bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Use of Texture Features to Extract and Analyze Useful Information from Retinal Images
Authors: Zhang Xiaobo , Chen Weiyang , Li Gang , Li Weiwei 
Published: October 2019

Background:
The analysis of retinal images can help to detect retinal abnormalities that
are caused by cardiovascular and retinal disorders.

Objective:
In this paper, we propose methods based on texture features for mining and analyzing
information from retinal images.

Methods:
The recognition of the retinal mask region is a prerequisite for retinal image processing.
However, there is no way to automatically recognize the retinal region. By quantifying and
analyzing texture features, a method is proposed to automatically identify the retinal region. The
boundary of the circular retinal region is detected based on the image texture contrast feature,
followed by the filling of the closed circular area, and then the detected circular retinal mask region
can be obtained.

Results:
The experimental results show that the method based on the image contrast feature can be
used to detect the retinal region automatically. The average accuracy of retinal mask region detection
of images from the Digital Retinal Images for Vessel Extraction (DRIVE) database was 99.34%.

Conclusion:
This is the first time these texture features of retinal images are analyzed, and texture
features are used to recognize the circular retinal region automatically.
Simultaneous Assessment of MicroRNAs 126 and 192 in Diabetic Nephropathy Patients and the Relation of these MicroRNAs with Urinary Albumin
Authors: Tayel Safaa I. , Saleh Amany A. , El-Hefnawy Sally M. , Elzorkany Khaled MA. , Elgarawany Ghada E. , Noreldin Rasha I. 
Published: October 2019

Background and Aim:
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major
determinant of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Altered microRNA levels lead to
serious chronic diseases, such as diabetes. We aimed to measure the expression levels
of two microRNAs, microRNA126 and 192 in DN and investigate their connection with
albuminuria levels.

Methods:
This study included 229 subjects (134 DN patients and 95 controls). Serum
lipid profiles, glucose levels, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, and renal functions
were assayed. The microRNA126 and microRNA192 expression levels were determined
by real-time PCR.

Results:
Patients with DN had higher weights, BMI values, glucose levels (p<0.001),
HbA1c levels (p<0.001), urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) values (p<0.001), urea
levels (P=0.002), and creatinine levels (P=0.004) and lower expression levels of both
microRNA192 (p<0.001) and microRNA126 (p<0.001) than controls. MicroRNA126
expression was positively correlated with age, estimated glomerular filtration rate
(eGFR) and microRNA192 expression but negatively correlated with blood sugar,
HbA1c, urea, creatinine and ACR. MicroRNA192 had higher sensitivity (91%), specificity
(94%), and area under the curve (AUC) (0.967) values than microRNA126 (sensitivity,
90%; specificity, 68%; AUC, 0.897) and thus can precisely diagnose DN.

Conclusion:
Both MicroRNA126 and microRNA192 expression were obviously
associated with DN and might determine the progression of the disease owing to
prominent relation with macroalbuminuria.
The Syntheses, Characterization and Crystal Structures of a Series of Heterocyclic β-Diketones and Their Isoxazole Compounds
Authors: Su Biyun , Hou Yifan , Wang Li , Li Xiaoteng , Pan Dandan , Yan Tingyu , Zhang Ao , Paison Faida , Ding Liqing 
Published: October 2019

Background:
In the field of coordination chemistry, the introduction of heterocyclic substituents
into the structure of β-diketone enables ligand to produce multiple coordination sites. The adoption of small
steric oxime group into the structure of heterocyclic β-diketone by Schiff-base condensation will further
increase coordination sites and facilitate the generation of polynuclear structures.

Objective:
A series of β-diketones (2a-2c) containing different heterocycles such as pyridine, thiophene and
furan and their corresponding isoxazole compounds (3a-3c) were synthesized.

Materials and Methods:
The Claisen condensations were investigated in a solvent-free rheological phase
system at room temperature to obtain heterocyclic β-diketones 2a-2c, which further reacted with
hydroxylamine hydrochloride to obtain heterocyclic isoxazoles 3a-3c. All these compounds were well
characterized by EA, IR, 1H NMR and X-ray crystal diffraction to confirm the structures. Synthetic
mechanisms of compounds and the effects of different heterocycles on reactivity were discussed deeply.

