bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid near-occlusions have very similar angiographic appearance on CT-angiography
Authors: Kellomäki Elisa , Gu Thomas , Fox Allan J. , Johansson Elias 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare the angiographic appearance of symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid near-occlusion. We have found no such previous study. The study hypothesis was that among symptomatic patients with ≥ 50% carotid stenosis, near-occlusion is more common and near-occlusions are more severe than among asymptomatic persons with ≥ 50% carotid stenosis. We reassessed consecutive CTAs from 4042 persons, 645 had ≥ 50% carotid stenosis, and 385 (60%) symptomatic. Near-occlusion was similarly common in symptomatic (105, 27%) and asymptomatic (56, 24%) cases. Among near-occlusions, the angiographic appearance was very similar between symptomatic and asymptomatic cases: mean stenosis lumen diameter (0.7 mm), distal ICA diameter (2.1 mm), and ECA ratio (0.79) were the same in both groups. Mean ICA ratio (0.46 and 0.48) and share of full collapse was very similar (45% and 42%). These findings add to the pathophysiological understanding of carotid near-occlusion.
Otoendoscopy in the era of narrow-band imaging: a pictorial review
Authors: Pollastri Federica , Locatello Luca Giovanni , Bruno Chiara , Maggiore Giandomenico , Gallo Oreste , Pecci Rudi , Giannoni Beatrice 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Otoendoscopy represents the initial non-invasive diagnostic cornerstone for external and middle ear disorders. Recently, new techniques of enhanced imaging such as narrow-band imaging (NBI) have been introduced but their role as a potential aid in otological practice remains unproven. In this pictorial review, we want to present the potential application of this endoscopic method, highlight its limitations, and give some hints regarding its future implementation.

Methods
Representative cases of external and/or middle ear pathologies were selected to illustrate the role of NBI in this regard.

Results
NBI may represent a useful aid in the otological work-up, in the differential diagnosis of ear tumor-like masses, and, possibly, in the prognosis of tympanic perforations. For other ear disorders, instead, this technique does not seem to add anything to the standard clinical practice.

Conclusions
NBI might prove useful in the assessment of selected external and middle ear disorders but its role must be prospectively validated.
Kidney function and renal resistive index in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Cafarotti Alessandro , Marcovecchio Maria Loredana , Lapergola Giuseppe , Di Battista Caterina , Marsili Manuela , Basilico Raffaella , Di Donato Giulia , David Daniela , Pelliccia Piernicola , Chiarelli Francesco , Breda Luciana 
Published: September 2022

AbstractJuvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a common pediatric rheumatic disease. Renal manifestations have been rarely observed in JIA, although amyloidosis could be a renal complication in systemic JIA (sJIA). To investigate renal damage in JIA children and to establish the relationship with treatment. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, cystatin C (CysC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), urinary albumin excretion (UAE), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and renal resistive index (RRI) were assessed in 49 JIA children (9 boys/40 girls, mean age 10.3 ± 3.8 years) and in 49 healthy controls (24 boys/25 girls, mean age 11.3 ± 3.4 years). Twenty-two JIA patients were on methotrexate (MTX) therapy (group A) and 27 on biologic drugs (group B). CysC and BUN (respectively, 0.8 ± 0.1 vs. 0.7 ± 0.1 mg/dl; 13.3 ± 2.9 vs. 11.7 ± 1.4 mg/dl) were higher (p ≤ 0.001) whereas creatinine and eGFR (respectively, 0.5 ± 0.1 vs. 0.6 ± 0.1 mg/dl; 99.2 ± 10.5 vs. 122.5 ± 19.8 ml/min/1.73 m2) were lower in JIA children as compared to controls (p < 0.001). UAE resulted higher in patients than in controls (p = 0.003). Mean RRI was higher in JIA children than controls (0.7 ± 0.04 vs. 0.6 ± 0.04; p < 0.001). Group B showed higher mean RRI than group A (0.7 ± 0.1 vs. 0.7 ± 0.04; p < 0.001). Associations were found between RRI and ESR, JADAS-27, disease state, BMI-SDS (p < 0.001), CRP (p = 0.003) and eGFR (p = 0.001). JIA children had reduced eGFR, increased UAE and higher RRI values, than controls. RRIs were higher in patients on biologic drugs than MTX group and were associated with inflammation indexes and disease state, suggesting a direct effect of the disease.
Association of electrochemical skin conductance with neuropathy in chemotherapy-treated patients
Authors: Mahfouz Fawaz Mayez , Park Susanna B. , Li Tiffany , Timmins Hannah C. , Horvath Lisa G. , Harrison Michelle , Grimison Peter , King Tracy , Goldstein David , Mizrahi David 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is an adverse event of cancer treatment that can affect sensory, motor, or autonomic nerves. Assessment of autonomic neuropathy is challenging, with limited available tools. Accordingly, it is not routinely assessed in chemotherapy-treated patients. In this study, we aimed to examine whether electrochemical skin conductance (ESC) via Sudoscan, a potential measure of autonomic function, associates with subjective and objective measures of CIPN severity and autonomic neuropathy.

