bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of Posterior Fossa Tumors in Adults Based on the Predictors of Postoperative Hydrocephalus
Authors: Zhang Chengda , Zhang Tingbao , Ge Lingli , Li Zhengwei , Chen Jincao 
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveThis study aims to identify the predictors of postoperative hydrocephalus in patients with posterior fossa tumors (PFTs) and guide the management of perioperative hydrocephalus.MethodsWe performed a single-institution, retrospective analysis of patients who underwent resection of PFTs in our department over a 10-year period (2011–2021). A total of 682 adult patients met the inclusion criteria and were divided into either a prophylactic external ventricular drainage (EVD) group or a nonprophylactic-EVD group. We analyzed data for the nonprophylactic-EVD group by univariate and multivariate analyses to identify predictors of postoperative acute hydrocephalus. We also analyzed all cases by univariate and multivariate analyses to determine the predictors of postoperative ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement.ResultsTumor infiltrating the midbrain aqueduct [P = 0.001; odds ratio (OR) = 9.8], postoperative hemorrhage (P &lt; 0.001; OR = 66.7), and subtotal resection (P = 0.006; OR = 9.3) were independent risk factors for postoperative EVD. Tumor infiltrating the ventricular system (P &lt; 0.001; OR = 58.5) and postoperative hemorrhage (P &lt; 0.001; OR = 28.1) were independent risk factors for postoperative VP shunt placement.ConclusionsThese findings may help promote more aggressive monitoring and earlier interventions for postoperative hydrocephalus in patients with PFTs.
Nuss Technique for Pectus Excavatum in Adult Patients: Cosmetic Satisfaction and Improvement of Quality of Life in a Single-Center Experience
Authors: Viggiano Domenico , Bongiolatti Stefano , Borgianni Sara , Lo Piccolo Roberto , Voltolini Luca , Gonfiotti Alessandro 
Published: June 2022

ObjectivesSince its introduction, the Nuss minimally invasive procedure for pectus excavatum (PE) repair (MIRPE) has become the method of choice. The current study describes our experience of PE correction in adults, with particular focus on postoperative outcomes, pain, quality of life, and patients’ satisfaction.MethodsWe enrolled for this observational study n = 93 adult patients from 2011 to 2018. The Haller index was used to quantify PE severity. Pulmonary function tests and cardiac examinations were performed preoperatively; we developed a standardized surgical technique and postoperative treatment, including follow-up at 3, 12, and 24 months after surgery and 6 months after bar removal. We also evaluated the quality of life and the satisfaction with the cosmetic result after the procedure with standardized questionnaires.ResultsNo operative or perioperative deaths occurred nor life-treating complications. Thirteen complications occurred in 12 patients, with a total complication rate of 14% (n = 13/93). Pain intensity decreased in the follow-up [pain score visual analog scale at 3 months: median 1 (0–8); 12 months: median 1 (0–5); and 24 months: median 1 (0–4)]. Better or much better quality of life after the Nuss procedure was observed: n = 79 (84.1%) at 3 months, n = 80 (86%) at 12 months, and n = 85 (91.4%) at 24 months. After 2 years of observation, more than 90% of patients described improvement in their quality of life and satisfaction with the cosmetic results. Only a very small group of patients suffered from pain in the follow-up.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that the MIRPE procedure is safe and can be performed with excellent results in adults both for improvement of quality of life and for satisfaction with cosmetic results.
