bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Taxane/gemcitabine-containing chemotherapy plus locoregional IMRT for patients with de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma: the treatment outcomes and prognostic factors analysis
Authors: Du Chengrun , Ni Mengshan , Jiang Jianyun , Kong Fangfang , Zhai Ruiping , Lv Yingchen , Hu Chaosu , Ying Hongmei 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate treatment outcomes of de novo metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (mNPC) patients receiving taxane/gemcitabine-containing chemotherapy followed by locoregional intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and analyze potential prognostic factors.

Methods
A total of 118 patients between March 2008 and November 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were treated with taxane/gemcitabine-containing systemic chemotherapy followed by definitive locoregional IMRT. Potential prognostic factors including baseline absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) and the subdivision of metastasis were analyzed.

Results
The median follow-up time for the whole group was 31.5 months (range 5–138 months). Of the 118 patients, 9 (7.6%) patients experienced local regional failure and 60 (50.8%) patients had progression of distant metastasis. At the time of the last follow-up, 61 (51.7%) patients were dead. The 5-year actuarial progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS),distant metastasis relapse free survival (DMFS) and local regional recurrence free survival (LRFS) were 34.2%, 44%, 41.1% and 82.6%, respectively. Baseline lymphocyte count ≥ 1600/μl prior to the treatment conferred better locoregional control (5y-LRFS 96% vs. 64.7%, p < 0.001) and distant metastasis control (5y-MFS 50.4% vs. 32.4%, p = 0.023). The multivariate analysis showed that high lymphocyte count was the most relevant predictor of superior PFS (HR = 0.236, p < 0.001) and OS (HR = 0.518, p = 0.04). M subdivision was found as another independent prognostic factor for OS but not for PFS.

Conclusion
Taxane/gemcitabine-containing chemotherapy combined with IMRT represents an effective treatment modality for mNPC. Baseline ALC is an independent significant prognostic factor for PFS and OS.
Higher baseline blood glucose is associated with reduced likelihood for successful recanalization in patients with basilar artery occlusion
Authors: Broocks Gabriel , Groffmann Maximilian , Meyer Lukas , Elsayed Sarah , Kniep Helge , Kemmling Andre , van Horn Noel , McDonough Rosalie , Faizy Tobias D. , Bechstein Matthias , Sporns Peter , Rusche Thilo , Schön Gerhard , Nawabi Jawed , Fiehler Jens , Hanning Uta 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Evidence regarding the effect of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) of basilar artery occlusion (BAO) stroke is yet sparse. As successful recanalization has been suggested as major determinant of outcome, the early identification of modifiable factors associated with successful recanalization could be of importance to improve functional outcome. Hyperglycemia has been associated with enhanced thrombin generation and unfavorably altered clot features.

Objective
We hypothesized that serum baseline glucose is associated with likelihood of vessel recanalization mediated by collateral quality and clot burden in BAO stroke.

Methods
BAO stroke patients who received multimodal CT on admission were analyzed. The association of vessel recanalization defined using modified Thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scale (mTICI) scores 2b-3, and baseline imaging and clinical parameters were tested in logistic regression analyses. Collateral quality and clot burden were evaluated using the Basilar Artery on CT-Angiography (BATMAN) score.

Results
Out of 117 BAO patients, 91 patients (78%) underwent MT. In 70 patients (77%), successful recanalization could be achieved (mTICI 2b/3). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, only a higher BGL (aOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96–0.99, p = 0.03) and higher BATMAN score (aOR 1.77, 95% CI 1.11–2.82, p = 0.02) were independently associated with vessel recanalization. Application of alteplase, or time from symptom onset-imaging revealed no independent association with recanalization status.

