bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
X-ray emission during the ablative processing of biological materials by ultrashort laser pulses
Authors: Kraft Sebastian , Schille Jörg , Bonse Jörn , Löschner Udo , Krüger Jörg 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe ablative laser processing with ultrashort pulsed laser beams may cause secondary emission of hazardous X-rays. While the effect has recently been proven to be considered in working safety regulations when processing technical materials, such as metals, the X-ray emission rates during the ablative processing of biological tissue materials are widely unexplored yet. Therefore, biological materials like water, isotonic saline solution, pig eyes, and human teeth were ablated with ultrashort laser pulses of 1030 nm wavelength, 600 fs pulse duration and 5 kHz pulse repetition rate, aiming to mimic typical surgery situations. Simultaneously,in-situX-ray dose rate measurements were performed at a short distance from the plasma to display potential X-ray emission. For all four studied biological materials, our measurements prove the secondary emission of laser-induced X-rays.
Association between an oxidative balance score and mortality: a prospective analysis in the SUN cohort
Authors: Talavera-Rodriguez Irene , Fernandez-Lazaro Cesar I. , Hernández-Ruiz Ángela , Hershey Maria S. , Galarregui Cristina , Sotos-Prieto Mercedes , de la Fuente-Arrillaga Carmen , Martínez-González Miguel Ángel , Ruiz-Canela Miguel 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose
We aimed to prospectively investigate the association of an overall oxidative balance score (OBS) with all-cause death and cause-specific mortality among participants in the Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra (SUN) Study, a Mediterranean cohort of Spanish graduates.

Methods
Using baseline information on 12 a priori selected dietary and non-dietary lifestyle pro- and antioxidants exposures—vitamins C and E, β-carotenes, selenium, zinc, heme iron, polyphenols, total antioxidant capacity, body mass index, alcohol, smoking, and physical activity—we constructed an equally weighted OBS categorized into quartiles, with higher scores representing greater antioxidant balance. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to evaluate the association between the OBS and mortality.

Results
A total of 18,561 participants (mean [SD] age, 38.5 [12.4] years; 40.8% males) were included in the analysis. During a median follow-up of 12.2 years (interquartile range 8.3–14.9), 421 deaths were identified, including 80 deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD), 215 from cancer, and 126 from other causes. After adjustment for potential confounders, the hazard ratios and 95% confidence interval (CIs) between the highest quartile (predominance of antioxidants) vs. the lowest quartile (reference category) were 0.35 (95% CI 0.22–0.54, P-trend < 0.001) for all-cause mortality, 0.18 (95% CI 0.06–0.51, P-trend = 0.001) for CVD mortality, 0.35 (95% CI 0.19–0.65, P-trend = 0.002) for cancer mortality, and 0.45 (95% CI 0.20–1.02, P-trend = 0.054) for other-cause mortality.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest a strong inverse association between the OBS and all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality. Individuals exposed to both antioxidant dietary and lifestyle factors may potentially experience the lowest mortality risk.

Study registry number
Dynamic Mediterranean Prospective Cohort: the SUN Project; NCT02669602. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02669602. https://proyectosun.es
Parachute-like pull-through anastomosis for low rectal cancer: a new method for preservation of anal function
Authors: Wang JianWei , Ye Xun , Zhou Qin , Xu ChengCai , Fan YiQun , Luan Na , Zhu XiaoLing 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
With recent improvements in surgical technique, oncological outcomes of low rectal cancer have improved over time. But the QoL impairment as a result of anal functional disorder cannot be ignored. And the incidence of anastomosis-related complications cannot be ignored. To address these problems, a personal technique for pull-through coloanal anastomosis (parachute-like intussuscept pull-through anastomosis) was introduced and evaluated. This technique can relatively reduce surgical complications, minimize the impact of anal function, and obviate a colostomy creation.

