bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does the Age of Packed Red Blood Cells, Donor Sex or Sex Mismatch Affect the Sublingual Microcirculation in Critically Ill Intensive Care Unit Patients? — A Secondary Interpretation of a Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Knobel Demian , Scheuzger Jonas , Buser Andreas , Hollinger Alexa , Gebhard Caroline E. , Achermann Rita , Zaiser Anna , Bovey Yann , Singh Jasprit , Siegemund Martin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIn vitro studies have thoroughly documented the impact of storage lesions in packed red blood cells (pRBC) on erythrocyte oxygen carrying capacity due to older age of blood products. While studies have examined the effect of pRBC age on patient outcome, only few data exist on the microcirculation, their primary site of action.MethodsIn this secondary analysis, we examined the relationship between the age of pRBC and changes of microcirculatory flow (MCF) in 54 patients. Data from the Basel Bedside assessment Microcirculation Transfusion Limit study (Ba2MiTraL), investigating the effects of one pRBC on the sublingual MCF provided the basis of this study. ResultsMean change from pre-to post-transfusion proportion of perfused vessels (∆PPV) was +8.8% (IQR: -0.5 – 22.5), 5.5% (IQR: 0.1–10.1), and +4.7% (IQR: -2.1 – 6.5) after transfusion of fresh (≤ 14 days old), medium (15 to 34 days old), and old (≥ 35 days old) pRBC, respectively. Values for the microcirculatory flow index (MFI) were +0.22 (IQR: -0.1 – 0.6), +0.22 (IQR: 0.0 – 0.3), and +0.06 (IQR: -0.1 – 0.3) for the fresh, medium, and old pRBC age groups, respectively.Lower ∆PPV and transfusion of older blood were correlated with a higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score of patients upon admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) (p=0.01). However, regression models showed no overall significant correlation between pRBC age and ∆PPV (p=0.2). No correlation between donor’s sex or a mismatch between donor and recipient sex was found.ConclusionWe detected no significant correlation between age of pRBC and change in MCF between pre- and post-transfusion among all investigated patients. However, in patients with a higher SOFA score upon ICU admission, there might be a negative effect on the proportion of perfused microcirculatory vessels after transfusion of older blood.
Design and Validation of Multidimensional Hybrid Metamaterial Embedded Light Trapping Structure for p-Si/n-ZnO Based Thin c-Si Solar Cell
Authors: Roy Arijit Bardhan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This paper deals with one competent light trapping structure of metamaterials embedded p-Si/n-ZnO based thin solar cell assisted by different simulation studies. Through this article, author exposed the credibility of ZnO as multidimensional material with dual utility to serve as anti reflective coating with active material of this hetero-junction solar cell. Additionally, dielectric metamaterial like silica nanoparticles on top of the structure enhanced the photon cultivation efficiency of the device. Further through this work try to validate the simulated structure in real world by the process of simple fabrication technique which also offer same optical responses already given by theoretical studies. This investigation also confirms the metamaterial property of the monolayer silica nanopartcles in higher angle of incidence of light which validate its utility in solar cell where injection of photon was needed throughout the day. During the analysis of electric field and reflectance profiles generated by mentioned light trapping structure, it is very recognizable that, in future this type of hybrid structure which is combination of semiconductor with metamaterials will make solar cell more efficient and cost effective.
Drain-Engineered Reconfigurable Transistor Exhibiting Complementary Operation
Authors: Ehteshamuddin M , Alkhammash Hend I , Loan Sajad A 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this paper, we propose and simulate a multifunctional transistor that exhibits device reconfigurability and realizes both nFET and pFET electrical characteristics when adequately biased. The use of this device will significantly reduce the transistor count in realizing sequential and combinational circuits and will result in highly compact design. The device uses a dual fin structure having a single mid-gap workfunction gate (∼4.65 eV) alongside dual metal (metal-silicide) drain regions. It employs n + / p + - i junctions at the source-channel interface along with the Schottky junctions at the channel-drain interface. In practice, metal-silicides such as erbium/ytterbium silicide (ErSi x /YbSi x ) for the n -drain and platinum silicide (PtSi) for the p -drain can be used as they provide smallest electron and hole Schottkybarrier heights (SBHs). Simulations carried out using calibrated parameters show better drive current (≈ 10 −2 −10 −3 A/ µ m) compared to the quantum tunneling current in simulated stateof-the-art multifunctional devices (≈ 10 −4 − 10 −5 A/ µ m). In addition, butterfly curves show symmetric high (NM H ) and low (NM L ) noise margins of 0.43V and 0.29V for zero and finite SBHs, respectively. The switching characteristics is shown to have an overshoot of ∼0.15 V for realistic SBHs which is then eliminated for the case of zero SBHs. In the last section, it is also demonstrated that a simplified structure having single mid-gap workfunction (∼4.65 eV) drain of Nickel silicide (NiSi) does not hamper the reconfigurability of the device. Index Terms —MOSFET, Multifunctional circuit, CMOS, Schottky junction.
