bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Economic evaluation of differentiated service delivery models for HIV treatment in Lesotho: costs to providers and patients
Authors: Nichols Brooke E , Cele Refiloe , Lekodeba Nkgomeleng , Tukei Betty , Ngorima‐Mabhena Nicoletta , Tiam Appolinaire , Maotoe Thapelo , Sejana Makatleho Veronica , Faturiyele Iyiola O , Chasela Charles , Rosen Sydney , Fatti Geoffrey 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIntroductionLesotho, the country with the second‐highest HIV/AIDS prevalence (23.6%) in the world, has made considerable progress towards achieving the “95‐95‐95” UNAIDS targets, but recent success in improving treatment access to all known HIV positive individuals has severely strained existing healthcare infrastructure, financial and human resources. Lesotho also faces the challenge of a largely rural population who incur a significant time and financial burden to visit healthcare facilities. Using data from a cluster‐randomized non‐inferiority trial conducted between August 2017 and July 2019, we evaluated costs to providers and costs to patients of community‐based differentiated models of multi‐month delivery of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Lesotho.MethodsThe trial of multi‐month dispensing compared 12‐month retention in care among three arms: conventional care, which required quarterly facility visits and ART dispensation (3MF); three‐month community adherence groups (CAGs) (3MC) and six‐month community ART distribution (6MCD). We first estimated the average total annual cost of providing HIV care and treatment followed by the total cost per patient retained 12 months after entry for each arm, using resource utilization data from the trial and local unit costs. We then estimated the average annual cost to patients in each arm with self‐reported questionnaire data.ResultsThe average total annual cost of providing HIV care and treatment per patient was the highest in the 3MF arm ($122.28, standard deviation [SD] $23.91), followed by 3MC ($114.20, SD $23.03) and the 6MCD arm ($112.58, SD $21.44). Per patient retained in care, the average provider cost was $125.99 (SD $24.64) in the 3MF arm and 6% to 8% less for the other two arms ($118.38, SD $23.87 and $118.83, SD $22.63 for the 3MC and 6MCD respectively). There was a large reduction in patient costs for both differentiated service delivery arms: from $44.42 (SD $12.06) annually in the 3MF arm to $16.34 (SD $5.11) annually in the 3MC (63% reduction) and $18.77 (SD $8.31) annually in 6MCD arm (58% reduction).ConclusionsCommunity‐based, multi‐month models of ART in Lesotho are likely to produce small cost savings to treatment providers and large savings to patients in Lesotho. Patient cost savings may support long‐term adherence and retention in care.
Approximate back‐projection method for improving lateral resolution in circular‐scanning‐based photoacoustic tomography
Authors: Wang Bo , Ye Tong , Wang Guan , Guo Lili , Xiao Jiaying 
Published: April 2021

