bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Standardization of robotic right liver mobilization
Authors: Conticchio Maria , Delvecchio Antonella , Ferraro Valentina , Stasi Matteo , Casella Annachiara , Filippo Rosalinda , Tedeschi Michele , Memeo Riccardo 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundSince its introduction 2 decades ago, robotics has been increasingly used for resection of benign and malignant liver lesions. The robotic platform seems to preserve minimally invasive approach benefits, overcoming laparoscopy limitations. Robotic right liver mobilisation represents a key step for many robotic resections from non‐anatomical resections of posterosuperior segments to right hepatectomy.MethodsWe present here a standardized technique of right hepatic lobe mobilisation including technical steps and videos. Robotic resection provide all benefits of minimally invasive approaches in terms of preserving abdominal wall, early alimentation, reduced respiratory stress, associated with more ergonomic conditions for surgeon.ResultsWe present our standardized and feasible right liver lobe mobilisation needed for posterosuperior resections to the right hepatectomy.ConclusionsThe standardisation of right liver lobe represented our aim to provide a safe and reproducible initial step for many procedures to reduce the conversion rate and to improve the learning curve in young surgeons.
Describing complex disease progression using joint latent class models for multivariate longitudinal markers and clinical endpoints
Authors: Proust‐Lima Cécile , Saulnier Tiphaine , Philipps Viviane , Traon Anne Pavy‐Le , Péran Patrice , Rascol Olivier , Meissner Wassilios G. , Foubert‐Samier Alexandra 
Published: July 2023

SummaryNeurodegenerative diseases are characterized by numerous markers of progression and clinical endpoints. For instance, multiple system atrophy (MSA), a rare neurodegenerative synucleinopathy, is characterized by various combinations of progressive autonomic failure and motor dysfunction, and a very poor prognosis. Describing the progression of such complex and multi‐dimensional diseases is particularly difficult. One has to simultaneously account for the assessment of multivariate markers over time, the occurrence of clinical endpoints, and a highly suspected heterogeneity between patients. Yet, such description is crucial for understanding the natural history of the disease, staging patients diagnosed with the disease, unravelling subphenotypes, and predicting the prognosis. Through the example of MSA progression, we show how a latent class approach modeling multiple repeated markers and clinical endpoints can help describe complex disease progression and identify subphenotypes for exploring new pathological hypotheses. The proposed joint latent class model includes class‐specific multivariate mixed models to handle multivariate repeated biomarkers possibly summarized into latent dimensions and class‐and‐cause‐specific proportional hazard models to handle time‐to‐event data. Maximum likelihood estimation procedure, validated through simulations is available in the lcmm R package. In the French MSA cohort comprising data of 598 patients during up to 13 years, five subphenotypes of MSA were identified that differ by the sequence and shape of biomarkers degradation, and the associated risk of death. In posterior analyses, the five subphenotypes were used to explore the association between clinical progression and external imaging and fluid biomarkers, while properly accounting for the uncertainty in the subphenotypes membership.
Exploring causal mechanisms and quantifying direct and indirect effects using a joint modeling approach for recurrent and terminal events
Authors: Niu Fang , Zheng Cheng , Liu Lei 
Published: July 2023