Conclusion
Higher BGL was significantly associated with reduced likelihood for recanalization success besides BATMAN score as a measure of collateral quality and clot burden. BGL could be tested as a modifiable parameter to increase likelihood for recanalization in BAO stroke, aiming to improve functional outcome.
Matching Regular Expressions on uncertain data
Authors: Gil José Arturo , Santini Simone 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn this paper we study regular expression matching in cases in which the identity of the symbols received is subject to uncertainty. We develop a model of symbol emission and uses a modification of the shortest path algorithm to find optimal matches on the Cartesian Graph of an expression provided that the input is a finite list. In the case of infinite streams, we show that the problem is in general undecidable but, if each symbols is received with probability 0 infinitely often, then with probability 1 the problem is decidable.
Jump processes as generalized gradient flows
Authors: Peletier Mark A. , Rossi Riccarda , Savaré Giuseppe , Tse Oliver 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe have created a functional framework for a class of non-metric gradient systems. The state space is a space of nonnegative measures, and the class of systems includes the Forward Kolmogorov equations for the laws of Markov jump processes on Polish spaces. This framework comprises a definition of a notion of solutions, a method to prove existence, and an archetype uniqueness result. We do this by using only the structure that is provided directly by the dissipation functional, which need not be homogeneous, and we do not appeal to any metric structure.
De Giorgi’s inequality for the thresholding scheme with arbitrary mobilities and surface tensions
Authors: Laux Tim , Lelmi Jona 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe provide a new convergence proof of the celebrated Merriman–Bence–Osher scheme for multiphase mean curvature flow. Our proof applies to the new variant incorporating a general class of surface tensions and mobilities, including typical choices for modeling grain growth. The basis of the proof are the minimizing movements interpretation of Esedoḡlu and Otto and De Giorgi’s general theory of gradient flows. Under a typical energy convergence assumption we show that the limit satisfies a sharp energy-dissipation relation.
Accuracy of full-arch digitalization for partially edentulous jaws — a laboratory study on basis of coordinate-based data analysis
Authors: Kontis Panagiotis , Güth Jan-Frederik , Keul Christine 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Objectives

To compare the accuracy (trueness and precision) of direct digitization of four different dental gap situation with two IOS (intraoral scanner).

Materials and methods
Four partially edentulous polyurethane mandible models were used: (1) A (46, 45, 44 missing), (2) B (45, 44, 34, 35 missing), (3) C (42, 41, 31, 32 missing), and (4) D (full dentition). On each model, the same reference object was fixed between the second molars of both quadrants. A dataset (REF) of the reference object was generated by a coordinate measuring machine. Each model situation was scanned by (1) OMN (Cerec AC Omnicam) and (2) PRI (Cerec Primescan AC) (n = 30). Datasets of all 8 test groups (N = 240) were analyzed using inspection software to determine the linear aberrations in the X-, Y-, Z-axes and angular deviations. Mann–Whitney U and two-sample Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests were used to detect differences for trueness and precision.

Results
PRI revealed higher trueness and precision in most of the measured parameters ($${\overrightarrow{V}}_{E}$$

V
→

E

120.95 to 175.01 μm, $$\overrightarrow{V}_{E}$$

V
→

E

(x) − 58.50 to − 9.40 μm, $$\overrightarrow{V}_{E}$$

V
→

E

(z) − 70.35 to 63.50 μm), while OMN showed higher trueness for $$\overrightarrow{V}_{E}$$

V
→

E

(y) regardless of model situation (− 104.90 to 34.55 μm). Model D revealed the highest trueness and precision in most of the measured parameters regardless of IOS ($$\overrightarrow{V}_{E}$$

V
→

E

120.95 to 195.74 μm, $$\overrightarrow{V}_{E}$$

V
→

E

(x) − 9.40 to 66.75 μm,$$\overrightarrow{V}_{E}$$

V
→

E

(y) − 14.55 to 51.50 μm, $$\overrightarrow{V}_{E}$$

V
→

E

(z) 63.50 to 120.75 μm).

