bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved properties of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/calcium carbonate films through silane modification
Authors: Zhang Ting , Zhang Caili , Yang Yang , Yang Fan , Zhao Min , Weng Yunxuan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractOne of the most used inorganic fillers is calcium carbonate which quite efficiently enhances the mechanical characteristics while simultaneously lower the cost of thermoplastics, particularly for biodegradable polyester. Virtually, all studies so far have focused on the quest for the filling and modification of nano‐sized calcium carbonates. However, the quantity of nano‐sized CaCO3 added in the polymer is usually lower than 10%, owing to its high‐surface energy and high‐surface area and makes powder easier to agglomerate. In this work, we prepared poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT)/calcium carbonate composite films by extrusion‐blown films with up to 40 wt% micro‐sized CaCO3 content. The influence of particle size (5–12 μm) and modification of the particles (with and without silane coupling agents) on the rheological and mechanical properties was thoroughly investigated. Of all the particle sizes employed in this study, the 5 μm (3000 mesh) particles with 30 wt% content coated with 2 wt% aliphatic silane coupling (CA1) agent was observed to furnish the optimum combination of characteristics. The mechanical properties of P7C3/CA1‐2 film even better than that of neat PBAT film. These results provided a simple approach for PBAT/CaCO3 films manufacture with low‐cost and simultaneously with sound mechanical properties, which can be good candidate for mulching films and packaging applications.
Adaptive control of a class of stochastic nonlinear systems with full state constraints and input saturation using multi‐dimensional Taylor network
Authors: Han Yu‐Qun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn the paper, a new control algorithm to realize the tracking control for a class of stochastic nonlinear systems with both full state constraints and input saturation is put forward using multi‐dimensional Taylor network (MTN) approach. By introducing a continuous function, the input saturation is converted into a linear model with bounded error. With the help of approximation properties of MTN, by proposing barrier Lyapunov functions (BLFs) and involving the idea of state‐constrained control into backstepping technique, a simple and efficient control scheme is developed. The proposed control scheme can guarantee the system states fall in the given constrained bounds as well as keeping the resulting control system stable. The effectiveness of the proposed control method is demonstrated through two examples.
Parameter estimation and control of an unmanned aircraft‐based transportation system for variable‐mass payloads
Authors: Alatorre Armando , Espinoza Eduardo S. , Sánchez Bonifacio , Ordaz Patricio , Muñoz Filiberto , García Carrillo Luis Rodolfo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper deals with the development of an adaptive robust controller for an Unmanned Aircraft System with variable mass. The goal is to improve trajectory tracking and energy performance while the aircraft mass is gradually reducing due to payload release. To improve the trajectory tracking performance, we propose an algorithm that merges the concepts of least squares method and sliding mode observer for the estimation of the vehicle mass. The nonlinear observer estimates the linear velocities and accelerations, which are further used to obtain the vehicle mass. A robust adaptive pole placement controller based on the Attractive Ellipsoid Method uses this estimation to update the controllers gains due to the mass variation. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm for performing aerial transportation and deployment of payloads, we present a numerical example comparing the performance of the proposed method with respect to using Proportional Derivative controllers as well as Robust Controllers.
An investigation of open cluster Melotte 72 using Gaia DR2
Authors: Hendy Yasser , Tadross Ashraf 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe estimation of the main parameters of star clusters is significant in astrophysical studies. The most important aspect of using the Gaia DR2 survey lies in the positions, parallax, and proper motions of cluster stars with homogeneous photometry that make the membership probability determine with high accuracy. In this respect, depending on Gaia DR2 database, an analysis of the open star cluster Melotte 72 is taking place here. It is located at a distance of 2,345 ± 108 pc with an age of 1.0 ± 0.5 Gyr. In studying the radial density profile, the radius is found to be 5.0 ± 0.15 arcmin. The reddening, the luminosity and mass functions, the total mass of the cluster, and the galactic geometrical distances (X⊙, Y⊙, Z⊙), and the distance from the galactic center (Rg) have been estimated as well. Our study has shown a dynamical relaxation behavior of Melotte 72.
