bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Asymmetrical Clipping Optical Filter Bank Multi-Carrier Modulation Scheme
Authors: Ibrahim Asmaa , Prat Josep , Ismail Tawfik 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Filter bank multi-carrier (FBMC) is considered a promising alternative to the Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) scheme. It improves spectral efficiency by eliminating the need for cyclic prefix while attenuating interference due to the robustness of the out-of-band emission. In this work, we present a framework, and the performance evaluation of FBMC is a multi-carrier modulation scheme for the direct detection of optical communications. As the proposed model has higher spectral efficiency than the classical ACO-OFDM, as removing the guard interval enhances the spectral efficiency. Furthermore, the perfect rectangular pulse shaping and eliminating the out of band emission of the filter bank enhances the ACO-FBMC the BER performance of the ACO-OFDM. We propose a transceiver model for Asymmetrical Clipped Optical FBMC (ACO-FBMC) based on Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) operations, analyze inter-frame interference, and offer an iterative receptive method to eliminate it. Finally, we compared the bit error rate (BER) performance of the ACO-FBMC using different overlapping factors with the ACO-OFDM.
Gender- and Age-related Differences of Statin Use on Incident Dementia in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Nationwide Population-based Cohort Study
Authors: Lin Tsung-Kun , Huang Jing-Yang , Pan Lung-Fa , Jong Gwo-Ping 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Some observational studies have found a significant association between the use of statin and a reduced risk of dementia. However, the results of these studies are unclear in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study is to determine the association between the use of statins and the incidence of dementia according to sex and age-related differences in patients with RA.Methods: We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study using the Taiwan Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database (2003–2016). The primary outcome assessed was the risk of dementia by estimating hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Multiple Cox regression was used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio of new-onset dementia. Subgroup analysis was also conducted.Results: Among the 264,036 eligible patients with RA aged > 40 years, statin users were compared with non-statin users by propensity score matching at a ratio of 1:1 (25,764 in each group). However, no association was found between the use of statins and the risk of new-onset dementia (NOD) in patients with RA (HR: 1.01; 95%CI: 0.97–1.06). The subgroup analysis identified the use of statin as having a protective effect against developing NOD in male and older patients.Conclusion: There is no association between the use of statin and the risk of NOD in patients with RA, but these parameters are influenced by gender and age. The decreased risk of NOD in patients with RA was greater among male and older patients. The use of statin in older male patients with RA for the prevention of dementia may be needed in clinical practice.
Understanding the Mechanisms Generating Outcomes in a Danish Peer support Intervention for Socially Vulnerable People with type 2-Diabetes: A Realist Evaluation
Authors: Garn Stine Dandanell , Glümer Charlotte , Villadsen Sarah Fredsted , Malling Gritt Marie Hviid , Christensen Ulla 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Despite increasing use and positive effects of peer support interventions, little is known about how they produce outcomes. Thus, it is essential not only to measure outcomes, but also to identify the mechanisms by which they are generated. Using a realist evaluation approach, we aimed to identify the mechanisms generating outcomes in a Danish peer support intervention for socially vulnerable people with type 2-diabetes (peers). By investigating how the peers interacted in the intervention, we further examined how peers’ individual contextual factors facilitated or hindered the mechanisms in operation.Methods: We used a multi-method case-study design (n=9). Data included semi-structured interviews with four key groups of informants (peer, peer supporter, project manager and a diabetes nurse) for each case (n=25). Furthermore, we collected survey data from peers both before and after participation (n=9). The interview data were analysed using a systematic text condensation, and the Intervention-context-actor-mechanism-outcome framework was used to structure the analysis.Results: We identified two groups of mechanisms that improved diabetes self-management and the use of healthcare services (outcomes): ‘perceived needs and readiness’ and ‘encouragement and energy’. However, the mechanisms only generated the intended outcomes among peers with a stable occupation and financial situation, a relatively good health condition, and sufficient energy (all defined as contextual factors). Independent of these contextual factors, ‘experience of social and emotional support’ was identified as a mechanism within all peers that increased self-care awareness (defined as output). Dependent on whether the contextual factors facilitated or hindered the mechanisms to generate outcomes, we categorised the peers into those who achieved outcomes and those who did not. Conclusions: We identified two groups of mechanisms that improved the peers’ diabetes self-management and use of healthcare services. The mechanisms only generated the intended outcomes if peers’ individual contextual factors facilitated an active interaction with the elements of the intervention. However, independent of these contextual factors, a third group of mechanisms increased self-care awareness among all peers. We highlight the importance of contextual awareness of the target groups in the design and evaluation of peer support interventions for socially vulnerable people with type 2-diabetes.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, Retrospective Registration (01/20/2021), registration number NCT04722289, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04722289?term=The+Together+on+Diabetes+Intervention+-+a+Realist+Evaluation%2C&draw=2&rank=1
