bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance analysis of long‐reach 40/40 Gbps mode division multiplexing‐based hybrid time and wavelength division multiplexing passive optical network/free‐space optics using Gamma‐Gamma fading model with pointing error under different weather conditions
Authors: Kumari Meet , Sharma Reecha , Sheetal Anu 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTime and wavelength division multiplexing passive optical network (TWDM‐PON) is adopted across the globe and is considered as the most remarkable trend of the next‐generation solution to serve exponential traffic growth for fifth‐generation (5G) network. In the interest of achieving 5G network requirements, we propose a mode division multiplexing (MDM) based bidirectional 40/40 Gbps hybrid TWDM‐PON and free‐space optics (FSO) system. The system performance is analyzed for bidirectional hybrid fiber/FSO channels incorporating four distinct Laguerre‐Gaussian (LG00, LG01, LG11, and LG21) spatial modes for variable fiber (10‐155 km)/FSO (10‐1000 m) link ranges and different receiver aperture diameters (20 μm‐60 cm). Based on Gamma‐Gamma (GG) modeled FSO channels using Laguerre Gaussian modes, bit error rate (BER) performance of the system is numerically investigated under the impact of dynamic atmospheric weather conditions, weak‐to‐strong turbulence conditions, pointing errors, and geometric loss (GL) at an acceptable BER of 10−9. In addition, to support the numerical analysis, the simulation results exhibit that the hybrid fiber/FSO LG00 signals over 1000 m FSO and 155 km fiber link ranges are successfully transmitted in the system with 40 μm spatial and 60 cm FSO receiver aperture diameters under the impact of strong turbulence, atmospheric attenuation of 0.2 dB/km and noise. Moreover, the performance comparison of the MDM‐based hybrid TWDM‐PON/FSO with the previous latest literature works reveals a superior system performance under practical environment conditions. The proposed work can be utilized to realize long‐reach, bandwidth‐efficient, high‐capacity, and high‐speed data transmission links.
Analysis of aroma‐active volatiles in an SDE extract of white tea
Authors: Lin Qi , Ni Hui , Wu Ling , Weng Shu Yi , Li Lijun , Chen Feng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWhite tea is a famous Chinese tea that is cooked at boiling point before drinking. The simultaneous distillation‐extraction (SDE) was used to collect volatile compounds during tea cooking. The SDE extract was dominated with green, floral, roasted and woody notes, and weak sweet note. There were 32 volatile compounds identified via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis, and 19 of them had strong fragrance based on the gas chromatography‐olfactometry analyzed results. Hexanal, 2‐hexenal, cis‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol, and camphene were the main contributors to the green note. The floral note was mainly contributed by 2‐hexanone, benzeneacetaldehyde, trans‐linalool oxide, and linalool, and the sweet note was induced by trans‐β‐damascenone. The roasted note was mainly contributed by 2‐pentyl‐furan. The woody note was mainly contributed by trans‐α‐ionone and trans‐β‐ionone. Four putative reaction pathways, including amino acid degradation, carotene degradation, Maillard reaction, and glycosides hydrolysis, were figured out to explain the generation of aromatic‐active volatiles at high temperatures. This study added our knowledge on tea aroma under cooking as well as other thermal treatments.
The importance of smoking status at diagnosis in human papillomavirus‐associated oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Liu Howard Yu‐hao , Daniels Christopher P. , Trada Yuvnik , Bernard Anne , You Kyung Ha , Brown Elizabeth , Foote Matthew , McGrath Margaret , Ladwa Rahul , Panizza Benedict James , Porceddu Sandro Virgilio 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundSmoking status at point of diagnosis is not used in defining risk groups for human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) despite its prognostic value in head and neck cancer.MethodsRetrospective analysis of consecutive patients treated with chemoradiotherapy between January 2005 and July 2017 was performed with multivariable analysis to explore the impact of smoking status at diagnosis (current/former/never) on overall survival (OS), cancer‐specific survival (CSS) and progression‐free survival (PFS).ResultsMedian follow‐up was 61 months. Four hundred and four patients were included. Current smokers had inferior OS versus never and former smokers [adjusted HR 2.37 (95% CI 1.26–4.45, p < 0.01) and 2.58 (95% CI 1.40–4.73, p < 0.01), respectively] and inferior PFS versus never smokers [adjusted HR 1.83 (95% CI 1.00–3.35, p = 0.04)]. Smoking status did not predict for CSS.ConclusionDetailed smoking behavior should be considered in refining risk groups in HPV‐associated OPC treated with radiotherapy and in future trial design eligibility and stratification.
