bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An efficient multicriteria‐based vertical handover decision‐making algorithm for heterogeneous networks
Authors: Satapathy Pratyashi , Mahapatro Judhistir 
Published: November 2021

AbstractHeterogeneous networks are designed to offload or route some of data traffics of mobile networks through other co‐located wireless access networks. This technique apparently increases the capacity of mobile network. In such networks, a vertical handover process plays an important role in providing seamless and uninterrupted connectivity as well as the required level of quality‐of‐service along with a wide coverage for all mobile nodes. Traditional vertical handover algorithms that are based on single criterion (eg, received signal strength) are not performing well in terms of excess handover rates, ping‐pong effects, handover delays, handover cost, etc. This research presents an efficient multicriteria‐based vertical handover decision‐making algorithm for heterogeneous networks. This algorithm uses a two‐step execution procedure, the first step evaluates whether the handover is needed or not before initiating a handover process, if needed, then a set of feasible solutions are generated for the vertical handover problem formulated as a multi‐objective optimization problem with two objective functions such asquality factor of networksandhandover processing cost. In the second step, an optimal solution (ie, an appropriate access network) for handover is obtained using a hybrid approach of fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). Our simulation study shows that the proposed algorithm performs well as compared to some other existing algorithms (ie, single‐criterion based, multicriteria with AHP, multicriteria with TOPSIS, and multicriteria with both AHP and TOPSIS) in terms of performance metrics such as handover rate, delay, cost, and energy consumption.
Rare case of a patient with testicular torsion complicated by acute pneumonia, requiring emergency surgery, during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Arai Masahiro , Okada Yohei , Takeshita Hideki , Tachibana Kojiro , Kagawa Makoto , Nakayama Takayuki , Yano Akihiro , Morozumi Makoto , Kawakami Satoru 
Published: November 2021

IntroductionThe COVID‐19 pandemic has been causing delay in patient arrival at hospital and starting surgery. We report a delay in a case of testicular torsion complicated by acute pneumonia during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Japan.Case presentationA 17‐year‐old Japanese boy presented to our emergency room with acute left scrotum pain and fever in January 2021. It took 2.5 h to transfer him. Physical examination and color Doppler ultrasonography revealed left testicular torsion. Chest computed tomography indicated acute pneumonia. He successfully underwent surgical detorsion 7.5 h after symptom onset, with COVID‐19 preventive measures in place. A negative polymerase chain reaction test result for COVID‐19 was revealed after surgery.ConclusionWe experienced a rare case of testicular torsion complicated by acute pneumonia during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Special attention should be paid to preventing infection and surgery delay to avoid testicular loss.
CircSamd4: A novel biomarker for predicting vascular calcification
Authors: Zhou Yuting , Liu Yehong , Xuan Shiyi , Jin Tianhui , Chen Ke , Wu Zufei , Su Wentao , Chen Liang , Zong Gangjun 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundVascular calcification (VC) is usually associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which are one of the main causes of mortality in the world. This study aimed to analyze the expression of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in patients with VC and to evaluate biomarkers for the diagnosis of VC.MethodsCalcified human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) and the calcification in mouse aorta were detected by qRT‐PCR. Subsequently, this was verified in the plasma of patients with coronary artery calcification (CAC). The plasma of 40 patients in the control group and 31 patients in the calcified group were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) to detect the level of circSamd4a in the blood. The diagnostic value was evaluated by logistic regression analysis and the working characteristics of subjects.ResultsIn the HAECs, the qRT‐PCR showed a significant decrease in the level of circSamd4a expression in the calcification group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The calcified mouse aorta showed the same trend for circSamd4a expression, wherein the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05); the expression of circSamd4a was significantly downregulated in the plasma of patients with VC (p < 0.01). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of circSamd4a in patients with VC and control group showed that the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.707–0.913; p < 0.001).ConclusionCircSamd4a showed a stable downward trend in different specimens, and had significant advantages as a biomarker for diagnosis of VC.
