bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Median artery persistence in coexistence with a bifid median nerve and interconnections of the median with the ulnar nerve and vice versa
Authors: Piagkou Maria , Tsakotos George , Triantafyllou George , Koutserimpas Christos , Totlis Trifon , Karampelias Vasilios , Natsis Konstantinos 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose
This report describes a bilateral persistent median artery (PMA) originating from the ulnar artery and terminating at different levels of the upper limb. The PMA coexisted with a bilateral bifid median nerve (MN) and two bilateral interconnections (ICs characterized with the symbol -) of the MN with the ulnar nerve (UN) (MN-UN) and a unilateral reverse IC (UN-MN). Emphasis was given to the artery’s developmental background.

Methods
The PMA was identified in an 80-year-old formalin-embalmed donated male cadaver.

Results
The right-sided PMA terminated at the wrist, posterior to the palmar aponeurosis. Two neural ICs were identified: the UN joined the MN deep branch (UN-MN), at the forearm’s upper third, and the MN deep stem joined the UN palmar branch (MN-UN), at the lower third (9.7 cm distally to the 1st IC). The left-sided PMA ended in the palm giving off the 3rd and 4th proper palmar digital arteries. An incomplete superficial palmar arch was identified by the contribution of the PMA, radial, and ulnar arteries. After the MN bifurcation into superficial and deep branches, the deep branches formed a loop, that was penetrated by the PMA. The MN deep branch communicated with the UN palmar branch (MN-UN).

Conclusions
The PMA should be evaluated as a causative factor of carpal tunnel syndrome. The modified Allen's test and the Doppler ultrasound may detect the arterial flow and the angiography may depict the vessel thrombosis in complex cases. PMA could also be a "salvage" vessel for the hand supply, in radial and ulnar artery trauma.
Synergistic effects of vagus nerve stimulation and antiseizure medication
Authors: Winter Yaroslav , Sandner Katharina , Glaser Martin , Ciolac Dumitru , Sauer Viktoria , Ziebart Andreas , Karakoyun Ali , Chiosa Vitalie , Saryyeva Assel , Krauss Joachim , Ringel Florian , Groppa Sergiu 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an effective, non-pharmacological therapy for epileptic seizures. Until now, favorable combinations of different groups of antiseizure medication (ASM) and VNS have not been sufficiently addressed. The aim of this study was to identify the synergistic effects between VNS and different ASMs.

Methods
We performed an observational study of patients with epilepsy who were implanted with VNS and had a stable ASM therapy during the first 2 years after the VNS implantation. Data were collected from the Mainz Epilepsy Registry. The efficacy of VNS depending on the concomitantly used ASM group/individual ASMs was assessed by quantifying the responder rate (≥ 50% seizure reduction compared to the time of VNS implantation) and seizure freedom (absence of seizures during the last 6 months of the observation period).

Results
One hundred fifty one patients (mean age 45.2 ± 17.0 years, 78 females) were included in the study. Regardless of the used ASM, the responder rate in the whole cohort was 50.3% and the seizure freedom was 13.9%. Multiple regression analysis showed that combination of VNS with synaptic vesicle glycoprotein (SV2A) modulators (responder rate 64.0%, seizure freedom 19.8%) or slow sodium channel inhibitors (responder rate 61.8%, seizure freedom 19.7%) was associated with a statistically significant better responder rate and seizure freedom than combinations of VNS and ASM with other mechanism of action. Within these ASM groups, brivaracetam showed a more favorable effect than levetiracetam, whereas lacosamide and eslicarbazepine were comparable in their effects.

