bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative meta-omics for identifying pathogens associated with prosthetic joint infection
Authors: Goswami Karan , Shope Alexander J. , Tokarev Vasily , Wright Justin R. , Unverdorben Lavinia V. , Ly Truc , Chen See Jeremy , McLimans Christopher J. , Wong Hoi Tong , Lock Lauren , Clarkson Samuel , Parvizi Javad , Lamendella Regina 
Published: December 2021

AbstractProsthetic joint infections (PJI) are economically and personally costly, and their incidence has been increasing in the United States. Herein, we compared 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing (16S), shotgun metagenomics (MG) and metatranscriptomics (MT) in identifying pathogens causing PJI. Samples were collected from 30 patients, including 10 patients undergoing revision arthroplasty for infection, 10 patients receiving revision for aseptic failure, and 10 patients undergoing primary total joint arthroplasty. Synovial fluid and peripheral blood samples from the patients were obtained at time of surgery. Analysis revealed distinct microbial communities between primary, aseptic, and infected samples using MG, MT, (PERMANOVA p = 0.001), and 16S sequencing (PERMANOVA p < 0.01). MG and MT had higher concordance with culture (83%) compared to 0% concordance of 16S results. Supervised learning methods revealed MT datasets most clearly differentiated infected, primary, and aseptic sample groups. MT data also revealed more antibiotic resistance genes, with improved concordance results compared to MG. These data suggest that a differential and underlying microbial ecology exists within uninfected and infected joints. This study represents the first application of RNA-based sequencing (MT). Further work on larger cohorts will provide opportunities to employ deep learning approaches to improve accuracy, predictive power, and clinical utility.
Association between chemotherapy and prognostic factors of survival in hepatocellular carcinoma: a SEER population-based cohort study
Authors: Liu Meiqi , Xu Mengying , Tang Tiantian 
Published: December 2021

AbstractHepatectomy and transplantation are the main surgical therapies for HCC patients, and radiotherapy or chemotherapy is often used as adjuvant treatment. Researches have evaluated the independent predictors of HCC, but evidence for factors predicting the efficacy of chemotherapy is rare. Patients diagnosed with HCC between 2010 and 2015 from the SEER database were included and randomly divided into non-chemotherapy and chemotherapy groups. The predictors of CSS and OS were analyzed with the Cox proportional-hazards regression model and Fine and Gray’s competing risk model. Although there was no significant difference in survival analysis between the chemotherapy and non-chemotherapy groups, the cumulative cancer-specific mortality of most HCC patients was decreased in the chemotherapy group. AJCC stage, tumor size, grade, surgery and radiotherapy were predictors of OS and CSS in the non-chemotherapy group, while AJCC stage, tumor size, AFP, grade and surgery in the chemotherapy group. Surgery combined with chemotherapy was applicable to all AJCC stage patients. Surgery was the major treatment option for patients in AJCC I and AJCC II stage, and chemotherapy in AJCC III and AJCC IV stage. In conclusion, the study provided population-based estimates of the prognostic factors in HCC patients with or without chemotherapy.
The role of European health system characteristics in affecting Covid 19 lethality during the early days of the pandemic
Authors: Giancotti Monica , Lopreite Milena , Mauro Marianna , Puliga Michelangelo 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis article examines the main factors affecting COVID-19 lethality across 16 European Countries with a focus on the role of health system characteristics during the first phase of the diffusion of the virus. Specifically, we investigate the leading causes of lethality at 10, 20, 30, 40 days in the first hit of the pandemic. Using a random forest regression (ML), with lethality as outcome variable, we show that the percentage of people older than 65 years (with two or more chronic diseases) is the main predictor variable of lethality by COVID-19, followed by the number of hospital intensive care unit beds, investments in healthcare spending compared to GDP, number of nurses and doctors. Moreover, the variable of general practitioners has little but significant predicting quality. These findings contribute to provide evidence for the prediction of lethality caused by COVID-19 in Europe and open the discussion on health policy and management of health care and ICU beds during a severe epidemic.