Clinical efficacy and adverse events of baricitinib treatment for coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19): A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lin Zhiwei , Niu Jianyi , Xu Yifan , Qin Lijie , Ding Jiabin , Zhou Luqian 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe benefits of baricitinib in coronavirus disease‐2019 are inadequately defined. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies of baricitinib to determine its clinical efficacy and adverse events in patients with COVID‐19. Databases were searched from their inception to September 5, 2021. The primary outcome was the coefficient of mortality. We also compared secondary indicators and adverse events between baricitinib treatment and placebo or other treatments. Twelve studies of 3564 patients were included and assessed qualitatively (modified Jadad and Newcastle–Ottawa Scale scores). Baricitinib effectively improved the mortality rate (relative risk of mortality = 0.56; 95% confidence interval: 0.46–0.69; p < 0.001; I2 = 2%), and this result was unchanged by subgroup analysis. Baricitinib improved intensive care unit admission, the requirement for invasive mechanical ventilation, and improved the oxygenation index. Data from these studies also showed that baricitinib slightly reduced the risk of adverse events. Regarding the choice of the drug dosage of baricitinib, the high‐dose group appeared to have additional benefits for clinical efficacy. Our study shows that baricitinib may be a promising, safe, and effective anti‐severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus‐2 drug candidate, with the advantages of low cost, easy production, and convenient storage.
Temporal evolution of relationships between temperature and circulation modes in five reanalyses
Authors: Hynčica Martin , Huth Radan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTemporal evolution of relationships between surface temperature and modes of low‐frequency circulation variability is compared between five reanalyses (20CRv3, 20CRv2c, ERA‐20C, JRA‐55, and NCEP‐1) in winter from 1958 to 2010 over the northern Extratropics. The relationships are evaluated using 15‐year running correlations between temperature anomalies (from the CRU TS v. 4.03 data set) and the intensity of circulation modes (detected in 500 hPa heights by rotated principal component analysis). The analysis, utilizing mean absolute differences between time series of running correlations, points to the large agreement between ERA‐20C, JRA‐55, and NCEP‐1. Circulation modes in those reanalyses are highly similar, which in turn lead to the agreement in temporal development of correlations. In contrast, relationships of some circulation modes with temperature in 20CRv3 and 20CRv2c differ due to differences in the position, strength, and shape of the action centres. This concerns circulation modes located over Eurasia and the Atlantic, mainly North Atlantic Oscillation and Eurasian mode type 1 (EU1). Composite maps, calculated for all running periods, indicate dissimilar temporal evolution of action centres in both 20CR reanalyses. Increased differences in correlations occur mainly during periods when the position and strength of action centres diverge the most. Relationships of circulation modes located over North America and the Pacific with temperature share large resemblance between all reanalyses, including those from the 20CR family. Differences appear to be smaller in 20CRv3 compared to the preceding version, 20CRv2(c), suggesting that the development of the 20CR reanalysis has succeeded in correcting and diminishing biases.
Optimization of the extraction process of flavonoids from Trollius ledebouri with natural deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Zuo Jiale , Ma Peirong , Geng Shuqin , Kong Yangzhi , Li Xiang , Fan Zhaosheng , Zhang Yanling , Dong Alideertu , Zhou Qun 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn recent years, natural deep eutectic solvents have been favored greatly due to their environment friendly, mild biological toxicity and simple biodegradability. Natural deep eutectic solvents gradually applied for the extracting bioactive compounds from natural products efficiently. In this study, 20 natural deep eutectic solvents were prepared and their physical and chemical properties were tested. The ultrasonic‐assisted extraction method was used to extract flavonoids from Trollius ledebouri and high‐performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet was applied to examine two main bioactive flavonoids (orientin and vitexin). Compared with traditional solvents (water and 60% ethanol solution), natural deep eutectic solvents composed of L(‐)‐proline and levulinic acid (molar ratio 1:2) show a super extraction efficiency. On this basis, the response surface method was used to optimize the extraction temperature, extraction time, water contents, and solid–liquid ratio. As a consequence, the extraction temperature 60℃, extraction time 18 min, water content 14% (v/v), and the solid–liquid ratio 48 mL·g−1 were chosen as the best extraction process. This study shows that natural deep eutectic solvents can effectively extract flavonoids from T. ledebouri, laying a foundation for the further application of natural deep eutectic solvents to extract bioactive compounds from natural products.
