bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic syndrome and the incidence of knee osteoarthritis: A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Nie Daqing , Yan Guixin , Zhou Wenyu , Wang Zhengyi , Yu Guimei , Liu Di , Yuan Na , Li Hongbo 
Published: December 2020

Background
Cross-sectional studies suggest an association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and knee osteoarthritis (KOA). We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate whether MetS is an independent risk factor for KOA.

Methods
Prospective cohort studies evaluating the association between MetS and KOA in general population were retrieved from PubMed and Embase. Only studies with multivariate analyses were included. Data were pooled with a random-effect model, which is considered to incorporate heterogeneity among the included studies.

Results
Five studies including 94,965 participants were included, with 18,990 people with MetS (20.0%). With a mean follow-up duration of 14.5 years, 2,447 KOA cases occurred. Pooled results showed that MetS was not significant associated with an increased risk of KOA after controlling of factors including body mass index (adjusted risk ratio [RR]: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.92~1.23, p = 0.40; I2 = 33%). Subgroup analysis showed that MetS was independently associated with an increased risk of severe KOA that needed total knee arthroplasty (RR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.03~1.30, p = 0.02), but not total symptomatic KOA (RR = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.65~1.08, p = 0.18). Stratified analyses suggested that MetS was independently associated with an increased risk of KOA in women (RR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.03~1.47, p = 0.02), but not in men (RR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.70~1.14, p = 0.37).

Conclusions
Current evidence from prospective cohort studies did not support MetS was an independent risk factor of overall KOA in general population. However, MetS may be associated with an increased risk of severe KOA in general population, or overall KOA risk in women.
Diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging for the detection of pulmonary nodules simulated in a dedicated porcine chest phantom
Authors: Bonert Madeleine , Schneider Moritz , Solyanik Olga , Hellbach Katharina , Bondesson David , Gaass Thomas , Thaens Natalie , Ricke Jens , Benkert Thomas , Dinkel Julien 
Published: December 2020

Objective
CT serves as gold standard for the evaluation of pulmonary nodules. However, CT exposes patients to ionizing radiation, a concern especially in screening scenarios with repeated examinations. Due to recent technological advances, MRI emerges as a potential alternative for lung imaging using 3D steady state free precession and ultra-short echo-time sequences. Therefore, in this study we assessed the performance of three state-of-the-art MRI sequences for the evaluation of pulmonary nodules.

Methods
Lesions of variable sizes were simulated in porcine lungs placed in a dedicated chest phantom mimicking a human thorax, followed by CT and MRI examinations. Two blinded readers evaluated the acquired MR-images locating and measuring every suspect lesion. Using the CT-images as reference, logistic regression was performed to investigate the sensitivity of the tested MRI-sequences for the detection of pulmonary nodules.

Results
For nodules with a diameter of 6 mm, all three sequences achieved high sensitivity values above 0.91. However, the sensitivity dropped for smaller nodules, yielding an average of 0.83 for lesions with 4 mm in diameter and less than 0.69 for lesions with 2 mm in diameter. The positive predictive values ranged between 0.91 and 0.96, indicating a low amount of false positive findings. Furthermore, the size measurements done on the MR-images were subject to a bias ranging from 0.83 mm to -1.77 mm with standard deviations ranging from 1.40 mm to 2.11 mm. There was no statistically significant difference between the three tested sequences.

Conclusion
While showing promising sensitivity values for lesions larger than 4 mm, MRI appears to be not yet suited for lung cancer screening. Nonetheless, the three tested MRI sequences yielded high positive predictive values and accurate size measurements; therefore, MRI could potentially figure as imaging method of the chest in selected follow-up scenarios, e.g. of incidental findings subject to the Fleischner Criteria.
Use of gum blend in the optimization of grape molasses halva Gazi formulation with an emphasis on texture properties
Authors: ABHARI Hassan , ELHAMI RAD Amir Hossein , KARAZHIYAN Hojjat , ABHARI Abbas 
Published: December 2020