Result:
1H NMR indicated that these β-diketones do not exist as a total diketonic form but an equilibration
between diketone and enol forms in CDCl3 solvent, in which the enol form accounts for 98.0% in 2a, 94.3% in
2b, 95.5% in 2c. While the crystal structures of 2a-2c showed that the reaction allows to isolate diketones in
solid state. Crystal structures of 3a-3c showed that the neutral β-ketone oximes resonate and cyclize to form the
target heterocyclic isoxazoles.

Conclusion:
SN1 nucleophilic substitution mechanism of Claisen ketoester condensation was proposed for the
syntheses of 2a-2c, and SN1 single molecule nucleophilic substitution reaction mechanism was put forward for
3a-3c.
Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome and Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infection: A Case Report Analysis with a Metabolomics Approach
Authors: Piras Cristina , Pintus Roberta , Pruna Dario , Dessì Angelica , Atzori Luigi , Fanos Vassilios 
Published: October 2019

Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) is a clinical condition characterized by a sudden and dramatic obsessive-compulsive disorder with a suggested post-infectious immune-mediated etiology. This condition is accompanied by an extensive series of relatively serious neuropsychiatric symptoms. The diagnosis of PANS is made by "exclusion", as the individual PANS symptoms overlap with a multiplicity of psychiatric disorders with the onset in childhood. A number of researchers accumulated evidence to support the hypothesis that PANS was closely associated with a number of infections.In the last decade, metabolomics played an essential role in improving the knowledge of complex biological systems and identifying potential new biomarkers as indicators of pathological progressions or pharmacologic responses to therapy. The metabolome is considered the most predictive phenotype, capable of recognizing epigenetic differences, reflecting more closely the clinical reality at any given moment and thus providing extremely dynamic data. In the present work, the most recent hypothesis and suggested mechanisms of this condition are reviewed and the case of a 10 - year-old girl with PANS is described, before and after clarithromycin treatment. The main results of this case report are discussed from a metabolomics point of view. The alteration of several metabolic pathways concerning the microbial activity highlights the possible role of the microbiome in the development of PANS. Furthermore, different metabolic perturbations at the level of protein biosynthesis, energy and amino acid metabolisms are observed and discussed. Based on our observations, it is believed that metabolomics is a promising technology to unravel the mysteries of PANS in the near future.
Underutilization of Cardiac Therapies in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke and Elevated Troponin
Authors: He Michael , Panchangam Subhasree , Cruz Benjamin , Mukherjee Debabrata 
Published: October 2019

Introduction:
Recent findings have shown that in Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) patients,
elevated troponin is associated with increased mortality. However, due to concerns of cerebral hypoperfusion
and hemorrhagic transformation, current practice has been slow to apply proven cardiac
therapies to these patients. This study aims to determine this rate of utilization.

Materials and Methods:
A single-center review of 83 patients with AIS and measured troponin was
conducted. Patients were stratified based on elevated and non-elevated troponin. Between groups, we
measured the utilization of evidence-based cardiac therapies and used a univariate logistic regression
to compare outcomes of mortality, re-hospitalization, recurrent acute ischemic stroke, recurrent acute
myocardial infarction, and a composite of these outcomes.

Results:
Of 83 patients, 25 had elevated troponin and 58 had non-elevated troponin. There was no
statistical difference in the use of cardiac therapies between the two groups. Adenosine diphosphate
P2Y12 antagonists were infrequently used in both elevated and non-elevated troponin groups at 32%
vs. 24% (p = 0.64), as were Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACE-I) and angiotensin II
receptor blockers (ARB) at 56% vs. 69% (p = 0.38). Those in the elevated troponin group encountered
a statistically significant increase in composite endpoint 64% vs. 33% (Odds Ratio [OR] 7.28,
95% Confidence interval [CI] 2.19-28.88, p<0.01).

