bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of multi-wavelength ultrafast laser texturing and autoclave sterilization on titanium alloy-based surface wettability
Authors: Pallarés-Aldeiturriaga David , Papa Steve , Abou Khalil Alain , Pascale-Hamri Alina , Maalouf Mathieu , Di Maio Yoan , Guignandon Alain , Dumas Virginie , Sedao Xxx 
Published: September 2022

AbstractTitanium alloys are widely used in bio-medical applications for their excellent bio-compatibility and superior mechanical strength. On the other hand, femtosecond laser processing is a robust versatile and industrial method widely used for surface functionalization. In this work, laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) on titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) using different laser wavelengths of 1030 nm (IR), 515 nm (Green) and 257 nm (UV) were created and their surface wettability (physical parameter correlated with cell adhesion) was studied, in relation to sterilization process. The contact angle over LIPSS was smaller than over polished samples, with Green and UV LIPSS presenting contact angles inferior to 20$$^\circ$$

∘

and a superior stability to sterilization process.
More profound impact of CP ENSO on Australian spring rainfall in recent decades
Authors: Ma Yiling , Sun Jilin , Dong Tianyun , Yu Weidong , Dong Wenjie 
Published: September 2022

AbstractMost of Australia was in severe drought from 2018 to early 2020. Here we link this drought to the Pacific and Indian Ocean sea surface temperature (SST) modes associated with Central Pacific (CP) El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). Over the last 20 years, the occurrence frequency of CP El Niño has increased. This study extends the previous understanding of eastern Pacific (EP) El Niño-Australian rainfall teleconnections, exhibiting that CP El Niño can bring much broader and stronger rainfall deficiencies than EP El Niño during austral spring (September–November) over the northern Australia (NAU), central inland Australia and eastern Australia (EAU). The correlations between SST fields and rainfall in three Cluster regions divided by clustering analysis also confirm this, with rainfall variability in most of Australia except southern Australia (SAU) most significantly driven by CP ENSO. Also, we demonstrate that the CP El Niño affects rainfall in extratropical EAU via the Pacific-South American (PSA) pattern. While the influence of EP El Niño is only confined in tropical NAU because its PSA pattern sits far too east to convey its variability. With the development of ENSO diversity since 2000, the footprint of El Niño on Australian rainfall has become more complex.
Sexual activity after short-stem total hip arthroplasty. Does stem size matter?
Authors: Hauer Georg , Sadoghi Patrick , Smolle Maria , Zaussinger Sabrina , Friesenbichler Joerg , Leithner Andreas , Maurer-Ertl Werner 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
Sexual activity is an important component of quality of life. To date, no studies have examined the impact of stem design on return to sexual activity (RTS) and quality of sex life after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods
A questionnaire was designed to assess preoperative and postoperative sexual habits, joint awareness and physical activity in working-age patients undergoing short-stem (n = 176) or straight-stem (n = 97) THA.

Results
No differences were noted in time until RTS based on the stem design (short stems vs. straight stems; 6 [IQR: 4–10] vs. 6 [4–10] weeks; p = 0.996). Multivariate analysis revealed that higher patient BMI (p = 0.04), female gender (p < 0.001) and lower FJS-12 (p = 0.006) were significantly associated with delayed RTS. Improved hip mobility and reduced pain mainly contribute to improved quality of sexual activity postoperatively.

Conclusion
This study, hence, indicates that stem design has no impact on time until resumption of sexual activity in patients < 65 years. Female obese individuals who are aware of their artificial joint in daily life are at increased risk of delayed RTS after surgery.

Level of evidence
Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Complications associated using the reamer–irrigator –aspirator (RIA) system: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Laubach Markus , Weimer Lucas P. , Bläsius Felix M. , Hildebrand Frank , Kobbe Philipp , Hutmacher Dietmar W. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Complications associated with the application of the Reamer–irrigator–Aspirator (RIA) system are described in the literature. However, to date a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess prevalence of complications associated with the use of the RIA system have not been conducted.

