bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative ultrasound fatty liver evaluation in a pediatric population: comparison with magnetic resonance imaging of liver proton density fat fraction
Authors: Polti Giorgia , Frigerio Francesco , Del Gaudio Giovanni , Pacini Patrizia , Dolcetti Vincenzo , Renda Maurizio , Angeletti Sergio , Di Martino Michele , Iannetti Giovanni , Perla Francesco Massimo , Poggiogalle Eleonora , Cantisani Vito 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Biopsy remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis, the leading cause of pediatric chronic liver disease; however, its costs call for less invasive methods.

Objective
This study examined the diagnostic accuracy and reliability of quantitative ultrasound (QUS) for the assessment of liver fat content in a pediatric population, using magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) as the reference standard.

Materials and methods
We enrolled 36 patients. MRI-PDFF involved a 3-dimensional T2*-weighted with Dixon pulse multiple-echo sequence using iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least squares estimation (IDEAL IQ). QUS imaging relied on the ultrasound system “RS85 A” (Samsung Medison, Seoul, South Korea) and the following software: Hepato-Renal Index with automated region of interest recommendation (EzHRI), Tissue Attenuation Imaging (TAI), and Tissue Scatter Distribution Imaging (TSI). For each QUS index, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis against MRI-PDFF was used to identify the associated cut-off value and the area under the ROC curve (AUROC). Concordance between two radiologists was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland–Altman analysis.

Results
A total of 61.1% of the sample (n=22) displayed a MRI-PDFF ≥ 5.6%; QUS cut-off values were TAI=0.625 (AUROC 0.90, confidence interval [CI] 0.77–1.00), TSI=91.95 (AUROC 0.99, CI 0.98–1.00) and EzHRI=1.215 (AUROC 0.98, CI 0.94–1.00). Inter-rater reliability was good-to-excellent for EzHRI (ICC 0.91, 95% C.I. 0.82–0.95) and TAI (ICC 0.94, 95% C.I. 0.88–0.97) and moderate to good for TSI (ICC 0.73; 95% C.I. 0.53–0.85).

Conclusion
Our results suggest that QUS can be used to reliably assess the presence and degree of pediatric hepatic steatosis.

Graphical abstract
Meta-research: How many diagnostic or prognostic models published in radiological journals are evaluated externally?
Authors: Hameed Maira , Yeung Jason , Boone Darren , Mallett Sue , Halligan Steve 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Prognostic and diagnostic models must work in their intended clinical setting, proven via “external evaluation”, preferably by authors uninvolved with model development. By systematic review, we determined the proportion of models published in high-impact radiological journals that are evaluated subsequently.

Methods
We hand-searched three radiological journals for multivariable diagnostic/prognostic models 2013–2015 inclusive, developed using regression. We assessed completeness of data presentation to allow subsequent external evaluation. We then searched literature to August 2022 to identify external evaluations of these index models.

Results
We identified 98 index studies (73 prognostic; 25 diagnostic) describing 145 models. Only 15 (15%) index studies presented an evaluation (two external). No model was updated. Only 20 (20%) studies presented a model equation. Just 7 (15%) studies developing Cox models presented a risk table, and just 4 (9%) presented the baseline hazard. Two (4%) studies developing non-Cox models presented the intercept. Just 20 (20%) articles presented a Kaplan–Meier curve of the final model. The 98 index studies attracted 4224 citations (including 559 self-citations), median 28 per study. We identified just six (6%) subsequent external evaluations of an index model, five of which were external evaluations by researchers uninvolved with model development, and from a different institution.

Conclusions
Very few prognostic or diagnostic models published in radiological literature are evaluated externally, suggesting wasted research effort and resources. Authors’ published models should present data sufficient to allow external evaluation by others. To achieve clinical utility, researchers should concentrate on model evaluation and updating rather than continual redevelopment.

Clinical relevance statement
The large majority of prognostic and diagnostic models published in high-impact radiological journals are never evaluated. It would be more efficient for researchers to evaluate existing models rather than practice continual redevelopment.

