bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heterogeneity and effectiveness analysis of COVID-19 prevention and control in major cities in China through time-varying reproduction number estimation
Authors: Cheng Qing , Liu Zeyi , Cheng Guangquan , Huang Jincai 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBeginning on December 31, 2019, the large-scale novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) emerged in China. Tracking and analysing the heterogeneity and effectiveness of cities’ prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic is essential to design and adjust epidemic prevention and control measures. The number of newly confirmed cases in 25 of China’s most-affected cities for the COVID-19 epidemic from January 11 to February 10 was collected. The heterogeneity and effectiveness of these 25 cities’ prevention and control measures for COVID-19 were analysed by using an estimated time-varying reproduction number method and a serial correlation method. The results showed that the effective reproduction number (R) in 25 cities showed a downward trend overall, but there was a significant difference in the R change trends among cities, indicating that there was heterogeneity in the spread and control of COVID-19 in cities. Moreover, the COVID-19 control in 21 of 25 cities was effective, and the risk of infection decreased because their R had dropped below 1 by February 10, 2020. In contrast, the cities of Wuhan, Tianmen, Ezhou and Enshi still had difficulty effectively controlling the COVID-19 epidemic in a short period of time because their R was greater than 1.
Investigating seafood substitution problems and consequences in Taiwan using molecular barcoding and deep microbiome profiling
Authors: Chen Pei-Ying , Ho Cheng-Wei , Chen An-Chi , Huang Ching-Yi , Liu Tsung-Yun , Liang Kung-Hao 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSeafood is commonly seen in cuisines of the Asia–Pacific regions. The rates and consequences of seafood substitution frauds in Taiwan were elusive. To address this, we conducted a consumer-centered study, collecting seafood dishes and cooking materials from restaurants and markets easily accessible to the residents in Taiwan. Seafood substitutions were evaluated using DNA barcodes in the mitochondrial MT-CO1 gene. Among the 127 samples collected, 24 samples were mislabeled (18.9%, 95% Confidence interval [CI] = [12.5–26.8%]). The mislabel rates vary in different fish and product types (snapper [84.6%, 54.6–98.1%], cod [25%, 5.5–57.2%], swordfish [16.7%, 2.1–48.4%], cobia [16.7%, 0.4–64.1%], surimi products [100.0%]). A deep microbiome profiling was performed in 8 correctly-labeled conventional sushi and 2 tilapia sashimi mislabeled as snapper, with sequencing depths greater than 100,000 reads for every sample. The relative abundance of Pseudomonas genus is significantly higher in tilapia sashimi than in conventional sushi (P = 0.044). In conclusion, the gross seafood mislabel rate in Taiwan is 18.9% (12.5–26.8%). Snapper, cod and surimi products are particularly vulnerable to fraudulent substitutions. The high abundance of Pseudomonas in tilapia sashimi mislabeled as snapper unveils a potential health issue pertaining to the consumption of raw mislabeled seafood.
Preventive effect of ramelteon on emergence agitation after general anaesthesia in paediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy: a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Komazaki Maya , Mihara Takahiro , Nakamura Nobuhito , Ka Koui , Goto Takahisa 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPurpose of this prospective, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial was to confirm our hypothesis that ramelteon has a preventive effect on emergence agitation after general anaesthesia in children. Patients aged 18 to 119 months (ASA physical status 1 or 2), scheduled to undergo tonsillectomy under general anaesthesia, were randomly allocated to the ramelteon or placebo group. Before general anaesthesia induction, patients in the ramelteon group received 0.1 mg kg−1 of ramelteon dissolved in 5 mL of lactose-containing syrup. The patients in the placebo group received the same amount of syrup alone. The Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium score was calculated every 5 min after awakening. The primary outcome was the incidence of emergence agitation (Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium score ≥ 10). Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium scores, post-operative vomiting incidence, pain scores, and adverse events were secondary outcomes. Fifty patients were enrolled. Forty-eight patients were analysed. There was no significant between-group difference in the incidence of emergence agitation (67% in both groups; risk ratio, 1.0; 95% CI 0.67–1.49; P > 0.99) or any of the secondary outcomes. Our results suggest that 0.1 mg kg−1 of ramelteon does not have a preventive effect on emergence agitation after general anaesthesia in children undergoing tonsillectomy.
Electron g-factor in nanostructures: continuum media and atomistic approach
Authors: Gawarecki Krzysztof , Zieliński Michał 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe report studies of $${\varvec{k}}$$

