bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overweight and smoking promote recurrent lumbar disk herniation after discectomy
Authors: Siccoli Alessandro , Staartjes Victor E. , Klukowska Anita M. , Muizelaar J. Paul , Schröder Marc L. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Recurrent lumbar disk herniation (rLDH) following lumbar microdiscectomy is common. While several risk factors for primary LDH have been described, risk factors for rLDH have only sparsely been investigated. We evaluate the effect of Body mass index (BMI) and smoking on the incidence and timing of rLDH.

Methods
From a prospective registry, we identified all patients undergoing primary tubular microdiscectomy (tMD), with complete BMI and smoking data, and a minimum 12-month follow-up. We defined rLDH as reherniation at the same level and side requiring surgery. Overweight was defined as BMI > 25, and obesity as BMI > 30. Intergroup comparisons and age- and gender-adjusted multivariable regression were carried out. We conducted a survival analysis to assess the influence of BMI and smoking on time to reoperation.

Results
Of 3012 patients, 166 (5.5%) underwent re-microdiscectomy for rLDH. Smokers were reoperated more frequently (6.4% vs. 4.0%, p = 0.007). Similarly, rLDH was more frequent in obese (7.5%) and overweight (5.9%) than in normal-weight patients (3.3%, p = 0.017). Overweight smokers had the highest rLDH rate (7.6%). This effect of smoking (Odds ratio: 1.63, 96% CI: 1.12–2.36, p = 0.010) and BMI (Odds ratio: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02–1.17, p = 0.010) persisted after controlling for age and gender. Survival analysis demonstrated that rLDH did not occur earlier in overweight patients and/or smokers.

Conclusions
BMI and smoking may directly contribute to a higher risk of rLDH, but do not accelerate rLDH development. Smoking cessation and weight loss in overweight or obese patients ought to be recommended with discectomy to reduce the risk for rLDH.
Serum neurofilament light chain and postural instability/gait difficulty (PIGD) subtypes of Parkinson’s disease in the MARK-PD study
Authors: Pötter-Nerger Monika , Dutke Janina , Lezius Susanne , Buhmann Carsten , Schulz Robert , Gerloff Christian , Kuhle Jens , Choe Chi-un 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe PIGD (postural instability / gait difficulty) subtype of Parkinson´s disease (PD) is associated with faster cognitive and motor decline. So far, there are no quantifiable biomarkers to aid clinical subtyping. Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a highly specific marker of neuro-axonal damage and can be assessed in blood. Here, we investigated if serum NfL concentrations are associated with PIGD subtype and PIGD scores in PD patients at advanced disease stages. Furthermore, we evaluated if serum NfL is associated with motor and cognitive function assessed with MDS-UPDRS part III and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA). Serum NfL levels were analyzed with Single Molecule Assays (Simoa) in blood of 223 PD patients from the bioMARKers in Parkinson’s Disease (MARK-PD) study. Serum NfL concentrations were higher in PIGD patients independent of age, sex and disease duration. In linear regression analysis, serum NfL levels were associated with MoCA, MDS-UPDRS III and PIGD scores in unadjusted models, but remained significant after adjustment only with PIGD scores. In conclusion, increased serum NfL levels were associated with PIGD subtype and PIGD scores in patients with advanced PD.
A new evolutionary time series model for streamflow forecasting in boreal lake-river systems
Authors: Danandeh Mehr Ali , Ghadimi Sahand , Marttila Hannu , Torabi Haghighi Ali 
Published: January 2022

