bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in Extreme Events Over Asia for Present and Future Climate Conditions based on a Modelling Analysis of Atmospheric Circulation Anomalies
Authors: Sokhi Ranjeet S. , Tiwari P. R. , Medeiros Joanna S.N. de , Folberth Gerd A. , Collins William J. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Synoptic weather and larger scale circulation patterns are closely coupled and have a major influence on regional weather and extreme events. This study examines the role of regional circulations on meteorology and extreme events for the present and future years over Asia with the WRF model driven by HadGEM2 global model boundary conditions that includes RCP4.5 scenarios based bicentennial transient simulation. The regional scale analysis was based on boundary conditions derived from 40 years of global model outputs spanning periods of 1995-2005, 2015-2025, 2025-2035 and 2045-2055. For brevity these periods are labelled as 2000, 2020, 2030, 2050 and 'represent' decadal periods centered around the named years. Model results were compared and validated (using a number of skill metrics) against observations for the present period showing that the model is able to delineate the observed features within 95% confidence level compared to the annual mean. To characterise and quantify the changes in the circulation patterns, an Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) based analysis was conducted. Results indicate that wintertime minimum temperatures are projected to increase by 3-4 0 C over Asia by 2050 compared to reference period of 2000. Furthermore, anti-cyclonic activity associated with low PV anomalies and high positive temperature anomalies may be a key driver that influence the increase in frequency and duration of heat waves and droughts over SA, SEA, EA and NA regions of Asia. Overall, the modelling results suggest that regional meteorology and circulation patterns may significantly influence extremes over Asia in the future. Such impacts will have major implications for weather patterns as well as for air pollution over the region both of which will require policy responses to adjust to a changing regional climate.
AI-based quantification of PET/CT lesions is associated with survival in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Borrelli Pablo , Gongora Jose Luis Loaiza , Kaboteh Reza , Ulen Johannes , Enqvist Olof , Trägårdh Elin , Edenbrandt Lars 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose

The use of modern artificial intelligence (AI) based methods offers new possibilities for automated and objective image analysis of PET/CT studies. We aimed to develop an AI tool for segmentation and quantification of tumor burden in [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT studies and to evaluate the association between the AI-based measurements and overall survival (OS) in patients with lung cancer.
Methods

A total of 320 consecutive patients referred for FDG PET/CT due to suspected lung cancer were retrospectively selected for the study. Two nuclear medicine specialists manually segmented abnormal FDG uptake in all PET/CT studies. One third of the patients were assigned to a test group. Survival data was collected for this group. An AI tool based on convolutional neural networks was trained to segment lung tumors and thoracic lymph nodes. The AI tool includes a previously trained convolutional neural network, which segments organs in the CT. Total lesion glycolysis (TLG) was calculated based on the AI-based and manual segmentations. Associations between TLG and OS were investigated using a univariate Cox proportional hazards regression model.
Results

Both AI-based TLG (Hazard ratio 1.64, 95% confidence interval 1.21–2.21; p = 0.001) and manual TLG (Hazard ratio 1.54, 95% confidence interval 1.14–2.07; p = 0.004) were significantly associated with OS.
Conclusion

Fully automated AI-based TLG measurements of PET/CT studies showed significant association with OS in patients with lung cancer. This type of measurements may be of value in the management of future patients with lung cancer. Our AI tool is available on reasonable request for research purposes at the RECOMIA platform (https://recomia.org).