Materials and methods
The review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021269982). MEDLINE, the Web of Science Core Collection, and Embase were searched from the inception to 10 August 2021. The primary objective was to assess complications and blood loss associated with the use of the RIA system.

Results
Forty-seven studies involving 1834 procedures performed with the RIA system were finally included. A total of 105 complications were reported, with a pooled estimated overall prevalence of 1.7% with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.40 to 3.60, with cortex perforation being the largest reported complication with a total of 34 incidences. A significant subgroup difference was observed (p = 0.02). In subgroup 1 (bone graft harvesting), complication prevalence was 1.4% (95% CI 0.2–3.4); in subgroup 2 (clearance intramedullary canal) it was 0.7% (95% CI 0.00–6.30) and in subgroup 3 (reaming with RIA system prior to nail fixation) 11.9% (95% CI 1.80–26.40). No statistically significant difference for tibia and femur as RIA system application site was observed (CI 0.69–4.19). In studies reporting blood loss, a mean volume of 803.29 ml, a mean drop of hemoglobin of 3.74 g/dl and a necessity of blood transfusion in 9.72% of the patients were observed.

Conclusions
The systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate a low overall prevalence rate of complications associated with the RIA system. However, especially the risk of cortical perforation and the frequently reported relevant intraoperative blood loss are complications that should be anticipated in perioperative management and ultimately considered when using the RIA system.
Evaluation of fractional carbon dioxide laser alone versus its combination with betamethasone valerate in treatment of alopecia areata, a clinical and dermoscopic study
Authors: Halim Dalia Abdel , Nayer Mariam , El-Samanoudy Solwan Ibrahim , Raheem Heba Mohamed Abdel , Ragab Nanis 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAlopecia areata (AA) is a non-scarring tissue-specific autoimmune disorder. Many therapeutic modalities are available for the treatment of AA, but none has yet proven to be uniformly effective. Fractional carbon dioxide (FRCO2) laser has been introduced as a treatment modality for AA. The objective is to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of FRCO2laser in treatment of AA alone or in combination with betamethasone valerate cream. 30 patients were assigned to one of the following groups, Group A FRCO2, Group B FRCO2plus betamethasone valerate cream or Group C (betamethasone valerate cream). Patients received eight laser sessions 2 weeks apart, treatment period was 4 months. A statistically significant decrease in SALT score, dystrophic hair and a statistically significant increase in terminal hair was observed in all groups. Patient satisfaction level and reduction in SALT score were significantly higher among FRCO2and FRCO2plus betamethasone valerate group. However, no statistical significant difference was found between FRCO2group and FRCO2combined with betamethasone valerate cream group. FRCO2laser is a safe and effective treatment modality for AA when used alone or in combination with betamethasone valerate cream. However, it was found superior to betamethasone valerate cream monotherapy.
Habituation of changed acoustics properties after canal wall down mastoidectomy
Authors: Zwemstra M. R. , Brienesse P. , de Wolf M. J. F. , van Spronsen E. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Our objective is to evaluate the effect of habituation on the altered ear canal acoustics after canal wall down mastoidectomy.

Methods
A total of 11 participants with single sided dry cavities and normal contralateral ear canals with normal hearing thresholds were included in the study. Filtered sound fragments were created that simulate the different acoustic properties based on the participants Real Ear to Coupler Difference (RECD) of the cavity ear and the contralateral normal ear canal. These filtered sound fragments are presented to the cavity ear canal and the contralateral normal ear canal using inserts earphones. Participants performed a subjective quality assessment of the sound fragments using paired comparison with a seven-point scale (− 3 till + 3).

