bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review of DC-AC converters for photovoltaic conversion chains
Authors: Bouzguenda Mounir , Selmi Tarek 
Published: June 2021

<span lang="EN-US">This paper is devoted to the state of the art in photovoltaic (PV) conversion chains and their architectures. Two major characteristics are considered to classify these chains. These are the galvanic isolation and the number of stages; characteristics generally localized around the DC-AC converter (inverter) at the end of the PV conversion chain. Therefore, this paper deals with a comprehensive review of the different inverter topologies that can be integrated into PV conversion chains, distinguishing between the transformer based and the transformer-less conversion chains. The paper demonstrates that to this date, transformer-based inverters are very common and widely used, have a long record of accomplishment as a component of solar energy systems, in particular for residential applications because of their greater efficiency, smaller size, and lower costs. Nevertheless, transformer-less chains are touted with some problems and shortcomings. Moreover, solar energy storage devices, wireless charging systems in stations and along the highways require the re-examination of the existing solar PV conversion chains, their architectures and possibly new conversion chains suitable for all distributed generation including electric cars and storage devices.</span>
Patient-Specific Computational Fluid Dynamics Reveal Localized Flow Patterns Predictive of Post–Left Ventricular Assist Device Aortic Incompetence
Authors: Shad Rohan , Kaiser Alexander D. , Kong Sandra , Fong Robyn , Quach Nicolas , Bowles Cayley , Kasinpila Patpilai , Shudo Yasuhiro , Teuteberg Jeffrey , Woo Y. Joseph , Marsden Alison L. , Hiesinger William 
Published: June 2021

Background:
Progressive aortic valve disease has remained a persistent cause of concern in patients with left ventricular assist devices. Aortic incompetence (AI) is a known predictor of both mortality and readmissions in this patient population and remains a challenging clinical problem.

Methods:
Ten left ventricular assist device patients with de novo aortic regurgitation and 19 control left ventricular assist device patients were identified. Three-dimensional models of patients’ aortas were created from their computed tomography scans, following which large-scale patient-specific computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed with physiologically accurate boundary conditions using the SimVascular flow solver.

Results:

The spatial distributions of time-averaged wall shear stress and oscillatory shear index show no significant differences in the aortic root in patients with and without AI (mean difference, 0.67 dyne/cm
2
[95% CI, −0.51 to 1.85];
P
=0.23). Oscillatory shear index was also not significantly different between both groups of patients (mean difference, 0.03 [95% CI, −0.07 to 0.019];
P
=0.22). The localized wall shear stress on the leaflet tips was significantly higher in the AI group than the non-AI group (1.62 versus 1.35 dyne/cm
2
; mean difference [95% CI, 0.15–0.39];
P
<0.001), whereas oscillatory shear index was not significantly different between both groups (95% CI, −0.009 to 0.001;
P
=0.17).

