bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of The Chemical Composition and Physical properties of Aged Asphalt Cement
Authors: A-K Mohammed Abdul- Halim , Mershed Eweed Khalid 
Published: July 2023

In the present work a modification was made on three equations to represent theexperiment data which results for Iraqi petroleum and natural asphalt. The equationshave been developed for estimating the chemical composition and physical propertiesof asphalt cement at different temperature and aging time. The standard deviations ofall equations were calculated.The modified correlation related to the aging time and temperature with penetrationindex and durability index of aged petroleum and natural asphalts were developed.The first equation represents the relationship between the durability index with agingtime and temperature.
loge(DI)=a1+0.0123(2loge T-a3(1/30.t2+1/2.t))
The second equation represents the relationship between the penetration index withaging time and temperature.
Log(PI)e=b1-0.2013(T-(b3+b4t))2The third equation represents the relationship between the durability index withpenetration index.
Logeloge(PI)=a-0.5627loge(DI)The values of penetration index and durability index for all aged samples werecompared with predicted values. These correlations give a percent of error in therange of 1.2 to 7.4%.
Coagulation/ Flocculation, Microfiltration and Nanofiltration for Water Treatment of Main Outfall Drain for Injection in Nasiriyah Oil Field
Authors: Faiq Al-Alawy Ahmed , Jabbar Madlool Jaafar 
Published: July 2023

The present work aims to study the efficiency of coagulation/ flocculation as 1st stage, natural gravity water filter or microfiltration (MF) as 2nd stage and nanofiltration (NF) technology as final stage for treatment of water of main outfall drain (MOD) for injection in Nasiriyah oil field. Effects of operating parameters such as coagulant dosage, speed and time of slow mixing step and settling time in the 1st stage were studied. Also feed turbidity and total suspended solids (TSS) in the 2nd stage were studied. Also feed concentration, temperature and operating time, in the final stage were studied. The results showed that the optimum dosage for alum was 35, 40 and 50 ppm. While, for ferric chloride it was 15, 20 and 30 ppm and for polyelectrolyte 4, 8 and 10 ppm for 11.8, 30 and 100 NTU initial turbidity respectively. The optimum speed for the 2nd step was 25 rpm for each of alum 35 ppm, ferric chloride 15 ppm and polyelectrolyte 4 ppm. While the optimum time for the 2nd step was 30 min for each of alum 35 ppm, ferric chloride 15 ppm and polyelectrolyte 4 ppm and settling time was 30 min for each of alum 35 ppm, ferric chloride 15 ppm and polyelectrolyte 4 ppm. It was found that turbidity and TSS increases by increasing the inlet turbidity and TSS.
Also it was found that salts concentration in product increases by increasing feed concentration and temperature. Rejection percentages were (94.475 – 95.631 %), (88.088 – 90.714 %), (83.33 – 93.2 %), (85.116 – 92.727 %) and (65.385 – 72.727 %) for sulphate, total hardness (TH), Ca2+, Mg2+ and Cl- respectively and recovery percentage of product water was (11.429 – 38.143 %) for polyamide membrane (TFC). In the case of concentrate recirculation, feed concentration, permeate concentration and volume of permeate increases with increasing in operating time and 12.69 liter of water valid for injection in oil field was recovered from 25 liter feed after 180 minute.
Microsurgical management of midbrain gliomas: surgical results and long-term outcome in a large, single-surgeon, consecutive series
Authors: Serra Carlo , Türe Hatice , Fırat Zeynep , Staartjes Victor E. , Yaltırık Cumhur Kaan , Ekinci Gazanfer , Sav Aydin , Türe Uğur 
Published: July 2023

OBJECTIVE
The authors report on a large, consecutive, single-surgeon series of patients undergoing microsurgical removal of midbrain gliomas. Emphasis is put on surgical indications, technique, and results as well as long-term oncological follow-up.

