bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting survival in glioblastoma with multimodal neuroimaging and machine learning
Authors: Luckett Patrick H. , Olufawo Michael , Lamichhane Bidhan , Park Ki Yun , Dierker Donna , Verastegui Gabriel Trevino , Yang Peter , Kim Albert H. , Chheda Milan G. , Snyder Abraham Z. , Shimony Joshua S. , Leuthardt Eric C. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive malignant glioma, with an overall median survival of less than two years. The ability to predict survival before treatment in GBM patients would lead to improved disease management, clinical trial enrollment, and patient care.

Methods
GBM patients (N = 133, mean age 60.8 years, median survival 14.1 months, 57.9% male) were retrospectively recruited from the neurosurgery brain tumor service at Washington University Medical Center. All patients completed structural neuroimaging and resting state functional MRI (RS-fMRI) before surgery. Demographics, measures of cortical thickness (CT), and resting state functional network connectivity (FC) were used to train a deep neural network to classify patients based on survival (< 1y, 1-2y, >2y). Permutation feature importance identified the strongest predictors of survival based on the trained models.

Results
The models achieved a combined cross-validation and hold out accuracy of 90.6% in classifying survival (< 1y, 1-2y, >2y). The strongest demographic predictors were age at diagnosis and sex. The strongest CT predictors of survival included the superior temporal sulcus, parahippocampal gyrus, pericalcarine, pars triangularis, and middle temporal regions. The strongest FC features primarily involved dorsal and inferior somatomotor, visual, and cingulo-opercular networks.

Conclusion
We demonstrate that machine learning can accurately classify survival in GBM patients based on multimodal neuroimaging before any surgical or medical intervention. These results were achieved without information regarding presentation symptoms, treatments, postsurgical outcomes, or tumor genomic information. Our results suggest GBMs have a global effect on the brain’s structural and functional organization, which is predictive of survival.
Allicin ameliorates sepsis-induced acute kidney injury through Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway
Authors: Li Xiao-Jun , Liu Ting , Wang Yuan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a complication that can be induced by different factors. Allicin is a class of organic sulfur compounds with anticancer and antibacterial effects, and has not been reported in sepsis-induced AKI (S-AKI). S-AKI was induced in c57BL/6 mice by cecal ligation puncture. In response to the treatment of allicin, the survival rate of mice with S-AKI was increased. Reduced levels of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, UALB, KIM-1 and NGAL indicated an improvement in renal function of S-AKI mice. Allicin inhibited the inflammation and cell apoptosis, which evidenced by decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis-related proteins. Oxidative stress was evaluated by the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers, and suppressed by allicin. In addition, allicin-alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction was characterized by decreased JC-1 green monomer. These effects of allicin were also evidenced in HK2 cells primed with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Both in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and the expression of HO-1 increased after allicin treatment, which was confirmed by ML385 and CDDO-Me. In summary, this study revealed the alleviating effect of allicin on S-AKI and demonstrated the promotive effect of allicin on nuclear translocation of Nrf2 for the first time. It was inferred that allicin inhibited the progression of S-AKI through Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. This study makes contributions to the understanding of the roles of allicin in S-AKI.
Statistical models and the Benford hypothesis: a unified framework
Authors: Barabesi Lucio , Cerioli Andrea , Di Marzio Marco 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe Benford hypothesis is the statement that a random sample is made of realizations of an absolutely continuous random variable distributed according to Benford’s law. Its potential interest spans over many domains such as detection of financial frauds, verification of electoral processes and investigation of scientific measurements. Our aim is to provide a principled framework for the statistical evaluation of this statement. First, we study the probabilistic structure of many classical univariate models when they are framed in the space of the significand and we measure the closeness of each model to the Benford hypothesis. We then obtain two asymptotically equivalent and powerful tests. We show that the proposed test statistics are invariant under scale transformation of the data, a crucial requirement when compliance to the Benford hypothesis is used to corroborate scientific theories. The empirical advantage of the proposed tests is shown through an extensive simulation study. Applications to astrophysical and hydrological data also motivate the methodology.
The relationship of organizational culture with management control systems and environmental management control systems
Authors: Einhorn Stefanie , Fietz Bernhard , Guenther Thomas W. , Guenther Edeltraud 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis paper expands upon examinations of the flexibility–stability continuum of organizational culture in the extant literature by identifying how the four culture types of the competing values framework are associated with the emphasis on management control systems (MCS) and environmental management control systems (EMCS). By analyzing data drawn from a dyadic survey addressing both heads of management accounting and heads of sustainability or environmental management, this paper provides empirical evidence for multiple direct associations of different culture types, specifically, adhocracy, bureaucracy, clan, and market cultures, with a set of environmental and general management controls, specifically, action, cultural, personnel, and results controls. For instance, bureaucracy cultures are positively associated with action, personnel, and results controls for MCS and cultural controls for EMCS, while clan cultures are positively associated with cultural and personnel controls for MCS but negatively associated with action and results controls for EMCS. According to our findings, firms cannot transfer their emphasis on general MCS to specific EMCS because different organizational cultures are associated with MCS and EMCS in different ways. This disentanglement of organizational culture facilitates a deeper understanding of environmental controls at the organizational level.
How Smart are Smart Materials? A Conceptual and Ethical Analysis of Smart Lifelike Materials for the Design of Regenerative Valve Implants
Authors: de Kanter Anne-Floor J. , Jongsma Karin R. , Bouten Carlijn V. C. , Bredenoord Annelien L. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIt may soon become possible not just to replace, but to re-grow healthy tissues after injury or disease, because of innovations in the field of Regenerative Medicine. One particularly promising innovation is a regenerative valve implant to treat people with heart valve disease. These implants are fabricated from so-called ‘smart’, ‘lifelike’ materials. Implanted inside a heart, these implants stimulate re-growth of a healthy, living heart valve. While the technological development advances, the ethical implications of this new technology are still unclear and a clear conceptual understanding of the notions ‘smart' and ‘lifelike' is currently lacking. In this paper, we explore the conceptual and ethical implications of the development of smart lifelike materials for the design of regenerative implants, by analysing heart valve implants as a showcase. In our conceptual analysis, we show that the materials are considered ‘smart’ because they can communicate with human tissues, and ‘lifelike’ because they are structurally similar to these tissues. This shows that regenerative valve implants become intimately integrated in the living tissues of the human body. As such, they manifest the ontological entanglement of body and technology. In our ethical analysis, we argue this is ethically significant in at least two ways: It exacerbates the irreversibility of the implantation procedure, and it might affect the embodied experience of the implant recipient. With our conceptual and ethical analysis, we aim to contribute to responsible development of smart lifelike materials and regenerative implants.
Algae and cyanobacteria-based biostimulants in controlling plant-parasitic nematodes: a sustainable approach for crop protection
Authors: Sithole Nokuthula , Gupta Shubhpriya , Dube Zakheleni , Ogbe Abdulazeez , Van Staden Johannes 
Published: September 2023

