bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical thrombectomy does not increase the risk of acute symptomatic seizures in patients with an ischaemic stroke: a propensity score matching study
Authors: Kohlhase Konstantin , Tako Lisa Marie , Zöllner Johann Philipp , Golbach Rejane , Pfeilschifter Waltraud , Steinmetz Helmuth , Rosenow Felix , Strzelczyk Adam 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Background
Mechanical thrombectomy and systemic thrombolysis are important therapies for stroke patients. However, there is disagreement about the accompanying risk of acute symptomatic seizures.

Methods
A retrospective analysis of patients with an acute ischaemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion was performed. The patients were divided into four groups based on whether they received either mechanical thrombectomy (MT) or systemic thrombolysis (ST; group 1: MT+/ST−; group 2: MT+/ST+; group 3: MT−/ST+; group 4: MT−/ST−). Propensity score matching was conducted for each group combination (1:3, 1:4, 2:3, 2:4, 1:2, 3:4) using the covariates “NIHSS at admission”, “mRS prior to event” and “age”. The primary endpoint was defined as the occurrence of acute symptomatic seizures.

Results
A total of 987 patients met the inclusion criteria, of whom 208, 264, 169 and 346 belonged to groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Propensity score matched groups consisted of 160:160, 143:143, 156:156, 144:144, 204:204 and 165:165 patients for the comparisons 1:3, 1:4, 2:3, 2:4, 1:2 and 3:4, respectively. Based on chi-squared tests, there was no significant difference in the frequency of acute symptomatic seizures between the groups. Subgroups varied in their frequency of acute symptomatic seizures, ranging from 2.8 to 3.8%, 2.8–4.4%, 3.6–3.8% and 4.9–6.3% in groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively.

Conclusion
There was no association between MT or ST and an increased risk of acute symptomatic seizures in patients with an acute ischaemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion who were treated at a primary stroke centre.
Volumetric growth of soft tissues evaluated in the current configuration
Authors: Zhuan X , Luo X Y 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe growth and remodelling of soft tissues plays a significant role in many physiological applications, particularly in understanding and managing many diseases. A commonly used approach for soft tissue growth and remodelling is volumetric growth theory, introduced in the framework of finite elasticity. In such an approach, the total deformation gradient tensor is decomposed so that the elastic and growth tensors can be studied separately. A critical element in this approach is to determine the growth tensor and its evolution with time. Most existing volumetric growth theories define the growth tensor in the reference (natural) configuration, which does not reflect the continuous adaptation processes of soft tissues under the current configuration. In a few studies where growth from a loaded configuration was considered, simplifying assumptions, such as compatible deformation or geometric symmetries, were introduced. In this work, we propose a new volumetric growth law that depends on fields evaluated in the current configuration, which is residually stressed and loaded, without any geometrical restrictions. We illustrate our idea using a simplified left ventricle model, which admits inhomogeneous growth in the current configuration. We compare the residual stress distribution of our approach with the traditional volumetric growth theory, that assumes growth occurring from the natural reference configuration. We show that the proposed framework leads to qualitative agreements with experimental measurements. Furthermore, using a cylindrical model, we find an incompatibility index that explains the differences between the two approaches in more depth. We also demonstrate that results from both approaches reach the same steady solution published previously at the limit of a saturated growth. Although we used a left ventricle model as an example, our theory is applicable in modelling the volumetric growth of general soft tissues.
A low-cost wind tunnel for bird flight experiments
Authors: Grogger Herwig A. , Gossar Martin , Makovec Michael , Fritz Johannes , Neugebauer Katharina , Amann Frederik , Voelkl Bernhard 
Published: January 2022

AbstractA blower-type wind tunnel for physiological bird flight experiments has been developed, constructed and evaluated. Since the birds to be investigated are rather big (Northern Bald Ibis, Geronticus eremita), the cross-sectional area of the test section measures 2.5 m × 1.5 m. The maximum achievable flow speed is approximately 16 ms−1. The wind tunnel exhibits a flexible outlet nozzle to provide up- and downdraft to allow for gliding and climbing flights. The current paper describes in detail the layout, design and construction of the wind tunnel including its control. Numerical simulations of the flow and measurements of the velocity distribution in the test section are presented. Apart from a non-homogeneous flow region in the mixing layer at the boundaries of the free jet, the test section exhibits a very even velocity distribution; the local speed deviates by less than two percent from the mean velocity. The turbulence intensity inside the test section was measured to be between 1 and 2%. As a constraint, a limited budget was available for the project. Four northern bald ibises were hand-raised and trained to fly in the wind tunnel.
