bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Indirect Freeze Desalination Experimental Observation and First Principle Energy Conservation Modeling
Authors: Zhang Hongtao , Alabdouli Khawlah , Islam MD , Janajreh Isam 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Freeze desalination is a promising nonconventional method with the advantage of low energy consumption, enduring less corrosion, and operating at a higher brine concentration and normal pressure. Experimental study of salinity gradient in the frozen ice is still lacking, and limited literature addresses the time and energy cost of the system. Here, bottom-up directional freezing experiments are conducted to obtain salinity gradient of the frozen brine under different freezing temperature and salinity conditions. These experiments reveal the developed salinity gradient reaching over 60% reduction in an axisymmetric tray. The obtained salinity distribution is used to determine the localized brine properties and its freezing temperature according to the phase equilibria of the NaCl solution. Results obtained demonstrate there is an optimal freezing condition that enables the high salinity diffusion front to migrate/travel and leave the lowest possible salinity level behind. Relying on the obtained salinity gradient, the first principle heat and mass conservation validated model is then developed to evaluate the freezing time and energy usage. Results suggest that salinity gradient vs crystallinity is a nonlinear behavior while respectively the energy consumption increases linearly with the increase and decrease of initial fluid and sub-cooling temperature. These analyses provide the engineer with an evaluation tool that estimates the freezing time and energy consumption for a successive freeze desalination system.
Natech Risk Assessment and Control Through Innovative Risk Reduction Measures – Pipeline / Landslide Interaction Case
Authors: Aristizabal Jaime , Moncada Daniel 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
At the end of 2018, a large-scale landslide was identified near the Right of Way of one of the pipelines operated by Cenit Transporte y Logística de Hidrocarburos. In this zone it was possible to identify a populated area and a river. At the beginning the depth of the Landslide did not represent a hazard to the pipeline due to the Horizontal Directional Drilling technique applied when the pipeline was built. A monitoring program was developed through inclinometers and piezometers and In-Line Inspections were carried out to identify any disturbance in the alignment of the pipeline.
From the monitoring program and In-Line Inspection data it was possible to confirm interaction between the landslide and the pipeline. A perpendicular force to the pipeline alignment produces a bending strain at two points, and landslide interact with the pipeline along a length of 170 m. The depth of the landslide failure surface was in between 17 to 22 m, and the pipeline was about 15 m deep.
Due to this interaction, it was necessary to develop a risk assessment to identify a safe limit displacement. For a while, this allowed us to design both a temporal innovative solution considering a flexible pipeline and a definitive solution to build the new segment of the pipeline which was deeper than the last one, through the Horizontal Directional Drilling technique.
Unusual case of malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Rajaratnam Timothy Johanan , Herre Jurgen 
Published: July 2021

We present the case of a 65-year-old woman who presented with progressive dysphagia and was diagnosed with achalasia. She subsequently developed bilateral chylous pleural effusions, with no cause identified despite extensive investigations (including computed tomography (CT) scans, gastroscopy and medical thoracoscopy (MT)) and review at a dedicated pleural multidisciplinary team meeting.Despite optimal supportive management she deteriorated and was admitted to the intensive care unit, where she passed away due to sepsis and respiratory failure 10 months after initial presentation. A postmortem returned a diagnosis of epithelioid mesothelioma, encasing the carina, distal oesophagus and coeliac axis.Mesothelioma only very rarely presents with either chylous effusions or achalasia. Additionally while MT normally conveys excellent sensitivity for pleural malignancy, it was insufficient here. This case highlights how an unusually located mesothelioma can produce an unusual clinical picture. It also suggests a role for early video-assisted thoracoscopy to aid diagnosis.
Expansion of patient eligibility for virtual glaucoma clinics: a long-term strategy to increase the capacity of high-quality glaucoma care
Authors: Nikita Eleni , Gazzard Gus , Sim Dawn A , Fasolo Sandro , Kortum Karsten , Jayaram Hari 
Published: July 2021

