bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analyticity of Gaussian Free Field Percolation Observables
Authors: Panagiotis Christoforos , Severo Franco 
Published: July 2022

AbstractWe prove that cluster observables of level-sets of the Gaussian free field on the hypercubic lattice $${{\mathbb {Z}}}^d$$

Z

d

, $$d\ge 3$$

d
≥
3

, are analytic on the whole off-critical regime $${{\mathbb {R}}}\setminus \{h_*\}$$

R
\
{

h

∗

}

. This result concerns in particular the percolation density function $$\theta (h)$$

θ
(
h
)

and the (truncated) susceptibility $$\chi (h)$$

χ
(
h
)

. As an important step towards the proof, we show the exponential decay in probability for the capacity of a finite cluster for all $$h\ne h_*$$

h
≠

h

∗

, which we believe to be a result of independent interest. We also discuss the case of general transient graphs.
Pushdown automata and constant height: decidability and bounds
Authors: Pighizzini Giovanni , Prigioniero Luca 
Published: July 2022

AbstractIt cannot be decided whether a pushdown automaton accepts using a pushdown height, which does not depend on the input length, i.e., when it accepts using constant height. Furthermore, when a pushdown automaton accepts in constant height, the height can be arbitrarily large with respect to the size of the description of the machine, namely it does not exist any recursive function in the size of the description of the machine bounding the height of the pushdown. In contrast, in the restricted case of pushdown automata over a one-letter input alphabet, i.e., unary pushdown automata, the situation is different. First, acceptance in constant height is decidable. Moreover, in the case of acceptance in constant height, the height is at most exponential with respect to the size of the description of the pushdown automaton. We also prove a matching lower bound. Finally, if a unary pushdown automaton uses nonconstant height to accept, then the height should grow at least as the logarithm of the input length. This bound is optimal.
Visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio exhibits strongest association with early post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Bocca Gabriele , Mastoridis Sotiris , Yeung Trevor , James David R. C. , Cunningham Chris 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Aim
Despite their promise as prognostic factors in colorectal cancer, anthropometric data are frequently contradictory or difficult to interpret, with single body-composition parameters often investigated in isolation or heterogeneous clinical cohorts used in analyses. We sought to assess a spectrum of body-composition parameters in a highly selected cohort with locally advanced rectal cancer in a bid to determine those with strongest prognostic potential in this specific setting.

Materials/methods
Between 2014 and 2020, 78 individuals received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, or chemoradiotherapy, followed by radical surgery in the treatment of locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma at Oxford University Hospitals Trust. Demographic, treatment-related, perioperative, and short-term outcomes data were assessed. Body-composition parameters included BMI, and those derived from pre-operative computed-tomography imaging: skeletal mass index (SMI), visceral fat area (VFA), subcutaneous fat area (SFA), perinephric fat area (PFA) visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio (V/S), sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity (SO).

Results
Pre-operative body-composition parameters exhibited particularly strong correlation with post-operative outcomes, with VFA (p = 0.002), V/S (p = 0.019), SO (p = 0.012), and PFA (p = 0.0016) all associated with an increased length of hospital stay. Univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated V/S to be the sole independent body-composition risk factor to be associated with an increased risk of developing Clavien–Dindo complications ≥ 2 (p = 0.033) as well as an increased length of stay (p = 0.005).

Conclusion
Among patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, high visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio is the body-composition parameter most strongly associated with poor early post-operative outcomes. This should be considered in patient selection and prehabilitation protocols.

What does this paper add to the literature?