FASN, SCD1 and ANXA9 gene polymorphism as genetic predictors of the fatty acid profile of sheep milk
Authors: Pecka-Kiełb Ewa , Kowalewska-Łuczak Inga , Czerniawska-Piątkowska Ewa , Króliczewska Bożena 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn this study, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ANXA9 (annexin 9), FASN (fatty acid synthase) and SCD1 (stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1) genes were analyzed as factors influencing fatty acid profiles in milk from Zošľachtená valaška sheep. SNP in selected genes was identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP). The long-chain fatty acids profile in sheep milk was identified by gas chromatography. Statistical analysis of the SCD1/Cfr13I polymorphism showed that the milk of the homozygous AA animals was characterized by a lower (P < 0.05) share of C4:0, C6:0, C8:0, C10:0, C12:0, C14:0 in comparison to the homozygous CC sheep. The milk of heterozygous sheep was characterized by a higher (P < 0.05) proportion of C13:0 acid compared to the milk of sheep with the homozygous AA type. A higher (P < 0.05) level of saturated fatty acids (SFA) was found in the milk of CC genotype sheep compared to the AA genotype. Our results lead to the conclusion that the greatest changes were observed for the SCD1/Cfr13I polymorphism and the least significant ones for FASN/AciI. Moreover, it is the first evidence that milk from sheep with SCD1/Cfr13I polymorphism and the homozygous AA genotype showed the most desirable fatty acids profile.
Fe(II)-phthalocyanine supported on chitosan aerogel as a catalyst for oxidation of alcohols and alkyl arenes
Authors: Azimi Fatemeh , Poursattar Marjani Ahmad , Keshipour Sajjad 
Published: December 2021

AbstractManipulation of materials is considered as one of the eminent strategies to create desirable catalysts. In this regard, increasing surface area and decreasing dimensions of catalysts have been widely employed on account of effectiveness of these methods. Herein, aerogel form of chitosan as a sustainable, and high aspect ratio compound is employed as a green support for the catalytic purposes. Chitosan aerogel was modified with Fe(II)-phthalocyanine to produce a heterogeneous catalyst for oxidation reactions. The synthesized catalyst promoted the oxidation reactions of alcohols and alkyl arenes to the corresponding aldehydes and ketones using H2O2 as an oxidant in 24 h. The reactions for aliphatic and aromatic alcohols gave turnover numbers of 106–109 at 80 °C and 106–117 at room temperature, respectively. The oxidations of alkyl arenes were carried out with turnover numbers laying in the range of 106–117 at 100 °C. The low toxicity, inexpensive nature, and recycling possibility of the catalyst accompanied by the reaction mild conditions, clean oxidant, and excellent yields offer chitosan aerogel modified with Fe(II)-phthalocyanine as a promising catalyst for oxidation reactions.
Sex-dependent effects of chronic exercise on cognitive flexibility but not hippocampal Bdnf in aging mice
Authors: Short Annabel K. , Bui Viet , Zbukvic Isabel C. , Hannan Anthony J. , Pang Terence Y. , Kim Jee Hyun 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Cognitive impairments associated with advanced age involve alterations in the hippocampus that changes with experience throughout life. The hippocampus is critical for cognitive flexibility involved with extinction and reinstatement of conditioned fear. It is widely accepted that regular exercise can be beneficial for hippocampal function. Therefore, we asked whether chronic voluntary exercise in middle-aged mice can improve extinction and/or reinstatement of conditioned fear compared with standard-housing. Eight-month-old male and female C57Bl/6J mice had access to a running wheel or remained in standard-housing until 11 months of age. Alongside control standard-housed young adult (3-month-old) mice, they received tone–footshock pairings, which were subsequently extinguished with tone-alone presentations the next day. Half of the mice then received a reminder in the form of a single footshock. Male and female 11-month-old mice housed in standard conditions exhibited impaired reinstatement compared with young adult mice. However, for males that had access to a running wheel from 8 months of age, the reminder treatment rescued reinstatement ability. This was not observed in females. Additionally, exercise during middle age in both sexes increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) mRNA in the hippocampus, specifically exon 4 mRNA. These results show that, at least for males, physical exercise is beneficial for reducing age-related decline in cognitive abilities. Despite not affecting reinstatement, exercise also increased Bdnf gene expression in the female hippocampus, which could potentially benefit other forms of hippocampus-dependent cognition.