Grape molasses is a traditional sweet with high nutritional value. One factor limiting the production and storage of grape molasse halva Gazi is related to the thermal sensitivity of its texture properties and decreasing its quality during storage at ambient temperature. Therefore, this study aimed to improve the texture properties of the newly formulated halva during storage at different temperatures. Different levels of gums (0.5 %, 1 % & 1.5 %) including alginate, carrageenan, xanthan, and their blends (0.5 %-0.5 %) were used as additives in the formulation of halva to improve its texture during 48 h storage at 25 °C and 40 °C. The texture analysis tests were then performed to evaluate the firmness and fracturability of the halva. The results showed that the combination of gums, as well as using xanthan gum alone, produced an appropriate and soft texture in comparison to the control halva (0 % gum). However, the halva containing carrageenan-alginate blends showed the softest texture. The samples containing 0.5 and 1 % of alginate and xanthan as well as xanthan-alginate blend and xanthan-carrageenan blend had the best texture properties during storage at 40 °C.
Analyzing cereal and grain legumes (pulses) yields patterns in the forest and forest-steppe zones of Ukraine using geographically weighted principal components analysis
Authors: ZYMAROIEVA Anastasiia , ZHUKOV Oleksandr 
Published: December 2020

This paper aims to explore spatial heterogeneity present in the crop yields data collected from 170 administrative districts in the forest and forest-steppe zones of Ukraine for 27 years using the PCA and GWPCA methods. As a result of the principal component analysis of cereal and grain legumes (pulses) yields variability seven principal components were determined which together explain 66.8 % of the overall yields variability. The global PCA revealed the presence of dynamic processes of the cereal and grain legumes yields variation which have the oscillatory nature with different frequencies. We associate oscillatory processes of the varying frequency with causes of a different nature. The oscillating processes with a period of ten years or more may be of climatic origin. The oscillatory process with the longest period (13 years) is characteristic for the principal component 1, which explains the largest part of cereal and grain legumes yields variability (22.6 %). It is possible to assume that among agroecological factors climate change mostly affects crop productivity. The cluster analysis of administrative districts was conducted based on the cereal and leguminous yield dynamics. The clusters are geographically defined administrative districts that together forming spatially connected areas, which we identified as agroecological zones.
Forensic Analysis of Ignitable Liquids in Fire Debris by Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography
Authors: Frysinger GS , Gaines RB 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The application of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) for the forensic analysis of ignitable liquids in fire debris is reported. GC × GC is a high resolution, multidimensional gas chromatographic method in which each component of a complex mixture is subjected to two independent chromatographic separations. The high resolving power of GC × GC can separate hundreds of chemical components from a complex fire debris extract. The GC × GC chromatogram is a multicolor plot of two-dimensional retention time and detector signal intensity that is well suited for rapid identification and fingerprinting of ignitable liquids. GC × GC chromatograms were used to identify and classify ignitable liquids, detect minor differences between similar ignitable liquids, track the chemical changes associated with weathering, characterize the chemical composition of fire debris pyrolysates, and detect weathered ignitable liquids against a background of fire debris pyrolysates.
WinID2 versus CAPMI4: Two Computer-Assisted Dental Identification Systems
Authors: Lewis C 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Disasters produce victims that require identification. Comparing antemortem and postmortem dental records provides an important means of identification. Computers have assisted this process. Currently, the principal computer programs are CAPMI4 and WinID2. The present study compared these programs on a sample of 100 simulated victims and 105 simulated postmortem fragments. CAPMI4 provided 48 correct matches and WinID2 provided 71 correct matches. In addition, comparisons were made within WinID2 to determine which of its three dental data sets was the most successful for suggesting correct matches.
Prevalence of Drug Use in Commercial Tractor-Trailer Drivers
Authors: Couper FJ , Pemberton M , Jarvis A , Hughes M , Logan BK 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