Application of 3D Simulation Software in Chemotherapy and Hepatoblastoma Surgery in Children
Authors: Liu Jie , Xiu Wenli , Duan Guangqi , Dong Qian 
Published: June 2022

PurposeThis study aims to explore the clinical value of a computer-assisted surgery system (Hisense CAS) in hepatoblastoma (HB) surgery in children after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Patients and MethodsThe clinical medical records of children with HB treated after neoadjuvant chemotherapy at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2016 to January 2019 were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsA total of 21 children were enrolled in this study, including 13 boys and 8 girls. All cases successfully underwent three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the liver and tumor using Hisense CAS, simulated hepatectomy, and hepatectomy according to the preoperative operation plan. There were twelve cases of right hemihepatectomy, four cases of right trefoil hepatectomy, one case of left lobe hepatectomy, and three cases of middle lobe hepatectomy, and one case of V and VI segment hepatectomy. All children recovered well after the operation. The follow-up ranged from 5 months to 3 years. One child died of systemic metastasis 8 months after the operation. One child received one course of chemotherapy after the operation. Due to the serious reaction to the chemotherapy, the family refused further treatment and follow-up. The remaining 19 children had no complications or recurrence.ConclusionHisense CAS can clearly and intuitively display the position and shape of the HB before and after chemotherapy and its relationship with the intrahepatic pipeline system and accurately evaluate the changes in tumor volume and the distance between important blood vessels, which is conducive to the operator selecting the best operation opportunity, timely formulating the best operation plan and implementing individualized and accurate liver tumor resection.
Effect of Driving Pressure-Oriented Ventilation on Patients Undergoing One-Lung Ventilation During Thoracic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Xuan , Xue Wenqiang , Zhang Qinyu , Zhu Yuyang , Fang Yu , Huang Jie 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundHypoxemia and fluctuations in respiratory mechanics parameters are common during one-lung ventilation (OLV) in thoracic surgery. Additionally, the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCS) in thoracic surgery is higher than that in other surgeries. Previous studies have demonstrated that driving pressure-oriented ventilation can reduce both mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and the incidence of PPCS in patients undergoing general anesthesia. Our aim was to determine whether driving pressure-oriented ventilation improves intraoperative physiology and outcomes in patients undergoing thoracic surgery.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov and performed a meta-analysis to compare the effects of driving pressure-oriented ventilation with other ventilation strategies on patients undergoing OLV. The primary outcome was the PaO2/FiO2 ratio (P/F ratio) during OLV. The secondary outcomes were the incidence of PPCS during follow-up, compliance of the respiratory system during OLV, and mean arterial pressure during OLV.ResultsThis review included seven studies, with a total of 640 patients. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio was higher during OLV in the driving pressure-oriented ventilation group (mean difference [MD]: 44.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 24.22–65.70.32; I2: 58%; P &lt; 0.0001). The incidence of PPCS was lower (OR: 0.58; 95% CI, 0.34–0.99; I2: 0%; P = 0.04) and the compliance of the respiratory system was higher (MD: 6.15; 95% CI, 3.97–8.32; I2: 57%; P &lt; 0.00001) in the driving pressure-oriented group during OLV. We did not find a significant difference in the mean arterial pressure between the two groups.ConclusionDriving pressure-oriented ventilation during OLV in patients undergoing thoracic surgery was associated with better perioperative oxygenation, fewer PPCS, and improved compliance of the respiratory system.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO, identifier: CRD42021297063.