DVCC-based Low-power RF Filter with 32 nm CNFETs
Authors: Tripathi Shailendra , Joshi Amit Mahesh 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

This work presents a wide-band active filter for RF receiver. The design uses Carbon Nanotube-FET (CNFET) based differential voltage current conveyor (DVCC) for the implementation of the proposed filter. The filter is designed to operate Ku-band frequencies (12-18 GHz), which is used in satellite communication. Additionally, CMOS based circuit and CNFET-based circuit for DVCC are compared for the performance evaluation. HSPICE simulations have been carried out to test the design aspects of the circuit. The CNFET-based circuit has better results in terms of 60 % reduction in the power consumption and about six times improvement in the bandwidth. The filter utilizes low supply voltage of 0.9 V and consumes 524 µW only. The proposed filter outperforms the existing CMOS-based designs which suggests its usage for low-power high-frequency analog circuits.
Adoption to Online Newspaper Reading with the COVID-19 Pandemic: Case of Staff Members of the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
Authors: Ranaweera Buddhika 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to apprehend the adaption to online newspaper reading with COVID-19 pandemic by focusing to staff members of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. Online newspaper is the easiest and best way to get news today. Online newspaper facilitators create new path for online newspaper readers. During this pandemic time, people face different difficulties such as lockdown, travel restriction, quarantine or isolation etc. Thus, most of them are at home and do works under the work from home concept meantime demand for online news is also increased harshly. Literature survey revealed that there is a handful of studies done in Sri Lankan context related to the present study. Accordingly, data were collected from total population of 291 academic and nonacademic executive staff members in the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. The collected data were analyzed using statistical techniques; reliability test, descriptive analysis, Andrew F. Hayes moderation process analysis, correlation coefficient and regression analysis with SPSS. Respondents are from all six faculties and they who are in various age groups with different educational qualifications. However, even most of the staff members heard about online newspaper, online newspaper usage is low. Results of correlation and regression analysis confirmed that online habit, internet experience and social influence positively influence on adoption towards the online newspaper reading. Furthermore, moderating influence of gender, age and education were tested with Andrew F. Hayes moderation process analysis and revealed concerned demographic factors moderate only the relationships of internet experience and online habit with dependent variable. Study recommends and give insights to develop creative and effective future plan for online newspaper providers to increase the usage of online newspaper reading among online users.
Third-harmonic generation in optical nanoantennas: efficiency enhancement
Authors: Razavi Zahra , Pakarzadeh Hassan , Nozhat Najmeh 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Optical nanoantennas have attracted a lot of research interest over the last decade owing to their unique characteristics in concentrating far-field radiation into the sub-wavelength dimensions. Also, they have been recently utilized to enhance the functionality of nonlinear optical devices. By inserting a dielectric nanoparticle within the gap of a dipole nanoantenna, the third-harmonic generation (THG) emission can be boosted. In this study, we simulate dipole and bowtie nanoantennas and compare their THG output spectra with and without the presence of indium tin oxide (ITO) nanocrystal in the nanoantennas gap. The results show that with proper design of the nanoantenna and changing the geometry from the dipole to the bowtie shape as well as inserting the ITO nanocrystal, the THG efficiency can be enhanced by a factor of three, which is higher than the dipole counterpart reported in recent established works. Our work opens a new window to generate more efficient nonlinear phenomena at nanoscale devices.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Support Medication Decision-making and Quality of Life in Women With Breast Cancer: Protocol for a Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Smith Samuel George , Ellison Rachel , Hall Louise , Clark Jane , Hartley Suzanne , Mason Ellen , Metherell Jamie , Olivier Catherine , Napp Vicky , Naik Jay , Buckley Sarah , Hirst Charlotte , Hartup Sue , Neal Richard D. , Velikova Galina , Farrin Amanda , Collinson Michelle , Graham Christopher D. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
