suspect corneas when using keratoconus diagnostic indices. Further studies are warranted to assess the true risk of corneal ectasia in OI patients.
Multi-layered repair of high-flow CSF fistulae following endoscopic skull base surgery without nasal packing or lumbar drains: technical refinements to optimise outcome
Authors: Hannan Cathal John , Kewlani Bharti , Browne Steven , Javadpour Mohsen 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Aims
Post-operative CSF leak remains a significant problem following endoscopic skull base surgery, particularly when there is a high-flow intra-operative CSF leak. Most skull base repair techniques are accompanied by the insertion of a lumbar drain and/or the use of nasal packing which have significant shortcomings. Our aim was to review the results of a large series of endoscopic skull base cases where a high-flow intra-operative CSF leak rate was encountered and repaired to assess if modifications in technique could reduce the post-operative CSF leak rate.

Methods
A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of skull base cases performed by a single surgeon over a 10-year period was performed. Data regarding patient demographics, underlying pathology, skull base repair techniques and post-operative complications were analysed.

Results
One hundred forty-two cases with high-flow intra-operative CSF leak were included in the study. The most common pathologies were craniopharyngiomas (55/142, 39%), pituitary adenomas (34/142, 24%) and meningiomas (24/142, 17%). The CSF leak rate was 7/36 (19%) when a non-standardised skull base repair technique was used. However, with the adoption of a standardised, multi-layer repair technique, the post-operative CSF leak rate decreased significantly (4/106, 4% vs. 7/36, 19%, p = 0.006). This improvement in the rate of post-operative CSF leak was achieved without nasal packing or lumbar drains.

Conclusion
With iterative modifications to a multi-layered closure technique for high-flow intra-operative CSF leaks, it is possible to obtain a very low rate of post-operative CSF leak, without lumbar drains or nasal packing.
Optimal algorithms for differentially private stochastic monotone variational inequalities and saddle-point problems
Authors: Boob Digvijay , Guzmán Cristóbal 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn this work, we conduct the first systematic study of stochastic variational inequality (SVI) and stochastic saddle point (SSP) problems under the constraint of differential privacy (DP). We propose two algorithms: Noisy Stochastic Extragradient (NSEG) and Noisy Inexact Stochastic Proximal Point (NISPP). We show that a stochastic approximation variant of these algorithms attains risk bounds vanishing as a function of the dataset size, with respect to the strong gap function; and a sampling with replacement variant achieves optimal risk bounds with respect to a weak gap function. We also show lower bounds of the same order on weak gap function. Hence, our algorithms are optimal. Key to our analysis is the investigation of algorithmic stability bounds, both of which are new even in the nonprivate case. The dependence of the running time of the sampling with replacement algorithms, with respect to the dataset size n, is $$n^2$$

n
2

for NSEG and $${\widetilde{O}}(n^{3/2})$$

O
~

(

n

3
/
2

)

for NISPP.
Subset sums and block designs in a finite vector space
Authors: Pavone Marco 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn this paper we settle the question of whether a finite-dimensional vector space $${{\mathcal {V}}}$$
V
over $${\mathbb {F}}_p,$$

F
p

,

with p an odd prime, and the family of all the k-sets of elements of $${\mathcal {V}}$$
V
summing up to a given element x, form a 1-$$(v,k,\lambda _1)$$