Life span of a landslide dam on mountain valley caught on seismic signals and its possible early warnings
Authors: Yang Che-Ming , Chang Jui-Ming , Hung Chi-Yao , Lu Chih-Heng , Chao Wei-An , Kang Keng-Hao 
Published: January 2022

AbstractOutburst flooding after a landslide dam breach causes global fatalities and devastation. Information on the timing, magnitude, and location of the landslide dam is crucial to hazard assessment. Despite recent efforts, successful real-time detection of landslide dams in mountain valleys and dam breakages is rare. Here, we present a series of seismic analysis including landslide detection, identification of landslide dam formations, and monitoring of dam breaches. We show the working of our analysis on a recent landslide dam that occurred in eastern Taiwan. The results indicate that our seismic analysis provides important information on the location and magnitude of landslides and the dam forming based on data acquired from a regional broadband seismic network. Furthermore, we see that the failure of the landslide dam is directly caught by the riverside seismic signals. To provide warning times for impending floods to downstream areas, we believe that proximal high-quality seismic signals along the river channel are viable options for an operational real-time monitoring system, for landslide dams occurring in mountain valleys. Our work can be a starting point to raise awareness in the community.
Editorial: The society for environmental geochemistry and health (SEGH): 50 years and beyond
Authors: Watts M. J. , Argyraki A. , Barbieri M. , Brown A. , Button M. , Finkelman R. , Gibson G. , Humphrey O. , Huo X. , Hursthouse A. S. , Kaninga B. , Marinho Reis P. , Middleton D. R. S. , Morton-Bermea O. , Nazarpour A. , Olatunji A. S. , Osano O. , Potgieter-Vermaak S. , Prater C. , Torrance K. , Wong M. H. , Zhang C. , Zia M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWhen the SEGH international board released a short editorial paper back in 2019, we described an aim to increase the membership offering, whilst improving the diversity of input regionally, by scientific discipline and to ensure greater and more regular contact across the regions from 2020 onwards. Wider aspirations described in 2019 (Watts et al. 2019) are discussed within this short communication at the end of 2021 to evaluate progress made. In particular, how the SEGH community adapted to the unprecedented circumstances that have challenged each and every one of us throughout the COVID-19 pandemic since early 2020 and are likely to influence our activities for the foreseeable future.
Wire laser metal deposition of 22% Cr duplex stainless steel: as-deposited and heat-treated microstructure and mechanical properties
Authors: Baghdadchi Amir , Hosseini Vahid A. , Valiente Bermejo Maria Asuncion , Axelsson Björn , Harati Ebrahim , Högström Mats , Karlsson Leif 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDuplex stainless steel (DSS) blocks with dimensions of 150 × 70x30 mm3 were fabricated by Laser Metal Deposition with Wire (LMDw). Implementation of a programmable logic control system and the hot-wire technology provided a stable and consistent process producing high-quality and virtually defect-free deposits. Microstructure and mechanical properties were studied for as-deposited (AD) material and when heat-treated (HT) for 1 h at 1100 °C. The AD microstructure was inhomogeneous with highly ferritic areas with nitrides and austenitic regions with fine secondary austenite occurring in a periodic manner. Heat treatment produced a homogenized microstructure, free from nitrides and fine secondary austenite, with balanced ferrite and austenite fractions. Although some nitrogen was lost during LMDw, heat treatment or reheating by subsequent passes in AD allowed the formation of about 50% austenite. Mechanical properties fulfilled common requirements on strength and toughness in both as-deposited and heat-treated conditions achieving the highest strength in AD condition and best toughness and ductility in HT condition. Epitaxial ferrite growth, giving elongated grains along the build direction, resulted in somewhat higher toughness in both AD and HT conditions when cracks propagated perpendicular to the build direction. It was concluded that high-quality components can be produced by LMDw and that deposits can be used in either AD or HT conditions. The findings of this research provide valuable input for the fabrication of high-performance DSS AM components.