Methods
A cross-sectional assessment of patients who completed neurotoxic chemotherapy 3–24 months prior was undertaken using CIPN patient-reported outcomes (EORTC-QLQ-CIPN20), clinically graded scale (NCI-CTCAE), neurological examination score (TNSc), autonomic outcome measure (SAS), and Sudoscan. Differences in CIPN severity between participants with or without ESC dysfunction were investigated. Linear regression analyses were used to identify whether ESC values could predict CIPN severity.

Results
A total of 130 participants were assessed, with 93 participants classified with CIPN according to the clinically graded scale (NCI-CTCAE/grade ≥ 1), while 49% demonstrated hands or feet ESC dysfunction (n = 46). Participants with ESC dysfunction did not significantly differ from those with no dysfunction on multiple CIPN severity measures (clinical-grade, patient-report, neurological examination), and no differences on the autonomic outcome measure (SAS) (all p > 0.0063). Linear regression analyses showed that CIPN could not be predicted by ESC values.

Conclusions
The inability of ESC values via Sudoscan to predict clinically-graded and patient-reported CIPN or autonomic dysfunction questions its clinical utility for chemotherapy-treated patients. The understanding of autonomic neuropathy with chemotherapy treatment remains limited and must be addressed to improve quality of life in cancer survivors.
Response scale overstretch: linear stretching of response scales does not ensure cross-project equivalence in harmonised data
Authors: Cichocki Piotr , Jabkowski Piotr 
Published: September 2022

AbstractDifferences in the response-scale formats constitute a major challenge for ex-post harmonisation of survey data. Linear stretching of original response options onto a common range of values remains a popular response to format differences. Unlike its more sophisticated alternative, simple stretching proves readily applicable without requiring assumptions regarding scale length or access to auxiliary information. The transformation only accounts for response scale length, ignoring all other aspects of measurement quality, which makes the equivalence of harmonised survey variables questionable. This paper focuses on the inherent limitations of linear stretching based on a case study focusing on the measurements of trust in the European Parliament by the Eurobarometer and the European Social Survey—8 timewise corresponding survey waves in 14 European countries (2004–2018). Our analysis demonstrates that the linear stretch approach to harmonising question items with different underlying response scale formats does not make the results of the two surveys equivalent. Despite harmonisation, response scale effects are retained in the distributions of output variables.
Remote sensing and multi-criterion analysis for identifying suitable rainwater harvesting areas
Authors: Debebe Yalembrhan , Otterpohl Ralf , Islam Zubairul 
Published: September 2022

