bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of indocyanine green-fluorescence imaging guided liver resection: a single-arm prospective cohort study
Authors: Gon Hidetoshi , Omiya Satoshi , Komatsu Shohei , Yamasaki Nobuaki , Murakami Sae , Fukushima Kenji , Urade Takeshi , Tsugawa Daisuke , Yanagimoto Hiroaki , Toyama Hirochika , Kido Masahiro , Fukumoto Takumi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of indocyanine green (ICG)-fluorescence imaging for the identification of hepatic boundaries during liver resection and its advantages in surgical outcomes over conventional methods.

Methods
This prospective, exploratory, single-arm clinical trial included 47 patients with liver tumors who underwent liver resection using ICG-fluorescence imaging (ICG-LR) between 2019 and 2020. The primary outcome measure was the successful identification of hepatic boundaries during liver resection, from the perspective of both the hepatic surface and intrahepatic boundary, using ICG-fluorescence imaging. The secondary outcomes comprised surgical outcomes. Using propensity score matching (PSM), the surgical outcomes were subsequently compared between the ICG-LR group and patients who underwent conventional liver resection (C-LR, n = 100) between 2017 and 2018.

Results
Hepatic boundaries were successfully identified in 28 patients (60%; 95% confidence interval, 45–72%), including 21 and 7 who underwent anatomical and non-anatomical liver resection, respectively. After PSM, 40 patients were included in each of the ICG-LR and C-LR groups. The surgical outcomes were similar between the groups. Subsequently, surgical outcomes were compared between the groups focusing on anatomical liver resection. After PSM, 21 patients were included in each group. The ICG-LR group had a lower rate of Clavien–Dindo grade ≥ IIIa complications (0% vs. 24%; P = 0.017), including ascites and bile leak, and a shorter hospital stay (12 vs. 14 days, P = 0.041) than the C-LR group did.

Conclusion
ICG-fluorescence imaging could be used to recognize hepatic boundaries during liver transection. Additionally, ICG-LR may be useful in preventing severe liver-associated complications.

Trial registration number
This study is registered at the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry: UMIN0000180139 and Japan Registry of Clinical Trials: jRCT1051180070. The Registration Data Set is available at https://jrct.niph.go.jp/.
Validity of the MED4CHILD tool for assessing adherence to the Mediterranean diet in preschool children
Authors: Larruy-García Alicia , De Miguel-Etayo Pilar , Babio Nancy , Flores-Rojas Katherine , Picáns-Leis Rosaura , Gómez-Martínez Carlos , Miguel-Berges María L. , Martínez J. Alfredo , Corella Dolores , de la Torre-Aguilar M. José , Vázquez-Cobela Rocío , Shyam Sangeetha , Pastor-Villaescusa Belén , Córdoba-Rodríguez Diana Paola , Schröder Helmut , Fernández de la Puente María , Jurado-Castro José Manuel , Ni Jiaqi , Navas-Carretero Santiago , Leis Rosaura , Gil-Campos Mercedes , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Moreno Luis A. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Most of the available tools to assess adherence to Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) were constructed for adults, having limited applicability to children and adolescents. The aim of this study is to validate a specific questionnaire to assess adherence to MedDiet in children aged 3 to 6 years (MED4CHILD questionnaire). The validation was performed in a baseline examination of a cohort of children who were recruited in schools in seven cities. Of the total sample of 1509 children, we included 858 children aged 3 to 6 years with complete information on adherence to the MedDiet, food consumption, anthropometry and cardiometabolic characteristics. Adherence to the MedDiet was assessed using an 18-item questionnaire, adapted from validated questionnaire for adults using the Delphi method. Food and beverage consumption was assessed using a validated COME-Kids Food and Beverage Frequency Questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements and cardiometabolic risk factors were assessed using standard methods. Statistical analyses included kappa agreement, ANOVA and linear regression models. Higher MED4CHILD scores were associated with higher intakes of food characteristic of the MedDiet. The MED4CHILD questionnaire showed moderate validity, especially for key items of the Mediterranean diet (kappa ranging from 0.333 to 0.665). Direct significant associations were found between MED4CHILD scores and cardiometabolic profile, including waist circumference (p), triglycerides and HOMA-IR (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The 18-item MED4CHILD questionnaire showed moderate validity for assessing adherence to the MedDiet in children aged 3 to 6 years, in terms of agreement with food and beverage consumption and favourable cardiometabolic profile.

