bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Where are we and where to go for supportive cancer care in China? A national survey of patients and healthcare providers
Authors: Zhang Xiaotian , Zhou Yiming , Deng Ting , Yuan Xianglin , Xiong Jianping , Lin Yuan , Wang Nanya , Yao Qinghua , Zhu Liming , Li Qiu , Liu Jing , Wang Chang , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Hongyan , Li Yan , Hui Yongfeng , Ren Haipeng , Chen Gongyan , Sun Lingyu , Liu Bo , Lu Zhenqi , Wu Beiwen , Zhang Jun , Ba Yi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This study aimed to make a comprehensive, nationwide survey of supportive care for cancer patients in China. Two sets of questionnaires, one for medical professionals and one for patients, were distributed. Responses were received from 12,686 medical care personnel and 11,172 patients or their family representatives from 34 provinces. It was found that only about one-fourth of caregivers felt they had much knowledge about oncology supportive care, and nearly 10% admitted to having little or no knowledge. Multidisciplinary teams for supportive care were more often available in tertiary hospitals (19.9%) than in non-tertiary hospitals (15.4%) (p < 0.05). Pain was the most common patient concern; however, pain treatment was only the fifth most common therapy administered by health care providers. Patient concerns were more often subjective (pain, economic burden, appearance, and sexual dysfunction), whereas caregiver treatments were more often directed at objective concerns (nutrition and adverse reactions to treatment regimens). Patients reported that they received no guidance or guidance only when they proposed it for psychological (25%), physical exercise (15%), nutrition (40%), or spiritual (40%-65%) needs. We conclude that the concept of supportive care is widely accepted and implemented throughout China. However, gaps exist in caregiver knowledge about supportive oncology care, the use of multidisciplinary teams, especially in non-tertiary hospitals, and the interventions between what caregivers give and what patients subjectively need. Improvements in caregiver education in supportive oncology care and the delivery of care are needed.
Implementing supportive exercise interventions in the colorectal cancer care pathway: a process evaluation of the PREPARE-ABC randomised controlled trial.
Authors: Murdoch Jamie , Varley Anna , McCulloch Jane , Jones Megan , Thomas Laura B. , Clark Allan , Stirling Susan , Turner David , Swart Ann Marie , Dresser Kerry , Howard Gregory , Hernon James , Saxton John 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: A colorectal resection is standard treatment for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the procedure results in significant post-operative mortality and reduced quality of life. Maximising pre-operative cardiopulmonary fitness could improve post-surgical outcomes. PREPARE-ABC is a multi-centre, three-armed, randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of exercise interventions, with motivational support on short and longer-term recovery outcomes in CRC patients undergoing major lower-gastrointestinal surgery. The trial included an internal pilot phase with parallel process evaluation. The aim of the process evaluation was to optimise intervention implementation for the main trial.Methods: Mixed methods process evaluation conducted in 14 UK hospitals between November 2016 and March 2018. Data included a site profile questionnaire and telephone scoping interview with hospital staff, 34 qualitative observations of standard care and 14 observations of intervention delivery, 13 semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals (HCPs) and 28 semi-structured interviews with patients. Data analysis focused on describing intervention delivery within each arm, assessing fidelity, acceptability and how variation in delivery was linked to contextual characteristics.Results: Standard care exercise advice was typically limited to maintaining current activity levels, and with lead-in time to surgery affecting whether any exercise advice was provided. Variation in HCP capacity affected the ability of colorectal units to deploy staff to deliver the intervention. Patients’ exercise history and motivation prior to surgery influenced HCP perceptions and delivery of the motivational components. Observations indicated a high level of fidelity to delivery of the exercise interventions. All but one of the 28 interviewed patients reported increasing exercise levels as a result of receiving the intervention, with most finding them motivational and greatly valuing the enhanced level of social support (versus standard care) provided by staff.Conclusion: Hospital-supervised and home-based exercise interventions were highly acceptable for most patients undergoing surgery for CRC. Delivery of pre- and post-operative exercise within the CRC care pathway is feasible but systematic planning of capacity and resources is required to optimise implementation.
