bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic estimation of rheological properties in subduction zones using sequences of earthquakes and aseismic slip
Authors: Köhne Tobias , Mallick Rishav , Simons Mark 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Constraining the effective rheology of major faults contributes to improving our understanding of the physics of plate boundary deformation. Geodetic observations over the earthquake cycle are often used to estimate key rheological parameters, assuming specific laboratory-informed classes of viscous or frictional rheological models. However, differentiating between various rheological model classes using only observations of a single earthquake (coseismic and postseismic deformation) is difficult—especially in the presence of coarse spatiotemporal sampling, inherent observational noise, and non-uniqueness of the inverted properties. In this study, we present a framework to estimate key rheological parameters of a subduction zone plate interface using simulations of sequences of earthquakes and aseismic slip, constrained by pre- and postseismic surface displacement timeseries. Our simplified forward model consists of a two-dimensional subduction zone, represented by a discretized planar fault or narrow shear zone, divided into a locked, shallow region (“asperity”) experiencing periodically imposed coseismic events, and a stress-driven creeping section governed by power-law viscoelasticity or rate-dependent friction. Our inverse model fits the rheological parameters of the interface to surface displacement timeseries in a Bayesian probabilistic way. We validate that our proposed framework can successfully recover depth-dependent profiles of effective viscosity using a synthetic dataset of pre- and postseismic observations. Our first set of numerical experiments show that our framework is only mildly sensitive to uncertainties in the rupture history or assumed coseismic slip, making it robust enough to be applied to real observations of subduction zones. Our second set of tests considers the similarities of surface displacement timeseries between synthetic models that model the plate interface either as a shear zone described by power-law viscosity, or a surface described by rate-dependent friction. Here, we find that the ability to fit surface observations using functional or mechanical models assuming frictional behavior does not constitute sufficient evidence to actually infer frictional behavior at depth, as the surface expressions are virtually indistinguishable from deformation generated from models with depth-variable power-law viscous behavior. Based on our numerical experiments, we conclude that studies that aim to infer the mechanical behavior and rheological properties at depth in subduction zones should consider the surface expression from time periods representative of the entire seismic cycle.

Graphical Abstract
Investigating the impact of microbiome-changing interventions on food decision-making: MIFOOD study protocol
Authors: Vartanian Meghedi , Endres Konrad Jakob , Lee Yee Teng , Friedrich Silke , Meemken Marie-Theres , Schamarek Imke , Rohde-Zimmermann Kerstin , Schürfeld Robin , Eisenberg Lina , Hilbert Anja , Beyer Frauke , Stumvoll Michael , Sacher Julia , Villringer Arno , Christensen Julia F. , Witte A. Veronica 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Obesity is a multifactorial disease reaching pandemic proportions with increasing healthcare costs, advocating the development of better prevention and treatment strategies. Previous research indicates that the gut microbiome plays an important role in metabolic, hormonal, and neuronal cross-talk underlying eating behavior. We therefore aim to examine the effects of prebiotic and neurocognitive behavioral interventions on food decision-making and to assay the underlying mechanisms in a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT).

Method
This study uses a parallel arm RCT design with a 26-week intervention period. We plan to enroll 90 participants (male/diverse/female) living with overweight or obesity, defined as either a Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) ≥ 0.9 (male)/0.85 (diverse, female) or a Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2. Key inclusion criteria are 18–60 years of age and exclusion criteria are type 2 diabetes, psychiatric disease, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) contraindications. The interventions comprise either a daily supplementary intake of 30 g soluble fiber (inulin), or weekly neurocognitive behavioral group sessions, compared to placebo (equicaloric maltodextrin). At baseline and follow-up, food decision-making is assessed utilizing task-based MRI. Secondary outcome measures include structural MRI, eating habits, lifestyle factors, personality traits, and mood. Further, we obtain fecal and blood samples to investigate gut microbiome composition and related metabolites.