Conclusions
PRI demonstrated higher accuracy in the X- and Z-axes, while OMN depicted higher trueness in the Y-axis. For PRI, Model A revealed the highest distortion, while for OMN, Model B produced the largest aberrations in most parameters.
Clinical relevance
Current results suggest that both investigated IOS are sufficiently accurate for the manufacturing of tooth-borne restorations and orthodontic appliances. However, both hardware specifications of IOS and the presence of edentulous gaps in the dental model have an influence on the accuracy of the virtual model dataset.
Biomass:polystyrene co-pyrolysis coupled with metal-modified zeolite catalysis for liquid fuel and chemical production
Authors: Dyer Andrew C. , Nahil Mohamad A. , Williams Paul T. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBiomass and waste polystyrene plastic (ratio 1:1) were co-pyrolysed followed by catalysis in a two-stage fixed bed reactor system to produce upgraded bio-oils for production of liquid fuel and aromatic chemicals. The catalysts investigated were ZSM-5 impregnated with different metals, Ga, Co, Cu, Fe and Ni to determine their influence on bio-oil upgrading. The results showed that the different added metals had a different impact on the yield and composition of the product oils and gases. Deoxygenation of the bio-oils was mainly via formation of CO2 and CO via decarboxylation and decarbonylation with the Ni–ZSM-5 and Co–ZSM-5 catalysts whereas higher water yield and lower CO2 and CO was obtained with the ZSM-5, Ga–ZSM-5, Cu–ZSM-5 and Fe–ZSM-5 catalysts suggesting hydrodeoxygenation was dominant. Compared to the unmodified ZSM-5, the yield of single-ring aromatic compounds in the product oil was increased for the Co–ZSM-5, Cu–ZSM-5, Fe–ZSM-5 and Ni–ZSM-5 catalysts. However, for the Ga–ZSM-5 catalyst, single-ring aromatic compounds were reduced, but the highest yield of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was produced. A higher biomass to polystyrene ratio (4:1) resulted in a markedly lower oil yield with a consequent increased yield of gas.
Encounter with heavier females changes courtship and fighting efforts of male field crickets Gryllus bimaculatus (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)
Authors: Kuriwada Takashi 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe effects of mating experience on male mating behavior are mediated by four factors: mating cost, such as resource depletion, perception of mating opportunities, self-perception of attractiveness, and female quality. For example, encountering females might increase male expectations of prospective mating opportunities, while copulation increases self-perception of attractiveness in males. To determine the relative importance of these factors, the effect of mating on the two components of reproductive effort (courtship and fighting effort) inGryllus bimaculatuswas examined. Calling activity before and after encountering females was measured, and copulation success was recorded. Subsequently, the intensity and outcome of male–male fighting behavior was recorded. Female encounter increased calling activity irrespective of copulation, thereby indicating that the perception of mating opportunities is important factor for the males. Changes in courtship effort of males were larger and fighting success was lower when they were previously paired with relatively heavier females. These results indicate that male reproductive effort is also affected by quality of previous mating partners.
Dynamic cyber risk estimation with competitive quantile autoregression
Authors: Dzhamtyrova Raisa , Maple Carsten 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe increasing value of data held in enterprises makes it an attractive target to attackers. The increasing likelihood and impact of a cyber attack have highlighted the importance of effective cyber risk estimation. We propose two methods for modelling Value-at-Risk (VaR) which can be used for any time-series data. The first approach is based on Quantile Autoregression (QAR), which can estimate VaR for different quantiles, i. e. confidence levels. The second method, we term Competitive Quantile Autoregression (CQAR), dynamically re-estimates cyber risk as soon as new data becomes available. This method provides a theoretical guarantee that it asymptotically performs as well as any QAR at any time point in the future. We show that these methods can predict the size and inter-arrival time of cyber hacking breaches by running coverage tests. The proposed approaches allow to model a separate stochastic process for each significance level and therefore provide more flexibility compared to previously proposed techniques. We provide a fully reproducible code used for conducting the experiments.
