bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Constructive conditions for consensus of multi‐agents under fast switching networks: A time‐delay approach
Authors: Zhang Jin , Shi Jing , Ding Lei , Peng Chen 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis article studies consensus problem of multi‐agent systems under fast switching networks depending on a small parameter . In contrast to the existing methods that are qualitative, we present, for the first time, constructive and quantitative results for finding an upper bound on that preserves the consensus and for designing the consensus protocol that includes the designs of continuous‐time controller and of sampled‐data controller. We first employ a time‐delay approach to periodic averaging for continuous‐time control of multi‐agent systems under fast switching networks leading to a time‐delay model where the delay length is equal to . We construct an appropriate Lyapunov functional for finding sufficient stability conditions in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The upper bound on that preserves the exponential stability is found from LMIs. Moreover, sufficient conditions on the existence of controller gain are, for the first time, derived for the multi‐agent systems under fast switching networks. For the implementation of consensus protocol, we further extend our method to sampled‐data consensus of multi‐agent systems under fast switching networks where additional Lyapunov functionals are presented to compensate the term due to the sampling. Finally, an example of Caltech multivehicle wireless test bed vehicles is given to illustrate the efficiency of the method.
Starches Isolated from the Pulp and Seeds of Unripe Pouteria campechiana Fruits as Potential Health‐Promoting Food Additives
Authors: Agama‐Acevedo Edith , Bello‐Pérez Luis A. , Pacheco‐Vargas Glenda , Nuñez‐Santiago María C. , Evangelista‐Lozano Silvia , Gutiérrez Tomy J. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe non‐conventional starch isolated from unripe fruits is an alternative to obtain this raw material with improved or different functionality and digestibility. The starch isolated from Pouteria campechiana pulp (SIP) and seeds (SIS) of unripe fruits shows similar average granule sizes and A‐type X‐ray diffraction pattern. The digestibility characteristics are related to the hierarchical structure, since the amylopectin of the SIS sample has the highest crystallinity percentage and degree of polymerization (DP). These long amylopectin chains produce a thermally stable helical structure. Resistant starch (RS) in the SIP and SIS samples remains after cooking, and the cooked SIS show an increase in slowly digestible starch (SDS) content. In contrast, cooked SIP has an increased content of rapidly digestible starch (RDS). The SIP sample also shows interesting β‐carotene content values (15.4 µg g−1 dry starch) for the manufacture of potentially health‐promoting food additives in terms of anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The supramolecular structure–in vitro digestibility relationship of the SIS sample yields interesting results as a novel, low‐cost, and underutilized alternative starch source for the manufacture of potential health‐promoting starchy food additives.
STEM Teacher Professional Development for Primary School Teachers in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheng May May Hung , Yeh Fang-Yin 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis study draws on the findings from a STEM education project to examine Hong Kong in-service primary school teachers’ perceived challenges in implementing STEM education, the support they received in STEM teacher professional development (STEM TPD), and their needs for future STEM TPD. The study engaged teacher professional development through a school-university partnership and adopted a practitioner research approach that aimed at enhancing primary school teachers’ professional capacity of designing STEM activities relevant to the Hong Kong curriculum, with an emphasis on the learning of crosscutting concepts and inquiry-based teaching. STEM TPD is aimed at collaborative curriculum development as an opportunity to foster active learning through co-creating curriculum materials among teachers and university facilitators. Twelve primary school teachers from various subject teaching backgrounds were interviewed. Semi-structured interviews were carried out to collect the teachers’ experiences with the STEM TPD and their views on the integration of cross-cutting concepts in designing STEM lessons. Findings of the study revealed teachers' perceived challenges during the preparation and teaching phases related to STEM instruction and lesson planning, limited resources, and other concerns embedded in broader contextual situations. While teachers reported to have received different types of support from the STEM TPD relating to the pedagogical knowledge of STEM, future directions for STEM TPD were expressed in relation to content components of STEM TPD, opportunities for authentic learning and first-hand experiences, and coherence. Finally, this chapter discusses areas that need to be resolved before a further enhancement in terms of quality and quantity of STEM lessons could be expected.
Functional interdependence of the actin regulators CAP1 and cofilin1 in control of dendritic spine morphology
Authors: Heinze Anika , Schuldt Cara , Khudayberdiev Sharof , van Bommel Bas , Hacker Daniela , Schulz Toni G. , Stringhi Ramona , Marcello Elena , Mikhaylova Marina , Rust Marco B. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe vast majority of excitatory synapses are formed on small dendritic protrusions termed dendritic spines. Dendritic spines vary in size and density that are crucial determinants of excitatory synaptic transmission. Aberrations in spine morphogenesis can compromise brain function and have been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. Actin filaments (F-actin) are the major structural component of dendritic spines, and therefore, actin-binding proteins (ABP) that control F-actin dis-/assembly moved into the focus as critical regulators of brain function. Studies of the past decade identified the ABP cofilin1 as a key regulator of spine morphology, synaptic transmission, and behavior, and they emphasized the necessity for a tight control of cofilin1 to ensure proper brain function. Here, we report spine enrichment of cyclase-associated protein 1 (CAP1), a conserved multidomain protein with largely unknown physiological functions. Super-resolution microscopy and live cell imaging of CAP1-deficient hippocampal neurons revealed impaired synaptic F-actin organization and dynamics associated with alterations in spine morphology. Mechanistically, we found that CAP1 cooperates with cofilin1 in spines and that its helical folded domain is relevant for this interaction. Moreover, our data proved functional interdependence of CAP1 and cofilin1 in control of spine morphology. In summary, we identified CAP1 as a novel regulator of the postsynaptic actin cytoskeleton that is essential for synaptic cofilin1 activity.
Quantification and Proximal-to-Distal Distribution Pattern of Tibial Nerve Lesions in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Pietsch Adriana M. , Viehöver Andrea , Diem Ricarda , Weiler Markus , Korporal-Kuhnke Mirjam , Wildemann Brigitte , Sam Georges , Hayes John M. , Fösleitner Olivia , Jende Johann M. E. , Heiland Sabine , Bendszus Martin , Hayes Jennifer C. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Recent studies suggest an involvement of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) in multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, we characterize the proximal-to-distal distribution pattern of peripheral nerve lesions in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) by quantitative magnetic resonance neurography (MRN).