Impact of Free Curcumin and Curcumin Nanocapsules on Viability and Oxidative Status of Neural Cell Lines
Authors: BISSACOTTI BIANCA FAGAN , Copetti Priscila , Gundel Samanta , Machado Alencar , Sagrillo Michele , Ourique Aline , Morsch Vera , Bottari Nathieli , Silva Aleksandro da 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Curcumin is an active polyphenol substance found in the highest concentrations in the roots of Curcuma longa. Its health benefits have led to recent increases in the consumption of curcumin. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and is a potent neuroprotective against diseases of the brain. Nevertheless, its low bioavailability and its relative difficulty crossing the blood-brain barrier limit curcumin’s use for these purposes. Curcumin-loaded nanoparticles may be an effective treatment for several diseases although there is a paucity of studies reporting its safety in the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, this study aimed to identify non-neurotoxic concentrations of free curcumin and two nanoformulations of curcumin. Cell lines BV-2 and SH-SY5Y, both originating from the CNS, were evaluated after 24, 48, and 72 h of treatment with free curcumin and nanocapsules We measured viability, proliferation and dsDNA levels. We measured levels of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide as proxies for oxidative stress in culture supernatants. We found that free curcumin was toxic at 10 and 20 µM, principally at 72 h. Nanoformulations were more neurotoxic than the free form. Safe concentrations of free curcumin are between 1-5 µM, and these concentrations were lower for nanoformulations. We determined the ideal concentrations of free curcumin and nanocapsules serving as a basis for studies of injuries that affect the CNS.
A Novel Investigation Into the Edge Effect Reduction of 4340 Steel Disc Through Induction Hardening Process Using Magnetic Flux Concentrators
Authors: Parvinzadeh Mahyar , Karganroudi Sasan Sattarpanah , Omidi Narges , Barka Noureddine , Khalifa Mohamed 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Induction hardening serves as one of the best mass production processes used recently due to its ability to quickly generating high-intensity heat in a well-defined location of the part. Numerous advantages of this method make it a reliable technique to produce a thin martensite layer on the part surface that has compressive residual stresses. In this regard, the presented study is devoted to investigating utilizing induction heating for surface hardening of AISI 4340 steel disc. The purpose is to evaluate the performance of magnetic flux concentrators and the effects of the induction process parameter on the case-depth and edge effect in the surface hardening of the disc. Once the proper range of parameters is defined, Taguchi experimentation planning is used to frame comprehensive experimentation with the minimum possible trial. Then, the case-depth of discs is evaluated on their cross-sections (edge and middle plane) through hardness profile measurement of samples using a micro-indentation hardness machine. The results are then statistically analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to determine the best combination of parameters to achieve maximum case-depth yet minimum edge effect. The goodness-of-fit regression models are then developed to predict the case-depth profile as a function of machine parameters based on linear regression utilizing case-depth responses in the edge and middle plane of discs. Results imply that maximum case-depth with minimum edge effect can be produced by using the highest heating time along with the average amplitude of the power, axial gap, and radial gap. This study gives a good exploration of case-depths optimized by setting up process parameters when magnetic flux concentrator is utilized, thus, a guideline to reduce discs edge effect in induction surface hardening application is given.
Association of Dispatcher-assisted, Chest Compression-only Resuscitation With Annual Increases in Survival From Unwitnessed Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrests
Authors: Morita Hideki , Inaba Hideo , Ushimoto Tomoyuki , Ito Yoshinori , Wato Yukihiro 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Many out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases are unwitnessed. For both unwitnessed and witnessed cases, recent guidelines endorse the dispatcher’s instruction of compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation to lay rescuers without previous resuscitation training. This study aimed to investigate the changes in the composition of bystander resuscitation based on the combination of rescue breathing and dispatcher-assisted resuscitation, and the association of the changes in bystander resuscitation content with annual outcome improvement in unwitnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases.Method: Retrospective analysis of prospective national cohort study in a population-based setting. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases in 2009–2016 (986,760 cases) were reviewed to provide a complete dataset for analyses (941,858 cases). Main outcome was neurologically favorable survival at 1 month.Results: Of the 941,858 cases, the rates of neurologically favorable survival adjusted for prehospital confounders continuously increased annually. When classified into 5 groups according to the contents of resuscitation, the proportions of the dispatcher-assisted compression-only resuscitation group increased annually, whereas the proportions of the other groups decreased. That is, the shift from standard (defined as the combination of chest compressions and rescue breathings) to compression-only bystander resuscitation were observed for both unwitnessed and bystander-witnessed cases. In unwitnessed cases, the survival rate of the dispatcher-assisted compression-only resuscitation group was always lower than that of the no-resuscitation group during the study period. On the other hand, the survival rate of dispatcher-assisted standard resuscitation group exceeded that of the no-resuscitation group at the end of the study period (adjusted odds ratio; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.41; 1.02–1.93), and the increase in survival rate was prominent compared to that of the dispatcher-assisted compression-only resuscitation group (adjusted unit odds ratio/year; 95% CI, 1.15; 1.08–1.24 vs. 1.04; 1.00–1.07).Conclusions: The proportions of dispatcher-assisted compression-only resuscitation group increased annually, but its survival rate of the neurologically favorable 1-month did not exceed compared to that of the no-resuscitation group in unwitnessed cases. The dispatcher-assisted compression-only resuscitation did not appear to be an ideal management for unwitnessed out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases.