Internally wavelength stabilized 910 nm diode lasers with epitaxially stacked multiple active regions and tunnel junctions
Authors: Wenzel Hans , Fricke Jörg , Maaßdorf Andre , Ammouri Nor , Zink Christof , Martin Dominik , Knigge Andrea 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWe present a multi‐active‐region bipolar‐cascade distributed‐Bragg reflector (DBR) laser emitting around 910 nm. The three active regions and two tunnel junctions are located in a single waveguide core sharing the same third‐order vertical mode. A slope efficiency of 2.25 W/A was measured with a threshold current density of 400 A/cm2. Due to the implemented 7th Bragg order surface grating, the laser exhibits a narrow optical spectrum with a width of 0.3 nm and a thermal detuning of 60 pm/K.
Influence of imidazole derivatives on the dielectric and energy storage performance of epoxy
Authors: Luo Jiaming , Zhang Lei , Sun Wenjie , Mao Jiale , Zheng Yiting , Wang Shuang , Zhang Ziqi , Chen Yingxin , Cheng Yonghong 
Published: December 2021

AbstractImidazoles are widely used as curing agents and accelerators for fabricating crosslinked epoxy materials applied in electrical and electronic fields. However, the intrinsic chemical structure of imidazole derivatives would greatly influence the polymerisation process, and further change the electrical properties, which was not emphasised. To achieve an in‐depth understanding, commonly used imidazole only containing pyridine‐type nitrogen and imidazole with both pyridine and pyrrole‐type nitrogen were selected in this study. Electrical properties including dielectric properties, volume resistivity, breakdown strength, and especially energy storage performances were systematically investigated. We figured out that higher breakdown strength, glass transition temperature, and lower dielectric loss can be achieved with imidazole containing pyrrole‐type nitrogen. Structure‐induced curing mechanism diversity and the generated differences in polymer network were highlighted. With the capability to incorporate into the polymer network, the dielectric constant/loss of epoxy cured by imidazole containing pyrrole‐type nitrogen is less sensitive with variation in concentration and a high breakdown strength of 577.9 MV/m was achieved. On the contrary, conspicuous decrease in the breakdown strength and increase in dielectric loss of the epoxy cured by imidazole only containing pyridine‐type nitrogen were observed, especially at high concentration. Moreover, we also found that the epoxy can be fabricated into films with an attractive energy storage density/efficiency of 1.1 J/cm3/97%@200 MV/m, which is twice of the commercial dielectric polypropylene film under the same electric field.
Improved probability hypothesis density filter for multi‐target tracking of non‐cooperative bistatic radar
Authors: Wang Sen , Bao Qinglong , Pan Jiameng 
Published: December 2021

AbstractNon‐cooperative bistatic radar refers to the passive bistatic radar using a non‐cooperative radar as the illuminator of opportunity. Limited by the non‐cooperation and bistatic configuration, multi‐target tracking of the non‐cooperative bistatic radar is confronted with challenges of low detection probability and high clutter. Based on the sequential Monte Carlo implementation of probability hypothesis density (PHD) filter, this study proposes an improved PHD (I‐PHD) filter. Similar to the tracking gate in data association, whether each candidate target is detected at each time is determined and recorded, and the sequential probability ratio test distinguishes a real target and false target based on this record. To distinguish miss detection and target death, a new survival probability dependent on target position is defined, and the survival probability of a specific target drops rapidly when it is located near the boundary and moves outwards. To label targets and extract their states, a new method of track identification and state estimation is proposed. The simulation results illustrate that the proposed I‐PHD filter can effectively track multiple targets of non‐cooperative bistatic radar under low detection probability and high clutter and has superior performance than competing methods.