What is known:• The Mediterranean diet has been linked to a number of health benefits and the assessment of children's adherence to this diet is important for public health and research.• The tools available to assess MedDiet compliance are mainly for adults.

What is new:• The MED4CHILD questionnaire is a simple, inexpensive and rapid tool for assessing MedDiet compliance in children.• This tool showed moderate relative validity and a high score was associated with a favourable cardiometabolic profile.
Comparative effectiveness of laparoscopic versus open colectomy in colon cancer patients: a study protocol for emulating a target trial using cancer registry data
Authors: Abera Semaw Ferede , Robers Gabriele , Kästner Anika , Stentzel Ulrike , Weitmann Kerstin , Hoffmann Wolfgang 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Introduction: The objective of this study is to compare the 5 year overall survival of patients with stage I–III colon cancer treated by laparoscopic colectomy versus open colectomy. Methods: Using Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Cancer Registry data from 2008 to 2018, we will emulate a phase III, multicenter, open-label, two-parallel-arm hypothetical target trial in adult patients with stage I–III colon cancer who received laparoscopic or open colectomy as an elective treatment. An inverse-probability weighted Royston‒Parmar parametric survival model (RPpsm) will be used to estimate the hazard ratio of laparoscopic versus open surgery after confounding factors are balanced between the two treatment arms. Further to the hazard ratio, we will also compute differences in the absolute risk (at 1, 3, and 5 years) and restricted mean survival time (up to 1, 3, and 5 years). A weighted Kaplan‒Meier curve will be used to compare five-year overall survival in both treatment arms. Various comparator and sensitivity analyses will be performed to check the robustness of the results that will be estimated by the RPpsm main model. Treatment period- and stage-specific results will also be provided. Discussion: This study aims to causally model the effect of laparoscopic versus open colectomy on 5 year overall survival using a target trial emulation approach. As the cancer registry data do not cover BMI, comorbidity, and previous abdominal surgery for non-malignant indications, the potential for residual confounding arising from these factors is a limitation of this study. This will be approached in a quantitative bias analysis using the E-method. The results will substantiate existing evidence on the comparative effectiveness of laparoscopic versus open colectomy in patients with stage I–III colon cancer and may guide clinical decisions as to whether a laparoscopic approach is as safe as an open approach in terms of improving 5-year overall survival in these patient groups.
On Galois Groups of Type-1 Minimally Rigid Graphs
Authors: Makhul Mehdi , Schicho Josef , Warren Audie 
Published: January 2025

AbstractFor every graph that is minimally rigid in the plane, its Galois group is defined as the Galois group generated by the coordinates of its planar realizations, assuming that the edge lengths are transcendental and algebraically independent. In this paper we compute the Galois group of all minimally rigid graphs that can be constructed from a single edge by repeated Henneberg 1-steps. It turns out that any such group is totally imprimitive, i.e., it is determined by all the partitions it preserves.
New insights into the interplay between MALAT1 and miRNA-155 to unravel potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of Behçet’s disease
Authors: Sayed Noha H. , Shaker Olfat G. , Abd‑Elmawla Mai A. , Gamal Ahmed , Fathy Nevine 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The current study was deployed to evaluate the role of metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) and miR-155, along with the inflammatory markers, TNFα and IL-6, and the adhesion molecule, cluster of differentiation 106 (CD106), in Behçet’s disease (BD) pathogenesis. The study also assessed MALAT1/miR-155 as promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for BD. The current retrospective case–control study included 74 Egyptian BD patients and 50 age and sex-matched controls. Blood samples were collected, and then, serum samples were separated for further biochemical and molecular investigations. The gene expression of MALAT1 and miR-155 was measured using qRT-PCR, whereas the levels of TNFα, IL-6, and CD106 were estimated using ELISA technique. MALAT1 was significantly downregulated, whereas miR-155 was upregulated among BD patients, compared with control subjects. Levels of TNFα, IL-6, and CD106 were elevated in BD patients. Further downregulation in MALAT1 together with upregulation of miR-155 was observed in active BD patients, relative to the inactive group. Receiver-operating-characteristic analysis revealed that MALAT1 and miR-155 could discriminate BD patients from controls, on the one hand, and active from inactive BD patients, on the other hand. MALAT1 was negatively correlated with TNFα, IL-6, and CD106, while miR-155 was positively correlated with them. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated miR-155 as a significant independent predictor of BD susceptibility, and MALAT1 as an independent negative predictor of BD activity. For the first time, the current research enlightens the role of MALAT1 and miR-155 in BD pathogenesis via impacting IL-6/TNF-α/CD-106 signaling. As well, MALAT1 and miR-155 could be regarded as novel non-invasive biomarkers that may improve BD diagnosis and prognosis.