Coastal wetland responses to a century of climate change in northern Sahara, Morocco
Authors: Nogueira Juliana , Evangelista Heitor , Bouchaou Lhoussaine , Moreira Luciane , Sifeddine Abdelfettah , ElMouden Ahmed , Msanda Fouad , Caquineau Sandrine , Briceño‐Zuluaga Francisco Javier , Licínio Marcus Vinicius , Mandeng‐Yogo Magloire , Mendez‐Millan Mercedes , Cordeiro Renato C. , Knoppers Bastiaan , Moreira‐Ramírez Manuel , Martins Renato 
Published: November 2021

AbstractCoastal wetlands are highly sensitive to changes occurring at the coastline. It is critically important to determine region‐specific projections for these areas due to their specificities and vulnerabilities to climate change. This work aimed to value the impacts of recent climate changes at West Africa Sahara coastland, southern Morocco, at Khnifiss Lagoon. We have applied a combined approach using remote sensing techniques and environmental reconstructions based on high‐resolution analysis of sediment cores, covering the current warm period. Remote sensing highlighted changes to the lagoon inlet, accompanied by a greater meandering character of the tidal channels. As a response, the sediment cores have recorded a predominant vegetation substitution due to changes in the tidal limit, and an increase in organic carbon accumulation was observed. For the current climatology, during positive phases of the North Atlantic Oscillation, winds reaching the coast strengthen in an east‐to‐west direction. In the Khnifiss Lagoon, whose inlet is dominated by the ebb tide, the intensity and direction of the winds on the coast at surface level modifies its connection to the ocean by increasing sediment transport toward the interior of the lagoon. Locally biological responses to wind intensification, and possibly sea‐level rise, exemplify the lagoon sensitivity to large‐scale processes. Coastal vegetated wetlands are considered to be highly dynamic environments. However, we expect a loss of the upper tidal vegetation due to boundary conditions limiting the accommodation space in this arid environment in a possible future scenario of continuously inland tidal line displacement.
Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis lkm512 Attenuates Obesity‐Associated Inflammation and Insulin Resistance Through the Modification of Gut Microbiota in High‐Fat Diet‐Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Ma Lingyan , Zheng Aqian , Ni Liyang , Wu Lianxin , Hu Luting , Zhao Yufeng , Fu Zhengwei , Ni Yinhua 
Published: November 2021

ScopeThe impacts of longevity‐promoting probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis LKM512 (LKM512) on metabolic disease remain unclear. Here, the authors aim to explore the potential of LKM512 on the host physiological function and gut microbiota in high‐fat diet‐induced obese mice.Methods and ResultsLKM512 are orally administrated for 12 weeks, and the effects of LKM 512 on systemic inflammation and insulin resistance, as well as gut microbiota, are investigated in high‐fat (HF) diet‐induced obese mice. LKM512 supplementation ameliorates hepatic lipid accumulation, attenuates hepatic and adipose tissue inflammation, and improves intestinal barrier function. These results are associated with improved insulin sensitivity and metabolic endotoxemia. Furthermore, the colonization of LKM512 induces an increase in polyamine metabolism and production, together with significant alternations in the composition and function of gut microbiota in obese mice, which are correlated with these improved metabolic phenotypes in the host.ConclusionThe probiotic strain LKM512 may become a promising strategy to improve obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Sperm acrosome status before and during fertilization in the Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus), and observation of oviductal vesicles and globules
Authors: Tateno Hiroyuki , Tamura‐Nakano Miwa , Kusakabe Hirokazu , Hirohashi Noritaka , Kawano Natsuko , Yanagimachi Ryuzo 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe present study was conducted to determine exact location where the acrosome reaction of fertilizing spermatozoa begins in the oviduct of the Chinese hamster. Unlike spermatozoa of other rodent species, Chinese hamster spermatozoa did not spontaneously undergo the acrosome reaction in fertilization‐supporting media. In naturally mated females, spermatozoa in the uterus had intact acrosomes, whereas those in the lower oviductal isthmus had visibly thin acrosomal caps. The acrosomal cap was lost when spermatozoa passed through the cumulus oophorus. Thus, Chinese hamster spermatozoa begin the acrosome reaction in the lower isthmus and complete it in the cumulus oophorus. The mucosal epithelium of the oviductal isthmus released many “transparent” vesicles into the lumen, was very fragile and readily sloughed off by rough handling or rapid flushing with medium. Globular materials that oozed out of the dissected oviduct were most likely mucosa cells destroyed by rough handling. Although the oviducts of Chinese hamsters may be exceptionally delicate, this observation nevertheless warns us to cautiously handle the oviducts of any species when studying oviduct secretions that could be involved in inducing capacitation and the acrosome reaction of spermatozoa within the female genital tract.
