bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of laparoscopic performance using low-cost laparoscopy simulators versus state-of-the-art simulators: a multi-center prospective, randomized crossover trial
Authors: Geissler Mark Enrik , Bereuter Jean-Paul , Geissler Rona Berit , Kowalewski Karl-Friedrich , Egen Luisa , Haney Caelan , Schmidt Sofia , Fries Alexa , Buck Nathalie , Weiß Juliane , Krause-Jüttler Grit , Weitz Jürgen , Distler Marius , Oehme Florian , von Bechtolsheim Felix 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Introduction
Simulator training is an efficient method for the development of basic laparoscopic skills. We aimed to investigate if low-cost simulators are comparable to more expensive box trainers regarding surgeons usability, likability, and performance.

Methods
This multi-center, randomized crossover study included 16 medical students, seven abdominal surgeons, and seven urological surgeons. Participants performed four laparoscopic tasks (peg transfer, circle cutting, balloon resection, suture and knot) on both, a “Low cost trainer” (LCT) or a “high cost trainer” (HCT) in a randomized order. The primary endpoint was the subjective rating of both training simulators in terms of camera view, depth perception, movement of instruments, pricing, and usability for training. Secondary endpoints were force parameters, task completion time, surgical errors, and psychological workload.

Results
Participants rated the LCT better concerning view (p < 0.001), depth perception (p = 0.003), pricing (p < 0.001), and usability for digital training (p < 0.001), but worse in terms of instrument movement (p = 0.004). Overall, the LCT was rated better than the HCT (p = 0.015). Regarding force parameters, participants showed a significantly lower force exertion on the HCT during the peg transfer task (p = 0.008). The force exertion in the other tasks were comparable between both trainers. Participants were significantly faster using the HCT during the peg transfer (p = 0.049) and significantly slower in balloon resection (p = 0.049) and suture and knot task (p = 0.026). The assessment of the participants’ workload showed no differences.

Conclusion
The LCT was generally rated better than the HCT. The differences concerning force exertion and task completion time showed better results during peg transfer at the HCT but were generally inconclusive and without systemic advantage for either trainer. However, the LCT could be a promising and cost-effective augmentation for modern laparoscopic training.

Graphical abstract
Cyclic Higgs bundles, subharmonic functions, and the Dirichlet problem
Authors: Miyatake Natsuo 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
We demonstrate the existence and uniqueness of the solution to the Dirichlet problem for a generalization of Hitchin’s equation for diagonal harmonic metrics on cyclic Higgs bundles. The generalized equations are formulated using subharmonic functions. In this generalization, the coefficient exhibits worse regularity than that in the original equation.
Trace metals and Mo isotopic fractionation in Skagerrak sediments–effects of different oxygen conditions
Authors: Siems Anna , Zimmermann Tristan , Sanders Tina , Wieser Michael E. , Pröfrock Daniel 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The Skagerrak is the main depot center for organic matter and anthropogenic pollutants from the entire North Sea. Changes in ocean circulation or suspended matter supply might impact the sediment redox conditions. Indeed, little is known about the response of Skagerrak sediment and associated pollutants to different oxygen levels. We investigated sediments from three stations within the Skagerrak and incubated them for up to twelve months under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Furthermore, we present the first δ
98/95Mo data for Skagerrak sediment profiles and the incubations to be utilized as a redox tracer. The sediment profiles of metals reflected anthropogenic pollution (Cu, Ni, Pb) but differed regionally with redox conditions. We differentiated redox conditions mainly by sediment and porewater Fe, Mn, Mo and δ
98/95Mo. In aerobic incubations, no Mn or Fe reduction was detected, while under anaerobic conditions, initial Mn and Fe reduction decreased after approximately three months. Under anaerobic conditions, a strong isotopic fractionation of Mo in the dissolved phase was found, reaching up to 5.03 ± 0.10‰, probably caused by incomplete thiolation of molybdate under low hydrogen sulfide levels. During the incubations, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb were mobilized. While Cu and Cd were mobilized under aerobic conditions, Ni and Pb mobilization depended mainly on remineralization and redox conditions. Our results show that changes in oxygen conditions in the Skagerrak can have significant effects on the (legacy) metals stored in the sediment over the past decades.