Results
Mean assessment of sound quality revealed the following results; naturalness of sounds of the cavity ear canal is 0.29 (± 1.41; ns) in favour of the filtered sound fragment of the normal ear canal. Mean assessment of sharpness of sounds in the cavity ear canal is 1.55 (± 1.21, p = 0.55) in favour of the filtered sound fragment of the normal ear canal. Overall preference in the cavity ear canal was in favour of the normal ear canal acoustics 0.72 (SD ± 1.54 p = 0.224).

Conclusions
Patients with cavity ear canals seem to habituate to their altered ear canal acoustics. Transforming the ear canal acoustics of the cavity ear to normal ear canal acoustics seem to sharpen the incoming sounds. Overall assessment of quality of sound of the normal ear canal acoustics is better than the cavity acoustics.
Using clustering algorithms to examine the association between working memory training trajectories and therapeutic outcomes among psychiatric and healthy populations
Authors: Agassi Or David , Hertz Uri , Shani Reut , Derakshan Nazanin , Wiener Avigail , Okon-Singer Hadas 
Published: September 2022

AbstractWorking memory (WM) training has gained interest due to its potential to enhance cognitive functioning and reduce symptoms of mental disorders. Nevertheless, inconsistent results suggest that individual differences may have an impact on training efficacy. This study examined whether individual differences in training performance can predict therapeutic outcomes of WM training, measured as changes in anxiety and depression symptoms in sub-clinical and healthy populations. The study also investigated the association between cognitive abilities at baseline and different training improvement trajectories. Ninety-six participants (50 females, mean age = 27.67, SD = 8.84) were trained using the same WM training task (duration ranged between 7 to 15 sessions). An algorithm was then used to cluster them based on their learning trajectories. We found three main WM training trajectories, which in turn were related to changes in anxiety symptoms following the training. Additionally, executive function abilities at baseline predicted training trajectories. These findings highlight the potential for using clustering algorithms to reveal the benefits of cognitive training to alleviate maladaptive psychological symptoms.
In vivo probabilistic atlas of white matter tracts of the human subthalamic area combining track density imaging and optimized diffusion tractography
Authors: Basile Gianpaolo Antonio , Quartu Marina , Bertino Salvatore , Serra Maria Pina , Trucas Marcello , Boi Marianna , Demontis Roberto , Bramanti Alessia , Anastasi Giuseppe Pio , Milardi Demetrio , Ciurleo Rosella , Cacciola Alberto 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe human subthalamic area is a region of high anatomical complexity, tightly packed with tiny fiber bundles. Some of them, including the pallidothalamic, cerebello-thalamic, and mammillothalamic tracts, are relevant targets in functional neurosurgery for various brain diseases. Diffusion-weighted imaging-based tractography has been suggested as a useful tool to map white matter pathways in the human brain in vivo and non-invasively, though the reconstruction of these specific fiber bundles is challenging due to their small dimensions and complex anatomy. To the best of our knowledge, a population-based, in vivo probabilistic atlas of subthalamic white matter tracts is still missing. In the present work, we devised an optimized tractography protocol for reproducible reconstruction of the tracts of subthalamic area in a large data sample from the Human Connectome Project repository. First, we leveraged the super-resolution properties and high anatomical detail provided by short tracks track-density imaging (stTDI) to identify the white matter bundles of the subthalamic area on a group-level template. Tracts identification on the stTDI template was also aided by visualization of histological sections of human specimens. Then, we employed this anatomical information to drive tractography at the subject-level, optimizing tracking parameters to maximize between-subject and within-subject similarities as well as anatomical accuracy. Finally, we gathered subject level tracts reconstructed with optimized tractography into a large-scale, normative population atlas. We suggest that this atlas could be useful in both clinical anatomy and functional neurosurgery settings, to improve our understanding of the complex morphology of this important brain region.
Derotation screws provide no advantage over polyaxial screws regarding coronal & sagittal correction in thoracic curves of AIS patients
Authors: Hammad Ahmed , Wirries André , Eberl Johanna , Geiger Florian 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Purpose
We compared two techniques for thoracic apical derotation; one using conventional reduction screws (Single-Innie–SI) and one requiring special derotation screws that can be converted to monoaxial screws to enhance dorotation (Dual-Innie–DI) for coronal and sagittal correction and.