PurposeIn circular‐scanning‐based photoacoustic tomography (PAT), the effect of finite transducer aperture has not been effectively resolved. The goal of this paper is to propose a practical reconstruction method that accounts for the finite transducer aperture to improve the lateral resolution.MethodsWe for the first time propose to calculate the spatial‐temporal response (STR) of the employed finite‐sized transducer in a forward model, and then compensate the time delay and the directional sensitivity of the transducer in the framework of the back‐projection method. Both simulation and phantom experiments were carried out to evaluate the lateral resolution improvement with the proposed method. The performance of this new method for imaging complicated targets was also assessed by calculating the mean image gradient.ResultsSimulation results showed that with this new method the lateral resolution for off‐center targets can be as good as that for the center targets. Phantom experimental results showed that this new method can improve the lateral resolution more than two times for a point target about 5 mm far from the rotation center. Phantom experimental results also showed that many blurred fine structures of a piece of leaf veins at the off‐center regions were well restored with the new method, and the mean image gradient improved about 1.3 times.ConclusionThe proposed new method can effectively account for the effect of finite transducer aperture for circular‐scanning‐based PAT in homogenous acoustic media. This new method also features its robustness and computational efficiency, so that it is a worthy replacement to the conventional back‐projection algorithm in circular‐scanning‐based PAT. This new method can be of great importance to the design of circular‐scanning or spherical‐scanning‐based PAT systems.
Toxicity and repellent activity of monoterpene enantiomers to rice weevils (Sitophilus oryzae)
Authors: A Fouad Hany , de Souza Tavares Wagner , C Zanuncio José 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L., 1763) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a stored grain/seed pest of several crops. Botanicals represent an option to manage this pest, especially those with high toxicity determined by its structure and physicochemical properties and low residue left behind on treated grains/seeds. Enantiomers are bioactive molecules in organic processes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the insecticidal activity of two enantiomeric forms of the monoterpenes citronellal, limonene, linalool, menthone and α‐pinene against S. oryzae adults through contact, fumigant and repellent assays.RESULTSAll results were compared with absolute acetone as the negative control and those from contact assays also with malathion as the positive control. (S)‐(−)‐linalool was the most toxic by contact to S. oryzae and (S)‐(−)‐menthone through fumigation, while the two enantiomeric forms of menthone and α‐pinene were the best repellents.CONCLUSIONSThe high toxicity of only one of the two monoterpene enantiomers showed the importance of form and percentage of enantiomer in the commercial product, which affect the success of the product to controlling S. oryzae. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
An ultrafast and flexible liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry system paves the way for machine learning driven in vivo sample processing in early drug discovery
Authors: Häbe Tim T. , Späth Christian , Schrade Steffen , Jörg Wolfgang , Süssmuth Roderich D. , Bischoff Daniel , Luippold Andreas H. 
Published: April 2021

RationaleThe low speed and low flexibility of most liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) approaches in early drug discovery delay sample analysis from routine in vivo studies within the same day. A high‐throughput platform for the rapid quantification of drug compounds in various in vivo assays was developed and established in routine bioanalysis.MethodsAutomated selection of an efficient and adequate LC method was realized by autonomous sample qualification for ultrafast batch gradients (9 s/sample) or for fast linear gradients (45 s/sample) if samples required chromatography. The hardware and software components of our Rapid and Integrated Analysis System (RIAS) were streamlined for increased analytical throughput via state‐of‐the‐art automation while maintaining high analytical quality.ResultsOnline decision‐making was based on a quick assay suitability test (AST), based on a small and dedicated sample set evaluated by two different strategies. 84% of the acquired data points were within ±30% accuracy and 93% of the deviations between the lower limit of quantitation (LLOQ) values were ≤2‐fold compared with standard LC/MS/MS systems. Speed, flexibility and overall automation significantly improved.ConclusionsThe developed platform provided an analysis time of only 10 min (batch‐mode) and 47 min (gradient‐mode) per standard pharmacokinetic (PK) study (62 injections). Automation, data evaluation and results handling were optimized to pave the way for machine learning based on decision‐making regarding the evaluation strategy of the AST.
PASCAL mitral valve repair system versus MitraClip: comparison of transcatheter edge-to-edge strategies in complex primary mitral regurgitation
Authors: Gerçek Muhammed , Roder Fabian , Rudolph Tanja K. , Fortmeier Vera , Zittermann Armin , Rudolph Volker , Friedrichs Kai P. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
The PASCAL system is a novel device for edge-to-edge treatment of mitral regurgitation (MR). The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of the PASCAL to the MitraClip system in a highly selected group of patients with complex primary mitral regurgitation (PMR) defined as effective regurgitant orifice area (MR-EROA) ≥ 0.40 cm2, large flail gap (≥ 5 mm) or width (≥ 7 mm) or Barlow’s disease.

Methods
38 patients with complex PMR undergoing mitral intervention using PASCAL (n = 22) or MitraClip (n = 16) were enrolled. Primary efficacy endpoints were procedural success and degree of residual MR at discharge. The rate of major adverse events (MAE) according to the Mitral Valve Academic Consortium (MVARC) criteria was chosen as the primary safety endpoint.