Graphical Abstract
Population genetics of the scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini) in the Gulf of Mexico: evaluating fine scale female philopatry and its importance for management and conservation
Authors: Alfonso-González Massiel , Llanes-Quevedo Alexander , Mar-Silva Adán F. , Lara-Mendoza Raúl E. , Díaz-Jaimes Píndaro 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The Scalloped Hammerhead, Sphyrna lewini, is a large coastal pelagic shark species that inhabits tropical and subtropical waters around the world. It is listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN, Red List). In the present study, we used nine nuclear microsatellite DNA markers and sequences of the complete mitochondrial DNA genome to estimate the diversity and genetic structure of S. lewini in the Gulf of Mexico and to assess whether the genetic evidence supports philopatry within this geographic area. We sampled a total of 73 juvenile individuals from seven locations in the Northern (GMN) and Southern (GMS) Gulf of Mexico. Our results indicate low genetic diversity in the Gulf of Mexico population compared to previously studied populations, which could be related to the origin and colonization of the species. We detected genetic homogeneity in both types of markers, which suggests that philopatric behavior is unlikely in the studied area. Interestingly, the location La Pesca was genetically distinct from the rest of sampled locations, which may warrant special attention for conservation efforts.
Intensive Care Nurses’ Pain Management Experiences within the Framework of the Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Model in Türkiye: A Qualitative Approach
Authors: Bilgin Aylin , Öcalan Sinem , Kovancı Mustafa Sabri 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Pain, which includes biological, psychological, social and spiritual factors, is a common symptom experienced by patients in intensive care. This study aimed to uncover intensive care nurses’ perspectives on pain management strategies, employing the biopsychosocial-spiritual model as the guiding framework. This research employed a descriptive qualitative method, engaging participants from diverse locations across five provinces and eight different institutions. The study involved 16 intensive care nurses and utilized semi-structured online Zoom interviews. Data analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke’s six stages, and reporting followed the consolidated criteria for qualitative studies. The answers of the nurses were grouped under four themes and six subthemes: (1) biological interventions, (2) psychological interventions, (3) social interventions: involving families in the process and (4) spiritual interventions: support religious activities. This study shows that intensive care nurses benefit from many practices in pain management. These interventions included medication management and ensuring physical comfort in the biological factor, distracting activities and being with the patient in the psychological factor, involving the family in care in the social factor and providing an environment that supports the patient’s religious needs under the spiritual factor.
Few-Shot Object Detection Based on Global Domain Adaptation Strategy
Authors: Gong Xiaolin , Cai Youpeng , Wang Jian , Liu Daqing , Ma Yongtao 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Aiming to detect novel objects from only a few annotated samples, few-shot object detection (FSOD) has undergone remarkable development. Previous works rarely pay attention to the perspective of gradient propagation to optimize existing methods, therefore failing to make full use of information for novel objects in gradient propagation. We propose a method to solve this problem based on two-stage fine-tuning. A domain adaptation module with multi-constraints is used to promote the spread of gradients, a classification promotion network is used to improve the effect of classification, and a multi-path mask head is added to enrich RoI features. Experiments on PASCAL VOC and COCO datasets show that our model significantly raises the performance compared with previous methods (up to 1–5

$$\%$$

%

in average).
Effect of Silica Content in a Bio-Polymeric Blended Nanocomposite for Efficient Adsorption of Mercury in Basic Aqueous Solution
Authors: Tshikovhi A. , Mishra Shivani B. , Mishra Ajay K. , Motaung Tshwafo E. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The current work describes the development of silica chitosan-guar gum blended nanocomposites (NCs) for the proficient removal of mercury (Hg2+) ions in aqueous solution at pH 12. The silica NCs were prepared by dispersing the as-synthesized silica nanoparticles (NPs) into the chitosan-guar gum (CS-GG) polymer blend matrix. The developed silica NCs were characterized by FTIR, SEM–EDS, XRD, TGA, and BET. The results confirmed the dispersion of silica NPs on the surface of the CS: GG blend resulting in silica NCs with improved thermal stability, and an enhanced specific pore surface area from 11.843 m2/g to 23.029 m2/g. The 2 and 5% silica NCs were used as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of mercury ions. The 2 and 5% of silica NCs showed a maximum removal efficiency of 88% and 79% for mercury ions, respectively. The adsorption process is best fitted with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorbent proved to be economical with 72% of removal efficiency after five cycles using EDTA as a desorbing solution.
Social Networks and Loneliness in the Blackfeet American Indian Community
Authors: John-Henderson Neha A. , Henderson-Matthews Betty , Wood Zachary J. , Gilham Skye , Runner George Heavy , Johnson, III Lester R. , Lafromboise Mary Ellen , Malatare Melveena , Salois Emily M. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
While characteristics of an individual’s social network and reported loneliness may be linked, they can be distinct. Prior work indicates that gender moderates the relationship between social networks and loneliness; however, these relationships have not been investigated in American Indian adults. The current work investigates whether the relationship between characteristics of one’s social network (i.e., social network size and social integration) and loneliness is moderated by gender in a sample of Blackfeet American Indian adults.

