bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A simple numerical method to simulate the flow through filter media: Investigation of different fibre allocation algorithms
Authors: de Luca Xavier Augusto Liliana , Tronville Paolo , Gonçalves José A. S. , Lopes Gabriela C. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractFlow patterns and pressure‐drop through three fine‐fibre air filter media were simulated using the lattice Boltzmann method. The geometry for the flow domain was two‐dimensional, with fibres having truncated log‐normal diameter distributions matching SEM photograph measurements on the actual media. The influence of the strategy in positioning the fibres inside the computational domain on the pressure drop of the filter media was investigated. Two different schemes were proposed to position the fibres into a cross section of the filter medium: a random distribution algorithm and the Mitchell's best candidate algorithm. Furthermore, no‐slip and free‐slip boundary conditions were tested for the fluid‐fibre interaction. The comparison between numerical and experimental data shows that the random allocation of fibres better predicted the filter media behaviour. Simulated data suggest that the free‐slip boundary condition must be used when studying the interaction of the fluid with small fibres similar to the size of the fibres used in this study. This study allowed the development of a simple strategy to estimate the pressure drop of a filter medium by having little information of its physical structure, such as solid fraction and diameter distribution.
Study on the preparation, characterization, and electrocatalytic performance of Gd‐doped PbO2 electrodes
Authors: Diao Yuhan , Wei Feng , Zhang Liman , Yang Yang , Yao Yingwu 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this work, Gd‐doped PbO2 electrodes were prepared by electrodeposition procedure. In the accelerated life test, the service life of Gd‐doped PbO2 electrodes are more stable and durable. Scanning electron microscope and x‐ray diffraction tests reveal that Gd‐doped PbO2 electrodes have more compact structure and finer grain size. Electrochemical measurements and fluorescence experiments show that Gd‐doped PbO2 electrodes have higher oxygen evolution overpotential, a larger electrochemically active surface area, and stronger ability to generate hydroxyl radicals. The electrocatalytic performance of the Gd‐doped PbO2 electrode for the electrochemical degradation of thiamethoxam was studied. The degradation process accorded with pseudo‐first‐order kinetics, with higher thiamethoxam and total organic carbon removal capabilities, as well as higher mineralization current efficiency and lower energy consumption. In the degradation process, it has favourable reusability. The experimental results demonstrate that Gd‐doped PbO2 electrodes have an excellent treatment effect and a wider application prospect in the field of pollutant degradation.
Performance of the coronary calcium score in an outpatient chest pain clinic and strategies for risk stratification
Authors: Huang Weiting , Lim Leon Ming Hsien , Aurangzeb Amirzeb S/O. , Wong Cheney Jianlin , Koh Natalie Si Ya , Huang Zijuan , Teo Hooi Khee , Chua Terrance Siang Jin , Tan Swee Yaw 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundCoronary artery calcium score (CAC) is an objective marker of atherosclerosis. The primary aim is to assess CAC as a risk classifier in stable coronary artery disease (CAD).HypothesisCAC improves CAD risk prediction, compared to conventional risk scoring, even in the absence of cardiovascular risk factor inputs.MethodsOutpatients presenting to a cardiology clinic (n = 3518) were divided into two cohorts: derivation (n = 2344 patients) and validation (n = 1174 patients). Adding logarithmic transformation of CAC, we built two logistic regression models: Model 1 with chest pain history and risk factors and Model 2 including chest pain history only without risk factors simulating patients with undiagnosed comorbidities. The CAD I Consortium Score (CCS) was the conventional reference risk score used. The primary outcome was the presence of coronary artery disease defined as any epicardial artery stenosis≥50% on CT coronary angiogram.ResultsArea under curve (AUC) of CCS in our validation cohort was 0.80. The AUC of Models 1 and 2 were significantly improved at 0.88 (95%CI 0.86–0.91) and 0.87 (95%CI 0.84–0.90), respectively. Integrated discriminant improvement was >15% for both models. At a pre‐specified cut‐off of ≤10% for excluding coronary artery disease, the sensitivity and specificity were 89.3% and 74.7% for Model 1, and 88.1% and 71.8% for Model 2.ConclusionCAC helps improve risk classification in patients with chest pain, even in the absence of prior risk factor screening.
Optimizing resource scheduling based on extended particle swarm optimization in fog computing environments
Authors: Potu Narayana , Jatoth Chandrashekar , Parvataneni Premchand 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCloud computing (CC) allows on‐demand networks to access central computer resources, such as servers, databases, storage, and network services. While clouds can handle enormous amounts of data, they still encounter problems due to insufficient cloud resources. Therefore, another computing model, called fog computing, was introduced. However, the inefficient scheduling of user tasks in fog computing can cause more delays than that in CC. To address the issues of resource utilization, response time, and latency, optimal and efficient techniques are required for the scheduling strategies. In this study, we developed an extended particle swarm optimization (EPSO) algorithm with an extra gradient method to optimize the task scheduling problem in cloud‐fog environments. Our primary aim is to improve the efficiency of resources and minimize the time taken to complete tasks. We conducted extensive experiments on the iFogSim simulator in terms of makespan and total cost. We compared the performance of the proposed EPSO method with that of other traditional techniques, such as ideal PSO and modified PSO; the results demonstrated that EPSO achieved a makespan of 342.53 s. Thus, it can be concluded that the performance of the proposed method is comparable to that of other approaches.