(
v
,
k
,

λ
1

)

or a 2-$$(v,k,\lambda _2)$$

(
v
,
k
,

λ
2

)

block design, and, in either case, we find a closed form for $$\lambda _i$$

λ
i

and characterize the automorphism group. The question is discussed also in the case where the elements of the k-sets are required to be all nonzero, as the two cases happen to be intrinsically inseparable. The “twin case” $$p=2,$$

p
=
2
,

which has strict connections with coding theory, was completely discussed in a recent paper by G. Falcone and the present author.
An Operational Notion of Classicality Based on Physical Principles
Authors: Sarkar Shubhayan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractOne of the basic observations of the classical world is that physical entities are real and can be distinguished from each other. However, within quantum theory, the idea of physical realism is not well established. A framework to analyse how observations in experiments can be described using some physical states of reality was recently developed, known as ontological models framework. Different principles when imposed on the ontological level give rise to different theories, the validity of which can be tested based on the statistics generated by these theories. Using the ontological models framework, we formulate a novel notion of classicality termed ontic-distinguishability, which is based upon the physical principles that in classical theories extremal states are physical states of reality and every sharp measurement observes the state of the system perfectly. We construct a communication task in which the success probability is bounded from above for ontological models satisfying the notion of ontic-distinguishability. Contrary to previous notions of classicality which either required systems of dimension strictly greater than two or atleast three preparations, a violation of ontic-distinguishability can be observed using just a pair of qubits and a pair of incompatible measurements. We further show that violation of previously known notions of classicality such as preparation non-contextuality and Bell’s local causality is a violation of ontic-distinguishability.
Dispersive Friedmann universes and synchronization
Authors: Cotsakis Spiros 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWe introduce consideration of dispersive aspects of standard perfect fluid Friedmann cosmology and study the new qualitative behaviours of cosmological solutions that emerge as the fluid parameter changes and zero eigenvalues appear in the linear part of the Friedmann equations. We find that due to their insufficient degeneracy, the Milne, flat, Einstein-static, and de Sitter solutions cannot properly bifurcate. However, the dispersive versions of Milne and flat universes contained in the versal unfolding of the standard Friedmann equations possess novel long-term properties not met in their standard counterparts. We apply these results to the horizon problem and show that unlike their hyperbolic versions, the dispersive Milne and flat solutions completely synchronize in the future, hence offering a solution to the homogeneity, isotropy, and causal connectedness puzzles.
Coupling of an analytical rolling model and reinforcement learning to design pass schedules: towards properties controlled hot rolling
Authors: Idzik C. , Krämer A. , Hirt G. , Lohmar J. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractRolling is a well-established forming process employed in many industrial sectors. Although highly optimized, process disruptions can still lead to undesired final mechanical properties. This paper demonstrates advances in pass schedule design based on reinforcement learning and analytical rolling models to guarantee sound product quality. Integrating an established physical strengthening model into an analytical rolling model allows tracking the microstructure evolution throughout the process, and furthermore the prediction of the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of the rolled sheet. The trained reinforcement learning algorithm Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) automatically proposes pass schedules by drawing upon established scheduling rules combined with novel rule sets to maximize the final mechanical properties. The designed pass schedule is trialed using a laboratory rolling mill while the predicted properties are confirmed using micrographs and materials testing. Due to its fast calculation time, prospectively this technique can be extended to also account for significant process disruptions such as longer inter-pass times by adapting the pass schedule online to still reach the desired mechanical properties and avoid scrapping of the material.
The future of Iberian droughts: a deeper analysis based on multi-scenario and a multi-model ensemble approach
Authors: Soares Pedro M. M. , Careto João A. M. , Russo Ana , Lima Daniela C. A. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAs a result of warming and precipitation deficits, the increasing shortage of water resources, droughts have become one of the main drivers of desertification, land degradation and food insecurity with direct impacts on ecosystems and society, especially in fragile communities. Over the Iberian Peninsula, a known climate change hotspot, the occurrence of droughts varies in intensity and severity, being its assessment under present and future conditions an important tool for adaptation measures. Here, for the first time, we present a comprehensive analysis of different plausible evolutions of droughts throughout the twenty-first century over Iberia on a monthly basis, featuring three different emission scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP8.5). A multi-variable, multi-model EURO-CORDEX weighted ensemble is used to assess future drought conditions using the SPI (Standardized Precipitation Index) and SPEI (Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index). All indexes were computed by considering the full period, from 1971 to 2000 merged with 2011–2100 from each RCP scenario. The results clearly show that the Iberian Peninsula is highly vulnerable to climate change, indicating a significant increase in the intensity and severity of drought occurrences, even for the low-end RCP2.6 scenario. For the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, the increases are more pronounced and enhanced throughout the twenty-first century, from 3 up to 12 more severe droughts for the shorter timescales with increases in mean duration above 30 months for the longer accumulation periods. The use of all the RCPs data pooled together with a multi-variable weighted ensemble approach allows not only a more accurate and robust projection of future droughts but also ensures comparability among the projections from the three RCP scenarios. The future drought evolution aspires to assist the new Portuguese national roadmap for adaptation for the twenty-first century, bridging the water sector challenges from mitigation to adaptation in a dynamic way.
Topical Janus kinase inhibitors in atopic dermatitis: a safety network meta-analysis
Authors: Alves Carlos , Penedones Ana , Mendes Diogo , Batel Marques Francisco 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Topical Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are being developed for the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. However, comparative evidence on their safety profiles is still limited.

