bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SARS2 simplified scores to estimate risk of hospitalization and death among patients with COVID-19
Authors: Dashti Hesam , Roche Elise C. , Bates David William , Mora Samia , Demler Olga 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAlthough models have been developed for predicting severity of COVID-19 from the medical history of patients, simplified models with good accuracy could be more practical. In this study, we examined utility of simpler models for estimating risk of hospitalization of patients with COVID-19 and mortality of these patients based on demographic characteristics (sex, age, race, median household income based on zip code) and smoking status of 12,347 patients who tested positive at Mass General Brigham centers. The corresponding electronic records were queried (02/26–07/14/2020) to construct derivation and validation cohorts. The derivation cohort was used to fit generalized linear models for estimating risk of hospitalization within 30 days of COVID-19 diagnosis and mortality within approximately 3 months for the hospitalized patients. In the validation cohort, the model resulted in c-statistics of 0.77 [95% CI 0.73–0.80] for hospitalization, and 0.84 [95% CI 0.74–0.94] for mortality among hospitalized patients. Higher risk was associated with older age, male sex, Black ethnicity, lower socioeconomic status, and current/past smoking status. The models can be applied to predict the absolute risks of hospitalization and mortality, and could aid in individualizing the decision making when detailed medical history of patients is not readily available.
Large-scale spatial patterns of small-mammal communities in the Mediterranean region revealed by Barn owl diet
Authors: Riegert Jan , Šindelář Jiří , Zárybnická Markéta , Horáček Ivan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDue to mainly opportunistic hunting behaviour of Barn owl can be its diet composition used for assessing local structure of small-mammal community. We evaluated the structure of small-mammal communities in the Mediterranean region by analysing Barn owl diet using own pellets and literature data (85 localities comprising 182,343 prey individuals). Contrary to widely accepted macroecological theory, we found a latitudinal increase of small-mammal alpha diversity, a less distinct west–east increase and lower diversity on islands. The mean prey weight decreased with increasing latitude, while on islands it decreased with increasing island area. The mean prey weight on islands was further negatively affected by mean land modification by human and positively affected by its range. The diet diversity on islands was not affected either by island area or its distance from the mainland. Its composition largely conformed to the main pattern pronounced over whole the region: an unexpected homogeneity of small-mammal community structure. Despite high beta diversity and large between-sample variation in species composition, Crocidura (+ Suncus etruscus) and murids (Apodemus, Mus, Rattus, in marginal regions partly replaced by gerbillids, Meriones or Microtus) composed more than 90% of owl prey in 92% of samples. Peak abundances of these widespread species are associated with a dynamic mosaic of dense patches of sparse herb vegetation and evergreen sclerophyllous shrublands interspersing areas of human activity, the dominant habitat of the inner Mediterranean and richest food resource for foraging Barn owls. The respective small-mammal species can be looked upon as invasive elements accompanying large scale human colonization of the region since the Neolithic and replacing original island biota. Our study documented that desertification of the Mediterranean played an important role in shaping inverse latitudinal gradient in diversity of small-mammals that contradicts to widely accepted mecroecological theory.
A single-chain antibody generation system yielding CAR-T cells with superior antitumor function
Authors: Ochi Toshiki , Maruta Masaki , Tanimoto Kazushi , Kondo Fumitake , Yamamoto Toshihiro , Kurata Mie , Fujiwara Hiroshi , Masumoto Junya , Takenaka Katsuto , Yasukawa Masaki 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCancer immunotherapy using T cells redirected with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) has shown a lot of promise. We have established a single-chain antibody (scFv) generation system in which scFv library-expressing CAR-T cells can be screened appropriately based on their antitumor functions. A variable region library containing the variable and J regions of the human immunoglobulin light or heavy chain was fused with the variable region of a heavy or light chain encoded by an existing tumor-specific antibody to generate a new scFv library. Then, scFv library-expressing CAR-T cells were generated and stimulated with target cells to concentrate the antigen-specific population. Using this system, target-specific recognition of CAR-T cells appeared to be finely tuned by selecting a new variable region. Importantly, we have demonstrated that the newly optimized scFv-expressing CAR-T cells had better proliferation capacity and durable phenotypes, enabling superior reactivity against advanced tumors in vivo in comparison with the original CAR-T cells. Therefore, the optimization of an scFv is needed to maximize the in vivo antitumor functions of CAR-T cells. This system may allow us to adjust an immunological synapse formed by an scFv expressed by CAR-T cells and a target antigen, representing an ideal form of CAR-T-cell immunotherapy.