BackgroundAdherence to adjuvant endocrine therapy is affected by medication side-effects and associated distress. Previous interventions focused on educating women to enhance adherence have proved minimally effective. We co-designed an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention to enhance medication decision-making and quality of life by targeting a broader range of factors, including side-effect management and psychological flexibility. This study aims to establish key trial parameters, assess the acceptability of the intervention and the extent to which it can be delivered with fidelity, and to demonstrate “proof of principle” regarding its efficacy on primary and process outcomes. MethodsThe ACTION intervention includes an individual 1:1 ACT session followed by three group sessions involving 8-10 women and two practitioner psychologists. Participants are also provided with access to a website containing evidence-based methods for self-managing side-effects. The ACT sessions were adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic to be remotely delivered via video conferencing software. To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention, a multi-site, exploratory, two-arm, individually randomised external pilot trial with a nested qualitative study will be undertaken. Eighty women with early stage breast cancer prescribed adjuvant endocrine therapy will be randomised (1:1) to receive treatment as usual or treatment as usual plus the ACTION intervention. The planned future primary outcome is medication adherence assessed by the ASK-12 measure. Progression to a phase III RCT will be based on criteria related to recruitment and follow-up rates, acceptability to patients, competency and fidelity of delivery, and proof of principle for change in medication adherence. DiscussionThis external pilot trial will be used to ascertain the feasibility of undertaking a future phase III RCT to definitively evaluate an ACT-based intervention to support medication taking behaviour and quality of life in women with early stage breast cancer on adjuvant endocrine therapy. Trial registration﻿ISRCTN: 12027752. Reigstered 24 December 2020, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN12027752
The Prevalence and the Impacts of Pulmonary Bacterial Coinfections and Secondary Bacterial Pneumonia in Patients with Severe Influenza Pneumonitis
Authors: Lee Wei-Chun , Ho Meng-Chin , Chang Che-Chia , Lin Chieh-Mo , Leu Shaw-Woei , Lin Chin-Kuo , Lin Yu-Chin , Fang Yu-Hung , Huang Shu-Yi , Yang Tsung-Ming , Tsai Ying-Huang , Hsieh Meng-Jer 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: This study investigated the prevalence and clinical outcomes of pulmonary bacterial coinfections and secondary bacterial pneumonia in patients with severe influenza pneumonitis. The causative pathogens and their clinical impacts were analyzed. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of adult patients with severe influenza pneumonitis admitted to our medical ICUs from January 2014 to May 2018. Bacterial confection (in first 48 h) and secondary bacterial pneumonia (from 48 h to 1 week) were confirmed by chest radiographs and positive findings in the respiratory specimen obtained from lower airway. The risk factors of pulmonary coinfection were evaluated. The outcomes of patients with or without pulmonary coninfection or secondary bacterial pneumonia were also analyzed.Results: We identified 117 critically ill patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza pneumonitis admitted to the medical ICUs. Klebsiella pneumoniae (31.4%) and Staphylococcus aureus (22.8%) were the most commonly identified bacteria in patients with bacterial coinfection. A high proportion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was noted. Liver cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus were the independent risk factors for bacterial coinfection. Acinetobacter baumannii (28%) and S. aureus (25%) were the most often identified bacteria in patients with secondary bacterial pneumonia. Patients with secondary bacterial pneumonia had longer period of mechanical ventilation, longer ICU stay and hospital stay, and higher mortality.Conclusions: Bacterial coinfection or secondary infection in patients with severe influenza pneumonitis were associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality in ICU patients. Earlier diagnosis and appropriate therapy, especially in patients with liver cirrhosis and diabetes mellitus, should be cautiously considered.
Potent Antitumor Activity of Novel Taxoids in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Wang Meichen , Wang Changwei , Feng Chao , Guo Wanrong , Chen Huan , Liu Bing , Li Enxiao , Liu Wei , Taouil Adam , Ojima Iwao , Hou Peng 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is the most aggressive form of thyroid cancers and it is rapidly fatal without any effective therapeutic regimens. There are some clinical trials showing that paclitaxel-based chemotherapy for ATC can achieve a relatively high response rate and low incidence of adverse reaction. The aim of this study was to evaluate potential therapeutic activity of novel taxoids in ATC cells.Methods: We evaluated antitumor activity of five novel 3’-difluorovinyltaxoids (DFV-taxoids) in anaplastic thyroid cancer cells by a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. Besides, we also explored the potential mechanism underlying the difference among the taxoids and paclitaxel by molecular docking and tubulin polymerization assays.Results: Our data showed that these novel DFV-taxoids were more effective than paclitaxel in ATC cell lines and xenografts, as reflected by the inhibition of cell proliferation, colony formation and tumorigenic potential in nude mice, and the induction of G2/M phase arrest and cell apoptosis. Using tubulin polymerization assays and molecular docking analysis, we found that these DFV-taxoids promoted more rapid polymerization of β-tubulin than paclitaxel.Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that these novel taxoids exhibit stronger antitumor activity in ATC cells than paclitaxel, thereby providing a promising therapeutic strategy for the patients with ATC.