Discussion
This study relies on expanding research suggesting that dietary prebiotics could improve gut microbiome composition, leading to beneficial effects on gut-brain signaling and higher-order cognitive functions. In parallel, neurocognitive behavioral interventions have been proposed to improve unhealthy eating habits and metabolic status. However, causal evidence on how these “bottom-up” and “top-down” processes affect food decision-making and neuronal correlates in humans is still scarce. In addition, microbiome, and gut-brain-axis-related mediating mechanisms remain unclear. The present study proposes a comprehensive approach to assess the effects of these gut-brain-related processes influencing food decision-making in overweight and obesity.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05353504. Retrospectively registered on 29 April 2022.
Trusting the trustless blockchain for its adoption in accounting: theorizing the mediating role of technology-organization-environment framework
Authors: Seshadrinathan Sujata , Chandra Shalini 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Blockchain technology has a unique ability to automate accounting processes that are a part of regulatory requirements in all commercial enterprises. Moreover, it can hold verified accounting records and eliminate the need for a trusted third party. Despite blockchain's potential to transform the nature of traditional accountancy procedures, adoption by the accounting industry is somewhat limited. Knowledge in this domain is lacking, and research on the antecedents influencing the adoption of blockchain-based accounting systems is scarce. This study is rooted in the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework, presenting a trust-centric adoption model based on diligent analysis of blockchain and technology adoption literature. The model proposes that TOE factors mediate trust's role in adopting blockchain for accounting applications. The model was validated based on qualitative semi-structured interviews of twelve industry leaders and was comprehensively tested using a quantitative survey-based methodology with accounting professionals knowledgeable about blockchain technology. The data collected was analyzed using PLS-SEM. The results demonstrate the role of trust and the mediating effect of the theorized TOE variables on adopting blockchain-based accounting solutions. The results' implications for research and practice are discussed.
The impact of futures trade on the informational efficiency of the U.S. REIT market
Authors: Ahn Kwangwon , Jang Hanwool , Jeong Minhyuk , Sohn Sungbin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study examines the impact of futures trading on market efficiency and price discovery in the U.S. real estate investment trusts (REITs) market. First, we present inconclusive evidence regarding efficiency improvement in the U.S. REIT spot market following the introduction of futures trading. To investigate the interplay between spot and futures markets, we analyze their respective roles in price discovery and find that, unlike in stock and bond markets, the spot market predominantly exhibits price leadership in the U.S. REITs market, despite the growing market size of futures. We find evidence that the limited role of futures in price discovery is associated with an increase in speculative demand, which outweighs hedging pressure. These findings suggest that policymakers should carefully monitor investor trading motives in the U.S. REITs market and consider revising market regulations to enhance liquidity, ensuring that increased liquidity does not primarily result from heightened speculative demand.
Qualitative financial modelling in fractal dimensions
Authors: El-Nabulsi Rami Ahmad , Anukool Waranont 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The Black–Scholes equation is one of the most important partial differential equations governing the value of financial derivatives in financial markets. The Black–Scholes model for pricing stock options has been applied to various payoff structures, and options trading is based on Black and Scholes’ principle of dynamic hedging to estimate and assess option prices over time. However, the Black–Scholes model requires severe constraints, assumptions, and conditions to be applied to real-life financial and economic problems. Several methods and approaches have been developed to approach these conditions, such as fractional Black–Scholes models based on fractional derivatives. These fractional models are expected since the Black–Scholes equation is derived using Ito’s lemma from stochastic calculus, where fractional derivatives play a leading role. Hence, a fractional stochastic model that includes the basic Black–Scholes model as a special case is expected. However, these fractional financial models require computational tools and advanced analytical methods to solve the associated fractional Black–Scholes equations. Nevertheless, it is believed that the fractal nature of economic processes permits to model economical and financial markets problems more accurately compared to the conventional model. The relationship between fractional calculus and fractals is well-known in the literature. This study introduces a generalized Black–Scholes equation in fractal dimensions and discusses its role in financial marketing. In our analysis, we consider power-laws properties for volatility, interest rated, and dividend payout, which emerge in several empirical regularities in quantitative finance and economics. We apply our model to study the problem of pricing barrier option and we estimate the values of fractal dimensions in both time and in space. Our model can be used to obtain the prices of many pay-off models. We observe that fractal dimensions considerably affect the solutions of the Black–Scholes equation and that, for fractal dimensions much smaller than unity, the call option increases significantly. We prove that fractal dimensions are a powerful tool to obtain new results. Further details are analyzed and discussed.
Efficacy & safety of brolucizumab 6.0 mg versus 3.6 mg in diabetic macular edema
Authors: Mishra Sanjay Kumar , Kumar Pradeep , Joshi Amrita , Saraf Aman , Awasthi Abhijeet , Dhar Supriya , M Khaleel , Kumar Atul , Rana Vipin , D Ravi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Management of Diabetic Macular edema (DME) requires repeated injections. Therefore newer Anti-VEGFs like Brolucizumab with longer durability have been introduced. We compared two different dosages of Brolucizumab, 6.0 mg and 3.6 mg, for their safety & efficacy in treatment of DME, in treatment naïve patients over 52 weeks.

Method
A prospective, pilot randomised controlled, single centre, double blinded, two arm comparative study was conducted between Dec 2022 to Apr 2024. The study recruited 82 patients of DME who were randomised into two groups of 41 patients each, one group to be treated with Brolucizumab 6.0 mg in 50 μL and the other to receive 3.6 mg in 30 μL. All patients received the first dose of Brolucizumab at 0 week and were then followed up at every 4 weeks for detailed ophthalmic and OCT macula examination. Those who met the pre-defined re-treatment criteria were re-injected with Brolucizumab, the dose being fixed for each group throughout the study. All patient receiving an injection were further followed up on Day 1, Day 7 and Day 28 to look for any adverse reactions. The efficacy parameters included change in best corrected visusal acuity (BCVA), contrast and central macular thickness (CMT) on Optical Coherence Tomography. The average number of injections recd in each group were also calculated.