Three‐dimensional spline scaled boundary finite elements with high‐order completeness
Authors: Li Chong‐Jun , Jia Yan‐Mei , Zhang Ying , Chen Juan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we construct two three‐dimensional (3D) scaled boundary finite elements (SBFEM) combined with the quadratic and cubic quadrilateral spline elements, which possess the second‐ and third‐order completeness in Cartesian coordinates, respectively. The two‐dimensional quadrilateral spline elements have the same nodes as the Serendipity elements, and the accuracy can be comparable with the Lagrange elements. The surface elements in the 3D SBFEM adopt the two‐dimensional quadrilateral spline elements in the B‐net form. Then the computation of derivatives, integrals, and products of the element shape functions in the SBFEM can be significantly simplified by using the Bézier coefficients. Moreover, no mapping or coordinate transformation is required when using the spline elements as the surface elements. This paper gives two algorithms for the implementation of the SBFEM. The numerical results show that the proposed spline scaled boundary finite elements have high‐order completeness and good precision with fewer nodes.
Carbon nanomaterials as additives to ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer foams for sport footwear applications
Authors: Lunchev Andrey V. , Tham Shi Cheng , Lipik Vitali , Tok Alfred ling Yoong 
Published: November 2021

AbstractEthylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer foams with addition of 1.0, 2.5, and 5 wt% of carbon nanomaterials (graphene, graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, and multiwalled carbon nanotubes) were fabricated. Properties of these foams were compared with reference sample (no additives) and samples containing carbon black. The following properties of these samples were examined: density, compressive stress (50% compression), impact behavior, thermal conductivity, and hydrophobicity. The morphology was studied using scanning electron microscopy. The samples were additionally characterized using thermal gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Increasing weight percentage of carbon‐based additives led to foam structure with lower porosity and higher density. Samples with a higher degree of cross‐linking were less dense (~10%) as compared to the reference sample and also displayed better mechanical and thermal properties. Increasing weight percentages of additives led to higher compressive strength and higher energy absorption. Samples with 5 wt% of additives and increased quantity of cross‐linking agent exhibited great mechanical properties. Despite their lower density, these samples had higher values of compressive stress, 10%–15% higher than those of the reference sample, and higher energy return properties. All samples follow the trend of increasing values of compressive strength with the increase in density, for some samples, this correlation has quasi linear character. The obtained results show that EVA foams with the addition of carbon black, graphene, carbon nanotubes, and multiwalled carbon nanotubes have properties desirable in high‐performance materials for sport footwear soles. Multiwalled carbon nanotube additives could be incorporated at low weight percentages and low degree of crosslinking into EVA matrix to achieve lower density and enhanced energy repulsion and cushioning effects.
