bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Textural characterization of unidirectional solidification textures related to Cu–Au deposits and their implication for metallogenesis and exploration
Authors: Müller Axel , Kirwin Doug , Seltmann Reimar 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTen rock samples with unidirectional solidification textures (USTs) from nine Asian and Australian porphyry and intrusion-related Au deposits and prospects were investigated in terms of mineralization sequences, textural and paragenetic relationships, melt and fluid inclusion inventory, cathodoluminescence, and trace elements of UST quartz. Despite general similar structural appearance of the investigated UST sequences, each UST locality has its own specific textural features. We provide a structural classification of observed USTs that distinguishes equigranular and heterogranular USTs, which are subdivided according to the UST layer structure into straight, wavy, or contorted/brain-like type. In addition, there is the group of disturbed USTs comprising incompletely developed UST layers, and ductile- or brittle-fragmented UST sequences. Ti-in-quartz-based calculations revealed crystallization temperatures of UST quartz between 590 and 770 °C. Primary silicate melt inclusions found in four samples indicate that quartz crystallized initially from a silicate melt. In five samples, fluid inclusion “boiling” assemblages were observed, documenting brine-vapor phase separation due to pressure drop. In one case, the “boiling” assemblage is in primary inclusions and in the other cases the assemblages have been trapped in pseudosecondary inclusions in a later stage. Primary brine inclusions without coeval vapor-rich inclusions were identified in one sample only. Our results permit UST formation in either an open-system setting where fluids exsolved from UST crystallization are periodically released by fracturing (pressure drops) after the formation of each individual UST layer, or closed-system setting where the exsolved fluids are trapped because of lack of fracturing as long the UST sequence forms. Here, the closed-system model is introduced for the first time to describe the formation of layered quartz UST sequences in porphyry systems where the open-system setting seems to be not applicable. Nonetheless, quartz UST sequences are very important exploration vectors for porphyry systems. Six out of the ten UST samples are high-grade with up to 12 g/t Au. However, in the investigated cases, the Au mineralization postdates UST formation. At Oyut Ulaan and Tampang, the UST quartz formation is co-genetic with major Cu–Fe sulfide mineralization, whereas in the other localities the UST formation predates the sulfide mineralization. In any case, UST layer sequences clearly functioned as an outer carapace and, thus, as a chemo-physical trap of passing mineralizing fluids entering the UST structure and may offer a vector to the main stockwork mineralization, which might occur 100 to 200 m above the UST zone.
Characterizing the tumor immune microenvironment of ependymomas using targeted gene expression profiles and RNA sequencing
Authors: de Koning W. , Feenstra F. F. , Calkoen F. G. J. , van der Lugt J. , Kester L. A. , Mustafa D. A. M. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Defining the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of patients using transcriptome analysis is gaining more popularity. Here, we examined and discussed the pros and cons of using RNA sequencing for fresh frozen samples and targeted gene expression immune profiles (NanoString) for formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples to characterize the TIME of ependymoma samples.

Results
Our results showed a stable expression of the 40 housekeeping genes throughout all samples. The Pearson correlation of the endogenous genes was high. To define the TIME, we first checked the expression of the PTPRC gene, known as CD45, and found it was above the detection limit in all samples by both techniques. T cells were identified consistently using the two types of data. In addition, both techniques showed that the immune landscape was heterogeneous in the 6 ependymoma samples used for this study.

Conclusions
The low-abundant genes were detected in higher quantities using the NanoString technique, even when FFPE samples were used. RNA sequencing is better suited for biomarker discovery, fusion gene detection, and getting a broader overview of the TIME. The technique that was used to measure the samples had a considerable effect on the type of immune cells that were identified. The limited number of tumor-infiltrating immune cells compared to the high density of tumor cells in ependymoma can limit the sensitivity of RNA expression techniques regarding the identification of the infiltrating immune cells.
Clinical trial of a low-cost external fixator for global surgery use
Authors: Milandri Giovanni , Wijesinghe P. C. I. , Munidasa Dilshan , Pathmanathan Cinthuja , Saeidi Mehdi , Bull Anthony M. J. , Silva Pujitha 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Purpose

A low-cost modular external fixator for the lower limb has been developed for global surgery use. The purpose of this study is to assess outcome measures in the first clinical use of the device.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted with patients recruited in two trauma hospitals. Initial clinical procedure data were collected, and patients were followed up every two weeks until 12 weeks or definitive fixation. Follow-up assessed infection, stability, and radiographic outcomes. In addition, patient-reported outcomes and surgeons’ feedback on device usability were collected by questionnaires.