k

-dependent Landé g-factor, performed by both continuous media approximation $${\varvec{k}}{\varvec{\cdot }}{\varvec{p}}$$

k

·

p

method, and atomistic tight-binding $$\hbox {sp}^3\hbox {d}^5\hbox {s}^*$$

sp
3

d
5

s
∗

approach. We propose an effective, mesoscopic model for InAs that we are able to successfully compare with atomistic calculations, for both very small and very large nanostructures, with a number of atoms reaching over 60 million. Finally, for nanostructure dimensions corresponding to near-zero g-factor we report electron spin states anti-crossing as a function of system size, despite no shape-anisotropy nor strain effects included, and merely due to breaking of atomistic symmetry of cation/anion planes constituting the system.
NAD+/NADH redox alterations reconfigure metabolism and rejuvenate senescent human mesenchymal stem cells in vitro
Authors: Yuan Xuegang , Liu Yijun , Bijonowski Brent M. , Tsai Ang-Chen , Fu Qin , Logan Timothy M. , Ma Teng , Li Yan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractHuman mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) promote endogenous tissue regeneration and have become a promising candidate for cell therapy. However, in vitro culture expansion of hMSCs induces a rapid decline of stem cell properties through replicative senescence. Here, we characterize metabolic profiles of hMSCs during expansion. We show that alterations of cellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD + /NADH) redox balance and activity of the Sirtuin (Sirt) family enzymes regulate cellular senescence of hMSCs. Treatment with NAD + precursor nicotinamide increases the intracellular NAD + level and re-balances the NAD + /NADH ratio, with enhanced Sirt-1 activity in hMSCs at high passage, partially restores mitochondrial fitness and rejuvenates senescent hMSCs. By contrast, human fibroblasts exhibit limited senescence as their cellular NAD + /NADH balance is comparatively stable during expansion. These results indicate a potential metabolic and redox connection to replicative senescence in adult stem cells and identify NAD + as a metabolic regulator that distinguishes stem cells from mature cells. This study also suggests potential strategies to maintain cellular homeostasis of hMSCs in clinical applications.
Using Mixed Methods Research to Better Understand Pediatric Feeding Disorder
Authors: Thompson Kelsey L. , Zhang Wanqing 
Published: December 2020

PurposeMixed methods research is a relatively new, but growing, research methodology with particular relevance to speech-language pathologists because of its utility in translating research into practice. Mixed methods research involves collection of both qualitative and quantitative data, which is integrated to gain a deeper understanding of a research question, particular population or intervention, or to develop a tool. In particular, pediatric feeding disorder (PFD) research stands to benefit from this methodology to comprehensively and holistically report on this population.ConclusionsThis article focuses on introducing researchers new to mixed methods, as well as clinicians, to the four basic mixed methods study designs and considerations. To establish a foundational understanding, examples of published work specific to PFD are incorporated and a framework for understanding mixed method study design is proposed. Then, the four designs are examined from the lens of critical appraisal, so that clinicians and researchers are well prepared to critically evaluate mixed methods studies. Finally, applications of mixed methods to PFD are explored, with a commentary on how published examples could be extended using mixed methods designs. This article provides researchers and clinicians with a basic understanding of mixed methods as well as a clear avenue for its application to PFD. Mixed methods has the potential to advance our understanding of the heterogenous population PFD impacts, improve our use of interdisciplinary teams, examine holistic interventions, and develop tools for clinical and research use.
A Comparative Phonological Analysis of Guyanese Creole and Standard American English: A Guide for Speech-Language Pathologists
Authors: Telford Rose Sulare L. , Payne Kay T. , De Lisser Tamirand N. , Harris Ovetta L. , Elie Martine 
Published: December 2020