Results
Patient collectives did not differ relevantly regarding pertinent baseline parameters. Patients` median age was 83.0 [77.5–85.3] years (PASCAL) and 82.5 [76.5–86.5] years (MitraClip). MR-EROA at baseline was 0.70 [0.68–0.83] cm2 (PASCAL) and 0.70 [0.50–0.90] cm2 (MitraClip), respectively. 3D-echocardiographic morphometry of the mitral valve apparatus revealed no relevant differences between groups. Procedural success was achieved in 95.5% (PASCAL) and 87.5% (MitraClip), respectively. In 86.4% of the patients a residual MR grade ≤ 1 + was achieved with PASCAL whereas reduction to MR grade ≤ 1 + with MitraClip was achieved in 62.5%. Neither procedure time number of implanted devices, nor transmitral gradient differed significantly. No periprocedural MAE according to MVARC occured.

Conclusion
In this highly selected patient group with complex PMR both systems exhibited equal procedural safety. MitraClip and PASCAL reduced qualitative and semi-quantitative parameters of MR to an at least comparable extent.

Graphic abstract
Recent progress understanding pathophysiology and genesis of brain AVM—a narrative review
Authors: Steiger Hans-Jakob 
Published: April 2021

AbstractConsiderable progress has been made over the past years to better understand the genetic nature and pathophysiology of brain AVM. For the actual review, a PubMed search was carried out regarding the embryology, inflammation, advanced imaging, and fluid dynamical modeling of brain AVM. Whole-genome sequencing clarified the genetic origin of sporadic and familial AVM to a large degree, although some open questions remain. Advanced MRI and DSA techniques allow for better segmentation of feeding arteries, nidus, and draining veins, as well as the deduction of hemodynamic parameters such as flow and pressure in the individual AVM compartments. Nonetheless, complete modeling of the intranidal flow structure by computed fluid dynamics (CFD) is not possible so far. Substantial progress has been made towards understanding the embryology of brain AVM. In contrast to arterial aneurysms, complete modeling of the intranidal flow and a thorough understanding of the mechanical properties of the AVM nidus are still lacking at the present time.
Machine translation systems and quality assessment: a systematic review
Authors: Rivera-Trigueros Irene 
Published: April 2021

AbstractNowadays, in the globalised context in which we find ourselves, language barriers can still be an obstacle to accessing information. On occasions, it is impossible to satisfy the demand for translation by relying only in human translators, therefore, tools such as Machine Translation (MT) are gaining popularity due to their potential to overcome this problem. Consequently, research in this field is constantly growing and new MT paradigms are emerging. In this paper, a systematic literature review has been carried out in order to identify what MT systems are currently most employed, their architecture, the quality assessment procedures applied to determine how they work, and which of these systems offer the best results. The study is focused on the specialised literature produced by translation experts, linguists, and specialists in related fields that include the English–Spanish language combination. Research findings show that neural MT is the predominant paradigm in the current MT scenario, being Google Translator the most used system. Moreover, most of the analysed works used one type of evaluation—either automatic or human—to assess machine translation and only 22% of the works combined these two types of evaluation. However, more than a half of the works included error classification and analysis, an essential aspect for identifying flaws and improving the performance of MT systems.
Geometric analysis of a two-body problem with quick loss of mass
Authors: Miao Zhouqian , Popović Nikola , Zacharis Thomas 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe consider a two-body problem with quick loss of mass which was formulated by Verhulst (Verhulst in J Inst Math Appl 18: 87–98, 1976). The corresponding dynamical system is singularly perturbed due to the presence of a small parameter in the governing equations which corresponds to the reciprocal of the initial rate of loss of mass, resulting in a boundary layer in the asymptotics. Here, we showcase a geometric approach which allows us to derive asymptotic expansions for the solutions of that problem via a combination of geometric singular perturbation theory (Fenichel in J Differ Equ 31: 53–98, 1979) and the desingularization technique known as “blow-up” (Dumortier, in: Bifurcations and Periodic Orbits of Vector Fields, Springer, Dordrecht, 1993). In particular, we justify the unexpected dependence of those expansions on fractional powers of the singular perturbation parameter; moreover, we show that the occurrence of logarithmic (“switchback”) terms therein is due to a resonance phenomenon that arises in one of the coordinate charts after blow-up.
Durability of Cardiometabolic Outcomes Among Adolescents After Sleeve Gastrectomy: First Study with 9-Year Follow-up
Authors: Elhag Wahiba , El Ansari Walid 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background
Long-term durability of weight loss and comorbidity resolution beyond 7 years after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) among adolescents is completely lacking.