Methods
A total of 200 patients with thoracic AIS have been included. In the SI-Group (n = 127) the convex rod was applied first. Vertebral derotation was done by translation to the concave rod with the convex rod being in place and center of rotation (COR). In the DI-Group (n = 73) correction started with translation on the concave side as well but now followed by derotation around the concave rod using the DI-mechanism.

Results
The mean rotation according to Raimondi and coronal correction was not sig. affected (72 (± 12) % in the SI-Group versus 68 (± 15) % in the DI-Group), even when flexibility was respected (Cincinnati Correction Index CCI was 2.9 (± 4.9) versus 3.5 (± 4.4). (p < 0.01). The gain of kyphosis was sig greater (2.7°) in the SI-group, but not clinical relevant.

Conclusion
The use of DI screws for apical derotation did not provide an advantage for coronal correction or derotation in thoracic curves. Presumably after translation is performed in the DI-group, there was too much tension and friction in the construct impeding further derotation. Simultaneous translation and derotation in the SI-group, with the convex rod being the COR, yielded similar correction with better kyphosis and was faster and more economic.
Towards dynamic and heterogeneous social IoT environments
Authors: Flores-Martin Daniel , Berrocal Javier , García-Alonso José , Murillo Juan M. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractNowadays, there are millions of smart devices connected to the Internet. The purpose of these devices is to make people’s lives easier. Thanks to the collaboration among them, the possibilities that the Internet of Things brings can grow exponentially. However, many manufacturers develop closed protocols and devices to protect their market share, limiting in many ways this collaboration. This paper presents a conceptual architecture that improves the proactive collaboration between IoT devices regardless of the protocols developed by their manufacturers. This architecture aims to identify entities in smart environments, describe their features and interfaces, and identify strategies fostering their collaborations. As a result, devices from different manufacturers can communicate to create a collaborative environment in a simple, efficient, and affordable way. This architecture has been evaluated in a real and a simulated environment, to validate its feasibility and efficiency.
Medical decision-making competence regarding puberty suppression: perceptions of transgender adolescents, their parents and clinicians
Authors: Vrouenraets Lieke Josephina Jeanne Johanna , de Vries Annelou L. C. , Arnoldussen Marijn , Hannema Sabine E. , Lindauer Ramón J. L. , de Vries Martine C. , Hein Irma M. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAccording to international transgender care guidelines, transgender adolescents should have medical decision-making competence (MDC) to start puberty suppression (PS) and halt endogenous pubertal development. However, MDC is a debated concept in adolescent transgender care and little is known about the transgender adolescents’, their parents’, and clinicians’ perspectives on this. Increasing our understanding of these perspectives can improve transgender adolescent care. A qualitative interview study with adolescents attending two Dutch gender identity clinics (eight transgender adolescents who proceeded to gender-affirming hormones after PS, and six adolescents who discontinued PS) and 12 of their parents, and focus groups with ten clinicians was conducted. From thematic analysis, three themes emerged regarding transgender adolescents’ MDC to start PS: (1) challenges when assessing MDC, (2) aspects that are considered when assessing MDC, and (3) MDC’s relevance. The four criteria one needs to fulfill to have MDC—understanding, appreciating, reasoning, communicating a choice—were all, to a greater or lesser extent, mentioned by most participants, just as MDC being relative to a specific decision and context. Interestingly, most adolescents, parents and clinicians find understanding and appreciating PS and its consequences important for MDC. Nevertheless, most state that the adolescents did not fully understand and appreciate PS and its consequences, but were nonetheless able to decide about PS. Parents’ support of their child was considered essential in the decision-making process. Clinicians find MDC difficult to assess and put into practice in a uniform way. Dissemination of knowledge about MDC to start PS would help to adequately support adolescents, parents and clinicians in the decision-making process.
The Discourje project: run-time verification of communication protocols in Clojure
Authors: Hamers Ruben , Horlings Erik , Jongmans Sung-Shik 
Published: September 2022