Multi‐task tracking and classification with an adaptive radar
Authors: John‐Baptiste Peter , Brandewie Aaron , Vinci Joe , Bell Kristine , Johnson Joel T. , Neese Christopher F. , Rangaswamy Muralidhar 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis study investigates the use of adaptive radar waveforms in performing a multi‐task operation involving the tracking and classification of a single target. The work applies a previously reported hierarchical fully adaptive radar framework and considers a situation in which the target tracking function is performed using a transmit waveform having adaptive pulse repetition frequency, pulse width, bandwidth, and coherent processing interval parameters, while the classification function can be performed using only a fixed radar waveform. Two alternate strategies for selecting the next waveform are then described. The first strategy is focussed on maintaining fixed measurement performance goals in terms of target range and velocity and classification entropy, while the second approach varies these performance goals depending on the target state. Both approaches are examined for simulated datasets at W‐band representing a moving human target, as well as for laboratory measurements of this scenario. The results for both simulation and experiment show the benefits of including adaptive waveforms in performing multiple radar tasks.
Clustering methods for the efficient voltage regulation in smart grids
Authors: Abegaz Brook W. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn this paper, clustering methods are presented to enhance the stability of automatic voltage regulators using the efficient adjustment of their respective gains. The results show that implementations of some of the clustering algorithms provide better reliability and stability for the feedback‐based voltage regulators as compared to the other methods, namely, a model predictive controller (MPC), a gaussian mixture model (GMM), a self‐organizing mapping (SOM) and hierarchical clustering (HC) methods. Specifically, the K‐Means clustering approach (KM) provided superior stability but a slower rise time of the output voltage of the voltage regulators as compared to the other methods. Furthermore, coordination of the clustering methods is tested for a 10 machine, 39 bus power grid system. The results show that the clustering approach could be applied to improve the efficiency of voltage regulation methods in smart grids and related cyber‐physical systems.
Detailed models of interacting short-period massive binary stars
Authors: Sen K. , Langer N. , Marchant P. , Menon A. , de Mink S. E. , Schootemeijer A. , Schürmann C. , Mahy L. , Hastings B. , Nathaniel K. , Sana H. , Wang C. , Xu X. T. 
Published: December 2021

Context. The majority of massive stars are part of binary systems. In about a quarter of these, the companions are so close that mass transfer occurs while they undergo core hydrogen burning, first on the thermal and then on the nuclear timescale. The nuclear timescale mass transfer leads to observational counterparts: the semi-detached so-called massive Algol binaries. These systems may provide urgently needed tests of the physics of mass transfer. However, comprehensive model predictions for these systems are sparse.
Aims. We use a large grid of detailed evolutionary models of short-period massive binaries and follow-up population synthesis calculations to derive probability distributions of the observable properties of massive Algols and their descendants.
Methods. Our results are based on ∼10 000 binary model sequences calculated with the stellar evolution code MESA, using a metallicity suitable for the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), covering initial donor masses between 10 M⊙ and 40 M⊙ and initial orbital periods above 1.4 d. These models include internal differential rotation and magnetic angular momentum transport, non-conservative mass and angular momentum transfer between the binary components, and time-dependent tidal coupling.
Results. Our models imply ∼30, or ∼3% of the ∼1000, core hydrogen burning O-star binaries in the LMC to be currently in the semi-detached phase. Our donor models are up to 25 times more luminous than single stars of an identical mass and effective temperature, which agrees with the observed Algols. A comparison of our models with the observed orbital periods and mass ratios implies rather conservative mass transfer in some systems, while a very inefficient one in others. This is generally well reproduced by our spin-dependent mass transfer algorithm, except for the lowest considered masses. The observations reflect the slow increase of the surface nitrogen enrichment of the donors during the semi-detached phase all the way to CNO equilibrium. We also investigate the properties of our models after core hydrogen depletion of the donor star, when these models correspond to Wolf-Rayet or helium+OB star binaries.
Conclusions. A dedicated spectroscopic survey of massive Algol systems may allow to derive the dependence of the efficiency of thermal timescale mass transfer on the binary parameters, as well as the efficiency of semiconvective mixing in the stellar interior. This would be a crucial step towards reliable binary models up to the formation of supernovae and compact objects.