Transcroporal Artificial Urinary Sphincter Placement With Closure of Corporal Bodies—A Long-Term Analysis of Functional Outcomes
Authors: Maurer Valentin , Dahlem Roland , Howaldt Marian , Riechardt Silke , Fisch Margit , Ludwig Tim A. , Engel Oliver 
Published: June 2022

ObjectivesAn artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) is the gold standard for postoperative stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The transcorporal AUS (TC) placement constitutes the main salvage option in high-risk patients suffering from SUI with fragile urethras. The literature analyzing long-term outcomes with respect to explantation rates, continence, and erectile function is scarce.Methods and PatientsRetrospective data collection was performed in 2011. TC was applied according to a standardized protocol. TC was implanted after bulbar urethroplasty or double-cuff (DC) explantation. After TC placement, the tunica albuginea was closed in order to minimize the risk of postoperative bleedings and erectile dysfunction. Activation was performed 6 weeks postoperatively. Further follow-up (FU) was scheduled 6/24 months postoperatively and every 2 years thereafter. Primary/secondary endpoints were explantation/objective, subjective, and social continence rates. Objective or social continence was defined as the use of 0 pads/day or &lt;2 pads/day, respectively. Thereupon, postoperative bleedings and erectile function were analyzed.ResultsA total of 39 high-risk patients were available for analysis. The median age was 72 years. In total, 84.6%, 10.3%, and 2.6% had a history of radical prostatectomy, TURP, and radical cystectomy, respectively. In total, 61.5% had a history of radiation therapy of the prostate, 41% had a history of urethral surgery, and 95% had a history of double cuff explantation. The median FU was 27 months. Objective, subjective, and social continence were 54.5%, 69.7%, and 78.8%, respectively. The median pad usage was 1 pad/day [1–2.5]. Only one patient suffered from a postoperative hematoma. In total, 15.4% of the patients were able to have an erection preoperatively, compared to 7.7% after TC placement. The estimated mean explantation-free survival of the TC was 83 months in the Kaplan–Meier analysis.ConclusionsTC AUS implantation constitutes a viable salvage approach in high-risk SUI patients with a mean device survival of almost 7 years and high social continence rates of almost 80%. An intraoperative closure of the tunica albuginea after TC placement allows for very low rates of postoperative hematoma and supports postoperative erectile rigidity.
Smart Channel State Information Pre-processing for Joint Authentication and Symmetric Key Distillation
Authors: Srinivasan Muralikrishnan , Skaperas Sotiris , Chorti Arsenia , Shakiba-herfeh Mahdi , Shehzad Muhammad , Sehier Philippe 
Published: June 2022

<p>While the literature on RF fingerprinting-based authentication and key distillation is vast, the two topics have customarily been studied separately. </p>
<p>In this paper, starting from the observation that the wireless channel is a composite, deterministic / stochastic process, we propose a power domain decomposition that allows performing the two tasks simultaneously. We devise intelligent pre-processing schemes to decompose channel state information (CSI) observation vectors into ``predictable'' and ``unpredictable'' components. The former, primarily due to large-scale fading, can be used for node authentication through RF fingerprinting. The latter, primarily due to small-scale fading, could be used for semantically secure secret key generation (SKG). To perform the decomposition, we propose: (i) a fingerprint ``separability'' criterion, expressed through the maximisation of the total variation distance between the empirical fingerprint measures; (ii) a statistical independence metric for observations collected at different users, expressed through a normalised version of the $d$-dimensional Hilbert Schmidt independence criterion (dHSIC) test statistic. We propose both explicit implementations, using principal component analysis (PCA) and kernel PCA and black-box, unsupervised learning, using autoencoders. Our experiments on synthetic and real CSI datasets showcase that the incorporation of RF fingerprinting and SKG, with explicit security guarantees, is tangible in future generations of wireless. </p>
<p><br></p>
Dropped-Packets Repair and Recovery for Delay-Tolerant Wireless Systems Using Retroactive Interference Cancellation
Authors: Ahmed Ashfaq , Al-Dweik Arafat , Iraqi Youssef , Damiani Ernesto 
Published: June 2022