AbstractGenetic programming (GP) is an evolutionary regression method that has received considerable interest to model hydro-environmental phenomena recently. Considering the sparseness of hydro-meteorological stations on northern areas, this study investigates the benefits and downfalls of univariate streamflow modeling at high latitudes using GP and seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA). Furthermore, a new evolutionary time series model, called GP-SARIMA, is introduced to enhance streamflow forecasting accuracy at long-term horizons in a lake-river system. The paper includes testing the new model for one-step-ahead forecasts of daily mean, weekly mean, and monthly mean streamflow in the headwaters of the Oulujoki River, Finland. The results showed that a combination of correlogram and average mutual information (AMI) analysis might yield in the selection of the optimum lags that are needed to be used as the predictors of streamflow models. With Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency values of more than 99%, both GP and SARIMA models exhibited good performance for daily streamflow prediction. However, they were not able to precisely model the intramonthly snow water equivalent in the long-term forecast. The proposed ensemble model, which integrates the best GP and SARIMA models with the most efficient predictor, may eliminate one-fourth of root mean squared errors of standalone models. The GP-SARIMA also showed up to three times improvement in the accuracy of the standalone models based on the Nash-Sutcliff efficiency measure.
Pedicled buccal flaps as a backup procedure for intraoral reconstruction
Authors: Frohwitter Gesche , Kesting Marco R. , Rau Andrea , Weber Manuel , Baran Christoph , Nobis Christopher-Philipp , Buentemeyer Tjark-Ole , Preidl Raimund , Lutz Rainer 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Background
Intraoral soft tissue deficiency and impaired wound beds are common problems after cleft and tumour surgery or after dental trauma. Frequently, limited defects are overtreated with extensive microvascular reconstruction procedures, but pedicled flaps remain useful, as they are simple to harvest, and they provide a reliable outcome. The buccal flap, first described in the 1970s, has been used for palatine lengthening in cleft patients over decades. In the following, we present an expanded indication in cases of palatal fistula, complex vestibulum, exposed bone in orthognathic surgery, and osteoradionecrosis.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective chart review and report on all buccal flaps harvested in our department within the last 3 years with a follow-up period of at least half a year after flap surgery. Patients of all age groups and treatment indications in which a buccal flap was used were implicated in the evaluation.

Results
Sixteen buccal flaps were performed in 10 patients. The median age at the time of surgery was 42 years, reaching from 12 up to 66 years. Fourteen buccal flaps were used for upper jaw or palatal coverage; two buccal flaps were used in the mandible. In terms of complications (four flaps; 25%), there were two partial flap failures, one wound dehiscence and one wound dehiscence. There were no failures of the remaining mucosal flap islands after pedicle dissection.

Conclusion
The buccal flap is a reliable and straightforward approach to challenging intraoral wound beds with soft tissue deficiency. We thoroughly discuss the additional indications for buccal flap surgery, describe the harvest technique, and provide strategies to prevent intra- and postoperative complications.
Collective transport of arbitrarily shaped objects using robot swarms
Authors: Jurt Marius , Milner Emma , Sooriyabandara Mahesh , Hauert Sabine 
Published: January 2022

AbstractOut-of-the-box swarm solutions powering industrial logistics will need to adapt to the tasks at hand, coordinating in a distributed manner to transport objects of different sizes. This work designs and evaluates a collective transport strategy to move large and arbitrarily shaped objects in warehouse environments. The strategy uses a decentralized recruitment and decision-making process, ensuring that sufficient robots are in place for a coordinated, safe lift and transport of the object. Results show robots having no prior knowledge about the object’s size and shape were successfully able to transport them in simulation.
An arrayed-window microfluidic device for observation of mixed nanoparticles with an X-ray free-electron laser
Authors: Matsumoto Yutaka , Takeo Yoko , Egawa Satoru , Yamaguchi Gota , Yokomae Shunya , Takei Masashi , Yumoto Hirokatsu , Koyama Takahisa , Ohashi Haruhiko , Tono Kensuke , Yabashi Makina , Mimura Hidekazu , Kimura Takashi 
Published: January 2022