PurposeSpeech-language pathologists (SLPs) are responsible for differentially diagnosing a speech or language difference versus disorder. However, in the absence of data on particular cultural or linguistic groups, misdiagnosis increases. This study seeks to bridge the gap in available resources for SLPs focusing on the phonological features of Guyanese Creole (GC), a Caribbean English–lexified Creole. This study addresses the following question: What are the differences between the phonological features of GC and Standard American English (SAE), which may potentially cause SLPs to misdiagnose Guyanese speakers?MethodA contrastive phonological analysis was conducted to identify the phonological differences of GC from SAE.ResultsThe study results indicate differences in vowels, dental fricatives, voiced alveolar liquids, voiceless glottal fricatives, voiced palatal glides, consonant clusters, final consonants, and unstressed syllables.ConclusionsThe findings of this study support the literature that GC is distinct from SAE in its phonology. The results provide SLPs with data to make informed clinical and educational decisions when assessing the linguistic competencies of children from Caribbean backgrounds, specifically GC speakers.
Downlink ergodic sum capacity maximisation for massive distributed antenna systems with SWIPT protocol
Authors: Sun Wenfeng , Liu Chen , Qian Mujun , Xu Shu , Chen Yan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe paper investigates simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) in massive distributed antenna systems, where the remote radio heads (RRH) equipped with a large number of antennas are arbitrarily distributed over the coverage area and each terminal operates via a power‐splitting (PS) device. Utilising the harvested energy, each terminal transmits its pilot signals for channel estimation. A closed‐form lower bound expression on the downlink ergodic capacity is derived for each terminal and then downlink ergodic sum capacity maximisation problem with respect to RRH‐terminal association, channel estimation duration, PS ratios and power allocation (PA) is designed. The designed problem is proved to be a mixed‐inter nonlinear programming with combinatorial variables, which is generally hard to solve due to its NP‐hardness. To this end, a hierarchical iterative algorithm is developed by utilising decomposition technique. Moreover, the convergence and computational complexity of this algorithm are analysed as well. Numerical results manifest the feasibility and effectiveness of this algorithm, and also show that it can achieve the maximum downlink ergodic sum capacity for massive distributed antenna systems with SWIPT protocol.
A robust non‐linear MPC framework for control of underwater vehicle manipulator systems under high‐level tasks
Authors: Nikou Alexandros , Verginis Christos K. , Heshmati‐alamdari Shahab , Dimarogonas Dimos V. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractOver the last years, the development and control of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles with attached robotic manipulators, also called Underwater Vehicle Manipulator System (UVMS), has gained significant research attention. In such applications, feedback controllers which guarantee that the end‐effector of the UVMS is fulfilling desired complex tasks should be designed in a way that state and input constraints are taken into consideration. Furthermore, due to their complicated structure, unmodeled dynamics as well as external disturbances may arise. Complex tasks can be conveniently given in the so‐called Linear Temporal Logic (LTL). Motivated by this, the authors develop a combined abstraction and control synthesis framework in which, given the uncertain kinematics/dynamics of the UVMS, a workspace divided into Regions of Interest and a desired LTL task, a sequence of feedback control laws that probably guarantee the LTL formula is provided. The proposed controller falls within the tube‐based non‐linear model predictive control methodology and can handle the rich expressivity of LTL in both safety and reachability specifications. Numerical simulations verify the validity of the proposed framework.
Diode rectifier configurations with a multiphase synchronous generator