Methods
A total of 35 patients with RRMS were prospectively included and underwent detailed neurologic and electrophysiologic examinations. Additionally, 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. 3T MRN with anatomical coverage from the proximal thigh down to the tibiotalar joint was conducted using dual-echo 2‑dimensional relaxometry sequences with spectral fat saturation. Quantification of PNS involvement was performed by evaluating microstructural (proton spin density (ρ), T2-relaxation time (T2app)), and morphometric (cross-sectional area, CSA) MRN markers in every axial slice.

Results
In patients with RRMS, tibial nerve lesions at the thigh and the lower leg were characterized by a decrease in T2app and an increase in ρ compared to controls (T2app thigh: p < 0.0001, T2app lower leg: p = 0.0040; ρ thigh: p < 0.0001; ρ lower leg: p = 0.0098). An additional increase in nerve CSA was only detectable at the thigh, while the semi-quantitative marker T2w-signal was not altered in RRMS in both locations. A slight proximal-to-distal gradient was observed for T2app and T2-signal, but not for ρ.

Conclusion
PNS involvement in RRMS is characterized by a decrease in T2app and an increase in ρ, occurring with proximal predominance at the thigh and the lower leg. Our results indicate microstructural alterations in the extracellular matrix of peripheral nerves in RRMS and may contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiologic relevance of PNS involvement.
Endovascular Therapy in Acute Isolated Posterior Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Authors: Abdelnaby Ramy , Mohamed Khaled Ashraf , ELgenidy Anas , Sonbol Yousef Tarek , Bedewy Mahmoud Mostafa , Aboutaleb Aya Moustafa , Dardeer Khaled Tarek , Heikal Hamed Amr , Gawish Hazem Maher , Nikoubashman Omid , Reich Arno , Pinho João 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Patients with isolated posterior cerebral artery occlusion (iPCAO) represent up to 6% of all acute ischemic stroke patients. Acute revascularization therapies for these patients were not tested in randomized controlled trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of iPCAO patients who undergo endovascular treatment (EVT).