Graphical Abstract
Environmental efficiency measurement when producers control pollutants under heterogeneous conditions: a generalization of the materials balance approach
Authors: Eder Andreas 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis article provides a generalization of the materials balance-based production model introduced by Coelli et al. (2007). Based on this, some new environmental efficiency (EE) measures are presented. The Coelli et al. (2007) EE measure and its extension by Rødseth (2016) produce biased efficiency estimates if the material flow coefficients (MFCs) are heterogeneous across decision-making units and non-discretionary. Furthermore, the Coelli et al. (2007) measure fails to reward emission reductions by emission control. To overcome these shortcomings, this paper proposes production models which allow for heterogeneous MFCs reflecting differences of external environmental factors or non-controllable heterogeneities in inputs and outputs, and which properly take into account emission abatement activities. Based on this, EE measures are provided and decomposed into (i) a part reflecting emission control efficiency (ECE), (ii) a part measuring material input efficiency (MIE), and (iii) a part reflecting the efficient allocation between material and non-material inputs (environmental allocative efficiency, EAE). The approach is illustrated by an empirical application to arable farming in Austria utilizing data from 90 farms for the year 2011. Soil erosion is considered an undesirable output and land a material input. The average EE, ECE, MIE, and EAE are 0.53, 0.96, 0.69, and 0.79, respectively. The results indicate that actual output can be potentially achieved with 47% less soil loss. Most of the potential to improve EE is due to differences in MIE and EAE. Removing inefficiencies in the implementation of existing, subsidized erosion controls allows soil loss to be reduced by 4%.
Parallel border tracking in binary images using GPUs
Authors: Garcia-Molla Victor M. , Alonso-Jordá Pedro , García-Laguía Ricardo 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBorder tracking in binary images is an important kernel for many applications. There are very efficient sequential algorithms, most notably, the algorithm proposed by Suzuki et al., which has been implemented for CPUs in well-known libraries. However, under some circumstances, it would be advantageous to perform the border tracking in GPUs as efficiently as possible. In this paper, we propose a parallel version of the Suzuki algorithm that is designed to be executed in GPUs and implemented in CUDA. The proposed algorithm is based on splitting the image into small rectangles. Then, a thread is launched for each rectangle, which tracks the borders in its associated rectangle. The final step is to perform the connection of the borders belonging to several rectangles. The parallel algorithm has been compared with a state-of-the-art sequential CPU version, using two different CPUs and two different GPUs for the evaluation. The computing times obtained show that in these experiments with the GPUs and CPUs that we had available, the proposed parallel algorithm running in the fastest GPU is more than 10 times faster than the sequential CPU routine running in the fastest CPU.
Liquid Immiscibility and Thermodynamic Assessment of the Al2O3–TiO2–SiO2 System
Authors: Ilatovskaia M. , Fabrichnaya O. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPhase equilibria in the TiO2–SiO2 system have been studied experimentally using DTA and SEM/EDX. The thermodynamic parameters for the TiO2–SiO2 system have been assessed considering new experimental data of the present work and from the literature. Moreover, the miscibility of the liquid in the Al2O3–TiO2–SiO2 system has been studied at 2013 K in air and shrinkage of the miscibility gap at 3.8 mol% Al2O3 has been demonstrated. The experimental data obtained in the present work and literature as well as the thermodynamic databases for the binary Al2O3–TiO2, TiO2–SiO2, and Al2O3–SiO2 systems have been used to derive the thermodynamic description of the Al2O3–TiO2–SiO2 system using the CALPHAD approach. Solid phases have been modeled using the compound energy formalism. The liquid phase has been described by the two-sublattice partially ionic liquid model. A set of self-consistent parameters have been proposed, which resulted in a reasonably good agreement between the calculated and experimental data on the phase equilibria, liquid immiscibility, and thermodynamic properties in the Al2O3–TiO2–SiO2 system.