Key Points•MALAT1/miR-155 exerts potential role in Behçet’s disease.
•MALAT1/miR-155 are promising biomarkers for Behçet’s disease.
•MALAT1/miR-155 targets IL-6/TNF-α/CD-106 signaling.
Quantum computing inspired iterative refinement for semidefinite optimization
Authors: Mohammadisiahroudi Mohammadhossein , Augustino Brandon , Sampourmahani Pouya , Terlaky Tamás 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIterative Refinement (IR) is a classical computing technique for obtaining highly precise solutions to linear systems of equations, as well as linear optimization problems. In this paper, motivated by the limited precision of quantum solvers, we develop the first IR scheme for solving semidefinite optimization (SDO) problems and explore two major impacts of the proposed IR scheme. First, we prove that the proposed IR scheme exhibits quadratic convergence of the optimality gap without any assumption on problem characteristics. As an application of our results, we show that using IR with Quantum Interior Point Methods (QIPMs) leads to exponential improvements in the worst-case overall running time of QIPMs, compared to previous best-performing QIPMs. We also discuss how the proposed IR scheme can be used with classical inexact SDO solvers, such as classical inexact IPMs with conjugate gradient methods.
Lasting benefits of a web-based training in understanding informal arguments
Authors: Wertgen Andreas G. , Münchow Hannes , Richter Tobias , Tiffin-Richards Simon P. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBeing able to comprehend informal arguments in scientific texts is important for scientific literacy in higher education. Successful intervention studies demonstrating that these skills can be trained in university students have not yet provided evidence that gains of explicit training can be maintained beyond immediate post-training assessment. In this study, we tested whether the gains in argument structure comprehension achieved using a self-directed, web-based training intervention could be maintained over several weeks as an indication of sustained improvement in scientific literacy. We also explored characteristics of students and their engagement with the training intervention that resulted in significant and sustained improvements of their argument structure comprehension skills. One hundred students took part in a voluntary supplement to their university courses, completing an online pretest, a 45-minute training session, a posttest (n = 88), and a follow-up test (n = 31). Training effects at posttest were compared with an active control group. The results suggest that the training group exhibited significant gains in argument structure comprehension. These gains were maintained across a four-week period. Students with low starting ability profited the most from the training and gains in argument comprehension were greatest for complex arguments. Training results were positively related to student motivation and this effect was fully mediated by their engagement with the training exercises. The results demonstrate that training gains can be maintained after immediate post-training assessment and suggest that training is particularly effective for low-performing students, for complex arguments, and when students are motivated and engage with the training exercises.
Towards transdisciplinary identification of suitable woody perennials for resilient agro-silvopastoral systems in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of West Africa
Authors: Roessler Regina , Cicek Harun , Cournac Laurent , Gnissien Moussa , Männle Julia , Koomson Eric , Founoune-Mboup Hassna , Coulibaly Kalifa , Diouf Abdoul Aziz , Sanon Hadja Oumou , Cadisch Georg , Graefe Sophie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Parkland systems in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of West Africa are commonly perceived as a resilient agroforestry practice well adapted to the semi-arid climatic conditions of the region. However, there exist several knowledge gaps regarding the interplay between the different components of this agro-silvopastoral land use system. A literature review with subsequent meta-analysis was conducted to analyze the effects of woody perennials on soil, crops and livestock, for which our study found very context-specific responses. A scoring of tree and shrub species indicated a general trend of trade-off between positive impact on crops and livestock vs. impact on soil organic carbon content. The study further confirmed that Faidherbia albida (Del.) Chev. is one of the most promising parkland species, but also revealed that there are no multipurpose single species that should be promoted exclusively. The focus should rather shift to species mixtures that satisfy multiple human and environmental needs. The study also pointed out that information on the nutritional properties of the majority of browse species is particularly limited. Transdisciplinary modelling is suggested as a tool to assess the complex interactions between the different components that shape this agro-silvopastoral system at different scales.
Automorphisms of large-type free-of-infinity Artin groups
Authors: Vaskou Nicolas 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
We compute explicitly the automorphism and outer automorphism group of all large-type free-of-infinity Artin groups. Our strategy involves reconstructing the associated Deligne complexes in a purely algebraic manner, i.e. in a way that is independent from the choice of standard generators for the groups.
Ruthenium-106 brachytherapy and central uveal melanoma
Authors: Grajewski Luise , Kneifel Christiane , Wösle Markus , Ciernik Ilja F. , Krause Lothar 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Purpose
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary ocular malignancy. The size and location of the tumor are decisive for brachytherapy with the β-emitting ruthenium-106 (Ru-106) plaque. The treatment of juxtapapillary and juxtafoveolar UM may be challenging because of the proximity or involvement of the macula and optic nerve and high recurrence rates.