Methods
A systematic search of MEDLINE, Web of Science, CENTRAL, Scopus (inception—03/2022) was conducted for studies reporting 3‑month outcome, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and/or successful recanalization in iPCAO patients who underwent EVT. Random effect meta-analyses for pooled proportions were calculated. Double-arm meta-analyses for comparison of outcomes of iPCAO patients treated with EVT with age-, sex- and NIHSS-matched iPCAO patients treated with best medical treatment only were performed.

Results
Fifteen studies reporting a total of 461 iPCAO patients who underwent EVT were included. Excellent and favorable 3‑month outcome proportions were 36% (95% confidence interval, CI 20–51%) and 57% (95% CI 40–73%), respectively. The 3‑month mortality was 9% (95% CI 5–13), sICH occurred in 1% (95% CI 0–2%), successful recanalization was achieved in 79% (95% CI 71–86%). No significant differences in favorable and excellent 3‑month outcomes, 3‑month mortality and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage were found between the groups of patients who underwent EVT and the group of patients who received best medical treatment only.

Conclusion
These results support the feasibility and safety of EVT in iPCAO, but do not show an outcome benefit with EVT compared to best medical treatment. Randomized trials are needed to evaluate treatment benefit of EVT in these patients.
Is Crash Loading Acceptable in Carotid Artery Stenting?
Authors: Hajiyev Kamran , Henkes Hans , Hellstern Viktoria , Khanafer Ali , Wendl Christina , Bäzner Hansjörg , von Gottberg Philipp 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Purpose
In elective carotid artery stenting (CAS), antiplatelet therapy (APT) is crucial. Several international societies have provided guidelines for loading time and dosage in endovascular treatment; however, no recommendations have been made for urgent, nonthrombectomy-associated CAS without adequate loading time. Here, we investigated the short-term outcomes for APT-naïve patients receiving “crash loading” (CL) on the day of intervention, compared with those for patients wi APT onset 3–5 days (semi-CL) or more than 5 days before CAS (EL).

Methods
Outcomes of patients 30 days after CAS were evaluated in terms of the rates of in-stent thrombus, re-stenosis, stroke, hemorrhagic and thrombotic events, other periprocedural occurrences, in-hospital death and CAS-associated death. Patients’ biological, pathological and hemostatic factors were recorded and compared.

Results
A total of 1158 patients who received CAS at the authors’ neuroradiology institution were analyzed: 275 EL, 846 semi-CL, and 37 CL. The patients receiving CL had the lowest rate of stroke, but the highest rates of CAS-associated and in-hospital deaths, although the deaths were not necessarily associated with APT. In-stent thrombosis was the highest in the semi-CL group. The rates and types of periprocedural occurrences favored the CL group.

Conclusion
With the medical regimen used in this study, urgent CAS with CL APT did not produce more ischemic, thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications than longer loading times. However, careful patient selection might be crucial and adequate loading times should remain the standard of care.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy for recurrent hemoptysis due to chronic pulmonary aspergillosis: a case report and systematic review of the literature
Authors: Koch Alexander , Schanne Daniel H. , Günther Gunar , Aebersold Daniel M. , Elicin Olgun 
Published: October 2022

AbstractPurposeChronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) can manifest as fungus balls in preexisting cavities of lung parenchyma and recurrent hemoptysis is among the most frequent complications. Radiotherapy can be considered for treatment-refractory aspergilloma and severe hemoptysis. To the best of our knowledge, we present the first application of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for a pulmonary aspergilloma in a patient with limited functional lung capacity. The topic was further expanded on with a systematic review of the literature addressing the implementation of radiotherapy in CPA patients.Case reportA 52-year-old man presented with recurring and treatment-refractory hemoptysis caused by chronic cavitary aspergillosis localized in the left lower lobe. We applied SBRT on two consecutive days with a total dose of 16 Gy. Hemoptysis frequency decreased to a clinically insignificant level.Systematic reviewWe performed a systematic search of the literature in line with the PRISMA statement. The initial PubMed search resulted in 230 articles, of which 9 were included.ResultsThe available literature contained 35 patients with CPA who received radiotherapy. Dose fractionation usually ranged from 2 to 4 Gy per fraction, applied almost exclusively in conventional two-dimensional (2D) techniques. There is no report of SBRT usage in such a scenario. Most cases report a positive treatment response after irradiation.ConclusionThe presented case demonstrates long-term clinical stability after SBRT for recurrent hemoptysis due to pulmonary aspergilloma. The systematic literature search revealed that concept definition is still uncertain, and further work is necessary to establish radiotherapy in clinical practice.
Lateral para-olecranon approach: surgical guide and anatomical considerations to the anconeus branch: is there a nerve-free zone?
Authors: Plecko Michael , Schwarz Ulrike M. , Hohenberger Gloria M. , Hammer Niels , Schwarz Angelika M. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Purpose
In the last decades, total elbow arthroplasty, elbow osteosynthesis and revision surgery have been more popularized. The study aimed to assess the course of the anconeus branch of the radial nerve in relation to two variations of the lateral para-olecranon approach, considering iatrogenic nerve injuries.

Methods
The study consisted of 120 upper extremities from 60 Thiel-embalmed human specimens. Two randomized versions of the lateral para-olecranon approach (centrally orientated: P1 and laterally orientated: P2) were performed. The olecranon and the intersection points to the anconeus branch of the radial nerve were determined as anatomical landmarks. The measurements were assessed by two independent observers. Differences were analyzed using the Student’s t test; associations were computed with the Pearson correlation (r). An alpha of 0.05 (p) and a confidence interval of 95% were set.

Results
The intersection points averaged 12.3 cm (SD 1.8, range 8.2–16.8) for P1 versus 5.5 cm (SD 1.4, range 3.0–9.2) for P2 (p ≤ 0.001). Statistically significantly higher values for male and longer humeral specimens were revealed (all values: p < 0.05). Comparison of left and right sides yielded no difference. Excellent inter-rater agreements were found (ICC = 0.902, range 0.860–0.921). A correlation was evaluated between the humeral length and the distances in both approaches (P1: r = 0.550, p < 0.001, P2: r = 0.669, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
The data presented here allow preservation of the anconeus branch. The P1 forms a potential advantage by owing a broader safe zone. Using the centrally orientated approach seems to provide adequate nerve protection during surgery for one of the motor branches for extension of the elbow joint and might result in improved postoperative benefits.
The incidence of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes, time trends and association with the population composition in Sweden: a 40 year follow-up
Authors: Waernbaum Ingeborg , Lind Torbjörn , Möllsten Anna , Dahlquist Gisela 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Aims/hypothesis
During the 1980s and 1990s, the incidence of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes more than doubled in Sweden, followed by a plateau. In the present 40 year follow-up, we investigated if the incidence remained stable and whether this could be explained by increased migration from countries reporting lower incidences.

Methods
We used 23,143 incident cases of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes reported between 1978 and 2019 to the nationwide, population-based Swedish Childhood Diabetes Registry and population data from Statistics Sweden. Generalised additive models and ANOVA were applied to analyse the effects of onset age, sex, time trends and parental country of birth and interaction effects between these factors.

Results
The flattening of the incidence increase seems to remain over the period 2005–2019. When comparing the incidence of type 1 diabetes for all children in Sweden with that for children with both parents born in Sweden, the trends were parallel but at a higher level for the latter. A comparison of the incidence trends between individuals with Swedish backgrounds (high diabetes trait) and Asian backgrounds (low diabetes trait) showed that the Asian subpopulation had a stable increase in incidence over time.

Conclusions/interpretation
In Sweden, the increase in incidence of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes in the late 20th century has been approaching a more stable albeit high level over the last two decades. Increased immigration from countries with lower incidences of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes does not provide a complete explanation for the observed levelling off.