An enforcement emphasis project, “Operation Trucker Check,” was established in order to determine the extent to which commercial tractor-trailer drivers were operating their vehicles while impaired by drugs. A total of 1079 drivers and their vehicles were assessed for driver and equipment violations, and drivers additionally underwent preliminary field sobriety tests conducted by drug recognition expert (DRE) officers. Anonymous urine specimens for drug analysis were requested, and 822 urine specimens were obtained in total. Compliance with the drug-testing portion was voluntary, and there was a 19% refusal rate. Overall, 21% of the urine specimens tested positive for either illicit, prescription, and/or over-the-counter drugs, and 7% tested positive for more than one drug. Excluding caffeine and nicotine, the largest number of positive findings (9.5%) were for CNS stimulants, such as methamphetamine, amphetamine, phentermine, ephedrine/pseudoephedrine, and cocaine. The second most frequently encountered drug class were the cannabinoids, with 4.3% of drivers testing positive for marijuana metabolites. Only 11 drivers (1.3%) were positive for alcohol. Sixteen truck drivers (1.6%) were charged with driving under the influence of drugs after a full DRE evaluation was conducted. The results indicate that in spite of comprehensive drug testing in the trucking industry, some tractor-trailer drivers are continuing to take illicit and other drugs with the potential of having a negative effect on their driving ability. On the other hand, only a few drivers were, in fact, deemed to be under the influence of drugs at the time of driving when evaluated by DRE officers.
A 3-D Transformation to Improve the Legibility of License Plate Numbers
Authors: Wen C-Y , Yu C-C , Hun Z-D 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In this paper, a novel three-dimensional transformation method for vehicle license plate number recognition is proposed. This method provides an efficient solution to normalize skew distorted vehicle license plate images. The Hough transform is used to estimate the license plate position and the normalization angle. After the three-dimensional transformation and normalization processes, the vehicle license plate numbers are recognized easily. Real vehicle license plate images are used to show the capability of the proposed method. The provided method is also useful for other skewed writings, such as the text printed on a suspect's shirt.
A More Sensitive Method for the Quantitation of Genomic DNA by Alu Amplification
Authors: Sifis ME , Both K , Burgoyne LA 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Current procedures for human DNA quantitation reach their limit at 150 pg DNA, which is above the limit of the PCR profiling range using Profiler-Plus® (Applied Biosystems, CA). This study tested the potential for the use of primate specific Alu sequences in forensic science for the sensitive detection and quantitation of DNA. A fluorescently labelled primer pair was designed enabling high efficiency amplification of the core Alu sequence within primate DNA. Quantitation was performed by measurement of fluorescence intensity and comparison to a series of standard template DNA amounts via the construction of a standard curve. The new Alu-based quantitation protocol developed has shown its feasibility in more sensitively quantitating (100-2.5 pg) unknown amounts of human DNA for forensic use. The method is compatible with the use and throughput of current forensic procedures.
The Use of Amalgam Powder and Calcium Hydroxide to Recreate a Radiopaque Image of a Lost Dental Restoration
Authors: Shiroma CY 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Radiographs of dental restorations are highly reliable when used to identify postmortem dental remains. A problem exists if key dental restorations are missing or defective, which results in the loss of a comparative radiographic image. This article describes a simple method allowing the odontologist to quickly recreate a temporary radiopaque restoration. This article presents a method of using amalgam powder (radiopaque material) and calcium hydroxide (radiopaque material and transport medium for the amalgam powder) to recreate a radiopaque image on a tooth that has lost a dental restoration. Amalgam powder and calcium hydroxide is easily obtained (in any dental office), fairly clean, easy to manipulate, inexpensive, inert, stable, and able to be removed without damaging the dental remains. The amalgam powder/calcium hydroxide mixture can easily be re-shaped or modified to reflect the radiopaque image of the original restoration. Radiographic comparison of the “restored” dental remains to the antemortem radiographs is now possible. The use of this technique is presented in a case report.
The Combined Use of Pollen and Soil Analyses in a Search and Subsequent Murder Investigation
