bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non-invasive electrical cardiometry cardiac output monitoring during prehospital helicopter emergency medical care: a feasibility study
Authors: Slagt Cornelis , Servaas Sjoerd , Ketelaars Rein , van Geffen Geert-Jan , Tacken Marijn Cornelia Theresia , Verrips Corien Alexandra , Baggen Lonneke Ankie Marcel , Scheffer Gert Jan , van Eijk Lucas Theodorus 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Introducing advanced hemodynamic monitoring might be beneficial during Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) care. However, it should not increase the on-scene-time, it should be easy to use and should be non-invasive. The goal of this study was to investigate the feasibility of non-invasive cardiac output measurements by electrical cardiometry (EC) and the quality of the EC signal during pre-hospital care provided by our HEMS.

Methods
A convenience sample of fifty patients who required HEMS assistance were included in this study. Problems with respect to connecting the patient, entering patient characteristics and measuring were inventoried. Quality of EC signal of the measurements was assessed during prehospital helicopter care. We recorded the number of measurements with a signal quality indicator (SQI) ≥ 80 and the number of patients having at least 1 measurement with a SQI ≥ 80. Furthermore, the SQI value distribution of the measurements within each patient was analysed.

Results
In the experience of the attending HEMS caregivers application of the device was easy and did not result in increased duration of on-scene time. Patch adhesion was reported as a concern due to clammy skin in 22% of all cases. 684 measurements were recorded during HEMS care. In 47 (94%) patients at least 1 measurement with an SQI ≥ 80 was registered. Of all recorded measurements 5.8% had an SQI < 40, 11.4% had an SQI 40–59, 14.9% had a SQI between 60 and 79 and 67.8% had SQI ≥ 80.

Conclusion
Cardiac output measurements are feasible during prehospital HEMS care with good quality of the EC signal. Monitoring was easy to use and quick to install. In our view it is an promising candidate for the prehospital setting. Further research is needed to determine its clinical value during clinical decision making.
Exogenous shocks and citizens’ satisfaction with governmental policies: can empirical evidence from the 2008 financial crisis help us understand better the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Venetoklis Takis 
Published: January 2021

AbstractI examine to what extend the financial crisis of 2008 affected levels of individual satisfaction with governments in general and three policy areas in particular; the economy, health services and education. I use data from the European Social Survey (9 rounds, 2002-2018, 14 countries, approx.195000 observations). Running Interrupted Time Series regressions I find that, on aggregate, there was a decrease of satisfaction with the government and the economy immediately after the crisis, but an increase for health and educational services. Longer term, satisfaction gradually increased for all the four indicators examined. In separate regressions for each country, a consistent pattern of behavior emerges. Where the short-term effect on satisfaction was negative, the long-term effect was positive, and vice versa. The switch, from short-term negative to long-term positive effect, could be attributed to the successful efforts of governments to correct the immediate adverse effects of the crisis. On the contrary, some individuals seeing the problems other countries faced, applauded their own government’s short term performance in handling the crisis. With the passing of time however, they gradually became more critical. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced governments to implement policies reviving the economy and improving services in health and the education sectors, amongst others. Results of this study may be used when measuring and evaluating the effects of the current pandemic.
Distinguishing regeneration from degradation in coral ecosystems: the role of value
Authors: Jones Elis 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this paper I argue that the value attributed to coral reefs drives the characterisation of evidence for their regeneration or degradation. I observe that regeneration and degradation depend on an understanding of what an ecosystem looks like when undegraded (a baseline), and that many mutually exclusive baselines can be given for any single case. Consequently, facts about ecological processes are insufficient to usefully and non-arbitrarily characterise changes to ecosystems. By examining how baselines and the value of reefs interact in coral and algal reef examples, I argue that considering the value of an ecosystem is a necessity when describing processes like regeneration and degradation. This connectsvalueas studied in socio-ecological and economic research withvaluesas discussed in the philosophy of science literature. It also explains why such a broad range of processes may be considered regenerative, including those which introduce significant novelty, as well as pointing towards ways to mediate related debates, such as those surrounding novel and ‘pristine’ ecosystems.
Performance-aware programming for intraoperative intensity-based image registration on graphics processing units
Authors: Leong Martin C. W. , Lee Kit-Hang , Kwan Bowen P. Y. , Ng Yui-Lun , Liu Zhiyu , Navab Nassir , Luk Wayne , Kwok Ka-Wai 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Intensity-based image registration has been proven essential in many applications accredited to its unparalleled ability to resolve image misalignments. However, long registration time for image realignment prohibits its use in intra-operative navigation systems. There has been much work on accelerating the registration process by improving the algorithm’s robustness, but the innate computation required by the registration algorithm has been unresolved.