Combining automotive radar and LiDAR for surface detection in adverse conditions
Authors: Wallace Andrew M. , Mukherjee Saptarshi , Toh Bemsibom , Ahrabian Alireza 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAutomotive radar and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors have complementary strengths and weaknesses for 3D surface mapping. We present a method using Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling to recover surface returns from full‐wave longitudinal signals that takes advantage of the high spatial resolution of the LiDAR in range, azimuth and elevation together with the ability of the radar to penetrate obscuring media. The approach is demonstrated using both simulated and real data from an automotive system.
Glukosemessmethoden und ihr Einsatz
Authors: Pleus Stefan , Kaiser Patricia , Haug Cornelia 
Published: March 2021

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGIn Deutschland werden verschiedene Messmethoden für die Glukosemessung eingesetzt. In der Heilkunde, d. h. der Anwendung durch medizinisches Fachpersonal im Rahmen der Gesundheitsversorgung, sind dies Laboranalysesysteme und Systeme zur patientennahen Sofortdiagnostik, während für die Verlaufskontrolle durch Menschen mit Diabetes Systeme zur Selbstmessung der Blutglukose oder zum kontinuierlichen Glukosemonitoring eingesetzt werden. Die praktischen Aspekte, einschließlich Präanalytik, die bei der Verwendung berücksichtigt werden müssen, hängen dabei stark vom jeweiligen Messsystem ab. Auch die rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen für den Einsatz der Messsysteme variieren und müssen berücksichtigt werden. Während die Qualitätssicherung beim Einsatz in der Heilkunde gut standardisiert ist, weist sie bei der Selbstmessung durch Menschen mit Diabetes Lücken auf.
Predictive value of endoscopic esophageal findings for residual esophageal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
Authors: van der Bogt Ruben D. , van der Wilk Berend J. , Nikkessen Suzan , Krishnadath Kausilia K. , Schoon Erik J. , Oostenbrug Liekele E. , Siersema Peter D. , Vleggaar Frank P. , Doukas Michael , van Lanschot J. Jan B. , Spaander Manon C. W. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background Endoscopic evaluation of the esophageal mucosa may play a role in an active surveillance strategy after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) for esophageal cancer. This study investigated the yield of endoscopic findings for detection of residual disease.
Methods Patients from the multicenter preSANO cohort, who underwent nCRT followed by surgery for esophageal or junctional cancer, were included. Upper endoscopy was performed 6 and 12 weeks after nCRT. Patients with residual disease at 6 weeks underwent immediate surgery. Endoscopic records were reviewed for presence of stenosis, suspicion of residual tumor, scar tissue, and ulceration. Presence and type of endoscopic findings were compared with outcome of the resection specimen.
Results 118 of 156 patients (76 %) had residual disease in the resection specimen. Endoscopic suspicion of residual tumor was significantly associated with presence of residual disease. At 6 weeks, 40/112 patients with residual disease and 4/33 patients with complete response had endoscopic suspicion of residual tumor (36 % vs. 12 %; P = 0.01), while this was reported in 16/73 and 0/28 patients, respectively, at 12 weeks (22 % vs. 0 %; P < 0.01). Positive predictive value of endoscopic suspicion of residual tumor was 91 % at 6 weeks and 100 % at 12 weeks. Endoscopic findings of non-passable stenosis, passable stenosis, scar tissue, or ulceration were not associated with residual disease.