Results
The external fixator was used on 17 patients. Ten were mono-lateral, five were joint spanning, and two were delta configuration. One patient had a pin site infection at 12-week follow-up. All were stable when tested mechanically and using radiographic assessment, and 53% were converted to definitive fixation.

Conclusion
The low-cost external fixator developed is appropriate for use in global surgery trauma centres with good clinical outcomes.

Prospective trial registration number and date
SLCTR/2021/025 (06 Sep 2021).
Possible use of Digital Variance Angiography in Liver Transarterial Chemoembolization: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Lucatelli Pierleone , Rocco Bianca , Ciaglia Simone , Teodoli Leonardo , Argirò Renato , Guiu Boris , Saba Luca , Vallati Giulio , Spiliopoulos Stavros , Patrone Lorenzo , Gyánó Marcell , Góg István , Osváth Szabolcs , Szigeti Krisztian , Kiss János P. , Catalano Carlo 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Digital variance angiography (DVA), a recently developed image processing technology, provided higher contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and better image quality (IQ) during lower limb interventions than digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Our aim was to investigate whether this quality improvement can be observed also during liver transarterial chemoembolization (TACE).

Materials and Methods
We retrospectively compared the CNR and IQ parameters of DSA and DVA images from 25 patients (65% male, mean ± SD age: 67.5 ± 11.2 years) underwent TACE intervention at our institute. CNR was calculated on 50 images. IQ of every image set was evaluated by 5 experts using 4-grade Likert scales. Both single image evaluation and paired image comparison were performed in a blinded and randomized manner. The diagnostic value was evaluated based on the possibility to identify lesions and feeding arteries.

Results
DVA provided significantly higher CNR (mean CNRDVA/CNRDSA was 1.33). DVA images received significantly higher individual Likert score (mean ± SEM 3.34 ± 0,08 vs. 2.89 ± 0.11, Wilcoxon signed-rank p < 0.001) and proved to be superior also in paired comparisons (median comparison score 1.60 [IQR:2.40], one sample Wilcoxon p < 0.001 compared to equal quality level). DSA could not detect lesion and feeding artery in 28 and 36% of cases, and allowed clear detection only in 22% and 16%, respectively. In contrast, DVA failed only in 8 and 18% and clearly revealed lesions and feeding arteries in 32 and 26%, respectively.

Conclusion
In our study, DVA provided higher quality images and better diagnostic insight than DSA; therefore, DVA could represent a useful tool in liver TACE interventions.

Level of evidence
III Non-consecutive study.
Enterocloster alcoholdehydrogenati sp. nov., a Novel Bacterial Species Isolated from the Feces of a Patient with Alcoholism
Authors: Oikawa Daiki , Fukui Kohei , Aoki Yuichi , Waki Toshiyuki , Takahashi Seiji , Shimoyama Takefumi , Nakayama Toru 
Published: April 2023