Inflammatory Pseudotumor of Castleman Disease and IgG4-related Disease Masquerading as Kidney Malignancy
Authors: Liu Bolong , Huang Yong , Tang Luying , Guan Jiexia , Zhou Xiangfu , Zhan Hailun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: With widespread clinical application of imaging techniques, renal space-occupying lesions have been identified at an increasing frequency. Here, we report two rare cases, Castleman disease (CD) and IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), presenting primarily with the symptoms and imaging findings of kidney malignancy.Case presentation: In case 1, an occupying lesion located in the right renal pelvis was detected using magnetic resonance imaging in a 32-year-old female who presented with hematuria and lumbago. First misdiagnosed as carcinoma of the renal pelvis, the patient underwent right radical nephroureterectomy. However, postoperative pathological and immunohistochemistry studies finally confirmed the diagnosis of CD. In case 2, a 45-year-old male presented with the chief complaint of anuria. Nephrostomy and renal biopsy indicated lymphoma, following which, antegrade urography and computed tomography urography were performed, which revealed bilateral hydronephrosis and mass lesions around the renal pelvis. Partial resection of the masses and frozen section examination indicated the diagnosis of CD. However, the results of postoperative histopathology and immunohistochemistry combined with serum IgG4 were consistent with IgG4-RD. Both the patients recovered well after drug treatment without recurrence of the diseases.Conclusions: Inflammatory pseudotumor of CD and IgG4-RD with kidney involvement are primarily diagnosed by postoperative histopathology and can pose a preoperative diagnostic challenge because these lesions can masquerade as kidney malignancy. Although rare, we recommend that clinicians consider CD and IgG4-RD when diagnosing patients with renal masses to avoid unnecessary surgical treatment.
Social buffering in horses (Equus caballus): Influence of context, companion familiarity and companion habituation
Authors: Ricci-Bonot Claire , Romero Teresa , Nicol Christine , Mills Daniel 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Social buffering occurs when the presence of one animal attenuates another’s stress response during a stressful event and/or helps the subject to recover more quickly after a stressful event. Inconsistent previous results might reflect previously unrecognised contextual influences, such as the nature of the stimulus presented or social factors. We addressed these issues in a two-part study of horses paired with familiar (16 subjects) or unfamiliar (16 subjects) companions. Each subject performed 4 tests in a counterbalanced order: novel object test (static ball) – alone or with companion; and umbrella opening test – alone or with companion. Social buffering was significantly influenced by the nature of the stimulus presented, but not by companion’s habituation status or familiarity. Importantly, the stimulus used produced differential effects on behavioural and physiological measures of buffering. A companion significantly reduced behavioural response (reactivity) in the novel object test but not in the umbrella test. However, heart rate recovered more quickly for subjects with a companion in the umbrella test but not in the novel object test. We propose that circumstances which permit greater contextual processing may facilitate demonstration of behavioural effects of social buffering, whereas buffering in response to startling events may be manifest only during post-event physiological recovery.
Panic Over a New Phenomenon Among Kids: Hoverboard Related Injuries at a Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Ferro Valentina , Nacca Raffaella , Boccuzzi Elena , Federici Tatiana , Ossella Chiara , Merenda Alessandra , Toniolo Renato Maria , Musolino Anna Maria , Reale Antonino , Raucci Umberto 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Understanding how the use of hoverboards (HBs) can affect a child’s safety is crucial. We describe the characteristics of HB related injuries and provide key messages about child prevention when using these leisure devices. This was a retrospective study at an emergency department (ED) of a level-III-trauma center from 2016 to 2019. We tested the differences in children presenting for injury associated with HBs between 2016–2017 and 2018–2019. The rate of injury associated with HBs / Injury per 1,000 increased from 0.84 in 2016 to 7.7 in 2017, and then there was a gradual decline. The likelihood of injury was more common in younger children, increasing by 17% with decreasing age in 2018–2019 compared with 2016–2017 (OR: 0.83; 95%CI: 0.71–0.97; p = 0.021). The occurrence of injury in the April-June period was over twice as common in 2018–2019 (OR: 2.05; 95%CI: 1.0-2.05; p = 0.05). Patients were over 4 times more likely to have injured the lower extremity during the 2018–2019 period rather than other body regions (OR: 4.58; 95%CI: 1.23–4.58; p = 0.02). The odds of the indoor injury were more than twice as high in 2018–2019 (OR: 2.04; 95%CI: 1.077–2.04; p = 0.03). Conclusion: Despite a decrease in the frequency of HB related injuries after 2017, during the 2018–2019 period, the younger the children, the more they were exposed to injury risk, in addition to a greater occurrence of indoor injuries from HBs compared with 2016–2017. The enhancement of preventive measures is necessary to ensure child safety when using HBs.