AbstractPlant root pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, nematodes and viruses infect over a thousand plant species worldwide, threatening the livelihood and food security of small-scale farmers and rural communities who rely on the crops. For centuries, soil fumigants have been the standard for disease infestation control; however, due to the hazardous effects of these fumigants and their overall species specificity failure, there has been a paradigm shift away from using chemicals to control plant pathogens in recent decades. The use of algae and cyanobacteria-based biostimulants in combating plant-parasitic nematodes has recently gained the attention of researchers. This review intends to elucidate the state of the art of algae and cyanobacteria-based biostimulants and their bioactive compounds in controlling plant-parasitic nematodes. In addition, given that the mechanisms of action of these biological biostimulants are not fully understood, this review has further elaborated on how these organisms and their bioactive extracts suppress and control plant pest nematodes. Finally, barriers and prospects in commercializing of algae and cyanobacteria-based biostimulants are reviewed.
Towards sustainable manufacturing by enabling optimum selection of life extension strategy for industrial equipment based on cost modelling
Authors: Amaitik Nasser , Zhang Ming , Xu Yuchun , Thomson Gareth , Kolokas Nikolaos , Maisuradze Alexander , Peschl Michael , Tzovaras Dimitrios 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSustainable manufacturing is of great importance in today’s world. In manufacturing, keep industrial equipment well-functioning is important because failure of equipment leads to significant financial and production losses. In addition, disposal of such failed equipment is both costly and environmentally unfriendly and does not recover any residual value. This raises the need to adopt methods and means that help extending the life of equipment and reduce waste of material. This paper presents a digital toolkit of cost model to estimate and understand the costs to be incurred when applying life extension strategy for industrial equipment. It is meant to be integrated with other tools and methodologies to enable end-users to perform optimal decision-making regarding which life extension strategy (e.g., remanufacturing, refurbishment, repair) to implement for large industrial equipment that is towards its end-of-life or needs maintenance, taking into account criteria such as cost, machine performance, and energy consumption. The cost model developed integrates a combination of parametric costing and activity-based costing methods to per form cost estimation. It has been implemented in an Excel-based Macro platform. A case study with application scenarios has been conducted to demonstrate the application of the cost model to optimize life extension strategies for industrial equipment. Finally, conclusions on the developed cost model have been reported.
Intermediaries and intermediation in building local transformative capacity for active and sustainable transport
Authors: Sundqvist Henna , Tuominen Anu 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIntermediation and transformative capacity building are identified as important issues in sustainability transformations. Yet the connection of these two concepts has not been systematically analysed. This empirical, qualitative case study on active transport in Finland investigates intermediation in building local transformative capacity. The study shows that intermediaries are a heterogeneous group of actors that support transformative capacity building by facilitating the flows of knowledge, linking actors, forming ties across different scales, and supporting visioning and strategic planning. Intermediation manifests in five of the seven elements of local transformative capacity building. Our study, thus, contrasts with previous understanding wherein intermediation is considered only as a criterion for multiform governance. As intermediation is central in building transformative capacity, it should be better acknowledged, particularly by authorities and policymakers to secure legitimacy, operational capabilities, and funding for intermediaries.
Predictive nomogram for in-hospital mortality among older patients with intra-abdominal sepsis incorporating skeletal muscle mass
Authors: Li Qiujing , Shang Na , Yang Tiecheng , Gao Qian , Guo Shubin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Studies on prognostic factors for older patients with intra-abdominal sepsis are scarce, and the association between skeletal muscle mass and prognosis among such patients remains unclear.