AbstractRecurrent events are commonly encountered in biomedical studies. In many situations, there exist terminal events, such as death, which are potentially related to the recurrent events. Joint models of recurrent and terminal events have been proposed to address the correlation between recurrent events and terminal events. However, there is a dearth of suitable methods to rigorously investigate the causal mechanisms between specific exposures, recurrent events, and terminal events. For example, it is of interest to know how much of the total effect of the primary exposure of interest on the terminal event is through the recurrent events, and whether preventing recurrent event occurrences could lead to better overall survival. In this work, we propose a formal causal mediation analysis method to compute the natural direct and indirect effects. A novel joint modeling approach is used to take the recurrent event process as the mediator and the survival endpoint as the outcome. This new joint modeling approach allows us to relax the commonly used “sequential ignorability” assumption. Simulation studies show that our new model has good finite sample performance in estimating both model parameters and mediation effects. We apply our method to an AIDS study to evaluate how much of the comparative effectiveness of the two treatments and the effect of CD4 counts on the overall survival are mediated by recurrent opportunistic infections.
Interaction Mechanism between Cyano‐Organic Molecular Structures and Energy Storage of Aluminum Complex Ions in Aluminum Batteries
Authors: Lu Yong , Chen Mingjun , Wang Yi , Hu Yunhai , Wang Xiaoxu , Zhang Wenming , Li Zhanyu 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAluminum ion batteries (AIBs) are widely regarded as the most potential large‐scale metal ion battery because of its high safety and environment‐friendly characteristics. To solve the problem of weak electrical conductivity of organic materials, different structures of cyano organic molecules with electrophilic properties are selected as the cathode materials of aluminum batteries. Through experimental characterization and density functional theory theoretical calculation, Phthalonitrile is the best cathode material among the five organic molecules and proved that the C≡N group is the active site for insertion/extraction of AlCl2+ ions. The first cycle‐specific capacity of the assembled flexible package battery is as high as 191.92 mAh g−1, the discharge‐specific capacity is 112.67 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles, and the coulombic efficiency is ≈97%. At the same time, the influences of different molecular structures and functional groups on the battery are also proved. These research results lay a foundation for selecting safe and stable organic aluminum batteries and provide a new reference for developing high‐performance AIBs.
Ohwia caudata aqueous extract attenuates doxorubicin‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction in Wharton's jelly‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Lee Pei‐Ying , Tsai Bruce Chi‐Kang , Sitorus Maria Angelina , Lin Pi‐Yu , Lin Shinn‐Zong , Shih Cheng‐Yen , Lu Shang‐Yeh , Lin Yueh‐Min , Ho Tsung‐Jung , Huang Chih‐Yang 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to many diseases, including organ degeneration and cancer. Wharton's jelly‐derived mesenchymal stem cells provide a valuable source for stem cell‐based therapy and represent an emerging therapeutic approach for tissue regeneration. This study focused on screening the senomorphic properties of Ohwia caudata aqueous extract as an emerging strategy for preventing or treating mitochondrial dysfunction in stem cells. Wharton's jelly‐derived mesenchymal stem cells were incubated with 0.1 μM doxorubicin, for 24 h to induce mitochondrial dysfunction. Next, the cells were treated with a series concentration of Ohwia caudata aqueous extract (25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL) for another 24 h. In addition, an untreated control group and a doxorubicin‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction positive control group were maintained under the same conditions. Our data showed that Ohwia caudata aqueous extract markedly suppressed doxorubicin‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction by increasing Tid1 and Tom20 expression, decreased reactive oxygen species production, and maintained mitochondrial membrane potential to promote mitochondrial stability. Ohwia caudata aqueous extract retained the stemness of Wharton's jelly‐derived mesenchymal stem cells and reduced the apoptotic rate. These results indicate that Ohwia caudata aqueous extract protects Wharton's jelly‐derived mesenchymal stem cells against doxorubicin‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction and can potentially prevent mitochondrial dysfunction in other cells. This study provides new directions for the medical application of Ohwia caudata.
Quark mass hierarchies and CP violation in A4 × A4 × A4 modular symmetric flavor models
Authors: Kikuchi Shota , Kobayashi Tatsuo , Nasu Kaito , Takada Shohei , Uchida Hikaru 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
We study A4× A4× A4 modular symmetric flavor models to realize quark mass hierarchies and mixing angles without fine-tuning. Mass matrices are written in terms of modular forms. At modular fixed points τ = i∞ and ω, A4 is broken to Z3 residual symmetry. When the modulus τ is deviated from the fixed points, modular forms show hierarchies depending on their residual charges. Thus, we obtain hierarchical structures in mass matrices. Since we begin with A4× A4× A4, the residual symmetry is Z3× Z3× Z3 which can generate sufficient hierarchies to realize quark mass ratios and absolute values of the CKM matrix |VCKM| without fine-tuning. Furthermore, CP violation is studied. We present necessary conditions for CP violation caused by the value of τ. We also show possibilities to realize observed values of the Jarlskog invariant JCP, quark mass ratios and CKM matrix |VCKM| simultaneously, if (10) adjustments in coefficients of Yukawa couplings are allowed or moduli values are non-universal.
NNLO subtraction for any massless final state: a complete analytic expression
Authors: Bertolotti Gloria , Magnea Lorenzo , Pelliccioli Giovanni , Ratti Alessandro , Signorile-Signorile Chiara , Torrielli Paolo , Uccirati Sandro 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
We use the Local Analytic Sector Subtraction scheme to construct a completely analytic set of expressions implementing a fully local infrared subtraction at NNLO for generic coloured massless final states. The cancellation of all explicit infrared poles appearing in the double-virtual contribution, in the real-virtual correction and in the integrated local infrared counterterms is explicitly verified, and all finite contributions arising from integrated local counterterms are analytically evaluated in terms of ordinary polylogarithms up to weight three. The resulting subtraction formula can readily be implemented in any numerical framework containing the relevant matrix elements up to NNLO.
Evaluation of occupational factors influencing the experience of an autopsy demonstration
Authors: Panusch Philipp , Heide Steffen , Lessig Rüdiger , Richter Carolin , Stiller Dankwart , Medenwald Daniel , Schmidt Uwe , Weber Marko 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Autopsy demonstrations have been an integral part of medical school, medical and nonmedical education for many decades; however, a direct comparison of the experience of an autopsy demonstration of different groups of participants is missing so far. In this study, the experience of such a situation by the different professional groups was analyzed and discussed in order to improve future dissections for the participant groups.