Key Points
• Systematic review of highly cited radiological literature identified few diagnostic or prognostic models that were evaluated subsequently by researchers uninvolved with the original model.
• Published radiological models frequently omit important information necessary for others to perform an external evaluation: Only 20% of studies presented a model equation or nomogram.
• A large proportion of research citing published models focuses on redevelopment and ignores evaluation and updating, which would be a more efficient use of research resources.

Graphical abstract
Porous carbon matrix modified with copper and lead as a positive plate current collector for carbon lead-acid battery
Authors: Wróbel Kamil , Czerwiński Andrzej 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this work, the experimental current collector based on a reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC®) matrix modified with copper and lead was obtained and examined for usage as the current collectors of lead-acid batteries. The collectors under investigation were obtained using galvanic methods. Electrochemical tests of the obtained collectors were carried out using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic gravimetric corrosion rate test. The morphology and metal coating compositions were analyses based on the results obtained by utilizing a scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with an X-ray dispersion analyzer (EDS). The measurements indicated the feasibility of obtaining a collector with a metallic copper-lead bilayer that remains stable under the operating conditions of the positive plate. However, the corrosion resistance of the collector relies on the durability of the outer lead coating. At the same time, incorporating a copper layer enables a reduction in charge transfer resistance during the electrode process.
The learning curve for endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Candy Nicholas G. , Ovenden Christopher , Jukes Alistair K. , Wormald Peter-John , Psaltis Alkis J. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractRecent literature demonstrates that a learning curve exists for endoscopic pituitary surgery. However, there is significant variability in the way these studies report their outcomes. This study aims to systematically review the literature regarding outcomes for endoscopic pituitary surgery and how this may be related to a surgical learning curve. An electronic search of the databases Medline, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases was performed and data extracted according 2020 Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Ten articles were included in the review as they examined the following: rates of gross total resection, average operative time, CSF leak rate, visual outcomes, endocrine outcomes and how these results were influenced by surgical experience. We have demonstrated that a learning curve exists for some outcome variables for endoscopic pituitary surgery. However, there is significant heterogeneity in the current body of literature which makes clear comparisons difficult.
Early mortality in German patients with lung cancer: risk factors associated with 30-and 60-day mortality
Authors: Tufman Amanda , Schneiderbauer Sophie , Walter Julia , Resuli Blerina , Kauffmann-Guerrero Diego , Mümmler Carlo , Mertsch Pontus , Götschke Jeremias , Kovács Julia , Manapov Farkhad , Schneider Christian , Sellmer Laura , Arnold Paola , Heinemann Volker , Behr Jürgen , Nasseh Daniel 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDespite therapeutic advances, early mortality in lung cancer is still prevalent. In this study, we aimed to assess risk factors for 30- and 60-day mortality in German lung cancer patients. In this retrospective cross-sectional analysis, we used data of lung cancer patients treated at LMU Hospital Munich between 2015 and 2019. We categorized patients into 30-day mortality, 60 day-mortality, and longer survival. We used Student’s t-test and ANOVA to compare means and Chi2-test to compare frequencies. We used logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with a risk for early mortality. Of the 2454 lung cancer patients, 2.0% (n = 50) died within 30 and 1.7% (n = 41) within 30 to 60 days of diagnosis. Older age and advanced stage at diagnosis were significantly associated with early mortality in the univariate and the multivariate analysis. Patients in the 30-day mortality group significantly more often did not receive tumor-directed therapy. They were also more likely to die in an acute care setting compared to the 60-day mortality group. The group of patients who died unexpectedly (12.0%) was dominantly female, with a high proportion of patients with unintentional weight loss at the time of diagnosis. Our results suggest that in the treatment of patients with lung cancer there is a need for a greater focus on older patients. Moreover, physicians should pay special attention to females with recent weight loss and patients with a comorbidity of diabetes mellitus or renal impairment. Engaging a case manager focused on detecting patients with the above characteristics could help improve overall care.
Digitalisierung und Automatisierung der Weiterbildung in Organisationen: Chancen, Herausforderungen und Praxisbeispiele
Authors: Wesche Jenny S. , Handke Lisa , Pahl Burkhard , Diering Lotte-Eleonora , Junger Adrian J. , Gieselmann Louis R. L. 
Published: September 2023