AbstractStrain C5-48T, an anaerobic intestinal bacterium that potentially accumulates acetaldehyde at levels exceeding its minimum mutagenic concentration (50 µM) in the colon and rectum, was isolated from the feces of a patient with alcoholism. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain C5-48T showed high similarity to the corresponding sequences of Lachnoclostridium edouardi Marseille-P3397T (95.7%) and Clostridium fessum SNUG30386T (94.7%). However, phylogenetic analysis using the sequences of the 16S rRNA, rpoB, and hsp60 genes and whole-genome analysis strongly suggested that C5-48T should be included in the genus Enterocloster. The novelty of strain C5-48T was further confirmed by comprehensive average nucleotide identity (ANI) calculations based on its whole-genome sequence, which showed appreciable ANI values with known Enterocloster species (e.g., 74.3% and 73.4% with Enterocloster bolteae WAL 16351T and Enterocloster clostridioformis ATCC 25537T, respectively). The temperature range for growth of strain C5-48T was 15–37 °C with an optimum of 37 °C. The pH range for growth was 5.5–10.5 with an optimum of 7.5. The major constituents of the cell membrane lipids of strain C5-48T were 16:0, 14:0, and 18:1 ω7c dimethyl acetal fatty acids. On the basis of the genotypic and phenotypic properties, Enterocloster alcoholdehydrogenati sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain C5-48T (= JCM 33305T = DSM 109474T).
Evaluation of perivascular fat attenuation with coronary CT angiography in cardiac transplantation patients: an imaging biomarker candidate for prediction of cardiac mortality and re-transplantation
Authors: Moser Philipp T. , Schernthaner Rüdiger , Loewe Christian , Strassl Andreas , Denzinger Felix , Faby Sebastian , Wels Michael , Nizhnikava Volha , Uyanik-Uenal Keziban , Zuckermann Andreas , Stelzmueller Marie-Elisabeth , Beitzke Dietrich 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Objectives
In cardiac transplant recipients, non-invasive allograft surveillance for identifying patients at risk for graft failure remains challenging. The fat attenuation index (FAI) of the perivascular adipose tissue in coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) predicts outcomes in coronary artery disease in non-transplanted hearts; however, it has not been evaluated in cardiac transplant patients.

Methods
We followed 39 cardiac transplant patients with two or more CCTAs obtained between 2010 and 2021. We performed FAI measurements around the proximal 4 cm segments of the left anterior descending (LAD), right coronary artery (RCA), and left circumflex artery (LCx) using a previously validated methodology. The FAI was analyzed at a threshold of − 30 to − 190 Hounsfield units.

Results
FAI measurements were completed in 113 CCTAs, obtained on two same-vendor CT models. Within each CCTA, the FAI values between coronary vessels were strongly correlated (RCA and LAD R = 0.67 (p < 0.0001), RCA and LCx R = 0.58 (p < 0.0001), LAD and LCx R = 0.67 (p < 0.0001)). The FAIs of each coronary vessel between the patient’s first and last CCTA completed at 120 kV were also correlated (RCA R = 0.73 (p < 0.0001), LAD R = 0.81 (p < 0.0001), LCx R = 0.55 (p = 0.0069). Finally, a high mean FAI value of all three coronary vessels at baseline (mean ≥  − 71 HU) was predictive of cardiac mortality or re-transplantation, however, not predictive of all cause-mortality.

Conclusion
High baseline FAI values may identify a higher-risk cardiac transplant population; thus, FAI may support the implementation of CCTA in post-transplant surveillance.

Key Point
• Perivascular fat attenuation measured with coronary CT is feasible in cardiac transplant patients and may predict cardiac mortality or need for re-transplantation.
A Lower Bound for the Logarithmic Energy on $$\mathbb {S}^2$$ and for the Green Energy on $$\mathbb {S}^n$$
Authors: Beltrán Carlos , Lizarte Fátima 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWe show an alternative proof of the sharpest known lower bound for the logarithmic energy on the unit sphere $$\mathbb {S}^2$$

S

2

. We then generalize this proof to get new lower bounds for the Green energy on the unit n-sphere $$\mathbb {S}^n$$

S

n

.
Evaluating the effect of a ducted winglet on the induced drag of wind turbine blade using CFD and Trefftz plane analysis
Authors: Vincalek Jakub , Walton Sean , Evans Ben 
Published: April 2023

AbstractA novel patented ducted winglet design is compared, using numerical simulations, to an unmodified wing tip and a standard winglet in the context of a wind turbine blade. The aim of the ducted winglet is to reduce the induced drag. This reduction of induced drag, at the wing tip, would be particularly beneficial to wind turbine performance. Throughout the comparison, we explore the aerodynamic phenomena described in the patent which claim to explain how the ducted winglet reduces induced drag. The simulations were run using a CFD solver, FLITE3D, that has been thoroughly validated on industrial scale aerodynamic problems. A mesh convergence study was carried out to ensure that the results have sufficient numerical accuracy for a consistent ranking with respect to the lift-to-drag ratio. A Trefftz plane analysis is conducted to measure the effect of the duct on induced drag. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that such a ducted design is tested in this context and compared to a standard unmodified blade and winglet. We found that the ducted winglet has a higher lift-to-drag ratio than an unmodified wing tip, but lower than a non-ducted winglet. Despite this, there is clear evidence that the duct had a positive influence on the induced drag. Our results show that with future optimisation this ducted winglet may prove beneficial to wind turbine design.
Fetal aortic isthmus Doppler assessment to predict the adverse perinatal outcomes associated with fetal growth restriction: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: La Verde M. , Savoia F. , Riemma G. , Schiattarella A. , Conte A. , Hidar S. , Torella M. , Colacurci N. , De Franciscis P. , Morlando M. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) management and delivery planning is based on a multimodal approach. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the prognostic accuracies of the aortic isthmus Doppler to predict adverse perinatal outcomes in singleton pregnancies with FGR.

