bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Outcomes and Effectiveness of Laser Treatment for Hemorrhoids: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lakmal Kasun , Basnayake Oshan , Jayarajah Umesh , Samarasekera Dharmabandhu N. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundLaser treatment is increasingly used in the treatment of symptomatic hemorrhoids, and several studies have attempted to describe its clinical outcomes. In this systematic review, we aimed to comprehensively analyze the clinical outcomes and effectiveness of laser treatment.MethodsWe performed a systematic review of currently available data on laser treatment for hemorrhoids. We searched MEDLINE and Google Scholar between January 2009 and May 2020. Studies that described the clinical outcomes and effectiveness of laser treatment were selected based on pre‐specified inclusion criteria with a minimum follow‐up period of 3 months. Qualitative synthesis of the clinical outcomes, effectiveness and complications was performed.ResultsNineteen studies including 1937 patients were analyzed. The majority were males (n = 1239) and included grade 2 and 3 hemorrhoids. In the majority (n = 1750, 90.34%), the 980 nm wave length diode laser was used as the energy source. Doppler‐guided localization was performed in six studies (n = 579, 29.89%). All studies (n = 1937) reported low postoperative pain scores and nine studies (n = 1131) showed significantly lower pain compared to open technique. Furthermore, six studies (n = 1023) showed significantly less intra‐ and postoperative bleeding compared to open technique. Seven studies (n = 1052) reported long‐term follow‐up results and were found to be satisfactory in terms of symptom relief and recurrence. This study was limited by heterogeneity of outcomes precluding a meta‐analysis.ConclusionLaser treatment had acceptable clinical outcomes for grade 2 and 3 hemorrhoids with lower rates of postoperative pain and bleeding with satisfactory long‐term outcomes.
Memory-Based Reduced Modelling and Data-Based Estimation of Opinion Spreading
Authors: Wulkow Niklas , Koltai Péter , Schütte Christof 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe investigate opinion dynamics based on an agent-based model and are interested in predicting the evolution of the percentages of the entire agent population that share an opinion. Since these opinion percentages can be seen as an aggregated observation of the full system state, the individual opinions of each agent, we view this in the framework of the Mori–Zwanzig projection formalism. More specifically, we show how to estimate a nonlinear autoregressive model (NAR) with memory from data given by a time series of opinion percentages, and discuss its prediction capacities for various specific topologies of the agent interaction network. We demonstrate that the inclusion of memory terms significantly improves the prediction quality on examples with different network topologies.
Anaesthetics and plants: from sensory systems to cognition-based adaptive behaviour
Authors: Baluška František , Yokawa Ken 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPlants are not only sensitive to exogenous anaesthetics, but they also produce multitudes of endogenous substances, especially when stressed, that often have anaesthetic and anelgesic properties when applied to both humans and animals. Moreover, plants rely on neurotransmitters and their receptors for cell-cell communication and integration in a similar fashion to the use of neural systems in animals and humans. Plants also use their plant-specific sensory systems and neurotransmitter-based communication, including long-distance action potentials, to manage stress via cognition-like plant-specific behaviour and adaptation.
Das neuartige Virus trifft auf die alten Verteilungsmechanismen: Warum die COVID-19-Pandemie zu mehr sozialer Ungleichheit führt
Authors: Butterwegge Christoph 
Published: January 2021

