bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical course and predictive risk factors for fatal outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors:   the LEOSS Study group, Pilgram Lisa , Eberwein Lukas , Wille Kai , Koehler Felix C. , Stecher Melanie , Rieg Siegbert , Kielstein Jan T. , Jakob Carolin E. M. , Rüthrich Maria , Burst Volker , Prasser Fabian , Borgmann Stefan , Müller Roman-Ulrich , Lanznaster Julia , Isberner Nora , Tometten Lukas , Dolff Sebastian 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Purpose
The ongoing pandemic caused by the novel severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has stressed health systems worldwide. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) seem to be more prone to a severe course of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) due to comorbidities and an altered immune system. The study’s aim was to identify factors predicting mortality among SARS-CoV-2-infected patients with CKD.

Methods
We analyzed 2817 SARS-CoV-2-infected patients enrolled in the Lean European Open Survey on SARS-CoV-2-infected patients and identified 426 patients with pre-existing CKD. Group comparisons were performed via Chi-squared test. Using univariate and multivariable logistic regression, predictive factors for mortality were identified.

Results
Comparative analyses to patients without CKD revealed a higher mortality (140/426, 32.9% versus 354/2391, 14.8%). Higher age could be confirmed as a demographic predictor for mortality in CKD patients (> 85 years compared to 15–65 years, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 6.49, 95% CI 1.27–33.20, p = 0.025). We further identified markedly elevated lactate dehydrogenase (> 2 × upper limit of normal, aOR 23.21, 95% CI 3.66–147.11, p < 0.001), thrombocytopenia (< 120,000/µl, aOR 11.66, 95% CI 2.49–54.70, p = 0.002), anemia (Hb < 10 g/dl, aOR 3.21, 95% CI 1.17–8.82, p = 0.024), and C-reactive protein (≥ 30 mg/l, aOR 3.44, 95% CI 1.13–10.45, p = 0.029) as predictors, while renal replacement therapy was not related to mortality (aOR 1.15, 95% CI 0.68–1.93, p = 0.611).

Conclusion
The identified predictors include routinely measured and universally available parameters. Their assessment might facilitate risk stratification in this highly vulnerable cohort as early as at initial medical evaluation for SARS-CoV-2.
Near Real Time Satellite Event Detection, Characterization, and Operational Assessment Via the Exploitation of Remote Photoacoustic Signatures
Authors: Spurbeck Justin , Jah Moriba K. , Kucharski Daniel , Bennett James C. S. , Webb James G. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCurrent active satellite maneuver detection techniques can resolve maneuvers as quickly as fifteen minutes post maneuver for large Δv when using angles-only optical tracking. Medium to small magnitude burn detection times range from 6 to 24 h or more. Small magnitude burns may be indistinguishable from natural perturbative effects if passive techniques are employed. Utilizing a photoacoustic signature detection scheme can allow for near real time maneuver detection and spacecraft parameter estimation. We define the acquisition of hypertemporal photometric data as photoacoustic sensing because the data can be played back as an acoustic signal. Studying the operational frequency spectra, profile, and aural perception of an active satellite event such as a thruster ignition or any subsystem operation can provide unique signature identifiers that support resident space object characterization efforts. A thruster ignition induces vibrations in a satellite body which can modulate reflected sunlight. If the reflected photon flux is sampled at a sufficient rate, the change in light intensity due to the propulsive event can be detected. Sensing vibrational mode changes allows for a direct timestamp of thruster ignition and shut-off events and thus makes possible the near real time estimation of spacecraft Δv and maneuver type if coupled with active observations immediately post maneuver. This research also investigates the estimation of other impulse related spacecraft parameters such as mass, specific impulse, exhaust velocity, and mass flow rate using impulse-momentum and work-energy methods. Experimental results to date have not yet demonstrated an operator-correlated detection of a propulsive event; however, the application of photoacoustic sensing has exhibited characteristics unique to hypertemporal photometry that are discussed alongside potential improvements to increase the probability of active satellite event detection. Simulations herein suggest that large, potentially destructive modal displacements are required for optical sensor detection and thus more comprehensive vibration modeling and signal-to-noise ratio improvements should be explored.