AimsThe virtual glaucoma clinic (VGC) is a well-established diagnostic pathway for delivery of glaucoma care. Current UK national guidance recommends VGCs for patients with ocular hypertension, glaucoma suspects or early glaucoma. This study evaluates whether expanded eligibility criteria, including other glaucoma phenotypes and disease stages, can deliver safe and effective care with a positive patient experience.MethodsRecords of over 8000 patients were reviewed in order to determine suitability for VGC attendance using expanded eligibility criteria. Patients with three prior consecutive visits within the glaucoma service were included. Follow-up interval, clinic type, visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP) and visual field performance were recorded. Patient satisfaction was recorded for a sample of 118 patients.Results2017 patients over 31 months were included. Two-thirds of eyes had ocular comorbidities, a fifth of eyes had undergone prior cataract surgery and 10% of eyes had undergone a prior laser treatment for glaucoma. After three visits, 32% of patients remained in the VGC, 42% were seen in face-to-face clinics and 25% were discharged. There were no clinically significant changes in VA, IOP and visual field performance during follow-up. 72% of patients expressed a preference to continue their care within VGCs.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that VGCs with expanded patient eligibility criteria can deliver high-quality glaucoma care that is safe, effective and with high levels of patient satisfaction. This approach provides a long-term solution to adapt delivery of glaucoma care to our expanding and ageing population.
Necessary but not sufficient: a scoping review of legal accountability for sexual and reproductive health in low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Schaaf Marta , Khosla Rajat 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundThis paper is a scoping review of the impact of legal accountability efforts for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), exploring the links between legal accountability strategies and changes in the desired SRHR outcomes.MethodsWe defined legal accountability as use of the judicial system following state failure to respect, protect or fulfil SRHR as enshrined in national law, as well as individuals’ or the state’s use of criminal law mechanisms to prevent unwanted behaviour and to provide remedy. We undertook a keyword search in PubMed, Scopus and LexisNexis and then consulted a group of experts to provide guidance regarding further peer-reviewed and grey literature, yielding a total of 191 articles.ResultsThe majority of the empirical, peer-reviewed articles identified were regarding abortion law and abortion care availability, followed by violence against women. Most of these articles explore the gaps between law and practice. We identified seven key factors that shape the efficacy of legal accountability efforts, including the ways a law or court decision is formulated, access to courts, the (dis)advantages of criminal law in the given context, cultural norms, politics, state capacity and resources and the potential for further litigation. Many articles explained that use of the judiciary may be necessary to effect change and that the act of claiming rights can empower, but that legal avenues for change can be imperfect tools for justice.ConclusionsLegal accountability can be effective as part of a broader, long-term strategy, with due attention to context.
Global epidemiology of hip fractures: a study protocol using a common analytical platform among multiple countries
Authors: Sing Chor-Wing , Lin Tzu-Chieh , Bartholomew Sharon , Bell J Simon , Bennett Corina , Beyene Kebede , Bosco‐Lévy Pauline , Chan Amy Hai Yan , Chandran Manju , Cheung Ching-Lung , Doyon Caroline Y , Droz-Perroteau Cécile , Ganesan Ganga , Hartikainen Sirpa , Ilomaki Jenni , Jeong Han Eol , Kiel Douglas P , Kubota Kiyoshi , Lai Edward Chia-Cheng , Lange Jeff , Lewiecki E Michael , Liu Jiannong , Man Kenneth K C , Mendes de Abreu Mirhelen , Moore Nicolas , O’Kelly James , Ooba Nobuhiro , Pedersen Alma B , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel , Shin Ju-Young , Sørensen Henrik T , Tan Kelvin Bryan , Tolppanen Anna-Maija , Verhamme Katia M C , Wang Grace Hsin-Min , Watcharathanakij Sawaeng , Zhao Hongxin , Wong Ian C K 
Published: July 2021