Our study demonstrates that among body composition parameters, high visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio is strongly associated with increased risk of post-operative complications and increased length of stay in patients undergoing surgery for advanced rectal cancer.
Rheological characterization of complex fluids through a table-top 3D printer
Authors: Tammaro Daniele 
Published: July 2022

Abstract3D printing is changing the way we conceive, design, and build 3D objects in mechanical, biomedical, aerospace, construction, automotive and maritime industries. In the current work, the nonlinear rheological behaviour of polymer melts is measured through a table-top 3D printer (3D RheoPrinter) that, smartly modified, allows inline investigation of viscosity, extrudate swell and melt fracture. By using a piezoresistive mini-transducer, the innovative system is designed to be applicable to all Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) 3D printers by a simple and cost-effective modification of a state-of-art nozzle. The measurements of the nonlinear rheological behaviour are compared with traditional, rotational rheology. Two biodegradable polymers, i.e. polylactic acid and polycaprolactone, are investigated as model systems to test the 3D RheoPrinter. The results of the shear viscosity and the first normal stress difference coefficient, as function of shear rate, show a good agreement between the 3D RheoPrinter and rotational rheometer with an error of about 6% for a confidence interval of 96%. Moreover, the 3D RheoPrinter can still be used as 3D printer. In the last part of this work, it is presented a printing test for building 3D structures in which the results show controllable resolution by means of the measured rheological information such as the extrudate swell. The vision of this work is that an inline rheological characterization, possible with the developed 3D RheoPrinter, can enable automatic process optimization and quality assurance to the 3D printing community. The social and scientific impacts of this work are maximized by the cost-efficiency and simplicity of the design that makes it within reach of the general public. The 3D RheoPrinter opens for a rheological experimentation to a broad audience and it offers important insights to bring FDM to the next level of resolution.
Kinematic differences between uphill roller skiing and on-snow skiing using the V2 skating technique
Authors: Myklebust Håvard , Losnegard Thomas , Hallén Jostein 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Roller skiing is the primary sport-specific training and testing mode during pre-competition periods for cross-country skiers, biathletes, and Nordic combined athletes. The present study aimed to compare the kinematics between uphill roller skiing and on-snow skiing using the V2 sub-technique.

Methods
In a cross-over design, nine well-trained male skiers performed short trials (< 40 s) at constant inclination (8.0°), speed (3.0 m‧s−1), and controlled rolling/gliding friction on asphalt (in the fall), on the treadmill (in the fall and winter), and during on-snow skiing (in the winter). Kinematic data were collected using a validated inertial measurement unit system.

Results
Repeated-measures ANOVAs revealed no differences between treadmill and asphalt roller skiing. Further, including on-snow skiing showed moderate to good reliability (ICC ≥ 0.63, p ≤ 0.001) for ground-contact temporal variables. However, on-snow skiing moderately increased hip range of motion around the longitudinal axis (22.2 ± 7.7° vs. 14.1 ± 4.7°), lateral hip displacement (44.1 ± 7.1 cm vs. 37.2 ± 6.6 cm) and pole push times (422 ± 41 ms vs. 386 ± 31 ms), and on-snow skiing was characterized by altered hip rotational patterns compared to roller skiing.

Conclusion
V2 roller ski skating simulates on-snow ski skating to a large extent, but the mechanical properties of the skis and/or surface hardness systematically alter skiers’ hip movements and pole push times. This implies a potential for equipment optimization to increase training specificity during pre-competition periods and highlights a need for future studies to examine the kinematic effects of snow hardness on all sub-techniques.
Familial acute aortic dissection associated with a novel ACTA2 germline variant
Authors: Strecker Thomas , Wiesmueller Felix , Rudnik-Schöneborn Sabine , Hoyer Juliane , Reis André , Weyand Michael , Agaimy Abbas 
Published: July 2022