Investigation of the Transmission Accuracy of Ball Screw Considering Errors and Preloading Level
Authors: Wang Kai , Zhou Chang-Guang , Ou Yi , Feng Hu-Tian 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Transmission accuracy is one of the most important parameters in ball screw mechanism (BSM), however, very few researches can be found on the transmission accuracy modelling for BSM. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel model to predicate the transmission accuracy of BSM considering the manufacturing errors, installation errors, as well as the errors due to the contact deformation under different loading status. Meanwhile, the transmission accuracy of a typical BSM under five different preloading levels is measured on the basis of a transmission accuracy measuring system. The experimental results show that the difference is 21.6% under no preload condition, and is less than 11% under different preload conditions, largely owing to the uneven distribution of clearance can increase the travel deviation. Further analysis shows that the eccentricity error, which belongs to the installation error, is the most important factor, mainly generating the periodic fluctuation and amplitude of the transmission error. More importantly, the travel deviation increases with the increase of the preload, which indicates that the transmission accuracy of the BSM deteriorates when the load is increased.
Non-traumatic Ectopia Lentis in a Pediatric Ophthalmology Practice, Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Ugalahi Mary Ogbenyi , ONEBUNNE Ezinne Obioma , Olusanya Bolutife Ayokunnu , Baiyeroju Aderonke Mojisola 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to describe the clinical profile of patients with non-traumatic Ectopia lentis in a pediatric ophthalmology clinic in Ibadan, Nigeria.METHODS: The clinical records of children ≤ 16 years diagnosed with non- traumatic ectopia lentis at the Pediatric Ophthalmology Clinic, University College Hospital Ibadan, from May 1, 2015 to Dec 31, 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Information on demographic data, family history, visual acuity (VA), mean refractive error (spherical equivalent), and management was retrieved.RESULTS: Clinical records of 25 patients were reviewed. The mean age was 8.9 (±3.41) years with a range of 2-15 years. Sixteen (64%) patients were males. All the patients had bilateral involvement. A positive family history of ectopia lentis was elicited in 6 (24%) patients. Thirteen (52%) patients had a Marfanoid habitus and superior displacement of the lens was observed in 26(52%) eyes. The presenting visual acuity was ≤ 6/36 in 38 (76%) eyes. The spherical equivalent of the refractive errors ranged from -20.00DS to +13.25DS. Twenty (40%) eyes underwent surgery within the period of the study and the best corrected postoperative visual acuity improved by 2 or more lines in 12 (60%) of operated eyes.CONCLUSION: Severe visual morbidity was common in this cohort of patients with Ectopia lentis in our practice. Treatment provided some improvement in vision which highlights the need to encourage early presentation for care. Detailed family history is important as a few of the patients were diagnosed on our request to examine siblings with visual impairment.