Accuracy and precision of hatchling sea-finding orientation relative to dune proximity in three species of sea turtles
Authors: Hirama Shigetomo , Witherington Blair , Hirsch Sarah , Leone Erin , Carthy Raymond 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Sea turtle hatchlings emerge from nests at night on sand beaches and immediately orient using visual cues. These cues involve horizon brightness, and on beaches without artificial lighting, hatchling orientation is seaward. Although many studies have examined which visual cues influence hatchling orientation, we found no work focused on a comparison of orientation among species. The purpose of the present study was to understand how dune proximity (distance from nest to dune silhouette) comparatively affected hatchling orientation in three sea turtle species sharing the same nesting beach. We measured accuracy and precision of hatchling orientation in hatchling loggerheads (Caretta caretta), green turtles (Chelonia mydas), and leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea), using tracks left in beach sand. Generalized linear models were used to test for effects from nest-dune distance in each species. We found that green turtle hatchlings had better orientation than loggerhead hatchlings. The results also showed that there was a significant decrease in hatchling orientation accuracy and precision in all species as the distance between nests and dune increased. We conclude that dune features are likely to provide important cues for hatchling orientation on sea turtle nesting beaches. Considering the importance of beach dunes to sea-finding success of hatchlings, we recommend management strategies to maintain natural beach profiles on sea turtle nesting beaches.
Detection Spectrum Optimization of Stealth Aircraft Targets From a Space-based Infrared Platform
Authors: Ni Xinyue , Yu Shutian , Su Xiaofeng , Chen Fansheng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Advances in infrared detection techniques require novel spectrum dynamic-modification strategies capable of sensing unprecedentedly low target radiant intensities. A conventional fixed-spectrum detection system cannot satisfy the effective detection of stealth aircraft targets due to complex Earth background clutter and atmospheric attenuation. Therefore, a detection method that can highlight aircraft targets is urgently needed to enhance stealth aircraft detectability. In this research, a spectrum set consisting of different bandwidths associated with a central wavelength is established. Furthermore, a signal-to-noise ratio of the stealth aircraft is computed using the established spectrum set. Finally, the optimal spectrum is selected according to the maximal signal-to-noise ratio from the spectrum set. Our numerical experiments and simulations further demonstrate that the proposed methodology can substantially strengthen the detection performance of stealth aircraft compared with traditional fixed-spectrum detection systems. This work on detection spectrum optimization paves the way to stealth aircraft detection and opens new vistas in the field of target detection technology.
Mendelian randomization analysis of Circulating adiponectin levels on prostate cancer
Authors: Ren Liangliang , Yu Chenhao , Zhou Zhenwei , Li Gonghui 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Previous observational studies showed a conflict with the correlation between circulating adiponectin levels and prostate cancer. Methods: In this study, we employed Mendelian randomization analysis to identify the causal effects between them. 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms were screened from the largest-scale genome-wide association study meta-analysis of adiponectin in a multi-ethnic population. The SNP outcome effects were obtained from Prostate Cancer Association Group to Investigate Cancer Associated Alterations in the Genome and Japanese Encyclopedia of Genetic Associations by Riken. Inverse variance weighted model with random-effects was the main effect estimation in our study, alongside weighted median, MR-Egger, and weighted mode models.Results: The results showed no significant causal estimate but a potential protective effect of adiponectin on prostate cancer. In addition, two other research of adiponectin repeated the analysis to avoid the bias of human species showing the similar results. Conclusion: Our study did not provide significant evidence to support the causal effects of circulating adiponectin levels on prostate cancer, but most of our results showed a potential protective effect requiring larger-scale MR analysis to confirm.