AbstractAortic dissection is a life-threatening cardiovascular disease. Hereditary disorders are responsible for a small percentage of cases. Nonetheless, it is important to identify genetic causes, as they are often autosomal dominantly inherited and are of life-saving importance if we can identify persons at risk. Mutations of the ACTA2 gene are the most common cause of non-syndromic familial aortic disease. Exploration of the genetic background in suspected familial cases and determination of the exact etiology are mandatory for management and establishing appropriate follow-up strategies due to the risk of fatal recurrences. Herein, we present a 21-year-old male with a familial acute aortic dissection associated with novel ACTA2 germline variant and discuss the management and surveillance considerations.
Prediction of survival in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia and the response to inhaled nitric oxide
Authors: Thodika Fahad M. S. Arattu , Dimitrova Svilena , Nanjundappa Mahesh , Davenport Mark , Nicolaides Kypros , Dassios Theodore , Greenough Anne 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe use of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in treating pulmonary hypertension in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is controversial. Our aims were to identify factors associated with survival in CDH infants and whether this was influenced by the response to iNO. Results of CDH infants treated in a tertiary surgical and medical perinatal centre in a ten year period (2011–2021) were reviewed. Factors affecting survival were determined. To assess the response to iNO, blood gases prior to and 30 to 60 min after initiation of iNO were analysed and PaO2/FiO2 ratios and oxygenation indices (OI) calculated. One hundred and five infants were admitted with CDH; 46 (43.8%) infants died. The CDH infants who died had a lower median observed to expected lung to head ratio (O/E LHR) (p < 0.001) and a higher median highest OI on day 1 (HOId1) (p < 0.001). HOId1 predicted survival after adjusting for gestational age, Apgar score at 5 min and O/E LHR (odds ratio 0.948 (95% confidence intervals 0.913–0.983)). Seventy-two infants (68.6%) received iNO; 28 survived to discharge. The median PaO2 (46.7 versus 58.8 mmHg, p < 0.001) and the median PaO2/FiO2 ratio (49.4 versus 58.8, p = 0.003) improved post iNO initiation. The percentage change in the PaO2/FiO2 ratio post iNO initiation was higher in infants who survived (69.4%) compared to infants who died (10.2%), p = 0.018.Conclusion: The highest OI on day 1 predicted survival. iNO improved oxygenation in certain CDH infants and a positive response was more likely in those who survived.

What is Known:• The use of iNO is controversial in infants with CDH with respect to whether it improves survival.

What is New:• We have examined predictors of survival in CDH infants including the response to iNO and demonstrated that the highest oxygenation index on day 1 predicted survival (AUCROC =0.908).• Certain infants with CDH responded to iNO and those with a greater response were more likely to survive.
Efficacy and safety of a bioadhesive gel containing propolis extract, nanovitamin C and nanovitamin E on desquamative gingivitis: a double-blind, randomized, clinical trial
Authors: González-Serrano José , Serrano Julia , Sanz Mariano , Torres Jesús , Hernández Gonzalo , López-Pintor Rosa María 
Published: July 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of a gel-containing propolis extract, nanovitamin C, and nanovitamin E as adjuvants to professional plaque removal on desquamative gingivitis (DG).Materials and methodsA randomized clinical trial was conducted on patients suffering DG due to mucocutaneous diseases. Patients received professional supragingival prophylaxis with oral hygiene instructions and were randomly assigned to use test or control gels as toothpaste and to apply it on DG lesions 3 times/day for 4 weeks. DG clinical score (DGCS), clinical periodontal variables, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and oral health impact profile (OHIP-14) were collected at baseline, 2 and 4 weeks.ResultsTwenty-two patients were randomly assigned to test (n = 11) or control group (n = 11). Eighteen had diagnosis of oral lichen planus and four of mucous membrane pemphigoid. DGCS statistically decreased in both groups after treatment with no significant differences between groups. Clinical periodontal outcomes decreased in both groups, but no significant differences were observed. Periodontal variables statistically improved only in test group after treatment. VAS and OHIP-14 scores decreased in test and control groups without significant differences. However, only one test group showed a statistically significant decrease in VAS and OHIP-14 scores after treatment. No adverse effects were reported.ConclusionsTest gel may alleviate DG and improve quality of life without side effects.Clinical relevanceA gel-containing propolis extract, nanovitamin C, and nanovitamin E as adjuvants to mechanical debridement may improve both clinical and patient related outcomes in DG patients without side effects.Clinical trial registration.The study protocol was registered at clinicaltrials.gov with the following number: NCT05124366 on October 16, 2021.
Nuclear DNA Content Variation in Different Life Cycle Stages of Sugar Kelp, Saccharina latissima
Authors: Goecke Franz , Gómez Garreta Amelia , Martín–Martín Rafael , Rull Lluch Jordi , Skjermo Jorunn , Ergon Åshild 
Published: July 2022