One year of SARS-CoV-2 and lung ultrasound: what has been learned and future perspectives
Authors: Boccatonda Andrea , Cocco Giulio , Ianniello Eugenia , Montanari Marco , D’Ardes Damiano , Borghi Claudio , Giostra Fabrizio , Copetti Roberto , Schiavone Cosima 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA first screening by ultrasound can be relevant to set a specific diagnostic and therapeutic route for a patient with a COVID-19 infection. The finding of bilateral B-lines and white lung areas with patchy peripheral distribution and sparing areas is the most suggestive ultrasound picture of COVID-19 pneumonia. Failure to detect bilateral interstitial syndrome (A pattern) on ultrasound excludes COVID-19 pneumonia with good diagnostic accuracy, but does not exclude current infection. The use of shared semiotic and reporting schemes allows the comparison and monitoring of the COVID-19 pulmonary involvement over time. This review aims to summarise the main data on pulmonary ultrasound and COVID-19 to provide accurate and relevant information for clinical practice.
Human ACE2-Functionalized Gold “Virus-Trap” Nanostructures for Accurate Capture of SARS-CoV-2 and Single-Virus SERS Detection
Authors: Yang Yong , Peng Yusi , Lin Chenglong , Long Li , Hu Jingying , He Jun , Zeng Hui , Huang Zhengren , Li Zhi-Yuan , Tanemura Masaki , Shi Jianlin , Lombardi John R. , Luo Xiaoying 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe current COVID-19 pandemic urges the extremely sensitive and prompt detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Here, we present a Human Angiotensin-converting-enzyme 2 (ACE2)-functionalized gold “virus traps” nanostructure as an extremely sensitive SERS biosensor, to selectively capture and rapidly detect S-protein expressed coronavirus, such as the current SARS-CoV-2 in the contaminated water, down to the single-virus level. Such a SERS sensor features extraordinary 106-fold virus enrichment originating from high-affinity of ACE2 with S protein as well as “virus-traps” composed of oblique gold nanoneedles, and 109-fold enhancement of Raman signals originating from multi-component SERS effects. Furthermore, the identification standard of virus signals is established by machine-learning and identification techniques, resulting in an especially low detection limit of 80 copies mL−1 for the simulated contaminated water by SARS-CoV-2 virus with complex circumstance as short as 5 min, which is of great significance for achieving real-time monitoring and early warning of coronavirus. Moreover, here-developed method can be used to establish the identification standard for future unknown coronavirus, and immediately enable extremely sensitive and rapid detection of novel virus.
Verschwörungstheorien als argumentative Narrative
Authors: Römer David 
Published: April 2021

ZusammenfassungDer vorliegende Beitrag nimmt die Spezifik verschwörungstheoretischer Erzählungen in den Blick. Insbesondere in Auseinandersetzung mit den Begriffen ›Erzählung‹ und ›Topos‹ sowie im Anschluss an interdisziplinäre Forschungsansätze zu Verschwörungstheorien wird herausgearbeitet, dass Verschwörungstheorien grundsätzlich argumentativ aufgebaut sind. Am Beispiel des Videos »Gates kapert Deutschland!« von Ken Jebsen wird der Zusammenhang zwischen Erzählung und Argumentation in Verschwörungstheorien veranschaulicht.
Playing a Video Game and Learning to Think: What’s the Connection?
Authors: Wells Ashleigh , Mayer Richard E. , Plass Jan L. , Homer Bruce D. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe present study examines whether playing a video game can help improve cognitive skills needed for successful performance on cognitive tasks, such asupdating, which involves continuous monitoring of incoming information that results in rapid addition or deletion of information in working memory. For example, in the n-back task, the participant sees a series of rapidly presented letters on a screen and must press a key each time the current letter is the same as one presented n trials previously (e.g., 3 trials back). Young adults were randomly assigned to playCrushStations(a desktop game the authors designed to teach updating skill) orBookworm(a commercially available word search game used as a control) for 4 30-min sessions spread over 9 days. Consistent with specific transfer theory,CrushStationsplayers improved on performing the target skill in the game context across the four sessions (the highest level achieved). Consistent with specific transfer of general skill theory,CrushStationsplayers outscoredBookwormplayers on a posttest involving accurately performing the target skill in a non-game context (n-back task). In contrast to general transfer theory,CrushStationsplayers did not differ fromBookwormplayers on posttests measuring skills not directly targeted in the game (visuospatial memory task). These results show the benefits of designing educational games in line with the cognitive theory of game-based training (Parong et al., 2020).
