bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Channel estimation for reconfigurable intelligent surface‐assisted multiuser mmWave MIMO system in the presence of array blockage
Authors: Li Binrui , Zhang Zhongpei , Hu Zhenzhen 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this article, we focus on the channel estimation problem for reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS)‐assisted multiuser mmWave MIMO system. The main challenge for channel estimation of this system lies in that all elements of the RIS are passive reflecting antennas incapable of processing signals, which are designed to reflect the incident signals by a certain phase shift. Meanwhile, considering that array blockage is often present at the RIS working in mmWave band, the channel estimation problem becomes more challenging. By introducing the effective channel model derived from the cascaded channel model among the base station (BS), the RIS, and the user equipment, we formulate the original problem to estimate the effective channel and array blockage matrix jointly. For the single‐user scenario, we propose the orthogonal matching pursuit‐array blockage calibration (OMPABC) algorithm to complete this estimation problem. In the multiuser scenario, with the aid of channel estimation scheme based on feedback, all the channel matrices of UEs and array blockage matrix are estimated at the BS jointly. Furthermore, in the small number of UEs case, we introduce the common support among the different UEs and extend this property to the effective channel. Utilizing the property, we propose the joint OMPABC algorithm to estimate the effective channel of all UEs and array blockage matrix jointly. Finally, in the large number of UEs case, we propose the two‐space‐scale OMPABC algorithm with a low computational complexity. The simulation results illustrate our proposed algorithms can effectively improve the estimation performance.
The relationship between the use of artificial sweeteners and cancer: A meta‐analysis of case–control studies
Authors: Liu Liping , Zhang Peng , Wang Yuanxin , Cui Weiwei , Li Dong 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAlthough there are reports that artificial sweeteners (AS) are safe, the relationship between artificial sweeteners and cancer remains controversial. The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether the consumption of artificial sweeteners is associated with the risk of cancers. We conducted a comprehensive search of multiple databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. We found all the literature that studied the relationship between artificial sweeteners and cancer. Ten case–control studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Our findings indicated that the consumption of artificial sweeteners was not associated with an increase in cancer when all types of cancers are analyzed comprehensively (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.75–1.11). Interestingly, the use of artificial sweeteners is inversely related to urinary system cancer risk when analyzing women individually (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.60–0.97). Our meta‐analysis found that these is no correlation between artificial sweeteners and occurrence of cancer except urinary system cancer in women. Considering some limitations found in this study, additional data from large clinical trials are needed.
Nutritional and end‐use perspectives of sprouted grains: A comprehensive review
Authors: Ikram Ali , Saeed Farhan , Afzaal Muhammad , Imran Ali , Niaz Bushra , Tufail Tabussam , Hussain Muzzamal , Anjum Faqir Muhammad 
Published: June 2021

AbstractScientific literature is evident that the germinated seeds possess a promising potential for essential nutrients, flavors, and textural attributes over nongerminated grain. In recent decades, sprouting has also been investigated as a potential green food engineering technique to boost the nutritive profile of grains. Sprouting grains have multifold applications in different fields such as baking, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. During sprouting, shifting of molecular structures to macroscopic takes place. Sprouting reactivates the grain metabolism which leads to the catabolism and degradation of antinutrient and macronutrient compounds. These modifications have an effect on human health and on the nutritional content of the foodstuffs. Sprouting grains have high bioactivity against diabetes and cancer. Germination is also an outstanding green food development technique to increase the seed nutritive profile in terms of quality. The present review focuses on the sprouting of grains, changes in nutritional profile, and the technological exploration of sprouted grains.
An open developmental science will be more rigorous, robust, and impactful
Authors: Gilmore Rick O. , Qian Yiming 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDevelopmental science poses some of the most profound problems in all of science and some of the most difficult ones. Because the answers are so important to human health and well‐being, it's essential that researchers do everything possible to accelerate discovery and promote reproducibility and rigour. In this essay, we argue that fully embracing open practices—especially data and materials sharing—will achieve the goals of making developmental science more rigorous, robust, and impactful while simultaneously accelerating discovery.
Diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis: Clinical or microscopic? A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Vieira‐Baptista Pedro , Silva Ana Rita , Costa Mariana , Figueiredo Rita , Saldanha Conceição , Sousa Carlos 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the performance of the Amsel criteria, culture of Gardnerella spp., and wet mount microscopy (WMM) in the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis.MethodsA cross‐sectional cohort study was conducted, consisting of evaluating 749 consecutive women, regardless of symptoms. The Amsel criteria were evaluated, WMM microscopy and Gram staining were performed, and a swab was collected for culture. The gold standard for diagnosis was the Nugent score.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity for the different approaches were: Amsel criteria 41.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 33.76–49.18) and 97.8% (95% CI 96.21–98.81); cultures 59.9% (95% CI 51.47–67.85) and 99.0% (95% CI 97.76–99.69); WMM 82.6% (95% CI 76.02–88.05) and 92.4% (95% CI 89.98–94.45), respectively. WMM performed equally well in symptomatic and asymptomatic women. Amsel criteria in scenarios where there is no use of a microscope had very poor sensitivity (22.8% [CI 16.63–29.87%]).ConclusionThe Amsel criteria have a poor performance for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. WMM performs well but is not routinely used and should be the first approach for the diagnosis of vaginitis.
Decolorization of amaranth RI and fast red E azo dyes by thermophilic Geobacillus thermoleovoransKNG 112
Authors: Rajashekarappa Kotresh Kyathanahally , Mahadevan Gurumurthy Dummi , Neelagund Shivayogeeswar Eshwarappa , Sathynarayana Madhuri , Vijaya Divya , Mulla Sikandar I 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDAccumulation of industrial dyes in wastewater creates not only environmental problems, but also medical and aesthetic problems. Removal of synthetic dyes from contaminated hot textile industrial discharge is a fundamental issue. Herein, the microbial decolorization of azo dyes amaranth RI and fast red E was studied. The decolorization process was studied in terms of various physicochemical and analytical parameters.RESULTSThe azo dye decolorization efficiency was improved with beef extract and maltose as nitrogen and carbon sources, respectively. At 55 °C, Geobacillus thermoleovorans KNG 112 showed the maximum decolorization for both amaranth RI and fast red E at pH 7 and 8, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis revealed the formation of amide, nitrosamine, aromatic and carbonyl compounds, alkyne, alkane, alcohol and alkyl halide groups after dye decolorization. Mixed dye (amaranth RI and fast red E) decolorization resulted in formation of various alkyl acetals, amines (nitrosamines, secondary and tertiary amines) azo groups and alkyl chloride. Furthermore, phytotoxic effect of azo dyes on the germination of fenugreek and green gram showed no inhibitory effects; however, more and rapid germination compared to the control group was observed.CONCLUSIONSThe results lead to the conclusion that the optimization of G. thermoleovorans KNG 112 for removal of azo dyes could have applications in decontamination of hot industrial discharges. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
After genomic testing results: Parents’ long‐term views
Authors: Liang Nicole Si Yan , Adam Shelin , Elliott Alison M. , Siemens Angela , du Souich Christèle ,   CAUSES Study,   GenCOUNSEL Study, Friedman Jan M. , Birch Patricia 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMany parents are motivated to pursue genome‐wide (exome or genome) sequencing to find a diagnosis for their child with a suspected but undiagnosed genetic condition. However, the impact of the genomic test extends beyond the provision of results and the so‐called ‘diagnostic odyssey’. Our goal was to quantify post‐test decisional regret and characterize long‐term, post‐test experiences and unmet needs of the parents of children with suspected genetic diseases after they had received the results of genome‐wide sequencing. Study participants were parents of children who underwent trio genome‐wide sequencing as part of the CAUSES research study at Children's & Women's Health Centre of British Columbia. About half of the participants received a definite or likely genetic diagnosis after clinical interpretation of the genome‐wide sequencing results. Parents who participated in the current study (n = 121) completed the Decisional Regret Scale four weeks after receiving results. A subset of these parents (n = 32) had semi‐structured interviews a median of 7 months (range 3–20 months) after results disclosure and post‐test genetic counseling. Most parents expressed either no regret or mild regret about having undergone genome‐wide sequencing on both the Decisional Regret Scale and in the interviews. Parents whose children did not receive a genetic diagnosis were slightly more likely to have decisional regret on this quantitative scale. Analysis of transcribed interviews revealed the following major themes: (a) a lack of decisional conflict around having the testing; (b) a lack of decisional regret post‐testing; (c) expressions of both relief and continued uncertainty around the meaning of a genetic diagnosis; (d) expression of initial disappointment and evolving interpretation surrounding a result yielding no genetic diagnosis; and (e) needing time to absorb the test results. Our results suggest that parents need time to absorb the testing results and that long‐term post‐test counseling, including acknowledging feelings of relief, loss, and disappointment, may help parents adapt to the genomic test results and assist families to anticipate and plan for the next steps in their child's medical trajectory, whether or not a diagnosis is found.