Methods
Evaluations of 54 autopsy demonstrations were performed at the Institute of Legal Medicine of the University Hospital Halle (Saale) and the branch office in Magdeburg in the period 2017–2020. A total of 794 questionnaires were answered and statistically analyzed. Participants rated the autopsies in various question categories and, if applicable, provided reasons for discontinuation of the demonstration on their part (e.g., circulatory dysregulation). To analyze the results the Kruskall Wallis test, the Mann-Whitney U-test and the χ2-test were applied.

Results
Findings showed that the professional background has a significant influence on the experience and the dropout rates from an autopsy. Furthermore, the professional groups have different areas of interest and expectations of an autopsy.

Conclusion
The results require customized preparation of an autopsy demonstration as well as differentiation of knowledge transfer to different groups of participants to optimize their benefit.
Determination of antioxidant activity by in situ synthesis of AgNPs using in-tube SPME coupled on-line to capillary liquid chromatography
Authors: Prieto-Blanco María Carmen , Pardo-Puñal María , Moliner-Martínez Yolanda , Campíns-Falcó Pilar 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
A chromatographic system based on in-tube SPME coupled to capillary LC-DAD has been used to study the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using polyphenols in different scenarios: excess of the reducing agent or of the silver salt, addition of the cationic surfactants, and thermal synthesis. The optimized synthesis conditions allowed to quantify the polyphenols used as reducing agents, such as Trolox and chlorogenic acid. Two chromatographic peaks with different absorption spectrum were monitored during the syntheses. Depending on the molar relationship, a linear relation between the area of the chromatographic peaks and the concentration of the silver or polyphenol was established. For stabilization of silver nanoparticles, different cationic surfactants were used allowing to evaluate the role of anion (chloride and bromide) and of the alkyl chain. The proposed methodology can be used to determine chlorogenic acid up to 3 mM with a detection limit of 34 μM at λ= 400 nm. Chlorogenic acid was determined in dietary products with successful results. Precision (RSD=10%) and recovery (97–100%) were also satisfactory.