Methods
Between June 2020 and April 2021, 14 consecutive patients with rectal cancer underwent laparoscopic-assisted resection of rectal cancer in our hospital. Parachute-like pull-through anastomosis method was performed in all patients. Anal function, perioperative details, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.

Results
The mean (SD) operative time of first stage was 282.1 min (range 220–370) with an average estimated blood loss of 90.3 mL (range 33–200). And the mean (SD) operative time of second was 46 min (range 25–76) with an average estimated blood loss of 16.1 mL (range 5–50). Wexner scores declined significantly during the median follow-up of 18 months. Four postoperative anastomosis-related complications occurred in 14 patients, including perianastomotic abscess: 1 case (7%), anastomotic stricture: 1 case (7%), and colonic ischemia of the exteriorized colonic segment: 2 cases (14%).

Conclusion
The results suggest that the method can facilitate safe and easy completion of coloanal anastomosis, using parachute-like pull-through anastomosis, with acceptable anal function.
Re: Olivero A, et al. Adrenocortical carcinoma with venous tumor invasion: is there a role for mini-invasive surgery?
Authors: Tabbara Marina M. , Gonzalez Javier , Ciancio Gaetano 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The surgical treatment for adrenocortical carcinoma with venous tumor invasion remains a challenge for surgeons. A critical factor in determining the surgical approach is utilizing a classification system that accurately defines the tumor thrombus level.

Methods
Olivero and colleagues report their experience regarding the feasibility of mini-invasive surgery for adrenocortical carcinoma with venous tumor invasion. They studied the outcome of 20 patients from 4 international referral center databases.

Results
They describe a classification for adrenal tumor with tumor thrombus into four levels: (1) adrenal vein invasion; (2) renal vein invasion; (3) infra-hepatic inferior vena cava (IVC); and (4) retro-hepatic IVC.

Conclusions
We congratulate the authors for their work and patient outcomes; however, in efforts to avoid confusion in the surgical community, we believe their classification system requires modification compared to our classification system developed in 2004.
“I do not hear you!”: hearing-impaired cancer patients report their communication experiences
Authors: Keck Maximilian , Hübner Jutta , Büntzel Jens 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Hearing impairment has a high impact on communication between cancer patients and their oncologists. What is the patient’s perspective on this problem and how can physicians draw lessons from it?

Methods
Together with otorhinolaryngologists and hearing-impaired patients, we developed a questionnaire including the sections: WHO (Five) Well-Being Index (5 items), Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) as established self-estimation of hearing function (24 items), use of hearing aid (4 items) as well as patients’ experiences (15 items), difficulties (9 items) and wishes (7 items) regarding the communication with physicians. The experiences, difficulties, wishes, and life satisfaction of cancer patients were analyzed between groups based on participants' APHAB scores, well-being and use of hearing aids. A total of 104 cancer survivors (median age 76.5 years, range 32–90 years) were included.

Results
Between the groups of subjectively hearing-impaired and normal hearing participants, we registered a significant difference in difficulties in conversation, wishes for physician–patient communication and psychological well-being. Depending on participants’ well-being, wishes and difficulties differed. Differences were also found between participants with and without hearing aids in terms of difficulties in conversation, but not in terms of their wishes and well-being. A large proportion of participants classified as subjectively hearing-impaired according to APHAB already had a hearing aid.

Conclusions
Cancer patients with hearing loss are very restricted in their understanding of given information and hearing aid use cannot completely compensate for this. Consequently, communication guidelines should be considered and specific educational tools need to be developed for these groups.
The role of PLVAP in endothelial cells
Authors: Denzer Lea , Muranyi Walter , Schroten Horst , Schwerk Christian 
Published: February 2023