Aims
To develop a nomogram to predict in-hospital mortality among older patients with intra-abdominal sepsis.

Methods
Older patients with intra-abdominal sepsis were prospectively recruited. Their demographics, clinical features, laboratory results, abdominal computed tomography-derived muscle mass, and in-hospital mortality were recorded. The predictors of mortality were selected via least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and multivariable logistic regression analyses, and a nomogram was developed. The nomogram was assessed and compared with Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, and Simplified Acute Physiology Score II.

Results
In total, 464 patients were included, of whom 104 (22.4%) died. Six independent risk factors (skeletal muscle index, cognitive impairment, frailty, heart rate, red blood cell distribution width, and blood urea nitrogen) were incorporated into the nomogram. The Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and calibration plot revealed a good consistency between the predicted and observed probabilities. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.875 (95% confidence interval = 0.838–0.912), which was significantly higher than those of commonly used scoring systems. The decision curve analysis indicated the nomogram had good predictive performance.

Discussion
Our nomogram, which is predictive of in-hospital mortality among older patients with intra-abdominal sepsis, incorporates muscle mass, a factor that warrants consideration by clinicians. The model has a high prognostic ability and might be applied in clinical practice after external validation.
Prämature Ovarialinsuffizienz
Authors: Böttcher Bettina 
Published: September 2023

ZusammenfassungDie prämature Ovarialinsuffizienz (POI) ist durch eine Amenorrhö und erhöhte FSH(Follikelstimulierendes Hormon)-Werte gekennzeichnet. Sie kann spontan auftreten, durch chronische oder Autoimmunerkrankungen, genetisch oder iatrogen durch eine gonadotoxische oder operative Therapie bedingt sein. Zur Diagnostik gehören die Bestimmung der jeweiligen Laborparameter, Sonographie, Knochendichtemessung und die genetische Diagnostik je nach Anamnese. Ein frühzeitiger Beginn einer Hormonersatztherapie ist zur Reduktion der kardiovaskulären Risiken sowie zur Verbesserung der urogenitalen und vasomotorischen Symptome und der Knochendichte indiziert; die Therapie sollte bis zum Erreichen des natürlichen Menopausenalters bei etwa 50 Jahren fortgeführt werden.
NiO thin film with an extremely high index $$(7 \overline{1 } 4)$$ on r-plane sapphire substrate
Authors: Ding Xiang , Sathish C. I. , Qu Jiangtao , Zheng Rongkun , Geng Xun , Guan Xinwei , Yu Xiaojiang , Breese Mark B. H. , Qiao Liang , Suzuki Kiyonori , Yi Jiabao 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThin film epitaxy is essential for state-of-the-art semiconductor applications. The combination of different substrates and deposition methods leads to various crystallographic orientation relationships between thin films and substrates, which have a decisive impact on thin film performance. By utilizing pulsed laser deposition, we discovered a very high-index $$(7 \overline{1 } 4)$$

(
7

1
¯

4
)

–oriented NiO thin film when deposited on r-plane $$\text{(10}\overline{1}\text{2)}$$

(10

1
¯

2)

sapphire substrates. The in-plane epitaxial relations are $${[13\overline{1 }]}_{\text{NiO}}\text{||[1}\overline {2}{\text{10]}}_{\text{Sapphire}}$$

[
13

1
¯

]

NiO

||[1

2
¯

10]
Sapphire

and $${[\overline{1 }12]}_{\text{NiO}}\text{||[10}\overline{11}{\text{]}}_{\text{Sapphire}}$$

[

1
¯

12
]