IntroductionHip fractures are associated with a high burden of morbidity and mortality. Globally, there is wide variation in the incidence of hip fracture in people aged 50 years and older. Longitudinal and cross-geographical comparisons of health data can provide insights on aetiology, risk factors, and healthcare practices. However, systematic reviews of studies that use different methods and study periods do not permit direct comparison across geographical regions. Thus, the objective of this study is to investigate global secular trends in hip fracture incidence, mortality and use of postfracture pharmacological treatment across Asia, Oceania, North and South America, and Western and Northern Europe using a unified methodology applied to health records.Methods and analysisThis retrospective cohort study will use a common protocol and an analytical common data model approach to examine incidence of hip fracture across population-based databases in different geographical regions and healthcare settings. The study period will be from 2005 to 2018 subject to data availability in study sites. Patients aged 50 years and older and hospitalised due to hip fracture during the study period will be included. The primary outcome will be expressed as the annual incidence of hip fracture. Secondary outcomes will be the pharmacological treatment rate and mortality within 12 months following initial hip fracture by year. For the primary outcome, crude and standardised incidence of hip fracture will be reported. Linear regression will be used to test for time trends in the annual incidence. For secondary outcomes, the crude mortality and standardised mortality incidence will be reported.Ethics and disseminationEach participating site will follow the relevant local ethics and regulatory frameworks for study approval. The results of the study will be submitted for peer-reviewed scientific publications and presented at scientific conferences.
Cross-sectional study to assess the healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitude and practices about probiotics use in Pakistan
Authors: Arshad Muhammad Subhan , Saqlain Muhammad , Majeed Abdul , Imran Imran , Saeed Hamid , Saleem Muhammad Usman , Abrar Muhammad Asad , Islam Muhammad , Hashmi Furqan , Akbar Muqarrab , Chaudhry Muhammad Omer , Ramzan Basit , Rasool Muhammad Fawad 
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesThe study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of HCPs regarding the use of probiotics in different health conditions and to identify various barriers that are associated with their use.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 405 HCPs by using a validated self- administered questionnaire for assessing their KAP towards probiotic use. The study data were analysed using descriptive statistics, χ2 test and binary logistic regression (BLR).ResultsAmong the 405 participants, only 15.1 % of HCPs had good knowledge, while 15.6% had acceptable practices and 89.1% had a positive attitude towards probiotics. The professional position of HCPs was significantly associated with knowledge (p=0.001) and practice (p=0.001). Among all the HCPs, the pharmacists showed a significant association with good knowledge (p=0.016) and good practices (p=0.024) by using BLR. The lack of knowledge about probiotics was a major barrier to the utilisation of probiotics.ConclusionsThe poor knowledge and practices regarding the use of probiotics have been seen in the current study. While the participants showed a positive attitude towards the utilisation of probiotics. To transform HCPs’ positive attitude to their practices and to create awareness regarding probiotic use focused training programmes should be initiated by professional health organisations.
Efficacy of a strategy-based intervention on text-level reading comprehension in persons with aphasia: a study protocol for a repeated measures study
Authors: Thumbeck Sarah-Maria , Schmid Philipp , Chesneau Sophie , Domahs Frank 
Published: July 2021