Association between atrial fibrillation and bundle branch block
Authors: Khan Muhammad Zubair , Patel Kirtenkumar , Zarak Muhammad Samsoor , Gupta Ashwani , Hussian Ishtiaq , Patel Krunalkumar , Figueredo Vincent M. , Miskiel Sandra , Franklin Sona , Kutalek Steven 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe association between atrial fibrillation (Afib) and sinus and AV nodal dysfunction has previously been reported. However, no data are available regarding the association between Afib and bundle branch block (BBB).MethodsPatient data were obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database between years 2009 and 2015. Patients with a diagnosis of Afib and BBB were identified using validated International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, and Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM) codes. Statistical analysis using the chi‐square test and multivariate linear regression analysis were performed to determine the association between Afib and BBB.ResultsThe total number of patients with BBB was 3,116,204 (1.5%). Patients with BBB had a mean age of 73.5 ± 13.5 years, 53.6% were males, 39.1% belonged to the age group ≥80 years, and 72.9% were Caucasians. The prevalence of Afib was higher in the BBB group, as compared to the non‐BBB group (29% vs 11.8%, p value<.001). This association remained significant in multivariate regression analysis with an odds ratio of 1.25 (CI: 1.24‐1.25, P < .001). Among the subtypes of BBB, Afib was comparatively more associated with RBBB (1.32, CI 1.31‐1.33, p value<.0001) than LBBB (1.17, CI 1.16‐1.18, p value<.0001). The mean cost was higher among Afib with BBB, compared with Afib patients without BBB ($15 795 vs $14 391, p value<.0001). There was no significant difference in the mean length of stay (5.6 vs 5.9 days, p value<.0001) or inpatient mortality (4.9% vs 4.8%).ConclusionThis study demonstrates that prevalence of Afib is higher in patients with BBB than without BBB. Cost are higher for Afib patients with BBB, compared to those without BBB, with no significant increase in mortality or length of stay.
Measuring Tensile Strength of a Detergent‐Stabilized Soap Film
Authors: Phan Chi M. , Nguyen Cuong V. , Nguyen Hoang M. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe tensile strength of thin aqueous films plays an important role in foaming systems. This study experimentally measured the film tension by applying a new method to three soap solutions with different glycerol contents. It was found that the film tension was independent of bubble size. The results indicated that the molecular interaction within the thin liquid film has a negative contribution to the film tension of ca. −3 mN m−1. The glycerol content has an insignificant influence on the film tension. This new method can provide unique insights into foam systems in food, detergency, and chemical processes.
Association of Plate Contouring With Hardware Complications Following Mandibular Reconstruction
Authors: Davies Joel C. , Chan Harley H. L. , Yao Christopher M. K. L. , Ziai Hedyeh , Dixon Peter R. , Chepeha Douglas B. , Goldstein David P. , de Almeida John R. , Gilbert Ralph W. , Irish Jonathan C. 