Fusion Energy: On the track of a different philosophy and solution
Authors: Ferro Joao 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
When two (or more) nuclei fuse, to form a heavier element, a known quantity of energy is released. The process seems easy to describe, at least to some degree. Today, technological development on the subject has introduced applications in many areas. Even so, there are some challenges before we can be able to provide energy by an appropriated fusion process: high needs of power, plasma confinement issues, heavy equipment, etc.The present idea intends to show a different view. The author calls, in a broad sense, a conceptual thesis, and it has the natural language as the principal tool. The author either explicitly or implicitly discusses the space-time fabric, double-slit experiment, and other concepts like non-duality. One nanoapparatus draft with the purpose of being in the scope of near future research closes the picture.
Assessment of the effectiveness of the EUROFORGEN NAME and Precision ID Ancestry panel markers for ancestry investigations
Authors: Truelsen Ditte , Tvedebrink Torben , Mogensen Helle Smidt , Farzad Maryam Sharafi , Shan Muhammad Adnan , Morling Niels , Pereira Vania , Børsting Claus 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The EUROFORGEN NAME panel is a second-tier ancestry panel designed to differentiate individuals from the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. The first version of the panel was developed for the MassARRAY® system and included 111 SNPs. Here, a custom AmpliSeq™ EUROFORGEN NAME panel with 102 of the original 111 loci was used to sequence 1,098 individuals from 14 populations from Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, North-East Africa, and South-Central Asia. These samples were also sequenced with the first-tier Precision ID Ancestry Panel. The GenoGeographer software was used to assign the AIM profiles to reference populations and calculate the weight of the evidence as likelihood ratios. The combination of the EUROFORGEN NAME and Precision ID Ancestry panels led to fewer ambiguous assignments, especially for individuals from the Middle East and South-Central Asia. The likelihood ratios showed that North African individuals could be separated from European and Middle Eastern individuals using the Precision ID Ancestry Panel. The separation improved with the addition of the EUROFORGEN NAME panel. The analyses also showed that the separation of Middle Eastern populations from European and South-Central Asian populations was challenging even when both panels were applied.
Formation of Cd x Pb1− x S/Cd1- δ S Thin-Film Two-Phase Compositions by Chemical Bath Deposition: Composition, Structure, and Optical Properties
Authors: Maskaeva L. N. , Vaganova I. V. , Markov V. F. , Voronin V. I. , Lipina O. A. , Mostovshchikova Elena , Belov V. S. , Miroshnikova I. N. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The possibility of forming thin-film two-phase compositions CdxPb1-xS/Cd1-dS by using the chemical bath deposition from aqueous media with adding various cadmium salts has been demonstrated. The crystal structure, chemical composition, morphology, and the band gap were studied by the X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, elemental analysis, Auger and Raman spectroscopy, and diffuse reflectance measurements. The formation of a CdxPb1-xS/Cd1-dS substitutional solid solution phase in well-faceted crystallites on the substrate of an X-ray amorphous CdS phase has been experimentally proved. The found differences in their composition are the result of the effect of the nucleophilicity of the anionic component of the cadmium salt on the kinetics of thiourea decomposition. The results demonstrate the possibility of forming thin-film two-phase compositions or heterostructures on the base of cadmium and lead sulfides in one technological stage by using chemical bath deposition, which can be important for the creation of solar cells.