Methods
Intensity-based registration methods involve operations with high arithmetic load and memory access demand, which supposes to be reduced by graphics processing units (GPUs). Although GPUs are widespread and affordable, there is a lack of open-source GPU implementations optimized for non-rigid image registration. This paper demonstrates performance-aware programming techniques, which involves systematic exploitation of GPU features, by implementing the diffeomorphic log-demons algorithm.

Results
By resolving the pinpointed computation bottlenecks on GPU, our implementation of diffeomorphic log-demons on Nvidia GTX Titan X GPU has achieved ~ 95 times speed-up compared to the CPU and registered a 1.3-M voxel image in 286 ms. Even for large 37-M voxel images, our implementation is able to register in 8.56 s, which attained ~ 258 times speed-up. Our solution involves effective employment of GPU computation units, memory, and data bandwidth to resolve computation bottlenecks.

Conclusion
The computation bottlenecks in diffeomorphic log-demons are pinpointed, analyzed, and resolved using various GPU performance-aware programming techniques. The proposed fast computation on basic image operations not only enhances the computation of diffeomorphic log-demons, but is also potentially extended to speed up many other intensity-based approaches. Our implementation is open-source on GitHub at https://bit.ly/2PYZxQz.
MINARO HD: control and evaluation of a handheld, highly dynamic surgical robot
Authors: Vossel Manuel , Müller Meiko , Niesche Annegret , Theisgen Lukas , Radermacher Klaus , de la Fuente Matías 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Current surgical robotic systems are either large serial arms, resulting in higher risks due to their high inertia and no inherent limitations of the working space, or they are bone-mounted, adding substantial additional task steps to the surgical workflow.
The robot presented in this paper has a handy and lightweight design and can be easily held by the surgeon. No rigid fixation to the bone or a cart is necessary. A high-speed tracking camera together with a fast control system ensures the accurate positioning of a burring tool.

Methods
The capabilities of the robotic system to dynamically compensate for unintended motion, either of the robot itself or the patient, was evaluated. Therefore, the step response was analyzed as well as the capability to follow a moving target.

Results
The step response show that the robot can compensate for undesired motions up to 12 Hz in any direction. While following a moving target, a maximum positioning error of 0.5 mm can be obtained with a target motion of up to 18 mm/s.