Do the determinants of institutional delivery among childbearing women differ by health insurance enrolment? Findings from a population‐based study in Nigeria
Authors: Solanke Bola Lukman 
Published: January 2021

AbstractStudies in Nigeria have identified several individual and contextual determinants of institutional delivery among childbearing women. However, it is not clear in literature whether these determinants are peculiar to women who enrolled or do not enrolled in health insurance schemes. This study compares the determinants of institutional delivery among childbearing women who either enrolled or do not enrolled in health insurance schemes in Nigeria. The study was based on women's data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. A weighted sample size of 17,465 women was analysed. Stata 14 was used to perform data analysis. Three binary logistic regression models were estimated. Results show higher prevalence of institutional delivery among women who enrolled in health insurance (39.3% vs. 70.5%). Result further reveal differences in the determinants of institutional delivery among the women with sex of head of household (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.340, p < 0.05; 95% CI: 1.121–1.602), type of marriage (AOR = 0.817, p < 0.05; 95% CI: 0.727–0.918) and status of most recent delivery (AOR = 0.703, p < 0.001; 95% 95% CI: 0.631–0.781) showing significance among women not enrolled in health insurance but insignificant among women enrolled in health insurance. Differences in determinants of institutional delivery among the women may be attributed to differences in their socio‐demographic condition.
The Baker Creek Research Watershed: Streamflow data highlighting the behaviour of an intermittent Canadian Shield stream through a wet–dry–wet cycle
Authors: Spence Christopher , Hedstrom Newell 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBaker Creek drains water from subarctic Canadian Shield terrain comprised of a mix of exposed Precambrian bedrock, lakes, open black spruce forest and peat filled depressions. Research in the catchment has focused on hydrological processes at the hillslope and catchment scales. Streamflow is gauged from several diverse sub‐catchments ranging in size from 9 to 155 km2. The period of record (2003–2019) of streamflow from these sub‐catchments extends from 12 to 17 years, and these data are the focus of this note. Such data are unique in this remote region. 2003–2019 was a period that included both historic wet and dry conditions. Observations during such a diversity of conditions are helping to improve understanding of how stream networks that drain this landscape expand and contract in response to short and long hydroclimatic cycles. These data from a distinctly cold and dry region of low relief, thin soils, exposed bedrock and permafrost are a valuable contribution to the global diversity of research catchment data.
Stage at diagnosis and survival by stage for the leading childhood cancers in three populations of sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Parkin Donald Maxwell , Youlden Danny R. , Chitsike Inam , Chokunonga Eric , Couitchéré Line , Gnahatin Franck , Nambooze Sarah , Wabinga Henry , Aitken Joanne F. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe lack of accurate population‐based information on childhood cancer stage and survival in low‐income countries is a barrier to improving childhood cancer outcomes. In our study, data from three population‐based registries in sub‐Saharan Africa (Abidjan, Harare and Kampala) were examined for children aged under 15. We assessed the feasibility of assigning stage at diagnosis according to Tier 1 of the Toronto Childhood Cancer Stage Guidelines for patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma [including Burkitt lymphoma (BL)], retinoblastoma and Wilms' tumour. Patients were actively followed‐up, allowing calculation of 3‐year relative survival by cancer type and registry. Stage‐specific observed survival was estimated. The cohort comprised 381 children, of whom half (n = 192, 50%) died from any cause within 3 years of diagnosis. Three‐year relative survival varied by malignancy and location and ranged from 17% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 6%‐33%] for BL in Harare to 57% (95% CI = 31%‐76%) for retinoblastoma in Kampala. Stage was assigned for 83% of patients (n = 317 of 381), with over half having metastatic or advanced disease at diagnosis (n = 166, 52%). Stage was a strong predictor of survival for each malignancy; for example, 3‐year observed survival was 88% (95% CI = 68%‐96%) and 13% (4%‐29%) for localised and advanced BL, respectively (P < .001). These are the first data on stage distribution and stage‐specific survival for childhood cancers in Africa. They demonstrate the feasibility of the Toronto Stage Guidelines in a low‐resource setting and highlight the value of population‐based cancer registries in aiding our understanding of the poor outcomes experienced by this population.