Zusammenfassung und SchlussfolgerungenStößt das neuartige Coronavirus auf Menschen, deren ökonomische Lage und/oder sozialer Status sich deutlich unterscheiden, weichen die gesundheitlichen Auswirkungen für die Betroffenen häufig stark voneinander ab. Infektions-, Morbiditäts- und Mortalitätsrisiken der einzelnen Bevölkerungsschichten differieren zum Teil ganz erheblich, sind mit Abstand am höchsten bei armen und am niedrigsten bei reichen Personen. Die wirtschaftlichen Kollateralschäden der Pandemie und der Infektionsschutzmaßnahmen des Staates (zweimaliger bundesweiter Lockdown) verteilen sich ebenfalls nicht gleichmäßig über alle Bewohner:innen der Bundesrepublik. Vielmehr gibt es Gewinner:innen und Verlierer:innen, sowohl in der Wirtschaft (Differenzierung zwischen einzelnen Branchen) als auch in der Gesamtgesellschaft (Polarisierung zwischen verschiedenen Klassen und Schichten). Schließlich weisen die bisherigen Hilfsmaßnahmen, Finanzspritzen und Rettungsschirme des Staates eine verteilungspolitische Schieflage auf, wodurch die sozioökonomische Ungleichheit wächst, statt abgemildert zu werden.Angesichts der bevorstehenden Konflikte um die Rückführung der hohen Staatsverschuldung, die Deutschland in den nächsten Jahren vor eine politische Zerreißprobe stellen dürften, sollte Verteilungsgerechtigkeit bei der Subventionsvergabe oberste Priorität haben. Wenn der Sozialstaat nicht in dem Sinne als „systemrelevant“ gelten will, dass er nur die bestehenden Herrschaftsverhältnisse, Machtstrukturen und Verteilungsmechanismen stabilisiert, muss er die Fehlkonstruktion der staatlichen Finanzhilfen zügig revidieren und künftig diejenigen Personengruppen stärker unterstützen, die auf den Märkten, insbesondere dem Arbeits- und dem Mietwohnungsmarkt, die geringsten Durchsetzungschancen haben.
Is Reading Comprehension Taken for Granted? An Analysis of Austrian Textbooks in Fourth and Sixth Grade
Authors: Seifert Susanne 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe range of teaching materials now available is becoming increasingly diverse. Despite this, however, the use and influence of textbooks in teaching still remains very high. When instructing reading comprehension, teachers often use textbooks as the basis for teaching in language lessons. Establishing a good match between textbooks and the skills to be acquired is therefore essential. In this paper, I investigate whether textbooks used in Austrian schools can adequately support the teaching of reading comprehension skills. Since reading comprehension is the basis for acquiring knowledge in all subjects, science textbooks are examined in addition to (German) language lesson textbooks. Thus, the content pages of four language textbooks and four science textbooks for fourth and sixth grade were analysed in terms of five different categories, i.e. general structural setup, learning goals, text types, text structures, and activities. The results reveal clear variations with respect to learning goals in language textbooks. For example, the extent to which reading comprehension is addressed ranges from 13.64 to 69.70%, depending on the book used. Although not addressed as a learning goal in the science textbooks, reading comprehension is often presupposed, especially in sixth grade. While the instruction of reading comprehension ought to entail coverage of reading strategies, this is often neglected, or only dealt with indirectly. Given the diversity of textbooks analysed, it seems all the more important to stress that teachers should: 1) clarify the goals and teaching strategies of a book before using it, 2) become aware of strategies that support the development of students' reading comprehension, and 3) use textbooks as a complementary (and not sole) tool to support reading comprehension in all subjects.
Spintronic devices: a promising alternative to CMOS devices
Authors: Barla Prashanth , Joshi Vinod Kumar , Bhat Somashekara 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe field of spintronics has attracted tremendous attention recently owing to its ability to offer a solution for the present-day problem of increased power dissipation in electronic circuits while scaling down the technology. Spintronic-based structures utilize electron’s spin degree of freedom, which makes it unique with zero standby leakage, low power consumption, infinite endurance, a good read and write performance, nonvolatile nature, and easy 3D integration capability with the present-day electronic circuits based on CMOS technology. All these advantages have catapulted the aggressive research activities to employ spintronic devices in memory units and also revamped the concept of processing-in-memory architecture for the future. This review article explores the essential milestones in the evolutionary field of spintronics. It includes various physical phenomena such as the giant magnetoresistance effect, tunnel magnetoresistance effect, spin-transfer torque, spin Hall effect, voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy effect, and current-induced domain wall/skyrmions motion. Further, various spintronic devices such as spin valves, magnetic tunnel junctions, domain wall-based race track memory, all spin logic devices, and recently buzzing skyrmions and hybrid magnetic/silicon-based devices are discussed. A detailed description of various switching mechanisms to write the information in these spintronic devices is also reviewed. An overview of hybrid magnetic /silicon-based devices that have the capability to be used for processing-in-memory (logic-in-memory) architecture in the immediate future is described in the end. In this article, we have attempted to introduce a brief history, current status, and future prospectus of the spintronics field for a novice.
Graph Theory Applied to Plasma Chemical Reaction Engineering
Authors: Holmes Thomas D. , Rothman Rachael H. , Zimmerman William B. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis work explores the following applications of graph theory to plasma chemical reaction engineering: assembly of a weighted directional graph with the key addition of reaction nodes, from a published set of reaction data for air; graph visualisation for probing the reaction network for potentially useful or problematic reaction pathways; running Dijkstra’s algorithm between all species nodes; further analysis of the graph for useful engineering information such as which conditions, reactions, or species could be enhanced or supressed to favour particular outcomes, e.g. targeted chemical formation. The use of reaction-nodes combined with derived parameters allowed large amounts of key information regarding the plasma chemical reaction network to be assessed simultaneously using a leading open source graph visualisation software (Gephi). A connectivity matrix of Dijkstra’s algorithm between each two species gave a measure of the relative potential of species to be created and destroyed under specific conditions. Further investigation into using the graph for key reaction engineering information led to the development of a graph analysis algorithm to quantify demand for conditions for targeted chemical formation: Optimal Condition Approaching via Reaction-In-Network Analysis (OCARINA). Predictions given by running OCARINA display significant similarities to a well-known electric field strength regime for optimal ozone production in air. Time dependent 0D simulations also showed preferential formation for O· and O3using the respective conditions generated by the algorithm. These applications of graph theory to plasma chemical reaction engineering show potential in identifying promising simulations and experiments to devote resources.
Prospects on the Potential In Vitro Regenerative Features of Mechanically Treated-Adipose Tissue for Osteoarthritis Care
Authors: Desando G. , Bartolotti I. , Cattini L. , Tschon M. , Martini L. , Fini M. , Schiavinato A. , Soranzo C. , Grigolo B. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGathering a better grasp on the adipose stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is demanding among clinicians for osteoarthritis (OA) care because of its promising but multifaceted clinical outcomes. The aim of this preclinical in vitro study was to test whether the mechanical approach with Hy-Tissue SVF system, a class IIa CE marked device of adipose tissue micro-fragmentation, influences the biological features and functions of SVF. We compared mechanical generated-SVF (mSVF) with the enzymatic generated-SVF (eSVF) by testing cell survival, phenotype, differentiation, and paracrine properties using ELISA assays. Both adipose SVF showed 80% viable cells and enrichment for CD-44 marker. The mSVF product preserved the functions of cell populations within the adipose tissue; however, it displayed lowered nucleated cell recovery and CFU-F than eSVF. As for multipotency, mSVF and eSVF showed similar differentiation commitment for osteochondral lineages. Both adipose SVF exhibited an increased release of VEGF, HGF, IGF-1 and PDGF-bb, involved in pathways mediating osteochondral repair and cell migration. Both mSVF and eSVF also displayed high release for the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. After in vitro culture, supernatants from both mSVF and eSVF groups showed a low release of cytokines except for IL-10, thereby giving evidence of functional changes after culture expansion. In this study, mSVF showed active cell populations in the adipose tissue comparable to eSVF with excellent survival, differentiation and paracrine properties under a new mechanical adipose tissue micro-fragmentation system; thereby suggesting its potential use as a minimally invasive technique for OA treatment.
Graphical abstract
Application of Artificial Neural Network in seismic reservoir characterization: a case study from Offshore Nile Delta