Graphical abstract
Incidence and Impact of Non‐alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in Patients with Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagus Treated with Curative Intent
Authors: Reynolds John V. , Donlon Noel E. , Elliott Jessie A. , Moran Brendan , Temperley Hugo , Nugent Tim S. , Davern Maria , King Sinead , Conroy Melissa , Lysaght Joanne , Ravi Narayanasamy , Ryan Carmel , Finn Stephen , Norris Suzanne , Donohoe Clare L. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsEsophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is associated with visceral obesity (VO). Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common within this phenotype; however, its incidence and clinical significance in EAC have not been studied.Study designA total of 559 patients with hepatic stetatosis (HS) defined by unenhanced CT were enrolled. In a sub‐study, in 140 consecutive patients a liver biopsy was taken intraoperatively to study HS and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Postoperative complications were defined as per the Esophageal Complications Consensus Group (ECCG). Liver biochemistry was measured peri‐operatively, with an ALT > 5 defined as acute liver injury (ALI). Mann–Whitney U test or Fisher's exact test was utilized and the Kaplan–Meier method for survival.Results42% (n = 234/559) of patients had CT‐defined HS. HS was associated with VO in 56% of cases, metabolic syndrome (Met S) in 37% and type 2 diabetes in 25%, compared with 44, 21, and 15% in non‐HS patients (p < 0.01). Pathologic HS was present in 32% (45/140) and graded as mild, moderate, and severe in 73, 24, and 3%, respectively, with NASH reported in 16% and indefinite/borderline NASH in 42% of HS cases. Postoperative ALI was similar (p = 0.88) in both HS (10%) and non‐HS cohorts (11%). Operative complication severity was similar in both cohorts. 5‐yr survival was 53% (HS) vs 50% (p = 0.890).ConclusionThis study establishes for the first time the incidence and clinical impact of NAFLD in EAC patients undergoing surgery and highlights no major impact on oncologic outcomes, nor in the severity of complications.
Automatic segmentation of the thalamus using a massively trained 3D convolutional neural network: higher sensitivity for the detection of reduced thalamus volume by improved inter-scanner stability
Authors: Opfer Roland , Krüger Julia , Spies Lothar , Ostwaldt Ann-Christin , Kitzler Hagen H. , Schippling Sven , Buchert Ralph 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Objectives
To develop an automatic method for accurate and robust thalamus segmentation in T1w-MRI for widespread clinical use without the need for strict harmonization of acquisition protocols and/or scanner-specific normal databases.

Methods
A three-dimensional convolutional neural network (3D-CNN) was trained on 1975 T1w volumes from 170 MRI scanners using thalamus masks generated with FSL-FIRST as ground truth. Accuracy was evaluated with 18 manually labeled expert masks. Intra- and inter-scanner test-retest stability were assessed with 477 T1w volumes of a single healthy subject scanned on 123 MRI scanners. The sensitivity of 3D-CNN-based volume estimates for the detection of thalamus atrophy was tested with 127 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and a normal database comprising 4872 T1w volumes from 160 scanners. The 3D-CNN was compared with a publicly available 2D-CNN (FastSurfer) and FSL.

Results
The Dice similarity coefficient of the automatic thalamus segmentation with manual expert delineation was similar for all tested methods (3D-CNN and FastSurfer 0.86 ± 0.02, FSL 0.87 ± 0.02). The standard deviation of the single healthy subject’s thalamus volume estimates was lowest with 3D-CNN for repeat scans on the same MRI scanner (0.08 mL, FastSurfer 0.09 mL, FSL 0.15 mL) and for repeat scans on different scanners (0.28 mL, FastSurfer 0.62 mL, FSL 0.63 mL). The proportion of MS patients with significantly reduced thalamus volume was highest for 3D-CNN (24%, FastSurfer 16%, FSL 11%).

Conclusion
The novel 3D-CNN allows accurate thalamus segmentation, similar to state-of-the-art methods, with considerably improved robustness with respect to scanner-related variability of image characteristics. This might result in higher sensitivity for the detection of disease-related thalamus atrophy.

Key Points
• A three-dimensional convolutional neural network was trained for automatic segmentation of the thalamus with a heterogeneous sample of T1w-MRI from 1975 patients scanned on 170 different scanners.
• The network provided high accuracy for thalamus segmentation with manual segmentation by experts as ground truth.
• Inter-scanner variability of thalamus volume estimates across different MRI scanners was reduced by more than 50%, resulting in increased sensitivity for the detection of thalamus atrophy.