Published: June 2021

Objectives/HypothesisDespite considerable effort being dedicated to contouring reconstruction plates, there remains limited evidence demonstrating an association between contour and reconstructive outcomes. We sought to evaluate whether optimizing mandibular reconstruction plate contouring is associated with reduced postoperative hardware complications.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsA cohort study was performed with adult patients (age ≥18 years) who underwent mandibulectomy and osseous free flap reconstruction following oncologic ablation at the University Health Network in Toronto, Canada, between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2014. Patients with computed tomography scans performed within 1 year of reconstruction were included. Computer‐based three‐dimensional models were generated and used to calculate the mean plate‐to‐bone gap (mm). The primary outcome was plate exposure. Secondary outcome included a composite of plate exposure or intraoral dehiscence. Logistic regression models were fitted for each outcome accounting for other patient and surgical characteristics associated with the primary outcome.ResultsNinety‐four patients met inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 60.4 (standard deviation [SD] 14.9). The mean follow‐up time was 31.4 months (range 3–94). Reconstruction was performed with fibular (57%) and scapular free flaps (43%). In the multivariable model, small mean plate‐to‐bone gap (<1 mm) was independently associated with 86% reduced odds of plate exposure (odds ratio [OR] 0.12; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02–0.55). Mean plate‐to‐bone gap less than 1 mm was also independently associated with reduced odds of developing a composite of plate exposure or intraoral dehiscence (OR, 0.29; 95%CI, 0.11–0.75).ConclusionOptimizing plate contouring during mandibular reconstruction may decrease the development of postoperative hardware complications.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 132:61–66, 2022
An Improved Method for the Estimation and Comparison of Mortality Rates in Fish from Catch-Curve Data
Authors: Mainguy Julien , Moral Rafael de Andrade 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Catch-curve analyses are routinely used to estimate instantaneous mortality (Z) in fish, and as the age-frequency data are often overdispersed, the application of a variance bias-correction factor has been recommended. The extensions of the Poisson generalized linear model (GLMPoisson) may, however, constitute a better alternative, as they model the variance (SE) in counts more adequately with their specific dispersion parameter for more accurate estimations and statistical comparisons. To test this idea, simulated age-frequency data generated under four dispersion scenarios were analyzed according to six currently available methods and compared with the results of a GLMPoisson and five of its extensions to evaluate each method-specific bias in Z ± SE estimates. Empirical age-frequency data from sampled Walleye Sander vitreus and Arctic Char Salvelinus alpinus populations in Québec, Canada, were then used to illustrate the applicability of our GLM-based method, which relies on the behavior of Pearson residuals to assess model adequacy and an information-theoretic approach for model selection. All analyses revealed that Z-estimates were generally accurate among the methods considered, except under the most likely situation of quadratic overdispersion met in ecological studies, for which only the negative binomial type 2 and the mean-parametrized Conway–Maxwell–Poisson (CMP) extensions were adequate to estimate both Z and its SE. Linearly overdispersed data were best modeled by the negative binomial type 1 and generalized Poisson (GLMGP) extensions; the GLMCMP and GLMGP were the most appropriate to model underdispersed data, whereas the GLMPoisson adequately modeled equi-dispersed data, similar to the Chapman and Robson (1960) method. Statistical comparisons of Z ± SE for grouping factors, such as year or site, were correctly achieved when the most adequate and statistically supported GLMPoisson extension was applied. Altogether, the proposed GLM-based method should help to circumvent the identified issues related to SE estimation for statistical inferences about mortality rates for fisheries management decision making.