Graphical Abstract
Bayesian optimization over the probability simplex
Authors: Candelieri Antonio , Ponti Andrea , Archetti Francesco 
Published: July 2023

AbstractGaussian Process based Bayesian Optimization is largely adopted for solving problems where the inputs are in Euclidean spaces. In this paper we associate the inputs to discrete probability distributions which are elements of the probability simplex. To search in the new design space, we need a distance between distributions. The optimal transport distance (aka Wasserstein distance) is chosen due to its mathematical structure and the computational strategies enabled by it. Both the GP and the acquisition function is generalized to an acquisition functional over the probability simplex. To optimize this functional two methods are proposed, one based on auto differentiation and the other based on proximal-point algorithm and the gradient flow. Finally, we report a preliminary set of computational results on a class of problems whose dimension ranges from 5 to 100. These results show that embedding the Bayesian optimization process in the probability simplex enables an effective algorithm whose performance over standard Bayesian optimization improves with the increase of problem dimensionality.
Tick populations and molecular detection of selected tick-borne pathogens in questing ticks from northern and central Tanzania
Authors: Haji Isihaka , Simuunza Martin , Jiang Ning , Chen Qijun 
Published: July 2023

AbstractTicks are vectors and reservoirs of a variety of pathogens including protozoa, bacteria and viruses which cause tick-borne diseases (TBDs) in humans and livestock. TBDs pose serious constraints to the improvement of livestock production in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Despite their wide distribution, information on the tick and pathogen relationship is scarce in Tanzania. We used nested PCR and sequencing to screen pathogens of public and veterinary health importance in ticks collected by flagging from four districts of Tanzania. In total, 2021 ticks comprising nine species were identified. DNA from ticks was pooled according to tick species, developmental stage, and location, then screened for Babesia bigemina, Babesia bovis, Theileria parva and Coxiella burnetii. Out of 377 pools, 34.7% were positive for at least one pathogen. Theileria parva was the most abundant with a minimum infection rate (MIR) of 2.8%, followed by B. bigemina (MIR = 1.8%) and B. bovis (MIR = 0.8%). Multiple pathogens detection was observed in 7.2% of the tested pools. However, PCR screening of individual tick DNA revealed that only 0.3% of the examined pools had co-infection. DNA of C. burnetii was never detected in any tick DNA pool. The MIR of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) differed significantly among districts, seasons, tick species, and tick developmental stages. Sequence analysis showed that B. bigemina RAP-1a, B. bovis SBP-4, and T. parva p104 genes were conserved among pathogens in the four districts. Despite the absence of C. burnetii in ticks, considering its pathogenic potential, it is essential to continue monitoring for its possible recurrence in ticks. This information adds to the knowledge of TBPs epidemiology and will contribute to the scientific basis for planning future control strategies.
Opportunities and challenges of using immersive technologies to support students’ spatial ability and 21st-century skills in K-12 education
Authors: Serrano-Ausejo Elisa , Mårell-Olsson Eva 
Published: July 2023

AbstractOrganic chemistry, also known as stereochemistry, is a subject considered to be notably complex for students to understand. Knowledge construction in stereochemistry might demand the ability to imagine or visualise the distribution of atoms. For students with insufficient spatial ability, this could be confusing. This study aimed to explore empirically students and teachers’ experiences regarding the opportunities and challenges they encountered when using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies to teach and learn stereochemistry, as well as how these technologies might support students’ spatial ability and 21st-century skills in K-12 education by participating in virtual lab environments. Using design-based research methods, an exploratory study based on the utilization of immersive technologies was designed and carried out with three groups in Grade 8. Two researchers observed the activities that were implemented, after which the participating students answered a qualitative survey about how these technologies and the specific teaching design might support their understanding of molecules in 3D space. The schoolteacher was interviewed afterwards, and she shared her motives and goals (e.g., what she sought to achieve) by using the technologies in her teaching. The results show that the students had a positive experience in their learning of chemistry through immersive realities, increased motivation to learn the subject, and their test results improved slightly. However, it is essential for a teacher to possess technological know-how regarding VR and AR to achieve the intended goals. The findings highlight the added value of these immersive technologies by enhancing students’ learning processes and the central role of the teacher as a designer and technological leader of the group.
Prescriptive Building Regulations, Safety Objectives, and Residual Risk in Germany
Authors: Maiworm Björn , Hammann Claudius , Schleich Michael 
Published: July 2023