First Detection and Characterization of Chrysanthemum virus B infecting Chrysanthemum in Thailand
Authors: Supakitthanakorn Salit , Wichitrakoonthavorn Garnjana , Kunasakdakul Kaewalin , Ruangwong On-Uma 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Chrysanthemum is one of the important ornamental plants in worldwide due to its high economic and cultural values. Chrysanthemum leaves showed mosaic, ringspot, yellowing and mild mottle symptoms were observed and collected from cultivation areas in northern Thailand and used for detection of important viruses infecting chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemum virus B (CVB) was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from samples showing yellowing and mild mottle symptoms. Sequences of the coat protein (CP) gene of two CVB isolates found in this study were sequenced and shared 93.15% homology with other CVB isolates from different countries deposited in GenBank. Biological indexing of these CVB found that they induced both local and systemic symptoms in tobacco plants while petunia displayed a systemic symptom. The particles of CVB were observed under transmission electron microscope (TEM), prepared by dip preparation and negative staining methods, showing slightly flexuous rod-shaped virions approximately 600–650 nm in length. To our knowledge, this is the first detection and study on molecular and biological characteristics of CVB infecting chrysanthemum in Thailand.
Public Sphere Attitudes toward Rumor sources on COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Community Perceptions in Iran
Authors: banakar Morteza , Sadati Ahmad Kalateh , Zarei Leila , Shahabi Saeed , Lankarani Kamran Bagheri , Heydari Seyyed Taghi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: In the case of the COVID-19 outbreak, misinformation seems to travel far faster than the outbreak itself. This study aimed to evaluate the factors affecting individuals' attitudes toward rumor-producing media in Iran.Methods: An online survey was conducted in Iran in March 2020 on the source of trusted information and misinformation along with individuals' perception of the cause of misinformation propagation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The results showed that social media were considered as the primary rumor source from the perspective of a majority of the participants (59.3%). Lack of a reliable and formal news source was also introduced as the most common cause of a rumor formation by the participants (63.6%). To identify which media is the main source of rumors, the male participants who had high levels of education and were employed by the government proposed foreign media (P<0.01); however, the male participants aged 30-50 years with middle-income level believed that social media (P<0.01) were producing rumors. In this regard, the highly educated participants (P<0.001), government employees, and middle-income individuals (P<0.008) believed that national media produced rumors.Conclusion: Although these findings were obtained during the first encounter with the Corona pandemic, the authorities immediately introduced the national media as a reliable news source, which allowed the media and its journalists to reduce the gap between themselves and the public sphere. It is suggested that social networks and foreign media be more accountable in pandemics.
Simple compared to covariate-constrained randomization methods in balancing baseline characteristics: a case study of randomly allocating 72 hemodialysis centers in a cluster trial
Authors: Al-Jaishi Ahmed A , Dixon Stephanie N , McArthur Eric , Devereaux PJ , Thabane Lehana , Garg Amit X 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background and aim: Some parallel-group cluster randomized trials use covariate-constrained rather than simple randomization. This is done to increase the chance of balancing the groups on cluster- and patient-level baseline characteristics. This study assessed how well two covariate-constrained randomization methods balanced baseline characteristics compared with simple randomization. Methods: We conducted a mock three-year cluster randomized trial, with no active intervention, that started April 1st, 2014, and ended March 31st, 2017. We included a total of 11,832 patients from 72 hemodialysis centers (clusters) in Ontario, Canada. We randomly allocated the 72 clusters into two groups in a 1:1 ratio on a single date using individual- and cluster-level data available up to April 1st, 2013. Initially, we generated 1,000 allocation schemes using simple randomization. Then, as an alternative, we performed covariate-constrained randomization based on historical data from these centers. In one analysis, we restricted on a set of 11 individual-level prognostic variables; in the other, we restricted on principal components generated using 29 baseline historical variables. We created 300,000 different allocations for the covariate-constrained randomizations, and we restricted our analysis to the 30,000 best allocations. We then randomly sampled 1,000 schemes from the 30,000 best allocations. We summarized our results with each randomization approach as the median (25th, 75th percentile) number of balanced baseline characteristics. There were 156 baseline characteristics, and a variable was balanced when the between-group standardized difference was ≤ 10%. Results: The three randomization techniques had at least 125 of 156 balanced baseline characteristics in 90% of sampled allocations. The median number of balanced baseline characteristics using simple randomization was 147 (142, 150). The corresponding value for covariate-constrained randomization using 11 prognostic characteristics was 149 (146, 151), while for principal components, the value was 150 (147, 151). The median number of balanced baseline characteristics using the two covariate-constrained randomizations were statistically different from simple randomization (p-value < 0.0001). Conclusion: In this setting with 72 clusters, constraining the randomization using historical information achieved better balance on baseline characteristics compared with simple randomization; however, the magnitude of benefit was modest.