METHODS
A retrospective analysis was performed of prospectively collected data from a consecutive series of patients undergoing microneurosurgery for midbrain gliomas from March 2006 through June 2022 at the authors’ institution. According to the growth pattern and location of the lesion in the midbrain (tegmentum, central mesencephalic structures, and tectum), one of the following approaches was chosen: transsylvian (TS), extreme anterior interhemispheric transcallosal (eAIT), posterior interhemispheric transtentorial subsplenial (PITS), paramedian supracerebellar transtentorial (PST), perimedian supracerebellar (PeS), perimedian contralateral supracerebellar (PeCS), and transuvulotonsillar fissure (TUTF). Clinical and radiological data were gathered according to a standard protocol and reported according to common descriptive statistics. The main outcomes were rate of gross-total resection; extent of resection; occurrence of any complications; variation in Karnofsky Performance Status score at discharge, 3 months, and last follow-up; progression-free survival (PFS); and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS
Fifty-four patients (28 of them pediatric) met the inclusion criteria (6 with high-grade and 48 with low-grade gliomas [LGGs]). Twenty-two tumors were in the tegmentum, 7 in the central mesencephalic structures, and 25 in the tectum. In no instance did the glioma originate in the cerebral peduncle. TS was performed in 2 patients, eAIT in 6, PITS in 23, PST in 16, PeS in 4, PeCS in 1, and TUTF in 2 patients. Gross-total resection was achieved in 39 patients (72%). The average extent of resection was 98.0% (median 100%, range 82%–100%). There were no deaths due to surgery. Nine patients experienced transient and 2 patients experienced permanent new neurological deficits. At a mean follow-up of 72 months (median 62, range 3–193 months), 49 of the 54 patients were still alive. All patients with LGGs (48/54) were alive with no decrease in their KPS score, whereas 42 showed improvement compared with their preoperative status.

CONCLUSIONS
Microneurosurgical removal of midbrain gliomas is feasible with good surgical results and long-term clinical outcomes, particularly in patients with LGGs. As such, microneurosurgery should be considered as the first therapeutic option. Adequate microsurgical technique and anesthesiological management, along with an accurate preoperative understanding of the tumor’s exact topographic origin and growth pattern, is crucial for a good surgical outcome.
The learning curve for cavernous sinus surgery illustrated by symptomatic intracavernous aneurysm clipping through a pretemporal transcavernous approach
Authors: Liao Chih-Hsiang , Lin Chun-Fu , Wang Jui-To , Wang Wei-Hsin , Chen Shao-Ching , Hsu Sanford P. C. 
Published: July 2023

OBJECTIVE
The anatomy of the cavernous sinus (CS) has been well studied in the laboratory for decades; however, performing surgery in and around the CS is still a challenge. To reveal the learning curve for CS surgery via the pretemporal transcavernous approach (PTTC), surgical procedures were examined. The authors proposed 4 levels of surgical difficulty in opening the walls of the CS through this approach. Details of the approach were illustrated by surgical videos of symptomatic intracavernous aneurysm clipping.

METHODS
Four levels of surgical difficulty were proposed. The higher the level, the more the CS walls were opened. Pathologies corresponding to each level of difficulty in and around the CS were categorized in each level together with explanations. From 2015 to 2021, 5 patients with symptomatic intracavernous aneurysms (diplopia due to compressive cranial neuropathy) underwent the PTTC at the authors’ institute and served as representative cases in opening the walls of the CS. All CS cases from 2009 to 2021 were reviewed and categorized to demonstrate the learning curve.

RESULTS
Four levels of surgical difficulty are as follows: level 1, a basic Dolenc extradural approach, which involves opening the anterior third of the superior and lateral walls of the CS; level 2, mobilizing the internal carotid artery (ICA) and opening the proximal dural ring to enter the roof of the CS and treat lesions around the clinoid and upper cavernous ICA; level 3, opening the entire aspect of the superior and lateral walls of the CS, which involves opening the oculomotor triangle and peeling the lateral wall of the CS to the tentorial incisura; and level 4, mobilizing cranial nerves III, IV, and V1 to gain access to the supra-/infratrochlear triangles to have proximal ICA control and opening the posterior wall as the last step to enter the posterior fossa. Surgical steps were described and illustrated with surgical videos of symptomatic intracavernous aneurysm clipping.

