bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computational evaluation of a novel beta radiation probe design using integrated circuits
Authors: King Jeremy W. , Shah Manit D. , Marianno Craig M. , Khatri Sunil P. , Chirayath Sunil S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractResearchers at Texas A&M University (TAMU) have designed the radiation integrated circuit (RIC) for deployment as a new radiation detection system. Most integrated circuits are susceptible to radiation-induced failures, and decades of research have gone into solving this problem. Research at TAMU has led to a novel integrated circuit design that utilizes both radiation-hardened areas (RHAs) and radiation-sensitive areas (RSAs) to take advantage of these failures. The RSAs are susceptible to charged particle interactions, allowing the RIC to detect alpha and beta particles. However, beta particles are more penetrating compared to alpha particles, resulting in a lower interaction probability for beta particles incident on a bare RIC. In any material, the higher the beta energy, the deeper the beta particle can penetrate; therefore, the use of a wedge-shaped attenuator for beta particle detection not only increases interaction probability, but also provides the capability to perform maximum beta energy discrimination in the field. The objective of this research was to optimize the design of the RIC. Monte Carlo N-particle radiation transport code (MCNP) simulations assessed the beta particle detection and maximum energy discrimination performance of plate glass, borosilicate (Pyrex®) glass, acrylic (Lucite®), and natural rubber attenuators. In this proof-of-concept analysis, natural rubber was observed to be the optimal attenuating material for the beta probe with respect to maximum energy discrimination capability and weight, but all materials considered proved to be good candidates. The results of this study are promising and indicate the potential to achieve maximum beta particle energy discrimination of 50 keV using a wedged, natural rubber attenuator on the RIC.
Addressing the challenges in projects of water treatment plants and storage of potable water: a case studies of the water supply system in the state of Goiás, Brazil
Authors: de Melo Dores Anne Louise , Corrêa Veloso dos Santos Felipe 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTo elaborate efficient and economical water supply systems is one of the main objectives in the sanitation companies water system projects. In order to address the challenges faced in reaching this objective, this study aims to identify, first, the relation between the percentage of non-conformed samples in treated water and the inefficiency of the filtering units installed in the water treatment plant, and second, if, by drawing the consumption variation curve it is the most efficient way to predict the storage tanks volume—comparing necessary capacity, determined by the consumption curve, and installed capacity, predict by the outdated Brazilian normative. In order to reach answers for these two questions, this study measured the operating efficiency of the treatment plant as well as have set a quantitative comparison between the two dimensioning criteria for storage tanks volume present in the literature. As a result, the analysis provided the authors to detect a focus of contamination in the single-layered filtering units, limited by the filtering capacity of 2–6 m3/(m2 day), whilst operating at 333.13 m3/(m2 day). As well as to detect by the drawing of the consumption variation curve an oversize of 68% and 60% in the dimensioning of the studied storage tanks. With the results provided by this analysis approach, it was possible to efficiently detect and correct critical impairments in the treatment phase and to conclude that a long-term analysis should be drawn in order to affirm if the consumption variation curve is the best design methodology for the reservoirs.
Searching for optimum adsorption curve for metal sorption on soils: comparison of various isotherm models fitted by different error functions
Authors: Sipos Péter 
Published: February 2021

AbstractStudies comparing numerous sorption curve models and different error functions are lacking completely for soil-metal adsorption systems. We aimed to fill this gap by studying several isotherm models and error functions on soil-metal systems with different sorption curve types. The combination of fifteen sorption curve models and seven error functions were studied for Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in competitive systems in four soils with different geochemical properties. Statistical calculations were carried out to compare the results of the minimizing procedures and the fit of the sorption curve models. Although different sorption models and error functions may provide some variation in fitting the models to the experimental data, these differences are mostly not significant statistically. Several sorption models showed very good performances (Brouers-Sotolongo, Sips, Hill, Langmuir-Freundlich) for varying sorption curve types in the studied soil-metal systems, and further models can be suggested for certain sorption curve types. The ERRSQ error function exhibited the lowest error distribution between the experimental data and predicted sorption curves for almost each studied cases. Consequently, their combined use could be suggested for the study of metal sorption in the studied soils. Besides testing more than one sorption isotherm model and error function combination, evaluating the shape of the sorption curve and excluding non-adsorption processes could be advised for reliable data evaluation in soil-metal sorption system.