Obesity and Skin Problems in Persons With a Lower Limb Amputation: An Observational Study
Authors: Mollee Terezka S. , Dijkstra Pieter U. , Dekker Rienk , Geertzen Jan H.B. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: A lower limb amputation can lead to weight gain and obesity. However, data regarding the prevalence of obesity in the Dutch population with a lower limb amputation are lacking. Furthermore, the impact of obesity on skin problems of the residual limb and the need of prosthetic repairs is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity in Dutch persons with a lower limb amputation and to investigate the relationship between body weight, body mass index and skin problems of the residual limb and the frequency of prosthetic repairs. Methods: A survey was performed among adults with a unilateral lower limb amputation due to any cause, and who are user of a prosthesis. The survey consisted of measurement of the subjects’ body height and weight, a questionnaire which assessed self-reported skin problems in the previous month and factors potentially associated with these skin problems, and assessment of the frequency of visits to the orthopedic workshop. Results: In total, 413 persons were enrolled. Of them, 39% (95% confidence interval 35%−44%) was overweight and 28% (95% confidence interval 24%−33%) was obese. A total of 77% (95% confidence interval 73%−81%) reported one or more skin problems in the past month. Body weight and body mass index were neither associated with the presence of skin problems in general nor with the number of prosthetic repairs. Persons with severe skin problems had a slightly lower body mass index (26.6 kg/m2 vs. 28.0 kg/m2, p = 0.012). Persons with skin problems were younger than those without (difference in means 6.0 years (95% confidence interval 3.0−8.9)). Conclusion: Our findings show that obesity is common in the ambulant population with a lower limb amputation, with a prevalence being higher than in the general Dutch adult population. However, its negative impact on the presence of skin problems and the frequency of prosthetic repairs may be limited.
The Predictive Role of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio on Intensive Care Unit Admission and Mortality of COVID-19 Patients in Iran
Authors: Foroughi Peiman , Varshochi Mojtaba , Hassanpour Mehdi , Amini Meisam , Amini Behnam , Nikniaz Zeinab , Amini Hassan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 several studies conducted to identify predictive factors which are associated with prognosis of COVID-19. In this study we aimed to determine whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) could help the clinicians to predict intensive care unit (ICU) admission and mortality of COVID-19 patients. This retrospective cohort study involved examining the medical records of 311 Iranian COVID-19 patients from 22 July 2020 to 22 August 2020. All characteristic data and laboratory results were recorded. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to identify the predictive value of studied parameters for ICU admission and death. Comparison of data revealed that some factors were jointly higher in non-survivors and ICU admitted patients than survivors and non-ICU admitted patients, such as: age, hemoglobin (HB), NLR, derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), PLR, systemic inflammatory index (SII), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Respiratory diseases, ischemic heart disease (IHD). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only hypertension (OR 3.18, P=0.02) is an independent risk factor of death in COVID-19 patients, and also PLR (OR 1.02, P=0.05), hypertension (OR 4.00, P=0.002) and IHD (OR 5.15, P=0.008) were independent risk factor of ICU admission in COVID-19 patients. This study revealed that the NLR, PLR, platelet-to-white blood Cell ratio (PWR), dNLR and SII are valuable factors for predicting ICU admission and mortality of COVID-19 patients.
Pricing of indirect emissions accelerates low-carbon transition of US light vehicle sector
Authors: Wolfram Paul , Weber Stephanie , Gillingham Kenneth , Hertwich Edgar 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Large-scale electric vehicle adoption can greatly reduce emissions from vehicle tailpipes. However, analysts have cautioned that it can come with increased indirect emissions from electricity and battery production that are not commonly regulated by transport policies. We combine integrated energy modeling and life cycle assessment to compare optimal policy scenarios that price emissions at the tailpipe only, versus both tailpipe and indirect emissions. Surprisingly, scenarios that also price indirect emissions exhibit higher, rather than reduced, sales of electric vehicles, while yielding lower cumulative tailpipe and indirect emissions. Expected technological change ensures that emissions from electricity and battery production are more than offset by reduced emissions of gasoline production. Given continued decarbonization of electricity supply, results show that a large-scale adoption of electric vehicles is able to reduce CO2 emissions through more channels than previously expected. Further, carbon pricing of stationary sources will also favor electric vehicles.