Conclusions Endoscopic suspicion of residual tumor was the only endoscopic finding associated with residual disease. Based on its positive predictive value, this endoscopic finding may contribute to the diagnostic strategy used in active surveillance.
Smoothing Corrections for Improving Sample Size Recalculation Rules in Adaptive Group Sequential Study Designs
Authors: Herrmann Carolin , Rauch Geraldine 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background An adequate sample size calculation is essential for designing a successful clinical trial. One way to tackle planning difficulties regarding parameter assumptions required for sample size calculation is to adapt the sample size during the ongoing trial.This can be attained by adaptive group sequential study designs. At a predefined timepoint, the interim effect is tested for significance. Based on the interim test result, the trial is either stopped or continued with the possibility of a sample size recalculation.
Objectives Sample size recalculation rules have different limitations in application like a high variability of the recalculated sample size. Hence, the goal is to provide a tool to counteract this performance limitation.
Methods Sample size recalculation rules can be interpreted as functions of the observed interim effect. Often, a “jump” from the first stage's sample size to the maximal sample size at a rather arbitrarily chosen interim effect size is implemented and the curve decreases monotonically afterwards. This jump is one reason for a high variability of the sample size. In this work, we investigate how the shape of the recalculation function can be improved by implementing a smoother increase of the sample size. The design options are evaluated by means of Monte Carlo simulations. Evaluation criteria are univariate performance measures such as the conditional power and sample size as well as a conditional performance score which combines these components.
Results We demonstrate that smoothing corrections can reduce variability in conditional power and sample size as well as they increase the performance with respect to a recently published conditional performance score for medium and large standardized effect sizes.
Conclusion Based on the simulation study, we present a tool that is easily implemented to improve sample size recalculation rules. The approach can be combined with existing sample size recalculation rules described in the literature.
Research impact evaluation and academic discourse
Authors: Wróblewska Marta Natalia 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe introduction of ‘impact’ as an element of assessment constitutes a major change in the construction of research evaluation systems. While various protocols of impact evaluation exist, the most articulated one was implemented as part of the British Research Excellence Framework (REF). This paper investigates the nature and consequences of the rise of ‘research impact’ as an element of academic evaluation from the perspective of discourse. Drawing from linguistic pragmatics and Foucauldian discourse analysis, the study discusses shifts related to the so-called Impact Agenda on four stages, in chronological order: (1) the ‘problematization’ of the notion of ‘impact’, (2) the establishment of an ‘impact infrastructure’, (3) the consolidation of a new genre of writing–impact case study, and (4) academics’ positioning practices towards the notion of ‘impact’, theorized here as the triggering of new practices of ‘subjectivation’ of the academic self. The description of the basic functioning of the ‘discourse of impact’ is based on the analysis of two corpora: case studies submitted by a selected group of academics (linguists) to REF2014 (no = 78) and interviews (n = 25) with their authors. Linguistic pragmatics is particularly useful in analyzing linguistic aspects of the data, while Foucault’s theory helps draw together findings from two datasets in a broader analysis based on a governmentality framework. This approach allows for more general conclusions on the practices of governing (academic) subjects within evaluation contexts.