An Internet of Medical Things System to Increase Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Usage in Patients with Sleep-Disordered Breathing
Authors: Croatti Angelo , Montagna Sara , Lombardi Carolina , Parati Gianfranco , Pengo Martino F. , Silvani Alessandro 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly prevalent sleep disorder associated with increased daytime sleepiness and cardiovascular risk. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), requiring a pressure-generating device connected via tubing to a mask during sleep, is an effective treatment. However, patients’ adherence to CPAP is often suboptimal. Behavioral interventions are effective in improving adherence to CPAP. We aimed to provide proof of principle for the operation of a low-cost, self-standing, internet-based system to measure and promote adherence to CPAP. The system is composed of triaxial acceleration sensors attached to the CPAP mask and to the wrist, able to record CPAP usage information, and a mobile app that collects such information and, thorough a chatbot, feeds back to the patient to improve adherence to treatment. The mask subsystem identifies time periods when the mask is put on based on relatively high values of the ratio between acceleration spectral power at frequencies$$< 0.35$$<0.35Hz vs. 0.35–2 Hz over 1-min windows. Accuracy in identification may be increased taking account of the surges in the standard deviation of wrist accelerations over 1-min windows that accompany putting on and taking off the mask. The whole system can represent a unique tool capable of monitoring and improving patients’ adherence to CPAP treatment. Its main strength lies in its simplicity, low cost, and independence from the specific CPAP device and mask employed.
Vaginal Microbiome Is Associated With Vulvodynia, Vulvar Pain Syndrome: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Park So Yun , Lee Eun Sil , Lee Sa Ra , Kim Sung Hoon , Chae Hee Dong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionVulvodynia, vulvar pain syndrome, is defined as vulvar pain of at least a 3-month duration without a clear identifiable cause, which may have associated factor and the etiology and treatment of this challenging disease is still unclear. Dyspareunia is a relevant symptom of patients with vulvodynia. Vaginal microbiome has known an important role in local immune-inflammatory responses and it may be important pathogenic mechanism in vulvodynia.AimThe objective of this study was to investigate the association of vaginal microbiome and vulvodynia.MethodsWe analyzed the microbial compositions of the vestibule and vagina among women with clinically diagnosed vulvodynia (n = 22) and age-matched healthy controls (n = 22) without vulvodynia. The compositions of bacterial microbiomes were compared by pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA.Main outcome measureVaginal microbiome alpha and beta diversity were assessed using the Shannon diversity index and Heat map. Linear discriminant analysis effect size was used to find out marker for vulvodynia.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the age, duration of marriage, history of gynecologic surgery, parity, and menopause status between cases and controls. A total of 1,661,934 high-quality pyrosequencing reads was obtained to evaluate bacterial diversity, and 50,246 unique sequences represented all phylotypes. The type and mean number of the genera were not different between cases and controls. However, the most predominant phyla of bacteria were significantly different between cases and controls. 3 phyla (Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Tenericutes) and 11 genera including Gardnerella, Ureaplasma, Achromobacter, Mycoplasma, and Bifidobacteria were significantly more prevalent in cases than in controls (P &lt; .05). Linear discriminant analysis effect size analysis suggest the Bifidobacterium, Mycoplasma, and Fenollaria species can be potential markers for vulvodynia.ConclusionOur results suggest the differences in vaginal microbiome can be associated with the vulvodynia.
Access to Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Does Candidate Age Matter?
Authors: Ahmed Ola , Vachharajani Neeta , Chang Su-Hsin , Park Yikyung , Khan Adeel S. , Chapman William C. , Doyle Majella B. 
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND:
Liver transplantation (LT) offers an effective alternative treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite its growing acceptance and longer life expectancy rates, survival data in older patients are conflicting and consensus guidelines are lacking in terms of a cut-off age range for operations.

STUDY DESIGN:
We explored our prospectively maintained institutional database to identify patients diagnosed with HCC between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2019. Long-term oncologic outcomes were analyzed in patients undergoing LT or hepatic resection, with patient age considered as the primary variable.