Aim
This study aimed to compare the relative safety of topic JAK inhibitors in patients with atopic dermatitis.

Method
Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy and safety of topical JAK inhibitors in atopic dermatitis were searched on Medline, EMBASE and clinicaltrials.gov. The following outcomes were considered: any adverse event (AE), serious AEs, AEs leading to treatment discontinuation, any infection, any application site reaction.

Results
Ten RCTs were included in this network meta-analysis. Tofacitinib was associated with a reduced risk of any AE when compared with ruxolitinib (OR 0.18, 95% CrI 0.03–0.92). The analyses for the remaining outcomes did not identify other statistically significant risk differences between the topical JAK inhibitors.

Conclusion
Although tofacitinib seems to present a reduced risk of any adverse event compared with ruxolitinib, this was the only statistically significant result found between JAK inhibitors. Therefore, such findings should be interpreted with caution considering the scarce data available and the heterogeneity between the studies, and there is no robust evidence allowing pointing out clinically important differences between the safety profiles of the existing topical JAK inhibitors. Further pharmacovigilance activities are needed to confirm the safety profile of these drugs.
Evaluating the burden of endogenous Cushing’s syndrome using a web-based questionnaire and validated patient-reported outcome measures
Authors: Page-Wilson Gabrielle , Oak Bhagyashree , Silber Abigail , Okeyo Janetricks , Ortiz Nancy , O’Hara Matthew , Moloney Stephen , Geer Eliza B. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Endogenous Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is a rare endocrine condition caused by chronic oversecretion of cortisol, resulting in a diverse constellation of symptoms. This study examined the ongoing burden of illness (BOI), from the first appearance of symptoms through treatment, which is currently not well evaluated.

Methods
A quantitative, cross-sectional, web-enabled survey including 5 validated patient reported outcomes (PRO) measures was conducted in patients with CS who had been diagnosed ≥ 6 months prior and who had received ≥ 1 treatment for their endogenous CS at the time of the survey.

Results
Fifty-five patients participated in this study; 85% were women. The mean age was 43.4 ± 12.3 years (± standard deviation, SD). On average, respondents reported a 10-year gap between the first occurrence of symptoms and diagnosis; 80% underwent surgical treatment for CS. Respondents experienced symptoms on 16 days in a typical month, and their health-related quality of life was moderately impacted based on the CushingQoL score. Weight gain, muscle fatigue, and weakness were the most common symptoms and 69% percent of patients reported moderate or severe fatigue using the Brief Fatigue Inventory. Following treatment, the occurrence of most symptoms declined over time, although anxiety and pain did not significantly decrease. Overall, 38% of participants reported an annual average of 25 missed workdays due to CS symptoms.

Conclusions
These results demonstrate a BOI in CS despite ongoing treatment and illustrate the need for interventions to address persistent symptoms, particularly weight gain, pain, and anxiety.