Clayey soils from Boulgou (North Cameroon): geotechnical, mineralogical, chemical characteristics and properties of their fired products
Authors: Nzeukou Nzeugang A. , Tsozué D. , Kagonbé Pagna B. , Balo Madi A. , Fankam Deumeni A. , Ngos S. , Nkoumbou C. , Fagel N. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this study, clayey soils are characterized as backfill and potential fusible raw materials for engineering. Geotechnical tests (particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, densities) and chemico-mineralogical analyses (X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared) were carried out on samples collected from field in the locality of Boulgou (North Cameroon) followed by the determination of mechanical properties of fired bricks (850–1200 °C). The excavations carried out have revealed a thick layer of clayey soils (~ 2 to 2.5 m) over a sandy layer. This clay formation presents some stratifications with limited influence variation in terms of mineralogy. Mean grain size distribution is dominated by sand (62–80%), clay (12–25%) and silt (6–9%). It corresponds to silty–clayey soils regarding their methylene blue values (3.3–5.6), with low plastic (13–22%) to high plastic (33%) characteristics. They are classified by USCS as clayey sand/silty clay, while one sample is a poorly graded sand (SP). Clay minerals observed are kaolinite (6–12%), montmorillonite (2–6%) and illite (8–10%). Those parameters associated with their fine nature and high compressibility make them suitable engineering applications for backfill material and barriers. From chemical analyses, relatively high contents in alkali and alkaline earth elements (~ 4 to 6%) to be used as potential fusible raw materials for fired bricks or gres ceramics were revealed. Bricks characteristics are varied: linear shrinkage (0.3 to 9%), bulk density (1.8 to 2.3 g/cm3), water absorption (19.7 to 1.3%) and flexural strength (0.3 to 17.4 MPa). Overall, the requirement for fired brick (< 20%) is met up by the water absorption values. As from 1050 °C, these soils are made suitable for brick-making with good characteristics (metallic sound, good cohesion and flexural strength).
Heavy metals assessment in water, soil, vegetables and their associated health risks via consumption of vegetables, District Kasur, Pakistan
Authors: Ashraf Imtiaz , Ahmad Faizan , Sharif Atif , Altaf Adnan Raza , Teng Haipeng 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe consumption of contaminated vegetables has a great impact on human health. Due to this fact, we conduct the study to estimate the heavy metals in groundwater, soil, and vegetables by using the atomic adsorption spectroscopy (AAS) and find out the health risk using THQ and TCR caused by using these vegetables. The mean concentrations of As (0.015–0.40 mg/L), Cd (0.02–0.029 mg/L), Co (0.31–0.38 mg/L), Cr (1.02–1.09 mg/L), Cu (2.14–2.17 mg/L), and Hg (0.01–0.04 mg/L) are high in groundwater from threshold values given by WHO. The mean concentrations of As (22.17–23.14 mg/kg), Cd (4.21–4.54 mg/kg), Cu (21.24–24.36 mg/kg), and Pb (32.12–33.48 mg/kg) are high in soil samples from threshold values given by WHO. The mean concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Cr, Fe, Hg, and Mn values exceeded the recommended values with concentration ranges: 1.75–4.56, 0.41–0.67, 2.12–3.12, 1.44–4.56, 87.12–135.25, 2.09–2.64, and 33.41–129.32 mg/Kg, respectively. The vegetable sample’s average concentration of heavy metals was in decreasing order cabbage ˃ brinjal ˃ okra ˃ tomato. The EDI values for As, Co, and Hg calculated for both adults and children is high. The target hazard quotients (THQ) for As, Co, and Hg are greater than the threshold value by consuming vegetables, which indicated the health risk for both adults and children. Similarly, HI due to tomato, cabbage, okra, and brinjal’s consumption is ˃ 1, with HI values 8.1975, 15.3077, 8.7312, and 10.2306, respectively. This advised the possible health effect in this area by using these vegetables. Target Cancer risk (TCR) exposed the adverse cancer risk persuaded by As, Cr, and Hg as their values exceeded the normal range by USEPA by consumption of these vegetables. This study concluded that vegetables imply the total health risk on local people, and regular monitoring of heavy metals is strongly suggested in this region.