ZusammenfassungDieser Beitrag in der Zeitschrift „Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO)“ gibt einen Überblick über die vielfältigen Digitalisierungs- und Automatisierungsmöglichkeiten, die aktuelle technologische Entwicklungen für die Weiterbildung in Organisationen eröffnen, und diskutiert Chancen und Risken ihres Einsatzes.Um wettbewerbsfähig, effizient und produktiv zu bleiben, müssen Organisationen sicherstellen, dass ihre Beschäftigten sich fortwährend weiterbilden und entwickeln. Die Weiterbildung aller Beschäftigten in allen notwendigen Kompetenzbereichen durch entsprechende Maßnahmen beansprucht jedoch viele Ressourcen. Um diese Ressourcen optimal einsetzen zu können, muss der Kompetenzentwicklungsbedarf der Beschäftigten kontinuierlich und zutreffend ermittelt werden, damit dieser auch durch passende Weiterbildungsmaßnahmen gezielt und adäquat adressiert werden kann. Auch diese übergeordneten Prozesse der Weiterbildung sind ressourcenintensiv. Daher wurde bereits in der Vergangenheit eine Vielzahl von Technologien eingesetzt, um die organisationale Weiterbildung (bspw. durch digital zur Verfügung gestellte Materialien zum Selbststudium) und die damit zusammenhängenden Prozesse durch Digitalisierung effizienter gestalten und verwalten zu können. In diesem Beitrag betrachten wir vor allem die vielfältigen Digitalisierungs- und Automatisierungsmöglichkeiten, die aktuelle technologische Entwicklungen eröffnen, und führen diese – strukturiert am Prozess der Personalentwicklung – mit Beispielen aus Forschung und Praxis aus.
SARS-CoV-2 spread to endocrine organs is associated with obesity: an autopsy study of COVID-19 cases
Authors: Poma Anello Marcello , Basolo Alessio , Alì Greta , Bonuccelli Diana , Di Stefano Iosè , Conti Marco , Mazzetti Paola , Sparavelli Rebecca , Vignali Paola , Macerola Elisabetta , Pistello Mauro , Santini Ferruccio , Basolo Fulvio , Toniolo Antonio 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose
SARS-CoV-2 infection may be limited to the respiratory tract or may spread to multiple organs. Besides disease severity, factors associated with virus spread within the host are elusive. Here, we tried to identify features associated with SARS-CoV-2 spread to endocrine organs.

Methods
In a retrospective autoptic cohort of 51 subjects who died because of COVID-19, we analyzed the severity and type of lung pathology, patients’ features and the detection of virus in thyroid, testis, adrenal gland, pancreas, anterior pituitary, and the white adipose tissue (WAT).

Results
The SARS-CoV-2 genome was detected in endocrine organs of 30/51 cases. The anterior pituitary and WAT were most frequently positive for virus. While pathological features of lung were not associated with the presence of virus in endocrine organs, obesity (BMI > 30) was significantly associated to virus detection in pancreas (p = 0.01) and thyroid (p = 0.04). WAT infection was detected more frequently in males (p = 0.03).