Conclusions:
Computational fluid dynamics serves a unique role in studying the hemodynamic features in left ventricular assist device patients where 4-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging remains unfeasible. Contrary to the widely accepted notions of highly disturbed flow, in this study, we demonstrate that the aortic root is a region of relatively stagnant flow. We further identified localized hemodynamic features in the aortic root that challenge our understanding of how AI develops in this patient population.
Co-radicalisation of Islamist and Nativist Extremists in Europe
Authors: Kaya Ayhan , Adam-Troian Jais 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
A vast amount of social science research has been dedicated to the study of Islamist extremism – in particular, to uncover its psychological and structural drivers. However, the recent revival of extreme-right extremism points to the need to investigate this re-emerging phenomenon. This article highlights some of the characteristics of the extremisation of Islamism in Europe in parallel with the rise of the extremisation of right-wing extremist groups. In doing so, we explore similarities between Islamist and right-wing extremist individuals and groups. The main premise of the article is that a threat-regulation approach fails to understand the role of contextual and structural factors in the political and religious extremisation of individuals. Instead, the article claims that a reciprocal-threat model can better explain extremist violence since it is based on the idea that nativist and Islamist extremist individuals/groups are mutually threatening each other.
Impacts of a Midlatitude Oceanic Frontal Zone for the Baroclinic Annular Mode in the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Nakayama Morio , Nakamura Hisashi , Ogawa Fumiaki 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAs a major mode of annular variability in the Southern Hemisphere, the baroclinic annular mode (BAM) represents the pulsing of extratropical eddy activity. Focusing mainly on subweekly disturbances, this study assesses the impacts of a midlatitude oceanic frontal zone on the BAM and its dynamics through a set of “aquaplanet” atmospheric general circulation model experiments with zonally uniform sea surface temperature (SST) profiles prescribed. Though idealized, one experiment with realistic frontal SST gradient reasonably well reproduces observed BAM-associated anomalies as a manifestation of a typical life cycle of migratory baroclinic disturbances. Qualitatively, these BAM features are also simulated in the other experiment where the frontal SST gradient is removed. However, the BAM-associated variability weakens markedly and shifts equatorward, in association with the corresponding modifications in the climatological-mean storm track activity. The midlatitude oceanic frontal zone amplifies and anchors the BAM variability by restoring near-surface baroclinicity through anomalous sensible heat supply from the ocean and moisture supply to cyclones, although the BAM is essentially a manifestation of atmospheric internal dynamics. Those experiments and observations further indicate that the BAM modulates momentum flux associated with transient disturbances to induce a modest but robust meridional shift of the polar-front jet, suggesting that the BAM can help maintain the southern annular mode. They also indicate that the quasi-periodic behavior of the BAM is likely to reflect internal dynamics in which atmospheric disturbances on both subweekly and longer time scales are involved.
Accounting for land model error in numerical weather prediction ensemble systems: toward ensemble-based coupled land/atmosphere data assimilation
Authors: Draper Clara Sophie 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe ensembles used in the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) global data assimilation and numerical weather prediction (NWP) system are under-dispersed at and near the land surface, preventing their use in ensemble-based land data assimilation. Comparison to offline (land-only) data assimilation ensemble systems suggests that while the relevant atmospheric fields are under-dispersed in NCEP’s system, this alone cannot explain the under-dispersed land component, and an additional scheme is required to explicitly account for land model error. This study then investigates several schemes for perturbing the soil (moisture and temperature) states in NCEP’s system, qualitatively comparing the induced ensemble spread to independent estimates of the forecast error standard deviation in soil moisture, soil temperature, 2m temperature, and 2m humidity. Directly adding perturbations to the soil states, as is commonly done in offline systems, generated unrealistic spatial patterns in the soil moisture ensemble spread. Application of a Stochastically Perturbed Physics Tendencies scheme to the soil states is inherently limited in the amount of soil moisture spread that it can induce. Perturbing the land model parameters, in this case vegetation fraction, generated a realistic distribution in the ensemble spread, while also inducing perturbations in the land (soil states) and atmosphere (2m states) that are consistent with errors in the land/atmosphere fluxes. The parameter perturbation method is then recommended for NCEP’s ensemble system, and it is currently being refined within the development of an ensemble-based coupled land/atmosphere data assimilation for NCEP’s NWP system.
Colchicine for prevention of vascular inflammation in Non-CardioEmbolic stroke (CONVINCE) – study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kelly Peter , Weimar Christian , Lemmens Robin , Murphy Sean , Purroy Francisco , Arsovska Anita , Bornstein Natan M , Czlonkowska Anna , Fischer Urs , Fonseca Ana Catarina , Forbes John , Hill Michael D , Jatuzis Dalius , Kõrv Janika , Kruuse Christina , Mikulik Robert , J Nederkoorn Paul , O’Donnell Martin , Sandercock Peter , Tanne David , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Walsh Cathal , Williams David , Zedde Marialuisa , Price Christopher I 
Published: June 2021