RESULTS:
In total, 1,629 patients with HCC were identified, of whom 700 were considered for curative operations (LT, n = 538; resection, n = 162). Patients older than 65 years were less likely to be considered for LT (p < 0.01), although there were no age-related differences in the de-listing rate among age groups (p = 0.90). Older patients had overall survival (OS) outcomes comparable with younger patients after LT (3-year OS: 85.5% vs 84%; 5-year OS: 73.9% vs 77%; p = 0.26). Long-term survival was lower in the group who underwent resection, however, older patients still demonstrated equivalent OS outcomes (3-year OS: 59% vs 64.8%; 5-year OS: 44.8% vs 49%; p = 0.13). There were no differences in the development of local or distant metastatic disease between groups.

CONCLUSIONS:
Although older candidates were less likely to be considered for LT in the management of HCC, judicious matching can lead to OS data comparable with their younger counterparts. Previous age misconceptions need to be challenged without the concern of worse long-term oncologic outcomes after surgery.
Penile Length Measurement: Methodological Challenges and Recommendations, a Systematic Review
Authors: Cakir Omer Onur , Pozzi Edoardo , Castiglione Fabio , Alnajjar Hussain M. , Salonia Andrea , Muneer Asif 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundPenile length measurement techniques vary widely in published studies leading to inaccurate and nonstandardized measurements.AimTo review the methodology used to report data in studies evaluating penile length and provide a detailed recommendation in conducting future high-quality research.MethodsThe MEDLINE database was searched for randomized clinical trials and open-label prospective or retrospective studies.OutcomesThe panel reviewed the modality of data reporting on these specific areas: patients’ age and assessment, patient position, type of measurement instrument used, penile length technique description, examination conditions, and actual examiner.RESULTSOverall, 70 studies investigating penile length were selected; among these, 72.85% included at least 50 patients: 16 prospective studies, 5 randomized clinical trials, and 49 retrospective cross-sectional studies. Amongst all studies, 90% reported to measure penile length by health care practitioners in clinical settings. Penile length was assessed in all 70 studies, whereas penile girth was measured in 57.14% of patients. A semi-rigid ruler was the most commonly used measurement aid to assess penile length/girth in 62.86% of studies. Penile measurements were reportedly obtained: (i) stretched state, 60%; (ii) flaccid state only, 52.68%; and (iii) during erection, 27.43%. All studies investigating the penile length in an erect state were simultaneously assessing penile length in the flaccid state. About 90% of studies investigated penile length in adults, whereas 10% were conducted in adolescents.Clinical ImplicationsThe use of shared methodology to assess penile length in both adults and adolescents allows more accurate and standardized measurements.Strength & LimitationsA systematic review of the published literature allowed proper data interpretation in order to provide accurate recommendations. Main limitations of the study relied on a relatively limited number of databases for the identification of potentially eligible studies.CONCLUSIONThe methodology used in studies measuring penile length should be precise and standardized in order to provide accurate data to both clinicians and researchers.
Impact of Assimilation of Satellite Retrieved Ocean Surface Winds on the Tropical Cyclone Simulations Over the North Indian Ocean
Authors: Bhate Jyoti , Munsi Arpita , Kesarkar Amit , Kutty Govindan , Deb Sanjib K. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe study intends to examine the impact of assimilation of ocean surface winds on the simulation of the tropical cyclones Ockhi, Mekunu, and Luban formed over the north Indian Oceans. We have conducted two assimilation experiments, cyclic control (CyclicCntl) and Hybrid, using the Weather Research and Forecast model. The CyclicCntl experiment and Hybrid experiment are the analysis generated without and with adding ocean surface winds, respectively. The ocean surface winds from Ocean Scatterometer, Advanced Scatterometer, and Windsat are assimilated using the ensemble three‐dimensional variational assimilation technique. The analysis generated by Hybrid and CyclicCntl is compared with the ocean surface winds observations from buoys, and it is found that the assimilation of ocean surface winds reduces the root mean square error between observation and analysis for zonal and meridional winds by 2–3 m s−1 (42%) compared to CyclicCntl simulations. The comparison with the International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship locations of cyclones derived from the analyses indicates that track error is maximum in genesis and landfall stage for both the Hybrid and CyclicCntl experiments, and the average track error is less than 80 km for the three cyclones. In a Hybrid experiment, during the intensifications from deep depression to the very severe cyclonic storm, the wind speed enhancement is dominant over the southeast and northwest sectors of the eyewall regions and subsequently in the rainband region. Thus, the assimilation of ocean surface winds from the three sensors improves the prediction of intensity and the evolution of tropical cyclones in general.