Blended Positive Electrodes for Li‐Ion Batteries: From Empiricism to Rational Design
Authors: Casas‐Cabanas Montse , Ponrouch Alexandre , Palacín M. Rosa 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPhysical mixtures (i. e. blends) of two or more active materials are often used in commercial batteries to achieve better performance than what can be attained with a single component. This approach has been empirically driven and found to result in relevant synergistic improvements that are unfortunately poorly understood at a fundamental level. Indeed, internal redox processes (which induce structural changes in the components) can take place in blended electrodes that are severely influenced by electrode kinetics. These are in turn affected by temperature and also electrode formulation. Despite difficulties ahead, efforts to understand such issues are needed to pave the way for a rational electrode design enabling optimized performance which ideally could be tuned to match specific application requirements.
Benzalkonium chloride induced corrosive balanoposthitis in a man requiring clean intermittent catheterization
Authors: Satoji Yo , Tobu Shohei , Matsushita Kyohei , Udo Kazuma , Noguchi Mitsuru 
Published: January 2021

IntroductionMen who require intermittent catheterization may be susceptible to balanoposthitis. Benzalkonium chloride is commonly used to disinfect reusable catheters, but the concentration of this solution is critical.Case presentationA 40‐year‐old man presented with fever, pus around the glans and foreskin, and difficult catheterization. On physical examination, his urethral meatus was too narrow to insert a catheter. Suprapubic catheterization and 2 weeks of intravenous and topical treatment cured the ulcer of the glans. However, after restarting catheterization, the ulcer of the glans relapsed, and the patient’s urethral meatus was completely closed. Circumcision and incision of the meatus were performed, and antibiotics were administered. Unexpectedly, restarting catheterization caused recurrent balanoposthitis. Close inquiry revealed that the patient was using a 10% benzalkonium chloride soaking solution for a reusable catheter, which was a toxic concentration.ConclusionThe disinfectant concentration should be confirmed when refractory balanoposthitis is encountered in patients who require catheterization.
Anatomical multiatlas segmentation using local texture statistical properties for matching descriptor with machine learning
Authors: Ould Kradda Ali , Ghomari Abdelghani , Ben Hmed Abdennacer , Binczak Stephane 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe use of anatomical multiatlas methods has proven to be one of the most competitive techniques for brain images segmentation. The majority of these methods are based on visual criteria of similarity between groups of an atlas to select a representative patient image to be segmented. However, this criterion is not necessarily linked to the performance of the segmentation. To overcome this dilemma, we present in this article, a new concept of preselection of an anatomical atlas group, which is based on machine learning and using an adapted descriptor that can give an efficient and more precise segmentation of the patient image. The new descriptor, local texture statistical properties for matching descriptor with only affine registration, is adapted from the local texture of matching (LTEMA) descriptor. The proposed method is tested on real MRI brain images (LONI database provided by USC Neurological Imaging Laboratory), and show the capability and the effectiveness of the proposed local descriptor, it has been compared to three local descriptors: scale‐invariant feature transform, speed up robust feature, and LTEMA, as well as the comparison with the registration method. The obtained results show a significant improvement that makes this descriptor recommended for segmentation techniques.
Role of LDSE for a Hypothetical Manned Space Rescue Vehicle
Authors: Cureton Kenneth L. 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTThis article examines Loss‐Driven Systems Engineering (LDSE) utility via a thought experiment regarding harmonizing desirable characteristics for resilience, safety, reliability, security, and other loss‐driven specialty areas. Various design reference missions explore and assess required loss‐driven capabilities in automated flight operations for a hypothetical Manned Space Rescue Vehicle. Identifying key adversities to achieving mission success, and evaluating potential methods to avoid, withstand, and recover from loss caused by such adversities are central to this assessment. Such methods apply classical technical disciplines such as resilience, safety, reliability, survivability, and security in an integrated fashion, recognizing and respecting each discipline's expertise and proven methods, tools, and techniques. This article also examines the concurrent need to consider loss‐driven solution unintended consequences: the “First Do No Harm” medical concept ensuring adversity's “cure cannot be worse than the disease.” Finally, this article examines the potential to leverage flexibility and creativity in crew actions and adaptive systems to overcome unexpected adversity.