AbstractWater scarcity and soil erosion are the main constraints small holder farmers are facing in Tigray, the northern most part of Ethiopia. Both very high and very low precipitation can cause a damage to agriculture which is the case in semi-arid regions like Tigray. While too little rainfall cannot support the growth of crops resulting in crop failure, the short but intense rainfall also causes a runoff thereby washing away essential soil nutrients. Installation of different micro/macro-catchment rainwater harvesting can address both water scarcity and soil erosion if they are properly designed prior to construction. This research was intended to develop a methodology for identifying suitable rainwater harvesting (rwh) sites by using weighted overlay analysis. It also utilizes Ahp (analytical hierarchy process) as effective multi-criterion decision-making tool in eastern Tigray at Kilte Awlaelo district on an area of 1001 km2. This method was chosen because it is simple to use, cost effective, flexible and widely adopted. Physical, hydrological, climate and socio-economic aspects were taken into account during criteria selection. The result indicated four suitability classes with 8.74% highly suitable areas (85.25 km2), 56% suitable areas (550.75 km2), 30.8% moderately suitable areas (303.2 km2) and 4.46% less suitable areas (43.87 km2). The produced rwh suitability map was also validated by both ground truth on google earth pro and a field trip to the study site. In situ and ex situ rwh including bench terraces, wells, and exclosure areas were identified during the field visit that verified the suitability model. Finally, depending on weight and scale of criteria and sub-criteria that matched to each identified suitable areas, different micro-catchment and macro-catchment techniques of water harvesting are recommended. This methodology can be utilized as decision-making tool for rwh practitioners, local and foreign organizations working on soil water conservation programmes and policy-makers during their early planning stages.
Transient CFD Calculation of Accretion Formation in a Copper Waste Heat Boiler
Authors: Schmidt Amélia , Montenegro Victor , Reuter Markus , Charitos Alexandros , Stelter Michael , Richter Andreas 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The operation of a copper Flash Smelting Furnace (FSF) is often limited by the availability of the downstream Waste Heat Boiler (WHB). Carry-over of concentrate into the boiler leads to accretion formation, which can cause boiler downtime. Hence, the minimization of flue dust and its accretions is an important operational goal. In this study, a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model is used to investigate how three different baffle plate designs influence accretion formation over a period of 24 hours. The predicted dust accretion patterns were compared for all baffle plate modifications, with differences found both in the resulting sedimentation and accretion of dust particles. While the dispersive design led to large, but evenly coated accretion risk zones, a streamlined design minimized their size but led to locally thick accretion layers. Based on these findings, design recommendations for the baffle plate were derived.
The High-Temperature Cu-Fe-S System: Thermodynamic Analysis and Prediction of the Liquid–Solid Phase Range
Authors: Waldner Peter 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThermodynamic modeling of the Cu-Fe-S liquid solution is carried in the framework of the modified quasichemical model. The manifold nature of Cu-Fe-S liquid solutions from highly metallic via sulfur-rich to pure liquid sulfur is described by one single Gibbs energy expression at 1 bar total pressure. The model predictive ability of an asymmetric versus symmetric approach is thermodynamically analyzed with respect to the extrapolation scheme from the binary subsystems into the ternary system. Without the need of adjustable ternary parameters predictions of sulfur potentials for the liquid phase are in line with experimental data available in the literature. High-temperature pyrrhotite optimized via the compound energy formalism and Cu-Fe-S alloy phases are taken into consideration to predict phase equilibria with the liquid solution. Four isothermal and four isoplethal sections demonstrate promising agreement between a large stock of experimental data and prediction.
Bariatric Surgery and the Risk of Cerebrovascular Events: a Meta-analysis of 17 Studies Including 3,124,063 Subjects
Authors: Cai Zixin , Zhang Qirui , Jiang Yingling , Liu Wei , Zhang Jingjing 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Purpose
To perform a meta-analysis of the literature to evaluate the prevalence of cerebrovascular comorbidities between patients undergoing bariatric surgery and those not undergoing bariatric surgery.

Materials and Methods
Studies about the risk of cerebrovascular disease both before and after bariatric surgery were systematically explored in multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase, from the time of database construction to May 2022.