CONCLUSIONS
The learning curve for CS surgery is long. The authors use 4 levels of surgical difficulty to describe applications of the PTTC in CS surgery. This approach serves as an effective workhorse in treating CS pathologies with low morbidity and high success rates when performed by experienced neurosurgeons.
Clinical outcomes and proximal junctional failure in adult spinal deformity patients corrected to normative alignment versus functional alignment
Authors: Protopsaltis Themistocles S. , Ani Fares , Soroceanu Alexandra , Lafage Renaud , Kim Han Jo , Balouch Eaman , Norris Zoe , Smith Justin S. , Daniels Alan H. , Klineberg Eric O. , Ames Christopher P. , Hart Robert , Bess Shay , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Schwab Frank J. , Lenke Lawrence G. , Lafage Virginie , Gupta Munish C. 
Published: July 2023

OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to explore the rate of proximal junctional failure (PJF) and functional outcomes of normative alignment goals compared with alignment targets based on age-appropriate physical function.

METHODS
Baseline relationships between age, pelvic incidence (PI), and a component of the T1 pelvic angle (TPA) within the fusion were analyzed in adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients and compared with those of asymptomatic patients. Linear regression modeling was used to determine alignment based on PI and age in asymptomatic patients (normative alignment), and in ASD patients, alignment corresponding to age-appropriate functional status (functional alignment). A cohort of 288 ASD patients was split into two groups based on whether the patient was closer to their normative or functional alignment goal at their 6-week postoperative radiographic follow-up. The rates of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and PJF were determined for each cohort.

RESULTS
In the 288 ASD patients included in this pre- to postoperative analysis, there was no difference in baseline alignment or health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between the normative alignment and functional alignment groups. At 6 weeks, patients with normative alignment had a smaller TPA (4.45° vs 14.1°) and PI minus lumbar lordosis (−7.24° vs 7.4°) (both p < 0.0001) and higher PJK (40% vs 27.2%, p = 0.03) and PJF (17% vs 6.8%, p = 0.008) rates than patients with functional alignment.

CONCLUSIONS
Correction in ASD patients to normative alignment resulted in higher rates of PJK and PJF without improvements in HRQOL. Correction in ASD patients to functional alignment that mirrors the physical function of their age-matched asymptomatic peers is recommended.
Retrospective single-surgeon study of prone versus lateral robotic pedicle screw placement: a CT-based assessment of accuracy
Authors: Brown Nolan J. , Pennington Zach , Kuo Cathleen C. , Shahrestani Shane , Gold Justin , Diaz-Aguilar Luis D. , Mehkri Yusuf , Singh Rohin , Gendreau Julian , Pham Martin H. 
Published: July 2023

OBJECTIVE
Lateral lumbar interbody fusion including anterior-to-psoas oblique lumbar interbody fusion has conventionally relied on pedicle screw placement (PSP) for construct stabilization. Single-position surgery with lumbar interbody fusion in the lateral decubitus position with concomitant PSP has been associated with increased operative efficiency. What remains unclear is the accuracy of PSP with robotic guidance when compared with the more familiar prone patient positioning. The present study aimed to compare robot-assisted screw placement accuracy between patients with instrumentation placed in the prone and lateral positions.

METHODS
The authors identified all consecutive patients treated with interbody fusion and PSP in the prone or lateral position by a single surgeon between January 2019 and October 2022. All pedicle screws placed were analyzed using CT scans to determine appropriate positioning according to the Gertzbein-Robbins classification grading system (grade C or worse was considered as a radiographically significant breach). Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to identify risk factors for the occurrence of a radiographically significant breach.

RESULTS
Eighty-nine consecutive patients (690 screws) were included, of whom 46 (477 screws) were treated in the prone position and 43 (213 screws) in the lateral decubitus position. There were fewer breaches in the prone (n = 13, 2.7%) than the lateral decubitus (n = 15, 7.0%) group (p = 0.012). Nine (1.9%) radiographically significant breaches occurred in the prone group compared with 10 (4.7%) in the lateral decubitus group (p = 0.019), for a prone versus lateral decubitus PSP accuracy rate of 98.1% versus 95.3%. There were no significant differences in BMI between prone versus lateral decubitus cohorts (30.1 vs 29.6) or patients with screw breach versus those without (31.2 vs 29.5). In multivariate models, the prone position was the only significant protective factor for screw accuracy; no other significant risk factors for screw breach were identified.

CONCLUSIONS
The present data suggest that pedicle screws placed with robotic assistance have higher placement accuracy in the prone position. Further studies will be needed to validate the accuracy of PSP in the lateral position as single-position surgery becomes more commonplace in the treatment of spinal disorders.
Proximal forearm nerve branching patterns: an anatomical study and its clinical significance
Authors: Zancolli Pablo , Johnston Benjamin R. , Martinez Ezequiel F. , Brown Justin M. 
Published: July 2023

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to add to the understanding of nerve branching patterns in the proximal forearm and consider optimal nerve transfer options to address the various injuries that affect the function of the upper extremity.