Improving the high temperature tribology of polyimide by molecular structure design and grafting POSS
Authors: Yin Yuhang , Song Jingfu , Zhao Gai , Ding Qingjun 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn this paper, the method of enhancing glass transition temperature of polyimide (PI) composite for ultrasonic motor was employed from the three aspects by molecular dynamics simulation. First, polyimide with different molecular stiffness was designed and their mechanical and thermal properties were calculated after optimization. The simulated results showed that polyimide with stronger stiffness had higher glass transition temperature (Tg), higher Young's modulus and shear modulus. Besides, PI composite was designed by filling different proportional polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) to improve the thermostability continuously. Simulated results showed that the glass transition temperature of PI composites increased with an increase of POSS content. The third method was filling grafted POSS (POSS‐PI) with PI molecular into PI matrix to improve the compatibility. It was found that the thermal properties were slightly improved compared with PI filled with single POSS. PI composite with 9% POSS‐PI2 had the highest glass transition temperature. More importantly, the friction coefficient and the temperature rise on the friction interface were calculated and the result showed that the friction coefficient decreased with the increase of environment temperature. Finally, the improvement mechanism of grafted POSS was analyzed by extracting the energy of intermolecular interaction, mean square displacement, atomic relative concentration and velocity.
Unlocking the potential of boronsilicate glass passivation for industrial tunnel oxide passivated contact solar cells
Authors: Liao Baochen , Ge Jia , Wu Xinyuan , Wang Qiang , Yeo Reuben J. , Du Zheren 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn this work, we present a breakthrough in boronsilicate glass (BSG) passivated industrial tunnel oxide passivated contact (i‐TOPCon) solar cells. We find that a high‐temperature firing process significantly improves the front side BSG passivation quality; however, the use of such high‐temperatures is undesirable for metallization as it could lead to more junction damage by the metal paste spikes. In this study, we present a simple and industrially viable method to resolve this dilemma. With a high‐temperature industrial firing activation step to maximize the potential of BSG passivation, a low emitter saturation current (J0e) of 34 fA/cm2 has been achieved, demonstrating excellent boron emitter passivation that is comparable to state‐of‐the‐art SiO2 and Al2O3‐based passivation methods on similar structures and boron emitters. Applying this solution to cell device, the open‐circuit voltage (Voc) is improved by about 6 mV, corresponding to an absolute cell efficiency improvement of about 0.2%. Furthermore, after activating the BSG passivation, a lower temperature paste could be used at the rear side which further improves the Voc by around 3 mV. Combined together, an overall improvement of Voc close to 10 mV is achieved, propelling the cell Voc into the 690‐mV era. The effectiveness of this solution was also verified in a mass production line, with average cell efficiencies of around 23.2% (0.5% more than the baseline) and a maximum cell efficiency and Voc of 23.4% and 693 mV, respectively. This work opens new routes for further improving conventional solar cell efficiencies, in particular for BSG‐passivated TOPCon solar cells.
Flame spread over n‐butanol fuel at sub‐flashpoint temperature with steps in the gas phase
Authors: Li Manhou , Hu Peiyuan , Wang Changjian , Liu Zhaotao 
Published: November 2021

AbstractFlame spread over liquid fuel is an evitable process during the development of spilling liquid fires. The scale of the combustion zone may be expanded by the spreading fire, making the fire uncontrollable. Thus, the flame spread is a major threat to the process safety of the usage of liquid fuels. An experimental apparatus is designed to study the flame spread over n‐butanol under the effect of the gas step that is built by the low‐heat conductivity marbles. The flame morphology, flame resident time, and movement of subsurface liquid convection are measured under various widths and heights of the marble steps. The resident time is affected by the coupling effects of the viscous resistance of step and the heat loss to unburned fuel. The flame height is decreased by the width of the step but enhanced by the height of the step. The convective heat transfer through subsurface flow and flame radiation to the unburned fuel behind the step is calculated. The convective heat transfer rate accounts for more than 90% of the total heat transfer rate. This current finding provides a theoretical basis for the safety application and emergency management of liquid fuels.