Methods
Retrospective review of adolescents aged ≤ 18 years who underwent primary LSG at our institution between 2011 and 2015 (N = 146). We assessed anthropometric and cardiometabolic outcomes at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 years.

Results
Follow-up rates were 57.53%, 82.87%, 85.24%, 83.92%, and 83.33% at the five time points. The preoperative mean body mass index (BMI) (45.60 ± 6.50 kg/m2) decreased at year 1 (30.04 ± 4.96 kg/m2, P=0.001) and was maintained up to 9 years (30.20 ± 3.92 kg/m2, P = 0.001). Remission rates were triglycerides, 100% (11/11) at 5 years, and 100% (1/1) at 9 years; high density lipoprotein, 89.4% (17/19) at 5 years, and 100% (3/3) at 7 years; low density lipoprotein, 71.4% (11/14) and 100% (3/3) at 5 and 7 years; total cholesterol, 70% (7/10) at 5 years, and 100% (2/2) at 9 years; uric acid, 100% (3/3) at 5 years. Remission of liver enzymes was 84.6–100% (22/26–2/2) at 5–9 years. Prediabetes remission was 87.5% (14/16 and 7/8) at 5 and 7 years and 100% (3/3) at year 9. Type 2 diabetes complete remission was 50% (3/6, 1/2) at years 5 and 7, with all cases resolved at 9 years. The only case of hypertension completely resolved.

Conclusions
LSG achieved substantial weight loss and remission of cardiometabolic risk factors that were sustained on the long term. This is the first study among adolescents to assess such outcomes beyond 7 years.

Graphical abstract
Directional nature of Goodman–Kruskal gamma and some consequences: identity of Goodman–Kruskal gamma and Somers delta, and their connection to Jonckheere–Terpstra test statistic
Authors: Metsämuuronen Jari 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAlthough usually taken as a symmetric measure, G is shown to be a directional coefficient of association. The direction in G is not related to rows or columns of the cross-table nor the identity of the variables to be a predictor or a criterion variable but, instead, to the number of categories in the scales. Under the conditions where there are no tied pairs in the dataset, G equals Somers’ D so directed that the variable with a wider scale (X) explains the response pattern in the variable with a narrower scale (g), that is, D(g│X). Hence, G = G(g│X) = D(g│X) but G ≠ D(X│g) and G ≠ D(symmetric). If there are tied pairs, the estimates by G = G(g│X) are more liberal in comparison with those by D(g│X). Algebraic relation of G and D with Jonckheere–Terpstra test statistic (JT) is derived. Because of the connection to JT, G = G(g│X) and D = D(g│X) indicate the proportion of logically ordered test-takers in the item after they are ordered by the score. It is strongly recommendable that gamma should not be used as a symmetric measure, and it should be used directionally only when willing to explain the behaviour of a variable with a narrower scale by the variable with a wider scale. This fits well with the measurement modelling settings.
Chronology and Eccentricity Phasing for the Early Turonian Greenhouse (∼93–94 Ma): Constraints on Astronomical Control of the Carbon Cycle
Authors: Laurin Jiří , Uličný David , Čech Stanislav , Trubač Jakub , Zachariáš Jiří , Svobodová Andrea 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe Early Turonian interval represents a unique confluence of climatic and oceanographic conditions including peak surface temperatures, high greenhouse‐gas concentrations, and maximum Phanerozoic sea level. The susceptibility of this climate mode to astronomical insolation forcing remains poorly understood partly due to a limited time control and unknown phasing of astronomical cycles in this interval. Here, we offer a refined astrochronology of the Early Turonian based on laterally consistent precession signals preserved in offshore strata of the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin (central Europe). Pristine amplitude modulation verified through interference patterns in depth‐frequency plots provides a robust indication of ∼100 and 405‐kyr eccentricity phases (maxima and minima) that are pinned to ammonite biozones and new carbon‐isotope data from two cores. The Early Turonian is estimated as 885 ± 41 (2σ) thousand years (kyr) in duration, with the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary predating the first Turonian 405‐kyr maximum (no. 232 in the Geological Time Scale 2020) by 82 ± 70 (2σ) kyr. The results support a possible link of the recovery from Oceanic Anoxic Event II to increasing magnitude of seasonal insolation extremes due to rising eccentricity on 405‐kyr and million‐year (Myr) time scales. Superimposed upon this trend are small‐scale carbon‐isotope anomalies the pacing of which passes from ∼110 kyr, resembling short eccentricity, to ∼170 kyr, possibly related to obliquity modulation. This eccentricity‐to‐obliquity transition, paralleling the rising phase of Myr‐scale eccentricity, suggests decoupling of the carbon‐cycle perturbations from low‐latitude seasonal insolation. Mid‐latitude to high‐latitude carbon reservoirs became involved toward the Middle Turonian.
Observation of bottom-up formation for charged grain aggregates related to pre-planetary evolution beyond the bouncing barrier
Authors: Jungmann Felix , Wurm Gerhard 
Published: April 2021