Energy Efficient Localization through Node Mobility and Propagation Delay Prediction in Underwater Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Nain Mamta , Goyal Nitin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The long propagation delay of sensor nodes' messages and flexibility are the mobile target localization scheme's principal tasks in Underwater Wireless Sensor Network (UWSN). As propagation delay is one of the principal aspects, disturbing the time harmonisation of underwater sensor nodes, a long-lasting delay must be assessed and adjusted to attain precise localization. In this article, we suggest an energy-efficient localization scheme based on Mobility and Propagation delay prediction. The system model comprises Surface buoys that drift on the water surface, Anchor nodes which drift at various water depths and Ordinary nodes that are extensively disseminated at different profundity. Anchor node mobility prediction procedure is intended to analyze and record its speed at every localization period. Then, the propagation delay is expected and compensated to attain precise localization. The ordinary nodes make localization, utilizing the expected speed vectors got from the anchor nodes. The replicating outcomes, exhibit that the suggested method increases overall energy efficiency.
Sugammadex Compared to Neostigmine for Reversal of Neuromuscular Block in Patients Undergoing Kidney Transplantation. A Retrospective Cohort, Case-Control Study.
Authors: Carron Michele , Adreatta Giulio , Pesenti Elisa , Cassai Alessandro De , Feltracco Paolo , Linassi Federico , Sergi Massimo , Bella Caterina Di , Bello Marianna Di , Neri Flavia , Silvestre Cristina , Furian Lucrezia , Navalesi Paolo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The impact of sugammadex in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing kidney transplantation is still far from being defined. The aim of the study is to compare sugammadex to neostigmine for reversal of rocuronium- and cisatracurium-induced neuromuscular block (NMB), respectively, in patients undergoing kidney transplantation.Methods: A retrospective, observational study was performed. A total of 350 patients undergoing kidney transplantation, equally divided between a sugammadex group (175 patients) and a neostigmine group (175 patients), were considered. Postoperative kidney function, evaluated by monitoring of serum creatinine and urea and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), was the endpoint. Other endpoints were anaesthetic and surgical times, post-anaesthesia care unit length of stay, postoperative intensive care unit admission, and recurrent NMB or complications.Results: No significant differences in patient or, with the exception of drugs involved in NMB management, anaesthetic and surgical characteristics were observed between the two groups. Serum creatinine (median [interquartile range]: 596.0 [478.0-749.0] vs 639.0 [527.7-870.0] μmol/L, p=0.0128) and serum urea (14.9 [10.8-21.6] vs 17.1 [13.1-22.0] mmol/L, p=0.0486) were lower, while eGFR (8.0 [6.0-11.0] vs 8.0 [6.0-10.0], p=0.0473) was higher in the sugammadex group than in the neostigmine group after surgery. The sugammadex group showed significant lower incidence of postoperative severe hypoxemia (0.6% vs 6.3%, p=0.006), shorter PACU stay (70 [60-90] min vs 90 [60-105] min, p<0.001), and reduced ICU admissions (0.6% vs 8.0%, p=0.001).Conclusions: Compared to neostigmine for reversal of NMB, sugammadex resulted in a better recovery profile in patients undergoing kidney transplantation.
Preoperative Plasma D-Dimer Independently Predicts Survival in Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Undergoing Radical Resection
Authors: Chen Haoda , Li Fanlu , Zou Siyi , Xie Junjie , Zhang Jun , Deng Xiaxing , Chen Hao , Shen Baiyong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Elevated plasma D-dimer levels have been reported as an unfavorable prognostic indicator in many solid tumors. However, there are limited relevant studies in pancreatic cancer patients following radical surgery, and the clinical significance remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and prognostic significance of preoperative plasma D-dimer in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) undergoing resection.Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients who consecutively underwent radical surgery for PDAC by laparotomy or robotic surgery from December 2011 to December 2018. Baseline clinicopathologic characteristics, preoperative laboratory parameters and follow-up information were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the prognostic value of preoperative plasma D-dimer.Results: Among 1351 patients, elevated preoperative plasma D-dimer levels (≥ 0.55 ng/mL) were found in 417 (30.9%) patients. 312 (23.09%) underwent minimally invasive robotic pancreatectomy. The median overall survival (OS) of patients with elevated D-dimer levels was 6.3 months shorter than that of patients with normal D-dimer levels (15.0 months vs 21.3 months, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that elevated D-dimer levels independently predicted poorer OS (hazard ratio: 1.33, 95% confidence interval: 1.17-1.51, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that D-dimer was a reliable prognostic factor in patients who underwent R0 resection. In addition, integration of D-dimer, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and NLR provided a better prognostic model for PDAC patients before operation.Conclusion: An elevated preoperative plasma D-dimer level was a reliable independent prognostic factor for OS in patients with PDAC undergoing resection. Combination of D-dimer, CA19-9 and NLR can enhance the prognostic accuracy before operation.