Methods
Central UMs were defined as lesions up to 5 mm off the optic disc or fovea radius of 5 mm. Between January 2011 and July 2020, we treated 56 patients with Ru-106-brachytherapy. The clinical outcomes for recurrence, visual acuity, and radiation-related toxicity were assessed. The follow-up was 66 (6–136) months.

Results
Of the 56 patients (56 eyes), 8 (14%) suffered from local recurrence. Six relapsing UM in 19 (32%) patients were located close to the optic disc, and two patients had UM close to the macula (2/37, 5%) (p > 0.05). The overall eye-preservation rate was 89%. The pretreatment visual acuity (VA) was 0.45 and reduced to 0.26 after brachytherapy. Radiation retinopathy or optic neuropathy was detected in 7 (13%) patients and radiation maculopathy in 10 (17.9%). Six patients (11%) underwent enucleation for recurrence or radiation-induced ophthalmopathy.

Conclusion
Central UMs are challenging to treat. UMs should be categorized as lesions laterally or medially to the fovea because of different long-term control rates. Localization near the optic disc requires thoughtful management.
Thermoluminescence properties of Cr, Si, and Mg co-doped Al2O3 ceramics plates under X-ray irradiation
Authors: Shinsho Kiyomitsu , Sugioka Natsumi , Yamazaki Ayaka , Sasaki Ema , Okada Go , Chang Weishan , Mori Yutaro , Okubo Ayano , Negishi Toru , Koba Yusuke 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe thermoluminescence (TL) properties and precise dose distribution measurement capabilities of Cr, Si, and Mg co-doped Al2O3 ceramics (Al2O3:Cr,Si,Mg) plates were investigated under X-ray irradiation. The co-doping of Si and Mg significantly enhanced the TL sensitivity, approximately doubling it compared to conventional Al2O3:Cr plates, due to the creation of new trapping levels. The TL dose response was proportional in the dose range of 0.5 to 5 Gy, and off-axis ratio (OAR) measurements confirmed the high spatial resolution and accuracy of the plates to reproduce the radiation distributions. This study is the first to evaluate TL plates of this size (200 × 200 mm2) that utilize Al2O3 as the host material, and demonstrate their significant potential for radiotherapy dosimetry systems. This significant contribution highlights the potential of Al2O3:Cr,Si,Mg ceramic plates to transform dosimetry systems for radiotherapy by providing a combination of high sensitivity, spatial resolution, and robustness. The results of this study lay the groundwork for the development and practical application of large-area TL imaging devices in medical dose verification.
Gaussian Process regression over discrete probability measures: on the non-stationarity relation between Euclidean and Wasserstein Squared Exponential Kernels
Authors: Candelieri Antonio , Ponti Andrea , Archetti Francesco 
Published: January 2025