Authors: Brown AG , Smith A , Elmhurst O 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This case report shows how soil analyses (particularly petrology) can be used in conjunction with pollen in order to refine or strengthen an association. Soil samples from a car believed to have been used by the suspect in a missing persons case was subjected to soil and pollen analyses. The soil characteristics and petrology were used to redefine the search area using geology and soils maps, the pollen and vegetative remains were used to target woodlands with a particular species mix. As a result two bodies were located and the environmental evidence was used in the subsequent trial. In this case the history of the vehicle was well known and the wheel arches and footwells provided reliable soil traps. The advantage of combining the techniques is that soil evidence (both mineralogy and other inclusions) provides a geological/soils match while the pollen provides independent evidence of vegetation type providing a combination that may be rare or unique.
Fatal Meningitis and Encephalitis Due to Bartonella henselae Bacteria
Authors: Gerber JE , Johnson JE , Scott MA , Madhusudhan KT 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Bacterial infection due to Bartonella henselae commonly develops in children and young adults following cat/dog ontacts and/or cat/dog scratches. Regional lymphadenopathy is its most common clinical expression. However, encephalitis and Parinaud's syndrome (oculoglandular syndrome) have also been reported as has systemic illness. A review of the international literature in all languages revealed no fatal complications in immunocompetent hosts. A four-year-old white child with no underlying illness began to have seizure-like activity. She was taken to a local hospital and subsequently transferred to a medical center. The child was treated aggressively for seizures and fever of unknown origin. However, her condition rapidly declined and she died without a specific diagnosis. At autopsy there was marked cerebral edema with no gross evidence of acute meningitis. Microscopic exams revealed multiple granulomatous lesions as well as a meningitis and encephalitis. A variety of cultures and stains were negative for acid fast and fungal organisms. Warthin-Starry stains of involved tissue including brain and liver revealed pleomorphic rod shaped bacilli consistent with Bartonella henselae. Analysis of brain tissue with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern blot for the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was definitive for DNA of Bartonella henselae bacteria.
Failure to Detect Elevated Levels of Carboxyhemoglobin in Infants Dying from SIDS
Authors: Meny RG , Vreman HJ , Stevenson DK , Hauck FR , Donoghue ER , Smialek JE , Fowler DR , Zielke HR 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels were determined in stored blood samples from 91 infants diagnosed to have died from the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) ( 0.59 _0.41%, excluding one outlying value of 10.83%); 48 age-matched controls (0.53 _ 0.38%); and three individuals who died from fire related causes (41 _ 20%). No statistical differences in COHb levels were detected between blood from SIDS and control infants (p _ 0.43).
Allele Frequencies for the 13 CODIS STR Loci in a Sample of Southern Croatians
Authors: Schanfield M , Gabriel MN , Andelinovic S , Reynolds RL , Ladd C , Lee HC , Primorac D 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Whole blood obtained by venipuncture was collected in EDTA vacutainer tubes from individuals attending Split Hospital, Split,Croatia. Blood was dried onto clean cotton cloth, sealed in individual plastic bags and transported to the United States for testing. Approximately 3 mm squares were extracted using Chelex (1). The DNA was not quantified. PCR amplification was performed using the AmpFlSTR Profiler Plus™ and Cofiler™ PCR amplification kits (PE-Biosystems, Foster City, CA) following the manufacturer's protocol using 2 µL of sample. The amplified products were separated and detected using the ABI Prism™ 377 DNA sequencer (PE-Biosystems, Foster City, CA). Allele frequencies and goodness of fit tests were performed using Excel spread sheets. Each locus (n = 13) was tested for the following: Hardy-Weinberg Global Chi-square goodness of fit using all genotypes with expected values greater than 1.0, all other genotypes were pooled to form a residual class (df = number of genotypes minus the number of alleles)( p1); T statistic testing θ = 0 recommended by NRC 2 (2)(p2); and the Chi-square comparing expected and observed total homozygosity and heterozygosity (df = 1)(p3). The Bonferroni corrected threshold was 0.0038. No loci exceeded the Bonferroni threshold; only one locus (D8S1179) was significant (p (0.05) for one of three tests of deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium due to an excess of heterozygotes and deficiency of homozygotes prior to the Bonferroni correction for multiple tests.