Preparation of PEG‐modified wool keratin/sodium alginate porous scaffolds with elasticity recovery and good biocompatibility
Authors: Ji Ji , Chen Guang , Liu Zitong , Li Lili , Yuan Jiugang , Wang Ping , Xu Bo , Fan Xuerong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTo improve mechanical properties of keratin (KR) porous scaffolds, we prepared a PEGylated keratin through thiol‐ene click reaction. Several porous scaffolds were prepared by blending PEGylated keratin with sodium alginate (SA). The surface morphology, mechanical properties, and porosity of scaffolds were detailed studied at different KR/SA proportions. The results showed the content of SA had an effect on pore formation and mechanical properties. When the mass ratio of KR to SA was 2:1, the stress of yield point of the keratin porous scaffold reached 1.24 MPa, and also showed good deformation recovery ability. The PEGylated keratin porous scaffold had a high porosity and great cytocompatibility. Its' porosity is up to 81.7% and the cell viability is about 117.78%. This allows it to absorb the simulated plasma quickly (9.20 ± 0.37 g/g). In addition, the structural stability and acid–base stability of the keratin porous scaffold were also improved after PEGylation. Overall, the PEGylated keratin porous scaffold will be promising in tissue materials due to its great physical, chemical, and biological properties.
A novel energy‐efficient extraction‐assisted distillation design for isopropanol–butanol–ethanol purification for use of gasoline additive
Authors: Xu Yinggui , Li Jinlong , Ye Qing , Li Yudong , Chen Lijuan , Zhang Haoxiang , Wang Naigen 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDBiobutanol is considered to be a promising alternative biofuel in terms of sustainability and environmental friendliness because of its desirable properties. High purity isopropanol–butanol–ethanol (IBE) mixture can be directly used as gasoline additive. However, the purification process of IBE is hindered because of its low concentration and high energy consumption. In order to reduce energy consumption and improve the efficiency of the IBE purification process, two novel processes combining liquid–liquid extraction with extractive distillation or azeotropic distillation are proposed. Moreover, the heat integration designs of the processes are carried out to further reduce energy. These processes are compared with regard to energy, economic, environmental and exergy impact.RESULTSThe results show that the energy consumption of these enhanced processes are effectively reduced compared with the original process in the literature. Among them, the thermal integrated process of liquid–liquid extraction combined with extractive distillation is the best design, which has a total annual cost of $32.656 × 105 and an energy consumption of 5936.94 kW.CONCLUSIONCompared with the original process, this process can save 71.33% of energy consumption. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
A case of TSC2‐PKD1 contiguous deletion syndrome: Clinical features and effective treatment for epilepsy
Authors: Pan Xiaoyu , Yang Chengqing , Ma Shaochun , Wang Weihong , Liu Peipei , Guo Ya , Liu Yedan , Song Jie , Wu Sifei , Yi Liping , Wei Wei , Chen Zongbo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPolycystic kidney disease with Tuberous sclerosis is a disease caused by the deletions of the TSC2‐PKD1 gene. The disease is rarely reported and the characterized manifestation is severe polycystic kidney growth. The diagnosis can be made by molecular analysis. We report the first case of PKDTS discovered in infancy in China with typical neurological and renal manifestations. The patient has infantile spasm, polycystic kidney, skin damage, hypertension, and hematuria after infection. After effective treatment of Rapamycin, the seizures were completely controlled. There was not been any renal function damage in the patient. At the same time, we review the related literature and further elaborate on the variety of clinical manifestations, treatment, and prognosis.