AbstractEndothelial cells play a major part in the regulation of vascular permeability and angiogenesis. According to their duty to fit the needs of the underlying tissue, endothelial cells developed different subtypes with specific endothelial microdomains as caveolae, fenestrae and transendothelial channels which regulate nutrient exchange, leukocyte migration, and permeability. These microdomains can exhibit diaphragms that are formed by the endothelial cell-specific protein plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein (PLVAP), the only known protein component of these diaphragms. Several studies displayed an involvement of PLVAP in diseases as cancer, traumatic spinal cord injury, acute ischemic brain disease, transplant glomerulopathy, Norrie disease and diabetic retinopathy. Besides an upregulation of PLVAP expression within these diseases, pro-angiogenic or pro-inflammatory responses were observed. On the other hand, loss of PLVAP in knockout mice leads to premature mortality due to disrupted homeostasis. Generally, PLVAP is considered as a major factor influencing the permeability of endothelial cells and, finally, to be involved in the regulation of vascular permeability. Following these observations, PLVAP is debated as a novel therapeutic target with respect to the different vascular beds and tissues. In this review, we highlight the structure and functions of PLVAP in different endothelial types in health and disease.
Tidal continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis in children
Authors: Butani Lavjay , Haddad Maha , Joseph Mark 
Published: February 2023

AbstractAbout 10% of all home peritoneal dialysis regimens in children with chronic kidney disease stage 5 are reported to involve some form of a tidal peritoneal dialysis (TPD) prescription. Despite this, there remain several gaps in how pediatric nephrologists approach the use of TPD. This stems from a combination of factors such as the confusing technical terminology pertaining to TPD, seemingly conflicting data on the risks, benefits, and indications for TPD, and lastly, limited published guidelines on the practical aspects of how to write a TPD prescription, based on the indication, in children. Our educational review, using evidence-based data, attempts to bridge this gap and provide an easy-to-use guide on the key practical aspects of TPD in children.
Neuromorphic processor-oriented hybrid Q-format multiplication with adaptive quantization for tiny YOLO3
Authors: Li Tao , Ma Yitao , Endoh Tetsuo 
Published: February 2023

AbstractDeep neural networks (DNNs) have delivered unprecedented achievements in the modern Internet of Everything society, encompassing autonomous driving, expert diagnosis, unmanned supermarkets, etc. It continues to be challenging for researchers and engineers to develop a high-performance neuromorphic processor for deployment in edge devices or embedded hardware. DNNs’ superpower derives from their enormous and complex network architecture, which is computation-intensive, time-consuming, and energy-heavy. Due to the limited perceptual capacity of humans, accurate processing results from DNNs require a substantial amount of computing time, making them redundant in some applications. Utilizing adaptive quantization technology to compress the DNN model with sufficient accuracy is crucial for facilitating the deployment of neuromorphic processors in emerging edge applications. This study proposes a method to boost the development of neuromorphic processors by conducting fixed-point multiplication in a hybrid Q-format using an adaptive quantization technique on the convolution of tiny YOLO3. In particular, this work integrates the sign-bit check and bit roundoff techniques into the arithmetic of fixed-point multiplications to address overflow and roundoff issues within the convolution’s adding and multiplying operations. In addition, a hybrid Q-format multiplication module is developed to assess the proposed method from a hardware perspective. The experimental results prove that the hybrid multiplication with adaptive quantization on the tiny YOLO3’s weights and feature maps possesses a lower error rate than alternative fixed-point representation formats while sustaining the same object detection accuracy. Moreover, the fixed-point numbers represented by Q(6.9) have a suboptimal error rate, which can be utilized as an alternative representation form for the tiny YOLO3 algorithm-based neuromorphic processor design. In addition, the 8-bit hybrid Q-format multiplication module exhibits low power consumption and low latency in contrast to benchmark multipliers.
Does a free maternity policy in Kenya work? Impact and cost–benefit consideration based on demographic health survey data
Authors: Oyugi Boniface , Nizalova Olena , Kendall Sally , Peckham Stephen 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThis paper evaluates the overall effect of the Kenyan free maternity policy (FMP) on the main outcomes (early neonatal and neonatal deaths) and intermediate outcomes (delivery through Caesarean Section (CS), skilled birth attendance (SBA), birth in a public hospital and low birth weight (LBW)) using the 2014 Demographic Health Survey. We applied the difference-in-difference (DID) approach to compare births (to the same mothers) happening before and after the start of the policy (June 2013) and a limited cost–benefit analysis (CBA) to assess the net social benefit of the FMP. The probabilities of birth resulting in early neonatal and neonatal mortality are significantly reduced by 17–21% and 19–20%, respectively, after the FMP introduction. The probability of birth happening through CS reduced by 1.7% after implementing the FMP, while that of LBW birth is increased by 3.7% though not statistically significant. SBA and birth in a public facility did not moderate the policy’s effects on early neonatal mortality, neonatal mortality, and delivery through CS. They were not significant determinants of the policy effects on the outcomes. There is a significant causal impact of the FMP in reducing the probability of early neonatal and neonatal mortality, but not the delivery through CS. The FMP cost-to-benefit ratio was 21.22, and there were on average 4015 fewer neonatal deaths in 2013/2014 due to the FMP. The net benefits are higher than the costs; thus, there is a need to expand and sustainably fund the FMP to avert more neonatal deaths potentially.
Gauss maps of harmonic and minimal great circle fibrations
Authors: Fourtzis Ioannis , Markellos Michael , Savas-Halilaj Andreas 
Published: February 2023