METHODS
Eleven upper-extremity cadaveric specimens were dissected to expose the radial, median, and ulnar nerves in the proximal forearm. The site of origin of nerve branches from the major nerves was assessed, with measurements made in reference to the lateral epicondyle for the radial nerve branches and the medial epicondyle for the median and ulnar nerve branches. The distances to where these branches entered their respective muscles (muscle entry point) were assessed using the same landmarks. To plan a transfer, the length of the nerve branches was then calculated as the difference from the apparent origin from the main nerve trunk to the location where the nerve entered the muscle. Importantly, the nerve branch origin was established as the location of obvious separation from the main nerve trunk without additional fascicular dissection from the major nerve trunk. The number of branches was determined, and the diameter for each branch was measured using a Vernier caliper.

RESULTS
The radial nerve branch to the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle had an average length of 50.7 mm and average diameter of 1.6 mm. The mean medial and lateral lengths of the radial branches to the supinator muscle were found to be 22.2 mm (diameter 1.4 mm) and 15.3 mm (diameter 1.3 mm), respectively. The anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) branch of the median nerve was found 67.8 mm distal to the medial epicondyle with a diameter of 2.3 mm. The flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) muscle innervation from the ulnar nerve was provided by 3 or 4 branches in most specimens. The second and third of these branches were the longest, with means of 30.5 mm (diameter 1.4 mm) and 30.7 mm (diameter 1.3 mm), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
While there is variability of the nerve branching pattern in the proximal forearm between specimens, the authors provide evidence of commonalities (branching patterns and distances) that can facilitate planning for upper-extremity nerve reconstructions. Importantly, all measurements are provided with reference to easily identified bony landmarks and to their muscle entry points to aid operative decision-making. These data complement the growing practice of nerve transfers in the upper extremity for a variety of pathologies.
The lumbar adjacent-level syndrome: analysis of clinical, radiological, and surgical parameters in a large single-center series
Authors: Cannizzaro Delia , Anania Carla D. , De Robertis Mario , Pizzi Andrea , Gionso Matteo , Ballabio Chiara , Ubezio Maria Cleofe , Frigerio Gian Marco , Battaglia Massimiliano , Morenghi Emanuela , Capo Gabriele , Milani Davide , Attuati Luca , Tomei Massimo , Riva Marco , Costa Francesco , Galbusera Fabio , Politi Letterio S. , Ortolina Alessandro , Fornari Maurizio 
Published: July 2023

OBJECTIVE
The development of specific clinical and neurological symptoms and radiological degeneration affecting the segment adjacent to a spinal arthrodesis comprise the framework of adjacent-level syndrome. Through the analysis of a large surgical series, this study aimed to identify possible demographic, clinical, radiological, and surgical risk factors involved in the development of adjacent-level syndrome.

METHODS
A single-center retrospective analysis of adult patients undergoing lumbar fusion procedures between January 2014 and December 2018 was performed. Clinical, demographic, radiological, and surgical data were collected. Patients who underwent surgery for adjacent-segment disease (ASD) were classified as the ASD group. All patients were evaluated 1 month after the surgical procedure clinically and radiologically (with lumbar radiographs) and 3 months afterward with CT scans. The last follow-up was performed by telephone interview. The median follow-up for patients included in the analysis was 67.2 months (range 39–98 months).

RESULTS
A total of 902 patients were included in this study. Forty-nine (5.4%) patients required reoperation for ASD. A significantly higher BMI value was observed in the ASD group (p < 0.001). Microdiscectomy and microdecompression procedures performed at the upper or lower level of an arthrodesis without fusion extension have a statistically significant impact on the development of ASD (p = 0.001). Postoperative pelvic tilt in the ASD group was higher than in the non-ASD group. Numeric rating scale, Core Outcome Measures Index, and Oswestry Disability Index scores at the last follow-up were significantly higher in patients in the ASD group and in patients younger than 65 years.