Results
The change in BCVA from baseline in 6.0 mg group was 0.54 LogMAR units and 3.6 mg group was 0.59 LogMAR units, which was not statistically significant. The reduction in CMT from baseline in 6.0 mg group was 133.2 µm (μ) and 3.6 mg group was 110.6 μ, which was not statistically significant. The improvement in contrast from baseline in 6.0 mg group was 0.74 and 3.6 mg group was 0.95, with p value of 0.0002. The re-injection interval was 14.21 weeks in 6.0 mg group and 15.56 weeks for 3.6 mg subgroup. The total number of adverse events in both groups were similar at 70 in 6.0 mg group and 47 in 3.6 mg group with only one grade 4 adverse event occurring in each group.

Conclusion
The results of present study show that the safety and efficacy of both doses of Brolucizumab, i.e. 6.0 mg and 3.6 mg, for treating diabetic macular edema is similar.

Trial registration Study was registered with Clinical trials registry of India (CTRI ref no. CTRI/2023/06/054105), registered on 14 Nov 2022.
The 2024 clinical practice guidelines on the pharmacological management of Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) in the Arab world
Authors: Bokhari Syed Ali , Qassem Tarik , Al-Ayyat Dania , Javaid Syed Fahad , Al-Sinawi Hamed , Nasr Walid 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Over 90% of individuals living with dementia experience behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia, like agitation, anxiety, delusions, and sleep disturbances, which complicate care and place significant demands on healthcare systems. These guidelines are designed to meet the unique needs of dementia care in the Arab world, where dementia rates are increasing due to an ageing population.

Main body
These clinical practice guidelines provide evidence-based guidance tailored to the Arab World, with a focus on minimising unnecessary psychotropic use in dementia. The guidelines advocate a multi-pronged strategy, prioritising non-pharmacological interventions which are often safer and align well with local values and caregiving practices. Pharmacological treatments are recommended only for severe cases where symptoms cause distress or pose a risk to the patient or others. The guidelines cover key medication classes with detailed recommendations on dosage, side effects, and monitoring.

Conclusions
By integrating culturally appropriate, evidence-based strategies, these guidelines aim to enhance dementia care quality, incorporate the perspectives of patients and caregivers, support healthcare professionals, and promote safer, more effective management of dementia across diverse healthcare settings in the region.
Susceptibility of different mice species to chemical induction of colorectal cancer by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine
Authors: Abdelmaksoud Nourhan M. , Abulsoud Ahmed I. , Abdelghany Tamer M. , Elshaer Shereen Saeid , Samaha Ahmed , Maurice Nadine W. , Rizk Sherine Maher , Senousy Mahmoud A. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health concern. Animal models play a crucial role in understanding the disease pathology and development of effective treatment strategies. Chemically induced CRC represents a cornerstone in animal model development; however, due to the presence of different animal species with different genetic backgrounds, it becomes mandatory to study the susceptibility of different mice species to CRC induction by different chemical entities such as 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). This study aimed to investigate the induction receptivity of two commonly used mice species, C57BL/6 and BALB/c, to DMH-induced CRC.

Methods
Both mice species were exposed to weekly intraperitoneal injections of DMH at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight for 15 consecutive weeks. The response to DMH was evaluated by monitoring body weight gain, daily food intake, and gastrointestinal symptoms. At the end of exposure, histopathology of distal colon dissected from both species was analyzed.

Results
Results revealed that C57BL/6 had a higher response to DMH compared to BALB/c. A significant decrease in body weight gain concomitant with severe diarrhea was observed in C57BL/6 receiving DMH compared to their controls, without any difference in food intake. Histopathology of distal colon revealed aberrant crypt foci and loss of goblet cells in DMH-exposed C57BL/6 mice. On the other hand, BALB/c mice displayed a normal and intact colon, with a normal weight gain pattern, and without any gastrointestinal symptoms.

Conclusion
In conclusion, C57BL/6 has a higher susceptibility toward chemical induction to CRC; therefore, it can be used to study CRC pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment.
Correlation between axial and coronal common bile duct diameters in computed tomography: a retrospective study of 1064 patients
Authors: Kasemassawachanont Adisak , Chuangsuwanich Natinee , Lertpipopmetha Wanicha , Panrong Nutthanun , Thusneyapan Kittipott , Tongsai Sasima , Noppakunsomboon Napakadol , Kaewlai Rathachai 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The measurement of the common bile duct (CBD) diameter is essential for evaluating bile duct pathologies. The axial plane of computed tomography (CT) images is the established method for CBD diameter measurement. However, modern software enables easy reconstruction of axial CT images into the coronal plane, allowing for CBD diameter measurement in this plane. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between measurements in the axial and coronal planes.