Quality and readability of online patient information on treatment for erectile dysfunction
Authors: Pattenden Trent A. , Raleigh Rachael A. , Pattenden Elle R. , Thangasamy Isaac A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the quality and readability of online patient information on treatment for erectile dysfunction using a Google search.Materials and methodsThe results of a Google search for “erectile dysfunction treatment” were reviewed. Webpages that contained written information on erectile dysfunction except those containing scientific publications and paywall protected webpages were included in further analysis. Typographic and treatment information were recorded. Readability was assessed using the Fleisch‐Kincaid grade level, the Gunning‐Fog index, the Coleman‐Liau index, and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook. Website quality was assessed using the DISCERN instrument, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria, and presence of Health on the net (HON) code certification. Website typography, discussed treatment types, readability scores, and quality measures were reported. Parametric and nonparametric statistical tests were used to compare the data as appropriate dependent on the normality of data.ResultsEighty‐one webpages were included. Urologists and hospitals were the most common producers with 15 (18%) each. Seventy‐four (91%) webpages contained specific information on treatment for erectile dysfunction and 15 (19%) contained advertisements. Seventeen (21%) webpages were HON code certified. The median DISCERN score was 35 (IQR 26.5‐44) out of 80. The mean combined readability score was 12.32 (SD 1.91). The median JAMA benchmark score was 1 (IQR 1‐2) out of 4. Google rank had a small negative correlation with DISCERN score (τ = −0.16, P = .036). HON code certified webpages had higher DISCERN scores (median of 44 [IQR 35‐58.5] vs 32.5 [IQR 25.25‐42.25], U = 832, Z = 6561, P < .001). A linear regression was used to predict DISCERN score based on meeting each JAMA benchmark criterion (F(2, 78) = 22.7, P < .001) R2 = 0.368, P < .001. Within this model the effects of meeting attribution (β = 11.09) and currency (β = 8.79) criterion were significant.ConclusionsThe quality of online information on treatment for erectile dysfunction is generally poor. However, easy to identify markers of quality like HON code certification, or meeting JAMA benchmark criterion for attribution and currency may help patients to navigate to better quality online information on treatment for erectile dysfunction. Webpages are written at senior high school level, above any recommendations for patient medical information. Health professionals should use validated instruments to assess the quality of online information on treatment for erectile dysfunction prior to publication to improve their utility for patients.
BPV associated with imaging features of SSI on MRI
Authors: Yu Yong Peng , Zheng Ya Li , Tan Lan , Jiang Ting Ting 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectivesA retrospective study was performed to investigate the relationship between blood pressure variability (BPV) and imaging features of single small infarction (SSI) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Materials and MethodsTwo hundreds and five patients with SSI and 120 healthy subjects matched with age and sex as the control group were enrolled into this study. All subjects came from the Affiliated Hospital to Qingdao University and Qingdao Municipal Hospital from October 2011 to June 2016. Research subjects were classified into different groups. Blood pressure was measured once a day and recorded during the hospitalization period (7–10 days). The followed up data of patients after discharging from hospital was collected from the follow‐up records.ResultsTwenty‐four hours BPV (SBPMean, DSBPMax, DSBPSD, NDBPMax, NDBPSD, and DDBPCV), day‐to‐day, and visit‐to‐visit BPV (SBPMax, SBPSD, DBPMax, and DBPSD) in the SSI group were significantly higher than that in control group. Compared with the giant lacunar group, day‐to‐day BPV (SBPMean, SBPMax, SBPSD, SBPCV, DBPMean, DBPMax, DBPSD), and visit‐to‐visit BPV (SBPMean, SBPMax, SBPSD, DBPMean, DBPMax, DBPSD) were significantly higher in the small lacunar infarct group (p < .05). The 24 hr BPV (SBPMean, DDBPMax, DDBPMean), day‐to‐day BPV (SBPMax, SBPSD, SBPCV), and visit‐to‐visit SBPMax in nonround lesion group were significantly higher than that in round group (p < .05). Compared with nondeep lesion group, some parameters in day‐to‐day BPV and visit‐to‐visit BPV were significantly higher in the deep small lesion group (p < .05).ConclusionIncreased BPV parameters such as day‐to‐day and visit‐to‐visit (SBPMax, SBPSD, DBPMax) were related to the SSI characterized by small lesion in deep brain region.