Light microscopic iris classification using ensemble multi‐class support vector machine
Authors: Rehman Amjad 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSimilar to other biometric systems such as fingerprint, face, DNA, iris classification could assist law enforcement agencies in identifying humans. Iris classification technology helps law‐enforcement agencies to recognize humans by matching their iris with iris data sets. However, iris classification is challenging in the real environment due to its invertible and complex texture variations in the human iris. Accordingly, this article presents an improved Oriented FAST and Rotated BRIEF with Bag‐of‐Words model to extract distinct and robust features from the iris image, followed by ensemble multi‐class‐SVM to classify iris. The proposed methodology consists of four main steps; first, iris image normalization and enhancement; second, localizing iris region; third, iris feature extraction; finally, iris classification using ensemble multi‐class support vector machine. For preprocessing of input images, histogram equalization, Gaussian mask and median filters are applied. The proposed technique is tested on two benchmark databases, that is, CASIA‐v1 and iris image database, and achieved higher accuracy than other existing techniques reported in state of the art.
In totum deparaffinization of biological samples and re‐embedded in historesin for better diagnostic
Authors: Mazzoni Talita Sarah , Quagio‐Grassiotto Irani 
Published: January 2021

AbstractParaffin has been the most traditional embedding medium used in histological techniques, however it can cause several technical artifacts. On the other hand, the use of plastic resins gives a more consistent and precise support to the tissues, allowing a better perfection of the histological sections. Thus, in an attempt to retrieve samples previously embedded in paraffin, we have described this new protocol which allows the material to be deparaffinized and re‐embedded into historesin (glycol methacrylate). Paraffin embedded biological materials (en bloc) were deparaffinized and re‐embedded with historesin. The histological sections of the samples (in paraffin and historesin) were analyzed under light microscope and the quality of the material was compared. As expected, samples embedded in historesin showed a better quality in their morphology, even if they were previously embedded in paraffin. Therefore, this new technique proposed here allows the recovery of old materials, through reprocessing to historesin, ensuring that materials already collected that cannot be obtained again are analyzed with greater clarity and great detail.
An implanted device enables in vivo monitoring of extracellular vesicle‐mediated spread of pro‐inflammatory mast cell response in mice
Authors: Vukman Krisztina V. , Ferencz Andrea , Fehér Daniella , Juhos Krisztina , Lőrincz Péter , Visnovitz Tamás , Koncz Anna , Pálóczi Krisztina , Seregélyes Gábor , Försönits András , Khamari Delaram , Galinsoga Alicia , Drahos László , Buzás Edit I. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMast cells have been shown to release extracellular vesicles (EVs) in vitro. However, EV‐mediated mast cell communication in vivo remains unexplored. Primary mast cells from GFP‐transgenic and wild type mice, were grown in the presence or absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the secreted EVs were separated from the conditioned media. Mast cell‐derived EVs were next cultured with LPS‐naïve mast cells, and the induction of TNF‐α expression was monitored. In addition, primary mast cells were seeded in diffusion chambers that were implanted into the peritoneal cavities of mice. Diffusion chambers enabled the release of GFP+ mast cell‐derived EVs in vivo into the peritoneal cavity. Peritoneal lavage cells were assessed for the uptake of GFP+ EVs and for TNF‐α production. In vitro, LPS‐stimulated mast cell‐derived EVs were efficiently taken up by non‐stimulated mast cells, and induced TNF‐α expression in a TLR4, JNK and P38 MAPK dependent manner. In vivo, using implanted diffusion chambers, we confirmed the release and transmission of mast cell‐derived EVs to other mast cells with subsequent induction of TNF‐α expression. These data show an EV‐mediated spreading of pro‐inflammatory response between mast cells, and provide the first in vivo evidence for the biological role of mast cell‐derived EVs.
A straightforward route to alkyl 5‐arylthiophene‐2‐thiocarboxylates from alkyl 2‐aroyl‐1‐chlorocyclopropanecarboxylates
Authors: Huang Long , Liu Xuehui , Zhang Duntie , Luo Chenghao , Zhang Jing , Chen Yikun , Gong Yuefa 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this article, a direct synthetic method for alkyl 5‐arylthiophene‐2‐thiocarboxylates was reported. Treatment of alkyl 2‐aroyl‐1‐chlorocyclopropanecarboxylates with excess amount of Lawesson's reagent readily afforded alkyl 5‐arylthiophene‐2‐thiocarboxylates in good to excellent yields under mild conditions. This cycloisomerization reaction process would be initiated by a ring‐opening of the strained cyclopropane.