Conclusion
In subject with obesity dying of COVID-19, the virus frequently spreads to endocrine organs. The findings emphasize the need for optimal treatment of patients with obesity at the very onset of COVID-19. Since post-COVID conditions remain a major issue worldwide, a rigorous follow-up of endocrine function—especially of thyroid and pancreas—is advocated in subjects with obesity.
Animalista, Narco-Cultural, Conservacionista. Visions of Nature Around the Case of Hippos in Colombia
Authors: Rodríguez Gómez Sergio , Jiménez Germán 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSince their introduction in Colombia in the '80s for Pablo Escobar’s extravagant zoo, hippos have become an ecological problem around the basin of the Magdalena River. This article proposes an ecosemiotic discourse analysis of different visions of nature enacted by stakeholders and public opinion around the management of hippos in Colombia. Concretely, we focus on three particular discourses and visions of nature: animalista, narco-cultural, and conservacionista. In this article, we present the relevant social and ecological context of Colombia, the visions of nature theory and the impact of such visions on conservation measures regarding so-called invasive species; we describe and analyze the three visions of nature we center on, and present a computational analysis of discourse dynamics and controversies in Twitter between of such visions of nature; and we reflect on possible courses of action and recommendations about addressing the close interrelation of public discourses and ecosystem conservation by proposing an alternative view, based on the biosemiotic framework of semiocide, to the concept of invasive species.
The multi-faceted roles of R2TP complex span across regulation of gene expression, translation, and protein functional assembly
Authors: Luthuli Sifiso Duncan , Shonhai Addmore 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMacromolecular complexes play essential roles in various cellular processes. The assembly of macromolecular assemblies within the cell must overcome barriers imposed by a crowded cellular environment which is characterized by an estimated concentration of biological macromolecules amounting to 100–450 g/L that take up approximately 5–40% of the cytoplasmic volume. The formation of the macromolecular assemblies is facilitated by molecular chaperones in cooperation with their co-chaperones. The R2TP protein complex has emerged as a co-chaperone of Hsp90 that plays an important role in macromolecular assembly. The R2TP complex is composed of a heterodimer of RPAP3:P1H1DI that is in turn complexed to members of the ATPase associated with diverse cellular activities (AAA +), RUVBL1 and RUVBL2 (R1 and R2) families. What makes the R2TP co-chaperone complex particularly important is that it is involved in a wide variety of cellular processes including gene expression, translation, co-translational complex assembly, and posttranslational protein complex formation. The functional versatility of the R2TP co-chaperone complex makes it central to cellular development; hence, it is implicated in various human diseases. In addition, their roles in the development of infectious disease agents has become of interest. In the current review, we discuss the roles of these proteins as co-chaperones regulating Hsp90 and its partnership with Hsp70. Furthermore, we highlight the structure–function features of the individual proteins within the R2TP complex and describe their roles in various cellular processes.
Evaluation and optimization of hydrometric locations using entropy theory and Bat algorithm (case study: Karkheh Basin, Iran)
Authors: Eslamian Saeid , Fallah Khashayar Esmaili , Sabzevari Yaser 
Published: September 2023

AbstractHydrometric stations are important in most countries because of the application and importance of the data obtained from these stations. It is necessary to choose the best place for their establishment according to the cost of constructing hydrometric stations. The aim and innovation of this research are to optimize the location of hydrometric stations using Bat's meta-heuristic algorithm and interpolation methods, which information transfer entropy theory and Bat's algorithm were used to maximize the average amount of information transfer entropy. For this purpose, the data of 43 hydrometric stations of Karkheh basin in western Iran in period of 1991–2015 were used. In this research, two scenarios were investigated in order to improve the entropy of information transmission between stations. In the first scenario, using the kriging method to prepare the flow distribution map in the region and choosing normal kriging with spherical variogram as the best model to fit the average annual flow data and using the Bat algorithm to increase the correlation coefficient between the data and assuming no none of the available stations, 43 points were used to redeploy stations with higher average entropy in the region. The results of this scenario showed the concentration of new stations in the central and eastern areas of the basin. In the second scenario, the amount of entropy of information transfer at the regional level was calculated and 18 potential points were recommended for the establishment of new stations. The obtained variogram for the discharge of the basin showed that the range of influence is low and it is necessary to establish the stations at a close distance.
Singular two-phase problem on a complete manifold: analysis and insights
Authors: Benslimane Omar , Aberqi Ahmed 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWe focus on two-phase problems with singular and superlinear parametric terms on the right-hand side. Using fibering maps and the Nehari manifold method, we prove that there are at least two non-trivial positive solutions in a geometric setting that is locally similar to Euclidean spaces but has different global properties for all except the smallest values of parameter $$\mu > 0.$$

μ
>
0
.