AbstractA microfluidic device was developed for coherent diffraction imaging using an X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL-CDI). Liquid samples, which are separately packed in reservoirs of the device, are mixed in a flow channel after an XFEL irradiation as a trigger. An XFEL-CDI experiment was conducted and images of gold nanoparticles in solution were obtained with a resolution of several nanometers from single-shot coherent diffraction patterns. We were able to capture the images of various structures of mixed nanoparticles in the flow channel, clearly demonstrating the function of the microfluidic device. The direct observation of structural changes in liquids will contribute to development of chemistry and biology.
Lawmaps: enabling legal AI development through visualisation of the implicit structure of legislation and lawyerly process
Authors: McLachlan Scott , Kyrimi Evangelia , Dube Kudakwashe , Fenton Norman , Webley Lisa C. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractModelling that exploits visual elements and information visualisation are important areas that have contributed immensely to understanding and the computerisation advancements in many domains and yet remain unexplored for the benefit of the law and legal practice. This paper investigates the challenge of modelling and expressing structures and processes in legislation and the law by using visual modelling and information visualisation (InfoVis) to assist accessibility of legal knowledge, practice and knowledge formalisation as a basis for legal AI. The paper uses a subset of the well-defined Unified Modelling Language (UML) to visually express the structure and process of the legislation and the law to create visual flow diagrams called lawmaps, which form the basis of further formalisation. A lawmap development methodology is presented and evaluated by creating a set of lawmaps for the practice of conveyancing and the Landlords and Tenants Act 1954 of the United Kingdom. This paper is the first of a new breed of preliminary solutions capable of application across all aspects, from legislation to practice; and capable of accelerating development of legal AI.
Evaluation of egg parasitoid Hadronotus pennsylvanicus as a prospective biocontrol agent of the leaffooted bug Leptoglossus zonatus
Authors: Straser Robert K. , Daane Kent M. , Talamas Elijah , Wilson Houston 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe western leaffooted bug, Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Coreidae), is a key pest of almonds and pistachios in the USA. With limited monitoring strategies and no economic threshold developed, the use of broad-spectrum insecticides remains the primary control tactic for L. zonatus. In pursuit of more sustainable management options, experiments were carried out to assess the biocontrol potential of the egg parasitoid Hadronotus pennsylvanicus (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) against L. zonatus. Biological and demographical attributes of H. pennsylvanicus were evaluated under controlled laboratory conditions. Mated females lived on average 116 days. However, female longevity declined by 74% when provided with host eggs, and by 97% when deprived of a suitable diet. Females produced an average 39.70 offspring, with peak fecundity observed within the first week of their lifespan. The total progeny was on average 92.75% female. Non-reproductive host mortality accounted for > 52% of the total egg mortality observed within the first two weeks, and represented the majority of total host egg mortality thereafter. Age of host eggs did not influence parasitism rates. Under laboratory conditions, H. pennsylvanicus exhibits suitable demographic and reproductive traits as a candidate biocontrol agent of L. zonatus. Further research is needed to determine how to best manipulate and enhance H. pennsylvanicus populations to promote biocontrol of L. zonatus under field conditions.
Multi-domain network infrastructure based on P4 programmable devices for Digital Data Marketplaces
Authors: Shakeri Sara , Veen Lourens , Grosso Paola 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThere are many organizations interested in sharing data with others, and they can do this only if a multi-domain secure platform is available. Such platforms, often referred to as Digital Data Marketplaces (DDMs), require that all the transactions follow the pre-defined policies that are established by the participating parties i.e, domains. However, building a multi-domain network infrastructure in which each domain can manage its own connectivity while at the same time all of the transactions follow the sharing agreements is still a challenge. In this paper, we introduce a multi-domain containerized DDM that is built upon a P4-based network. It can handle the communication of multiple domains and guarantee that the operation of transactions is based on the pre-defined policies. We also studied the setup performance by defining a model which we demonstrated follows the real measurements, and we can use for decision making. The results also show the low overhead of using P4 switch in network setup time. In addition, we conducted a security evaluation which showed that our P4-based network setup is secure against most types of attacks.
Adaptive learning in university students’ opinions: Cross-border research
Authors: Smyrnova-Trybulska Eugenia , Morze Nataliia , Varchenko-Trotsenko Lilia 
Published: January 2022