AbstractWe investigate Gauss maps associated to great circle fibrations of the euclidean unit 3-sphere $$\mathbb {S}^3$$

S

3

. We show that the associated Gauss map to such a fibration is harmonic, respectively minimal, if and only if the unit vector field generating the great circle foliation is harmonic, respectively minimal. These results can be viewed as analogues of the classical theorem of Ruh and Vilms about the harmonicity of the Gauss map of a minimal submanifold in the euclidean space. Moreover, we prove that a harmonic or minimal unit vector field on $$\mathbb {S}^3$$

S

3

, whose integral curves are great circles, is a Hopf vector field.
On the order reduction of approximations of fractional derivatives: an explanation and a cure
Authors: Jacobs Byron A. , Laurén Fredrik , Nordström Jan 
Published: February 2023

AbstractFinite-difference based approaches are common for approximating the Caputo fractional derivative. Often, these methods lead to a reduction of the convergence rate that depends on the fractional order. In this note, we approximate the expressions in the fractional derivative components using a separate quadrature rule for the integral and a separate discretization of the derivative in the integrand. By this approach, the error terms from the Newton–Cotes quadrature and the differentiation are isolated and it is possible to conclude that the order dependent error is inevitable when the end points of the interval are included in the quadrature. Furthermore, we show experimentally that the theoretical findings carries over to quadrature rules without the end points included. Finally we show how to increase accuracy for smooth functions, and compensate for the order dependent loss.
Lifestyles and Quality of Life of People with Mental Illness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tripoli Giada , Lo Duca Sofia , Ferraro Laura , Zahid Uzma , Mineo Raffaella , Seminerio Fabio , Bruno Alessandra , Di Giorgio Vanessa , Maniaci Giuseppe , Marrazzo Giovanna , Sartorio Crocettarachele , Scaglione Alessandra , La Barbera Daniele , La Cascia Caterina 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the quality of life (QoL), daily lifestyle, and mental health of people suffering from a mental disorder. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the prolongation of the COVID-19 emergency on QoL and lifestyles in a sample of 100 outpatients at the Psychiatry Unit in Palermo University Hospital, Italy. QoL was measured through the 12-item Short Form Survey and the COV19-Impact on Quality of Life. Lifestyle changes during the pandemic were measured through the lifestyle change questionnaire. The majority of participants reported a great impact of COVID-19 on the QoL, and almost half reported worsened lifestyles. Worsened lifestyles were predictive of both poor mental and physical health related QoL. These results suggest that people with mental illness need interventions targeting lifestyles, and the mental health service in Italy should adjust to the ongoing pandemic, developing virtual treatments.
Age validation of Black Rockfish, Copper Rockfish, and Cabezon using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) to elucidate seasonal patterns in otolith stable oxygen isotopes
Authors: Terwilliger Mark R. , Rasmuson Leif K. , Stern Richard A. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Stock assessors commonly use models that incorporate biological data such as fish length and age to determine the status of fish stocks and how different management scenarios affect stock size. Ages used in assessment models need to be accurate and precise because ageing error can affect many model inputs and potentially result in stock mismanagement. Despite the requirement for sound age data, few studies have investigated accuracy of ages for groundfish captured in coastal nearshore waters off Oregon, USA. In this study, we validate otolith ages for Black Rockfish (Sebastes melanops), Copper Rockfish (Sebastes caurinus) and Cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus), three species with