Conclusion
Our data suggest that the combination of VNS with ASMs belonging to either SV2A modulators or slow sodium channel inhibitors could be optimal to achieve a better seizure control following VNS. However, these preliminary data require further validation under controlled conditions.
Motion perception in touch: resolving contradictory findings by varying probabilities of different trial types
Authors: Merz Simon , Frings Christian , Spence Charles 
Published: June 2023

AbstractRepresentational momentum describes the typical overestimation of the final location of a moving stimulus in the direction of stimulus motion. While systematically observed in different sensory modalities, especially vision and audition, in touch, empirical findings indicate a mixed pattern of results, with some published studies suggesting the existence of the phenomenon, while others do not. In the present study, one possible moderating variable, the relative probabilities of different trial types, was explored in an attempt to resolve the seemingly contradictory findings in the literature. In some studies, only consistently moving target stimuli were presented and no representational momentum was observed, while other studies have included inconsistently moving target stimuli in the same experimental block, and observed representational momentum. Therefore, the present study was designed to systematically compare the localization of consistent target motion stimuli across two experimental blocks, for which either only consistent motion trials were presented, or else mixed with inconsistent target motion trials. The results indicate a strong influence of variations in the probability of different trial types on the occurrence of representational momentum. That is, representational momentum only occurred when both trial types (inconsistent and consistent target motion) were presented within one experimental block. The results are discussed in light of recent theoretical advancements in the literature, namely the speed prior account of motion perception.
Incidence, risk factors, and burden of incisional hernia repair after abdominal surgery in France: a nationwide study
Authors: Ortega-Deballon P. , Renard Y. , de Launay J. , Lafon T. , Roset Q. , Passot G. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Incisional hernias are common after laparotomies. The aims of this study were to assess the rate of incisional hernia repair after abdominal surgery, recurrence rate, hospital costs, and risk factors, in France.

Methods
This national, retrospective, longitudinal, observational study was based on the exhaustive hospital discharge database (PMSI). All adult patients (≥ 18 years old) hospitalised for an abdominal surgical procedure between 01-01-2013 and 31-12-2014 and hospitalised for incisional hernia repair within five years were included. Descriptive analyses and cost analyses from the National Health Insurance (NHI) viewpoint (hospital care for the hernia repair) were performed. To identify risk factors for hernia repair a multivariable Cox model and a machine learning analysis were performed.

Results
In 2013–2014, 710074 patients underwent abdominal surgery, of which 32633 (4.6%) and 5117 (0.7%) had ≥ 1 and ≥ 2 incisional hernia repair(s) within five years, respectively. Mean hospital costs amounted to €4153/hernia repair, representing nearly €67.7 million/year. Some surgical sites exposed patients at high risk of incisional hernia repair: colon and rectum (hazard ratio [HR] 1.2), and other sites on the small bowel and the peritoneum (HR 1.4). Laparotomy procedure and being ≥ 40 years old put patients at high risk of incisional hernia repair even when operated on low-risk sites such as stomach, duodenum, and hepatobiliary.