Conclusion:
Cardiac therapies are underutilized in patients with acute ischemic stroke and elevated
troponin levels. In turn, this low usage may explain the increase in morbidity and mortality seen in
these patients and the use of such therapies should be considered when treating this subset of patients
as the cardio protective nature of these therapies may outweigh the risks associated with them in AIS
patients.
Medication Adherence and Associated Factors among Chronic Heart Failure Clients on Follow Up Oromia Region, West Ethiopia
Authors: Fetensa Getahun , Yadecha Birhanu , Tolossa Tadesse , Bekuma Tariku Tesfaye 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Chronic heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome with typical symptoms
that can occur at rest or on effort. It requires patients to manage their lifestyle with their disease and
when to notify their healthcare provider. The study was aimed to identify medication adherence and
associated factors among chronic heart failure clients on follow up Oromia region, West Ethiopia,
2017.

Methods:
Institutional based cross-sectional study design was employed, after selecting three hospitals
by lottery method and allocating respondents to the three hospitals proportionally. A total of 424
patients were admitted to the medical ward and/or chronic follow up of Nekemte referral, Gimbi, and
Shambu hospitals. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The data was entered into
Epi-data version 3.1, cleared, explored, and then exported to SPSS windows version 24.0 for further
analysis. Variable having a p-value less than 0.05 in the bivariate analysis was a candidate for multivariable
analysis and the effect of confounding variables was observed. Variables having a p-value
less than 0.05 in the multivariable analysis were assumed significant.

Results:
A total of 424 respondents were included in the final analysis giving a 95.3% response rate.
The result indicated that more than half of the study participants have adhered to prescribed medication.
Respondents with good medication adherence were more likely to adhere to good self-care behavior
[AOR (95% CI of OR) = 3.5(2.044, 5.96)]. Respondents whose limited fluid intake was one
or half-liter per day were more likely to adhere to the medication [AOR (95% CI of OR) = 2.5(1.43,
4.49)]. It was also found that those patients who avoided spices, sauces and others in food are more
likely to adhere to the medication [AOR (95% CI of OR) = 2.2 (1.152, 4.039)].

Conclusion and Recommendation:
Even if more than half of the study respondents have good medication
and self-care adherence, still it needs great attention in health education over their visit. Health
institutions are strongly recommended to give health education for clients and researchers to use advanced
study design for measuring medication adherence and self-care behaviors.
Research on Video Encryption and Privacy Protection in Cloud Monitoring System Based on H.264
Authors: Wu Qingtao , Cao Zaihui 
Published: October 2019

:
Cloud monitoring technology is an important maintenance and management tool for cloud platforms.Cloud monitoring system is a kind of network monitoring service, monitoring technology and monitoring platform based on Internet. At present, the monitoring system is changed from the local monitoring to cloud monitoring, with the flexibility and convenience improved, but also exposed more security issues. Cloud video may be intercepted or changed in the transmission process. Most of the existing encryption algorithms have defects in real-time and security. Aiming at the current security problems of cloud video surveillance, this paper proposes a new video encryption algorithm based on H.264 standard. By using the advanced FMO mechanism, the related macro blocks can be driven into different Slice. The encryption algorithm proposed in this paper can encrypt the whole video content by encrypting the FMO sub images. The method has high real-time performance, and the encryption process can be executed in parallel with the coding process. The algorithm can also be combined with traditional scrambling algorithm, further improve the video encryption effect. The algorithm selects the encrypted part of the video data, which reducing the amount of data to be encrypted. Thus reducing the computational complexity of the encryption system, with faster encryption speed, improve real-time and security, suitable for transfer through mobile multimedia and wireless multimedia network.
Distance Aware VM Allocation Process to Minimize Energy Consumption in Cloud Computing
Authors: Singh Gurpreet , Mahajan Manish , Mohana Rajni 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Cloud computing is considered as an on-demand service resource with the
applications towards data center on pay per user basis. For allocating the resources appropriately for
the satisfaction of user needs, an effective and reliable resource allocation method is required. Because
of the enhanced user demand, the allocation of resources has now considered as a complex
and challenging task when a physical machine is overloaded, Virtual Machines share its load by utilizing
the physical machine resources. Previous studies lack in energy consumption and time management
while keeping the Virtual Machine at the different server in turned on state.