AbstractPloidy variants can be utilized to increase yield, introduce sterility, and modify specific traits with an economic impact. Despite economic importance of Saccharina species, their nuclear DNA content in different cell types and life stages remain unclear. The present research was initiated to determine the nuclear DNA content and intraindividual variation at different life cycle stages of the Laminarialean kelp Saccharina latissima. Nuclear DNA content in embryonic and mature sporophytes, released and unreleased zoospores, female, and male gametophytes from Sør-Trøndelag county in Norway were estimated by image analysis using the DNA-localizing fluorochrome DAPI and chicken’s red blood cells as a standard. DNA content of a total of 6905 DAPI-stained nuclei was estimated. This is the first study of nuclear DNA content which covered the life cycle of kelp. The lowest level of DNA content (1C) was observed in zoospores with an average of 0.76 pg. Male and female single spore gametophyte cultures presented higher average DNA content, more than double that of zoospores, suggesting the presence of polyteny. Female gametophyte nuclei were slightly larger and more variable in size than those of male gametophytes. The DNA content observed in embryonic sporophytes and in meristoderm cells from older sporophytes (1.51 pg) was 2C as expected and in the range of previously published studies of sporophytes of S. latissima. Mature sporophytes showed intra-plant variation with DNA content values ranging from 2-16C. The main difference was between meristoderm cells (mostly 2C) and cortical and medullary cells (2-16C).
Brain infarction following meningioma surgery—incidence, risk factors, and impact on function, seizure risk, and patient-reported quality of life
Authors: Strand Per S. , Sagberg Lisa M. , Gulati Sasha , Solheim Ole 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
In this study, we seek to explore the incidence of and potential risk factors for postoperative infarctions after meningioma surgery, in addition to the possible association with new neurological deficits, seizures, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). A single-center cohort study was conducted, where all patients operated for an intracranial meningioma at our institution between 2007 and 2020 were screened for inclusion. Clinical data were prospectively collected in a local tumor registry, and HRQoL was assessed using both generic and disease-specific instruments. In total, 327 meningioma operations were included, and early postoperative MRIs showed peritumoral infarctions in 114 (34.9%). Median infarction volume was 4.5 ml (interquartile range 2.0–9.5) and 43 (37.7%) of the infarctions were rim-shaped, 44 (38.6%) were sector-shaped, 25 (21.9%) were a combination of rim- and sector-shaped, and two (1.8%) were remote infarctions. Permanent neurological deficits were seen in 22 patients (6.7%) and deficits were associated with infarctions (p < 0.001). There was no difference in frequency of registered postoperative epilepsy between patients with versus without infarctions. Patients with infarctions reported more future uncertainty; otherwise, there were no significant differences in disease specific HRQoL between patients with versus without infarctions. In this study, we found that peritumoral infarctions after meningioma resection are common. Most patients with permanent neurological deficits had infarctions. Yet, most infarctions were small, and although sometimes symptomatic on individual level, infarctions did not lead to significant deterioration of HRQoL on group level.
Teleosemantics and the free energy principle
Authors: Mann Stephen Francis , Pain Ross 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe free energy principle is notoriously difficult to understand. In this paper, we relate the principle to a framework that philosophers of biology are familiar with: Ruth Millikan’s teleosemantics. We argue that: (i) systems that minimise free energy are systems with a proper function; and (ii) Karl Friston’s notion of implicit modelling can be understood in terms of Millikan’s notion of mapping relations. Our analysis reveals some surprising formal similarities between the two frameworks, and suggests interesting lines of future research. We hope this will aid further philosophical evaluation of the free energy principle.
Study on spinnability of arabinoxylan extracted from barley husks
Authors: Butylina Svetlana , Koljonen Krista , Hiltunen Salla , Laatikainen Katri 
Published: July 2022