Conclusion
The burden of incisional hernia repair is high and most patients are at risk either due to age ≥ 40 or the surgery site. New approaches to prevent the onset of incisional hernia are warranted.
Stochastic modeling with robust Kalman filter for real-time kinematic GPS single-frequency positioning
Authors: Wang Rui , Becker Doris , Hobiger Thomas 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe centimeter-level positioning accuracy of real-time kinematic (RTK) depends on correctly resolving integer carrier-phase ambiguities. To improve the success rate of ambiguity resolution and obtain reliable positioning results, an enhanced Kalman filtering procedure has been developed. Based on a posteriori residuals of measurements and state predictions, the measurement noise variance–covariance matrix for double-differenced measurements is adaptively estimated, rather than approximated by an empirical function which uses satellite elevation angle as input. Since, in real-world situations, unexpected outliers and carrier-phase outages can degrade the filter performance, a stochastic model based on robust Kalman filtering is proposed, for which the double-differenced measurement noise variance–covariance matrix is computed empirically with a modified version of the IGG (Institute of Geodesy and Geophysics) III method in order to detect and identify outliers. The performance of the proposed method is assessed by two tests, one with simulated data and one with real data. In addition, the performance of F-ratio and W-ratio tests as proxies for the success of ambiguity fixing is investigated. Experimental results reveal that the proposed method can improve the reliability and robustness of relative kinematic positioning for simulation scenarios as well as in a real urban test.
Development of an offline OOH advertising recommendation system using negative sampling and deep interest network
Authors: Seo Hyun-Woo , Kim Soo-Hyeok , Ryu Sang-Gi , Jo Seung-Kyu , Cho Su-Phil , Sohn Jong-Soo , Lim Chi-Ehyeon 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe out-of-home (OOH) advertising market has been operated exclusively following the know-how of salespeople. Thus, it is difficult to make scientific decisions and systematically provide various options to advertisers. In this regard, this study develops an OOH advertising recommendation system by analyzing past OOH history data. The OOH advertising allocation problem has the characteristics that the training data are implicit feedback, and only one advertisement can be posted per offline billboard. This study proposes a recommendation system suitable for OOH history data using negative sampling and Deep Interest Network. The proposed recommendation system showed a higher performance than excisting models used for comparison purposes, and the findings of this study present implications for solving similar recommendation problems.
Fracture Resistance and Crack Growth Mechanisms in Functionally Graded Ti–TiB
Authors: Sahragard-Monfared G. , Smudde C. M. , Carpenter R. D. , Munir Z. A. , Gibeling J. C. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis paper presents the results of fracture tests and crack path observations for a layered functionally graded material (FGM) consisting of Ti and TiB phases. The composition varied in a nearly linear manner from a TiB-rich layer at the bottom to commercially pure (CP) Ti at the top. Elastic properties of the mixed phase interlayers were measured using nanoindentation testing, demonstrating a linear variation with composition. These results differ significantly from approximations calculated in previous studies using a non-linear rule-of-mixtures approach. Fracture tests were conducted on single edge notch bend [SEN(B)] specimens with the notch aligned orthogonal to the direction of the composition gradient. For this crack orientation, "average" R-curve behavior based on the J-integral was investigated to understand the mechanics of crack growth. The value of J was found to be minimal (less than 1 N/mm) below 47 pct volume fraction of TiB compared to a reported value of approximately 150 N/mm for pure Ti. These results indicate that a steeper transition to high concentrations of the metallic phase is necessary to achieve adequate fracture resistance in this metal/ceramic FGM. Observations on the specimen surface indicate crack path toughening mechanisms of this functionally graded material include crack bridging, branching, and deflection.
The application of mixed nitrogen increases photosynthetic and antioxidant capacity in rice (Oryza sativa) under heat stress at flowering stage
Authors: You Cuicui , Xu Peng , He Yizhe , Wang Huayun , Ke Jian , He Haibing , Wu Liquan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn recent years, heat stress has become a serious threat to rice production in China. It is well documented that nitrogen forms can regulate the heat tolerance of plants. However, its effect on the rice plants has not been described before. In this study, a pot experiment was performed with two restorer lines of indica rice, heat-tolerant 996 (HT 996) and heat-sensitive 343 (HS 343), to investigate whether nitrogen forms could mitigate heat stress at flowering stage and their physiological mechanism. The experiment received five treatments: (1) NN0: natural temperature level (32 ℃) with urea-N; (2) HN0: high temperature level (38 ℃) with urea-N; (3) HN1: high temperature level with NH4+-N; (4) HN2: high temperature level with mixed N [NH4+: NO3− at 50: 50 (w:w)]; and (5) HN3: high temperature level with NO3−-N, respectively. The results showed that heat stress reduced seed setting, photosynthetic characteristics, leaf nitrogen content and antioxidant enzyme activities of rice. However, the application of mixed N significantly increased the 1000-grain weight and seed setting rate under heat stress, thus increasing yield. The increased yield was mainly caused by higher leaf N content, photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance, which led to a reduction in panicle and leaf temperatures. Meanwhile, the application of mixed N also improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes, and reduced the amount of reactive oxygen species, thereby mitigating the damage caused by exposure to high temperature. In conclusion, the application of mixed N can effectively alleviate the adverse consequences of high temperature, and could be further applied to provide strategies for the prevention and control of high temperature-prone areas during the rice flowering period.
Temperature control for thermomechanical ring rolling
Authors: Lafarge Rémi , Brosius Alexander 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThermomechanical tangential profiled ring rolling enables the manufacture of ring shaped parts with specified geometry and hardness within a single step. Some influence over the cooling rate of the ring is achieved using supplementary cooling with compressed air. Earlier work has shown that some form of control is necessary in order to obtain an acceptable reproducibility. In this study, the possibility to control the temperature of the ring using closed loop control is shown. A model of the controlled system is implemented in order to determine PID parameters. Finally, the improvement of the process repeatability is demonstrated.
Imaging Techniques to Differentiate Benign Testicular Masses from Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Saidian Ava , Bagrodia Aditya 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose of Review
To discuss role of different diagnostic imaging modalities in differentiation of benign testicular masses from seminomatous germ cell tumors (SGCTs) and non-seminomatous GCTs (NSGCTs).