Suggestion and invention of recipes using bi-directional LSTMs-based frameworks
Authors: Gona Sai Nikhil Rao , Marellapudi Himamsu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractChoosing which recipe to eat and which recipe to avoid isn’t that simple for anyone. It takes strenuous efforts and a lot of time for people to calculate the number of calories and P.H level of the dish. In this paper, we propose an ensemble neural network architecture that suggests recipes based on the taste of the person, P.H level and calorie content of the recipes. We also propose a bi-directional LSTMs-based variational autoencoder for generating new recipes. We have ensembled three bi-directional LSTM-based recurrent neural networks which can classify the recipes based on the taste of the person, P.H level of the recipe and calorie content of the recipe. The proposed model also predicts the taste ratings of the recipes for which we proposed a custom loss function which gave better results than the standard loss functions and the model also predicts the calorie content of the recipes. The bi-directional LSTMs-based variational autoencoder after being trained with the recipes which are fit for the person generates new recipes from the existing recipes. After training and testing the recurrent neural networks and the variational autoencoder, we have tested the model with 20 new recipes and got overwhelming results in the experimentation, the variational autoencoders generated a couple of new recipes, which are healthy to the specific person and will be liked by the specific person.
Lifetime of electrochromic optical transition cycling of ethyl viologen diperchlorate-based electrochromic devices
Authors: Kiefer Logan G. , Robert Christian J. , Sparks Taylor D. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractElectrochromic materials and devices are enabling a variety of advanced technologies. Gel-based organic electrochromic molecules such as ethyl viologen diperchlorate are attractive options due to their simple device design and low cost processing options relative to the more expensive and complex transition metal oxide films. However, electrochromic devices are subject to extensive cycling in which failure and fatigue can eventually occur. This work presents the lifetime cycling performance of ethyl viologen diperchlorate-based electrochromic devices using two different anodic compounds, hydroquinone and ferrocene, which are cycled at different voltages, 3 V and 1.2 V, respectively. Multiple devices are cycled until failure with periodic device characterization via UV–Vis spectroscopy, electrical resistance and power measurement, and transition duration measurement. Devices with hydroquinone can transition quickly. Cycle times are $$\sim$$
∼
30 s in these samples, however, these samples also typically fail before 3000 cycles. On the other hand, devices using ferrocene transition more slowly (total cycle time $$\sim$$
∼
2 min), but have superior cycling performance with all samples surviving beyond 10,000 cycles while complying with ASTM E2141-14 standard.
Optimizing quantum heuristics with meta-learning
Authors: Wilson Max , Stromswold Rachel , Wudarski Filip , Hadfield Stuart , Tubman Norm M. , Rieffel Eleanor G. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractVariational quantum algorithms, a class of quantum heuristics, are promising candidates for the demonstration of useful quantum computation. Finding the best way to amplify the performance of these methods on hardware is an important task. Here, we evaluate the optimization of quantum heuristics with an existing class of techniques called “meta-learners.” We compare the performance of a meta-learner to evolutionary strategies, L-BFGS-B and Nelder-Mead approaches, for two quantum heuristics (quantum alternating operator ansatz and variational quantum eigensolver), on three problems, in three simulation environments. We show that the meta-learner comes near to the global optima more frequently than all other optimizers we tested in a noisy parameter setting environment. We also find that the meta-learner is generally more resistant to noise, for example, seeing a smaller reduction in performance inNoisyandSamplingenvironments, and performs better on average by a “gain” metric than its closest comparable competitor L-BFGS-B. Finally, we present evidence that indicates the meta-learner trained on small problems will generalize to larger problems. These results are an important indication that meta-learning and associated machine learning methods will be integral to the useful application of noisy near-term quantum computers.