Authors: Zhang Xiaotao , Apsley Judith 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDirect current (DC) power networks are widely used in transport applications, often derived from a synchronous generator and diode rectifier. The use of more than three phases to reduce the DC voltage ripple eliminates the DC filter capacitance and incorporating multiple phases into the generator avoids the need for bulky phase‐shifting transformers. Recent trends have moved away from high phase‐number machines to multiple winding sets, in order to enhance fault tolerance. This study shows how the number and arrangement of these phase sets and rectifier circuits should be selected to improve steady‐state performance, by suppressing unwanted harmonics. Complex harmonic analysis expressions are developed for the wound field, salient, synchronous generator incorporating both saliency and saturation, allowing general design principles for avoiding circulating harmonic currents and high peak diode currents to be identified. The model is validated on a 15‐phase, 19kVA laboratory machine, reconfigurable as five 3‐phase sets and three 5‐phase sets. The results show that for this example, multiple 3‐phase, winding sets can give better performance than the high phase‐number system, with lower stator copper loss and higher power factor.
Reliability analysis of cyber‐physical microgrids: Study of grid‐connected microgrids with communication‐based control systems
Authors: Barani Mostafa , Vadlamudi Vijay V. , Heegaard Poul E. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDue to the greater penetration of renewable energy resources and the increasing complexity of the distribution system, moving towards a smart distribution system is essential and achievable via advanced information and communication technologies. These technologies come with side effects: not only do they change the structure and functionality of the system, their availability and efficiency alter the operation of the system as a whole. The aim of this paper is to examine the reliability of a cyber‐physical microgrid as a part of a smart distribution grid to evaluate the impact of the integration of information and communication technologies into the system and the impact of non‐dispatchable renewable energy resources, that is, photovoltaic and wind farms. This paper proposes a framework for developing reliability assessment tools for a grid‐connected microgrid with a hierarchical three‐level and communication‐based control system. Emphasis is laid on incorporating the interdependencies between the cyber system and the microgrid and on detailed models of renewable energy resources.
The measurement method of tower grounding resistance with shorter measuring wire based on green's theorem
Authors: Zhang Zhanlong , Li Yiqiao , Gao Chengfeng , Dan Yihua , Ye Huarui , Deng Jun 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe Tower grounding grids are important power facilities for transmission line grounding protection. The accurate measurement of grounding resistance provides data support for the safe operation of the grounding grids. The existing measurement methods for grounding resistance are mainly based on the 0.618 method, which has two disadvantages: (1) The distance between the voltage electrode and the measuring point should not be less than 2.5× the length of the scattered grounding electrode; (2) the long measuring wires ensure the measurement accuracy of the 0.618 method, but the long‐distance between the electrodes and measuring point makes it difficult to carry out in the complex environment. To accurately solve the problems, this paper proposes a novel measurement method of grounding resistance with shorter measuring wire based on Green's theorem. Combined with the physical model of the actual tower grounding grid, this paper establishes the potential equations in local space around the grounding grid and analyses the distribution of the equipotential surface. The results show that the proposed novel method of measuring tower grounding resistance can conveniently measure the grounding resistance, which greatly shortens the length of the measuring wire and has better adaptability for towers in a complex environment.
Effect of an 8-week Exercise Training on Gut Microbiota in Physically Inactive Older Women
Authors: Zhong Fei , Wen Xu , Yang Min , Lai Hsin-Yi , Momma Haruki , Cheng Lei , Sun Xiaomin , Nagatomi Ryoichi , Huang Cong 
Published: December 2020