Recent Findings
New modalities of ultrasonography, including contrast enhancement and shear wave elastography, may help differentiate between benign and malignant intratesticular lesions.

Summary
Ultrasonography remains the recommended imaging modality for initial evaluation of testicular masses. However, MRI can be used to better define equivocal testicular lesions on US.
Assessing the methodological strengths and limitations of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) guidelines: a critical appraisal using AGREE II and AGREE-REX tool
Authors: Santero Marilina , de Mas Júlia , Rifà Berta , Clavero Inés , Rexach Irene , Bonfill Cosp Xavier 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
The Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) has provided open-access guidelines for cancer since 2014. However, no independent assessment of their quality has been conducted to date. This study aimed to critically evaluate the quality of SEOM guidelines on cancer treatment.

Methods
Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) and AGREE-REX tool was used to evaluate the qualities of the guidelines.

Results
We assessed 33 guidelines, with 84.8% rated as “high quality”. The highest median standardized scores (96.3) were observed in the domain “clarity of presentation”, whereas “applicability” was distinctively low (31.4), with only one guideline scoring above 60%. SEOM guidelines did not include the views and preferences of the target population, nor did specify updating methods.

Conclusions
Although developed with acceptable methodological rigor, SEOM guidelines could be improved in the future, particularly in terms of clinical applicability and patient perspectives.
Fit-For-Purpose Method Development to Determine Co-Occurring Multiclass Mycotoxins in Apple and Apple Puree Samples
Authors: Carbonell-Rozas Laura , Van der Cruyssen Linde , Dall’Asta Chiara , Leggieri Marco Camardo , Battilani Paola 
Published: June 2023