Conclusion
The requirements regarding dynamic motion compensation, accuracy, and machining speed of unicompartmental knee arthroplasties, for which the robot was optimized, are achieved with the presented robotic system. In particular, the step response results show that the robot is able to compensate for human tremor.
Examining the Spatial Variability of Geosite Assessment and Its Relevance in Geosite Management
Authors: Pál Márton , Albert Gáspár 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAssessment is the initial step for experts on geoheritage and geotourism when designating geosites in a certain area. During this process, geologically interesting outcrops, formations and places are examined with the use of different criteria to see if they are suitable for geoconservation and geotourism purposes. A quantitative assessment method—Modified Geosite Assessment Model (M-GAM)—was applied in the study area, which is part of the Bakony–Balaton UNESCO Global Geopark in Hungary. M-GAM uses a weight factor (importance) that expresses the opinion of geotourists about 27 infrastructural, tourism and scientific indicators. This factor was examined by questionnaires at nine geosites in the area. At each site, we determined a unique importance value, which shows significant difference from site-to-site and reflects the opinions of visitors about the geosite. The M-GAM method is originally aimed at applying a common weight on each of the 27 criteria during the assessment of selected sites. While this approach is valid, we demonstrated that the method can be extended because the weights spatially vary and can be used to draw conclusions on geosite management. Practically, the evaluation of the factors obtained in this way offers an individual development plan for every site. The current state of improvement direction, the level of communication and the interpretability of the geo-objects can also be determined. In this way, we can get a more realistic development strategy for the geosites.
Sustainable development and enhancement of cracking processes using metallic composites
Authors: Olaremu Abimbola G. , Adedoyin Williams R. , Ore Odunayo T. , Adeola Adedapo O. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMetallic composites represent a vital class of materials that has gained increased attention in crude oil processing as well as the production of biofuel from other sources in recent times. Several catalytic materials have been reported in the literature for catalytic cracking, particularly, of crude oil. This review seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of existing and emerging methods/technologies such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), metal–matrix composites (MMCs), and catalytic support materials, to bridge information gaps toward sustainable advancement in catalysis for petrochemical processes. There is an increase in industrial and environmental concern emanating from the sulphur levels of oils, hence the need to develop more efficient catalysts in the hydrotreatment (HDS and HDN) processes, and combating the challenge of catalyst poisoning and deactivation; in a bid to improving the overall quality of oils and sustainable use of catalyst. Structural improvement, high thermal stability, enhanced cracking potential, and environmental sustainability represent the various benefits accrued to the use of metallic composites as opposed to conventional catalysts employed in catalytic cracking processes.
Different induction of biogenic amine accumulation during cold acclimation in Triticeae genotypes with varying freezing tolerance
Authors: Asghar Muhammad Ahsan , Mednyánszky Zsuzsa , Simon-Sarkadi Livia , Kocsy Gábor 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe appropriate timing of the accumulation of biogenic amines is very important during cold acclimation due to their direct protective role and their involvement in the signaling processes. The time course of changes in the amount of six of them was compared during a 3-week acclimation period in a freezing tolerant and a sensitive genotype of rye, barley and wheat. In general, a greater and faster cold-induced increase in biogenic amine content was observed in the tolerant genotypes of the three species compared to the sensitive ones. This change was very quick in the case of putrescine, spermidine and cadaverine reaching a maximum after three days in the freezing-tolerant rye genotype. There was a continuous increase in the spermine and tyramine contents during the whole acclimation period in the tolerant wheat genotype while nearly constant levels were detected in the sensitive one. The amount of these two amines exhibited a positive correlation with the level of freezing tolerance in each of the five sampling points. Based on the correlations, a coordinated adjustment of the level of the six studied biogenic amines occurred during the acclimation period which could contribute to the efficient adaptation to cold. In addition, the earlier induction of the biogenic amine accumulation in the freezing tolerant genotypes may contribute to their better cold acclimation.
Trends and Transport Variability of the Circulation in the Subpolar Eastern North Atlantic
Authors: Nowitzki Hannah , Rhein Monika , Roessler Achim , Kieke Dagmar , Mertens Christian 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe North Atlantic Current is the major pathway for warm and saline water from the subtropics into the subpolar North Atlantic. Its main branch crosses 47°/48°N in the western North Atlantic basin and further north the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge (MAR) before entering the eastern subpolar basin where it partly feeds the subpolar gyre. To quantify the meridional exchange of water between the subtropical and subpolar regime in the interior eastern North Atlantic, long‐term (1993–2017) transport time series were calculated by combining data from inverted echo sounders taken in 2016–2017 with the dynamic topography from satellite altimetry. The data reveal an additional more direct pathway from the south across 47°/48°N with a mean northward transport of 9.1 Sv ± 0.8 Sv contributing about 22% to the total inflow of 41.4 Sv into the eastern subpolar basin. The transport time series of this pathway is significantly anticorrelated to the zonal transport across the MAR (R = −0.7), damping the interannual variability of the total transport into the subpolar eastern North Atlantic. Moreover, for the meridional transport in the interior eastern basin, a positive trend of 2.0 Sv ± 1.5 Sv per decade is found, partly balancing the negative decadal trend of −6.0 Sv ± 5.7 Sv observed in the interior western basin.
Satellite Observations of the Tropical Terrestrial Carbon Balance and Interactions With the Water Cycle During the 21st Century
