bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is the Tradition of Nasal Packing Just an Illusion of Permanence or a Necessary Evil?
Authors: Mathialagan Arulalan , Singh Suyash , Jaiswal Awadhesh Kumar , Manogaran Ravi Sankar , Mishra Prabhakar , Keshri Amit Kumar 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background Nasal packing after an endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) is a routine practice. There is a very urgent need for a level-I recommendation pertaining to the necessity of these packs and, if required, then the timing of its removal. However, the opponents of this practice mention its various disadvantages, among which infection is the most important. In our study, we have evaluated the bacteriological profile of the nasal packs, following endoscopic anterior skull base surgery.
Materials and Methods Thirty consecutive cases (2017–18) of anterior skull base pathologies operated by EEA were included, and preoperative nasal swab and postoperative period, the nasal packs were sent for microbiological culture. The colony of bacteria grew, and clinical condition, histopathology and demographic profile of the patients were noted.
Results Of the 30 patients, 40% (n = 12) showed an increase in nasal bacterial flora after packing, with methicillin-sensitive coagulase negative Streptococcus (MSCNS) in three patients, Escherichia fecalis (E. fecalis) in three patients, and methicillin-resistant coagulase negative Streptococcus (MRCNS) in two patients. Other rare organisms grew, including Acinetobacter baumanni with E. fecalis, Acinetobacter baumanni with MRCNS, Citrobacter koseni, and Escherichia fecium (E. fecium) with MRCNS and MRSA in one patient each.
Conclusion Packing increases the bacterial load of the nasal cavity. This bacterial flora can be a potential source of meningitis. We advocate that packing should be avoided, and if at all required, should be removed within 3 days. A routine practice of nasal swab in the preoperative period and culture of the packs may give information on the possible organism that may cause meningitis and the appropriate antibiotic sensitivity of the organism.
Acute Type A Dissection during Pregnancy with Marfan's Syndrome
Authors: Heim Christian , Müller Philipp P. , Weyand Michael , Harig Frank 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground Marfan's syndrome (MFS) is a connective tissue disorder, caused by a mutation in the FBN-1 gene and affecting multiple organ systems including the vascular system. During pregnancy, women with MFS have an increased risk of aortic dissection due to changes in the cardiovascular system.Case Description We present a 39-year-old woman that suffered from an acute aortic dissection in week 33 of her third pregnancy who urgently required lifesaving surgery. Three-dimensional reconstruction of computed tomography scan was performed with unborn child in utero.Conclusion Monitoring of patients with suspected or confirmed MFS appears essential and interdisciplinary treatment and prevention strategies are required.
Real-Life Management of Central and Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Seven-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Arrigo Alessandro , Crepaldi Anna , Viganò Chiara , Aragona Emanuela , Lattanzio Rosangela , Scalia Giovanni , Resti Antonio Giordano , Calcagno Francesca , Pina Adelaide , Rashid Hassan Farah , Bandello Francesco , Battaglia Parodi Maurizio 
Published: March 2021

AbstractRetinal vein occlusion is the second most common retinal vascular pathology after diabetic retinopathy and a major cause of vision impairment. Nowadays, both central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) can be well-managed by intravitreal treatments. However, considering the long-life expectance of the patients, few data are present in the literature about the very long-term outcome of CRVO and BRVO. The present study was an interventional, retrospective analysis of the morphological and functional long-term outcome of CRVO and BRVO patients, followed in an Italian referral center. We collected data from 313 eyes (178 CRVO eyes and 135 BRVO eyes). Mean follow-up was 45 ± 25 months (range 12–84 months). Both CRVO and BRVO eyes experience a significant visual acuity improvement secondary to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor/dexamethasone treatments (from 0.57 ± 0.25 to 0.41 ± 0.24 LogMAR in CRVO and from 0.53 ± 0.42 to 0.30 ± 0.41 LogMAR in BRVO, respectively) (p < 0.01). Also, central macular thickness (CMT) resulted significant recovery at the end of the follow-up (from 585.54 ± 131.43 to 447.88 ± 245.07 μm in CRVO and from 585.54 ± 131.43 to 447.88 ± 245.07 μm in BRVO, respectively) (p < 0.01). CRVO eyes received a mean of 10.70 ± 4.76 intravitreal treatments, whereas BRVO underwent 9.80 ± 5.39 injections over the entire 7-year follow-up. Our analyses highlighted different time points indicating the best obtainable improvement. This was the first year for CRVO (12-month follow-up) and the second year for BRVO (24-month follow-up). After these two time points, both visual acuity and CMT resulted stable up to the end of the follow-up. Ischemia was associated with significantly worse outcome.