Results
Seventeen studies with 3,124,063 patients were finally included in the meta-analysis. There was a statistically significant reduction in cerebrovascular event risk following bariatric surgery (OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.58 to 0.78; I2 = 87.9%). The results of our meta-analysis showed that bariatric surgery was associated with decreased cerebrovascular event risk in the USA, Sweden, the UK, and Germany but not in China or Finland. There was no significant difference in the incidence of cerebrovascular events among bariatric surgery patients compared to non-surgical patients for greater than or equal to 5 years, but the incidence of cerebrovascular events less than 5 years after bariatric surgery was significantly lower in the surgical patients compared to non-surgical patients in the USA population.

Conclusion
Our meta-analysis suggested that bariatric surgery for severe obesity was associated with a reduced risk of cerebrovascular events in the USA, Sweden, the UK, and Germany. Bariatric surgery significantly reduced the risk of cerebrovascular events within 5 years, but there was no significant difference in the risk of cerebrovascular events for 5 or more years after bariatric surgery in the USA.

Graphical abstract
On the Dirichlet problem associated with bounded perturbations of positively-(p, q)- homogeneous Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Fonda Alessandro , Klun Giuliano , Obersnel Franco , Sfecci Andrea 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe existence of solutions for the Dirichlet problem associated with bounded perturbations of positively-(p, q)-homogeneous Hamiltonian systems is considered both in nonresonant and resonant situations. To deal with the resonant case, the existence of a couple of lower and upper solutions is assumed. Both the well-ordered and the non-well-ordered cases are analysed. The proof is based on phase-plane analysis and topological degree theory.
Der vollkommene Markt – ein nahendes Dilemma der Assekuranz?
Authors: Fleischer Martin , Braun Alexander , Ufert Aneta , Walthes Frank 
Published: September 2022

ZusammenfassungDer vollkommene Markt beschreibt einen theoretischen Idealzustand. Für die Assekuranz ist dieses Paradigma aktueller denn je. Die digitale Transformation führt die Versicherungswirtschaft in Richtung vollkommener Markt. Aus dem bestehenden Polypol in der Assekuranz entwickelten sich zwei Subpolypole: ein klassischer Markt mit Kunden, die nicht oder selten mehrere Angebote vergleichen und ein transparenter Markt, in dem Standardisierung und Vergleiche besonders wichtig sind. Der transparente Markt ist näher am vollkommenen Markt als der klassische Markt. Dementsprechend impliziert er auch andere Treiber für die Gewinnfunktionen von Unternehmen. Als Folge sind je Subpolypol unterschiedliche Kompetenzen notwendig. Versicherungsunternehmen stehen vor einem strategischen Dilemma. Sie können sich einerseits in den Sog des transparenten Marktes begeben und sich als Fast Follower auf dessen Gegebenheiten spezialisieren. Alternativ müssen sie den Fokus auf das permanente Ausbrechen aus dem transparenten Markt richten und als First Mover Alleinstellungsmerkmale aufbauen.
Chinas Reaktion auf Russlands Krieg gegen die Ukraine. Strategische Zurückhaltung mit Moskauer Schlagseite
Authors: Hoppe Sebastian 
Published: September 2022

ZusammenfassungChina hat auf Russlands Angriffskrieg gegen die Ukraine und das in der Folge von westlichen Staaten verhängte Sanktionsregime mit einem diplomatischen Balanceakt mit „Moskauer Schlagseite“ reagiert. Dieser hält an den strategischen Koordinaten der Vorkriegszeit fest: umfangreiche Integration in die Weltwirtschaft bei gleichzeitiger Zurückweisung globaler US-amerikanischer Hegemoniebestrebungen, diplomatischer und energiepolitischer Ausbau der russländisch-chinesischen Beziehungen sowie selektive Militärkooperation mit Moskau.
A probabilistic public key encryption switching scheme for secure cloud storage
Authors: Bhat Radhakrishna , Sunitha N. R. , Iyengar S. S. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe high demand for user-centric applications such as secure cloud storage laid the foundation for the development of user-centric security schemes with multiple security features in recent years. But, the current state-of-art techniques primarily emphasized only one type of security feature i.e., either homomorphism or non-malleability. To fill this gap and provide a common platform for both homomorphic and non-malleable cloud applications, we have introduced a new public key-based probabilistic encryption switching method. The proposed scheme generates $${\mathcal {O}}$$
O
(m+2 log N) bits of ciphertext where $$m\in {\mathbb {N}}$$

