bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Infrared Image Enhancement Based on Guided Filtering and Adaptive Algorithm and Its FPGA Implementation
Authors: Song Hongfei , Wang Ziqian , Cao Wenxiao , Zhang Yunpeng , Leng Xue 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTDetail enhancement and noise suppression are critical to the performance of infrared imaging systems, and a method for enhancing infrared images based on guided filters is introduced in this paper. Firstly, the guidance filter and Gaussian filter are used to decompose the original infrared image into the base layer and the detail layer, and then the adaptive histogram equalization method is used to enhance the overall brightness and contrast of the base layer. For the detail layer, we will guide the filtering to obtain the gain factor through the “” rule processing, on this basis, the detail gain function is constructed to apply to the processing of the detail layer, and finally the basic layer and the detail layer are fused to obtain the final result image. The proposed method is compared with six other infrared image enhancement algorithms under different data sets and analyzed using subjective and objective evaluation indicators. The experimental data show that the proposed method can effectively improve the overall contrast and local details of the image and has good scene adaptability. Finally, we transplanted the algorithm to the FPGA bottom layer for implementation, and for 640 512 resolution images, the final implementation effect is almost no different from that on the PC side.
A library of proton lineal energy spectra spanning the full range of clinically relevant energies
Authors: DeCunha J. M. , Missiaggia M. , Newpower M. , Traneus E. , La Tessa C. , Mohan R. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPurposeIn locations where the proton energy spectrum is broad, lineal energy spectrum‐based proton biological effects models may be more accurate than dose‐averaged linear energy transfer (LETd) based models. However, the development of microdosimetric spectrum‐based biological effects models is hampered by the extreme computational difficulty of calculating microdosimetric spectra. Given a precomputed library of lineal energy spectra for monoenergetic protons, a weighted summation can be performed which yields the lineal energy spectrum of an arbitrary polyenergetic beam. Using this approach, lineal energy spectra can be rapidly calculated on a voxel‐by‐voxel level.Acquisition and Validation MethodsMonoenergetic proton tracks generated using Geant4‐DNA were imported into SuperTrack, a GPU‐accelerated software for calculation of microdosimetric spectra. Libraries of proton lineal energy spectra which span the energy range of 0–300 MeV were computed. The libraries were validated by comparison to Monte Carlo calculations in the literature, as well as lineal energy spectra measured experimentally with a tissue equivalent proportional counter.Data Format and Usage NotesThe lineal energy libraries have been made available in three data formats, two are plain‐text, .csv and .les, and one binary encoded, root. Library files include the lineal energy bin abscissa in keV per micron and the unnormalized number of counts occurring within that bin. A computational technique for summation of the library files to yield the lineal energy of a polyenergetic beam is described in this work.Potential ApplicationsThe lineal energy libraries can be used to rapidly determine the lineal energy spectra at the location of cell cultures for in‐vitro experiments and in each voxel of a treatment plan for in‐vivo outcome modelling. These libraries have already been incorporated into RayStation 2023B‐IonPG for lineal energy spectra calculation and we anticipate they will be incorporated into further dose calculation engines and Monte Carlo toolkits.