Dimensions of women’s empowerment on access to antenatal care in Uganda: a further analysis of the Uganda demographic health survey 2016
Authors: Quraish Sserwanja , Joseph Kawuki , Rehemah Nabbuye 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Women empowerment has been viewed as a good strategy in the reduction of global maternal morbidity and mortality. Most of the recent studies in Uganda have focused on ANC frequency and the associated factors with no focus on the effect of women empowerment. Our study aims at examining the prevalence of optimal access to ANC by considering timing of initiation, type of ANC provider and ANC frequency and their association with women empowerment.Methods: We used Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2016 data of 9957 women aged 15 to 49 years. Multistage stratified sampling was used to select study participants and we conducted multivariable logistic regression to establish the association between women empowerment and access to ANC using SPSS version 25. Results: Out of 9,957 women, 2,953 (29.7%: 95% CI: 28.5.0-30.2) had initiated ANC in first trimester, 6,080 (61.1%: 95% CI: 60.4-62.3) had 4 or more ANC contacts, and 9,880 (99.2%: 95% CI: 99.0-99.3) had received ANC from a skilled provider. Overall, 2,399 (24.1%: 95% CI: 23.0-24.6) had optimal access to ANC. Economic empowerment and exposure to media were the only women empowerment indices that were positively associated with optimal access to ANC. Other factors that were significant include; region, wealth index, age, level of education and working status. Women in younger age groups, those with higher wealth quintiles and those from the Northern and Western regions were also more likely to have optimal access to ANC compared to their older, poorest quintile and Eastern region counterparts respectively.Conclusion: To ensure increased access to ANC, policy-makers and other stakeholders should prioritize use of mass media in maternal health programs, equitable allocation of the limited financial resources with a focus on older, poor and uneducated women.
Type I interferons link skin-associated dysbiotic commensal bacteria to pathogenic inflammation and angiogenesis in rosacea
Authors: Mylonas Alessio , Hawerkamp Heike , Wang Yichen , Demaria Olivier , Meller Stephan , Homey Bernhard , Domizio Jeremy Di , Mazzolai Lucia , Hovnanian Alain , Gilliet Michel , Curdin Conrad 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that is characterized by a fluctuating course of excessive inflammation and apparent neovascularization. Microbial dysbiosis with high density of B. oleronius and increased activity of the serine protease kallikrein 5, which cleaves cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, have been recognized as key pathogenic triggers in rosacea. However, how these events are linked to the hallmarks of the disease remains unknown. Here, we show that type I interferons produced by plasmacytoid dendritic cells represent the pivotal link between dysbiosis, an aberrant immune response, and neovascularization in rosacea. In fact, compared to other commensal bacteria, B. oleronius is highly susceptible and preferentially killed by cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides leading to enhanced generation of complexes with DNA. DNA from skin-associated microbiota but not from host cells is required for cathelicidin-induced activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells and type I-interferon production, which is further amplified by B. oleronius. Moreover, kallikrein 5 cleaves cathelicidin into peptides with heightened DNA binding and type I interferon-inducing capacities, further facilitating type I interferon production within the skin. In turn, type I interferons induce IL22 whilst simultaneously rendering endothelial cells responsive through upregulation of the IL22-receptor, and thereby driving drive neoangiogenesis. These findings unravel novel pathomechanisms, which directly link several hallmarks of rosacea to the killing of dysbiotic commensal bacteria and the induction of a pathogenic type-I interferon-TH17/22 pathway.
Spurious North Tropical Atlantic pre-cursors to ENSO
Authors: Zhang Wenjun , Jiang Feng , Stuecker Malte , Jin Fei-Fei , Timmermann Axel 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the primary driver of year-to-year global climate variability, is known to influence the North Tropical Atlantic (NTA) sea surface temperature (SST), especially during boreal spring season. Focusing on statistical lead-lag relationships, previous studies have proposed that interannual NTA SST variability can also feed back on ENSO in a predictable manner. However, these studies do not properly account for ENSO’s autocorrelation and the fact that the SST in the Atlantic and Pacific, as well as their atmospheric interaction are seasonally modulated. This can lead to misinterpretations of causality and the spurious identification of Atlantic precursors for ENSO. Revisiting this issue under consideration of seasonality, time-varying ENSO frequency, and greenhouse warming, we demonstrate that the cross-correlation characteristics between NTA SST and ENSO, are fully consistent with a one-way Pacific to Atlantic forcing, even though the interpretation of lead-lag relationships may suggest otherwise.