Validation of Outcome Instruments for Pediatric Postthrombotic Syndrome: Introducing the Peds-VEINES-QOL, a New Health-Related Quality of Life Instrument
Authors: Smith Julie , Thornhill Dianne , Goldenberg Neil A. , Brandão Leonardo , Knapp-Clevenger Rhonda , Warren Beth Boulden , Sung Lillian , Kahn Susan R. , Manco-Johnson Marilyn 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background There is need for validated outcome measures for postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) following pediatric venous thromboembolism (VTE), with a focus on quality of life (QoL).
Aims This article assesses reliability and validity of two PTS and two QoL scales for children following lower extremity VTE.
Methods Pediatric patients following lower extremity VTE were recruited from three thrombosis clinics. The Manco–Johnson (MJ) and the modified Villalta (MV) PTS scales were compared with each other and with the generic pediatric health-related QoL, PedsQL, and a newly developed pediatric venous-specific QoL, the Peds-VEINES-QOL.
Results Eighty children following VTE and 60 healthy control children were enrolled. Internal consistency measured by Cronbach's α was high for the two QoL scales, and moderate for the two PTS scales. Inter-rater reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients was moderate to high for the MJ, MV, and Peds-VEINES-QOL, and moderate for the PedsQL. Evidence of high internal consistency by Cronbach's α coefficients, and moderate to high interitem correlations support the premise that a single construct was measured by each instrument. Correlations between the four instruments indicate convergent validity.
Conclusion The MJ and MV scales detect similar outcomes in children following VTE. As used, the MJ is slightly more sensitive to QoL because a positive diagnosis requires pain which is the leading factor in reduced QoL following deep vein thrombosis. When using the MV, a requirement for pain or abnormal use to diagnose PTS would make the MV a better predictor of QoL.
Waveguide coupled cavity-enhanced light emission from individual carbon nanotubes
Authors: Yamashita D. , Machiya H. , Otsuka K. , Ishii A. , Kato Y. K. 
Published: March 2021

We demonstrate an individual single-walled carbon nanotube light emitter integrated onto a microcavity and a waveguide operating in the telecom wavelength regime. Light emission from the carbon nanotube is enhanced at the cavity resonance and is efficiently extracted from the waveguide facet. We have transferred carbon nanotubes to a nanobeam cavity with a dry process, ensuring that an individual carbon nanotube is used. The guided light emission from a chirality-identified single carbon nanotube has a narrow linewidth of less than 1.3 nm and an off-resonance rejection of ∼17 dB. The waveguide-coupled device configuration is compatible with fully integrated on-chip designs and is promising for carbon-nanotube-based photonics.
Urinary abnormality in mixed connective tissue disease predicts development of other connective tissue diseases and decrease in renal function
Authors: Nishioka Ryo , Zoshima Takeshi , Hara Satoshi , Suzuki Yasunori , Ito Kiyoaki , Yamada Kazunori , Nakashima Akikatsu , Tani Yukiko , Kawane Takashi , Hirata Masayoshi , Mizushima Ichiro , Kawano Mitsuhiro 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objective
To clarify the clinical significance of development of urinary abnormality in mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD).

Methods
Forty-one patients with an initial diagnosis of MCTD, followed at five hospitals between April 1, 2000 and December 31, 2013, were included. The relationship between urinary abnormality and various clinical parameters were retrospectively analyzed. Urinary abnormality was defined as proteinuria and/or hematuria detected by urinalysis. Development of other connective tissue diseases (CTDs) was defined as satisfaction of the criteria of each respective disease.