Methods
PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov and Google scholar were searched from inception to May 2021, for studies on the prognostic accuracy of anterograde aortic isthmus flow compared with retrograde aortic isthmus flow in singleton pregnancy with FGR. The meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO and was assessed according to PRISMA and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. DerSimonian and Laird’s random-effect model was used for relative risks, Freeman-Tukey Double Arcsine for pooled estimates and exact method to stabilize variances and CIs. Heterogeneity was quantified using I2 statistics.

Results
A total of 2933 articles were identified through the electronic search, of which 6 studies (involving 240 women) were included. The quality evaluation of studies revealed an overall acceptable score for study group selection and comparability and substantial heterogeneity. The risk of perinatal death was significantly greater in fetuses with retrograde Aortic Isthmus blood flow, with a RR of 5.17 (p value 0.00001). Similarly, the stillbirth rate was found to have a RR of 5.39 (p value 0.00001). Respiratory distress syndrome had a RR of 2.64 (p value = 0.03) in the group of fetuses with retrograde Aortic Isthmus blood flow.

Conclusion
Aortic Isthmus Doppler study may add information for FGR management. However, additional clinical trial are required to assess its applicability in clinical practice.
“Spice”-related deaths in and around Munich, Germany: A retrospective look at the role of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists in our post-mortem cases over a seven-year period (2014–2020)
Authors: Groth Olwen , Roider Gabriele , Angerer Verena , Schäper Jan , Graw Matthias , Musshoff Frank , Auwärter Volker 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs, “Spice”) are a diverse group of recreational drugs, with their structural and pharmacological variability still evolving. Forensic toxicologists often rely on previous reports to assess their role in intoxication cases. This work provides detailed information on the “Spice”-related fatalities around Munich, Germany, from 2014 to 2020. All cases underwent an autopsy. Pharmaceutical and illicit drugs were detected and quantified in post-mortem peripheral blood or liver by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Based on circumstantial evidence, only those cases for which a prior consumption was suspected underwent additional analyses for SCRAs and other new psychoactive substances in post-mortem blood, liver or antemortem specimens. Drug concentrations, pathological findings at autopsy and case histories were considered to assess and rank the SCRAs’ involvement in each death. Concentration ranges for the individual substances in blood were defined and their distribution patterns over the investigated period were determined and correlated with their legal status and local police seizures. We identified 41 different SCRAs among 98 fatalities. 91.8% were male, at a median age of 36 years. SCRAs played a causative role in 51%, contributory role in 26%, and an insignificant role in 23% of cases. In correlation with local police seizures and legal status, 5F-ADB was the most prevalent in our cases, followed by 5F-MDMB-PICA and AB-CHMINACA. Cumyl-CBMICA and 5F-MDMB-P7AICA were among the least frequently detected SCRAs. “Spice”-related fatalities and SCRAs’ causative role have significantly decreased among our cases since the German New Psychoactive Substances Act.
Postmortem concentrations of ropivacaine, bupivacaine, and lidocaine in femoral venous blood after hip fracture surgery
Authors: Oura Petteri , Virtanen Antti , Nurkkala Juho , Kriikku Pirkko , Ojanperä Ilkka 
Published: April 2023