Add‐on effect of PSORI‐CM01 to topical calcipotriol for moderate psoriasis vulgaris: A multi‐center, randomized, double‐blind pilot study
Authors: Parker Shefton , Zhang Anthony Lin , Zhang Claire Shuiqing , Goodman Greg , Wen Zehuai , Yan Yuhong , Yao Danni , Wu Huimei , Deng Hao , Lu Chuanjian , Xue Charlie Changli 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundMild‐moderate psoriasis vulgaris is a common dermatological autoimmune condition with limited conventional therapeutic options. Safe and effective adjunct therapies to topical non‐steroidal antipsoriatic therapy are needed. The oral Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) formula PSORI‐CM01 has been evidenced potential antipsoriatic pharmacological activity. This article reports a pilot study which was designed as a double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effects of PSORI‐CM01 when added to topical calcipotriol cream.MethodsPeople with moderate psoriasis vulgaris were randomized to receive oral PSORI‐CM01 or placebo administered for 12 weeks in combination with calcipotriol. The primary clinical outcome was the change of psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score at week 12 and week 24. Secondary clinical outcomes were PASI75, PASI50, relapse rate, change in body surface area, dermatology life quality index and Skindex29, and adverse events (AEs). Participants’ satisfaction and willingness to repeat were also assessed.ResultsThe pilot study was conducted in Australia and China, 29 participants were randomized with 26 completed the treatment and follow‐up. Participants’ baseline basic characteristics were comparable. No between‐group statistical significance was found on pre‐defined clinical outcome measures, although there seemed a trend of treatment effects favoring the combination of PSORI‐CM01 with calcipotriol. Frequency and severity of AEs were similar between two groups, with no severe AEs reported.ConclusionsThe design and duration of the study appears feasible. A proper powered RCT with slight adjustments in the methods is needed to reveal the add‐on effects of oral CHM PSORI‐CM01. The experience and results from this pilot study will contribute to the refine of objectives and design of a future study, and assist the sample size calculation for the full‐scale RCT.
Diagnostic utility of p16 immunocytochemistry in metastatic cervical lymph nodes in head and neck cancers
Authors: Kapoor Dimple , Handa Uma , Kundu Reetu , Das Arjun 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundHuman papilloma virus (HPV) testing can be useful in work‐up of patients presenting with cervical node metastasis, suspected to be of head and neck origin as HPV positive tumors show better response to therapy. The current study was planned to detect HPV in aspirates from metastatic cervical nodes using p16 immunocytochemistry in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Further correlation of HPV status between node metastasis and primary tumor was done.MethodsThe prospective study included 50 patients diagnosed as metastatic SCC in cervical nodes on fine needle aspiration with either known head and neck primary or primary detected post cytodiagnosis. Immunostaining for p16 was carried out on both smears and tissue sections.ResultsForty‐three patients were male and seven were female. Age of the patients ranged from 35 to 80 years. Primary sites of HNSCC were oropharynx (25), oral cavity (14), and larynx (11). Immunocytochemistry for p16 on smears showed positivity in 28 cases. Immunohistochemistry for p16 in primary tumors was positive in 34. There was substantial agreement between p16 immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry (Kappa value: 0.823). The sensitivity of p16 immunocytochemistry for the detection of HPV in metastatic HNSCC was 82.4% while the specificity was 100%. The positive and negative predictive values were 100% and 72.7%, respectively.ConclusionsP16 immunocytochemistry in HNSCC metastatic to cervical node mirrors the HPV status of the corresponding primary tumor. Hence in tumors of unknown origin presenting as cervical node metastasis, p16 immunocytochemistry can be employed for localization of the primary.
Androgenetic alopecia: Hair transplantation surgery update
Authors: Sanabria Baltazar , Fachini Gabriel H. , Ramos Paulo M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAndrogenetic alopecia is the main cause of hair loss in men and women and it can have a negative impact on quality of life due to decreased self‐esteem. The possibility of restoration of large areas with natural results is making hair transplantation surgery increasingly popular. Since the first surgeries dissecting the follicular units under the microscope, there has been much advancement in hair transplantation surgery in recent decades. In this review, we discuss the main techniques for harvesting follicular units from the donor area and for implantation. When properly indicated, using appropriate techniques and performed by a trained surgeon, hair transplant surgery can lead to excellent results with highly satisfied patients.