Results
Of 41 patients (34 females, 7 males, mean age at diagnosis 42.2 ± 15.2 years), 16 developed urinary abnormality (UrA(+) patients). The total incidences of development of other CTDs were higher in the UrA(+) patients than UrA(-) (62.5% versus 16.0%, p = .01). In the comparison between UrA(+) and UrA(-) patients, there were no significant differences in follow-up duration or last determined estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), although eGFR decreased more significantly in the UrA(+) patients than UrA(-). (−20.2 ± 17.2 vs −6.1 ± 13.8 ml/min/1.73m2, p = .01; −21.0 ± 18.9 vs −6.7 ± 14.1%, p = .03)

Conclusion
Urinary abnormality during the clinical course in MCTD is predictive of a higher incidence of developing other CTDs. Furthermore, it might also predict long-term renal prognosis in patients with an initial diagnosis of MCTD.
Experimental determination of the valence band offsets of ZnGeN2 and (ZnGe)0.94Ga0.12N2 with GaN
Authors: Karim Md Rezaul , Noesges Brenton A , Jayatunga Benthara Hewage Dinushi , Zhu Menglin , Hwang Jinwoo , Lambrecht Walter R L , Brillson Leonard J , Kash Kathleen , Zhao Hongping 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A predicted type-II staggered band alignment with an approximately 1.4 eV valence band offset at the ZnGeN2/GaN heterointerface has inspired novel band-engineered III-N/ZnGeN2 heterostructure-based device designs for applications in high performance optoelectronics. We report on the determination of the valence band offset between metalorganic chemical vapor deposition grown (ZnGe)1−x
Ga2x
N2, for x = 0 and 0.06, and GaN using x-ray photoemission spectroscopy. The valence band of ZnGeN2 was found to lie 1.45–1.65 eV above that of GaN. This result agrees well with the value predicted by first-principles density functional theory calculations using the local density approximation for the potential profile and quasiparticle self-consistent GW calculations of the band edge states relative to the potential. For (ZnGe)0.94Ga0.12N2 the value was determined to be 1.29 eV, ∼10%–20% lower than that of ZnGeN2. The experimental determination of the large band offset between ZnGeN2 and GaN provides promising alternative solutions to address challenges faced with pure III-nitride-based structures and devices.
Physics and technology of time-of-flight PET detectors
Authors: Schaart Dennis R 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The imaging performance of clinical positron emission tomography (PET) systems has evolved impressively during the last ∼15 years. A main driver of these improvements has been the introduction of time-of-flight (TOF) detectors with high spatial resolution and detection efficiency, initially based on photomultiplier tubes, later silicon photomultipliers. This review aims to offer insight into the challenges encountered, solutions developed, and lessons learned during this period. Detectors based on fast, bright, inorganic scintillators form the scope of this work, as these are used in essentially all clinical TOF-PET systems today. The improvement of the coincidence resolving time (CRT) requires the optimization of the entire detection chain and a sound understanding of the physics involved facilitates this effort greatly. Therefore, the theory of scintillation detector timing is reviewed first. Once the fundamentals have been set forth, the principal detector components are discussed: the scintillator and the photosensor. The parameters that influence the CRT are examined and the history, state-of-the-art, and ongoing developments are reviewed. Finally, the interplay between these components and the optimization of the overall detector design are considered. Based on the knowledge gained to date, it appears feasible to improve the CRT from the values of 200–400 ps achieved by current state-of-the-art TOF-PET systems to about 100 ps or less, even though this may require the implementation of advanced methods such as time resolution recovery. At the same time, it appears unlikely that a system-level CRT in the order of ∼10 ps can be reached with conventional scintillation detectors. Such a CRT could eliminate the need for conventional tomographic image reconstruction and a search for new approaches to timestamp annihilation photons with ultra-high precision is therefore warranted. While the focus of this review is on timing performance, it attempts to approach the topic from a clinically driven perspective, i.e. bearing in mind that the ultimate goal is to optimize the value of PET in research and (personalized) medicine.