Neuromuscular Ultrasound Training in Neuromuscular Fellowship Programs in Canada: Minding the Gap
Authors: Banerjee Ankur , Khayambashi Shahin , Jewett Gordon , Mobach Theodore , Phan Cecile , Daniels Vijay , Beecher Grayson 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIntroduction/AimsNeuromuscular ultrasound (NMUS) is gaining prominence as a valuable tool for diagnosing neuromuscular disorders at the point of care. Neuromuscular disorder diagnostic criteria guidelines have begun incorporating NMUS findings. As interest grows, fellowship programs must consider incorporating training into their curricula. This study evaluated the current state of NMUS training, potential barriers, and interest in training across Canadian neuromuscular fellowship programs.MethodsA 23‐question online survey was developed and distributed via email to all 10 neuromuscular fellowship program directors across Canada.ResultsSeven (70%) programs responded to the survey. There was general agreement among programs on the value of NMUS, however, only one (14.3%) program reported they would consider recent graduates to be competent in NMUS. Critical barriers to incorporation of NMUS training included lack of a formalized curriculum, faculty expertise and time, and equipment. Two (28.6%) programs reported that accessibility of equipment and one (14.3%) that faculty expertise was not a barrier to NMUS training. Two (28.6%) programs have local NMUS training options available to fellows (in only one program is NMUS training mandatory). All programs expressed interest in additional training opportunities, and three (43%) programs reported taking steps toward incorporating NMUS training into their curricula.DiscussionNMUS training is in its infancy in Canada, with several common barriers identified across programs. There is universal interest in further NMUS training opportunities for fellows, highlighting the importance of a common approach to addressing the educational gap to support development of formalized NMUS training mechanisms in Canada.
Chemical Fingerprinting and Multivariate Analysis of Different Grades of Farfarae Flos Using HPLC and UPLC‐ESI‐Q/TOF‐MS/MS
Authors: Zhang Yilei , Zhu Yihan , Zhang Gang , Gao Jing , Yan Yonggang , Chen Ying , Guo Qi , Yang BingYue , Peng Liang 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionFarfarae Flos is widely used as a traditional herbal medicine. Currently, its size has been the primary grading criterion used in market circulation. Whether this empirical criterion can accurately reflect the quality of the medicinal material has not been systematically studied.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the quality of Farfarae Flos from different regions based on their grades.MethodsUltra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐ESI‐Q/TOF‐MS/MS) were applied to study the chemical constituents of Farfarae Flos; high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify the content of Farfarae Flos samples. Meanwhile, fingerprint analysis and chemometric methods, including principal component analysis (PCA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA), were used to evaluate the quality differences among 33 batches of Farfarae Flos samples of different grades.ResultsA total of 95 individual components were identified in Farfarae Flos. Fingerprint analysis revealed 23 common peaks, with fingerprint similarity among the 33 batches ranging from 0.838 to 0.995. PCA divided the 33 batches of Farfarae Flos into three categories based on their grades. ANOVA indicated significant differences in five of the 14 main active components across different grades of Farfarae Flos, with two components showing extremely significant differences. HPLC content determination showed that the content of 11 main active components was positively correlated with the grades of Farfarae Flos.ConclusionThis method is straightforward, efficient, and reliable, offering a valuable reference for establishing quality grading standards and ensuring the quality control of Farfarae Flos.
Comparing the Introduction and Implementation of Noninvasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) in Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States: An Integrative Review
Authors: Connor Chloe , Sato Taisuke , Bianchi Diana W. , Fenton Kathleen , Somani Elika , Turriff Amy , Berkman Benjamin , Hendriks Saskia 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTPrevious studies suggest that NIPT's implementation differed widely across countries but offer limited insight into what shaped these differences. To address this gap, we conducted an in‐depth analysis of how NIPT was incorporated into prenatal care in the US, the Netherlands, and Japan—countries with similar economic status—to identify actionable lessons. We conducted an integrative literature review on the process of introducing and implementing NIPT, stakeholders' roles, documented considerations in the decision to introduce NIPT, implementation choices, and NIPT uptake. We included 184 sources, including white and gray literature and non‐English sources. We identified 17 considerations that were documented to have influenced the decision whether to introduce NIPT across five domains: clinical considerations, ethical considerations and societal values, financial considerations, demand and capacity and applicable oversight. Fewer factors seem to have been considered in the US as compared to Japan or the Netherlands. Countries subsequently made choices on how to implement NIPT—we identified 35 such choices. While most of the identified choices were eventually considered by all three countries, they made different decisions (e.g., on out‐of‐pocket costs). In 2022, the estimated proportion of pregnant persons who used NIPT was 58% in the Netherlands, 49% in the US, and 9% in Japan. While differences in cultural values, population characteristics, and healthcare systems explain some variation, we identified other more adaptable aspects of the decision‐making process (e.g., oversight) that may be useful for countries introducing NIPT or similar technologies to consider.