AbstractContemporary education is often based on using e-learning courses, which have become a popular means of delivering didactic material to students. Among the main advantages mentioned is the potential possibility of creating individual ways of learning and teaching. The purpose of this article is to provide a description of the various approaches to adaptive learning, to present the comparative research results of a Polish-Ukrainian study, as well as to highlight the options offered by LMS Moodle (Modular object-oriented dynamic learning environment Learning Management System) for the implementation of adaptive learning and the possibility of taking into account the expectation of students regardless of the country. During the study, an online survey was administered to 59 students at the University of Silesia in Katowice (US), Poland and 121 students at the Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University (BGKU), Ukraine between March–June 2020. All of the students were studying online due to the pandemic caused by COVID-19. The classes were conducted in synchronous and in asynchronous modes using e-learning courses in the Moodle system, as well as MS Teams for Polish students and Google Suite for Ukrainian students. At the same time, the majority of the surveyed students declared that they lack personalization, both in terms of materials and the learning process, which was limited in terms of fulfilment and they would like to have a choice of the level of study.
Changemakers as digital makers: Connecting and co-creating
Authors: Whewell Emma , Caldwell Helen , Frydenberg Mark , Andone Diana 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis paper presents data from two international projects focused on the interaction between changemaking and digital making in university students. The data is drawn from the contributions of 63 university students located in the United States, Romania, Spain, Belgium, Norway, Denmark and England. Using a design thinking methodology and a thematic analysis of student responses, the aim was to understand how the creative use of immersive technologies, such as augmented and virtual reality, might create an environment for changemaking practices in an international context. Findings suggest that students demonstrated not only enhanced digital skills and student engagement but increased cultural competence and global mindfulness. International digital collaboration can create conditions for students to develop changemaker attributes and identify as changemakers within the spheres of entrepreneurship and education, preparing them to be a force for change in the world.
Micro-Prudential Regulation and Loan Monitoring
Authors: Instefjord Norvald , Nakata Hiroyuki 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe evaluate the value of loan monitoring systems for a bank controlled by a micro-prudential regulator. We investigate dynamic systems (an information channel that generates information flow about quality) and static systems (where the lender receives a single signal about loan quality). We find that dynamic systems carry a regulatory charge that dominates the benefit of the systems and are therefore unprofitable, whereas static systems have positive value. Specifically, lenders can profitably dismantle their dynamic systems and instead turn to static monitoring systems. The model reveals, therefore, a potential weakness of micro-prudential regulation.
On the convex hull and homothetic convex hull functions of a convex body
Authors: G. Horváth Ákos , Lángi Zsolt 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe aim of this note is to investigate the properties of the convex hull and the homothetic convex hull functions of a convex body K in Euclidean n-space, defined as the volume of the union of K and one of its translates, and the volume of K and a translate of a homothetic copy of K, respectively, as functions of the translation vector. In particular, we prove that the convex hull function of the body K does not determine K. Furthermore, we prove the equivalence of the polar projection body problem raised by Petty, and a conjecture of G.Horváth and Lángi about translative constant volume property of convex bodies. We give a short proof of some theorems of Jerónimo-Castro about the homothetic convex hull function, and prove a homothetic variant of the translative constant volume property conjecture for 3-dimensional convex polyhedra. We also apply our results to describe the properties of the illumination bodies of convex bodies.
Birth Weight and Childhood Psychopathology in the ABCD Cohort: Association is Strongest for Attention Problems and is Moderated by Sex
Authors: Dooley Niamh , Clarke Mary , Cotter David , Cannon Mary 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMany studies have shown low birth weight is associated with psychopathology later in life, particularly attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The association is well-replicated, independent from a variety of potential familial confounds, and follows a dose–response curve (decreasing birth weight linked with increasing odds of disorder). However, the specificity of the association to attention problems is called into question by the extent of comorbidity in ADHD, and recent findings that the association is stronger for autism than ADHD. We test the relative dose–response strength of birth weight on multiple aspects of behavior to explore specificity of the effect to attention problems. We also test recent suggestions that the association between birth weight and attention problems is driven by males. Our sample consisted of 9,076 children aged 9–10 from the United States (Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study). Outcomes included 9 problem-scales and the total problems scale from the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Attention problems were the most strongly associated with birth weight after controlling for gestational age, potential familial confounds, and multiple testing, supporting the outcome-specificity of this association. Contrary to recent registry-based findings, an association between birth weight and an autism scale was not observed. Sex moderated the effect of birth weight on total problems, attention problems and aggressive behavior such that these inverse associations were strongly driven by males. Our findings have strong implications for sex-specific prediction and etiological models of childhood psychopathology.
Microalgal biomass quantification from the non-invasive technique of image processing through red–green–blue (RGB) analysis
Authors: Salgueiro J. L. , Pérez L. , Sanchez Ángel , Cancela Ángeles , Míguez Clara 
Published: January 2022