Increased risk of stroke among patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A PRISMA‐compliant meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Yao , Wang Xiang 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies on the association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and stroke showed conflicting results.MethodsArticles published before July 2020 were searched in databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, EMBASE, and Google Scholar). We computed all multivariate odds ratios (ORs) or relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) by using STATA 12.0 software.ResultsThe meta‐analysis indicated that IBD was associated with an elevated risk of stroke (OR/RR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.34, I2 = 83.6%, p < .001). In addition, both Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) were associated with a higher risk of stroke (CD: OR/RR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.52, I2 = 86.1%, p < .001; UC: OR/RR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.15, I2 = 54.7%, p = .051). Subgroup study showed that IBD was associated with a higher risk of stroke in cohort studies (RR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.36, I2 = 85.0%, p < .001). Subgroup study showed that IBD was related to an elevated risk of stroke in both Caucasian and Asian groups (Caucasian group: OR/RR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.23, I2 = 44.6%, p = .094; Asian group: OR/RR =1.36, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.74, I2 = 92.5%, p < .001).ConclusionIBD is a risk factor for stroke. More high‐quality large‐sample epidemiologic studies about the relationship between IBD and stroke should be further conducted.
Enabling the Circular Economy transition: a sustainable lean manufacturing recipe for Industry 4.0
Authors: Ciliberto Cristina , Szopik‐Depczyńska Katarzyna , Tarczyńska‐Łuniewska Małgorzata , Ruggieri Alessandro , Ioppolo Giuseppe 
Published: May 2021

AbstractOver the past 10 years, the concepts and objectives of circular economy have been increasingly detailed and become strategic issues of international, European, and national policies. However, the transition towards circular production models continues to be affected by several barriers and critical factors that make the transition difficult to achieve. The paper tries to design a relationship between sustainable production and lean production, highlighting the opportunity to invest in reverse‐logistics and how Industry 4.0 system represents a breeding ground for circular economy targets application. The aim of the current study is to examine the relationships among sustainable production, lean production, and Industry 4.0 in order to evidence the need to adopt a lean methodology and Industry 4.0 technologies in a sustainable development perspective for companies. Following a holistic vision, the authors summarize the production principles and formulas, which, although in parallel, lead to similar results and therefore represent the pillars of a competitive and sustainable business. In conclusion, exploring the circular economy principles and production chain model, challenges, opportunities, and future outlooks are formulated.
Nonplatinum‐based therapy with Paclitaxel and Capecitabine for advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the anal canal: A population‐based Danish anal cancer group study
Authors: Truelsen Christina Glismand , Serup‐Hansen Eva , Storm Katrine Smedegaard , Havelund Birgitte Mayland , Kronborg Camilla Skovhus , Spindler Karen‐Lise Garm 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundFirst‐line platinum‐based therapy for advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the anal canal (SCCA) implies a risk of substantial side effects, and data on second‐line treatment options are limited. Paclitaxel and Capecitabine are a well‐known regimen with a moderate toxicity profile, but its efficacy has not been evaluated.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study using Danish Hospital Registers of patients treated with Paclitaxel and Capecitabine for inoperable, recurrent, or advanced metastatic SCCA in Denmark, between January 2000 and July 2018.ResultsA total of 52 patients met the eligibility criteria. Median age was 60.7 years (range 42–83). Efficacy was observed, with an overall response rate in patients receiving first‐line (N = 28) and second‐line (N = 23) Paclitaxel and Capecitabine of 39.3% (2 with complete responses) and 17.4%, respectively. Median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 4.5 months (95% CI 3.3–5.9) and 3.8 months (95% CI 2.4–5.5) with OS of 6.7 months (95% CI 5.9–8.5) and 5.9 months (95% CI 3.9–14), respectively. Performance status ≥2 and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio ≥4 were significantly associated with a short PFS.ConclusionThis study recognizes Paclitaxel and Capecitabine as a potential regimen for advanced SCCA, when recommended first‐line therapy is not feasible or as a potential second‐line treatment after failure of platinum‐based chemotherapy.