Premature repayment of fixed interest mortgage loans without compensation, a case of misguided consumer protection in the EU
Authors: Schäfer Hans-Bernd , Wulf Alexander J. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractConsumer protection shifts risks from consumers to businesses. This raises marginal costs and equilibrium prices. It is justified when markets are not strong enough to allocate contractual risks or accident risks efficiently, especially in cases of severe asymmetric information between suppliers and consumers. Consumer protection can then increase the consumer’s expected welfare from a contract. We test these considerations in a theoretical and empirical study on consumers' right to early repayment of mortgage loans without damage compensation to the creditor in the European Union. We show in a formal model that such a right can lead to an impairment of consumer welfare, compared with the traditional rule of expectation damages for breach of contract. This applies if the consumer is risk averse and repays a loan with a high interest rate in a low interest period to take up a new loan for the same project at lower interests. From a theoretical point of view, this right has no solid economic underpinning, if it is not restricted to cases of personal hardship of the consumer and serves an insurance purpose. We present empirical evidence supporting this argument. In a panel study on monthly mortgage interest rates of 23 EU Member States between 2005 and 2017 we show how interest rate spreads change with the level of consumer protection.
3D-printed swab with cover for precision diagnosis
Authors: Huang Fan , Song Kewei , Jiang Yue , Hirose Kayo , Umezu Shinjiro 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe collection capacity of common nasopharyngeal swabs and irregularities of medical personnel limit the accuracy of PCR testing. This study describes a newly designed 3D-printed swab that is combined with a 3D-printed cover to prevent the extraction of undesired nasal secretions. This swab improved the accuracy of PCR test results. The results of a series of experiments showed that, because of the mucus extraction effect, 3D-printed swabs can replace ordinary cotton swabs. The crisis of the worldwide medical supply shortage can be ameliorated to a certain extent by applying 3D printing technology.
Assessment of Variation in Feeding Behavior by Color Morph in the Asian citrus Psyllid (Diaphorina citri)
Authors: Antolínez Carlos A. , Szejbak Krzysztof , Mauck Kerry E. , Rivera Monique J. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera:Liviidae), vector of huanglongbing disease, displays a high degree of color polyphenism. In the adult stage, ACP exhibits abdominal colors that can be separated into three color groupings: blue-green, grey-brown and orange-yellow. Color morphology has been shown to influence important and energetically costly psyllid life traits including reproduction, dispersion, immune defense and resistance to insecticides. Despite this, it remains unclear how color morphology is correlated with feeding behavior. Understanding variation in feeding behavior of the ACP color morphs is critical to better understanding how ACP populations utilize host-plants and to assess potential risk for transmission of the causal agent of huanglongbing disease. We compared the feeding behavior of the three ACP color morphs by using electropenetrography (EPG). We did not detect differences in the feeding behavior activities at phloem or xylem tissues when comparing the three-color morphs. Furthermore, there were no differences in feeding behavioral parameters before reaching phloem or xylem tissues. Our results suggest energy requirements are similar between color morphs and feeding behavior parameters associated with CLas transmission are potentially similar between color morphs.
Developing an Anti-Racist Foundations Course in MCH for MPH Students
Authors: Marshall Cassondra , Bakal Michael , Deardorff Julianna , Pies Cheri , Lu Michael C. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Over the past decade, foundational courses in MCH have been revised and revamped to integrate the life course perspective and social determinants of health in ways that bring these essential issues to the core of the learning experience. Yet the racial reckoning of 2020 and the racially disparate health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic underscore that a deeper, more focused approach to anti-racist pedagogy is now imperative for MCH educators and others responsible for developing the MCH workforce.