<p> Data download and storage over wireless networks is a popular application for various multimedia such as images, audio, and video files. In such applications, the end-user may listen to or watch the downloaded media in real-time, and/or will playback the downloaded file multiple times in the future. Consequently, improving the quality of the stored multimedia will be highly desirable by the end-user, even if the initial real-time version had less quality. Therefore, this work proposes a novel technique to improve the throughput of wireless networks that adopt nonorthogonal transmission and automatic repeat request (ARQ). Unlike conventional systems, the proposed scheme stores the dropped data packets for further offline processing where some packets can be recovered by applying successive interfer-ence cancellation (SIC) in a retroactive manner. Consequently, the proposed packet repair and recovery (PRR) scheme can improve the reliability of the received data without additional packet retransmission, which may offer a significant throughput gain. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme, it is applied to image transmission for transportation systems. The obtained results confirm that a considerable portion of the dropped packets can be successfully recovered and the visual quality of the received image can be improved. In particular scenarios, the obtained results show that the proposed PRR technique managed to reduce the packet drop rate (PDR) from 10^{−1} to 10^{−3}, i.e., 100 fold, which implies that 99% of the packets that were initially dropped were successfully recovered.</p>
Pitch chroma information is processed in addition to pitch height information with more than two pitch-range categories
Authors: Wagner Bernhard , Sturdy Christopher B. , Weisman Ronald G. , Hoeschele Marisa 
Published: June 2022

AbstractOctave equivalence describes the perception that notes separated by a doubling in frequency sound similar. While the octave is used cross-culturally as a basis of pitch perception, experimental demonstration of the phenomenon has proved to be difficult. In past work, members of our group developed a three-range generalization paradigm that reliably demonstrated octave equivalence. In this study we replicate and expand on this previous work trying to answer three questions that help us understand the origins and potential cross-cultural significance of octave equivalence: (1) whether training with three ranges is strictly necessary or whether an easier-to-learn two-range task would be sufficient, (2) whether the task could demonstrate octave equivalence beyond neighbouring octaves, and (3) whether language skills and musical education impact the use of octave equivalence in this task. We conducted a large-sample study using variations of the original paradigm to answer these questions. Results found here suggest that the three-range discrimination task is indeed vital to demonstrating octave equivalence. In a two-range task, pitch height appears to be dominant over octave equivalence. Octave equivalence has an effect only when pitch height alone is not sufficient. Results also suggest that effects of octave equivalence are strongest between neighbouring octaves, and that tonal language and musical training have a positive effect on learning of discriminations but not on perception of octave equivalence during testing. We discuss these results considering their relevance to future research and to ongoing debates about the basis of octave equivalence perception.
Experiencing statistical information improves children’s and adults’ inferences
Authors: Schulze Christin , Hertwig Ralph 
Published: June 2022

AbstractHow good are people’s statistical intuitions? Recent research has highlighted that sequential experience of statistical information improves adults’ statistical intuitions relative to situations where this information is described. Yet little is known about whether this is also the case for children’s statistical intuitions. In a study with 100 children (8–11 years old) and 100 adults (19–35 years old), we found that sequentially experiencing statistical information improved both adults’ and children’s inferences in two paradigmatic reasoning problems: conjunction and Bayesian reasoning problems. Moreover, adults’ statistical competencies when they learned statistical information through description were surpassed by children’s inferences when they learned through experience. We conclude that experience of statistical information plays a key role in shaping children’s reasoning under uncertainty—a conclusion that has important implications for education policy.
Social signalling as a framework for second-person neuroscience
Authors: Cañigueral Roser , Krishnan-Barman Sujatha , Hamilton Antonia F. de C. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractDespite the recent increase in second-person neuroscience research, it is still hard to understand which neurocognitive mechanisms underlie real-time social behaviours. Here, we propose that social signalling can help us understand social interactions both at the single- and two-brain level in terms of social signal exchanges between senders and receivers. First, we show how subtle manipulations of being watched provide an important tool to dissect meaningful social signals. We then focus on how social signalling can help us build testable hypotheses for second-person neuroscience with the example of imitation and gaze behaviour. Finally, we suggest that linking neural activity to specific social signals will be key to fully understand the neurocognitive systems engaged during face-to-face interactions.