AbstractValorisation of bio-based materials derived from agricultural and industrial side-streams or waste-streams is a basis of circular economy. However, the success of it depends on the full understanding of materials and finding their optimal way of processing. Barley husk is a side-stream waste material derived from the starch and ethanol production. This study is focused on the processability of the arabinoxylan extracted from barley husk using the electrospinning technique to produce thin xylan-poly(vinyl alcohol) fibres. As a comparison, lignin-free xylan of beech wood was used. The properties of spinning solutions and resulting nanofibrous mats were assessed by using rheological measurements, FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and contact angle measurements. It was found that solubility plays a crucial role in the spinnability of xylan extracts. Decrease in viscosity of arabinoxylan achieved by decreasing its concentration was found to improve the jet stability but at the same time, to reduce the diameter of spun fibre. Hydrophilicity of nanofibrous mats were strongly affected by the type of xylan and solvent used. The xylan-based nanofibres have specific properties that could be used for developing value-added applications, such as material for scaffolds for tissue engineering, drug delivery, medical implants, biosensors, wound dressing, water filtration and packaging or further process into carbon nanofibres.
Graphical abstract
Academia and society in collaborative knowledge production towards urban sustainability: several schemes—three common crossroads
Authors: Klintman Mikael , Jonsson Anna , Grafström Maria , Torgilsson Petra 
Published: July 2022

AbstractArrangements for collaboration in knowledge production across academia, government, non-governmental organisations, and corporations have several names, such as citizen-science, community-based participatory research, engaged research and hybrid forums. The multiplicity of schemes does not lie only in the high number of names for various versions of collaborative knowledge production. Different scholars also use concepts in multiple ways, depending on their individual choices, mother disciplines, and the problem area in which collaboration occurs. At the same time, there is a lack of analytical tools that address the full range of collaborative research schemes and provide a systematic set of questions to learn about the schemes, challenges, and opportunities. Based on our review of academic journal articles highlighting collaborative research schemes, this paper aims to analyse three parameters which it is fair to say that virtually all arrangements of collaborative knowledge production ought to consider when making decisions, parameters that are often partially missed or misunderstood: (A) epistemic-procedural, (B) exclusive-inclusive and (C) aggregative-integrative. By examining the three parameters, their political theory origins, and how they connect to and challenge existing schemes of knowledge collaboration, we provide analytical tools that could facilitate processes of developing and scrutinising arrangements of collaborative research.
Distribution of angle lambda and pupil offset as measured by combined Placido Scheimpflug Topography
Authors: Gharieb Hesham Mohamed , Shalaby Hisham Samy , Othman Ihab Saad 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Angle lambda is the angle between the pupillary axis and the line of sight. It is important for accurate centration during anterior segment surgery. The purpose of this study is to identify the distribution of angle lambda and pupil center offset as measured by a combined placido disc Scheimpflug topography system.

Methods
A prospective non-randomized study was performed on 2178 eyes in Eye World Hospital, Giza, Egypt. Sirius device (CSO, Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici, Florence, Italy, version 3.2.1.60) was used to measure average keratometry (K), anterior chamber depth (ACD), central corneal thickness (CCT), horizontal visible iris diameter (HVID), pupil radius (PR), pupil center intercept x-component (PCI-x), and pupil center intercept y-component (PCI-y). Axial length (AL) was measured by immersion A-scan Eyecube Ultrasonography device (Ellex, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia). Angle lambda was calculated by a trigonometrical equation. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between angle lambda and age and refraction.

Results
Average angle lambda in all eyes was 3.32° ± 1.99. Mean angle lambda was significantly smallest in myopia and largest in hyperopia. Age correlation to angle lambda was insignificant. Average PCI-x and PCI-y in all eyes was − 0.047 mm and + 0.091 mm, respectively.

Conclusions
Angle λ is significantly larger in hyperopia than myopia, and the effect of age is insignificant. Pupil center offset was horizontally greater in hyperopia than in myopia. We therefore encourage the preoperative assessment of angle λ to avoid decentered ablation, especially when treating hyperopia.