Model selection and parameter estimation using the iterative smoothing method
Authors: Koo Hanwool , Shafieloo Arman , Keeley Ryan E. , L'Huillier Benjamin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We compute the distribution of likelihoods from the
non-parametric iterative smoothing method over a set of mock
Pantheon-like type Ia supernova datasets. We use this likelihood
distribution to test whether typical dark energy models are
consistent with the data and to perform parameter estimation. In
this approach, the consistency of a model and the data is determined
without the need for comparison with another alternative
model. Simulating future WFIRST-like data, we study type II errors
and show how confidently we can distinguish different dark energy
models using this non-parametric approach.
Sediment and Crustal Structure Beneath East Kalimantan and East Java, Indonesia From Receiver Function
Authors: Bahri Syaiful , Suryanto Wiwit , Ngadmanto Drajat 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We investigate the sediment and Earth’s crustal structure beneath the East Kalimantan and East Java by modelling the stacked receiver function from six seismic broadband stations belong to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency of Indonesia (BMKG). The calculation of receiver functions from 60 teleseismic earthquake events using iterative time-domain deconvolution method. Inversion result shows a significant variation in the sediment layer thickness from 1 km to 4 km beneath East Java. It is correlated with the South East Java basinal area (station KRK) and the North East Java Basin (station GRJI and BWJI). The sediment layer of about 5 to 10 km beneath East Kalimantan is associated with the Kutai Basin (station SGKI, SMKI, and BKB). Average Sediment layer shear velocity (Vs) beneath all station is observed to be less than 2.31 km/s. Crustal thickness beneath East Java varies between 20 to 40 km and 34 to 50 km beneath East Kalimantan, with average crustal shear wave velocity, Vs 4.60 km/s.
Influence-ladder diagrams as a Method for Teaching and Designing Instrumentation and Automation
Authors: Aurachman Rio 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Living society is surrounded by various automatic systems. The system design process is one of the important stages in designing an automated system. This indicates the importance of educating engineers capable of designing systems. However, in the learning process, there are difficulties in giving students an understanding of how to compile a ladder diagram with clear steps. There are difficulties in translating the requirements for the electrical system into a ladder diagram. Through this paper, we propose the Influence ladder diagram as a diagram that helps the process of teaching ladder diagram design. This diagram can be used for the teaching process as well as for the actual system design.
PLC Fiddle Software Review as an Instrumentation and Automation Learning Tool
Authors: Aurachman Rio 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A software is needed that can be used for beginners in learning instrumentation and automation. One of the main diagrams and learning of these two concepts is the Ladder Diagram. For beginners it is easier to use software that is ready to use without having to install the Personal Computer. One software that can be used is PLC Fiddle. Through this paper, we provide an overview of what features are in the PLC fiddle. And explained how to use these features for learning instrumentation and automation, for beginners. We provide several Online Video Tutorials for learning PLC Fiddle.
Effect of PVDF composition in activated carbon derived from chicken feather on electrical properties
Authors: Hastuti E , Irfana I 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Chicken feathers are agricultural wastes and become pollutants because of the resistance to protease degradation. Feathers contain a fibrous protein called keratin and potentially for producing activated carbon. In many applications, activated carbon is made of composites with poly (vinylidene fluoride) PVDF to improve its function. This research was carried out to study the effect of PVDF composition on activated carbon derived from chicken feathers on electrical properties. Besides evaluating changes in chemical structure and surface morphology, composites were tested using FTIR and digital microscopy. An addition of PVDF improves its dielectric properties. But the higher composition, causing agglomeration that inhibits polarization. The dielectric constant and conductivity of composite with 15 wt% PVDF are 1950 and 1.45 x 10−5 S/cm at 1 kHz, larger than another composition.
Structure boron rich type b25c space group P-4 2 m the lattice is accentric primitive tetragonal laue symmetry 4/mm
Authors: Fajrah M C , Soegijono B , Susetyo F B 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Abstarct. A reaction between carbon and boric acid has been carried out through a solid state reaction. The sample is heated at 400oC. Characterization tests were carried out with X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) equipment and GSAS analysis. Based on the analysis of the results of the sample has the structure of boron rich type B25C initial lattice parameters a = b = 8.753 Å, c = 5, 093Á after refine chi 1.8 a = b = 8.730469Á c = 5.827706Á, with angles α = β = γ = 90° Space Group P - 4 2 m the lattice is accentric primitive tetragonal laue symmetry 4/mm multiplicity of a general site is 8 at the atomic position (x, y, z) B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B7 B8 B9 B10 B11 B12 B13 B14 B15 B25.