NiO

||[10

11
¯

]
Sapphire

, and the lattice mismatch is 3.2% and 0.4% along two directions, respectively. Exchange bias studies by the deposition of Co on NiO (111) and NiO $$(7 \overline{1 } 4)$$

(
7

1
¯

4
)

show different behaviors, which may be associated with the spin density and alignment on the surface.
Graphical abstract
Effective Supervision for Enhancing Quality of Doctoral Research in Computer Science and Engineering
Authors: Malekian Reza 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis article reflects on effective supervision and possible guidance for enhancing quality of doctoral research in the computer science and engineering field. The aims of this study are (1) to understand supervision and the role of supervisors in the quality of doctoral research, (2) to elaborate on effective supervision in the computer science and engineering field and challenges in effective supervision, and (3) to identify key indicators for evaluating effective supervision with a view to improving the quality of doctoral research. After studying various pieces of literature and conducting interviews with experienced supervisors and doctoral students, the article concludes by describing important characteristics in effective supervision. Some of the features for effective supervision are common to other areas of research; however, in computer science and engineering and similar fields, it is important that a supervisor takes the role of a team member by giving proper advice on the reports, algorithm and mathematical modeling developed in the research, and demonstrating the ability to provide advice on complex problems with practical approaches.
Allocation of Healthcare Resources in National Health Systems Under Climate Change
Authors: Grigoroudis Evangelos , Kouikoglou Vassilis S. , Phillis Yannis A. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractClimate change has, among others, impacts on human health and by consequence on healthcare systems. Some impacts are direct such as extreme events, air pollution and aeroallergens, and some are indirect such as reduced food production and supply, vector-borne and water-borne infectious diseases, and social and economic disruptions. The main aim of this paper is to study the pressures of climate change on national healthcare systems. An empirical dynamic resource allocation problem is proposed to estimate how healthcare systems may be affected by climate change. The problem is formulated as a nonlinear programming model which finds the optimal allocation of healthcare resources that compensate for life expectancy reductions due to climate change. We examine various scenarios of climate impacts to estimate the additional budget and healthcare resources needed. The results show that the necessary healthcare budget grows nonlinearly with respect to impacts with disproportional demands on lower income countries. Finally, the necessary healthcare investments should be made sooner as climate impacts become heavier. Our methodology could aid policy-makers in prioritizing measures to enhance the climate resilience of national healthcare systems.
The implementation of microbes in plastic biodegradation
Authors: Tania Maria , Anand Vijaya 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMost microorganisms are necessary for the decomposition of plastics and the production of bioplastics. It takes plastic materials more than a thousand years to degrade significantly. To degrade solid waste, microorganisms for the degradation of plastics should be configured meticulously. In the manufacture of equipment, a variety of plastic polymers are utilised, focusing on how they will be used. This article reviews about a detailed summary of the microbes that degrade several forms of plastics including polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyvinyl chloride also the harmful effects of plastics on humanity.
Making Waves
Authors: Härkönen Marc , Hirsch Jonas , Sturmfels Bernd 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWe study linear PDE constraints for vector-valued functions and distributions. Our focus lies on wave solutions, which give rise to distributions with low-dimensional support. Special waves from vector potentials are represented by syzygies. We parametrize all waves by projective varieties derived from the support of the PDE. These include determinantal varieties and Fano varieties, and they generalize wave cones in analysis.
Effect of ventilation patterns on indoor thermal comfort and air-conditioning cooling and heating load using simulation
Authors: Sekartaji Dian , Ryu Yuji , Novianto Didit 
Published: September 2023

AbstractOver the past three years, regulations have been implemented to combine natural ventilation (NV) and air conditioning to mitigate the risk of disease transmission, particularly in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. As we know, simultaneous use of NV and air conditioning can make it challenging to achieve indoor thermal comfort. This paper aims to analyze the effect of NV on the air conditioning`s cooling and heating load in a classroom through simulation. A simulation model was developed using EnergyPlus software with an OpenStudio interface software. Simulation results demonstrate that continuous use of NV alongside an air conditioner increases the cooling load from 1.06 to 1.75 times during summer and a 1.54 to 9.49 times heating load increase during winter. On the other hand, intermittent NV every hour results in a cooling load increase from 1.05 to 1.46 times in summer and a heating load increase from 1.13 to 4.63 times in winter. Moreover, employing NV based on the outside air temperature can reduce the cooling load at the air conditioner with set-point 26℃—28℃ from 0.94 to 0.88 times. The outcomes of this study are expected to serve as a reference for determining strategies that effectively combine NV and air conditioning to meet various needs without causing a significant increase in energy consumption. Additionally, the results are expected to be useful for reducing AC energy consumption in extremely hot and cold weather with some strategies of NV application.