Relationship Between Radiation Therapy and Fecal Incontinence in Patients Treated for Localized Prostate Cancer: Results of the French ICONES Study
Authors: Belkacemi Yazid , Coraggio Gabriele , Debbi Kamel , Sirmai Laura , Hollande Clemence , Rambaud Elise , Hadhri Asma , Li Xie , Hassani Wissal , Levy Michael , Vordos Dimitri , Ingels Alexandre , Loganadane Gokoulakrichenane , De La Taille Alexandre 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundRadiation‐induced late fecal incontinence (LFI) is one of the most quality‐of‐life impairing symptoms in prostate cancer. We aimed to assess the impact of radiotherapy (RT) technique and dose‐volume effects on LFI using a robust score.MethodsWe identified 409 patients who underwent curative intent using standard fractionated radiation therapy, 190 of them were finally included and analyzed. The severity of LFI was assessed using the Jorge & Wexner score.ResultsWith a median follow‐up of 55 months (range 15–96) months, LFI crude rate was 11.5%. In the multivariate analyses, image‐guided radiotherapy (IGRT), rectal maximum dose (Dmax) and anal canal minimum dose (Dmin) were significantly associated with LFI risk. The use of IGRT was associated with lower risk of LFI (p = 0.02); higher rectum Dmax (≥ 68.4 Gy; p = 0.02) and anal canal Dmin (≥ 6.4 Gy; p = 0.04) were associated with increased risk.ConclusionOur results suggest a significant impact of the total dose delivered to the anorectal volumes and the use of IGRT to spare organs at risk during radiation delivery.
Population exposure–response analysis of the effect of ritlecitinib on eyebrow assessment and eyelash assessment in patients with alopecia areata
Authors: Wang Yuchen , Huh Yeamin , Lejeune Alexandre 
Published: January 2025

AbstractRitlecitinib is an orally bioavailable, small molecule that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a once‐daily oral treatment option for people 12 years of age and older with severe alopecia areata. This article assessed the exposure–response (ER) relationship of eyebrow and eyelash assessment (EBA/ELA) scores on ritlecitinib and compared them to the Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score (primary endpoint) ER relationship on ritlecitinib. EBA and ELA both are numeric rating scales (NRS) with four levels (0 the most severe, 3 the normal). Longitudinal ER modeling with ordinal regression was conducted to describe ritlecitinib efficacy regarding the hair regrowth in eyebrows and eyelashes separately. The average concentration in the time interval between two adjacent EBA/ELA records was used as the exposure metric. The developed models described the longitudinal EBA/ELA profile and the responder rates adequately. The ER models and the model‐based simulations implied that the tested doses in the phase IIb/III clinical trial are in the ascending region, but the magnitude of loading dose effect on earlier efficacy is different across the efficacy endpoints of EBA, ELA, and SALT scores (which could be explained by the estimated [concentration at half maximum effect]). The established longitudinal ER relationships supported the selection of 50 mg dose for overall Alopecia areata (AA) patients with impaired eyebrow and eyelash hairs. The presented analysis using the ordinal regression model can be utilized in any ER analysis where PD response is an ordinal categorical variable.