Inhibition of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase as a therapeutic strategy for chemoresistant oral squamous cell carcinoma and potential suppression of cancer stemness
Authors: Liu Shao-Cheng , Wu Yang-Che , Huang Chih-Ming , Hsieh Ming-Shou , Huang Ting-Yi , Huang Chin-Sheng , Hsu Tung-Nien , Huang Mao-Suan , Lee Wei-Hwa , Yeh Chi-Tai , Lin Chun-Shu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractLocally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) requires multimodal therapy, including surgery and concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). CCRT-resistant and recurrent cancer has a poor prognosis. We investigated the effects of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) on CCRT-resistant OSCC tissues. The effect of ibrutinib, a first-in-class BTK inhibitor, was tested on stem cell-like OSCC tumorspheres. A tissue array was constructed using tissue samples from 70 patients with OSCC. Human OSCC cell lines, SAS, TW2.6 and HSC-3, were examined. Wound healing, Matrigel invasion, and tumorsphere formation assays, as well as immunofluorescence analysis and flow cytometry, were used to investigate the effects of BTK knockdown (shBTK), ibrutinib, cisplatin, and ibrutinib/cisplatin combination on OSCC cells. We demonstrated that BTK was aberrantly highly expressed in the clinical CCRT-resistant OSCC tissue array, which resulted in poor overall survival in our local Tri-Service General Hospital and freely accessible TCGA OSCC cohorts. shBTK significantly downregulated the stemness markers Nanog, CD133, T cell immunoglobulin-3 (TIM-3), and Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) in SAS tumorspheres and attenuated OSCC cell migration and colony formation. Ibrutinib reduced the number of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)-rich OSCC cells and reduced tumorsphere formation, migration, and invasion in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with ibrutinib or cisplatin monotherapy, the ibrutinib/cisplatin combination significantly reduced the formation of ALDH + OSCC tumorspheres and enhanced apoptosis. These results demonstrate that ibrutinib effectively inhibits the CSCs-like phenotype of OSCC cells through dysregulation of BTK/CD133 signaling. The ibrutinib/cisplatin combination may be considered for future clinical use.
Krebserkrankung und das letzte Lebensjahr: Palliative Leistungen, Krankenhausaufenthalte und Sterbeort
Authors: Blaschke Katja , Hermes-Moll Kerstin , Lappe Veronika , Ihle Peter , Baumann Walter , Schubert Ingrid 
Published: February 2021

Zusammenfassung
Einleitung Palliativ versorgte Patientinnen und Patienten haben zu einem hohen Anteil onkologische Diagnosen. Die spezialisierte ambulante Palliativversorgung (SAPV) richtet sich an Erkrankte mit komplexem Symptomgeschehen und intensivem Betreuungsbedarf und soll eine Betreuung im häuslichen Umfeld bis zum Lebensende ermöglichen. In Hessen wurden ab 2009 die ersten SAPV-Angebote geschaffen. Entsprechend untersucht diese Studie (i) die Inanspruchnahme von SAPV und spezialisierten stationären palliativen Leistungen im letzten Lebensjahr von Krebserkrankten, (ii) die SAPV verordnende Arztgruppe und (iii) den Sterbeort und Krankenhausaufenthalte in den letzten 91 Lebenstagen.
Methoden In der retrospektiven Sekundärdatenanalyse wurden Daten der AOK Hessen für 2009–2014 deskriptiv ausgewertet. Studienpopulation waren an Brust-, Prostata- oder Darmkrebs Erkrankte, die im jeweiligen Beobachtungsjahr (2010–2014) verstarben und 360 Tage vor ihrem Tod durchgängig versichert waren.