Influence Of Heat Treatment On Crystal Structure And Corrosion Properties Of Co-Cr-Mo-Al Alloy In Simulated Body Fluid Solution
Authors: Eka Perkasa Daniel , Qonita Aliya , Soegijono Bambang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
One of the biocompatibility properties of cobalt alloys as a biomaterial is the corrosion resistance of the alloy to the biological environments such as Simulated Body Fluid (SBF). Cobalt alloys have two dominant crystal structures the FCC and HCP structures. The Co-Cr-Mo-Al alloy were subjected to the heat treatment at a temperature of 1000 °C, with various holding time, 4, 6, and 8 hours. Observation of the crystal structure of the alloy was conducted by using x-ray diffraction and the corrosion resistance was carried out by the voltammetry method, Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Linear Sweep Voltammetry (LSV) in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) at a temperature of 37 °C. From x-ray diffraction pattern, it is known that heat treatment increases the crystallite size of the alloy and alter the lattice parameters. The variations in the holding time of heating lead increase the concentration of the Face Centre Cube (FCC) crystal structures in the alloy. Observation of Cyclic Voltammetry show that the reaction of the formation of passive layers takes place spontaneously in an SBF environment. LSV data were used to determine the changes density current of corrosion of alloy. A low corrosion rate is found in alloy that untreated heat. It can conclude that heat treatment with different holding time affect on the crystal structure and corrosion properties of Co-Cr-Mo-Al alloys in the SBF solution.
Effects of gold on the structure and electrochemical behavior of lead-gold composite in different temperatures sulfuric acid
Authors: Suryandhito H , Soegijono B , Darma S 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Lead is still dominantly used as the main material for lead-acid batteries electrodes and active materials. Lead-gold composites were made in efforts to improve the performance of the active materials component for lead-acid batteries. The electrochemical behavior of Pb-Au composite in sulfuric acid solution (H2SO4) were investigated. Au was chosen as the reinforcement material for lead composite because of its high electrical conductivity and its resistance to chemical reaction which is important to resist the formation of lead sulfate (PbSO4) crystal on the surface of electrodes. Lead-gold composite were made by mixing lead powder and auric chloride (AuCl3) solution. The fabrication of Pb-Au composites was done by mixing Pb powders and auric chloride (AuCl3) solution and using hot-press method. Material characterizations were performed using X-ray fluorescence technique to investigate material composition and X-ray diffraction technique to investigate material structure. The electrochemical properties of Pb-Au composites were investigated by electrochemical polarization testing, specifically linear sweep voltammetry technique (LSV) in H2SO4 solution with various solution temperature at 10° C, 25° C, and 40° C to simulate common active vehicle condition. The results show that the crystal structure of lead-gold composites is face-centered cubic (FCC) structure. Also, the addition of Au lower the Icorr and shift the Ecorr to a more cathodic potential.
Multistep sintering: its role on density, phase homogeneity, microstructure and electrical properties of (1-x-y)BaTiO3-xPbZrO3-yNaVO3 System
Authors: Absa M , Latief F , Suasmoro S 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Barium Titanate synthesized by the oxalate coprecipitation method was doped by other perovskite-based material PbZrO3 and NaVO3 to obtain a system of (1-x-y)BaTiO3-xPbZrO3-yNaVO3 with x = 0.15 and y = 0.025. TGA characterization shows an important weight loss that starts at 400°C and finished at 650°C. XRD analysis of calcined powder at 650°C shows that the samples mostly consist of single-phase BaTiO3 perovskite. Sintering process was carried out in two ways; first, a single step sintering up to 1250°C for 2 hours shows increasing secondary phases, until the BaTiO3 phase becomes the minority. Secondly, multistep sintering starting at 1050°C, holding for 2 hours, down to room temperature, and then repeated with similar processes for 1150°C and 1250°C. Characterizations including XRD, SEM for microstructure, and permittivity analysis of the sample after this thermal treatment shows that the majority phase is BaTiO3 with minor secondary BaVO2.9 phase and its electrical properties are enhanced.