Comparing outcomes of diabetic ketoacidosis hospitalisations in patients with diastolic heart failure: A retrospective propensity matched analysis of the nationwide inpatient sample
Authors: Shaka Hafeez , El‐Amir Zain , Aljadah Michael , Wani Farah , Velazquez Genero , Kichloo Asim 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionDiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a known complication of patients with diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of patients admitted with a diagnosis of DKA with, and without, diastolic heart failure (DHF).MethodsThis was a population‐based, retrospective, observational study using data from the National Inpatient Sample database for the years 2016 and 2017. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were rates of sepsis, non‐ST elevation myocardial infarctions (NSTEMI), acute kidney failure, acute respiratory failure (ARF), deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, mean length of hospital stay (LOS) and total hospital charges (THC).ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference for the adjusted odds for in‐hospital mortality between patients with and without DHF (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.28–1.08, p = 0.081). Patients with DKA and DHF had increased odds of developing an NSTEMI (aOR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.01–1.70, p = 0.045) or ARF (aOR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.38–2.40, p < 0.001) during the same admission compared to patients without DHF. Patients with DKA and DHF also had an increased mean THC (6500 CI: 1900–11,200, p = 0.0006) in US dollars and increased LOS (0.7, 95% CI: 0.2–1.3, p = 0.011) in days when compared to patients without DHF.ConclusionsPatients with DKA showed no statistically significant difference in mortality if they did or did not have a secondary diagnosis of DHF within the same admission.
Level and spatial pattern of overstory retention impose trade‐offs for regenerating and retained trees
Authors: Halpern Charles B. , Urgenson Lauren S. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractVariable retention (VR) has been adopted globally as an alternative to more intensive forms of regeneration harvest. By retaining live trees within harvest units, VR seeks balance among the commodity, ecological, and aesthetic values of managed forests. Achieving these multiple, often competing objectives requires an understanding of how level and spatial pattern of retention shape the abundance, growth, and mortality of regenerating and retained trees. Using long‐term (18–19 yr) data from a regional‐scale VR experiment, we explore the individual and interactive effects of retention level (15% vs. 40% of initial basal area) and pattern (dispersed vs. aggregated) on the post‐harvest dynamics of forests of differing structure and seral composition. Level and pattern of retention imposed trade‐offs for the density and growth of regenerating trees (≥0.1 m tall, <5 cm dbh) and ingrowth (trees attaining 5 cm during the study). Greater retention led to greater density of late‐seral regeneration, but lower density of early‐seral ingrowth, and slower growth of late‐seral ingrowth. Dispersed retention enhanced the density of early‐ and late‐seral regeneration (compared to aggregated treatments), but reduced the growth of early‐seral ingrowth. We also observed trade‐offs for retained trees. Lower retention enhanced the growth of smaller trees (<25 cm dbh), particularly in dispersed settings, but reduced the survival of larger trees, which were more susceptible to windthrow. Greater retention reduced the growth, but enhanced the survival of smaller trees. Pattern imposed similar trade‐offs, with dispersed retention enhancing growth, but reducing survival of small trees. Finally, level and pattern resulted in trade‐offs for productivity of regenerating vs. retained‐tree cohorts. Ingrowth productivity was greater at lower retention and in aggregated treatments; retained‐tree productivity was greater at higher retention and in dispersed treatments. Our results provide a unique, long‐term perspective on the sensitivity of tree regeneration, growth, and mortality to key structural elements of VR systems. Strong responses to level and pattern of retention produce trade‐offs for different ecological or resource objectives. Balancing these objectives may require the combined use of aggregates, dispersed retention, and clearings, to mimic the spatial heterogeneity of habitats, physical structures, and resource conditions that are produced by natural disturbances.
Response of lion demography and dynamics to the loss of preferred larger prey
Authors: Vinks Milan A. , Creel Scott , Schuette Paul , Becker Matthew S. , Rosenblatt Elias , Sanguinetti Carolyn , Banda Kambwiri , Goodheart Ben , Young‐Overton Kim , Stevens Xia , Chifunte Clive , Midlane Neil , Simukonda Chuma 
Published: January 2021

AbstractLarge carnivores are experiencing range contraction and population declines globally. Prey depletion due to illegal offtake is considered a major contributor, but the effects of prey depletion on large carnivore demography are rarely tested. We measured African lion density and tested the factors that affect survival using mark–recapture models fit to six years of data from known individuals in Kafue National Park (KNP), Zambia. KNP is affected by prey depletion, particularly for large herbivores that were preferred prey for KNP lions a half‐century ago. This provides a unique opportunity to test whether variables that explain local prey density also affect lion survival. Average lion density within our study area was 3.43 individuals/100 km2 (95% CI, 2.79–4.23), which was much lower than lion density reported for another miombo ecosystem with similar vegetation structure and rainfall that was less affected by prey depletion. Despite this, comparison to other lion populations showed that age‐ and sex‐specific survival rates for KNP lions were generally good, and factors known to correlate with local prey density had small effects on lion survival. In contrast, recruitment of cubs was poor and average pride size was small. In particular, the proportion of the population comprised of second‐year cubs was low, indicating that few cubs are recruited into the subadult age class. Our findings suggest that low recruitment might be a better signal of low prey density than survival. Thus, describing a lion population’s age structure in addition to average pride size may be a simple and effective method of initially evaluating whether a lion population is affected by prey depletion. These dynamics should be evaluated for other lion populations and other large carnivore species. Increased resource protection and reducing the underlying drivers of prey depletion are urgent conservation needs for lions and other large carnivores as their conservation is increasingly threatened by range contraction and population declines.