A critical juncture in universal healthcare: insights from South Korea’s COVID-19 experience for the United Kingdom to consider
Authors: Heo Kyungmoo , Jeong Keonyeong , Lee Daejoong , Seo Yongseok 
Published: March 2021

AbstractUniversal healthcare systems have undergone a severe stress test in the form of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With respect to the system-embedded allocation of decision-making powers and responsibilities among actors, different modalities have been revealed in the COVID-19 responses of South Korea and the UK, respectively. This article compares and analyzes how these two countries’ healthcare systems have reacted to COVID-19. Although both have implemented similar responsive measures, the UK has recorded a higher number of confirmed cases per thousand people and a higher death rate. Based on the analysis on which this paper is built, the key differences between the two systems are the UK system’s lack of: (1) appropriate medical equipment and technologies along with the human resources; and (2) flexible policy options to incentivize healthcare providers and induce cooperation from the public in a time of national crisis. The UK’s healthcare system is now approaching a critical juncture. The expansion of internal competition, which was introduced to the system in 1991, can serve as means of initiating a resolution to the above-mentioned issues and further reform its system. Under the UK government’s close supervision and precise control, allowing non-reimbursable special medical treatment in the system and widening public choice of medical services would be a suitable policy approach promoting internal competition while at the same time maintaining the UK’s devotion to universal healthcare. The underlying implication of internal competition though is the sharing of decision-making powers and responsibilities with societal and private sectors by inducing and facilitating participation at all levels. Fighting against COVID-19 however is widely considered ‘all-out-war.’ Under the UK government’s supervision and control, it is time for society to step up and fight the pandemic together.
Modelling the end of the Acheulean at global and continental levels suggests widespread persistence into the Middle Palaeolithic
Authors: Key Alastair J. M. , Jarić Ivan , Roberts David L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe Acheulean is the longest cultural tradition ever practised by humans, lasting for over 1.5 million years. Yet, its end has never been accurately dated; only broad 300–150 thousand years ago (Kya) estimates exist. Here we use optimal linear estimation modelling to infer the extinction dates of the Acheulean at global and continental levels. In Africa and the Near East the Acheulean is demonstrated to end between 174 and 166 Kya. In Europe it is inferred to end between 141 and 130 Kya. The Acheulean’s extinction in Asia occurs later (57–53 Kya), while global models vary depending on how archaeological sites are selected (107–29 Kya). These models demonstrate the Acheulean to have remained a distinct cultural tradition long after the inception of Middle Palaeolithic technologies in multiple continental regions. The complexity of this scenario mirrors the increasingly dynamic nature of the Middle Pleistocene hominin fossil record, suggesting contemporaneous hominin populations to have practised distinct stone-tool traditions.
Monolayer molecular sensing using infrared leaky waveguide mode
Authors: Zhang Tieyan , He De , Liu Lu , Wulan Qiqige , Yu Jiachen , Li Zhe , Liu Zhijun 
Published: March 2021

Surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy is attractive for molecular sensing due to its access to chemical bonds with high detection sensitivity. Such a spectroscopic method typically operates on localized resonances in subwavelength structured antennas and metamaterials. In this paper, we demonstrate monolayer octadecanethiol detection by using the leaky guided mode in a metal–insulator–metal waveguide, whose angle-tunable dispersion enables coupling to molecular vibrations with a frequency-variable optical resonance. Our results show that, by changing the incident angle from 15° to 75°, the resonance frequency of the leaky guided mode is scanned around the CH2 vibration modes with frequency detuning from −200 cm−1 to 350 cm−1 in wavenumber. As the frequency detuning increases, the vibration signal of both the CH2 symmetric and asymmetric modes increases first and then decreases. The maximum vibration signal of 1%–1.5% is reached at positive and negative frequency detuning values of ±100 cm−1. These sensing properties are explained with a coupled-oscillator model, which suggests that both enhanced near-field and coupling strength between the optical resonance and molecular vibration play an important role for the optimal sensing performance.
Boronic acid with high oxidative stability and utility in biological contexts
Authors: Graham Brian J. , Windsor Ian W. , Gold Brian , Raines Ronald T. 
Published: March 2021

Significance
Like thiols, boronic acids are unstable to oxidation in biological contexts, limiting their utility. We discovered that the rate-limiting step in the oxidation of a boronic acid can be slowed by the installation of a pendant carboxyl group that is a ligand to the boron atom. The ensuing boronic acid is 10,000-fold more resistant to oxidation. Experimental and computational analyses reveal that the orientational constraints and electronic effects imposed by the carboxyl group act as intended, slowing the rate-limiting step during oxidation. The new boronic acid retains the useful attributes of simple boronic acids such as forming reversible covalent bonds with saccharides and a protein and could be useful in chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, and allied fields.