Aim and Objective:
The main aim of this research work is to propose an effective resource allocation
scheme for allocating the Virtual Machine from an ad hoc sub server with Virtual Machines.

Methods:
The execution of the research has been carried out into two sections, initially, the location
of Virtual Machines and Physical Machine with the server has been taken place and subsequently,
the cross-validation of allocation is addressed. For the sorting of Virtual Machines, Modified Best
Fit Decreasing algorithm is used and Multi-Machine Job Scheduling is used while the placement
process of jobs to an appropriate host.

Results and Conclusion:
Artificial Neural Network as a classifier, has allocated jobs to the hosts.
Measures, viz. Service Level Agreement violation and energy consumption are considered and fruitful
results have been obtained with a 37.7 of reduction in energy consumption and 15% improvement
in Service Level Agreement violation.
Linearity Enhancement Techniques for Operational Transconductance Amplifier: A Survey
Authors: Dubey Tanmay , Bhadauria Vijaya , Pandey Rishikesh 
Published: October 2019

Background:
Operational Transconductance Amplifier (OTA) plays an essential role
in many analog and mixed-signal applications that encourages the researchers to contribute their
work to design suitable structures of OTA for their applications with acceptable performance
parameters.

Methods:
The linearity of an OTA is one of its key performance parameters, which affects the performance
of the overall system whereas the transconductance value of OTA (Gm) contributes to decide
its application area. Low transconductance OTA finds its application in biomedical and neural
networks while OTA with higher transconductance is suitable for wireless communication. In any
system, it is desirable to obtain a linear voltage-to-current conversion, i.e., OTA, hence various linearization
techniques have been reported to linearize the OTA.

Results:
In the last two decades, various OTA structures have been reported with linear voltage-tocurrent
conversion. Some researchers used attenuation by means of different circuit approaches to
linearize the OTA or some used cancellation of nonlinearity terms by using different circuit implementation
techniques. Researchers used some other methods also to linearize the OTA viz
source degeneration, square root technique and mobility compensation.

Conclusion:
The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief survey of various popular linearization
techniques reported in the past.
Подвижность носителей заряда в монокристалле и нанокерамике суперионного проводника Pb-=SUB=-1-x-=/SUB=-Sn-=SUB=-x-=/SUB=-F-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=- (x=0.2)
Authors: Сорокин Н.И. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractA crystallophysical model of ion transfer in the superionic Pb_1 – _ x Sn_ x F_2 conductor with a fluorite (CaF_2) structure is proposed. The concentration dependence of the ionic conductivity of Pb_1 – _ x Sn_ x F_2 single crystals and poly- and nanocrystals is analyzed. The single-crystal form of the superionic conductor is characterized by the highest conductivity. The mobility and concentration of anionic charge carriers in a single crystal and ceramics of Pb_1 – _ x Sn_ x F_2 ( x = 0.2) is calculated on the basis of structural and electrophysical data. The mobility of carriers μ_mob = 2.5 × 10^–6 cm^2/s V (at 293 K) in a single crystal is seven times higher than in nanoceramic. The concentration of carriers n _mob = 1.7 × 10^21 and 3.6 × 10^21 cm^3 (4.5 and 9.5% of the total number of anions) for a single crystal and nanoceramic, respectively. The comparison of isostructural Pb_0.8Sn_0.2F_2, Pb_0.67Cd_0.33F_2, and Pb_0.9Sc_0.1F_2.1 single crystals shows that anionic carriers have a maximum mobility in the β-PbF_2 and SnF_2 based solid solution.
Спектрально-люминесцентные свойства разнолигандных комплексных соединений европия(III) с n-метилбензойной кислотой
Authors: Калиновская И.В. , Задорожная А.Н. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract The spectral-luminescent properties of europium(III) complexes with p -methylbenzoic acid and nitrogen- and phosphorus-containing neutral ligands of compositions [Eu( p -MBA)_3 · D]_2 · x H_2O and [Eu( p ‑MBA)_3 · 2H_2O]_ n , where p -MBA is the anion of p -methylbenzoic acid and D is 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), 2,2' dipyridyl (dipy), triphenylphosphine oxide (tppo) ( х = 0), hexamethylphosphortriamide (hmpa) ( x = 1), or benzotriazole (bt) ( x = 2) are studied. The electronic absorption spectra, the luminescence excitation spectra, and the Stark structure of ^5 D _0−^7 F _ j ( j = 0–2) electronic transitions in low-temperature luminescence spectra of complex europium(III) p -methylbenzoates are analyzed. It is found that the excitation energy transfer to europium ions occurs from the levels of both p -methylbenzoic acid and neutral ligands.
Engagement and Participant Experiences With Consumer Smartwatches for Health Research: Longitudinal, Observational Feasibility Study
Authors: Beukenhorst Anna L , Howells Kelly , Cook Louise , McBeth John , O'Neill Terence W , Parkes Matthew J , Sanders Caroline , Sergeant Jamie C , Weihrich Katy S , Dixon William G 
Published: October 2019