Y-Chromosomal STR Haplotypes in Two Population Groups of Kerala in South lndia
Authors: Das B , Chauhan PS , Seshadri M 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Via electronic mail from communicating author. Analysis of Data: Haplotype diversities and frequencies were calculated by using the program ARLEQUIN l. l (4). The nomenclature of the allele sizes was as described by Kayser et al. (2) except for DYS389I and DYS38911, which was according to Cooper et al. (5).
Brake Linings: A Source of Non-GSR Particles Containing Lead, Barium, and Antimony
Authors: Torre C , Mattutino G , Vasino V , Robino C 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The observation of environmental particles similar in composition to gunshot residue (GSR) are not new to forensic experts and have been described in the scientific literature. In order to better define the origin of these particles, brake linings and their wear products were examined by SEM-EDX. The results obtained demonstrate that some types of brake linings contain lead, barium, and antimony and that they can represent a source of particles showing GSR-like elemental profiles. Most of these particles can be easily discriminated from primer discharge residue because of the high levels of iron or the presence of “prohibited” elements in the spectrum. However, particles with iron at minor or trace levels and lacking “prohibited” elements were also found. It is thus advisable to use caution when describing the composition of similar particles as “unique” to primer discharge residue. The strict application of a rigorous morphological criterion is also recommended.
Unusual Contact Marks: Connecting the Hubcap to the Wheel of the Car
Authors: Novoselsky Y , Tsach T , Klein A , Volkov N , Shor Y , Vinokurov A 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
A case of homicide and attempted homicide is described. The comparison of tire-marks linked the suspect's vehicle to the scene of crime only with low certainty. However, the comparison of the pressure mark on the hubcap found at the scene, with the balance weight on one of the wheels of the suspect's car, connected the suspect to the scene of crime with high certainty.
Characteristics of Assaultive Patients with Schizophrenia Versus Personality Disorder: Six Year Analysis of the Assaulted Staff Action Program (ASAP)
Authors: Flannery RB , Rachlin S , Walker AP 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Literature reviews of individual assaultive patients, repetitively violent patients, and restrained assaultive patients document that persons diagnosed with schizophrenia or personality disorder are at the highest risk to become assaultive. While there has been some initial research of possible predictor variables across diagnostic groups, this six-year retrospective study is the first to compare only persons with schizophrenia or personality disorder on basic demographic and the selected clinical variables of history of violence, personal victimization, and substance use disorder. In this study, the variance suggested that persons with schizophrenia and personality disorder were both likely to be assaultive. Assaults by persons with schizophrenia were somewhat proportional to their presence in the population studied. However, personality disordered patients represented a disproportional increase from the population studied. Younger females with a diagnosis of personality disorder and with histories of violence toward others and personal victimization appeared at increased risk to be assaultive and to require restraints. The findings and their implications for safety and clinical care are discussed.
Allele Distributions for D21S1435 and D21S2055 Loci in Two Chinese Populations
Authors: Liang W , Zhang L , Chen G , Xin J , Liao M , Wu MY 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Blood specimens were collected from unrelated volunteer donors. DNA was extracted from blood specimens using Chelex-100 (1). DNA typing was carried out by PCR. The components of PCR were: target DNA 20 ng, primer 0.2 µmol/L, dNTPs 200 µmol/L, KCl 50 µmol/L, Tris-HCl (pH 8.3) 10 mmol/L, MgCl2 1.5 mmol/L, Taq 1U. Primer sequences: D21S1435: 5'-CCC TCT CAA TTG TTT GTC TAC C-3', 5'-ATG GCA CTG AAA TCT CTT GC-3'; D21S2055: 5'-AAC AGA ACC AAT AGG CTA TCT ATC-3', 5'-TCT CCT ACC AAG TGA TTT ACT GTA-3'.PCR conditions: D21S1435: start at 94°C for 3 min, 30 cycles consist of 35s at 94°C, 45s at 61°C, 55s at 72°C followed by a 5 min extension at 72°C. D2152055: start at 94°C for 3 min, 30 cycles consist of 35 s at 94°C, 45 s at 61°C, 55 s at 72°C followed by a 5 min extension at 72°C. The amplified products were electrophoresed in 6% polyacrylamide gel by using 100 bp ladder and allelic markers for both D21S1435 and D21S2055 as size marker, followed by sliver staining. Data were analyzed by The Promega Software, POWERSTATS. Calculating of Chi-square test was carried out for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium test.