AbstractTo simplify shared-memory concurrent programming, languages have started to offer core support for high-level communications primitives, in the form of message passing though channels, in addition to lower-level synchronisation primitives. Yet, a growing body of evidence suggests that channel-based programming abstractions also have their issues. The Discourje project aims to help programmers cope with channels and concurrency bugs in Clojure programs, based on dynamic analysis. The idea is that programmers write not only implementations of communication protocols in their Clojure programs, but also specifications. Discourje then offers a run-time verification library to ensure that channel actions in implementations are safe relative to specifications. The aim of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of Discourje, including case studies, theoretical foundations, and practical aspects.
Unmet needs and gaps in the identification of secondary progression in multiple sclerosis: a Southern Italy healthcare professionals’ perspective
Authors: Lus Giacomo , Bassano Marco André , Brescia Morra Vincenzo , Bonavita Simona , Gallo Antonio , Maimone Davide , Malerba Laura , Maniscalco Giorgia Teresa , Saccà Francesco , Salemi Giuseppe , Turrini Renato , Cottone Salvatore , Sessa Edoardo , Buccafusca Maria , Grimaldi Luigi Maria Edoardo 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Objective
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease with different clinical courses and a tendency to worsening. The relapsing–remitting MS presents acute onset and relapses of neurological symptoms, followed by their remission. This form can convert to secondary progressive MS (SPMS) with irreversible neurological worsening and disability. The identification of signs, symptoms, markers of progression, and strategies to manage MS patients is mandatory to allow early identification of those at higher risk of conversion to SPMS, for prompt intervention to cope with the progression of the disease.

Methods
A panel of Italian experts from Southern Italy have reviewed the current knowledge on MS and its management and identified the crucial tools for SPMS recognition.

Results
More effective communication between patients and clinicians should be established, with the support of digital tools. Moreover, the improvement in the clinical use of biomarkers for progression (cellular structures and tissue organization, such as neurofilaments and chitinase 3-like 1, axonal and neurons density) and of instrumental analyses for recognition of whole-brain atrophy, chronic active lesions, spinal cord lesions and atrophy, and the improvement the combination of the Expanded Disability Status Scale and the evaluation of cognitive dysfunction are discussed.

Conclusion
Given the availability of a pharmacological option, adequate education both for patients, regarding the evolution of the disease and the specific treatment, and for professionals, to allow more effective and sensitive communication and the best use of diagnostic and management tools, could represent a strategy to improve patient management and their quality of life.
Non-asymptotic superlinear convergence of standard quasi-Newton methods
Authors: Jin Qiujiang , Mokhtari Aryan 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIn this paper, we study and prove the non-asymptotic superlinear convergence rate of the Broyden class of quasi-Newton algorithms which includes the Davidon–Fletcher–Powell (DFP) method and the Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (BFGS) method. The asymptotic superlinear convergence rate of these quasi-Newton methods has been extensively studied in the literature, but their explicit finite–time local convergence rate is not fully investigated. In this paper, we provide a finite–time (non-asymptotic) convergence analysis for Broyden quasi-Newton algorithms under the assumptions that the objective function is strongly convex, its gradient is Lipschitz continuous, and its Hessian is Lipschitz continuous at the optimal solution. We show that in a local neighborhood of the optimal solution, the iterates generated by both DFP and BFGS converge to the optimal solution at a superlinear rate of $$(1/k)^{k/2}$$

(
1
/
k
)

k
/
2

, where k is the number of iterations. We also prove a similar local superlinear convergence result holds for the case that the objective function is self-concordant. Numerical experiments on several datasets confirm our explicit convergence rate bounds. Our theoretical guarantee is one of the first results that provide a non-asymptotic superlinear convergence rate for quasi-Newton methods.