Methods
In this paper, we discuss our experience of building a ‘community of practice’ of anti-racist MCH trainees through our course, ‘Foundations of Maternal and Child Health Policy, Practice, and Science.’

Results
We identify four principles which guided our course: (1) building on students’ experience, knowledge, identities and social justice commitments; (2) creating a common purpose and shared vocabulary related to racism; (3) organizing classroom activities to reflect real-world problems and professional practices related to addressing structural racism as a root cause of health inequities; and (4) building students’ skills and confidence to recognize and address structural racism as MCH professionals.

Discussion
We hope that this description of our principles, along with examples of how they were put into practice, will be useful to MCH educators who seek to build anti-racist frameworks to guide MCH workforce development.
Women’s Status and its Association With Home Delivery: A Cross-Sectional Study Conducted in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Ali Hussain , Mahmood Qaisar Khalid , Jalil Aisha , Fischer Florian 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Home delivery is a predominant driver of maternal and neonatal deaths in developing countries. Despite the efforts of international organizations in Pakistan, home childbirth is common in the remote and rural areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. We studied women’s position within the household (socio-economic dependence, maternal health decision making, and social mobility) and its association with the preference for home delivery.

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional household survey among 503 ever-married women of reproductive age (15–49 years), who have had childbirth in the last twelve months or were pregnant (more than 6 months) at the time of the interview. A two-stage cluster sampling technique has been used for recruitment. Descriptive and bivariate analyses have been conducted. A binary logistic regression model was calculated to present odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals for factor associated with home delivery.

Results
An inferior status of women, restrictions in mobility and limited power in decision making related to household purchases, maternal health care, and outdoor socializing are contributing factors of home delivery. Furthermore, women having faced intimate partner violence were much more likely to deliver at home (OR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.83.3.86, p < 0.001).

Discussion
We concluded that women are in a position with minimal authority in decision making to access and deliver the baby in any health facility. We recommend that the government should ensure the availability of health facilities in nearby locations to increase institutional deliveries in the study area.
Parental Perception of Body Weight Status of Their 8-year-old Children: Findings from the European CHOP Study
Authors: Xhonneux Annick , Langhendries Jean-Paul , Martin Françoise , Seidel Laurence , Albert Adelin , Dain Elena , Totzauer Martina , Grote Veit , Luque Veronica , Closa-Monasterolo Ricardo , Dionigi Alice Re , Verduci Elvira , Gruszfeld Darius , Socha Piotr , Koletzko Berthold ,   for the European Childhood Obesity Trial Study group
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Maternal perception of child weight status in children with overweight or obesity has received a lot of attention but data on paternal perception of children from presumably healthy cohorts are lacking.

Objective
We aimed to investigate paternal and maternal perception of child weight status at the age of 8 years in a cohort of 591 children from 5 European countries.

Material and Methods
Included were 8-year-old children and their parents participating in the European Childhood Obesity Project (EU CHOP). Weight and height of children and parents were measured and Body Mass Index (BMI, kg/m2) was calculated. Both parents were asked to assess their perception of child weight status using Eckstein scales and their concern about child overweight. The agreement between mother and father perceptions was assessed by Cohen kappa coefficient and their relationship was analyzed by linear mixed effects models based on ordinal logistic regression, accounting for country, child gender and BMI, parental BMI, level of education, concern and type of feeding during first year of life.

Results
Data from children and both parents were available for 432 girls and boys. Mean BMI was comparable in boys and girls (16.7 ± 2.31 vs. 16.9 ± 2.87 kg/m2, P = 0.55). In total, 172 children (29.3%) were overweight or obese. There was a high degree of agreement between mother and father perceptions of their child’s weight status (Cohen kappa 0.77). Multivariate modelling showed that perception levels significantly increased with child BMI but were globally lower than assessed. They differed between countries, gender and types of feeding during first year of life, were influenced by education level of the father but were not related to parental BMI and concern about childhood overweight.

Conclusions
The study showed no overall differences between mothers and fathers in rating their child’s weight status but both parents had a propensity to underestimate their child’s actual weight, particularly in boys.
The EU CHOP trial registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00338689.
When less conditioning provides better estimates: overcontrol and endogenous selection biases in research on intergenerational mobility
Authors: Grätz Michael 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe counterfactual approach to causality has become the dominant approach to understand causality in contemporary social science research. Whilst most sociologists are aware that unobserved, confounding variables may bias the estimates of causal effects (omitted variable bias), the threats of overcontrol and endogenous selection biases are less well known. In particular, widely used practices in research on intergenerational mobility are affected by these biases. I review four of these practices from the viewpoint of the counterfactual approach to causality and show why overcontrol and endogenous selection biases arise when these practices are implemented. I use data from the German Socio-Economic Panel Study (SOEP) to demonstrate the practical consequences of these biases for conclusions about intergenerational mobility. I conclude that future research on intergenerational mobility should reflect more upon the possibilities of bias introduced by conditioning on variables.