IntroductionAt least 68% of persons with aphasia (PWA) experience reading difficulties. Even though strategy-based interventions are a promising treatment approach for text level reading comprehension deficits in PWA, empirical evidence for their efficacy remains rare. The primary objective of this study is the analysis of the efficacy of a strategy-based intervention on text-level reading comprehension and on reading activities in PWA.Methods and analysisIn a repeated measures trial, 24 PWA will first participate in a waiting period and then in a strategy-based intervention (14 face-to-face-sessions, 60 min each). We will apply two combinations of strategies to treat either the microstructure or the macrostructure, respectively. Participants will be randomly allocated to two parallel groups that will receive these combinations in interchanged sequences. Assessments will be implemented before and after each period as well as 3 and 6 months after the intervention. The primary outcome measure is text-level reading comprehension measured with a German version of the Test de Compréhension de Textes (TCT-D) and represented by the score TCT-D Total . A non-blinded and a blinded rater will evaluate the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures will address specific reading functions, reading activities and cognitive functions. The sample size was determined with an a priori power analysis. For statistical analysis, we will use contrast analyses within repeated measures analysis of variance models. We expect significant improvements in primary and secondary outcome measures during the intervention as compared with changes during the waiting period.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by the ethics committee of Deutscher Bundesverband für akademische Sprachtherapie und Logopädie (20–10074-KA-MunmErw+Ko). Results and relevant data will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, at conferences and on the Open Science Framework.Trial registration numberDRKS00021411 (see Supplementary Table 1).
Child alcohol use disorder in Eastern Uganda: screening, diagnostics, risk factors and management of children drinking alcohol in Uganda (TREAT C-AUD): a mixed-methods research protocol
Authors: Skylstad Vilde , Aber Harriet , Bakken Victoria , Dierkes Jutta , Iversen Silje Akselberg , Kisaakye Esther , Kühl Melf-Jakob , Nalugya Joyce Sserunjogi , Rayamajhi Divya , Sebuwufu Deogratious , Skar Ane-Marthe Solheim , Skokauskas Norbert , Valeckaite Neda , Wamani Henry , S. Engebretsen Ingunn Marie , Babirye Juliet Ndimwibo 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundFollowing a finding of alcohol use among children aged 5–8 years old in Mbale, Uganda, this project investigates the magnitude of alcohol and substance use among children ged 6–13 years old and related household, community, school, health system and clinical factors.MethodsThe project includes four larger work packages (WPs). WP1 comprises management, WP2 and 3 include the scientific components and WP4 includes integration of results, dissemination, policy and implementation advice. This protocol presents the planned research work in WP 2 and 3. WP2 comprises the adaptation and validation of the alcohol use screening tool Car-Relax-Alone-Forget-Family and Friends-Trouble (CRAFFT) to the age group and setting. WP3 comprises four substudies (SS). SS1 is a cross-sectional community household survey with an estimated sample size of 3500 children aged 6–13 years and their caregivers. We apply cluster sampling and systematic sampling within the clusters. Data collection includes a structured questionnaire for caregiver and child, measuring social and demographic factors, mental health status, alcohol and substance use, nutrition history and anthropometry. Urine samples from children will be collected to measure ethyl glucuronide (EtG), a biological marker of alcohol intake. Further, facilitators, barriers and response mechanisms in the health system (SS2) and the school system (SS3) is explored with surveys and qualitative assessments. SS4 includes qualitative interviews with children. Analysis will apply descriptive statistics for the primary outcome of establishing the magnitude of alcohol drinking and substance use, and associated factors will be assessed using appropriate regression models. The substudies will be analysed independently, as well as inform each other through mixed methods strategies at the stages of design, analysis, and dissemination.Ethics and disseminationData protection and ethical approvals have been obtained in Uganda and Norway, and referral procedures developed. Dissemination comprises peer-reviewed, open access research papers, policy recommendations and intersectoral dialogues.Trial registration numberClinicaltrials.gov 29.10.2020 (#NCT04743024).
Unannotated small RNA clusters associated with circulating extracellular vesicles detect early stage liver cancer
Authors: von Felden Johann , Garcia-Lezana Teresa , Dogra Navneet , Gonzalez-Kozlova Edgar , Ahsen Mehmet Eren , Craig Amanda , Gifford Stacey , Wunsch Benjamin , Smith Joshua T , Kim Sungcheol , Diaz Jennifer E L , Chen Xintong , Labgaa Ismail , Haber Philipp , Olsen Reena , Han Dan , Restrepo Paula , D'Avola Delia , Hernandez-Meza Gabriela , Allette Kimaada , Sebra Robert , Saberi Behnam , Tabrizian Parissa , Asgharpour Amon , Dieterich Douglas , Llovet Josep M. , Cordon-Cardo Carlos , Tewari Ash , Schwartz Myron , Stolovitzky Gustavo , Losic Bojan , Villanueva Augusto 
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveSurveillance tools for early cancer detection are suboptimal, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and biomarkers are urgently needed. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have gained increasing scientific interest due to their involvement in tumour initiation and metastasis; however, most extracellular RNA (exRNA) blood-based biomarker studies are limited to annotated genomic regions.DesignEVs were isolated with differential ultracentrifugation and integrated nanoscale deterministic lateral displacement arrays (nanoDLD) and quality assessed by electron microscopy, immunoblotting, nanoparticle tracking and deconvolution analysis. Genome-wide sequencing of the largely unexplored small exRNA landscape, including unannotated transcripts, identified and reproducibly quantified small RNA clusters (smRCs). Their key genomic features were delineated across biospecimens and EV isolation techniques in prostate cancer and HCC. Three independent exRNA cancer datasets with a total of 479 samples from 375 patients, including longitudinal samples, were used for this study.ResultsExRNA smRCs were dominated by uncharacterised, unannotated small RNA with a consensus sequence of 20 nt. An unannotated 3-smRC signature was significantly overexpressed in plasma exRNA of patients with HCC (p<0.01, n=157). An independent validation in a phase 2 biomarker case–control study revealed 86% sensitivity and 91% specificity for the detection of early HCC from controls at risk (n=209) (area under the receiver operating curve (AUC): 0.87). The 3-smRC signature was independent of alpha-fetoprotein (p<0.0001) and a composite model yielded an increased AUC of 0.93.ConclusionThese findings directly lead to the prospect of a minimally invasive, blood-only, operator-independent clinical tool for HCC surveillance, thus highlighting the potential of unannotated smRCs for biomarker research in cancer.
Mixture density network estimation of continuous variable maximum likelihood using discrete training samples
Authors: Burton Charles , Stubbs Spencer , Onyisi Peter 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMixture density networks (MDNs) can be used to generate posterior density functions of model parameters $$\varvec{\theta }$$