Self‐directed learning—a framework for inclusion ‘In’ and ‘Through’ Education – A systematic review
Authors: Morris Thomas Howard , Koutsouris George , Stentiford Lauren , Bremner Nicholas 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThere is a dearth of knowledge regarding how self‐directed learning and inclusion relate as concepts. In this paper, we explore how self‐directed learning and inclusion are discussed together in the educational literature. With the aim of advancing our conceptual and theoretical understanding in this regard, we present the findings of a systematic review that critically explores the relevant literature on self‐directed learning and inclusion. We included peer‐reviewed texts with an explicit focus on both inclusion and self‐directed learning in any educational phase. There were no restrictions on date of publication or methodology adopted. We searched five databases in July 2023: British Education Index, Education Research Complete, ERIC, International Bibliography of the Social Sciences, Australian Education Index, and Web of Science. We located 19 studies published in the past 15 years—8 studies concerned childhood education settings and 11 studies were written in the context of adult education, with the majority from higher education. We analysed the texts using thematic analysis and key findings were that: (1) self‐directed learning can be used as a framework to promote both inclusion ‘in’ education (as in pedagogical methods and strategies) and ‘through’ education (as in educational products and outcomes); and (2) engaging with self‐directed learning has the potential to further inclusion and social justice aims in education. However, these findings can only be interpreted by taking into consideration the tensions associated with inclusion that were rarely acknowledged in the included studies.
Context and implicationsRationale for this study: To date there is limited literature on how self‐directed learning and inclusion relate to each other.Why the new findings matter: Our findings suggest that the connections between self‐directed learning and inclusion are not unproblematic, which reflects the complexities of inclusion.Implications for teachers and researchers: Key insights gained through this process include that (1) self‐directed learning can be used as a framework to promote both inclusion ‘in’ education (as in pedagogical methods and strategies) and ‘through’ education (as in educational products and outcomes); and (2) engaging with self‐directed learning has the potential to further inclusion and social justice aims in education. However, it is essential to consider that the majority of studies reviewed in this present work were small‐scale and cross‐sectional in nature. Therefore, this field remains an important open door for further research.
Relationships among soil test potassium forms influenced by clay mineralogy
Authors: Ahlersmeyer Andrew , Clay David , Kovács Péter , Osterloh Kristopher , Rekabdarkolaee Hossein Moradi , Clark Jason 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPotassium fertilizer recommendations for optimal crop production may be improved by considering the ratio between expanding 2:1 layer silicates (smectite) with non‐expanding 2:1 layer silicates (illite). However, the interactive effects between clay mineralogy and various soil tests are not well understood. This study evaluated the relationships among soil test K (STK), water‐soluble K, HNO3‐extractable K, pH, apparent cation exchange capacity (CECa), soil organic matter, clay content, and smectite:illite ratios. Soil samples (0–15 cm) were collected from 41 locations in central and eastern South Dakota, with textures ranging from sandy loam to clay. Data were partitioned into soils with smectite:illite ratios < 1 (illitic), ≥1 but ≤4.5 (smectitic), and > 4.5 (highly smectitic). Mean pH and CECa were lowest in illitic soils, higher in smectitic soils, and highest in highly smectitic soils, whereas STK and water‐soluble K were lowest in highly smectitic soils relative to illitic and smectitic. Correlation analysis also showed that STK decreased with increasing smectite:illite ratio. These results suggest that exchangeable and water‐soluble K forms are reduced when the proportion of smectite increases. There was a strong, positive relationship between STK and HNO3‐extractable K across all three smectite:illite ratio groups. For soil pH, however, the relationship with STK was positive for illitic and smectitic soil groups, but negative for highly smectitic soils. Overall, these results suggest that the smectite:illite ratio influences the relationship among soil parameters and STK. This improves our understanding of the influence of clay mineralogy on plant‐available K and the implications for K fertilizer recommendations.
After the Johannesburg II Declaration, What Next for Ecological Sustainability in BRICS? Perspectives on Green Innovations and Green Transitions
Authors: Uche Emmanuel , Okere Kingsley I. , Ngepah Nicholas 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTAdvancing ecological sustainability, a major focus of the SDGs, necessitates evaluating the influence of green energy, sustainable technology, and resource utilization on ecological load capacity factors—an area that has remained underexplored in existing research. Also, the LCF method, which elucidates the unique features of the supply and demand dynamics in the natural environment, is still not used by BRICS environmental modelers. This study examined panel data of pertinent LCF predictors spanning from 1980 to 2021. The analysis utilized several advanced methodologies, and a new viewpoint was presented through the application of the panel‐frequency domain Granger causality test. The results demonstrate that (i) green transitions notably enhance LCF across various quantile distributions, and (ii) green technologies exert a moderately positive influence on LCF. The analysis suggests that ongoing shifts towards clean energy and the encouragement of eco‐friendly technological innovations necessitate well‐planned policies to enhance LCF within the BRICS nations.