Background Inflammation contributes to unstable atherosclerotic plaque and stroke. In randomised trials in patients with coronary disease, canukinumab (an interleukin-1B antagonist) and colchicine (a tubulin inhibitor with pleiotropic anti-inflammatory effects) reduced recurrent vascular events. Hypothesis: Anti-inflammatory therapy with low-dose colchicine plus usual care will reduce recurrent vascular events in patients with non-severe, non-cardioembolic stroke and TIA compared with usual care alone. Design CONVINCE is a multi-centre international (in 17 countries) Prospective, Randomised Open-label, Blinded-Endpoint assessment (PROBE) controlled Phase 3 clinical trial in 3154 participants. The intervention is colchicine 0.5 mg/day and usual care versus usual care alone (antiplatelet, lipid-lowering, antihypertensive treatment, lifestyle advice). Included patients are at least 40 years, with non-severe ischaemic stroke (modified Rankin score ≤3) or high-risk TIA (ABCD2 > 3, or positive DWI, or cranio-cervical artery stenosis) within 72 hours-28 days of randomisation, with qualifying stroke/TIA most likely caused by large artery stenosis, lacunar disease, or cryptogenic embolism. Exclusions are stroke/TIA caused by cardio-embolism or other defined cause (e.g. dissection), contra-indication to colchicine (including potential drug interactions), or incapacity for participation in a clinical trial. The anticipated median follow-up will be 36 months. The primary analysis will be by intention-to-treat. Outcome The primary outcome is time to first recurrent ischaemic stroke, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, or hospitalisation with unstable angina (non-fatal or fatal). Summary CONVINCE will provide high-quality randomised data on the efficacy and safety of anti-inflammatory therapy with colchicine for secondary prevention after stroke. Schedule First-patient first-visit was December 2016. Recruitment to complete in 2021, follow-up to complete in 2023.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Nutrition Protocol for Major Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
Authors: Moore Cindy , Pegues J’undra , Narisetty Vamsi , Spankovich Christopher , Jackson Lana , Jefferson Gina D. 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo determine whether an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) nutrition protocol is reasonably possible among our head and neck cancer (HNC) population with respect to system feasibility and patient compliance. Second, we aim to identify improvements in patient outcomes as a result.MethodsPreexperimental research design among patients undergoing major HNC surgery after implementation of the ERAS nutrition protocol from July 2018 to July 2019 as quality improvement (QI). Preoperative clinical nutritional assessment and laboratory values were completed the same day as informed surgical consent in the clinic. Protocol focus was patient consumption of nutritional supplements perioperatively, monitored by our outpatient dietitian. Early postoperative enteral nutrition was initiated with monitoring of nutritional laboratory values. To support our model, we provide preliminary analysis of HNC patient outcomes after implementation of the ERAS nutritional protocol.ResultsTwenty‐five patients were enrolled. Preoperatively, 40% of patients were malnourished, and 100% complied with perioperative nutrition supplementation. Health care provider compliance obtaining preoperative laboratory values was 56%. There was a strong negative correlation between modified Nutrition‐Related Index (mNRI) and number of complications (P =. 01), specifically, fistula rate (P =. 04) and unplanned reoperation (P =. 04). Enrolled patient average length of stay was 7 ± 4.4 days.DiscussionOur patients demonstrated compliance with implementation of an ERAS nutrition protocol likely facilitated by dietitian engagement. mNRI potentially reflects risk for head and neck surgery complications.Implications for PracticeQI processes demand reassessment and modification to ensure efficient and targeted approaches to improving patient care.
Online database for brain cancer-implicated genes: exploring the subtype-specific mechanisms of brain cancer
Authors: Zhao Min , Liu Yining , Ding Guiqiong , Qu Dacheng , Qu Hong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Brain cancer is one of the eight most common cancers occurring in people aged 40+ and is the fifth-leading cause of cancer-related deaths for males aged 40–59. Accurate subtype identification is crucial for precise therapeutic treatment, which largely depends on understanding the biological pathways and regulatory mechanisms associated with different brain cancer subtypes. Unfortunately, the subtype-implicated genes that have been identified are scattered in thousands of published studies. So, systematic literature curation and cross-validation could provide a solid base for comparative genetic studies about major subtypes.

Results
Here, we constructed a literature-based brain cancer gene database (BCGene). In the current release, we have a collection of 1421 unique human genes gathered through an extensive manual examination of over 6000 PubMed abstracts. We comprehensively annotated those curated genes to facilitate biological pathway identification, cancer genomic comparison, and differential expression analysis in various anatomical brain regions. By curating cancer subtypes from the literature, our database provides a basis for exploring the common and unique genetic mechanisms among 40 brain cancer subtypes. By further prioritizing the relative importance of those curated genes in the development of brain cancer, we identified 33 top-ranked genes with evidence mentioned only once in the literature, which were significantly associated with survival rates in a combined dataset of 2997 brain cancer cases.

Conclusion
BCGene provides a useful tool for exploring the genetic mechanisms of and gene priorities in brain cancer. BCGene is freely available to academic users at http://soft.bioinfo-minzhao.org/bcgene/.
Prevalence and determinants of chronic kidney disease in women with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy in Nigeria: a cohort study
Authors: Ishaku Salisu M. , Olanrewaju Timothy Olusegun , Browne Joyce L. , Klipstein-Grobusch Kerstin , Kayode Gbenga A. , Franx Arie , Grobbee Diederick E. , Warren Charlotte E. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Worldwide, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDPs) complicate between 5 and 10% of pregnancies. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is disproportionately affected by a high burden of HDPs and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Despite mounting evidence associating HDPs with the development of CKD, data from SSA are scarce.

Methods
Women with HDPs (n = 410) and normotensive women (n = 78) were recruited at delivery and prospectively followed-up at 9 weeks, 6 months and 1 year postpartum. Serum creatinine was measured at all time points and the estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) using CKD-Epidemiology equation determined. CKD was defined as decreased eGFR< 60 mL/min/1.73m2 lasting for ≥ 3 months. Prevalence of CKD at 6 months and 1 year after delivery was estimated. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate risk factors for CKD at 6 months and 1 year postpartum.