Medical Knowledge for Immigrant Iraqi Doctors and the Challenges of Reduce it impacts in the Technology Era
Authors: Jassim Thamir Naeem 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Medical knowledge of immigrant Iraqi doctors a great loss for the nation. Doctors’ Immigrate is affecting medical knowledge level, the standard ratios between (doctors-patients) also the quality of health services badly. The research question: How can modern technology in education and health sectors are activated to cut the effects of doctors’ migration. The research aims to identify modern technology in medical education and the implications of not using it in Iraq. significance of this research comes from focused on how can build the students of medicine college technologically, also Promote the concept of intellectual property and keep the medical scientific legacy of migrant doctors by using modern technology. This research found a strong relationship between the use of modern technology in the (education and health) sectors and reducing the impact of doctors’ migration on quality of health care in the country. The average respondent answers (3.88) agreed that bad management and internet service are strongly affecting doctors’ emigration from Iraq and decrease medical knowledge in it, also (3.53) were agree that specific IT and non-effective health information system is the main reason to decrease medical knowledge. With average (4.03) were agreed that Iraq has not the medical scientific and technological leadership at the same time, and the climate of stability and progress to achieve their ambitions. Doctors said the political impact on hiring doctors in administrative positions in hospitals / medical centers and disrupting career progress disappointed them. Therefore, the feeling of insecurity and the lack of adequate procedures convince doctors to emigrate from Iraq.
An Effective Post Disaster Reconstruction Information Management System for Iraqi Projects
Authors: Al-Qaicy Surra Talal , Breesam Hatem Khaleefah 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This research studies disaster management system through examined the critical success factors to develop an Effective Post Disaster Reconstruction Information Management System for Iraqi Projects. Wars cause massive disasters and great devastation for all sectors, especially to the construction sector. Post-disaster reconstruction after wars become a critical topic for many countries, especially developing ones. The Iraqi construction sector witnessed great destruction in large parts of it due to the last wars in 2014, which resulted in the destruction of many areas and a significant deterioration in infrastructure. This paper aims to construct a general model consist of the main processes of post disaster reconstruction, various terms such as risk management, Stakeholder Management and supply chain management were investigated. In addition to exploring various aspects of disaster management to better understand it, for example, the classification of disasters and the stages of disaster management. Project management principles are discovered for the commitments of this research as well as opinions of experts working in Iraqi construction sector to investigate the suitable model for post disaster reconstruction management system. The consequences of this research are used for the build of the suggested model. In conclusion, the efficiency of the planned model was verified through a survey to ensure its suitability for Iraqi construction sector.
Implementation of Efficient Stopping Criteria for Turbo Decoding
Authors: Mahdi Ruaha , Hamad Ahmed A. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The cellular systems with 4th generation, Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard have been transmitted the data at higher rates than the 3G, and 2G systems, in an ever-crowded frequency spectrum. This transmission needs more accuracy, high reliability, and throughput with a low area and power consumption. Therefore, it requires an efficient error control coding. Turbo code is used for LTE system for its good error correction ability at low signal to noise power ratio which can approach Shannon limit performance for large frame lengths. This paper presents a simple and efficient modification that can be applied to all present stopping criterion (SC) to achieve the quality of service mentioned previously. It’s proved that using a trimmed sequence of log-likelihood values (LLR) instead of the full length in the algorithms of stopping the iterative decoding has a significant impact on the utilized silicon area and throughput without a significant sacrifice in performance. It also presents a comparison of designing the Soft-Output Viterbi (SOVA) decoder using different arbitrary-precision fixed data types that offers by Vivado high-level synthesis (HLS) instead of the costlier float representation to reduce processing time and consumed area. Due to its high flexibility in designing and implementing prototype systems, the FPGA device (Kintex-7, Xilinx part number XC7K325T-2FFG900C) was utilized with different parallelism and loop pipelining directives to ensure acquiring the targeted initiation interval and silicon area.