m
∈
N

and $$m<n$$

m
<
n

, $$n\in {\mathbb {N}}$$

n
∈
N

is the plaintext size, N is the RSA composite. The superior performance of the proposed scheme has been tested in comparison to existing methods and is reported in this paper.
Fragility of cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) examining nutrition interventions among patients with diabetes mellitus: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Taouktsi Niki , Papageorgiou Stefanos T. , Tousinas Georgios , Papanikolopoulou Stavroula , Grammatikopoulou Maria G. , Giannakoulas George , Goulis Dimitrios G. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Purpose
There is controversy regarding the optimal statistical method to interpret how robust is a statistically significant result. The fragility index (FI) and the reverse fragility index (RFI) are quantitative measures that can facilitate the appraisal of a clinical trial’s robustness. This study was performed to evaluate the FI and RFI of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining nutritional interventions in patients with diabetes mellitus, focusing on cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods
A systematic search was conducted and relevant RCTs were identified in three databases. RCTs examining nutritional interventions (supplements or dietary patterns) in patients with DM with dichotomous primary endpoints involving cardiovascular outcomes were eligible. Data were extracted to compose 2 × 2 event tables and the FI and RFI were calculated for each comparison, using Fisher’s exact test. Risk of bias (RoB) of the included RCTs was assessed with the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool.

Results
A total of 14,315 records were screened and 10 RCTs were included in the analyses. The median FI of the paired comparisons was 3 (IQR: 2–4) and the median RFI was 8 (IQR: 4.5–17). RoB and heterogeneity were low.

Conclusions
RCTs examining nutritional interventions and cardiovascular outcomes among patients with diabetes mellitus appear to be statistically fragile. Τhe FI and the RFI can be reported and interpreted as an additional perspective of a trial’s robustness.

Highlights
• In the evidence-healthcare era, assessing how robust statistically significant results are remains a matter of controversy.
• Recently, the fragility index (FI) and reverse fragility index (RFI) were proposed to assess the robustness of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 2 × 2 comparisons.
• When applying the FI and RFI, RCTs examining nutritional interventions and cardiovascular outcomes among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) appear to be statistically fragile.
• Τhe FI and the RFI can be reported and interpreted as an additional perspective of a trial’s robustness.
• RCTs implementing nutrition interventions among patients with DM can improve their methodology.
Testing the earthquake damage and vulnerability of the Cherichira aqueduct bridge, Kairouan (Tunisia) with discrete element modeling
Authors: Hinzen Klaus-G. , Meghraoui Mustapha , Bahrouni Nejib , Reamer Sharon K. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe Cherichira aqueduct, originating from Roman times, supplied the city of Kairouan, Tunisia, with water and has had alternating phases of damage and repair after the Roman and during the Aghlabid and Fatimid era. A crucial section of the lifeline is the Cherichira aqueduct bridge (CAB), and scholars have discussed the possibility that earthquake ground motions caused damage which disrupted the water supply of Kairouan. However, little was known about the dynamic behavior of the bridge and its vulnerability to earthquake ground motions. Computer-aided design based on a detailed laser scan model of the remains of the bridge and published data were used to reconstruct the CAB of the Aghlabid period. Subsequently converted into a discrete element model, the digital version of the CAB was subjected to analytic ground motion signals and full 3D simulations of local earthquakes. The CAB model shows a fundamental eigenfrequency close to 1 Hz in the direction transverse to its trend, and single-component ground motions in this direction with peak particle velocities above 1.0 m/s cause damage to the top of the CAB. Among the earthquake scenarios with full 3D ground motions applied, only the activation of a nearby thrust fault caused distinct damage. While fractures in the ruins of the CAB cutting through the upper part of the bridge which includes the water canal are a likely cause for disrupting the water flow and are similar to the damage pattern produced in the model calculations, a solely seismogenic cause of the total collapse of some parts of the CAB cannot be verified by the simulations.