Authors: Othman Adel , Fathy Mohamed , Mohamed Islam A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe Prediction of the reservoir characteristics from seismic amplitude data is a main challenge. Especially in the Nile Delta Basin, where the subsurface geology is complex and the reservoirs are highly heterogeneous. Modern seismic reservoir characterization methodologies are spanning around attributes analysis, deterministic and stochastic inversion methods, Amplitude Variation with Offset (AVO) interpretations, and stack rotations. These methodologies proved good outcomes in detecting the gas sand reservoirs and quantifying the reservoir properties. However, when the pre-stack seismic data is not available, most of the AVO-related inversion methods cannot be implemented. Moreover, there is no direct link between the seismic amplitude data and most of the reservoir properties, such as hydrocarbon saturation, many assumptions are imbedded and the results are questionable. Application of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) algorithms to predict the reservoir characteristics is a new emerging trend. The main advantage of the ANN algorithm over the other seismic reservoir characterization methodologies is the ability to build nonlinear relationships between the petrophysical logs and seismic data. Hence, it can be used to predict various reservoir properties in a 3D space with a reasonable amount of accuracy. We implemented the ANN method on the Sequoia gas field, Offshore Nile Delta, to predict the reservoir petrophysical properties from the seismic amplitude data. The chosen algorithm was the Probabilistic Neural Network (PNN). One well was kept apart from the analysis and used later as blind quality control to test the results.
Gating by Functionally Indivisible Cerebellar Circuits: a Hypothesis
Authors: Gilbert Mike , Miall Chris 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe attempt to understand the cerebellum has been dominated for years by supervised learning models. The central idea is that a learning algorithm modifies transmission strength at repeatedly co-active synapses, creating memories stored as finely calibrated synaptic weights. As a result, Purkinje cells, usually the de facto output cells of these models, acquire a modified response to input in a remembered pattern. This paper proposes an alternative model of pattern memory in which the function of a match is permissive, allowing but not driving output, and accordingly controlling the timing of output but not the rate of firing by Purkinje cells. Learning does not result in graded synaptic weights. There is no supervised learning algorithm or memory of individual patterns, which, like graded weights, are unnecessary to explain the evidence. Instead, patterns are classed as simply either known or not, at the level of input to a functional population of 100s of Purkinje cells (a microzone). The standard is strict. If only a handful of Purkinje cells receive a mismatch output of the whole circuit is blocked. Only if there is a full and accurate match are projection neurons in deep nuclei, which carry the output of most circuits, released from default inhibitory restraint. Purkinje cell firing at those times is a linear function of input rates. There is no effect of modification of synaptic transmission except to either allow or block output.
Health and Mental Health Disparities Between National Identity Groups in Wales
Authors: Saville Christopher W. N. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDespite close links with ethnic identity and other health-relevant identities, there is surprisingly little work on national identity in the context of population health. National identity is particularly important in multi-national states, where national identity is contested and where different nationalities often reflect both distinct ethnic groups and competing civic visions of national boundaries. The present study examines health disparities between national identity groups in Wales, a constituent nation of the UK. Using data from the National Survey for Wales (n = 23,303), latent class analysis was used to identify national identity groups in Wales. Generalised linear mixed-effects models were then fitted to the data to identity disparities between groups in terms of self-reported general and mental health, both unconditionally and conditionally on several socio-demographic and geographic variables. Analyses identified five groups: Anglophone Welsh, British, Cymry Cymraeg (Welsh-speaking Welsh), English and Ethnically Diverse. Striking health disparities were found, with the Cymry Cymraeg and Ethnically Diverse groups reporting better health than the other groups, especially the Anglophone Welsh and the English. These disparities could not be accounted for by differences in demographic, socio-economic or geographic factors.
Numerical simulation with hardening soil model parameters of marine clay obtained from conventional tests
Authors: Saleh Samaila , Mohd Yunus Nor Zurairahetty , Ahmad Kamarudin , Mat Said Khairun Nissa 
Published: January 2021