Easy clinical predictor for low BCAA to tyrosine ratio in chronic liver disease patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Usefulness of ALBI score as nutritional prognostic marker
Authors: Hiraoka Atsushi , Kato Masaya , Marui Kaori , Murakami Taisei , Onishi Kei , Adachi Tomoko , Matsuoka Junko , Ueki Hidetaro , Yoshino Takeaki , Tsuruta Miho , Aibiki Toshihiko , Okudaira Tomonari , Kuroda Taira , Iwasaki Ryuichiro , Suga Yoshifumi , Miyata Hideki , Ninomiya Tomoyuki , Hirooka Masashi , Abe Masanori , Matsuura Bunzo , Michitaka Kojiro , Hiasa Yoichi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackground/AimLow branched‐chain amino acid (BCAA) to tyrosine ratio (BTR) is known as an indicator of amino acid imbalance. We elucidated usefulness of newly developed albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) score as alternative methods of BTR in patients with naïve hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) retrospectively.Materials/MethodsIn 842 patients with HCC and without BCAA supplementation (71 years, male 614, Child‐Pugh A:B:C = 689:116:37), relationships among BTR and clinical features were evaluated. Of those, 438 patients, with Milan criteria HCC, treated curatively were divided into the high‐BTR (>4.4) (n = 293) and low‐BTR (≤4.4) (n = 145) groups. The prognostic value of BTR was evaluated using inverse probability weighting (IPW) with propensity score.ResultsThe low‐BTR group showed worse prognosis than the other (3‐, 5‐, 10‐year overall survival rates: 88.9% vs. 86.3%/70.5% vs. 78.1%/38.1% vs. 52.3%, respectively; p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox‐hazard analysis adjusted for IPW showed elderly (≥65 years) HR 2.314, p = 0.001), female gender (HR 0.422, p < 0.001), ECOG PS ≥2 (HR 3.032, p = 0.002), low platelet count (HR 1.757, p = 0.010), and low BTR (≤4.4) (HR 1.852, p = 0.005) to be significant prognostic factors. Both serum albumin level (r = 0.370, p < 0.001) and ALBI score (r = −0.389, p < 0.001) showed a significant relationship with BTR. Child‐Pugh class B, modified ALBI grade (mALBI) 2a, and mALBI 2b predictive values for BTR were 3.589, 4.509, and 4.155 (AUC range: 0.735–0.770), respectively, while the predictive value of ALBI score for low‐BTR (≤4.4) was −2.588 (AUC 0.790).ConclusionALBI score −2.588 was a predictor for low‐BTR (≤4.4), which was prognostic factors for early HCC patients, and at least patients with mALBI 2b might have an amino acid imbalance.
Malignancies diagnosed before and after anal squamous cell carcinomas: A SEER registry analysis
Authors: Jani Krupa S. , Lu Shou‐En , Murphy James D. , Romesser Paul B. , Jethwa Krishan R. , Li Diana , Chundury Anupama , Wu Abraham J. , Hathout Lara , Hallemeier Christopher L. , Jabbour Salma K. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundIncreased risk of a second primary malignancy (SPM) before or after diagnosis of anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) has been reported in a previous single‐institution study. We hypothesize that patients diagnosed with ASCC are at increased risk for developing SPMs before or after the diagnosis of ASCC. The primary objective of this study was to identify the diagnoses of cancer most likely to occur as SPMs before or after ASCC.MethodsThis work employs the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program registry data to conduct a US‐population‐based study of patients diagnosed with ASCC between 1975 and 2016. In patients diagnosed with ASCC, we evaluated the risk of SPMs and the risk of developing ASCC as an SPM after another cancer using standardized incidence ratios (SIR) for all SPMs by calculating the ratio of observed events in the ASCC cohort compared to expected (O/E) events in a matched reference cohort of the general population.ResultsA total of 7,594 patients with primary ASCC were included. Patients with ASCC were at increased risk of the diagnosis of an SPM (SIR = 1.45), particularly cancers of the lung, vulva, oropharynx, or colon. Patients with ASCC had an increased rate of previous malignancy (SIR = 1.23), especially Kaposi sarcoma or vulvar cancer. Overall elevated incidence of SPMs was unrelated to prior radiation treatment. Radiation treatment was associated with increased risk for SPMs in the female genital system but appeared protective against prostate cancer as SPMs.ConclusionsOur findings support increased surveillance and screening for second malignancies in patients with these diagnoses, as patients with ASCC are often either survivors of a prior cancer diagnosis or are at increased risk of developing later malignancies.