Unusual d-electron heavy-fermion behaviour in f-electron ferromagnetic antiperovskite Gd3SnC
Authors: Bang Joonho , Park Jongho , Lee Kimoon , Kim Minsoo , Kyung Wonshik , Denlinger Jonathan , Kim Yeong Kwan , Lee Young Hee , Kim Changyoung , Kim Sung Wng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Inverted structures of common crystal lattices, referred to as antistructures, are rare in nature due to their thermodynamic constraints imposed by the switched cation and anion positions in reference to the original structure. However, a stable antistructure formed with mixed bonding characters of constituent elements in unusual valence states can provide unexpected material properties. Here, we report a heavy-fermion behaviour of ferromagnetic gadolinium lattice in Gd3SnC antiperovskite, contradicting the common belief that ferromagnetic gadolinium cannot be a heavy-fermion system. The specific heat shows an unusually large Sommerfeld coefficient of ~ 1114 mJ⋅mol− 1⋅K− 2 with a logarithmic behaviour of non-Fermi-liquid state. We demonstrate that the heavy-fermion behaviour in the non-Fermi-liquid state appears to arise from the hybridized electronic states of gadolinium 5d-electrons participating in metallic Gd–Gd and covalent Gd–C bonds. These results accentuate unusual chemical bonds in CGd6 octahedra with the dual characters of gadolinium 5d-electrons for the emergence of heavy-fermions.
Integrated Input-Output and Systems Analysis Modelling: The Case of Tunisia.Part 1 - Energy technology Input-Output multipliers
Authors: Howells Mark , Necibi Thameur , Laitner John Skip , Gardumi Francesco , Bock Franziska 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper examines four simple stereotypical electricity-sector investments and estimates selected direct and indirect job impacts. To do so, the analysis focuses on the development of a simple Input-Output model and generic financial descriptions of energy efficiency and renewable energy interventions. These are applied to the Tunisian electricity sector. Sensitivities are developed around the assumptions required to calibrate the resulting financial flows. All aspects of this analysis are open source and drawing from ubiquitously available social accounting matrices, with the aim of increasing their scalability and lowering the threshold of energy-economy modelling. This analysis is used to develop intermediate data for a dynamic systems model as well as to produce selected policy insights. They relate to: the payback period associated with energy efficiency investments; local content; capital intensity; and implications on gas (for power generation) imports. Associated with this are policy recommendations that relate to the choice of new power generation, the scheduling of energy efficiency programs and defining future data needs to better calibrate the analysis of those interventions.
Dropout of Infertility Treatments Among Iranian Infertile Couples: A Cohort Study
Authors: Ghorbani Maryam , Hoseini Fatemeh Sadat , Yunesian Masud , Keramat Afsaneh 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Many infertile couples seek Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) to achieve pregnancy. However, a high proportion of them dropout treatment due to different reasons. In the present study we aimed to evaluate the dropout/continuity rate of infertility treatments and related factors among Iranian couples.Methods: The present retrospective cohort study was conducted on 380 eligible infertile women in four groups (95 people in each group) based on causes of infertility (male, female, unexplained, both) from April 2018 to March 2019 in infertility centers of Qom. The individuals had at least one unsuccessful IVF/ICSI (In Vitro Fertilization/ Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection) or FET (Frozen Embryo Transfer) cycle. Participants were considered as treatment discontinuer if they did not refer to the infertility clinics at least six months after the failure of treatment. The research data were collected using medical records and telephone interviews.Results: Incidence dropout rate of infertility treatments was 42.9%. Related factors in dropout were number of unsuccessful treatments (P<0.001), age of women (p= 0.01), age of men (p= 0.02), and type of infertility (primary or secondary) (p= 0.004). Treatment dropout was higher in couples, who had one experience of unsuccessful treatment (60.1%), than those who had twice or more experiences (21.7%).Conclusions: Dropout rate of infertility treatments was relatively high; and some demographic factors were associated with treatment continuation. It seems that couples, who have primary infertility and one unsuccessful infertility treatment, were at a greater risk of dropout and its consequences. This phenomenon can be due to the lack of awareness and adequate information.