AbstractDue to the impact of the climate change on mycotoxins production and their occurrence in foods, it is important to consider the potential accumulation of unexpected mycotoxins in matrices susceptible to be contaminated such as apples. In this regard, a fit-for-purpose LC–MS/MS method to determine co-occurring mycotoxins in apple purees has been proposed, considering the fungal profile isolated from stored apple fruits. Due to the isolation ofFusariumspp., fumonisins were included in the method along withAlternariatoxins (alternariol, alternariol monomethyl ether, and tentoxin), aflatoxins, and the only so far regulated patulin. The method was fully characterized in terms of linearity, sensitivity (LODs and LOQs below 0.4 and 1.4 µg kg−1, respectively, except for patulin being lower than 1.2 and 4.1 µg kg−1), precision, and recovery. The optimized method was then applied to the analysis of stored apples and apple purees from retail market. The preliminary survey brought the first evidence of FB1 occurrence in apple purees and highlighted the need for monitoring mycotoxins co-occurrence in apples and apple-based products.
Examining different perspectives on “disadvantage” in European education systems as a basis for developing remedial interventions for disadvantaged schools
Authors: Anderson-Park Eva , Kindlinger Marcus , van Veldhuizen Myrte , Abs Hermann Josef 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn the context of disadvantaged schools, remedial interventions are implemented to compensate for unfavourable conditions. However, there seems to be no clear rationale linking the characteristics which education systems use to decide whether a school is disadvantaged and the prospective remedial interventions. In addition, the specific needs and challenges faced by novice teachers working in disadvantaged schools are not well understood. Yet, this is important for the success of pedagogical measures improving outcomes for both teachers and students. This article aims to fill this gap by examining the terminology and indicators used across European educational systems to identify disadvantaged schools, as well as the perceptions of novice teachers at these schools about the issues they face. The empirical part of the article draws on evaluation data from a European project (NEST—Novice Educator Support and Training) which implemented an adaptive mentoring programme in Austria and six other European education systems. In a first step, the authors approach the definition of the concept of disadvantage and examine how disadvantaged schools are designated in the seven education systems. To this end, document analyses and expert interviews were examined. Analysing novice teacher data from the questionnaires developed for project evaluation, the authors observe how the challenges of disadvantaged schools are perceived from both the perspective of novice teachers as well as educational administrations. The findings provide valuable insights for the design and implementation of remedial interventions that are tailored to the unique challenges disadvantaged schools face.
Odour-sensitive passenger comfort in small aircraft cabins
Authors: Nasoulis C.P. , Mantziou S. , Gkoutzamanis V.G. , Kalfas A.I. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis work presents a numerical investigation targeting to simulate the slice of a small aircraft cabin as an experimental facility with a controlled environment, to assess passenger comfort when exposed to high volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations. The mixing and transport of chemical species are evaluated using computational fluid dynamics for 800 s of in-cabin actual flow time and measurements are taken every 10 s from selected computational nodes close to the passengers’ noses. The results are used to create a dataset that trains four different machine learning classifiers, namely, the Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, Logistic Regression and Naive Bayes, and their performance is compared. Moreover, an additional simulation of the cabin with a filtering system utilising high-efficiency particulate air and activated carbon filters is conducted, to evaluate the impact of the molecular weight of the compounds on their residence time, and compare it to the simulation without the filters. Results indicate that the model is insensitive to the inlet air mass flow variation and that the mass of the VOCs measured in the monitored computational nodes remains relatively unaffected, meaning that the impact of the air-conditioning system setting is minor. Additionally, a Boruta feature selection algorithm is used to determine the importance of each measurement of the simulation and to form a dataset that will train the four machine learning classifiers. Furthermore, the comparison of the two simulations, the one with and the one without the filters, indicates that the residence time (RT) of the compounds is independent of their molecular weight, as they all show equivalent percentile reductions, with the naphthalene and styrene showing a 28.5% and 28.3% reduction respectively, compared to the simulation without the filters. Finally, in-cabin flow irregularities are present, disrupting the flow symmetry and suggesting that not all passengers share the same traveling experience.
Optimism and pessimism toward science: A new way to look at the public’s evaluations of science and technology discoveries and recommendations
Authors: Kang Ki Eun , Vedlitz Arnold , Goldsmith Carol L. , Seavey Ian 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWhile there have always been those in the American public who mistrust science and scientists’ views of the world, they have tended to be a minority of the larger public. Recent COVID-19 related events indicate that could be changing for some key groups. What might explain the present state of mistrust of science within an important component of the American public? In this study, we delve deeply into this question and examine what citizens today believe about science and technology and why, focusing on core theories of trust, risk concern, and political values and on the important role of science optimism and pessimism orientations. Using national public survey data, we examine the correlates of science optimism and pessimism and test the efficacy of this construct as drivers of biotechnology policy. We find that science optimism and pessimism are empirically useful constructs and that they are important predictors of biotechnology policy choices.