Artificial intelligence in oncology: Path to implementation
Authors: Chua Isaac S. , Gaziel‐Yablowitz Michal , Korach Zfania T. , Kehl Kenneth L. , Levitan Nathan A. , Arriaga Yull E. , Jackson Gretchen P. , Bates David W. , Hassett Michael 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn recent years, the field of artificial intelligence (AI) in oncology has grown exponentially. AI solutions have been developed to tackle a variety of cancer‐related challenges. Medical institutions, hospital systems, and technology companies are developing AI tools aimed at supporting clinical decision making, increasing access to cancer care, and improving clinical efficiency while delivering safe, high‐value oncology care. AI in oncology has demonstrated accurate technical performance in image analysis, predictive analytics, and precision oncology delivery. Yet, adoption of AI tools is not widespread, and the impact of AI on patient outcomes remains uncertain. Major barriers for AI implementation in oncology include biased and heterogeneous data, data management and collection burdens, a lack of standardized research reporting, insufficient clinical validation, workflow and user‐design challenges, outdated regulatory and legal frameworks, and dynamic knowledge and data. Concrete actions that major stakeholders can take to overcome barriers to AI implementation in oncology include training and educating the oncology workforce in AI; standardizing data, model validation methods, and legal and safety regulations; funding and conducting future research; and developing, studying, and deploying AI tools through multidisciplinary collaboration.
Queer generativity in lesbian, gay, and bisexual older adults: Personal, relational, and political/social behaviours
Authors: Rosati Fau , Pistella Jessica , Giovanardi Guido , Baiocco Roberto 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) older adults may have had the opportunity to reflect on and process stressful life experiences, and they may be more inclined to practice queer generative behaviours aimed at strengthening sexual minority identities and supporting the sexual minority community. The present study explored the unique patterns of generativity practiced by 27 Italian LGB older adults (60 years and older) through semi‐structured interviews. Using a constructive grounded theory approach, we identified three main forms of queer generativity: (a) personal, involving the reception of generativity from others, the redefinition of religious values, and adjustment to parenting styles according to one's LGB identity, motivated by a desire for personal growth; (b) relational, involving the provision of resources and the pursuit of a career that supports the LGBT+ community, motivated by a desire to care for others; and (c) political/social, involving the creation of new LGBT+ contexts and the transmission of knowledge and experiences to younger LGBT+ persons and allies, motivated by a desire to fight for LGBT+ rights. Queer generativity emerged as a community resilience strategy practiced by LGB older adults to cope with heterosexist and/or ageist social contexts. Implications for policy and community practice are discussed. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
A patient‐specific algorithm to achieve commissural alignment with Acurate Neo: The sextant technique
Authors: De Marco Federico , Casenghi Matteo , Spagnolo Pietro , Popolo Rubbio Antonio , Brambilla Nedy , Testa Luca , Bedogni Francesco 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimsThe aim of this proof‐of‐concept study was to investigate safety and efficacy of a CT‐scan based patient‐specific algorithm to maximize coronary clearance and secondarily to achieve anatomically correct commissural alignment with the Acurate Neo device.Method and resultsA total of 45 consecutive patients undergoing TAVR with the Acurate Neo THV were prospectively enrolled in the study. Mean age was 81.6 ± 5.5 years, mean STS score was 6.1 ± 3.7. Device success rate was 100%. Aim of the technique was to rotationally deploy the TAVR device with a commissure lying on the bisector between the coronary ostia as calculated on the pre‐procedural CT‐scan. At post‐TAVR CT‐scan, coronary clearance was achieved in 98% of patients with no cases of severe coronary artery overlap. In 42 out of 45 patients, THV was aligned or, at most, mildly misaligned; there were 2 cases of moderate misalignment without any case of severe misalignment. Post‐TAVR selective coronary artery engagement was attempted and succeeded in all patients (100%).ConclusionOur CT‐scan based patient‐specific algorithm is safe and proven to be effective in avoiding coronary artery overlap and providing commissural alignment with Acurate Neo in all treated patients.