AbstractOver the last decades, numerical modelling has gained practical importance in geotechnical engineering as a valuable tool for predicting geotechnical problems. An accurate prediction of ground deformation is achieved if models that account for the pre-failure behaviour of soil are used. In this paper, laboratory results of the consolidated drain (CD) triaxial compression tests and one-dimensional consolidation tests of marine clay were used to determine the hardening soil model (HSM) parameter for use in Plaxis 3D analyses. The parameters investigated for the HSM were stiffness, strength and advanced parameters. The stiffness parameters were secant stiffness in CD triaxial compression test ($$E_{50}^{\text{ref}}$$

E

50

ref

), tangent stiffness for primary oedometer loading test $$(E_{\text{oed}}^{\text{ref}} )$$

(

E

oed

ref

)

, unloading/reloading stiffness $$(E_{\text{ur}}^{\text{ref}}$$

(

E

ur

ref

) and power for the stress-level dependency of stiffness (m). The strength parameters were effective cohesion ($$c_{\text{ref}}^{\text{'}}$$

c

ref

'

), effective angle of internal friction ($$\phi^{\text{'}}$$

ϕ
'

) and angle of dilatancy ($$\psi^{\text{'}}$$

ψ
'

). The advanced parameters were Poisson’s ratio for unloading–reloading (ν) and K0-value for normal consolidation $$\left( {K_{\circ}^{\text{nc}} } \right)$$

K

∘

nc

. Furthermore, Plaxis 3D was used to simulate the laboratory results to verify the effectiveness of this study. The results revealed that the stiffness parameters $$E_{50}^{\text{ref}} , E_{\text{oed}}^{\text{ref}} , E_{\text{ur}}^{\text{ref}}$$

E

50

ref

,

E

oed

ref

,

E

ur

ref

and m are equal to 3.4 MPa, 3.6 MPa, 12 MPa and 0.7, respectively, and that the strength parameters $$c_{\text{ref}}^{\text{'}}$$

c

ref

'

, $$\phi^{\text{'}}$$

ϕ
'

, $$\psi^{\text{'}}$$

ψ
'

and $$K_{\circ}^{\text{nc}}$$

K

∘

nc

are equal to 33 kPa, 17.51°, 1.6° and 0.7, respectively. A final comparison of the laboratory results with the numerical results revealed that they were in accordance, which proved the efficacy of the study.
Ginsenoside from ginseng: a promising treatment for inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Kang Zengping , Zhonga Youbao , Wu Tiantian , Huang Jiaqi , Zhao Haimei , Liu Duanyong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an autoimmune disease mediated by immune disorder and termed as one of the most refractory diseases by the Word Health Organization. Its morbidity has increased steadily over the past half century worldwide. Environmental, genetic, infectious, and immune factors are integral to the pathogenesis of IBD. Commonly known as the king of herbs, ginseng has been consumed in many countries for the past 2000 years. Its active ingredient ginsenosides, as the most prominent saponins of ginseng, have a wide range of pharmacological effects. Recent studies have confirmed that the active components of Panax ginseng have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects on IBD, including regulating the balance of immune cells, inhibiting the expression of cytokines, as well as activating Toll-like receptor 4, Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor (NLRP), mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling, and so on. Accumulated evidence indicates that ginsenosides may serve as a potential novel therapeutic drug or health product additive in IBD prevention and treatment in the future.
Scoping review of cochlear implantation in Susac's syndrome
Authors: Pérez Philip L. , McCall Andrew A. , Hirsch Barry E. 
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveScoping review of published literature to establish clinical characteristics and audiologic outcomes in patients diagnosed with Susac's Syndrome(SS) who have undergone cochlear implantation (CI).Data sourcesAll published studies of CI in SS and contribution of two of our own patients who have not been reported previously.MethodsA comprehensive search of MEDLINE (via PubMed) was carried out in March 2020 using the following keywords and related entry terms: Susac's Syndrome, Cochlear Implantation.ResultsOur search identified a total of five case reports of CI in SS. With the addition of our two patients reported here, we analyzed characteristics and outcomes in seven patients. Mean age at implantation was 30 years old (range 19–46), with six women and one man implanted. Mean time from onset of hearing loss to implantation was 17 months (range three months to four years). Best reported postoperative speech understanding was reported via different metrics, with six of seven patients achieving open set speech scores of 90% or better, and one subject performing at 68%. Vestibular symptoms were present preoperatively in four of seven patients (57%), with vestibular testing reported in two patients, and showing vestibulopathy in one patient. No complications were reported following cochlear implantation.ConclusionCochlear implantation is a viable option for hearing rehabilitation in patients with SS, with levels of attainment of open set speech comparable to other populations of CI candidates.