Authors: Worden John , Saatchi Sassan , Keller Michael , Bloom A. Anthony , Liu Junjie , Parazoo Nicholas , Fisher Joshua B. , Bowman Kevin , Reager John T. , Fahy Kristen , Schimel David , Fu Rong , Worden Sarah , Yin Yi , Gentine Pierre , Konings Alexandra G. , Quetin Gregory R. , Williams Mathew , Worden Helen , Shi Mingjie , Barkhordarian Armineh 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA constellation of satellites is now in orbit providing information about terrestrial carbon and water storage and fluxes. These combined observations show that the tropical biosphere has changed significantly in the last 2 decades from the combined effects of climate variability and land use. Large areas of forest have been cleared in both wet and dry forests, increasing the source of carbon to the atmosphere. Concomitantly, tropical fire emissions have declined, at least until 2016, from changes in land‐use practices and rainfall, increasing the net carbon sink. Measurements of carbon stocks and fluxes from disturbance and recovery and of vegetation photosynthesis show significant regional variability of net biosphere exchange and gross primary productivity across the tropics and are tied to seasonal and interannual changes in water fluxes and storage. Comparison of satellite based estimates of evapotranspiration, photosynthesis, and the deuterium content of water vapor with patterns of total water storage and rainfall demonstrate the presence of vegetation‐atmosphere interactions and feedback mechanisms across tropical forests. However, these observations of stocks, fluxes and inferred interactions between them do not point unambiguously to either positive or negative feedbacks in carbon and water exchanges. These ambiguities highlight the need for assimilation of these new measurements with Earth System models for a consistent assessment of process interactions, along with focused field campaigns that integrate ground, aircraft and satellite measurements, to quantify the controlling carbon and water processes and their feedback mechanisms.
Research progress of ghrelin on cardiovascular disease
Authors: Yuan Ming-Jie , Li Wei , Zhong Peng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGhrelin, a 28-aminoacid peptide, was isolated from the human and rat stomach and identified in 1999 as an endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue-receptor (GHS-R). In addition to stimulating appetite and regulating energy balance, ghrelin and its receptor GHS-R1a have a direct effect on the cardiovascular system. In recent years, it has been shown that ghrelin exerts cardioprotective effects, including the modulation of sympathetic activity and hypertension, enhancement of the vascular activity and angiogenesis, inhibition of arrhythmias, reduction in heart failure and inhibition of cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). The cardiovascular protective effect of ghrelin may be associated with anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, inhibited sympathetic nerve activation, regulated autophagy, and endothelial dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of ghrelin on the cardiovascular system have not been fully elucidated, and no specific therapeutic agent has been established. It is important to further explore the pharmacological potential of ghrelin pathway modulation for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
The long noncoding RNA KTN1-AS1 promotes bladder cancer tumorigenesis via KTN1 cis-activation and the consequent initiation of Rho GTPase-mediated signaling
Authors: Hu Xueying , Xiang Liang , He Dong , Zhu Rongrong , Fang Jianing , Wang Zhanwang , Cao Ke 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Accumulating evidence support the hypothesis that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in several physiological and pathological conditions, including cancer. Here, we investigated the potential role of lncRNAs in bladder cancer.
Methods: We first looked at available datasets retrieved from the TCGA database and discovered that the lncRNA KTN 1 antisense RNA 1 (KTN1-AS1) was significantly up-regulated in several cancer types including bladder cancer, but was decreased in some other tumors. Therefore, we focused our attention on KTN1-AS1. Using both in vitro and in vivo systems that allowed the modulation of KTN1-AS1 and expression of other relevant proteins, we investigated in-depth the role of KTN1-AS1 in bladder cancer (and the mechanism behind). We further investigated the potential KTN1-AS1-interacting proteins using RNA immunoprecipitation, and explored the KTN1-AS1-related epigenetic landscape (with a particular emphasis on acetylation) using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays.
Results: KTN1-AS1 silencing inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of bladder cancer cells, while KTN1-AS1 overexpression had the obvious opposite effects. Mechanistically, KTN1-AS1 promoted the recruitment of EP300, a histone acetyltransferase that enriched acetylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27Ac) in the KTN1 promoter region. This epigenetic modulation contributed to the up-regulation of KTN1, which affected bladder cancer growth and progression via the regulation of Rho GTPase (RAC1, RHOA, and CDC42)-mediated signaling.
Conclusion: Overall, our data support the idea that the lncRNA KTN1-AS1 promotes bladder cancer tumorigenesis via modulation of the KTN1/Rho GTPase axis and is a promising new therapeutic target for the treatment of bladder cancer.
Host cell glutamine metabolism as a potential antiviral target
Authors: Hirabara Sandro Massao , Gorjao Renata , Levada-Pires Adriana Cristina , Masi Laureane Nunes , Hatanaka Elaine , Cury-Boaventura Maria Fernanda , da Silva Eliane Borges , Santos-Oliveira Laiane Cristina dos , Sousa Diniz Vinicius Leonardo , Serdan Tamires Afonso Duarte , de Oliveira Vivian Araujo Barbosa , de Souza Diego Ribeiro , Gritte Raquel Bragante , Souza-Siqueira Talita , Zambonatto Raquel Freitas , Pithon-Curi Tania Cristina , Bazotte Roberto Barbosa , Newsholme Philip , Curi Rui 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
A virus minimally contains a nucleic acid genome packaged by a protein coat. The genome and capsid together are known as the nucleocapsid, which has an envelope containing a lipid bilayer (mainly phospholipids) originating from host cell membranes. The viral envelope has transmembrane proteins that are usually glycoproteins. The proteins in the envelope bind to host cell receptors, promoting membrane fusion and viral entry into the cell. Virus-infected host cells exhibit marked increases in glutamine utilization and metabolism. Glutamine metabolism generates ATP and precursors for the synthesis of macromolecules to assemble progeny viruses. Some compounds derived from glutamine are used in the synthesis of purines and pyrimidines. These latter compounds are precursors for the synthesis of nucleotides. Inhibitors of glutamine transport and metabolism are potential candidate antiviral drugs. Glutamine is also an essential nutrient for the functions of leukocytes (lymphocyte, macrophage, and neutrophil), including those in virus-infected patients. The increased glutamine requirement for immune cell functions occurs concomitantly with the high glutamine utilization by host cells in virus-infected patients. The development of antiviral drugs that target glutamine metabolism must then be specifically directed at virus-infected host cells to avoid negative effects on immune functions. Therefore, the aim of this review was to describe the landscape of cellular glutamine metabolism to search for potential candidates to inhibit glutamine transport or glutamine metabolism.