AbstractExercise can alter the composition of gut microbiota. However, studies examining the effects of exercise on gut microbiota in the elderly are lacking. This study aims to investigate whether an 8-week exercise training affect gut microbiota in physically inactive elderly women. Fourteen women were randomly assigned to either exercise group or control group. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to reveal changes in gut microbiota. Alpha diversity did not change significantly. A tendency to form 2 clusters was observed for operational taxonomic units (OTU) after intervention. At phylum, class, and order levels, a significant difference was observed between two groups for Fusobacteria (F=5.257, P=0.045), Betaproteobacteria (F=5.149, P=0.047), and Bifidobacteriales (F=7.624, P=0.020). A significant interaction was observed between two groups for Actinobacteria (F=8.434, P=0.016). At family and genus levels, a signiﬁcant main effect of groups was observed in Bifidobacteriaceae (F=7.624, P=0.020), Bifidobacterium (F=7.404, P=0.022), and Gemmiger (F=5.881, P=0.036). These findings indicate that an 8-week exercise training may induce partial changes in relative abundance and OTU clustering of gut microbiota in physically inactive elderly women. Also, exercise may increase the abundance of bacteria associated with anti-inflammation such as Verrucomicrobia, reduce the abundance of bacteria associated with pro-inflammation such as Proteobacteria
Endoscopic Transoral Approach for Resection of Basal Cell Adenoma Arising in Parapharyngeal Space
Authors: Li Lifeng , London Nyall R. , Li Shuling , Chen Xiaohong , Carrau Ricardo L. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectives The clinical and radiological characteristics of the basal cell adenoma (BCA) and its association with the internal carotid artery (ICA) in the parapharyngeal space (PPS), have not been sufficiently explored. This study aims to analyze the characteristics of patients with BCA arising in the PPS and to evaluate the feasibility of a total resection via an endoscopic transoral corridor.Design and Main Outcome Measures The clinical, radiological, and histopathological characteristics of four patients with BCA arising in the PPS were retrospectively analyzed. The endoscopic transoral approach was performed for resection of BCA. Its technical nuances, perioperative comorbidities, and outcomes are introduced.Results The clinical presentation, symptoms, and signs of patients with BCA are variable. The tumor was lateral to the ICA in two patients and anterior to the ICA in the remaining two. All four BCA were successfully removed en bloc (n = 3) or by piecemeal (n = 1) via an endoscopic transoral approach. The ICA was not injured, and no additional nerve damage, venous bleeding, postoperative infection, or salivary gland fistula were encountered in any of the four patients. Cystic degeneration is the predominant appearance of BCA on MRI; however, they are difficult to differentiate from other lesions arising in the PPS. No recurrence was detected at the time of the study analysis.Conclusion BCA of the PPS could have variable relationships with the ICA. An endoscopic transoral approach can provide an adequate corridor for total resection of BCA in PPS with seemingly low morbidity.
Efficacy of Homoeopathy in Managing Respiratory Infections beyond Doubt!—A Narrative Review
Authors: Dixit Ashish Kumar , Singh Shishir , Singh Subhas 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is accountable for significant mortality worldwide. This virus is primarily infecting the respiratory tract and resulting in SARS. There is no precise treatment available till today. Thus, it is important to find out the alternative approach which can reduce the burden of disease.Objective The aim of this review is to summarise and appraise the findings of various studies on respiratory infections in homoeopathy.Methods A comprehensive search of the articles published during the period from 1 January 2000 to 15 June 2020 on homoeopathy and respiratory infections was carried out. Major electronic medical databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CORE-Hom and CAM-QUEST were used for the literature search.Result From the literature search 46 studies congregated out of which 9 were systematic reviews, 18 randomised contolled trials, 1 controlled clinical trial, 13 comparative cohorts, 3 single-arm cohort observational studies, 1 case series and 1 case report. The results of this review are encouraging. Homeopathic medications have a positive effect in reducing the number of attacks of respiratory infections, less antibiotic usage, tolerability and good compliance as compared to conventional treatment. Complex homeopathic medicine showed a promising role in combating respiratory infections. Homeopathy has shown an important role as adjuvant therapy.Conclusion The findings of this review seem to suggest a definite role of homeopathy beyond placebo in the treatment of various conditions of respiratory infections. Applying homeopathy as an adjunctive treatment in COVID-19 cases can be cost-effective, feasible and safe. Owing to the heterogeneity in trials, independent replications and further appraisal with rigorous designs are warranted.