Method
At Wave 1 of a longitudinal research project, we used linear regression to test whether gender moderates the relationship between social network characteristics and loneliness in a sample of 275 Blackfeet American Indian adults living in the Blackfeet nation in Montana. Our analyses controlled for age, education, and symptoms and depression and anxiety.

Results
Gender moderated the relationship between social network size and loneliness (β = − 0.15, t(265) = − 2.71, p = 0.01, r
2 change = .04), and the relationship between social integration and loneliness (β = − 0.14, t(265) = − 2.68, p = 0.01, r
2 change = .03). Women with small social networks reported significantly greater loneliness compared to men with similarly small social networks, and for women higher social integration (i.e., more social roles) related to lower loneliness, but this was not the case for men.

Conclusion
Social network characteristics predict loneliness for Blackfeet women but not Blackfeet men in this sample. Future work should elucidate predictors of loneliness for Blackfeet men and consider whether daily changes in social connectedness predict changes in loneliness and whether changes in social networks predict changes in loneliness.
Influence of heat input on cooling rates and mechanical properties of laser hybrid welded thick structural steels
Authors: Akyel Fatma , Üstündag Ömer , Bakir Nasim , Brunner-Schwer Christian , Gumenyuk Andrey , Rethmeier Michael 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Laser hybrid welding presents several challenges when used to weld thick steels. A typical weld is divided into the arc-dominated and laser-dominated zone. These zones lead to variations in the mechanical properties of the weld. The laser-dominated zone is of particular importance regarding mechanical properties, notably Charpy impact toughness, due to the high cooling rates and the absence of filler wire. The low heat input of the laser can lead to martensitic microstructure causing hardening and deterioration of impact toughness. The high heat input of the arc can lead to grain coarsening and even loss of impact toughness. This study examines the influence of heat input on the cooling rates, microstructure and mechanical properties of single-pass laser hybrid welded steels of S355J2 and EH36 with thicknesses up to 30 mm. The experiments were performed with a 20-kW fibre laser and a contactless electromagnetic weld backing in the butt-joint configuration in 1G welding position. The cooling time was measured in three different locations near the fusion lines corresponding to different heights of the seam using a special configuration with pyrometers, collimators and optical fibres. The test specimens for the Charpy impact testing and tensile testing were extracted in three different depths. The experiments indicated that a heat input of 1.6 kJ/mm–2 kJ/mm, 2 kJ/mm–2.4 kJ/mm and 3.7 kJ/mm were recommended when single-pass laser hybrid welding of 20-, 25-, and 30-mm-thick structural steels regarding the minimum requirements of the mechanical properties, respectively.
Solidification crack susceptibility of 5xxx aluminum alloys
Authors: Soysal Tayfun 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
5xxx series aluminum (Al) alloys are recommended over the other wrought aluminum alloys for their relatively better weldability; however, some studies reported serious cracking in these alloys during welding. The weldability of these alloys has been investigated both experimentally and theoretically with respect to solidification cracking susceptibility to provide better understanding of these materials. The transverse motion weldability test was used to assess the crack susceptibility of 5086 and 5456 Al alloys which were welded by tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding. The crack susceptibility predictions of the tested Al alloys were made using the recently proposed cracking index. The consistency between the test results and the predictions helped verify the simulation parameters used to calculate predictions for TIG welding. Based on the test results of the Al alloys and the identified simulation parameters, the crack susceptibility predictions of binary Al-magnesium system were discussed to help design new alloys and welds to avoid solidification cracking.
Predicting breast cancer recurrence using deep learning
Authors: Kumari Deepa , Naidu Mutyala Venkata Sai Subhash , Panda Subhrakanta , Christopher Jabez 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Breast cancer and its recurrence are significant health concerns, emphasizing the critical importance of early detection and personalized treatment strategies for improved outcomes. This study introduces the BCR-HDL (Breast Cancer Recurrence using Hybrid Deep Learning) framework, a novel approach designed to predict breast cancer recurrence with high accuracy and interpretability. Utilizing the Wisconsin Diagnostic Breast Cancer and Wisconsin Prognostic Breast Cancer datasets, the framework integrates multiple deep learning architectures- Multi layer Perceptron (MLP), Visual Geometry Group (VGG), Residual Network (ResNet), and Extreme Inception (Xception)-with traditional machine learning models such as Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Trees (DT), Random Forest (RF), and Logistic Regression (LR). This hybridization leads to the creation of 16 robust models that enhance interpretability, facilitate generalization, and effectively manage challenges related to small datasets, class imbalance, and data preprocessing. The BCR-HDL framework’s unique contributions include its ability to predict not only diagnostic outcomes but also prognostic and recurrence timing, offering a comprehensive solution for breast cancer management. Specifically, the Hybrid MLP+RF and Xception+RF models achieved an exceptional diagnostic accuracy of 97% on the WDBC dataset, while the Hybrid MLP+RF model reached 78% prognostic accuracy on the WPBC dataset. Moreover, the Hybrid ResNet+SVM and ResNet+RF models demonstrated impressive performance in multi-classifying recurrence into different time intervals, achieving 92% accuracy in predicting recurrence within 2 years, between 2 to 4 years, and beyond 4 years. The study also provides a detailed analysis of model performance through training versus validation accuracy graphs and a comparison with existing approaches, demonstrating the superiority of the proposed framework in terms of diagnostic, prognostic, and recurrence time predictions. The BCR-HDL framework offers practical recommendations for clinicians, including its potential for personalized treatment strategies and improved patient monitoring, making it a valuable tool for advancing breast cancer management.
Comparative Study of Cytokine Profiles in SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron Variants
Authors: Krivosova Michaela , Hanusrichterova Juliana , Lucansky Vincent , Samec Marek , Bobcakova Anna , Baranovicova Eva , Dohal Matus , Mokry Juraj , Skerenova Maria , Liptak Peter , Rosolanka Robert , Banovcin Peter , Dvorska Dana , Kapinova Andrea , Franova Sona , Dankova Zuzana , Novakova Elena , Halasova Erika 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has highly impacted everyday lives and healthcare systems since its spread across the globe. As a result of numerous mutations in the viral genome, several genetic variants and sub-variants have evolved, and they differ in various characteristics, such as infectivity, transmissibility, and immune response in human body. The aim of this study was to compare cytokine levels in plasma samples from patients with acute COVID-19, infected with either the Delta or Omicron variants.