Results
The three reviewers demonstrated fair reliability in measuring CBD diameter in axial and coronal planes, with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.776 and 0.799, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between the two diameters (r = 0.943), with 88.9% of axial diameter variation explained by coronal diameter and approximately 0.29 + (0.94 × coronal diameter) (R
2 = 0.889, p < 0.001). When a cutoff value of 7 mm was used to predict an abnormal axial diameter, the agreement between axial and coronal CBD diameters was substantial (Kappa = 0.715) with discordance between the two measurements identified in 6.2% of cases (66/1064) when a) coronal diameter < 7 mm but axial measurement  ≥ 7 mm (39/1064; 3.7%) and b) coronal diameter  ≥ 7 mm but axial measurement < 7 mm (27/1064; 2.5%). In univariable linear regression and multivariable analyses, the strongest independent factors associated with increased axial CBD diameter were presence of focal CBD lesion, age ≥ 60 years, and cholecystectomy.

Conclusion
There was a strong positive correlation between axial and coronal CBD diameters with substantial agreement when using a 7-mm cutoff and fair reliability in their measurements.
Evaluation of End-of-Life Quality Care Between American Indian and White North Carolina Decedents Diagnosed With Lung Cancer, 2003-2020
Authors: Jackson Bradford E. , Baggett Chris D. , Spees Lisa P. , Carrizosa Daniel , Emerson Marc A. , Fariman Soroush , Salas Ana I. , Bell Ronny A. , Wheeler Stephanie B. 
Published: January 2025

PURPOSE
Lung cancer mortality rates for American Indians (AIs) are the highest among US race groups. End-of-life (EOL) care presents opportunities to limit aggressive and potentially unnecessary treatment. We evaluated differences in EOL quality of care between AI and White (WH) decedents with lung cancer.

METHODS
Our cohort included adult AI and WH decedents diagnosed with lung cancer (2003-2020) in North Carolina, who had health insurance claims during the month of and the month preceding death. EOL outcomes assessed during the last 30 days of life included intravenous chemotherapy, hospital admission, hospice initiation, ICU admission, >one emergency department (ED) visit, and in-hospital death. We used Poisson regression models to estimate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CLs for each outcome comparing AI with WH, adjusting for rural/urban residence, age at diagnosis, insurance status, sex, histology, and diagnosis year. We also evaluated associations in the metastatic lung cancer subcohort.

RESULTS

Our cohort comprised 594 AI and 49,296 WH decedents. Compared with WH decedents, AIs were younger at diagnosis (66
v
71 years), more frequently Medicaid-insured (24%
v
11%), and more frequently rural residents (51%
v
30%). During the last 30 days of life, compared with WH decedents, AIs had higher risks of hospital admissions (RR, 1.14 [1.07-1.22]), ICU admissions (RR, 1.24 [1.08-1.42]), >one ED visits (RR, 1.27 [1.09-1.47]), and in-hospital death (RR, 1.22 [1.06-1.40]).

CONCLUSION
Indicators of inappropriate EOL care (hospital, ICU, and ED admissions) were notably higher during the last month of life for AI decedents with lung cancer. These findings highlight EOL care as an area where more interventions are needed to improve AI cancer care.
Environmental Enrichment Normalizes Metabolic Function in the Murine Model of Prader–Willi Syndrome Magel2-Null Mice
Authors: Queen Nicholas J , Zou Xunchang , Huang Wei , Mohammed Tawfiq , Cao Lei 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disease that causes developmental delays, intellectual impairment, constant hunger, obesity, endocrine dysfunction, and various behavioral and neuropsychiatric abnormalities. Standard care of PWS is limited to strict supervision of food intake and GH therapy, highlighting the unmet need for new therapeutic strategies. Environmental enrichment (EE), a housing environment providing physical, social, and cognitive stimulations, exerts broad benefits on mental and physical health. Here we assessed the metabolic and behavioral effects of EE in the Magel2-null mouse model of PWS. EE initiated after the occurrence of metabolic abnormality was sufficient to normalize body weight and body composition, reverse hyperleptinemia, and improve glucose metabolism in the male Magel2-null mice. These metabolic improvements induced by EE were comparable to those achieved by a hypothalamic brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene therapy although the underlying mechanisms remain to be determined. These data suggest biobehavioral interventions such as EE could be effective in the treatment of PWS-related metabolic abnormalities.