θ

given a set of observables $${\mathbf {x}}$$
x
. In some applications, training data are available only for discrete values of a continuous parameter $$\varvec{\theta }$$

θ

. In such situations, a number of performance-limiting issues arise which can result in biased estimates. We demonstrate the usage of MDNs for parameter estimation, discuss the origins of the biases, and propose a corrective method for each issue.
Derivation of the robustness from the concurrence
Authors: Krynytskyi Yu. S. , Kuzmak A. R. 
Published: July 2021

Adding the maximally mixed state with some weight to the entanglement system leads to disentanglement of the latter. For each predefined entangled state there exists a minimal value of this weight for which the system loses its entanglement properties. These values were proposed to be used as a quantitative measure of entanglement called robustness [G. Vidal and R. Tarrach, Phys. Rev. A 59, 141 (1999)]. Using the concurrence, we propose the derivation of this measure for the system of two-qubit. Namely, for a two-qubit pure state, an exact expression of robustness is obtained. Finally, in the same way, the robustness of special cases of mixed two-qubit states is calculated.
Long Noncoding RNA NIHCOLE Promotes Ligation Efficiency of DNA Double-Strand Breaks in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Unfried Juan P. , Marín-Baquero Mikel , Rivera-Calzada Ángel , Razquin Nerea , Martín-Cuevas Eva M. , de Bragança Sara , Aicart-Ramos Clara , McCoy Christopher , Prats-Mari Laura , Arribas-Bosacoma Raquel , Lee Linda , Caruso Stefano , Zucman-Rossi Jessica , Sangro Bruno , Williams Gareth , Moreno-Herrero Fernando , Llorca Oscar , Lees-Miller Susan P. , Fortes Puri 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) are emerging as key players in cancer as parts of poorly understood molecular mechanisms. Here, we investigated lncRNAs that play a role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and identified NIHCOLE, a novel lncRNA induced in HCC with oncogenic potential and a role in the ligation efficiency of DNA double-stranded breaks (DSB). NIHCOLE expression was associated with poor prognosis and survival of HCC patients. Depletion of NIHCOLE from HCC cells led to impaired proliferation and increased apoptosis. NIHCOLE deficiency led to accumulation of DNA damage due to a specific decrease in the activity of the nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway of DSB repair. DNA damage induction in NIHCOLE-depleted cells further decreased HCC cell growth. NIHCOLE was associated with DSB markers and recruited several molecules of the Ku70/Ku80 heterodimer. Further, NIHCOLE putative structural domains supported stable multimeric complexes formed by several NHEJ factors including Ku70/80, APLF, XRCC4, and DNA ligase IV. NHEJ reconstitution assays showed that NIHCOLE promoted the ligation efficiency of blunt-ended DSBs. Collectively, these data show that NIHCOLE serves as a scaffold and facilitator of NHEJ machinery and confers an advantage to HCC cells, which could be exploited as a targetable vulnerability.

Significance:
This study characterizes the role of lncRNA NIHCOLE in DNA repair and cellular fitness in HCC, thus implicating it as a therapeutic target.
See related commentary by Barcena-Varela and Lujambio, p. 4899