Analysis of PD-1, PD-L1, and T-cell infiltration in angiosarcoma pathogenetic subgroups
Authors: Tomassen T. , Weidema M. E. , Hillebrandt-Roeffen M. H. S. , van der Horst C. ,   PALGA group*, Desar I. M. E. , Flucke U. E. , Versleijen-Jonkers Yvonne M. H. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAngiosarcoma (AS) is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis. It can develop spontaneously or due to previous radiotherapy (RT), ultraviolet (UV) radiation, or lymphoedema (Stewart Treves AS). Novel therapeutic approaches are needed, but progress is hindered because of the heterogeneity and rarity of AS. In order to explore the potential of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI), we investigated the protein expression of programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), and CD8 + T cells in 165 AS cases in relation to AS subgroups based on clinical classification and in relation to whole-genome methylation profiling based clusters (A1, A2, B1, B2). High PD-L1 and PD-1 expression were predominantly shown in UV-associated, visceral, and soft tissue AS. RT-associated AS showed predominantly high PD-1 expression. CD8 + T cell infiltration was present in the majority of AS samples. Within the UV-associated AS, two different clusters can be distinguished by DNA methylation profiling. Cases in cluster A1 showed higher PD-1 (p = 0.015), PD-L1 (p = 0.015), and CD8 + T cells (p = 0.008) compared to those in cluster B2, suggesting that these UV-AS tumors are more immunogenic than B2 tumors showing a difference even within one subgroup. In soft tissue AS, combined PD-1 and PD-L1 expression showed a trend toward poor survival (p = 0.051), whereas in UV-associated AS, PD-1 expression correlated with better survival (p = 0.035). In conclusion, we show the presence of PD-1, PD-L1, and CD8 + T cells in the majority of AS but reveal differences between and within AS subgroups, providing prognostic information and indicating to be predictive for ICI.
COVID-19-mediated patient delay caused increased total ischaemic time in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Sturkenboom H. N. , van Hattem V. A. E. , Nieuwland W. , Paris F. M. A. , Magro M. , Anthonio R. L. , Algin A. , Lipsic E. , Bruwiere E. , Van den Branden B. J. L. , Polad J. , Tonino P. , Tio R. A. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe current study aimed to evaluate changes in treatment delay and outcome for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the Netherlands during the first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, thereby comparing regions with a high and low COVID-19 hospitalisation rate.MethodsClinical characteristics, STEMI timing variables, 30-day all-cause mortality and cardiovascular complications of all consecutive patients admitted for STEMI from 1 January to 30 June in 2020 and 2019 to six hospitals performing a high volume of percutaneous coronary interventions were collected retrospectively using data from the Netherlands Heart Registry, hospital records and ambulance report forms. Patient delay, pre-hospital delay and door-to-balloon time before and after the outbreak of COVID-19 were compared to the equivalent periods in 2019.ResultsA total of 2169 patients were included. During the outbreak median total treatment delay significantly increased (2 h 51 min vs 2 h 32 min;p = 0.043) due to an increased patient delay (1 h 20 min vs 1 h;p = 0.030) with more late presentations > 24 h (1.1% vs 0.3%) in 2020. This increase was particularly evident during the peak phase of COVID-19 in regions with a high COVID-19 hospitalisation rate. During the peak phase door-to-balloon time was shorter (38 min vs 43 min;p = 0.042) than in 2019. All-cause 30-day mortality was comparable in both time frames (7.8% vs 7.3%;p = 0.797).ConclusionsDuring the outbreak of COVID-19 patient delay caused an increase in total ischaemic time for STEMI, with a more pronounced delay in high-endemic regions, stressing the importance of good patient education during comparable crisis situations.