Context. Particles in protoplanetary disks go through a number of phases that are dominated by collisions. In each of these events, grains exchange electrical charge via triboelectric effects. This enhances the stability of particle aggregates.
Aims. Dielectric grains are easily charged by collisions. Here, we investigate whether a charge is capable of inducing an aggregation of particles and we consider how collision properties, such as sticking velocities and collisional cross-sections, are altered.
Methods. We explored aggregation in microgravity experiments based on the observation of the motion of submillimeter (submm) grains following many collisions. In the process, grains attract each other, collide, stick, and ultimately form small aggregates.
Results. We observed a bottom-up formation of irregular aggregates from submm grains. While some of the observed trajectories during the approach of grains reflect the presence of a pure Coulomb potential, the motion is not always in agreement with pure Kepler motion. Higher-order potentials of multipole charge distributions stand as a plausible explanation for this behavior. An immediate consequence of charging is that the particles continue to stick to each other at velocities of ~10 cm s−1, while surface forces of neutral grains are only expected to allow sticking below ~1 mm s−1. No bouncing collision was observed among hundreds of collisions in the given parameter range. Applied to early phases of planet formation, the forming aggregates are therefore the first steps in a new growth phase beyond the traditional bouncing barrier in planet formation.
Two-body model for the spatial distribution of dust ejected from an atmosphereless body
Authors: Ershova Anastasiia , Schmidt Jürgen 
Published: April 2021

Aims. We present a model for the configuration of noninteracting material that is ejected in a continuous manner from an atmosphereless gravitating body for a given distribution of sources. The model is applicable to material on bound or unbound trajectories and to steady and nonsteady modes of ejection.
Methods. For a jet that is inclined to the surface normal, we related the distributions of ejection direction, velocity, and size to the phase-space number density at the distance from the source body. Integrating over velocity space, we obtained an expression from which we inferred the density, flux, or optical depth of the ejected material.
Results. As examples for the application of the code, we calculate profiles of the dust density in the Enceladus plume, the pattern of mass deposition rates around a plume on Europa, and images of optical depth following the nonstationary emission of material from a volcano on Io. We make the source code of a Fortran-95 implementation of the model freely available.
Ficus benjamina (weeping fig).
Authors: Datiles Marianne Jennifer , Acevedo-Rodríguez Pedro 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

F. benjamina is a large strangling fig with an umbrella-shaped, graceful crown and few or no aerial roots. It is grown for ornamental purposes and is therefore found in many countries outside its natural range; it is often planted in villages and cemeteries. F. benjamina is an appropriate species for landscaping in urban areas and housing estates, and is planted along roadsides. In the past the bark was used to make rope. The figs are a source of food for birds and small mammals. F. benjamina is also a common pot-plant in temperate countries throughout the world and a number of cultivars have been developed.