AbstractIn Germany, building codes relating to fire safety are mainly prescriptive nature. Therefore, fire safety engineering is based on a combination of expert judgment and reverse engineering of prescriptive rules. This necessitates to connect the given objectives with the detailed prescriptive rules—if not already described within the law or bylaw. This paper proposes a table relating the fire safety objectives of European building regulations and their German counterpart with the prescriptive model building code in Germany. In addition, a risk curve for prenormative work is also given. This represents the prescriptive regulations concerning in terms of fatalities of a level acceptable to society and emphasizes the lower degree of acceptance of multiple fatalities occurring in a single incident. This residual risk limit represents the opinion of German firefighting associations. Data taken from the London area supports the suggested slope rate, as the level of safety in Britain is similar to that in Germany. The table of prescriptive building regulations and their corresponding objectives aids everyday planning decisions in the context of determining adequate compensation without missing out any essential aspects, such as firefighting and firefighter safety. The proposed table forms the basis of the current discussion of a European model performance-based model building code (PBC) within the European Committee for Standardization CEN. Moreover, the risk curve is the first to be discussed in Germany that takes into consideration the societal aspect. It forms an appropriate basis for performing fire safety risk calculations based on fault tree analysis or Bayes nets. The CEN working group for fire safety engineering discusses both aspects of the current development of a European, performance-based fire safety code. It is presented here for the first time.
Electroencephalographic monitoring of anesthesia during surgical procedures in mice using a modified clinical monitoring system
Authors: Joyce Leesa , Wenninger Alissa , Kreuzer Matthias , García Paul S. , Schneider Gerhard , Fenzl Thomas 
Published: July 2023

AbstractMonitoring brain activity and associated physiology during the administration of general anesthesia (GA) in mice is pivotal to guarantee postanesthetic health. Clinically, electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring is a well-established method to guide GA. There are no established methods available for monitoring EEG in mice (Mus musculus) during surgery. In this study, a minimally invasive rodent intraoperative EEG monitoring system was implemented using subdermal needle electrodes and a modified EEG-based commercial patient monitor. EEG recordings were acquired at three different isoflurane concentrations revealing that surgical concentrations of isoflurane anesthesia predominantly contained burst suppression patterns in mice. EEG suppression ratios and suppression durations showed strong positive correlations with the isoflurane concentrations. The electroencephalographic indices provided by the monitor did not support online monitoring of the anesthetic status. The online available suppression duration in the raw EEG signals during isoflurane anesthesia is a straight forward and reliable marker to assure safe, adequate and reproducible anesthesia protocols.
Strength of Religious Faith and Attitude Towards Euthanasia Among Medical Professionals and Opinion Makers
Authors: Guzowski Andrzej , Fiłon Joanna , Krajewska-Kułak Elżbieta 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe aim of the research was to examine whether the strength of religious faith among health professionals, politicians, journalists and religious leaders in Poland influences their knowledge and attitudes towards the withdrawal of futile care, and euthanasia. The study was carried out using a group of 449 respondents employed in medical professions (nurses, midwives and paramedics), and 142 respondents of non-medical professions (politicians, journalists and clergymen). The method used was a diagnostic survey with an original, anonymous Internet survey, as well as the standardised Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith Questionnaire (SCSORF). It has been demonstrated that the greater the influence of religion on a person’s life, the lesser their tolerance for the refusal of life-saving/life support procedures.