Wenn nichts mehr geht: Der patellofemorale Gelenkersatz
Authors: Benignus Christian , Meier Malin , Best Raymond , Beckmann Johannes 
Published: December 2021

ZusammenfassungDer patellofemorale Gelenkersatz stellt die beste verfügbare Therapieoption bei isolierter patellofemoraler Arthrose dar. Vor allem junge Patienten sollten mit möglichst knochensparender Technik unter Erhalt der Weichteile operiert werden, da sie mit hoher Wahrscheinlichkeit im Verlauf des Lebens revidiert werden. Die korrekte Patientenselektion ist wichtig für den Operationserfolg und sollte sowohl eine gründliche klinische Untersuchung als auch Bildgebung beinhalten. Hier ist vor allem auf zusätzliche Pathologien zu achten, die eventuell ebenfalls adressiert werden müssen. Für die Trochlea gibt es mit dem Inlay- und Onlay-System 2 verschiedene moderne Möglichkeiten der Versorgung. Ein Ersatz der retropatellaren Fläche sollte regelhaft erfolgen. Der patellofemorale Gelenkersatz wird immer noch selten durchgeführt, sodass eine Behandlung in spezialisierten Zentren empfohlen wird. Daten aus Endoprothesenregistern zeigen hohe Revisionsraten, während Daten aus Zentren vielversprechende Ergebnisse aufweisen.
The Impact of Cochlear Implantation: Cognitive Function, Quality of Life, and Frailty in Older Adults
Authors: Babajanian Eric E. , Patel Neil S. , Gurgel Richard K. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis review examines the relationship between cochlear implantation and cognition and quality of life in older adults, as well as how frailty affects outcomes for older patients with cochlear implants. A growing body of evidence suggests that there is a strong association between hearing loss and cognitive impairment. Preliminary studies suggest that cochlear implantation in older adults may be protective against cognitive decline. While studies have observed a positive impact of cochlear implantation on quality of life, currently it is unclear what factors contribute the most to improved quality of life. Frailty, as a measurement of general health, likely plays a role in complication rates and quality-of-life outcomes after cochlear implantation, though larger prospective studies are required to further elucidate this relationship.
In situ cloud particle tracking experiment
Authors: Bertens G. , Bagheri G. , Xu H. , Bodenschatz E. , Moláček J. 
Published: December 2021

The collision–coalescence process of inertial particles in turbulence is held responsible for the quick growth of cloud droplets from ∼15 to ∼50 µm in diameter, but it is not well understood. Turbulence has two effects on cloud droplets: (1) it brings them closer together, preferentially concentrating them in certain parts of the flow, and (2) it sporadically creates high accelerations, causing droplets to detach from the underlying flow. These turbulence–cloud droplet interactions are difficult to study numerically or in the laboratory due to the large range of scales involved in atmospheric turbulence, so in situ measurements are needed. Here, we present a Lagrangian particle tracking (LPT) experimental setup situated close to the summit of Mt. Zugspitze at an altitude of 2650 m above the sea level on top of the environmental research station Schneefernerhaus. Clouds naturally occur at this location about a quarter of the time. The LPT experiment probes a volume of ∼40 × 20 × 12 mm3, has a spatial resolution of 5 µm and a temporal resolution of 0.1 ms, and measures accelerations to within 0.1 m s−2. Furthermore, the experiment can slide over a set of rails, driven by a linear motor, to compensate for the mean wind. It can slide up to 7.5 m s−1. By doing so, the average residence time of the particles in the measurement volume increases. The mean wind compensation allows us to study various dynamical quantities, such as the velocity autocorrelation, or the dynamics of clustering. Moreover, it is beneficial for particle tracking, in general, since longer particle tracks allow us to apply better filtering to the tracks and thus increase accuracy. We present the radial distribution function, which quantifies clustering, the longitudinal relative velocity distribution, and the Lagrangian velocity autocorrelation, all computed from cloud droplet trajectories.