Invasive Impatiens glandulifera: A driver of changes in native vegetation?
Authors: Bieberich Judith , Müller Stefanie , Feldhaar Heike , Lauerer Marianne 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBiological invasions are one of the major threats to biodiversity worldwide and contribute to changing community patterns and ecosystem processes. However, it is often not obvious whether an invader is the “driver” causing ecosystem changes or a “passenger” which is facilitated by previous ecosystem changes. Causality of the impact can be demonstrated by experimental removal of the invader or introduction into a native community. Using such an experimental approach, we tested whether the impact of the invasive plant Impatiens glandulifera on native vegetation is causal, and whether the impact is habitat‐dependent. We conducted a field study comparing invaded and uninvaded plots with plots from which I. glandulifera was removed and plots where I. glandulifera was planted within two riparian habitats, alder forests and meadows. A negative impact of planting I. glandulifera and a concurrent positive effect of removal on the native vegetation indicated a causal effect of I. glandulifera on total native biomass and growth of Urtica dioica. Species α‐diversity and composition were not affected by I. glandulifera manipulations. Thus, I. glandulifera had a causal but low effect on the native vegetation. The impact depended slightly on habitat as only the effect of I. glandulifera planting on total biomass was slightly stronger in alder forests than meadows. We suggest that I. glandulifera is a “back‐seat driver” of changes, which is facilitated by previous ecosystem changes but is also a driver of further changes. Small restrictions of growth of the planted I. glandulifera and general association of I. glandulifera with disturbances indicate characteristics of a back‐seat driver. For management of I. glandulifera populations, this requires habitat restoration along with removal of the invader.
NGSpeciesID: DNA barcode and amplicon consensus generation from long‐read sequencing data
Authors: Sahlin Kristoffer , Lim Marisa C. W. , Prost Stefan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThird‐generation sequencing technologies, such as Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) and Pacific Biosciences (PacBio), have gained popularity over the last years. These platforms can generate millions of long‐read sequences. This is not only advantageous for genome sequencing projects, but also advantageous for amplicon‐based high‐throughput sequencing experiments, such as DNA barcoding. However, the relatively high error rates associated with these technologies still pose challenges for generating high‐quality consensus sequences. Here, we present NGSpeciesID, a program which can generate highly accurate consensus sequences from long‐read amplicon sequencing technologies, including ONT and PacBio. The tool includes clustering of the reads to help filter out contaminants or reads with high error rates and employs polishing strategies specific to the appropriate sequencing platform. We show that NGSpeciesID produces consensus sequences with improved usability by minimizing preprocessing and software installation and scalability by enabling rapid processing of hundreds to thousands of samples, while maintaining similar consensus accuracy as current pipelines.
Sympatric genome size variation and hybridization of four oak species as determined by flow cytometry genome size variation and hybridization
Authors: Wei GaoMing , Li Xuan , Fang YanMing 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe Quercus species serve as a powerful model for studying introgression in relation to species boundaries and adaptive processes. Coexistence of distant relatives, or lack of coexistence of closely relative oak species, introgression may play a role. In the current study, four closely related oak species were found in Zijinshan, China. We generated a comprehensive genome size (GS) database for 120 individuals of four species using flow cytometry‐based approaches. We examined GS variability within and among the species and hybridization events among the four species. The mean GSs of Q. acutissima, Q. variabilis, Q. fabri, and Q. serrata var. brevipetiolata were estimated to be 1.87, 1.92, 1.97, and 1.97 pg, respectively. The intraspecific and interspecific variations of GS observed among the four oak species indicated adaptation to the environment. Hybridization occurred both within and between the sections. A hybrid offspring was produced from Q. fabri and Q. variabilis, which belonged to different sections. The GS evolutionary pattern for hybrid species was expansion. Hybridization between the sections may be affected by habitat disturbance. This study increases our understanding of the evolution of GS in Quercus and will help establish guidelines for the ecological protection of oak trees.