CONCLUSIONS
Identifying risk factors for the development of adjacent-level syndrome allows the implementation of a prevention strategy in patients undergoing lumbar arthrodesis surgery. Age older than 65 years, high BMI, preexisting disc degeneration at the adjacent level, and high postoperative pelvic tilt are the most relevant factors. In addition, patients older than 65 years achieve higher levels of clinical improvement and postsurgical satisfaction than do younger patients.
Effect of workers’ compensation status on pain, disability, quality of life, and return to work after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: a 1-year propensity score–matched analysis
Authors: Hani Ummey , Monk Steve H. , Pfortmiller Deborah , Stanley Gerry , Kim Paul K. , Bohl Michael A. , Holland Christopher M. , McGirt Matthew J. 
Published: July 2023

OBJECTIVE
Patients with workers’ compensation (WC) claims are reported to demonstrate poorer surgical outcomes after lumbar spine surgery. However, outcomes after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) in WC patients remain debatable. The authors aimed to compare outcomes between a propensity score–matched population of WC and non-WC patients who underwent ACDF.

METHODS
Patients who underwent 1- to 4-level ACDF were retrospectively reviewed from the prospectively maintained Quality Outcomes Database (QOD). After propensity score matching, 1-year patient satisfaction, physical disability (Neck Disability Index [NDI]), pain (visual analog scale [VAS]), EQ-5D, and return to work were compared between WC and non-WC cohorts.

RESULTS
A total of 9957 patients were included (9610 non-WC and 347 WC patients). Patients in the WC cohort were significantly younger (50 ± 9.1 vs 56 ± 11.4 years, p < 0.001), less educated, and were more frequently male, non-Caucasian, and active smokers (29.1% vs 18.1%, p < 0.001), with greater baseline VAS and NDI scores and poorer quality of life (p < 0.001). One-year postoperative improvements in VAS, NDI, EQ-5D, and return-to-work rates and satisfaction were all significantly worse for WC compared with non-WC patients. After adjusting for baseline differences via propensity score matching, WC versus non-WC patients continued to demonstrate worse 3- and 12-month VAS neck pain and NDI (p = 0.010), satisfaction (χ2 = 4.03, p = 0.045), and delayed return to work (9.3 vs 5.7 weeks, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
WC status was associated with greater 1-year residual disability and axial pain along with delayed return to work, without any difference in quality of life despite having fewer comorbidities and being a younger population. Further studies are needed to determine the societal impact that WC claims have on healthcare delivery in the setting of ACDF.
Numerical Simulation of Highly Efficient Cs2TiI6 based Pb Free Perovskites Solar Cell with the Help of Optimized ETL and HTL Using SCAPS-1D Software
Authors: Halim Md Abdul , Islam Md. Shafiqul , Hossain Md. Momin , Ali Khan Md. Yakub 
Published: July 2023

In order to provide the best photovoltaic application, this paper examines the physical, optical, and electrical aspects of Cesium Titanium (IV) based single halide Perovskite absorption materials. Perovskite solar cell for scavenging renewable energy, has grown more and more necessary in the context of the diversification of the use of natural resources. Due to its efficient band gap of 1.8 eV, Cs2TiI6 has become a desirable contender for today's thin-film solar cell. This article shows the spectrum responses of a planar Au/FTO/C60/Cs2TiI6/CH3NH3SnI3/Al based structure where CH3NH3SnI3 is used as a Hole transport layer (HTL) and C60 and FTO are utilized as Electron transport layers (ETL) under 300K temperature conditions. This research demonstrates that employing FTO and C60 as Electron transport layer charge extraction can be achieved. FTO provides High transmission, strong conductivity, and good adherence for the deposited layers. When used in a coevaporated perovskite solar cell, a C60 layer with an ideal thickness less than 15 nm improves charge extraction. This article tried to avoid cadmium for solar cell generation due to its toxicity on environment. The simulation included detailed configuration optimization for the thickness of the absorber layer, HTL, ETL, defect density, Wavelength, temperature, and series resistance. In this work the Power Conversion Efficiency (η), Fill Factor (FF), Open-circuit Voltage (Voc), J-V Curve, Quantum Efficiency and Short-circuit current (Jsc) have been measured by varying thickness of absorber layer in the range of 1µm to 6 µm. The optimized perovskite solar cell shows a power conversion efficiency of 21.8429% when the absorber layer thickness is 4µm and electron transport layer thickness is 0.6µm.