Background
Wearables provide opportunities for frequent health data collection and symptom monitoring. The feasibility of using consumer cellular smartwatches to provide information both on symptoms and contemporary sensor data has not yet been investigated.

Objective
This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of using cellular smartwatches to capture multiple patient-reported outcomes per day alongside continuous physical activity data over a 3-month period in people living with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods
For the KOALAP (Knee OsteoArthritis: Linking Activity and Pain) study, a novel cellular smartwatch app for health data collection was developed. Participants (age ≥50 years; self-diagnosed knee OA) received a smartwatch (Huawei Watch 2) with the KOALAP app. When worn, the watch collected sensor data and prompted participants to self-report outcomes multiple times per day. Participants were invited for a baseline and follow-up interview to discuss their motivations and experiences. Engagement with the watch was measured using daily watch wear time and the percentage completion of watch questions. Interview transcripts were analyzed using grounded thematic analysis.

Results
A total of 26 people participated in the study. Good use and engagement were observed over 3 months: most participants wore the watch on 75% (68/90) of days or more, for a median of 11 hours. The number of active participants declined over the study duration, especially in the final week. Among participants who remained active, neither watch time nor question completion percentage declined over time. Participants were mainly motivated to learn about their symptoms and enjoyed the self-tracking aspects of the watch. Barriers to full engagement were battery life limitations, technical problems, and unfulfilled expectations of the watch. Participants reported that they would have liked to report symptoms more than 4 or 5 times per day.

Conclusions
This study shows that capture of patient-reported outcomes multiple times per day with linked sensor data from a smartwatch is feasible over at least a 3-month period.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
RR2-10.2196/10238
Digitalizing Health Services by Implementing a Personal Electronic Health Record in Germany: Qualitative Analysis of Fundamental Prerequisites From the Perspective of Selected Experts
Authors: Pohlmann Sabrina , Kunz Aline , Ose Dominik , Winkler Eva C , Brandner Antje , Poss-Doering Regina , Szecsenyi Joachim , Wensing Michel 
Published: October 2019

Background
The implementation of a personal electronic health record (PHR) is a central objective of digitalization policies in the German health care system. Corresponding legislation was passed with the 2015 Act for Secure Digital Communication and Applications in the Health Sector (eHealth Act). However, compared with other European countries, Germany still lags behind concerning the implementation of a PHR.

Objective
In order to explore potential barriers and facilitators for the adoption of a PHR in routine health care in Germany, this paper aims to identify policies, structures, and practices of the German health care system that influence the uptake and use of a PHR.

Methods
A total of 33 semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of experts: 23 interviews with different health care professionals and 10 interviews with key actors of the German health care system who were telematics, eHealth, and information technology experts (eHealth experts). The interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to a content analysis.

Results
From the expert perspective, a PHR was basically considered desirable and unavoidable. At the same time, a number of challenges for implementation in Germany have been outlined. Three crucial themes emerged: (1) documentation standards: prevailing processes of the analog bureaucratic paper world, (2) interoperability: the plurality of actors and electronic systems, and (3) political structure: the lack of clear political regulations and political incentive structures.

Conclusions
With regard to the implementation of a PHR, an important precondition of a successful digitalization will be the precedent reform of the system to be digitized. Whether the recently passed Act for Faster Appointments and Better Care will be a step in the right direction remains to be seen.