Results
Within 24 h of delivery, 9 weeks, and 6 months postpartum, women with HDPs were more likely to have a decreased eGFR compared to normotensive women (12, 5.7, 4.3% versus 0, 2 and 2.4%, respectively). The prevalence of CKD in HDPs at 6 months and 1 year postpartum was 6.1 and 7.6%, respectively, as opposed to zero prevalence in the normotensive women for the corresponding periods. Proportions of decreased eGFR varied with HDP sub-types and intervening postpartum time since delivery, with pre-eclampsia/eclampsia showing higher prevalence than chronic and gestational hypertension. Only maternal age was independently shown to be a risk factor for decreased eGFR at 6 months postpartum (aOR = 1.18/year; 95%CI 1.04–1.34).

Conclusion
Prior HDP was associated with risk of future CKD, with prior HDPs being more likely to experience evidence of CKD over periods of postpartum follow-up. Routine screening of women following HDP-complicated pregnancies should be part of a postpartum monitoring program to identify women at higher risk. Future research should report on both the eGFR and total urinary albumin excretion to enable detection of women at risk of future deterioration of renal function.
“Saint Google, now we have information!”: a qualitative study on narratives of trust and attitudes towards maternal vaccination in Mexico City and Toluca
Authors: Simas Clarissa , Larson Heidi J. , Paterson Pauline 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
Maternal vaccination is key to decreasing maternal and infant mortality globally. Yet perceptions about maternal vaccines and immunization among pregnant women are often understudied, particularly in low- and middle- income countries. This qualitative study explored trust, views, and attitudes towards maternal immunization among pregnant women in Mexico. A total of 54 women from Mexico City and Toluca participated in the in-depth interviews and focus groups. We explored participants’ experiences with maternal vaccination, as well as how they navigated the health system, searched for information, and made decisions around maternal immunization.

Results
Our findings point to issues around access and quality of maternal healthcare, including immunizations services. While healthcare professionals were recognized for their expertise, participants reported not receiving enough information to make informed decisions and used online search engines and digital media to obtain more information about maternal healthcare. Some participants held strong doubts over the benefits of vaccination and were hesitant about the safety and efficacy of maternal vaccines. These concerns were also shared by pregnant women who had been vaccinated. Some participants disclosed low levels of trust in government and vaccination campaigns.

Conclusion
Pregnant women, soon to be parents and making vaccination decisions for their child, constitute an important target group for policymakers seeking optimal maternal as well as childhood immunization coverage. Our findings highlight the importance of targeted communication, trust-building and engagement strategies to strengthen confidence in immunization amongst this group.
Supporting parents and healthy behaviours through parent-child meetings – a qualitative study in the Netherlands
Authors: Bektas Gülcan , Boelsma Femke , Wesdorp Carline L. , Seidell Jacob C. , Baur Vivianne E. , Dijkstra S. Coosje 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background
The first 2 years of a child’s life have been found to be crucial to healthy growth and development. Parent support groups can help parents to promote health-related behaviours during this crucial period. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of parents who participated in a parent support group (Parent-Child Meetings) which promoted health-related behaviours of their children, and to determine whether and how these meetings supported them in promoting these behaviours.

Methods
We used a qualitative study design. The parent support group consisted of weekly Parent-Child Meetings organized in a multi-ethnic, relatively low-income neighbourhood in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Data on the experiences of parents was collected through participatory observations, informal conversations (n = 30 sessions) and semi-structured interviews (n = 13) between April 2019 and March 2020. The data was analysed using thematic content analysis.

Results
Parents indicated that they experienced the parent-child meetings as enjoyable and as providing them with socio-emotional support. They reported that the meetings increased their parenting knowledge, skills and practices regarding healthy behaviours of their children and that they used this knowledge in their daily lives. They also appreciated the practical information and advice provided by experts in the meetings. Parents indicated that the positive attitude of the experts was crucial in accepting and adopting their advice. Additionally, parents valued the interactive and hands-on workshops, which integrated health-related behaviours and active play with children, as it enabled them to learn while they played with their children.

Conclusion
This study indicated that parent-child meetings contributed to enhancing parental knowledge, skills and practices regarding healthy behaviours of their children. This could potentially benefit the health of children during the first 2 years of their lives. In particular, the peer support of other parents, the hands-on workshops, and the concrete advice and information provided in an informal setting were highly valued by parents. Future parent support groups could use these findings to improve their meetings or to start meetings that better suit the needs of parents with young children.