bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Machine learning based soft sensor model for BOD estimation using intelligence at edge
Authors: Pattnaik Bhawani Shankar , Pattanayak Arunima Sambhuta , Udgata Siba Kumar , Panda Ajit Kumar 
Published: January 2021

AbstractReal-time water quality monitoring is a complex system as it involves many quality parameters to be monitored, the nature of these parameters, and non-linear interdependence between themselves. Intelligent algorithms crucial in building intelligent systems are good candidates for building a reliable and convenient monitoring system. To analyze water quality, we need to understand, model, and monitor the water pollution in real time using different online water quality sensors through an Internet of things framework. However, many water quality parameters cannot be easily measured online due to several reasons such as high-cost sensors, low sampling rate, multiple processing stages by few heterogeneous sensors, the requirement of frequent cleaning and calibration, and spatial and application dependency among different water bodies. A soft sensor is an efficient and convenient alternative approach for water quality monitoring. In this paper, we propose a machine learning-based soft sensor model to estimate biological oxygen demand (BOD), a time-consuming and challenging process to measure. We also propose a system architecture for implementing the soft sensor both on the cloud and edge layers, so that the edge device can make adaptive decisions in real time by monitoring the quality of water. A comparative study between the computational performance of edge and cloud nodes in terms of prediction accuracy, learning time, and decision time for different machine learning (ML) algorithms is also presented. This paper establishes that BOD soft sensors are efficient, less costly, and reasonably accurate with an example of a real-life application. Here, the IBK ML technique proves to be the most efficient in predicting BOD. The experimental setup uses 100 test readings of STP water samples to evaluate the performance of the IBK technique, and the statistical measures are reported as correlation coefficient = 0.9273, MAE = 0.082, RMSE = 0.1994, RAE = 17.20%, RRSE = 37.62%, and edge response time = 0.15 s only.
Event Classification with Quantum Machine Learning in High-Energy Physics
Authors: Terashi Koji , Kaneda Michiru , Kishimoto Tomoe , Saito Masahiko , Sawada Ryu , Tanaka Junichi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe present studies of quantum algorithms exploiting machine learning to classify events of interest from background events, one of the most representative machine learning applications in high-energy physics. We focus on variational quantum approach to learn the properties of input data and evaluate the performance of the event classification using both simulators and quantum computing devices. Comparison of the performance with standard multi-variate classification techniques based on a boosted-decision tree and a deep neural network using classical computers shows that the quantum algorithm has comparable performance with the standard techniques at the considered ranges of the number of input variables and the size of training samples. The variational quantum algorithm is tested with quantum computers, demonstrating that the discrimination of interesting events from background is feasible. Characteristic behaviors observed during a learning process using quantum circuits with extended gate structures are discussed, as well as the implications of the current performance to the application in high-energy physics experiments.
Spring-Arrangement Effect on Flow-Induced Vibration of a Circular Cylinder
Authors: Yamada Koki , Shigeyoshi Yuga , Chen Shuangjing , Nishi Yoshiki 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose
This study elucidated the effect of an inclined spring arrangement on the flow-induced vibration of a circular cylinder to understand if the effect enhances the harnessing of the energy of fluid flows.

Method
An experiment was conducted on a circulating water channel. A circular cylinder was partially submerged. It was elastically supported by two springs whose longitudinal directions were varied. With the speed of the water flow varied, the vibrations of the circular cylinder were measured. The measured vibrations were interpreted by la linear dynamic model.

Results and discussion

In a few cases, a jump in response amplitudes from zero to the maximum was observed with the spring inclination at reduced velocities of 6 to 7, whereas gradually increasing response amplitudes were observed in other cases. The inclined spring arrangement achieved greater velocity amplitudes than in cases without spring inclination. A theoretical evaluation of the measured responses indicates that the effect of the inclined springs was caused by geometric nonlinearity; the effect would be more prominent by employing a longer moment lever.
Species and potential sources of phosphorus in groundwater in and around Mataram City, Lombok Island, Indonesia
Authors: Ioka Seiichiro , Onodera Shin-ichi , Saito Mitsuyo , Rusydi Anna , Bakti Hendra , Wakasa Sachi A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGeochemical evaluation of the species and potential sources of P in groundwater in and around Mataram City, Lombok Island, Indonesia can aid in the initial research on evaluating the fate of P when detailed geological information is unavailable. The results of ion chromatography and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy show that the concentrations of PO43– and total dissolved P (TDP) in groundwater range from approximately 0.1 to 8.5 mg l–1 and from 0.04 to 2.95 mg l–1, respectively. Dissolved inorganic P accounted for 86%, on average, of the TDP concentration, and PO43– represented the predominant P species in this groundwater. The potential sources for most of this dissolved PO43–, according to indices developed based on the PHREEQC software and groundwater quality data, could be the dissolution of hydroxyapatite and/or vivianite minerals. However, the potential sources of dissolved PO43– in groundwater with a TDP concentration of ≥ 1 mg l–1 is likely to be the reduction of Fe(III)–(hydro)oxides, the initial decomposition of organic matter, or the dissolution of carbonate-rich fluorapatite considering the Fe2+, dissolved organic carbon, Ca2+ and F− concentrations measured. In addition, as several groundwater samples had a TDP concentration of ≤ 1 mg l–1 and comparatively high concentration of NO3–, other potential sources of dissolved PO43– in this groundwater could be anthropogenic.
Optoelectronic properties of highly porous silver oxide thin film
Authors: Al-Sarraj Ahmad , Saoud Khaled M. , Elmel Abdelaziz , Mansour Said , Haik Yousef 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In this paper, we report oxidation time effect on highly porous silver oxide nanowires thin films fabricated using ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and oxygen plasma etching method. The NW’s morphological, electrical, and optical properties were investigated under different plasma etching periods and the number of deposition cycles. The increase of plasma etching and oxidation time increases the surface roughness of the Ag NWs until it fused to form a porous thin film of silver oxide. AgNWs based thin films were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, and UV–Vis spectroscopy techniques. The obtained results indicate the formation of mixed mesoporous Ag2O and AgO NW thin films. The Ag2O phase of silver oxide appears after 300 s of oxidation under the same conditions, while the optical transparency of the thin film decreases as plasma etching time increases. The sheet resistance of the final film is influenced by the oxidation time and the plasma application periodicity.

Graphic abstract
Microencapsulation of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using Plumeria leaf extract and kinetic studies in the release of ZnO-NPs from microcapsules
Authors: Halanayake Kalana D. , Kalutharage Nishantha K. , Hewage Jinasena W. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBiosynthesis using plant extract is known as one of the potential techniques to synthesize different zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) in different size ranges. ZnO-NPs were synthesized using Plumeria leaf extract with laboratory chemical reagent Zn(CH3COO)2 and followed by the micro-encapsulation of biosynthesized ZnO-NPs using chitosan and cellulose with TEOF as a cross-linker employing freeze gelation method. Both neat and encapsulated ZnO-NPs have been characterized by FT-IR, UV spectroscopy, XRD, and SEM techniques. The UV-spectroscopic analysis confirmed the characteristic band of ZnO-NPs at 356.0 nm, and FIIR showed the peaks at 544 cm−1 and 545 cm−1 corresponding to the Zn–O bond. Powder XRD pattern showed the wurtzite structure of ZnO and gave the calculated average crystallite size as of 27.23 nm. In the case of encapsulated ZnO-NPs, the UV–visible spectrum showed two strong absorption peaks at 232.5 nm, 242.5 nm, and a weak peak at 357 nm. A broad peak at 3333 cm−1 in FT-IR spectra is either due to N–H stretching in the amide group of chitosan or hydroxyl group in encapsulated ZnO-NPs. It was observed that chitosan loaded ZnO-NPs had higher entrapment efficiency (81.98%) at 15 mL of plant extract. The kinetic profile in the release of ZnO particles out from encapsulated ZnO-NPs was observed to follow four kinetic paths in 120 min at pH 1.2. The particle release followed the zero-order kinetic in the first 50 min and then followed by Hixson–Crowell kinetic in the next 50 min with two different rate constants, 2.6 × 10−3 min−1 and 13 × 10−3 min−1, before it backs to the zero-order kinetics. This study shows that ZnO nanoparticles can easily be biosynthesized and encapsulated for use in the pharmaceutical industry.
Spinal mechanisms contributing to the development of pain hypersensitivity induced by sphingolipids in the rat
Authors: Wei Hong , Chen Zuyue , Koivisto Ari , Pertovaara Antti 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Earlier studies show that endogenous sphingolipids can induce pain hypersensitivity, activation of spinal astrocytes, release of proinflammatory cytokines and activation of TRPM3 channel. Here we studied whether the development of pain hypersensitivity induced by sphingolipids in the spinal cord can be prevented by pharmacological inhibition of potential downstream mechanisms that we hypothesized to include TRPM3, σ1 and NMDA receptors, gap junctions and D-amino acid oxidase.

Methods
Experiments were performed in adult male rats with a chronic intrathecal catheter for spinal drug administrations. Mechanical nociception was assessed with monofilaments and heat nociception with radiant heat. N,N-dimethylsphingosine (DMS) was administered to induce pain hypersensitivity. Ononetin, isosakuranetin, naringenin (TRPM3 antagonists), BD-1047 (σ1 receptor antagonist), carbenoxolone (a gap junction decoupler), MK-801 (NMDA receptor antagonist) and AS-057278 (inhibitor of D-amino acid oxidase, DAAO) were used to prevent the DMS-induced hypersensitivity, and pregnenolone sulphate (TRPM3 agonist) to recapitulate hypersensitivity.

Results
DMS alone produced within 15 min a dose-related mechanical hypersensitivity that lasted at least 24 h, without effect on heat nociception. Preemptive treatments with ononetin, isosakuranetin, naringenin, BD-1047, carbenoxolone, MK-801 or AS-057278 attenuated the development of the DMS-induced hypersensitivity, but had no effects when administered alone. Pregnenolone sulphate (TRPM3 agonist) alone induced a dose-related mechanical hypersensitivity that was prevented by ononetin, isosakuranetin and naringenin.

Conclusions
Among spinal pronociceptive mechanisms activated by DMS are TRPM3, gap junction coupling, the σ1 and NMDA receptors, and DAAO.
What still presents urgently to ENT during a pandemic? Experience of an ENT rapid access clinic during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Stubington T J , Morrison B , Sevilla C , Judd O 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectivesThis study sought to determine the conditions that still present to ENT despite government advice to avoid unnecessary travel. It also assessed the impact of social distancing on pathologies presenting to ENT and reviewed the usefulness of telephone consultations in semi-urgent presentations.MethodA retrospective review was conducted of 97 instances of patient care carried out in the rapid access ENT clinic at a large district general hospital.ResultsOtitis externa and foreign bodies represented 25 per cent and 13 per cent of consultations respectively. Tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess were uncommon, representing 6 per cent of total consultations. Telephone appointments represented only 28 per cent of total consultations; however, they appeared to reduce the number of physical appointments required.ConclusionOtitis externa and foreign bodies continue to be common during the pandemic. Social distancing measures reduced the number of tonsillitis and quinsy presentations. Telephone consultations are effective for certain urgent presentations to ENT, most noticeably nasal trauma and follow up of non-serious pathologies.
Impact of a paediatric cardiac rehabilitation programme upon patient quality of life
Authors: Kroll Kristin H. , Kovach Joshua R. , Ginde Salil , Jacobsen Roni M. , Danduran Michael , Foster Andrea , Brosig Cheryl L. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroduction:Cardiac rehabilitation programmes for paediatric patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) have been shown to promote emotional and physical health without any associated adverse events. While prior studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of these types of interventions, there has been limited research into how the inclusion of psychological interventions as part of the programme impacts parent-reported and patient-reported quality of life.Materials and methods:Patients between the ages of 7 and 24 years with CHD completed a cardiac rehabilitation programme that followed a flexible structure of four in person-visits with various multidisciplinary team members, including paediatric psychologists. Changes in scores from the earliest to the latest session were assessed regarding exercise capacity, patient functioning (social, emotional, school, psychosocial), patient general and cardiac-related quality of life, patient self-concept, and patient behavioural/emotional problems.Results:From their baseline to final session, patients exhibited significant improvement in exercise capacity (p = 0.00009). Parents reported improvement in the patient’s emotional functioning, social functioning, school functioning, psychosocial functioning, cognitive functioning, communication, and overall quality of life. While patients did not report improvement in these above areas, they did report perceived improvement in certain aspects of cardiac-related quality of life and self-concept.Discussion:This paediatric cardiac rehabilitation programme, which included regular consultations with paediatric psychologists, was associated with divergent perceptions by parents and patients on improvement related to quality of life and other aspects of functioning despite improvement in exercise capacity. Further investigation is recommended to identify underlying factors associated with the differing perceptions of parents and patients.
Targeting TGFβ signal transduction for cancer therapy
Authors: Liu Sijia , Ren Jiang , ten Dijke Peter 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTransforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) family members are structurally and functionally related cytokines that have diverse effects on the regulation of cell fate during embryonic development and in the maintenance of adult tissue homeostasis. Dysregulation of TGFβ family signaling can lead to a plethora of developmental disorders and diseases, including cancer, immune dysfunction, and fibrosis. In this review, we focus on TGFβ, a well-characterized family member that has a dichotomous role in cancer progression, acting in early stages as a tumor suppressor and in late stages as a tumor promoter. The functions of TGFβ are not limited to the regulation of proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and metastasis of cancer cells. Recent reports have related TGFβ to effects on cells that are present in the tumor microenvironment through the stimulation of extracellular matrix deposition, promotion of angiogenesis, and suppression of the anti-tumor immune reaction. The pro-oncogenic roles of TGFβ have attracted considerable attention because their intervention provides a therapeutic approach for cancer patients. However, the critical function of TGFβ in maintaining tissue homeostasis makes targeting TGFβ a challenge. Here, we review the pleiotropic functions of TGFβ in cancer initiation and progression, summarize the recent clinical advancements regarding TGFβ signaling interventions for cancer treatment, and discuss the remaining challenges and opportunities related to targeting this pathway. We provide a perspective on synergistic therapies that combine anti-TGFβ therapy with cytotoxic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy.
Lack of an association between gallstone disease and bilirubin levels with risk of colorectal cancer: a Mendelian randomisation analysis
Authors: Culliford Richard , Cornish Alex J. , Law Philip J. , Farrington Susan M. , Palin Kimmo , Jenkins Mark A. , Casey Graham , Hoffmeister Michael , Brenner Hermann , Chang-Claude Jenny , Kirac Iva , Maughan Tim , Brezina Stefanie , Gsur Andrea , Cheadle Jeremy P. , Aaltonen Lauri A. , Dunlop Malcom G. , Houlston Richard S. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Epidemiological studies of the relationship between gallstone disease and circulating levels of bilirubin with risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC) have been inconsistent. To address possible confounding and reverse causation, we examine the relationship between these potential risk factors and CRC using Mendelian randomisation (MR).

Methods
We used two-sample MR to examine the relationship between genetic liability to gallstone disease and circulating levels of bilirubin with CRC in 26,397 patients and 41,481 controls. We calculated the odds ratio per genetically predicted SD unit increase in log bilirubin levels (ORSD) for CRC and tested for a non-zero causal effect of gallstones on CRC. Sensitivity analysis was applied to identify violations of estimator assumptions.

Results
No association between either gallstone disease (P value = 0.60) or circulating levels of bilirubin (ORSD = 1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.96–1.03, P value = 0.90) with CRC was shown.

Conclusions
Despite the large scale of this study, we found no evidence for a causal relationship between either circulating levels of bilirubin or gallstone disease with risk of developing CRC. While the magnitude of effect suggested by some observational studies can confidently be excluded, we cannot exclude the possibility of smaller effect sizes and non-linear relationships.
Genetic analysis of ALS cases in the isolated island population of Malta
Authors: Borg Rebecca , Farrugia Wismayer Maia , Bonavia Karl , Farrugia Wismayer Andrew , Vella Malcolm , van Vugt Joke J. F. A. , Kenna Brendan J. , Kenna Kevin P. , Vassallo Neville , Veldink Jan H. , Cauchi Ruben J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGenetic isolates are compelling tools for mapping genes of inherited disorders. The archipelago of Malta, a sovereign microstate in the south of Europe is home to a geographically and culturally isolated population. Here, we investigate the epidemiology and genetic profile of Maltese patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), identified throughout a 2-year window. Cases were largely male (66.7%) with a predominant spinal onset of symptoms (70.8%). Disease onset occurred around mid-age (median age: 64 years, men; 59.5 years, female); 12.5% had familial ALS (fALS). Annual incidence rate was 2.48 (95% CI 1.59–3.68) per 100,000 person-years. Male-to-female incidence ratio was 1.93:1. Prevalence was 3.44 (95% CI 2.01–5.52) cases per 100,000 inhabitants on 31st December 2018. Whole-genome sequencing allowed us to determine rare DNA variants that change the protein-coding sequence of ALS-associated genes. Interestingly, the Maltese ALS patient cohort was found to be negative for deleterious variants in C9orf72, SOD1, TARDBP or FUS genes, which are the most commonly mutated ALS genes globally. Nonetheless, ALS-associated repeat expansions were identified in ATXN2 and NIPA1. Variants predicted to be damaging were also detected in ALS2, DAO, DCTN1, ERBB4, SETX, SCFD1 and SPG11. A total of 40% of patients with sporadic ALS had a rare and deleterious variant or repeat expansion in an ALS-associated gene, whilst the genetic cause of two thirds of fALS cases could not be pinpointed to known ALS genes or risk loci. This warrants further studies to elucidate novel genes that cause ALS in this unique population isolate.
Parental mosaicism in Marfan and Ehlers–Danlos syndromes and related disorders
Authors: Chesneau Bertrand , Plancke Aurélie , Rolland Guillaume , Chassaing Nicolas , Coubes Christine , Brischoux-Boucher Elise , Edouard Thomas , Dulac Yves , Aubert-Mucca Marion , Lavabre-Bertrand Thierry , Plaisancié Julie , Khau Van Kien Philippe 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMarfan syndrome (MFS) is a heritable connective tissue disorder (HCTD) caused by pathogenic variants in FBN1 that frequently occur de novo. Although individuals with somatogonadal mosaicisms have been reported with respect to MFS and other HCTD, the overall frequency of parental mosaicism in this pathology is unknown. In an attempt to estimate this frequency, we reviewed all the 333 patients with a disease-causing variant in FBN1. We then used direct sequencing, combined with High Resolution Melting Analysis, to detect mosaicism in their parents, complemented by NGS when a mosaicism was objectivized. We found that (1) the number of apparently de novo events is much higher than the classically admitted number (around 50% of patients and not 25% as expected for FBN1) and (2) around 5% of the FBN1 disease-causing variants were not actually de novo as anticipated, but inherited in a context of somatogonadal mosaicisms revealed in parents from three families. High Resolution Melting Analysis and NGS were more efficient at detecting and evaluating the level of mosaicism compared to direct Sanger sequencing. We also investigated individuals with a causal variant in another gene identified through our “aortic diseases genes” NGS panel and report, for the first time, on an individual with a somatogonadal mosaicism in COL5A1. Our study shows that parental mosaicism is not that rare in Marfan syndrome and should be investigated with appropriate methods given its implications in patient’s management.