Ergebnisse In die Studie konnten je nach Beobachtungsjahr 492–545 Personen mit Brust-, 546–625 mit Prostata- und 709–752 mit Darmkrebs eingeschlossen werden. In allen 3 Gruppen Krebserkrankter stieg zwischen 2010 und 2014 der Anteil mit Inanspruchnahme von mindestens einer Palliativleistung. Die Häufigkeit der Inanspruchnahme von SAPV-Leistungen lag bei den betrachteten Krebserkrankten meist höher im Vergleich zu Palliativstationen bzw. stationären Hospizen. SAPV wurde bei den 3 Krebsdiagnosen zu über 90 % von Hausärztinnen bzw. -ärzten verordnet. Sowohl der Anteil von Personen mit einem Krankenhausaufenthalt in den letzten 91 Lebenstagen als auch der im Krankenhaus Verstorbenen ging von 2010 bis 2014 bei allen 3 Krebsarten zurück.
Schlussfolgerung Die Ergebnisse sind vor dem Hintergrund des Aufbaus der SAPV in Hessen zu bewerten. Die Zunahme an SAPV-Leistungen und der Rückgang an Krankenhauseinweisungen am Lebensende weist auf eine gelungene Etablierung der SAPV in Hessen hin.
Heterogeneity in Bleeding Tendency and Arthropathy Development in Individuals with Hemophilia
Authors: Rehill Aisling M. , McCluskey Seán , O'Donnell James S. , Dockal Michael , Preston Roger J.S. ,   on behalf of the iPATH Study Group
Published: February 2021

AbstractPeople with hemophilia (PWH) have an increased tendency to bleed, often into their joints, causing debilitating joint disease if left untreated. To reduce the incidence of bleeding events, PWH receive prophylactic replacement therapy with recombinant factor VIII (FVIII) or FIX. Bleeding events in PWH are typically proportional to their plasma FVIII or IX levels; however, in many PWH, bleeding tendency and the likelihood of developing arthropathy often varies independently of endogenous factor levels. Consequently, many PWH suffer repeated bleeding events before correct dosing of replacement factor can be established. Diagnostic approaches to define an individual's bleeding tendency remain limited. Multiple modulators of bleeding phenotype in PWH have been proposed, including the type of disease-causing variant, age of onset of bleeding episodes, plasma modifiers of blood coagulation or clot fibrinolysis pathway activity, interindividual differences in platelet reactivity, and endothelial anticoagulant activity. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of established factors modulating bleeding tendency and discuss emerging concepts of additional biological elements that may contribute to variable bleeding tendency in PWH. Finally, we consider how variance in responses to new gene therapies may also necessitate consideration of patient-specific tailoring of treatment. Cumulatively, these studies highlight the need to reconsider the current “one size fits all” approach to treatment regimens for PWH and consider therapies guided by the bleeding phenotype of each individual PWH at the onset of therapy. Further characterization of the biological bases of bleeding heterogeneity in PWH, combined with the development of novel diagnostic assays to identify those factors that modulate bleeding risk in PWH, will be required to meet these aspirations.
Point-of-Care Diagnostic Assays and Novel Preclinical Technologies for Hemostasis and Thrombosis
Authors: Caruso Christina , Lam Wilbur A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHemostasis is a complex wound-healing process involving numerous mechanical and biochemical mechanisms and influenced by many factors including platelets, coagulation factors, and endothelial components. Slight alterations in these mechanisms can lead to either prothrombotic or bleeding consequences, and such hemostatic imbalances can lead to significant clinical consequences with resultant morbidity and mortality. An ideal hemostasis assay would not only address all the unique processes involved in clot formation and resolution but also take place under flow conditions to account for endothelial involvement. Global assays do exist; however, these assays are not flow based. Flow-based assays have been limited secondary to their large blood volume requirements and low throughput, limiting potential clinical applications. Microfluidic-based assays address the aforementioned limitations of both global and flow-based assays by utilizing standardized devices that require low blood volumes, offer reproducible analysis, and have functionality under a range of shear stresses and flow conditions. While still largely confined to the preclinical space, here we aim to discuss these novel technologies and potential clinical implications, particularly in comparison to the current, commercially available point-of-care assays.