Singularities may appear at discrete locations in the manifold, which is a challenge for the work due to the unpredictable behavior of the solution. The findings presented here generalize some known results.
Tensions between technology integration practices of teachers and ICT in education policy expectations: implications for change in teacher knowledge, beliefs and teaching practices
Authors: Abedi Emmanuel Ayisi 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn line with ICT in education policies and curricula in Ghana and many other countries, teachers are expected to integrate digital technologies into instruction to facilitate meaningful and engaging student learning experiences. More research is however needed to investigate teachers’ actual classroom practices with technology to determine whether these align with national ICT in education policies and curricula expectations. This qualitative study conducted phone interviews with twenty teachers from twelve schools and used a synthesised ICT pedagogy classification framework as a lens to investigate teachers’ technology integration practices in relation to Ghana's ICT policies and curricula requirements. Following a thematic analysis procedure, the article finds that teachers mainly use technology conveniently for lesson preparation and direct instruction delivery, treating technology primarily as a productivity tool to support traditional teacher-centred teaching tasks. The use of technology for constructivist practices and fostering student-centred learning appears to be limited, which contradicts the priorities outlined in ICT in education policies and curricula in Ghana. The findings highlight a discrepancy between the requirements of ICT policies and the actual classroom practices of teachers. The implications of the findings are discussed, emphasising the need to action change in teachers’ knowledge, beliefs, and teaching practices in order to bridge the gap and effectively translate ICT curricula and policy plans into actual teaching practices.
Precise Detection, Control and Synthesis of Chiral Compounds at Single-Molecule Resolution
Authors: Yang Chen , Hu Weilin , Guo Xuefeng 
Published: September 2023

AbstractChirality, as the symmetric breaking of molecules, plays an essential role in physical, chemical and especially biological processes, which highlights the accurate distinction among heterochiralities as well as the precise preparation for homochirality. To this end, the well-designed structure-specific recognizer and catalysis reactor are necessitated, respectively. However, each kind of target molecules requires a custom-made chiral partner and the dynamic disorder of spatial-orientation distribution of molecules at the ensemble level leads to an inefficient protocol. In this perspective article, we developed a universal strategy capable of realizing the chirality detection and control by the external symmetry breaking based on the alignment of the molecular frame to external stimuli. Specifically, in combination with the discussion about the relationship among the chirality (molecule), spin (electron) and polarization (photon), i.e., the three natural symmetry breaking, single-molecule junctions were proposed to achieve a single-molecule/event-resolved detection and synthesis. The fixation of the molecular orientation and the CMOS-compatibility provide an efficient interface to achieve the external input of symmetry breaking. This perspective is believed to offer more efficient applications in accurate chirality detection and precise asymmetric synthesis via the close collaboration of chemists, physicists, materials scientists, and engineers.
Through the looking glass: evaluating post hoc explanations using transparent models
Authors: Velmurugan Mythreyi , Ouyang Chun , Sindhgatta Renuka , Moreira Catarina 
Published: September 2023

AbstractModern machine learning methods allow for complex and in-depth analytics, but the predictive models generated by these methods are often highly complex and lack transparency. Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) methods are used to improve the interpretability of these complex “black box” models, thereby increasing transparency and enabling informed decision-making. However, the inherent fitness of these explainable methods, particularly the faithfulness of explanations to the decision-making processes of the model, can be hard to evaluate. In this work, we examine and evaluate the explanations provided by four XAI methods, using fully transparent “glass box” models trained on tabular data. Our results suggest that the fidelity of explanations is determined by the types of variables used, as well as the linearity of the relationship between variables and model prediction. We find that each XAI method evaluated has its own strengths and weaknesses, determined by the assumptions inherent in the explanation mechanism. Thus, though such methods are model-agnostic, we find significant differences in explanation quality across different technical setups. Given the numerous factors that determine the quality of explanations, including the specific explanation-generation procedures implemented by XAI methods, we suggest that model-agnostic XAI methods may still require expert guidance for implementation.