Abstract Continuous monitoring of biomass concentration in microalgae cultures is essential and one of the most important parameters to measure in this field. This study aims at digital image processing in RGB and greyscale models, being a simple and low-cost method for cell estimation. Images obtained from different photobioreactors with wastewater and at different conditions for the cultivation of Chlorella vulgaris were analyzed. The results suggested that this technique is very effective under controlled lighting conditions, in contrast to photobioreactors placed outdoors and of different design, presenting a lower linearity. The accuracy of the method could be improved with a high-quality charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. The development of efficient methods to assess biomass concentration is an important and necessary step towards large-scale microalgae cultivation. The colour analysis technique has a great potential to meet the needs of monitoring cultures in a cost-effective and automated way using simple and cheap instruments.
Tannin–Mn coordination polymer coated carbon quantum dots nanocomposite for fluorescence and magnetic resonance bimodal imaging
Authors: Xu Weibing , Zhang Jia , Yang Zhijie , Zhao Minzhi , Long Haitao , Wu Qingfeng , Nian Fang 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe MR/FI bimodal imaging has attracted widely studied due to combining the advantages of MRI and FI can bridge gaps in sensitivity and depth between these two modalities. Herein, a novel MR/FI bimodal imaging probe is facile fabricated by coating the Mn-phenolic coordination polymer on the surface of the carbon quantum dots. The structure of the as-prepared nanocomposite probe is carefully validated via SEM, TEM, and XPS. The content of Mn2+ is calculated through the EDS and TGA. The quantum yield (QY) and emission wavelength of the probe are about 7.24% and 490 nm, respectively. The longitudinal r1 value (2.43 mM−1 s−1) with low r2/r1 (4.45) of the probe is obtained. Subsequently, fluorescence and MR imaging are performed. The metabolic pathways in vivo are inferred by studying the bio-distribution of the probe in major organs. Thus, these results indicate that probe would be an excellent dual-modal imaging probe for enhanced MR imaging and fluorescence imaging.
Chitosan-collagen-hydroxyapatite membranes for tissue engineering
Authors: Becerra José , Rodriguez Mariano , Leal Dayana , Noris-Suarez Karem , Gonzalez Gema 
Published: January 2022

AbstractTissue engineering is growing in developing new technologies focused on providing effective solutions to degenerative pathologies that affect different types of connective tissues. The search for biocompatible, bioactive, biodegradable, and multifunctional materials has grown significantly in recent years. Chitosan, calcium phosphates collagen, and their combination as composite materials fulfill the required properties and could result in biostimulation for tissue regeneration. In the present work, the chitosan/collagen/hydroxyapatite membranes were prepared with different concentrations of collagen and hydroxyapatite. Cell adhesion was evaluated by MTS assay for two in vitro models. Additionally, cytotoxicity of the different membranes employing hemolysis of erythrocytes isolated from human blood was carried out. The structure of the membranes was analyzed by X-rays diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal stability properties by thermogravimetric methods (TGA). The highest cell adhesion after 48 h was obtained for chitosan membranes with the highest hydroxyapatite and collagen content. All composite membranes showed good cell adhesion and low cytotoxicity, suggesting that these materials have a significant potential to be used as biomaterials for tissue engineering.