recreational and commercial importance to Oregon. Ages obtained by traditional break-and-burn methods were validated using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) to examine otolith stable oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O) over a fish’s lifetime. This technique relies on the inverse relationship that exists between otolith δ18O and ambient water temperature, and independent counts of δ18O maxima should be comparable to ages obtained by visual counts of otolith growth marks laid down during cold water periods. Locations of δ18O maxima in otolith chronologies matched well with locations of visual growth marks in otoliths of all three species, maxima counts were strongly positively correlated with age, and variation in otolith δ18O decreased with age. However, significant variability in the δ18O chronologies caused by variability in intra-seasonal upwelling and resulting water temperature variations made maxima counts difficult in several samples. Correct interpretation of chronologies required knowledge of location of the first annulus, the compression of growth zones with age, and an assumption of the seasonal amplitude of the ambient water δ18O.
Exploring the spatial patterns of soil salinity and organic carbon in agricultural areas of Lesvos Island, Greece, using geoinformation technologies
Authors: Lekka Christina , Petropoulos George P. , Triantakonstantis Dimitris , Detsikas Spyridon E. , Chalkias Christos 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

The salt-affected soils national map of Greece was recently made available within the initiative of the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FAO. The present study explores the development of higher resolution soil property maps included in this national scale product adopting a modified version of the FAO methodology and a logistic regression (LR) method based on ground and satellite data. Furthermore, it also investigates the correlation between saline soils and soil organic carbon (SOC) using geospatial analysis methods. The island of Lesvos in Greece has been selected as a case study. A probabilistic model for saline soils in the agricultural land of Lesvos is produced by exploiting geoinformation technologies. As a result, the spatial distribution of saline soils in the croplands of Lesvos was obtained. Indicatively, areas with p > 0.80 for the occurrence of saline soils accounting for ∼20% of a total area of 169.51 km2 of the croplands in Lesvos. The Nagelkerke R2 coefficient showed that the probabilistic model interprets 11.3% of the variance of the dependent variable from the independent factors. The model accuracy was assessed adopting the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, which showed a reasonable adaptability with area under curve (equal to 0.73). The methodological approach proposed herein can support decision-making on agricultural land protection and planning activities which are key priority today due to environmental instability, food security, and climate change.
Artificial intelligence and humanitarian obligations
Authors: Trusilo Daniel , Danks David 
Published: February 2023

AbstractArtificial Intelligence (AI) offers numerous opportunities to improve military Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance operations. And, modern militaries recognize the strategic value of reducing civilian harm. Grounded in these two assertions we focus on the transformative potential that AI ISR systems have for improving the respect for and protection of humanitarian relief operations. Specifically, we propose that establishing an interface for humanitarian organizations to military AI ISR systems can improve the current state of ad-hoc humanitarian notification systems, which are notoriously unreliable and ineffective for both parties to conflict and humanitarian organizations. We argue that such an interface can improve military awareness and understanding while also ensuring that states better satisfy their international humanitarian law obligations to respect and protect humanitarian relief personnel.