Quaternary groundwater aquifer suitability for drinking in Akhmim, Upper Egypt: an assessment using water quality index and GIS techniques
Authors: Hagage Mohammed , Madani Ahmed A. , Elbeih Salwa F. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe Quaternary aquifer has a special significance in Akhmim district, Upper Egypt, especially during the dry seasons, when surface water resources are insufficient and limited. In Akhmim district, the population mainly depends on groundwater for drinking, especially in spontaneous residential areas and inside agricultural lands. Therefore, assessing the groundwater quality is necessary to reduce diseases resulting from using polluted water in drinking. The Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index (WAWQI) was used for evaluating the groundwater quality, and it was classified according to the Egyptian and WHO standards and based on fifteen measured physicochemical parameters (TDS, Na, Cl, Ca, pH, Mg, NO3, SO4, TH, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, and Zn). To investigate the spatial distribution of WAWQI in Akhmim district, the spatial analyst tools (IDW method) were used. The WAWQI results showed a great diversity in groundwater viability for drinking due to the exposure of groundwater to many sources of degradation, identified through field verification and previous work about the study area. The groundwater of the Quaternary aquifer was divided into excellent, good, poor, very poor, and unsuitable. In addition, about 50% of Akhmim district wells are inappropriate for drinking with classes ranging from unsuitable to poor. To use groundwater for drinking, the sources of degradation to which the groundwater is exposed must first be reduced, and the water should be treated before drinking.
Biostimulants, soil improvers, bioprotectants: promoters of bio-intensification in plant production
Authors: Feldmann Falko , Jehle Johannes , Bradáčová Klára , Weinmann Markus 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe paper summarizes, after defining the meaning and agreed-upon usage of crucial key-concepts, the different perspectives of participants of the 10th Symposium Plant Protection and Plant Health International held on 23rd November 2021 on “Biostimulants, soil improvers, bioprotectants: promoters of bio-intensification in plant production” and the state of the art in the research on this topic. In total, 254 participants from 24 countries from around the world participated in the symposium, representing regulatory bodies, universities, federal research institutions, non-governmental associations, industry, advisors for plant protection, and practitioners of modern agricultural approaches. The results of presentations, discussions and post-symposium reactions are reported in this article.
Immunities And Arbitration: A New Lex Specialis Regime
Authors: Talwar Mouland Satya 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe interaction between immunities and jurisdiction is complex. One lacuna is whether the international legal principle of state immunity is a rule or principle in its own right or an exception to a pre-existing jurisdiction. In the context of international arbitration disputes, this distinction is significant. States have been relying on immunity to exclude the jurisdiction of national courts to support the international arbitral process. This Article argues there is now a growing set of common and consistent practice according to which state immunity operates as a rule or principle lex specialis to a more general set of rules or principles governing the enforcement jurisdiction of national courts.
The Role of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights in Climate Litigation
Authors: van Zeben Josephine 
Published: January 2022

AbstractClimate litigation has become a permanent fixture in the climate law and policy landscape. Across jurisdictions, climate litigation takes different shapes, with actions based on administrative, civil, or criminal law. An increasing number of cases incorporate human rights, leading to courts inter alia imposing more onerous mitigation obligations on governments and private actors in light of human rights provisions. Several landmark cases in this domain have come from European jurisdictions and have been argued with reference to both the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the European Union’s Charter of Fundamental Rights. An analysis of case law from the European Member States shows that the emerging picture is one of the Charter playing a secondary role to the ECHR. Based on this jurisprudential analysis, this article reflects on the future role of the Charter in climate litigation, and by extension, in shaping environmental human rights.
The Precarious Rationality of International Law: Critiquing the International Rule of Recognition
Authors: Green Alex 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSome scholars assume that the content and validity of international legal norms turns upon the existence of convergent attitudes and behaviors of state representatives and other ‘international legal officials’. By converging upon the criteria for what counts as a ‘formal source’ of international law and what does not, such officials provide a ‘rule of recognition’ in relation to which the normative content of the international legal system is determined. In this Article I present two theoretical problems with this view, arguing that, depending on exactly what role this rule is intended to fulfil within international legal theory, it is either metaphysically insupportable or fundamentally at odds with the disagreements that persist in relation to the formal sources of international law. Both problems risk undermining the rationality of international legal argumentation and that any reliance upon the existence of an international rule of recognition should be eschewed as a result.