Vitamin D status in children with intestinal failure who have achieved enteral autonomy
Authors: Lepus Chelsea A. , Samela Kate , Emerick Karan M. , Mokha Jasmeet S. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundVitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in children with intestinal failure (IF) who receive parenteral nutrition (PN), but data on vitamin D status after achieving enteral autonomy (EA) are limited. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in this population while exploring clinical variables that may be associated with its development.MethodsA retrospective review was performed on 29 children with IF who had achieved EA. Deficiency was defined as a mean serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D <30 ng/ml.Data ResultsSixty‐six percent of children had at least one deficient level during the study period, with 38% being deficient based on the mean vitamin D levels. Eighty‐four percent had radiologic evidence of osteopenia. Compared with the sufficient group (n=18), the deficient group (n=11) received higher daily mean vitamin D doses (2246 vs 920 IU; P=.02), had shorter remnant small‐bowel length (53.8 vs 82.1 cm; P=.03), and were PN dependent for a longer duration (1.3 vs 0.58 years; P=.01). Univariate analyses revealed longer remnant gut length (odds ratio [OR] = 1.03; P=.04) and shorter duration of PN (OR = 0.26; P=.04) to be significantly associated with sufficient vitamin D status.ConclusionVitamin D deficiency and osteopenia are highly prevalent in pediatric patients with a history of IF who have achieved EA, despite enteral supplementation with higher than standard doses. Shorter remnant small‐bowel length and longer duration of PN were associated with vitamin D deficiency. These findings emphasize the importance of prolonged surveillance and highlight the need for alternate dosing regimens.
COVID‐19—The impact of variable and “low normal” pulse oximetry scores on Oximetry@Home services and clinical pathways: Confounding variables?
Authors: Harland Nicholas , Greaves Jane , Fuller Elizabeth 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCOVID‐19 Oximetry@Home services have been commissioned nationally. This allows higher‐risk patients with mild COVID‐19 symptoms to remain at home, being supplied with a Pulse Oximeter to measure their oxygen saturation (SpO2) two to three times daily for two weeks. Patients record their readings manually or electronically which are monitored by a clinical team. Clinical decisions, using an algorithm, are based on SpO2 readings in a narrow range with 1–2 point changes potentially affecting care. In this article, we discussed the problem that multiple factors affect SpO2 readings, and that some “normal” individuals will have “low‐normal” scores at the threshold of clinical management, without any known respiratory problem. We discuss the potential magnitude of this problem based on the associated literature and consider how this will have an impact on the use of the Oximetry@home services, potentially partially confounding their purpose; to reduce face‐to‐face medical care.
Infracranial versus cranial nonmetric traits and mtDNA data in the study of genetic divergence of human populations
Authors: Movsesian Alla A. , Vagner‐Sapukhina Elena A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAlthough cranial and dental nonmetric traits have proven to be reliable proxies for genetic data, the usefulness of infracranial nonmetric traits as phenetic markers in population affinity studies remains unclear. Our aim was to analyze infracranial and cranial nonmetric trait frequencies in the same samples in comparison with genetic data to determine the value of infracranial nonmetric traits in assessing genetic relationships among populations. We examined the frequencies of 25 cranial and 16 infracranial nonmetric traits in seven adult osteological samples from different regions of northern Eurasia (northern Russians, indigenous populations of Volga–Ural region, Buryats, and Yupik) and the data on mitochondrial DNA polymorphisms in the same ethnic groups. The biological distance between each pair of samples was estimated using the Smith's mean measure of divergence (MMD) for nonmetric traits and Cavalli–Sforza distance measure for mtDNA data. Mantel correlations were calculated between two matrices of mean measures of divergence (MMD) distances, and a multidimensional scaling (MDS) procedure was applied to each matrix. The Mantel test showed a strong correlation between the two nonmetric distance matrices. The three‐dimensional spatial representations of each matrix revealed similar patterns of intergroup differences. On both nonmetric MDS maps, the sample locations roughly reflected the geographic separation of the groups, with the exception of northern Russians, who were grouped with Volga–Ural populations. Comparison of our results with those obtained from genetic data confirmed that both sets of nonmetric traits provide reliable genetic affinities among the samples. The association of northern Russians with the Volga–Ural groups can be explained by their genetic background. Our findings show that infracranial nonmetric traits can be successfully used as phenetic markers to define a population's affinity and divergence, particularly in cases where only infracranial bones are available for study.