Genetic diversity and phylogeography of the circumboreal peatland violets (Viola epipsila‐V. palustris complex, Violaceae) as inferred from non‐coding nuclear and chloroplast DNA regions
Authors: Żabicka Justyna , Migdałek Grzegorz , Marcussen Thomas , Sliwińska Elwira , Słomka Aneta , Mackiewicz Leszek , Kuta Elżbieta 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe Pleistocene glaciation cycles are a major factor shaping plant genetic diversity, speciation and radiations, and current distribution ranges in the Northern Hemisphere. Case studies are important for improving our understanding of postglacial migration patterns in the Northern Hemisphere taxa in general. Here, we studied the circumboreal Viola epipsila‐V. palustris complex, whose taxonomy and patterns of variation are unclear, and phylogeography unknown, using non‐coding nuclear (ISSRs; inter simple sequence repeats) and chloroplast (cpDNA; trnS‐trnG and trnH‐psbA spacers) DNA regions. Our ISSR results separated five groups corresponding to V. epipsila, V. palustris, V. pluviae, V. suecica and hybrids (V. epipsila × V. palustris). These groups were also confirmed by the genome size of selected samples from each group. The ISSR results showed low within‐population genetic variation in V. epipsila, V. palustris, and V. pluviae as compared to V. suecica, which also has the widest distribution. The cpDNA data allowed us to infer postglacial migration routes and historical impact of gene flow between populations. A total of 13 haplotypes were identified across all species, with the largest number (eight) in European‐eastern Asian‐North American V. suecica. Five haplotypes were present in more than one taxon of the group. The low haplotype variation of European V. epipsila and V. palustris results from their status as glacial relicts. The cpDNA and ISSR phylogenies were congruent. The pattern of haplotype variation and distribution in the ranges of studied species indicates postglacial intercontinental migration of V. suecica across Beringia and V. palustris across the Atlantic.
Area of Residual Tumor Measurement After Preoperative Chemotherapy as an Objective and Quantitative Method for Predicting the Prognosis of Gastric Cancer: A Single‐Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Nagata Hiromi , Kinoshita Takahiro , Sakashita Shingo , Kojima Motohiro , Taki Tetsuro , Kuwata Takeshi , Yura Masahiro , Shitara Kohei , Ishii Genichiro , Sakamoto Naoya 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundPathological regression grade after chemotherapy evaluated by surgically resected specimens is closely related with prognosis. Since usefulness of measuring the area of the residual tumor (ART) has been reported, this study aimed to evaluate the utility of ART in predicting the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer (GC) who received preoperative chemotherapy.MethodsThis single‐center retrospective study examined the relationship between ART and survival outcomes. We included 92 patients who underwent preoperative chemotherapy followed by radical surgery for GC. Digital images were used to measure the ART in the largest pathological slice of each patient's surgical tumor specimen. We simply subclassified the patients as either ART‐0 (< 0.1 mm2 or carcinoma in situ) or non‐ART‐0 to compare the prognoses.ResultsSignificant differences were noted in overall survival and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) between ART‐0 (n = 19) and non‐ART‐0 (n = 73). The survival curves were similar to those of major pathological response (MPR) (n = 24) or non‐MPR (n = 68), which are commonly used as surrogate endpoint presently. Multivariate analysis revealed ART and ypN independent prognostic factors for RFS. Survival curves stratified using ART and ypN to indicate risk grades (low‐, moderate‐, or high‐) were not significantly different from those stratified using the other three existing pathological regression grade systems and ypN.ConclusionART‐based pathological assessment is a simple and useful method for predicting the prognosis in patients with GC who underwent radical surgery after chemotherapy.