AbstractPain relief in hip fracture patients may be sought by injecting local anesthetic such as ropivacaine, bupivacaine, and lidocaine to the femoral area. As femoral veins are a routine sampling site for postmortem blood, this short report aimed to describe the levels of local anesthetics in ipsilateral (i.e., side of surgery) and contralateral (i.e., opposite side) femoral blood in ten medico-legal autopsy cases that had undergone a hip fracture surgery within 7 days before death. Postmortem blood samples were systematically collected from the ipsilateral and contralateral femoral veins, and toxicological analysis was performed in an accredited laboratory. The sample comprised six female and four male decedents who died at the age of 71–96 years. Median postoperative survival was 0 days and median postmortem interval 11 days. Strikingly, ropivacaine concentration was a median of 24.0 (range 1.4–28.4) times higher on the ipsilateral than contralateral side. The median ipsilateral concentration of ropivacaine clearly exceeded the 97.5th reference percentile measured in this laboratory for ropivacaine in postmortem cases representing all causes of death. The remaining drugs did not show high concentrations or notable differences between the sides. Our data clearly advise against performing postmortem toxicology on femoral blood from the operated side; the contralateral side may constitute a better sampling site. Toxicology reports that are based on blood collected from the operated area should be interpreted with caution. Larger studies are needed to confirm the findings, with accurate records of the dosage and administration route of local anesthetics.
Interperformer coordination in piano-singing duo performances: phrase structure and empathy impact
Authors: D’Amario Sara , Schmidbauer Harald , Roesch Angi , Goebl Werner , Niemand Anna Maria , Bishop Laura 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMusicians’ body motion plays a fundamental role in ensemble playing, by supporting sound production, communication, and expressivity. This research investigates how Western classical musicians’ head motion during ensemble performances relates to a piece’s phrase structure and musicians’ empathic perspective taking (EPT) profile. Twenty-four advanced piano and singing students took part in the study, and their EPT score was pre-assessed using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index. High and low EPT duos were formed, and musicians were paired with a co-performer from the same and the other EPT group. Musicians rehearsed Fauré’s Automne and Schumann’s Die Kartenlegerin, and performed the pieces one time before and three times after rehearsal. Motion capture data of the musicians’ front head, audio, and MIDI recordings of the performances were collected and analysed. Similarity in musicians’ head motion and tendency to lead/lag their co-performer were computed by extracting, respectively, power and phase difference of the cross-wavelet transforms of the velocity curves of each paired marker. Results demonstrate that the power of interperformer coordination corresponds to the piece’s phrase levels and that singer’s EPT can impact the leader-follower relationships between musicians, depending on piece and take number. In the Fauré piece, the higher the singer’s EPT score, the higher the tendency for the singer to lead and pianist to follow in take 3, and the lower the tendency for the singer to lead and pianist to follow in take 2. These results contribute to a further understanding of the mechanisms underpinning social interactions, by revealing the complexity of the association between empathy and body motion in ensembles in promoting and diffusing leadership between musicians.
Public Bayesian Persuasion: Being Almost Optimal and Almost Persuasive
Authors: Castiglioni Matteo , Celli Andrea , Gatti Nicola 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWe study algorithmic Bayesian persuasion problems in which the principal (a.k.a. the sender) has to persuade multiple agents (a.k.a. receivers) by using public communication channels. Specifically, our model follows the multi-receiver model with no inter-agent externalities introduced by Arieli and Babichenko (J Econ Theory 182:185–217, 2019). It is known that the problem of computing a sender-optimal public persuasive signaling scheme is not approximable even in simple settings. Therefore, prior works usually focus on determining restricted classes of the problem for which efficient approximation is possible. Typically, positive results in this space amounts to finding bi-criteria approximation algorithms yielding an almost optimal and almost persuasive solution in polynomial time. In this paper, we take a different perspective and study the persuasion problem in the general setting where the space of the states of nature, the action space of the receivers, and the utility function of the sender can be arbitrary. We fully characterize the computational complexity of computing a bi-criteria approximation of an optimal public signaling scheme in such settings. In particular, we show that, assuming the Exponential Time Hypothesis, solving this problem requires at least a quasi-polynomial number of steps even in instances with simple utility functions and binary action spaces such as an election with the k-voting rule. In doing so, we prove that a relaxed version of the Maximum Feasible Subsystem of Linear Inequalities problem requires at least quasi-polynomial time to be solved. Finally, we close the gap by providing a quasi-polynomial time bi-criteria approximation algorithm for arbitrary public persuasion problems that, under mild assumptions, yields a QPTAS.