Methods
This retrospective study included 80 hospitalized patients with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2. Blood samples from the patients as well as control subjects were collected, and the multiplex cytokine assay was performed determining the levels of 48 cytokines in plasma.

Results
This study included 50 hospitalized patients with Delta, 30 patients with Omicron variant, and 18 control subjects. Severe and critical disease course led to 27 significantly modified levels of cytokines in both COVID-19 variants compared to control subjects. However, 12 cytokine levels (GRO-α, IFN-α2, IL-1α, IL-4, IL-9, IL-16, MIF, MIP-1β, SDF-1α, TNF-α, TNF-β, TRAIL) were significantly elevated in Delta versus Omicron variant with the discrimination equal to AUC = 0.876. Moreover, vaccination significantly decreased levels of GM-CSF, IL-7, and IL-8 in patients with Omicron variant.

Conclusions
This study suggests that the genetic variants of SARS-CoV-2 affect the immune response differently.
Safety of Dabigatran in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with Microbleeds: Post Hoc Analysis of DATAS-II Randomized Trial
Authors: Balali Pargol , Butcher Ken , Ng Kelvin K.H. , Joundi Raed A. , Kasner Scott E. , Katsanos Aristeidis H. , Sharma Mukul , Shoamanesh Ashkan 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Background:
Cerebral microbleeds are associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) following acute ischemic stroke. We investigated whether the effect of dabigatran (vs. aspirin) in patients with acute minor non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) is modified by baseline microbleeds on MRI.

Methods:
The Dabigatran Treatment of Acute Stroke II trial randomized 305 patients with acute minor non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke/TIA to dabigatran (150/110 mg twice daily) or aspirin (81 mg daily) for 30 days. Microbleeds were centrally adjudicated in patients with an interpretable blood-sensitive sequence on baseline MRI. In this post hoc analysis, we used multivariable regression models to determine the association between microbleeds and any incident HT on day-30 MRI and excellent functional outcome (modified Rankin scale = 0–1) at 90 days.

Results:
A total of 251 (82.3%) participants (mean age = 66 ± 13 years, 36% women, median [IQR] onset-to-randomization time = 40[27–55] hours; median [IQR] NIHSS = 1 [0–2]) were included, of whom 82 (33%) had microbleeds. On day-30 MRI, 6% (n = 14) developed HT, and 80% (n = 191) achieved 90-day mRS of 0–1. We found no association between microbleed presence and HT (adjusted OR = 0.84; 95%CI:0.21–3.25) or excellent functional outcome (adjusted RR = 1.09; 95%CI:0.94–1.26). The rate of HT in patients with microbleeds was 3% with dabigatran and 4% with aspirin (OR = 0.85; 95%CI:0.11–6.75). Excellent functional outcome occurred in 74% and 84% of dabigatran and aspirin-treated patients, respectively (RR = 0.88; 95%CI:0.69–1.12). The presence, severity or location of microbleeds did not modify the effect of dabigatran on these outcomes (p-interaction > 0.05).

Conclusions:
Early dabigatran treatment appears safe in patients with acute minor non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke/TIA and hemorrhage-prone cerebral small vessel disease marked by microbleeds on MRI.