Nuclear Import Receptors and hnRNP K Mediates Nuclear and Stress Granule Localization of SIRLOIN
Authors: Yao Jialin , Zhou Qiao , Xiao Hengyi , Jia Da , Sun Qingxiang 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The majority of lncRNAs and a small fraction of mRNAs localize in the cell nucleus to exert their functions. A SIRLOIN RNA motif was previously reported to drive its nuclear localization by the RNA-binding protein hnRNP K. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we report crystal structures of hnRNP K in complex with SIRLOIN, and with the nuclear import receptor (NIR) Impα1, respectively. The protein hnRNP K bound to SIRLOIN with multiple weak interactions, and interacted Impα1 using an independent high-affinity site. Forming a complex with hnRNP K and Impα1 was essential for the nuclear and stress granule localization of SIRLOIN in semi-permeabilized cells. Nuclear import of SIRLOIN enhanced with increasing NIR concentrations, but its stress granule localization peaked at a low NIR concentration. Collectively, we propose a mechanism of SIRLOIN localization, in which NIRs functioned as drivers/regulators, and hnRNP K as an adaptor.
Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of a Novel Tick-borne Virus in Haemaphysalis Longicornis Ticks and Sheep From Shandong, China
Authors: Shao Lijun , Chang Ruiheng , Liu Lin , Wang Yongjin , Gao Yun , Wang Shaoqing , Sun Hengyi , Niu Guoyu 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Dabieshan tick virus (DTV) was first identified in Haemaphysalis longicornis from Hubei Province, China in 2015. However, its pathogenic potential to animals and human remains to be further explored. In this study, the presence of DTV in ticks and sheep samples was investigated. A total of 170 engorged ticks were collected from May to September 2019 from Taian and Yantai city, Shandong Province and were pooled individually to screening for DTV. The results of of qRT-PCR revealed the positive rate of 13.6% (3/22) in serum of sheep and 8.2% (14/170) in attached ticks, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a close evolutionary relationship among those DTV isolates from animal and ticks, and DTV was relatively conservative in evolution. These findings are the first to demonstrate molecular evidence of DTV in domestic animals. Nonetheless, whether or not could cause disease in sheep and other animals, DTV deserves further investigation.
Oceanic Drivers and Empirical Prediction of Interannual Rainfall Variability in Late Summer Over Northeast China
Authors: Zhao Junhu , Zhang Han , Zuo Jinqing , Yang Liu , Yang Jie , Xiong Kaiguo , Feng Guolin , Dong Wenjie 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Northeast China (NEC) is located between the subtropical monsoon and temperate-frigid monsoon regions and exhibits two successive rainy seasons with different natures: the northeast cold vortex rainy season in early summer (May–June) and the monsoon rainy season in late summer (July–August). Summer rainfall over NEC (NECR) has a fundamental influence on society, yet its successful seasonal prediction remains a long-term scientific challenge to current dynamical models. The poor NECR prediction skill is partly attributed to the large NECR variability at both the interannual and interdecadal time scales. Here, we focus on the oceanic drivers of the late summer NECR variability and associated physical processes at interannual time scale. Then, we establish an empirical prediction model to predict the interannual variability of summer NECR at one-month lead time (in June). The analysis of observations spanning 40 years (1963–2002) reveals three physically and synergistically influencing predictors of the late summer NECR interannual variability. Above-normal NECR is preceded in the previous spring by (a) warm sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the tropical northern Indian Ocean, (b) a positive thermal contrast tendency in the tropical West–East Pacific SST, and (c) a positive tendency of the North Atlantic tripolar SST. These precursors enhance the anomalous low-level anticyclone over the Northwest Pacific and southerly anomalies over NEC in late summer, which are beneficial to enhancing NECR. An empirical prediction model built on these three predictors achieves a forecast temporal correlation coefficient (TCC) skill of 0.72 for 1961–2019, and a 17-year (2003–2019) independent forecast shows a significant TCC skill of 0.70. The skill is substantially higher than that of five state-of-the-art dynamical models and their ensemble mean for 1979–2019 (TCC=0.24). These results suggest that the proposed empirical model is a very meaningful approach for the prediction of NECR, although the dynamical prediction of NECR has considerable room for improvement.
Hematological Value of Captive Elephants (Elephas maximus) Around Chitwan National Park, Sauraha, Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Roshan , Regmi Sagar , Shrestha Rakshya , Sadaula Amir , Joshi Janardan Dev 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Veterinary hematology serves as an important screening procedure to assess general health condition, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. The study was aimed to interpret and establish a set of hematology reference range for Asian elephants kept under private and government facilities of Nepal as no major work has been done till now. Blood samples from 50 elephants around Chitwan National Park, Sauraha was collected and hematological parameters like total erythrocyte count and total leukocyte count were determined. The results showed that the majority of hematological value was in line with the value previously published by different authors. The mean erythrocyte and leukocyte count was reported as 3.32 ±0.93 ×10^6 cell/µL and 10448±335.49 cells/ µL respectively. No sex-associated significant difference was observed in the case of total erythrocyte count whereas total leukocyte counts varied significantly within sex. Our finding revealed no significant difference in hematological parameters between governmental and privately owned elephants. The hematological value of our study can be used as a reference value for assessing the health condition of elephants in Nepal. Further research work should be conducted to evaluate the factors affecting hematological parameters.