Vector field path following of a full-wing solar-powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) landing based on Dubins path: a lesson from multiple landing failures
Authors: Guo A. , Zhou Z. , Wang R. , Zhao X. , Zhu X. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The full-wing solar-powered UAV has a large aspect ratio, special configuration, and excellent aerodynamic performance. This UAV converts solar energy into electrical energy for level flight and storage to improve endurance performance. The UAV only uses a differential throttle for lateral control, and the insufficient control capability during crosswind landing results in a large lateral distance bias and leads to multiple landing failures. This paper analyzes 11 landing failures and finds that a large lateral distance bias at the beginning of the approach and the coupling of base and differential throttle control is the main reason for multiple landing failures. To improve the landing performance, a heading angle-based vector field (VF) method is applied to the straight-line and orbit paths following and two novel 3D Dubins landing paths are proposed to reduce the initial lateral control bias. The results show that the straight-line path simulation exhibits similar phenomenon with the practical failure; the single helical path has the highest lateral control accuracy; the left-arc to left-arc (L-L) path avoids the saturation of the differential throttle; and both paths effectively improve the probability of successful landing.
Corpus Callosum Remodeling in Glioma: Constancy of Fiber Density and Anisotropy in MRI
Authors: Pareek Vikas , Paul Subhadip , Roy Prasun K. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT:Corpus callosum (CC) is the primary fiber system bridging the cerebral hemispheres and is of critical importance for glioma migration which downgrades the prognosis. Here we present the specific pattern of CC restructuring in glioma patients. We probe that the magnetic resonance imaging-based fiber count decrease can be a ready noninvasive indicator of glioma aggressivity and prognosis. We find that to maintain the callosal neural transmission efficiency, the optimum architectural density of white matter fibers remains unchanged, even though there is gross fiber loss. This adaptation occurs by CC’s isotonic restructuration, a protective compensatory behavior for maintaining CC’s optimal functional efficiency despite malignant infiltration.
Hodge decomposition of string topology
Authors: Berest Yuri , Ramadoss Ajay C. , Zhang Yining 
Published: April 2021

AbstractLetXbe a simply connected closed oriented manifold of rationally elliptic homotopy type. We prove that the string topology bracket on the$S^1$-equivariant homology$ {\overline {\text {H}}}_\ast ^{S^1}({\mathcal {L}} X,{\mathbb {Q}}) $of the free loop space ofXpreserves the Hodge decomposition of$ {\overline {\text {H}}}_\ast ^{S^1}({\mathcal {L}} X,{\mathbb {Q}}) $, making it a bigraded Lie algebra. We deduce this result from a general theorem on derived Poisson structures on the universal enveloping algebras of homologically nilpotent finite-dimensional DG Lie algebras. Our theorem settles a conjecture of [7].
Hydrographic shifts south of Australia over the last deglaciation and possible interhemispheric linkages
Authors: Moros Matthias , De Deckker Patrick , Perner Kerstin , Ninnemann Ulysses S. , Wacker Lukas , Telford Richard , Jansen Eystein , Blanz Thomas , Schneider Ralph 
Published: April 2021

AbstractNorthern and southern hemispheric influences—particularly changes in Southern Hemisphere westerly winds (SSW) and Southern Ocean ventilation—triggered the stepwise atmospheric CO2increase that accompanied the last deglaciation. One approach for gaining potential insights into past changes in SWW/CO2upwelling is to reconstruct the positions of the northern oceanic fronts associated with the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Using two deep-sea cores located ~600 km apart off the southern coast of Australia, we detail oceanic changes from ~23 to 6 ka using foraminifer faunal and biomarker alkenone records. Our results indicate a tight coupling between hydrographic and related frontal displacements offshore South Australia (and by analogy, possibly the entire Southern Ocean) and Northern Hemisphere (NH) climate that may help confirm previous hypotheses that the westerlies play a critical role in modulating CO2uptake and release from the Southern Ocean on millennial and potentially even centennial timescales. The intensity and extent of the northward displacements of the Subtropical Front following well-known NH cold events seem to decrease with progressing NH ice sheet deglaciation and parallel a weakening NH temperature response and amplitude of Intertropical Convergence Zone shifts. In addition, an exceptional poleward shift of Southern Hemisphere fronts occurs during the NH Heinrich Stadial 1. This event was likely facilitated by the NH ice maximum and acted as a coup-de-grâce for glacial ocean stratification and its high CO2capacitance. Thus, through its influence on the global atmosphere and on ocean mixing, “excessive” NH glaciation could have triggered its own demise by facilitating the destratification of the glacial ocean CO2state.