AbstractGaussian Process regression is a kernel method successfully adopted in many real-life applications. Recently, there is a growing interest on extending this method to non-Euclidean input spaces, like the one considered in this paper, consisting of probability measures. Although a Positive Definite kernel can be defined by using a suitable distance—the Wasserstein distance— the common procedure for learning the Gaussian Process model can fail due to numerical issues, arising earlier and more frequently than in the case of an Euclidean input space and, as demonstrated, impossible to avoid by adding artificial noise (nugget effect) as usually done. This paper uncovers the main reason of these issues, that is a non-stationarity relation between the Wasserstein-based squared exponential kernel and its Euclidean counterpart. As a relevant result, we learn a Gaussian Process model by assuming the input space as Euclidean and then use an algebraic transformation, based on the uncovered relation, to transform it into a non-stationary and Wasserstein-based Gaussian Process model over probability measures. This algebraic transformation is simpler than log-exp maps used on data belonging to Riemannian manifolds and recently extended to consider the pseudo-Riemannian structure of an input space equipped with the Wasserstein distance.
Resub: resonant energy transfer in symmetric systems with vastly different eigenfrequencies
Authors: Shoshani Oriel 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIn light of a new dynamical interpretation and accompanying analysis, we consider symmetric systems in which energy transfers from a resonantly driven high-frequency mode to an undriven low-frequency mode. The behavior of interest stems from nonlinear modal interaction that results in a limit cycle oscillation of the low-frequency mode due to an effective negative nonlinear damping and a quasi-periodic response of the high-frequency mode. Unlike asymmetric systems, where there is a continuous and soft activation of the low-frequency mode due to a supercritical Hopf bifurcation, we show that in symmetric systems, the limit cycle oscillation of the low-frequency mode occurs on an isolated response curve (isola), which requires activation. Furthermore, the oscillation of the low-frequency mode starts already at the instability threshold with an amplitude that is orders of magnitude larger than the driven motion of the high-frequency mode. We provide insights into the underlying dynamics that cause the energy transfer and specify, for the first time, the explicit conditions under which the energy transfer occurs and its dynamical features.
Theorizing the functions and patterns of agency in the policymaking process
Authors: Capano Giliberto , Galanti Maria Tullia , Ingold Karin , Petridou Evangelia , Weible Christopher M. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractTheories of the policy process understand the dynamics of policymaking as the result of the interaction of structural and agency variables. While these theories tend to conceptualize structural variables in a careful manner, agency (i.e. the actions of individual agents, like policy entrepreneurs, policy leaders, policy brokers, and policy experts) is left as a residual piece in the puzzle of the causality of change and stability. This treatment of agency leaves room for conceptual overlaps, analytical confusion and empirical shortcomings that can complicate the life of the empirical researcher and, most importantly, hinder the ability of theories of the policy process to fully address the drivers of variation in policy dynamics. Drawing on Merton’s concept of function, this article presents a novel theorization of agency in the policy process. We start from the assumption that agency functions are a necessary component through which policy dynamics evolve. We then theorise that agency can fulfil four main functions – steering, innovation, intermediation and intelligence – that need to be performed, by individual agents, in any policy process through four patterns of action – leadership, entrepreneurship, brokerage and knowledge accumulation – and we provide a roadmap for operationalising and measuring these concepts. We then demonstrate what can be achieved in terms of analytical clarity and potential theoretical leverage by applying this novel conceptualisation to two major policy process theories: the Multiple Streams Framework (MSF) and the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF).