bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Economic and environmental assessment of bacterial poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) production from the organic fraction of municipal solid waste
Authors: Izaguirre Jon Kepa , Barañano Leire , Castañón Sonia , Santos José A. L. , Cesário M. Teresa , da Fonseca M. Manuela R. , Alkorta Itziar , Garbisu Carlos 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe management of municipal solid waste is a major logistic and environmental problem worldwide. Nonetheless, the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) is a valuable source of nutrients which can be used for a variety of purposes, according to the Circular Economy paradigm. Among the possible applications, the bioproduction of a biodegradable polyester, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)], using OFMSW as carbon platform is a promising strategy. Here, an economic and environmental assessment of bacterial P(3HB) production from OFMSW is presented based on previously published results. The SuperPro Designer® software was used to simulate P(3HB) production under our experimental parameters. Two scenarios were proposed depending on the fermentation medium: (1) enzymatic hydrolysate of OFMSW supplemented with glucose and plum waste juice; and (2) basal medium supplemented with glucose and plum waste juice. According to our results, both scenarios are not economically feasible under our experimental parameters. In Scenario 1, the low fermentation yield, the cost of the enzymes, the labour cost and the energy consumption are the factors that most contribute to that result. In Scenario 2, the cost of the extraction solvent and the low fermentation yield are the most limiting factors. The possibility of using process waste as raw material for the generation of other products must be investigated to enhance economic feasibility. From an environmental viewpoint, the photochemical oxidation potential (derived from the use of anisole as extraction solvent) and the generation of acid rain and global warming effect (caused by the burning of fuels for power generation) are the most relevant impacts associated to P(3HB) production under our experimental parameters.
Strong controls of daily minimum temperature on the autumn photosynthetic phenology of subtropical vegetation in China
Authors: Ren Peixin , Liu Zelin , Zhou Xiaolu , Peng Changhui , Xiao Jingfeng , Wang Songhan , Li Xing , Li Peng 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Vegetation phenology research has largely focused on temperate deciduous forests, thus limiting our understanding of the response of evergreen vegetation to climate change in tropical and subtropical regions.

Results
Using satellite solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) and MODIS enhanced vegetation index (EVI) data, we applied two methods to evaluate temporal and spatial patterns of the end of the growing season (EGS) in subtropical vegetation in China, and analyze the dependence of EGS on preseason maximum and minimum temperatures as well as cumulative precipitation. Our results indicated that the averaged EGS derived from the SIF and EVI based on the two methods (dynamic threshold method and derivative method) was later than that derived from gross primary productivity (GPP) based on the eddy covariance technique, and the time-lag for EGSsif and EGSevi was approximately 2 weeks and 4 weeks, respectively. We found that EGS was positively correlated with preseason minimum temperature and cumulative precipitation (accounting for more than 73% and 62% of the study areas, respectively), but negatively correlated with preseason maximum temperature (accounting for more than 59% of the study areas). In addition, EGS was more sensitive to the changes in the preseason minimum temperature than to other climatic factors, and an increase in the preseason minimum temperature significantly delayed the EGS in evergreen forests, shrub and grassland.

Conclusions
Our results indicated that the SIF outperformed traditional vegetation indices in capturing the autumn photosynthetic phenology of evergreen forest in the subtropical region of China. We found that minimum temperature plays a significant role in determining autumn photosynthetic phenology in the study region. These findings contribute to improving our understanding of the response of the EGS to climate change in subtropical vegetation of China, and provide a new perspective for accurately evaluating the role played by evergreen vegetation in the regional carbon budget.
The comparative aspects of hystricomorph subplacenta: potential endocrine organ
Authors: Miglino Maria Angelica , de Sá Schiavo Matias Gustavo , Rigoglio Nathia Nathaly , Borghesi Jessica , de Castro Sasahara Taís Harumi , del Portal Maria Josephina Illera , del Portal Juan Carlos Illera , Granado Gema Silván , Ramos Sara Cristina Caceres , de Oliveira Moacir Franco , Conley Alan James 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
The placenta of hystricomorph rodents, lagomorphs and some primates includes an unusual structure, termed a subplacenta, which essentially consists of trophoblastic cells located deep to the central implantation site within the area of decidualization. It has been suggested that the subplacenta is functionally important, although considerable controversy remains on the issue. In this context, our objective was to compare the architecture and structure of the subplacentas of different hystricomorph species, to investigate the possibility that it is active in hormone synthesis.

Methods
In total, the placentas of 3 capybaras (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris), 2 pacas (Agouti paca), 5 agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina), 5 rock cavies (Kerodon rupestris) and 3 guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) at different stages of pregnancy (early, middle and near term) were used for gross and microscopic examination. This included the preparation of latex injection casts, immunohistochemistry for steroidogenic enzymes, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Tissue steroid concentrations were also determined.

Results
The gross morphology and microvascular arrangement of the subplacentas were similar among the hystricomorphs studied including ultra-structural verification of cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast in all species. In guinea pigs, trophoblast cells exhibited characteristics consistent with intense metabolic and secretory activity in general. However, immuno-histochemical evidence also indicated that subplacental trophoblast expressed key steroidogenic enzymes, mainly in the chorionic villus region, consistent with tissue steroid concentrations.

Conclusions
The subplacentas within placentas of hystricomorph rodent species are structurally similar and, in guinea pigs, have potential for steroid hormone secretion from, at least the early stages of pregnancy.
The development and validation of a revised version of the Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale (MOS Sleep-R)
Authors: Yarlas Aaron , White Michelle K. , St. Pierre Danielle G. , Bjorner Jakob B. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
The 12-item Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale (MOS Sleep Scale) has been used to capture patient-reported sleep problems in hundreds of studies. A revised version of the MOS Sleep Scale (MOS Sleep-R) was developed that uses simplified response sets, provides interpretable norm-based scoring, and has two recall versions (one-week or four-week). The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties (reliability and construct validity) of the MOS Sleep-R using data from a representative sample of U.S. adults.

Methods
Standardization of raw scores into norm-based T-scores (mean = 50, standard deviation = 10) was based on data from a 2009 U.S. internet-based general population survey. The internal consistency reliability of multi-item subscales and global sleep problems indices for both one-week and four-week recall forms of the MOS Sleep-R were examined using Cronbach’s alphas and inter-item correlations. Construct validity was tested by comparing item-scale correlations between items within subscales with item-scale correlations across subscales. Scale-level convergent validity was tested using correlations with measures including generic health-related quality of life (i.e., SF-36v2) and other relevant outcomes (e.g., job performance, number of days in bed due to illness or injury, happiness/satisfaction with life, frequency of stress/pressure in daily life, the impact of stress/pressure on health, and overall health).

Results
The one-week and four-week recall forms of the MOS Sleep-R were completed by 2045 and 2033 respondents, respectively. The psychometric properties of the one-week and four-week forms were similar. All multi-item subscales and global index scores showed adequate internal consistency reliability (all Cronbach’s alpha > 0.75). Patterns of inter-item and item-scale correlations support the scaling assumptions of the MOS Sleep-R. Patterns of correlations between MOS Sleep-R scores with criterion measures of health-related quality of life and other outcomes indicated adequate construct validity.

Conclusions
The MOS Sleep-R introduces a number of revisions to the original survey, including simplified response sets, the introduction of a one-week recall form, and norm-based scoring that enhances interpretability of scores. Both the one-week and four-week recall period forms of the MOS Sleep-R demonstrated good internal consistency reliability and construct validity in a U.S. general population sample.
How do healthcare professionals make decisions concerning low-value care practices? Study protocol of a factorial survey experiment on de-implementation
Authors: Roczniewska Marta , von Thiele Schwarz Ulrica , Augustsson Hanna , Nilsen Per , Ingvarsson Sara , Hasson Henna 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
A large number of practices used in health care lack evidence of effectiveness and may be unnecessary or even cause harm. As such, they should be de-implemented. While there are multiple actors involved in de-implementation of such low-value care (LVC) practices, ultimately, the decision to abandon a practice is often made by each health care professional. A recent scoping review identified 6 types of factors affecting the utilization vs. abandonment of LVC practices. These factors concern health care professionals, patients, outer context, inner context, processes, and the characteristics of LVC practice itself. However, it is unclear how professionals weigh these different factors in and how these determinants influence their decisions about abandoning LVC practices. This project aims to investigate how health care professionals account for various factors as they make decisions regarding de-implementation of LVC practices.

Methods
This project will be carried out in two main steps. First, a factorial survey experiment (a vignette study) will be applied to empirically test the relevance of factors previously identified in the literature for health care professionals’ decision-making about de-implementation. Second, interactive workshops with relevant stakeholders will be carried out to develop a framework for professionals’ decision-making and to offer suggestions for interventions to support de-implementation of LVC practices.

Discussion
The project has the potential to contribute to improved understanding of the decision-making involved in de-implementation of LVC practices. We will identify which factors are more important when they make judgments about utilizing versus abandoning LVC practices. The results will provide the basis for recommendations concerning appropriate interventions to support de-implementation decision-making processes.
Role of FNAC in diagnosis of parotid lesions
Authors: Youssef Ahmed , Cope Daren , Alsedra Sundus , Zahran Mohamed , El Tahan Abdel Rahman 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundSalivary gland masses are considered challenging for diagnosis regarding its origin and whether benign or malignant. Unique features of FNAC as a safe and easy diagnostic procedure with little discomfort to the patient made it a favorable primary diagnostic tool. Information regarding the nature of parotid lesions whether being benign or malignant is the main objective of FNAC. We have done a restrospective study for FNAC for parotid masses performed in John Hunter hospital (Newcastle, NSW, Australia) along the peroid from 2014-2018. Histopathological correlation was done in 74 cases to test the accuracy of FNAC in diagnosis of parotid lesions.ResultsOf the total 74 FNAC done for parotid lesions in which a histopathological correlation was done, we get 46 (62.2%) benign lesions (37 neoplastic and 9 non-neoplastic) while 28 (37.8%) were malignant tumor. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common in benign tumor side (45.7%) while SCC is the most common in malignant group (53.6%). Compatibility between FNAC and histological diagnosis was found in 74% (55/74), of which 78.3% in benign lesions (36/46) and in 68% of malignant lesions (19/28). FNA cytology was true positive in 21/74 cases (28.4%) and true negative in 41/74 (55.4%) cases. We have 5 (6.8%) false-negative and 7 (9.5%) false-positive results. As a result, we get sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 85%, and accuracy of 84%.ConclusionThe role of FNAC in diagnosis of primary salivary gland pathology is considered with some debate about sensitivity/specificity; however, sometimes it should be repeated or correlated with clinical/histopathological confirmation.
Stratigraphic variability of Mississippian Meramec chemofacies and petrophysical properties using machine learning and geostatistical modeling, STACK trend, Anadarko Basin, Oklahoma
Authors: Hardisty Laynie , Pranter Matthew J. , Devegowda Deepak , Marfurt Kurt J. , Sondergeld Carl , Rai Chandra , Gupta Ishank , Han Heyleem , Dang Son , McLain Chris T. , Larese Richard E. 
Published: May 2021

Mississippian Meramec deposits and reservoirs in the Sooner Trend in the Anadarko (Basin) in Canadian and Kingfisher counties (STACK) play of Oklahoma are comprised of silty limestones, calcareous sandstones, argillaceous-calcareous siltstones, argillaceous siltstones, and mudstones. We used core-derived X-ray fluorescence (XRF) data and established environmental proxies to evaluate the occurrence of specific elements (Al, K, Ti, Zr, Sr, Ca, and Si) and to illustrate their stratigraphic variability. For the Mississippian Meramec, six indicator elements or element ratios serve as proxies for clay (Al and K), detrital sediment (Ti and Zr), carbonate deposits (Sr and Ca), calcite cement (Sr/Ca), and quartz (Si/Ti and Si/Al). We used an unsupervised K-means classification to cluster elemental data from which we interpret three chemofacies: (1) calcareous sandstone, (2) argillaceous-calcareous siltstone, and (3) detrital mudstone. We used random forest to relate core-derived chemofacies to well logs and classify chemofacies in noncored wells with an accuracy of up to 83% based on blind tests. We integrated core-derived XRF, conventional well logs, and chemofacies logs to produce a cross-sectional chemofacies model that trends from the northwest to the southeast across the STACK trend. Chemofacies distribution indicates an upward increase of detrital mudstone from parasequences 1 to 3. Parasequence 3 is capped by a maximum flooding surface. From parasequences 4 to 5, an increase in argillaceous-calcareous siltstone and calcareous sandstone reflects the progradational stacking. Porosity is low in calcareous sandstones primarily due to calcite cement. Water saturation is high in argillaceous-calcareous siltstone, moderate in calcareous sandstone, and low in detrital mudstone. Interpreted biogenic quartz from element profiles corresponds to the calcareous sandstone chemofacies, which can be estimated from well logs and mapped. Effective porosity and water saturation models reflect the stratigraphic variability of chemofacies and rock types and can be predicted within the defined chemostratigraphic framework.
Regular antenatal care visits were associated with low risk of low birth weight among newborns in Rwanda: Evidence from the 2014/2015 Rwanda Demographic Health Survey (RDHS) Data
Authors: Biracyaza Emmanuel , Habimana Samuel , Rusengamihigo Donat , Evans Heather 
Published: May 2021

Background: Low birth weight (LBW) remains the global unfinished agenda in most countries of the world especially in low- and middle-income countries. LBW subsequently has harmful effects on the lifestyle, psychosocial and physiological development of the child. Although it is known that antenatal care (ANC) visits are important interventions contributing to prediction of newborn birth weight, little has been conducted on effect of ANC visits on birth weight in Rwanda. This study aimed at determining the association between regular ANC visits and risk of LBW among newborns in Rwanda. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted to analyse the effects of ANC on LBW using the 2014/2015 Rwanda Demographic Health Survey. Associations of socio-demographic, socio-economic, and individual factors of the mother with LBW newborns were performed using bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses. Results: Prevalences of LBW and macrosomia were 5.8% and 17.6%, respectively. Newborns delivered from mothers attending fewer than four ANC visits were at almost three-times greater risk of having LBW [aOR=2.8; 95%CI (1.5–5.4), p=0.002] compared to those whose mothers attending four or more ANC visits. Residing in a rural area for pregnant women was significantly associated with LBW [aOR=1.1; 95%CI (0.7–1.6), p=0.008]. Maternal characteristics, such as anemia, predicted an increase in LBW [aOR=3.5; 95%CI (1.5–5.4), p<0.001]. Those who received no nutritional counseling [aOR=2.5; 95%CI (2–8.5), p<0.001] and who were not told about maternal complications [aOR=3.3; 95%CI (1.5–6.6), p=0.003] were more prone to deliver newborns with LBW than those who received them. Pregnant women who received iron and folic acid were less likely to have LBW newborns [aOR=0.5; 95%CI (0.3–0.9), p=0.015]. Conclusion: ANC visits significantly contributed to reducing the incidence of LBW. This study underscores the need for early, comprehensive, and high-quality ANC services to prevent LBW in Rwanda.
Study Pre-protocol for “BronchStart - The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Timing, Age and Severity of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Emergency Presentations; a Multi-Centre Prospective Observational Cohort Study”
Authors: Williams Thomas C. , Lyttle Mark D. , Cunningham Steve , Sinha Ian , Swann Olivia V. , Maxwell-Hodkinson Abigail , Roland Damian ,   Paediatric Emergency Research in the UK and Ireland (PERUKI)
Published: May 2021

Background: Bronchiolitis (most frequently caused by respiratory syncytial virus; RSV) is a common winter disease predominantly affecting children under one year of age. It is a common reason for presentations to an emergency department (ED) and frequently results in hospital admission, contributing to paediatric units approaching or exceeding capacity each winter. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the circulation of RSV was dramatically reduced in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Evidence from the Southern Hemisphere and other European countries suggests that as social distancing restrictions for SARS-CoV-2 are relaxed, RSV infection returns, causing delayed or even summer epidemics, with different age distributions. Study question: The ability to track, anticipate and respond to a surge in RSV cases is critical for planning acute care delivery. There is an urgent need to understand the onset of RSV spread at the earliest opportunity. This will influence service planning, to inform clinicians whether the population at risk is a wider age range than normal, and whether there are changes in disease severity. This information is also needed to inform decision on the timing of passive immunisation of children at higher risk of hospitalisation, intensive care admission or death with RSV infection, which is a public health priority. Methods and likely impact: This multi-centre prospective observational cohort study will use a well-established research network (Paediatric Emergency Research in the UK and Ireland, PERUKI) to report in real time cases of RSV infection in children aged under two years, through the collection of essential, but non-identifying patient information. Forty-five centres will gather initial data on age, index of multiple deprivation quintile, clinical features on presentation, and co-morbidities. Each case will be followed up at seven days to identify treatment, viral diagnosis and outcome. Information be released on a weekly basis and used to support clinical decision making.
Ultra-compact electro-optic modulator based on alternative plasmonic
material
Authors: Wei Qiqin , Xiao Jing , Yang Daoguo , Cai Kaida 
Published: May 2021

We propose an ultra-compact electro-optic microring modulator based on
a hybrid plasmonic waveguide. In comparison to previously proposed
structures, the present structure utilizes aluminum-doped zinc oxide
(AZO), rather than noble metals, for plasmon excitation. AZO can be
used to simultaneously tune both the real and imaginary parts of the
dielectric constant by changing the carrier concentration. The
modulation depth and insertion loss of the microring modulator are
18.70 and 2.76 dB. The proposed modulator has a high modulation speed
because its capacitance is 0.22 fF. This device could be used in
high-density integrated optical circuits.
Simple and precise characterization of differential modal group delay arising in few-mode fiber
Authors: Fu Zhe , Zhang Junjie , Zhang Ziheng , Fu Songnian , Qin Yuwen , Shen Lei , Cheng Mengfan , Yang Qi , Tang Ming , Liu Deming , Deng Lei 
Published: May 2021

In this Letter, we propose a simple and high-precision differential modal group delay (DMGD) characterization method for few-mode fibers (FMF) by using the frequency-modulated continuous wave. Since the detected signals are located at the low-frequency range, our DMGD characterization method waives the use of expensive equipment, such as vector network or optical spectrum analyzers. Due to the high linearity of the used Mach–Zehnder modulator, our DMGD measurement is free from the complex auxiliary interferometer, leading to an improvement of characterization precision. Meanwhile, we propose a novel spectrum recovery algorithm to overcome the shortcoming that the traditional fast Fourier transform (FFT) method is incapable to deal with spectrum features arising in a periodic signal. Therefore, the characterization precision is no longer limited by the FFT length. When a commercial 23299.8 m two-mode fiber is used in the experiment, the DMGD measurement of

L
P

11

mode relative to

L
P

01

mode has a high precision of

±

0.007

p
s

/

m

over the C-band. Our proposed method shows the potential for characterizing the wavelength-dependent DMGD of FMF with more than two LP modes.
On-chip erbium-doped lithium niobate microring lasers
Authors: Luo Qiang , Yang Chen , Zhang Ru , Hao Zhenzhong , Zheng Dahuai , Liu Hongde , Yu Xuanyi , Gao Feng , Bo Fang , Kong Yongfa , Zhang Guoquan , Xu Jingjun 
Published: May 2021

Lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI), regarded as an important candidate platform for optical integration due to its excellent nonlinear, electro-optic, and other physical properties, has become a research hotspot. A light source, as an essential component for an integrated optical system, is urgently needed. In this Letter, we reported the realization of 1550 nm band on-chip LNOI microlasers based on erbium-doped LNOI ring cavities with loaded quality factors higher than 1 million at

∼

970

n
m

, which were fabricated by using electron beam lithography and inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching processes. These microlasers demonstrated a low pump threshold of

∼

20

µ

W

and stable performance under the pump of a 980 nm band continuous laser. Comb-like laser spectra spanning from 1510 to 1580 nm were observed in a high pump power regime, which lays the foundation of the realization of pulsed laser and frequency combs on a rare-earth ion-doped LNOI platform. This Letter effectively promotes the development of on-chip integrated active LNOI devices.