Does that sound right? A novel method of evaluating models of reading aloud
Authors: Gubian Michele , Blything Ryan , Davis Colin J. , Bowers Jeffrey S. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractNonword pronunciation is a critical challenge for models of reading aloud but little attention has been given to identifying the best method for assessing model predictions. The most typical approach involves comparing the model’s pronunciations of nonwords to pronunciations of the same nonwords by human participants and deeming the model’s output correct if it matches with any transcription of the human pronunciations. The present paper introduces a new ratings-based method, in which participants are shown printed nonwords and asked to rate the plausibility of the provided pronunciations, generated here by a speech synthesiser. We demonstrate this method with reference to a previously published database of 915 disyllabic nonwords (Mousikou et al., 2017). We evaluated two well-known psychological models, RC00 and CDP++, as well as an additional grapheme-to-phoneme algorithm known as Sequitur, and compared our model assessment with the corpus-based method adopted by Mousikou et al. We find that the ratings method: a) is much easier to implement than a corpus-based method, b) has a high hit rate and low false-alarm rate in assessing nonword reading accuracy, and c) provided a similar outcome as the corpus-based method in its assessment of RC00 and CDP++. However, the two methods differed in their evaluation of Sequitur, which performed much better under the ratings method. Indeed, our evaluation of Sequitur revealed that the corpus-based method introduced a number of false positives and more often, false negatives. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Deep-SAGA: a deep-learning-based system for automatic gaze annotation from eye-tracking data
Authors: Deane Oliver , Toth Eszter , Yeo Sang-Hoon 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWith continued advancements in portable eye-tracker technology liberating experimenters from the restraints of artificial laboratory designs, research can now collect gaze data from real-world, natural navigation. However, the field lacks a robust method for achieving this, as past approaches relied upon the time-consuming manual annotation of eye-tracking data, while previous attempts at automation lack the necessary versatility for in-the-wild navigation trials consisting of complex and dynamic scenes. Here, we propose a system capable of informing researchers of where and what a user’s gaze is focused upon at any one time. The system achieves this by first running footage recorded on a head-mounted camera through a deep-learning-based object detection algorithm called Masked Region-based Convolutional Neural Network (Mask R-CNN). The algorithm’s output is combined with frame-by-frame gaze coordinates measured by an eye-tracking device synchronized with the head-mounted camera to detect and annotate, without any manual intervention, what a user looked at for each frame of the provided footage. The effectiveness of the presented methodology was legitimized by a comparison between the system output and that of manual coders. High levels of agreement between the two validated the system as a preferable data collection technique as it was capable of processing data at a significantly faster rate than its human counterpart. Support for the system’s practicality was then further demonstrated via a case study exploring the mediatory effects of gaze behaviors on an environment-driven attentional bias.
A Practical Guide for Assessment of Skin Burden in Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Kasiem Fazira R. , Pasma Annelieke , Luime Jolanda J. , Tchetverikov Ilja , Wervers Kim , Korswagen Lindy-Anne , Denissen Natasja , Goekoop-Ruiterman Yvonne P.M. , van Oosterhout Maikel , Fodili Faouzia , Hazes Johanna M.W. , van Doorn Martijn B.A. , Kok Marc R. , Vis, Marijn 
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveRheumatologists play a pivotal role in the management of patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Due to time constraints during clinic visits, the skin may not receive the attention needed for optimal patient outcome. Therefore, the aim of this study was to select a set of core questions that can help rheumatologists in daily rheumatology clinical practice to identify patients with PsA with a high skin burden.MethodsBaseline data from patients included in the Dutch South West Psoriatic Arthritis (DEPAR) cohort were used. Questions were derived from the Skindex-17 and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaires. Underlying clusters of questions were identified with an exploratory principal component analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation, after which a 2-parameter logistic model was fitted per cluster. Questions were selected based on their discrimination and difficulty. Subsequently, 2 flowcharts were made with categories of skin burden severity. Clinical considerations were specified per category.ResultsIn total, 413 patients were included. The PCA showed 2 underlying clusters: a psychosocial domain and a domain assessing physical symptoms. We selected these 2 domains. The psychosocial domain contains 3 questions and specifies 4 categories of skin burden severity. The physical symptoms domain contains 2 questions and categorizes patients in 1 out of 3 categories.ConclusionWe have selected a set with a maximum of 5 questions that rheumatologists can easily implement in their consultation to assess skin burden in patients with PsA. This practical guide makes the assessment of skin burden more accessible to rheumatologists and can aid in clinical decision making.