A Systematic investigation on structural and optical properties of sol-Gel spin coating fabricate CdS Nanocrystalline thin films: Effect of Ni doping
Authors: SHARMA BRIJLATA , Lalwani Rajesh , Das Ruby , Raghuwanshi Devi Singh 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In the present work, we have successfully fabricated undoped and Ni-doped Nanocrystalline CdS thin film on an ultrasonically cleaned glass substrate employing the Sol-Gel spin coating technique. The structural and spectroscopic properties of the films were investigated using XRD spectra, UV-Vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectra respectively. The X-Ray diffraction spectra revealed the polycrystalline nature of films with cubic structure and (111) as preferred orientation. The average particle size evaluated by the Debye-Scherrer formula lying in the range 6.65nm to 12.05 nm for the deposited films. According to UV-VIS Spectroscopy, the average transmittance of films in the visible region varies between 70–90%. The optical band gap of CdS thin film was evaluated from absorption spectra. The bandgap of the deposited films is in the range of 2.48 eV to 2.70 eV which is higher than that of bulk CdS (2.42eV). This verifies the blue shifting in band edge of CdS Nanocrystalline thin films due to the quantum confinement effect. Photoluminescence spectra of the thin film showed that the fundamental band edge emission peak centred at 485nm also called blue band emission.
Intra-articular injection of PDGF-BB explored in a novel in vitro model mobilizes mesenchymal stem cells from the synovium into synovial fluid in rats
Authors: Endo Kentaro , Horiuchi Kiyotaka , Katano Hisako , Ozeki Nobutake , Sakamaki Yuriko , Koga Hideyuki , Sekiya Ichiro 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Drugs that can induce mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) mobilization from synovium into synovial fluid will enable regenerative medicine in joints without use of exogenous MSCs. An in vitro synovial MSC migration model had previously been developed for screening but had problems in practical application. We herein developed a novel in vitro model, explored cytokines for synovial MSC mobilization with this model, and verified whether MSCs in synovial fluid increase following intra-articular injection of the cytokine.
Methods

Human synovial MSCs embedded in a mixture of Matrigel and type 1 collagen hydrogel were placed on a culture insert and then put in medium containing migration factor. Of the six cytokines, we identified the one that mobilizes the highest number of MSCs. PDGF-BB or PBS was injected into rat knees, and 48 h later, synovial fluid was collected and cultured. The cells were examined for MSC properties.
Results

PDGF-BB was the most effective for synovial MSC mobilization among six cytokines. The effect of PDGF-BB was inhibited by a PRGFR inhibitor. Injection of PDGF-BB into rat knees increased colony-forming cells in the synovial fluid. These cells had surface epitopes and multipotency comparable to MSCs and a higher capacity for proliferation, colony formation, and chondrogenesis.
Conclusions

This novel in vitro model recapitulated the migration of MSCs from synovium into synovial fluid. Our exploration of cytokines revealed that PDGF-BB strongly induced in vitro synovial MSC migration, while intra-articular injection of PDGF-BB increased in vivo MSC numbers in synovial fluid in rats.